December 2020
COVER: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU! The year 2020 has been one hell of a rollercoaster, mostly because of the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Fortunately, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are around the corner and give us the opportunity for a well-deserved celebration.
CONTENT
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Authentic Southern flavors at Ta Khai Restaurant Ta Khai can be translated as “fishing net”, a reference to the large pond where you can choose your favorite seafood and get it prepared just the way you like it by the team of talented Chefs running the open kitchen. Located towards the end of Tri Trang Beach, on the southern part of Patong, Ta Khai really is a sensational venue.
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Chef’s Table at Day & Night of Phuket On November 25, 2020, Day & Night of Phuket, in collaboration with Blackitch Artisan Kitchen, presented a chef’s table dinner by Chef Black. The courses featured flavors of delicacies from the north meeting with the south of Thailand and were all impressive, especially when paired with well-selected wines.
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A few tips to help you choose your next phone Quality smartphones come in all configurations and price points these days. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look for to make sure you find one that works best for your needs, such as storage size, display resolution, camera, and more. Happy shopping!
EDITORIAL December is often known as a month for celebration, between Father’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and most importantly, the start of the high season, long awaited every year by hoteliers and other business linked to the tourist industry. Sadly, this year shall be different, but we will do our best to keep the celebrations alive, to keep the spirits high, and to hope for a prompt return to a sustainable economic solution. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! - Kamin
DECEMBER 2020
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PHUKET
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Life is a beach Every month, we cover our selection of three stunning beaches that can be visited in Phuket. With so many places to choose from, our team tries to provide a
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Getting to Know Happiness never has to be difficult to find. Last month, we sat down with the founder of Green Heart Garden [Suan Jai Keao], K. Supatra Patkor, whose love
good mix between the popular ones and the less
for sustainable agriculture has brought her more than
crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find
beautifully bloomed trees but also success in business
their own happy place.
and happiness.
Create your sacred place with 5 elements
The Guide to Thai language
Home is one of the most important spaces we would
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New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn
spend our time. When we walk into a room, the room
this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered! Our
gives us some kind of energy, whether it makes us feel
guide to the Thai language will bring you new content
energized, calm, or drained.
monthly.
A market for each occasion Let me get this right: Thai people love their markets. As a matter of fact, we have different markets specializing in various things, such as the food markets, the clothing markets, the second-hand ones, the artistic ones. Markets could be seen as a second economy as it allows people to bargain for their favorite products.
AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN FLAVORS AT TA KHAI RESTAURANT IN PATONG Ta Khai can be translated as “fishing net”, a reference to the large pond where you can choose your favorite seafood and get it prepared just the way you like it by the team of talented Chefs running the open kitchen.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
can choose their favorite seafood from a fresh pond at the entrance, which is then being prepared just the way you like it and cooked to perfection. Second, the two Chefs behind the menu, Uncle Nun and Aunt Yai, have extensive knowledge of old southern Thai recipes and a love for aromatic flavors.
It was a clear, starry evening in the middle of November when the team of The Guide Phuket was invited to the re-opening of Ta Khai Restaurant, the flagship venue from Rosewood Phuket. Located towards the end of Tri Trang Beach, on the southern part of Patong, you can access the restaurant through a separate entrance a few hundred meters down the road, alongside a private parking lot to keep your vehicle at bay.
which was a great location to observe the employees working with their craft and passion, delivering an outstanding cuisine throughout the entire evening. Ta Khai offers two main specialties to its guests; first, as mentioned earlier, diners
We strongly recommend you to try their Moo Hong, a soy-braised pork belly with black pepper and garlic, and their Massaman Curry, made with beef cheeks, onions, potatoes, peanuts, and cumin. Both were strong contenders for the best dishes of the night. From the sea, the Hor Mok Yang Pla Kapong, a grilled marinated seabass flavored with Thai herbs and wrapped in banana leaves, was simply sensational, and
If I had to choose one word to represent the venue, I would go with “natural�, as you are surrounded by various plants and lush vegetation from the moment you set foot in the restaurant. We found the perfect table right next to the large bar counter and the open kitchen, so was the crab curry with betel leaves! Ta Khai a la carte menu is well-thought-of and comprehensive, but we suggest you take advantage of their tasting set menu, starting at THB 750 net per person, in order to fully comprehend the complexity of flavors that makes Southern Thai cuisine. Whether for a romantic dinner or a night out with some friends, Ta Khai is a great option to discover Thai dishes you may not have been familiar with before, and a good starting point to explore the city that never sleeps after your meal. Ta Khai Restaurant is located within the Rosewood Phuket on 88/28 Muen-Ngern Road, in Patong. For information and bookings, please call +66 76 356 888 or visit their website at www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phuket/dining/ta-khai.
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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LIFE IS A BEACH With more than 30 beaches to choose from, the island of Phuket stands for its nickname, which is the Pearl of Andaman. Whether you seek to experience the tranquillity of Mai Khao Beach or prefer to mingle among the crowd on Patong Beach, our handy guide will help you find the perfect spot to get the suntan you’ve been dreaming of.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
OUR TOP PICKS
Every month, our team selects for you the top 3 beaches you should visit while staying in Phuket. All of them have their pros and cons, so we try to provide a good mix between the popular ones and the less crowded ones. Nai Harn Beach: Voted as the third best beach in South-East Asia in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Nai Harn Beach is located at the southern tip of Phuket and surrounded by green headlands, Casuarina trees, and coconut palms. The water here is warm and clear, but currents can be dangerous at certain times of the year. A row of tiny restaurants line the back of the beach, and there are a few shops selling souvenirs and beach goods. Kamala Beach: Kamala Beach is a 3-kilometer long stretch of beach situated in the middle of Phuket’s west coast. Essentially a fisherman’s village, Kamala Beach is family-friendly with soft sand and excellent sunsets. Behind the beach, there is a strip of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in case you forgot anything needed for your holiday. Bang Tao Beach: Home to much of Phuket’s 5-star luxury resorts, Bang Tao Beach is a pleasant stretch of beach on the Phuket’s west coast. The northern end of the beach has a small coral reef, which is perfect for snorkeling. As usual, pay close attention to the red flags and warning signs nearby the beach, as rip currents can occur, especially during the monsoon season.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A JELLYFISH STINGS YOU? Let’s face it: this is certainly something you’d prefer to avoid when enjoying a day at the beach, but the Andaman Sea contains its fair share of the translucent animal. Below is a quick recap on the symptoms one can suffer from a sting and the best way to treat someone suffering from it. Remember that you should always call for a lifeguard to assist you should you be in pain after getting out of the water.
SYMPTOMS
WHAT TO DO
Severe pain on the wound, back, trunk or head;
Bring the injured person out of the sea to a safe place;
Restlessness or confusion;
Call an ambulance (Tel. 1669);
Sweating, chills, nausea or vomiting;
Have the person remain still to prevent the spread of toxin;
Palpitations, chest pain or chest tightness;
Pour vinegar continuously over the wound for at least 30
Breathing difficulty, rapid breathing or panting;
seconds (do not use fresh water).
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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CHEF’S TABLE AT DAY & NIGHT
OF PHUKET On November 25, 2020, Day & Night of Phuket, in collaboration with Blackitch Artisan Kitchen, presented a chef’s table dinner by Chef Black. The courses featured flavors of delicacies from the north meeting with the south of Thailand and were all impressive, especially when paired with well-selected wines. Blackitch is a renowned restaurant in Chiang Mai, which has been listed in the Michelin Guide 2020, guaranteeing the pleasure in every bite. To warm up the palate, Chef Black served us the Sand Crab Snack with Mala flavor. The sand crab is a rare shellfish that’s only available seasonally at Mai Khao Beach. On the side of these crispy sand crabs were the Rainbow Lobster with Stem and Marinated Tomato, which balanced well the crunchy texture. Next, we were served Smoked Giant Trevally with Peanut Praline and Basil. The smoke Chef used to aromatize the fish is a unique ‘candle fragrance’ that can be found in Thai desserts, giving the dish an interesting and pleasant note. The Crab and Sea Flower with Rice Field Crab Miso were served beautifully at the table. The battered-fried Sea Flower is also a good representation of Phuket. One of the highlights of the chef’s table was Phuket’s Moo Hong. This dish is a Pork Belly with Pomelo Salad. The melt-in-the-mouth Moo Hong got a great balance from the refreshing pomelo salad and blended well with the La Playa Estate Series Merlot. Adding a beautiful ending to the meal, a bowl of Black Fragrant Rice Cake with Coconut Mousseline Cream, Coconut Sablés, Cacao Nib, and Cashew Nuts. A unique dessert to complete this unforgettable dining experience! Day & Night of Phuket is located on Dibuk Road, in Phuket Town. For more information about their upcoming events, please call +66 76 219 788 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ dayandnightphuket.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | MAY 2020
The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will be delighted at the staaons oering a diverse cuisine. The 76Bar Drink & Dine can take you from lunch to the early hours, thanks to its relaxing indoors or its roooop bar with a sophisscated seleccon of cocktails and ďŹ ne wines.
+66 (0)76 343 111
HQ BEACH LOUNGE KAMALA HQ Beach Lounge is located at the northern end of Kamala Beach. It features a tranquil atmosphere, which makes it perfect to enjoy a bit to eat while watching the sunset refreshing cocktail, or rent a beach
CATCH BEACH CLUB BANG TAO
chair, cabana or a unique beach nest.
Catch Beach Club is Phuket’s most exciting and
WEB: www.hqphuket.com
fashionable beach club. The hottest spot on Bang
across the Andaman Sea. Sip on a
Tao Beach, Catch Beach Club boasts a full-on party atmosphere and offers up the region’s best DJs in addition to a well-stocked bar. Enjoy a tasty brunch package while lazing by the pool. < WEB: www.catchbeachclub.com
CAFE DEL MAR KAMALA DREAM BEACH CLUB LAYAN BEACH
Stylish and iconic, Cafe Del Mar is Phuket’s
A stylish oceanfront beach club
areas for maximum entertainment value. Spend
with a superb restaurant & lounge,
some time in the dining venue, swimming
Dream Beach Club is a unique venue
pool, on the dance floor or in the VIP seating and
that curates a tropical lifestyle
alfresco lounge by the beach. Check the beach
experience. Expect world-class DJs
club’s roster of activities, and note, there is a large
and the very best in food and drink.
parking area available on-site.
WEB: www.dreambeachclub.com
WEB: www.cafedelmarphuket.com >
answer to Ibiza. With a prime location on Kamala Beach, the beach club is divided into different
XANA BEACH CLUB BANG TAO XANA Beach Club boasts a stunning location. The venue features a 35-meter pool, state-of-the-art sound system, a variety of tropical cocktails and a delicious food menu. Enjoy the best that Phuket has to offer from day to night at XANA. The beach club features beach loungers, poolside daybeds and VIP cabanas which can accommodate up to 10 people. WEB: www.xanabeachclub.com
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
Be ready for a gargantuan feast, as Chef Ponchan unveiled a new menu for Thong Dee - The Town Bistro. THONG DEE THE KATHU BRASSERIE 110/25, Soi Bangthong Kathu, 83120 Phuket Open Tue-Sun 12:00 to 22:00 THONG DEE THE TOWN BISTRO 58 Ratsada Rd, Phuket Town, 83000 Phuket Open Tue-Sat 12:00 to 23:00 For reservation, please call +66 (0)84 309 1198
CREATE YOUR SACRED PLACE WITH 5 ELEMENTS Home is one of the most important spaces we would spend our time. When we walk into a room, the room gives us some kind of energy, whether it makes us feel energized, calm, or drained. Ayurveda teaches us to balance life with nature by aligning with elements. By incorporating the elements of ether, air, fire, water, and earth, you create a flow of energy. These elements are universal energetic essences, which can shift the quality and comfortable life and space. The earth element can be represented by plants, flowers, wooden dĂŠcor, or crystals. The earth element will help you feel more grounded, centered, and calm. It is associated with the root chakra.
The water element is connected with the sacral chakra and is represented by any kind of water, such as fountains or bowls of water. Burning essential oil in your space helps create a mental focus, connecting and circulating deeper sensations. Fire element promotes creativity, confidence, and driven energy, which exists in the solar plexus chakra. Candlelight is symbolically associated with flames, which will bring liveliness and vibrancy to the space youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in. The air element is about freshness, change, and inspiration. We can invite the air in by installing fans, doors, and windows to create good circulation. When the air is balanced there is an experience of flowing energy through the house. The air element also brings clear communication as it is associated with the heart chakra.
That leads us to the Ether element, or space, which is considered to be the most subtle of the five elements. Ether by definition refers to space because it is the element that other elements fill, that is said to be the space that allows you to move, to open up to new possibilities, to fully express yourself, and feel connected with the world around you. By decluttering your space, it allows yourself to be in the center of all elements. All the creation is made up of five elements in different proportions. The food we consume, the clothes we wear, and all other things are composed of elements. It is also important to be able to balance the lifestyle, the food, and the environment that we are in. Use these five elements to create a sanctuary in your home where you feel safe and protected.
Touchwood Boutique & Yoga Studio can be found at 64/46-47 Moo 1, Chaofa East Rd. Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/touchwoodyoga or call +66 64 914 2555 for more information.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
Your islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite fashion! Check out our Social Media to discover our unique pieces. laboutiquestoreanddesign laboutiquestorea 084 840 0943
A MARKET FOR EACH OCCASION Let me get this right: Thai people love their markets. As a matter of fact, we have different markets specializing in various things, such as the food markets, the clothing markets, the second-hand ones, the artistic ones. Markets could be seen as a second economy, not just because items are generally cheaper, but also because it allows people to bargain for their favorite products. It goes without saying that Phuket has its fair share of markets.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
locals gather every day to look at the latest fashion and to eat some delicious food in one of the numerous containers that surround the market. The other cool place to be seen is the Sunday Market, known by the locals as Lad Yai, which is located on Thalang Road, in the heart of Phuket old town. During one afternoon and one evening per week, the municipality closes down this road, which transforms into a long walking street, where vendors of all kinds set up stands to sell their merchandise. One of Phuket’s most famous markets
Chillva is another market we would
would be Naka Market, also known as
encourage you to visit; located in
Similar to the other places, we can see that
the Weekend Market. Located on the
Samkong, the venue is opened daily,
the market is segmented into different
outskirt of Phuket Town, the venue opens
except on Sundays. While it is certainly a
parts, allowing to find what you’re looking
each Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 pm
lot smaller than Naka Market, Chillva has
for in a more efficient way. The food
onward. It is by far the largest market on
made a noun for itself, and hundreds of
offering is a bit more international than
the island, with several alleys offering the latest trend in fashion, accessories, and souvenirs.
enjoy, as well as some international
BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!
classics; a great way to try many different
If there is one thing that westerners have some difficulties to understand when
dishes, as the portions are usually small,
arriving in Thailand is that (almost) everything should be bargained here; it’s a
but on the cheap side of things. I would
tradition, especially at markets that sell clothing and other souvenirs (you would
advise staying clear of one particular alley,
not try to negotiate on food). As a rule of thumb, consider what price would make
where one can find cats, dogs and other
you happy, and start the negotiations slightly below that price. A THB 300 shirt, for
animals for sale, as I do not believe it
example, could easily be bought for THB 200. Give it your best smile and you’re all set!
A whole section of the market is dedicated to food, with many Thai specialties to
brings anything positive to the experience. Naka Market, though you will find enough of Thai food and other Asian dishes as well. It is well worth the walk, even though you are not looking to buy anything. You will find other markets in different parts of the island, such as Patong, Karon (at the temple twice a week), Rawai and Bang Tao (the famous Boat Avenue market every Friday). Overall, visiting a Thai market is a unique experience, and you should certainly spend one or two days per month to discover the numerous venues across the island. Who knows? You may end up getting hooked up on the hustle and bustle and the great street food each stall has to offer. We certainly are!
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
LIMELIGHT AVENUE PHUKET TOWN Located on Dibuk Road, this indy shopping mall recently celebrated its 4th anniversary. The mall offers a good mix between clothing shops, restaurants, souvenir boutiques and grocery store on two separate floors while providing regular events to keep the crowd, consisting mainly of locals, entertained. It shares its parking lot with the now-famous Phuket Indy Market on Thursdays and Fridays, so make sure you go there early on those dates if you wish to get a parking spot, as the market takes over from 4:00 pm. < WEB: www.limelightphuket.com
TURTLE VILLAGE MAI KHAO The exclusive shopping destination for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach. Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir, antique and clothing selections. Outlets include Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao
JUNGCEYLON PATONG
Beach; The Coffee Club; Swensens; Supermarket Turtle Mart; Jim Thompson; Narai Phand; Private Collection; Ferera; Paul Ropp; Anita; Eleph; Marie
Patong has its own shopping center, by the
France Van Damme; Unique Art; Tanya Living; Basil;
moniker of Jungceylon. The mall opened in
Phuket Happiness Trip; Cashmere Hut; Joy Isomare;
2006 and covers an area of 200,000 square
Bangkok B.P. Pharmacy, while the new phase include
meters. It is well-known for its full-size wooden
the like of 7 Eleven, Pizza Company, Etam, OVS, Anello and Esprit.
boat, located in the central atrium, linking the various buildings together. Plenty of places to shops, including local and international brands,
VILLA MARKET CHALONG
and a large avenue filled with restaurants and places to relax under the shades. WEB: www.jungceylon.com >
While Villa Market is known for its imported products, which please foreigner living on the island and looking for comfort food from home, the Chalongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venue is much larger than just a regular supermarket, and offers some restaurants, a DIY store named HomePro, a Banana IT store for all your computer needs, and several other clothing and souvenir shops. It is also home to a large market every Tuesdays, where locals love to stop by and grab some delicious food before heading home. Beware of the limited parking spaces on that day.
PREMIUM OUTLET PHUKET TOWN
CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest shopping malls in Thailand, comprising of two separate buildings: the long-standing Central Festival, which opened in the 90s, and the newly built extension Central Floresta, which opened
Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other international names can be found on sale, including Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lee, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%. It is open daily
its doors in September 2018. Both buildings offer a combined area of 185,000 square meters
from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and can be found on
and host more than 700 different shops, from luxury watches and clothes to everyday items.
Bypass Road, not far from the Toyota Dealership.
WEB: www.centralfestivalphuket.com
WEB: www.outletmallthailand.com
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE YOUR NEXT PHONE Quality smartphones come in all configurations and price points these days. Here are some of the key things you’ll want to look for to make sure you find one that works best for your needs. Happy shopping! Operating system (OS): There are two different operating systems to choose from. iOS works with iPhones, while Android operates with a wider variety of smartphones, like those from Samsung or Motorola. In general, iOS is considered easier to use, but you need to have an Apple device. Android gives you more options, plus the ability to customize it with third-party software and widgets. Camera: Most people now use their phones as their primary camera, so the right selection here will be an especially important one. More and more
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smartphones boast cameras with at least
have smaller hands. Get a bigger-screen
12 mega-pixels, so don’t go by only that
phone if you like to watch a lot of videos
stat. Instead, focus on individual camera
or play games, or simply want to have an
specs and special features like dual lenses
easier time navigating on your touchscreen.
or the ability to edit and enhance photos. Display: You’re going to spend many hours Screen size: Get the right size screen for
gazing at the screen, so make sure it offers
the things you’ll want to do. Buy a phone
the viewing experience you’re after. If you
with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches if
plan to watch a lot of videos, look for a
one-hand use is important to you or if you
minimum of full HD (high definition), which
THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
is 1920 x 1080 pixels. You’ll
and most smartphone owners
also want to familiarize yourself
capture and store large numbers
with some of the underlying
of high-res photos and videos.
technologies: LCD, OLED, and
While some models offer just
AMOLED are all terms you’ll see
8GB or 16GB, the minimum
used, and each offers a different
on premium handsets these
range of advantages.
days is usually anywhere from
THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!
32GB-64GB. Adding a microSD Design: Determining good
card will also help expand your
smartphone design is purely
storage. It’s available on many
subjective. Many people prefer
Android phones, some of which
a metal or glass design; others,
can accommodate 1TB or more.
plastic. If you’re concerned about durability, look for a
Price: Don’t pay for more than
phone that is water-resistant.
you need. The latest iPhone and premium Android phones start
Coursera
Processor: Even midrange
around THB 30,000, and can
Continuous development is a critical skill in today’s economy,
phones now offer satisfactory
easily run THB 40,000 or more.
and attending online classes does not have to be expensive. As a
performance for nearly any
But there are great options
matter of fact, it is 100% free on Coursera, an online education
user level or basic task. A good
below THB 15,000, and even
platform that offers classes from various universities.
processor inside a phone will
some solid choices for well
translate to faster open times
under THB 10,000.
WEB: www.coursera.org
for apps, smoother navigation and quicker photo editing.
Mint Did you know that almost half of the population in Thailand has zero savings and lives paycheck to paycheck? Time has come for a change. With Mint, you can create your online budget for free, and easily record all your expenses into different categories. WEB: www.mint.com
Battery: Many factors, including
Let today’s top technology work
the screen size, processor and
for you! It’s a very competitive
operating system, determine
marketplace, so by shopping
how long a smartphone lasts on
wisely, you’re sure to find a
a charge. A decent benchmark
smartphone that keeps you
is to look for a smartphone
happily connected at a great
with a battery capacity of at
price.
least 3,000 mAh. Any phone that lasts longer than 9 hours
This article was originally
of straight 4G LTE use is
published by Brandpoint and
considered very good.
is reproduced here with full authorization.
Storage: Go for as much internal
Project Gutenberg If you’re an avid reader, chances are you’ve already come across Project Gutenberg, an online database of more than 60,000 e-books that are free to download. You can search for books by
storage as possible. Some apps
authors or by using the search engine available on the site.
and games can easily take up
WEB: www.gutenberg.org
more than 1GB of storage,
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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Congratulations! You’ve just been Phuketified!
Hotels & Resorts
Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Bars & Nightlife
Activities & Spa
Whether you are looking to book a hotel to plan ahead your journey, fancy a cozy restaurant to impress your loved one, or simply search for general information, news and events about Phuket, we got you covered! WWW.PHUKETIFY.COM Do you own a business in Phuket? Contact us on our website or Facebook page to advertise your venue for free!
THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE RECAP EP5: ANIMALS OF THE WORLD
Animals
Animals (part 2)
หมา แมว กระต่่าย เต่่า หนูู วััว เป็็ ด ไก่่ ม้้า แกะ สิิ งโต เสืื อ แพนด้้า
ช้้าง ลิิง
Dog Maa Cat Maew Rabbit Gra Tai Turtle Tao Mouse Noo Cow Wuaa Duck Ped Chicken Gai Horse Maa Sheep Gae Lion Sing Toh Tiger Seua Panda Panda
Elephant Chang Monkey Ling Snake - Ngoo Fox Jing Jok Wolf Ma Pa Crocodile Jor Ra Kae Hedgehog Men Bird Nok Deer Kwang Giraffe Yee Raf Shark Chalaam Whale Waan Dolphin Pla Loma
งูู จิ้้�งจอก หมาป่่ า จระเข้้ เม่่น นก กวาง ยีีราฟ ฉลาม วาฬ ปลาโลมา
Animals (part 3)
ปูู Poo Octopus - ปลาหมึึก Plaa Meuk Jellyfish - แมงกะพรุุ น Maeng Ka Prun Lobster - กุ้้�งมัังกร Goong Mung Gorn Spider - แมงมุุม Maeng Moom Butterfly - ผีีเสื้้� อ Pi Seua Ant - มด Mod Bee - ผึ้้�ง Peung Mosquito - ยุุง Yoong Gecko - จิ้้�งจก jing Jok Bat - ค้้างคาว Khang Khao Crab -
What is Thailand’s national animal?
ช้้าง), more particularly the Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus). The giant
The national animal of Thailand is the elephant (
pachyderm has been an icon of the country for centuries, as it was used by the dynasties’ royal guards and by farmers who worked in the jungles. Nowadays, elephants are often used to provide tourists with an exciting ride, though we strongly recommend not taking part in it, and instead support the numerous conservation reserves, which protect elephants that have been abused by their handlers.
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
21
GETTING TO KNOW Last month, we sat down with Supatra Patkor, Owner of the Green Heart Garden, in Karon, to discuss her passion for food and her story.
Happiness never has to be difficult to find. Last month, we
Later on, I joined the Karon Small and Micro Community
sat down with the founder of Green Heart Garden [Suan
Enterprise [SMCE]. They showed me examples of
Jai Keao], K. Supatra Patkor, whose love for sustainable
successful agricultural tourism in many places. When I
agriculture has brought her more than beautifully bloomed
came back, I decided to acquire bees, chicken, and a fish
trees but also success in business and happiness.
farm.
Please tell us how you established Green Heart Garden?
What are the outstanding features of Green Heart Garden?
We have carried on this agricultural farm since my parents’ generation. They grew rubber trees and rice first before we
Everything we use here, we try to make it organic, even
took over. I changed the rubber plantation to an integrated
dishwashing liquid. I make my own fertilizer and mix my
agricultural farm but I left it behind for a while after I
own soil to grow plants using the knowledge I learned from
got married and moved to Patong as I had a guest house
the community enterprise. The plants grow and bloom
business there.
so well. For chicken, I use breeds from Phuket. I breed them myself and so far, I have plenty of them with a large
Patong was very urbanized and I didn’t like it so I moved
amount of egg that’s enough for us to consume in the
back here and started to get serious with the farm. I grew
family, use them in the restaurant and sell them, too.
several types of fruits and started making an income from it. I then diversified the business, adding a variety of
For the restaurant part, we use fresh produce from our
vegetables to make the cash flow more regular.
garden to be the main ingredients. We have our vegetables farm and mushrooms farm that offer organic ingredients
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
for our guests. We are a certified organic farm for all the produces we offer. At Green Heart Garden, 70% of the land is our farm and plantations, while 30% of it is a panoramic ocean view that allows the guests to dine and observe the beautiful scenery. Our sunset view is really breathtaking. How do you operate Green Heart Garden and how did you remain successful during the economic crisis? We are a family business. What makes us survive the crisis these days is having our own produces, like chicken, eggs, vegetables, and fruits, which is enough to consume in the family, to cook in the restaurant, and to sell to the community. It is a sustainable agriculture model. Also, my son helps me sell my products online. I manage the garden and my son manages the online sales and marketing. We sell our products through our Facebook page, which has increased our sales a lot. Many customers book to buy my durians a year in advance and some of them even book the whole tree. We also joined the government subsidy ‘Kon La Kreung’, which helps generate more sales. How do you share your love for sustainable agriculture with the local community? As a member of Karon SMCE, we share our products with other members. For example, we don’t have duck meat and duck eggs so we buy them from the other members of the group, which are local farmers, too. Also, I allow the members to sell their vegetables at Green Heart Garden without taking any fee. Since we started operating Green Heart Garden as an agricultural tourism destination, there have been bookings from schools who want their students to learn about agriculture. There were also a lot of travelers from several countries that both came to enjoy the place and to study how the garden works. Green Heart Garden is located on Soi Plak Jae, on the hill from Chalong to Kata. Make sure to visit their Facebook page by searching Greenheart Garden Kata Phuket. December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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WHAT’S ON GUIDE
OUR NOVEMBER FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET Between Phuket’s first community art event and the famous Phuket Best Burger competition, we certainly had plenty of food delicacies to try in November! As we reach out to the last month of the year, let’s hope that the economic situation in Phuket improves as more tourists make their way.
On November 7-8, 2020, Pine Beach Bar hosted the debut of the Phuket Community Art Festival, with many artists showcasing their talents.
///////////////////////// On Friday, November 6, 2020, The Guide Phuket attended the official launch of The Headland Cape Yamu, a new luxury real estate development located the last remaining piece of estate on Cape Yamu, Phuket. Resting on over 25 Rai (10 Acres), each property is situated on a significant plot.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | December 2020
On November 14, 2020, Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest
followed by Hilton Phuket and Prime
burger event, Phukets Best Burger
Burger Phuket, while the winner for the
6, took place at Blue Tree Phuket
plant-based burger is The Vegan Table,
, in Cherng Talay. A large number of
followed by Forward Organic and QSI
hotels, resorts, restaurants, and retail
International School of Phuket.
shops gathered to sell and compete on their burger skills.
The event was delightful and filled with more than 2,300 locals and expats alike,
The winner of Phuket Best Burger
while more than 3,000 burgers were
this year is Holiday Inn Resort Phuket,
sold during the event.
December 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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