The Guide Phuket - June 2020

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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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Bring yoga in your inner thoughts When was the last time you hung out with yourself

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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

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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 | 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 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


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 you’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 you’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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SHOPPER’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 Chalong’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, Levi’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

•

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.

Portable Apps Has it ever happened to you that you need a specific app to work on a project, but cannot install it on your computer because of administrator’s privileges? Portable Apps offers more than 400+ applications that can be used without installing them on your PC. WEB: www.portableapps.com

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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a common area in their house.

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JUNE 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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