June 2020
COVER: LOCKDOWN’S OVER... VERY GENTLY! The Phuket’s lockdown, which has restricted travel between tambon, or sub-districts, for a month is now being lifted with some exceptions, allowing the island to slowly return to its normal way of life, though the new normal still has to be defined.
CONTENT
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Introducing Menuvenu, an alternative to food delivery The website works in the same way by introducing different restaurants based on your chosen location and the type of food you are interested in eating. Each restaurant can feature their menu with pictures, descriptions, and prices. The page will also let you know what type of service are available.
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The legend of Phuket noodles at Mee Ton Poh Mee Ton Poh is a local brand that serves Hokkien-influenced cuisine to happy diners since 1946. Today, Mee Ton Poh has expanded to four branches across the island of Phuket, in Phuket Town, Kathu, on Sakdidech Road, and the last one in Thalang.
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An evening well-spent at Phuket’s Chillva Market Relatively new to Phuket’s market scene, Chillva Market opened its door in April 2016 and has since become one of the most populated markets in Phuket Town, providing residents of the Samkong neighborhood a place to eat and grab the best deals.
EDITORIAL Welcome to the June edition of The Guide Phuket! While we are clearly navigating the unknown in terms of economics and overall tourism, it seems that Phuket is on the way to recovery, with very few new cases discovered. At the time of writing, the beaches are still close, and no international flights are confirmed this month; we will have to wait a bit more before welcoming the tourists again on our beautiful island. - Kamin
JUNE 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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good mix between the popular ones and the less
Kanomjeen Saphan Hin Kanomjeen is an all-day local cuisine. The glossy white and soft rice noodle comes with several choices of curry that offer a wide range of taste and spiciness with different proteins to choose from.
crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find their own happy place.
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22
Bring yoga in your inner thoughts When was the last time you hung out with yourself
21
The Guide to Thai language New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn
and truly enjoyed your own company? Sometimes,
this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered! Our
the simplest practice is the most advanced; creating a
guide to the Thai language will bring you new content
space for yourself, through yourself, and by yourself.
monthly.
What have we learned from working at home The recent transition to widespread working from home has shown that the experience has been both educational and eye-opening for many. Working at home means learning to cope with distractions, space constraints, managing time with family and learning new skills.
INTRODUCING MENUVENU; AN ALTERNATIVE TO FOOD DELIVERIES A new food delivery system is hitting the street of Phuket and goes by the name of MenuVenu, a platform that offers restaurants a way to advertise their menu without having to sacrifice their profit to delivery apps.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
A new food delivery system is hitting the
skip the apps. The food is then delivered
street of Phuket and goes by the name of
by the restaurant staff, not delivery riders.
MENUVENU, a platform that offers hungry
If people wish to use their favourite app
people more choice and fast priority
MENUVENU still list all the delivery
service from tasty local restaurants.
options for each restaurant.
While most businesses are suffering
Foodies get restaurant quality without
from the recent pandemic, one industry
visiting the restaurant! Also, by using
continues to do very well, even in those
MenuVenu, you ensure that the
disrupted times; we are talking, of course,
restaurants won’t have to sacrifice their
about delivery platforms.
profits to delivery companies so you’re supporting local businesses.
However, restaurants often complain they have to pay fees that are equal to
MENUVENU say that most of their
20%- 40% of the order’s value, and user
restaurants are not on the delivery apps
review sites are littered with complaints of
so it brings new choice and options to
cold food, late and cancelled delivery, and
hungry Phuketians. From 5 star to street
impossible call centers.
food their restaurants want to offer their customers priority service, fresh food,
Well , one company has decided the
served fast! It’s a new generation of food
madness has to stop, and created a
delivery which connects foodies with their
platform where foodies can order direct to
favourite eateries.
the restaurant. It’s like other apps at first glance but it works very differently. That’s
For more information about MenuVenu,
because users can choose their food and
please visit their website at
then their delivery option. Now you can
www.menuvenu.com.
order direct to the restaurant kitchen and
JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
05
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 | JUNE 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 Yang Beach: Nai Yang is a charming beach a few minutes south of Phuket International Airport. The northern end of the beach is part of Sirinath National Park, which protects the beach from any further developments. The atmosphere here is laid-back, and the beach is excellent for families. If you are looking to eat fresh seafood right on the beach, Nai Yang is definitely the right spot to visit in Phuket! Surin Beach: Located between Bang Tao and Kamala Beach, Surin Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island. Surin Beach boasts fine white sand and emerald sea, and is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. The beach often has rather strong winds, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing. Ao Sane Beach: Ao Sane Beach is a small, almost hidden bay, located north of Nai Harn Beach. To access this beach, you need to drive through the grounds of The Nai Harn Phuket beach resort. Ao Sane is a small, rocky beach that is excellent for snorkeling. There’s a small on-site restaurant to grab a bite to eat at when you tire from splashing in the waves.
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).
JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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THE LEGEND OF PHUKET MEE HOKKIEN AT MEE TON POH RESTAURANT Mee Ton Poh is a local brand that serves Hokkien-influenced cuisine to happy diners since 1946. Today, Mee Ton Poh has expanded to four branches across the island of Phuket, in Phuket Town, Kathu, on Sakdidech Road, and the last one in Thalang.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
ball. They serve big, round, bouncing fish balls made of fish meat. They are soft in texture but rich in flavor. Ho Mok, a steamed fish in coconut milk and curry, wrapped in banana leaf, may not sound like a starter for some of you, but it should be! Ho Mok is categorized in their appetizer page and could be paired as a side to any savory dish on the menu. Apart from Mee Hokkien and Mee Ton Poh, there are also a few other noodle choices, such as Curry Mifen, which is vermicelli served with spicy curry sauce, Stir-fried noodles, such as ‘Mee Hokkien’
still tender. Dipping those mouthful cuts
Rad Na Mee Grob [crispy noodle served
and ‘Mee Ton Poh’, are the stars
with their special sweet red sauce will
in thick and mellow gravy], Pad Kee Mao
that continue to attract people from
complete the flavor perfectly.
noodle and stir-fried noodle in Tom Yum sauce.
everywhere on the island. Each location offers various noodles to choose from,
Another interesting appetizer when you
such as yellow noodles, vermicelli, and big,
visit Phuket and Mee Ton Poh is the fish
If you crave for rice, Mee Ton Poh also
flat rice noodles, but all of them are stirfried with their special recipe. They always add a generous amount of protein, such as pork, fish meat, shrimp, clam, squid, and more to fulfill every bite. On the appetizer side, those guys are not playing around. Their Pork Satay is very well marinated and the sauce is exceptional. If you love crunchy munchies, a local entrée like Tao Gua, a deep-fried tofu that comes with spring roll, is a perfect choice here. The crust outside is golden and crispy while the inside part is serves delicious rice menus, the likes of Pa Ka Prao with rice, Pa Naeng with rice, green curry with rice, Stir-fried sweet pepper with rice and more. Each menu comes with your choice of protein, including pork, chicken, prawn, and calamari. The restaurant also reorganized its seats and hygiene standard to fit in the recent Covid-19 situation. There is a QR code to check-in and check-out, hand sanitizer at the entrance, fever test, and distanced seats at each ta ble. Mee Ton Poh currently has four different locations on the island, including Phuket Town and Kathu. The restaurants are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. For information and bookings, please call +66 87 474 9923 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/meetonpoe.
JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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KANOMJEEN SAPHAN HIN Kanomjeen is an all-day local cuisine. The glossy white and soft rice noodle comes with several choices of curry that offer a wide range of taste and spiciness with different proteins to choose from. Kanomjeen Saphanhin is one of Phuket’s legend and has been rocking the industry since 1989. It is located in Phuket’s central park - Saphanhin - making it easy to find with a large parking space. The lofty eatery with breezy design features the unique Alex Face’s ‘Baby Mardi sliding from the renowned Mining Monument. The place is also reorganized for physical distancing and good hygiene standards to ensure safety to all diners. At the entrance, you will find a stall offering local Thai snacks like banana and sweet potato fritters that are served hot in golden crust all day long. Passing the munchies, there will be a long counter with plenty of curries to choose from. Gaeng Pu is one of the most popular curries of all time. The whole crab sweetens up the curry while the coconut milk and curry paste offers a mild spicy taste that blends well with the noodle. Gaeng Keao Wan Gai is a famous green curry made using tender chicken meat; its great mellow taste with its unique aroma is exceptional. Among others, Gaeng Tai Pla may sound the most adventurous for non-locals but its taste is something not to be missed! The thick curry with mixed spices, fish meat, bamboo shoot, sweet potato, and other vegetables can guarantee some sweats and surely impresses your palate. On the other hand, Nam Prig is the mildest in terms of spiciness. The ground peanuts mixing with coconut milk calm down the spiciness of the curry while making it full-flavored. Adding some shrimp meat, dry shrimp, and other spices, this is dish is perfect for kids and low-intensity eaters. Meanwhile, Nam Ya Pla is probably the most classic curry to go with Kanomjeen noodles. The curry uses fish meat puree with coconut-based curry giving an impressive, rounded taste. On the side, Kanomjeen Saphanhin serves a big tray of fresh and clean vegetables to balance up in every bite. Ho Mok is another star on the side. It is steamed fish meat in coconut paste wrapped in banana leaf. It gives mild spicy flavor with rich savor. Kanomjeen Saphanhin opens daily from 8:30 am till 7:00 pm and is available for dining as well as Grab Food delivery.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
We offer the classic range of mass building machines alongside several weight lifting dumbells and barbells for you to use.
Keeping your heart in good shape is certainly important. You can train your cardio on our numerous treadmills and elliptcials.
The outside garden is the perfect place for a good old Cross Fit whether you plan to train on your own or with a group from the fitness.
A fitness center is a great place to make new friends who share the same goals as you do. Just ask away and our members are happy to help.
Fit Gun Gym Open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm (closed on Sunday) Located in Kathu, Phuket, on the way to Kathu Waterfall +66 85 145 4442 inter_alex@hotmail.com www.fitgungym.com
keep pushing! Open daily from 4:00 pm ll 11:00 pm. Closed on Wednesday.
Phuket’s favorite Italian restaurant, serving high-quality food since 2009. Specialized in home-made, fresh pasta, meats, and seafood, just like in Italy.
Located in Kathu, near Loch Palm Golf. www.dasandrophuket.com
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 | JUNE 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 16:00 to 22:00
(12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays)
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
BRING YOGA IN YOUR INNER THOUGHTS When was the last time you hung out with yourself and truly enjoyed your own company? Sometimes, the simplest practice is the most advanced; creating a space for yourself, through yourself, and by yourself. Quite often we hear about how to
Our simplest quest sometimes is to just
learn along the way?’ , ‘How did I feel
have a good relationship with others
slow things down, have compassion
when I am in this posture?’ and ‘Did
or how to be a good team player.
for yourself when you are feeling
it come from a place of love?’ Write
Little do we think of how to have a
drained or tired. Like our practice,
down your feelings or thoughts in a
good relationship with ourselves or
if the sequence makes you feel
journal or any sort of outlet that helps
the importance of observing the voice
overwhelmed, listen to your body, take
you connect back to your source. Also,
inside your head.
a rest as easy as coming into a child’s
find at least 10 minutes a day to just
pose. Just because you are resting in
sit, close your eyes and meditate. From
The chitter-chatter inside of our
between the postures doesn’t mean
meditation, you can find clarity and
mind needs to be tamed. Just like
that you are weak or not good enough.
stillness nested between the world of
monkeys, they are wild but they can be
Instead, listening to your own body will
confusion. A place where you feel light
taught. The truth is, our relationship
help you connect back to your energy
and be the light. A place where you
with ourselves is the foundation of
and eventually you will be connected
can shift your perception by taking a
everything. Decluttering the mind is
to your highest forms of intuition.
step back to observe without judging.
necessary when all that energy and
The place where you can retrieve from
stress we are dealing with have slowly
Next time, when you’re getting deeper
burdened our vitality.
into a posture, ask yourself ‘what did I
within—the inner peace inside of you.
This article was written by Vasucha Hongyok. Make sure to follow her pages on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vasuchayoga and Instagram @vasuchayoga.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will be delighted at the staaons oďŹ&#x20AC;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
AN EVENING WELLSPENT AT PHUKET’S CHILLVA MARKET Relatively new to Phuket’s market scene, Chillva Market opened its door in April 2016 and has since become one of the most populated markets in Phuket Town, providing residents of the Samkong neighborhood a place to eat and grab the best deals.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
the favorite Thai songs of the moment. A few seats are available for you to catch a break in between two shopping sprees. The outer area of the market, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the containers, is dedicated to food and beverage, with the bars concentrated in the northern section while the food outlets can be found in the southern part. Whether you choose to grab a local snack or sit down to enjoy a delicious Pad Thai or a pop-up Yakiniku, you will be impressed by the quality and good value those restaurants bring to their table. You Made famous by the use of containers
20 up, with a regular T-shirt costing you
will have to arrive before 7:00 pm though
to host many of the eateries and bars
approximately THB 120.
if you expect to find a seat, as the place is not just famous for shopping for clothes.
available to the shoppers, Chillva Market is located on Yaowarat Road, in the Samkong
In the center of the market lies the
area of Phuket Town. The open-air market
accessories section, as well as an open
Parking can be found at the back of
is open from Monday to Saturday, from
stage, where local musicians come to play
the market, where they also organize
5:00 pm onward. During the first two days of the week,
price point, while the rest of the week is
THREE SNACKS NOT TO BE MISSED AT CHILLVA
dedicated to the regular market.
Feeling the munchies? While there are dozens and dozens of snacks to explore at the
Chillva Market focuses on second-hand items, a great way to recycle and find clothing and other accessories at a cheaper
market, we would recommend trying out the roti, a round flatbread usually served Right at the entrance, you will find several
with sweet milk, bananas, and chocolate, as well as a selection of deep-fried sausages,
rows of tents, selling pieces of clothing
served with a spicy sauce that goes by the name of Nam Jim. Alternatively, you could
such as dresses, T-shirts, and trousers,
try out the Khanom Tokyo, which is a crepe-like base filled with quail eggs, sausages,
with a few tents dedicating their space
and a lot of black pepper.
to accessories. Prices start from THB some events in partnership with other companies, such as local airlines and banks. Similar to the market itself, the parking tends to fill in quickly, so you better arrive early or expect some delays in finding the right spot. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to visit a market or two during your stay in Phuket, then make sure to consider Chillva Market, as it offers a good alternative to the equally popular Naka Market (aka Weekend Market) and the Sunday market on Thalang Road; easy to access and packed with the locals, a good sign that they have been doing something right for the past three years.
JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 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.
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,
< WEB: www.limelightphuket.com
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 Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at
CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN
bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other
Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest
international names can be found on sale, including
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
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
JUNE 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 EP9: FURNITURE IN THE HOUSE
Furniture
Furniture
ประตู Pratu หน้าต่าง Na Tang เครื่ องเรื อน Kreuang Reuan เก้าอี้ Gao Ee ครัว Krua เก้าอี้นวม Gao Ee Nuam Dining table - โต๊ะกินข้าว Toh Gin Khao Desk - โต๊ะ Toh Television - โทรทัศน์ Thorathat Computer - คอมพิวเตอร์ Computer Driveway - ถนนส่ วนบุคคล Thanon
Lamp Kom Fai Fan Pad Lom Rug Prom Ceiling Pe Dan Wall Panang Floor Peun Coffee table Washing machine -
Door Window Furniture Chair Kitchen Sofa -
Suan Bookkon
Bed -
เตียง Tiang
In the kitchen
โคมไฟ พัดลม พรม เพดาน ผนัง พื้น โต๊ะกาแฟ Toh Gafe เครื่ องซักผ้า
Kreuang Sak Pa
ผ้าม่าน Pa Man
Curtains Bar Bar Cupboard - Tuu Stool Tang
บาร์
ตัง่
ตู ้
ตูเ้ ย็น เตาอบ
Fridge Tuu Yen Oven Tao Ob Cooking stove Tao Plate Jaan Bowl Tuay Fork Som Spoon Chon Knife Meed Water boiler Ga Tom Nam Garbage bin Tang Kaya Microwave Microwave Pot Moh
จาน ถ้วย ส้อม ช้อน มีด
หม้อ
เตา
กาต้มน�้ำ ถังขยะ ไมโครเวฟ
Yes, Thai people use forks and spoons! A common misconception from Westerners when they think about Thai food is that it is usually consumed with chopsticks, similar to Chinese cuisine or Japanese sushi; this could not be further from the truth, as Thailand adopted the concept of forks and spoons from the French during the time of King Rama IV. There is still a big difference in the use of forks and spoons in Thailand; indeed, Thai people only use their fork to push food into the spoon, which is then brought into the mouth. Also, you won’t find knives on the table, as Thai food is usually cut into small bites, ready to be devoured.
JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
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WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM WORKING AT HOME The recent transition to widespread working from home has shown that the experience has been both educational and eye-opening for many. Working at home means learning to cope with distractions, space constraints, managing time with family and learning new skills. And, according to new consumer research, it has also meant reassessing what is most important. Connecting with loved ones The most striking survey results show the importance of close relationships. Social distancing has caused many to reassess who is most important to them, and how much they may have taken friends and family for granted. The global health crisis has turned
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socializing into a more deliberate act. More
switch to remote working. But having
than half (53%) of homebound people said
to work at home has shined a brighter
they felt closer to loved ones than before
spotlight on how we cope and find a
the outbreak, and 27% even said that they
healthy work-life balance.
felt much more connected than before. Here are some of the tricks people have Managing work-life balance
discovered:
For many people, juggling priorities and
â&#x20AC;˘
obligations was difficult even before the
THE GUIDE PHUKET | JUNE 2020
Half said they take frequent short breaks to balance work and home
•
•
•
responsibilities.
part of home. One-fifth of
37% are starting work
respondents admitted to calling
earlier, while 17% are
from a basement or attic, while
starting work later to
others said they took work on
manage schedules better.
the go. The research shows 18%
35% are learning to keep
have called from their cars, and
their whole household to a
perhaps most surprisingly, 12%
schedule.
admit taking work calls in the
23% use visual cues (like
bathroom.
THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!
signs) to let others know when they’re working.
Reevaluating life’s priorities
Mastering technological
An overwhelming number of
challenges
survey respondents said that they plan to continue at least
10 Minute Mail
Most people affected by the
one of their new practices even
crisis say they have had to
after returning to a “normal”
This very useful website allows you to create a temporary
master (or learn from scratch)
work situation, including:
email address that will stay active for only ten minutes. Perfect for websites that would normally spam your inbox with daily
how to complete their work entirely from home, including
•
the new norm of conducting video conferences from
39% plan to do more cooking.
•
somewhere in their home.
newsletters, but still require an email to access their content. WEB: www.10minutemail.com
43% said they’re likely to arrange more family dinners.
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Technology has been crucial to this adaptation. Almost
•
39% also said they would do more video chatting.
half (47%) have discovered a new app or service they say
As a result of spending some
they now can’t live without -
more time at home, many have
especially video chat apps that
been rethinking their priorities,
have helped them learn how
with nearly half considering
to communicate better with
buying or using fewer things.
colleagues and loved ones.
Some (16%) have thought about beginning a new career, and
As one might expect, a majority
others are considering starting
of respondents admitted to
their own business (14%).
making conference calls from
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