November 2019
A FULL-DAY OF REST AT PAKPON RELAX Time to get pampered at one of Rawai’s most hidden gems, Pakpon Relax (p. 12)
DOUBLETREE COOKIE SUITE Phuket’s unveiled the first-of-its-kind cookie suite at the new DoubleTree Banthai. (p. 29)
COVER: LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL On November 11, 2019, the Kingdom of Thailand is celebrating Loy Krathong, a traditional festival where locals and tourists alike create small floating boats out of banana leaves and trunks and place them in water in order to wash their sins away. (p. 04)
CONTENT
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Modern classics and Thai fusion at Thong Dee Bistro Located in the heart of Phuket Town, Thong Dee Bistro is a new contestant from the Thong Dee family, serving the same, high quality food that we learned to love at the Kathu branch. The menu combines traditional Thai dishes reinvented and western classics, reminiscing of the cuisine served in Europe’s gastropubs.
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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.
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Getting to Know: Coach Ricky One of Phuket’s top triathletes and celebrity coach, Ekkarat Phanthip, known as Coach Ricky, has always pushed himself to the limit in order to achieve his dreams. He is also the founder of the Born Free to Run Foundation, which helps local underprivileged children to become athletes themselves.
EDITORIAL
October sure has been busy, and we can’t wait to welcome November and its load of activities and events. On November 11, 2019, we will celebrate Loi Krathong, the festival of lights, and one of the most magical moments that can be witnessed in Thailand. In this issue, we present you with some gems to discover, and a fantastic interview with Coach Ricky, a man as famous as the celebrities he trains, thanks to his effort to support the local communities. We also ate cookies, lots of cookies, at the recently rebranded DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort. Time to hit the treadmill! - Kamin
NOVEMBER 2019
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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The house of Jazz Celebrating its third year in November, Bebop Live Music Bar has become an pivotal venue for everything jazz and the music scene in general. Located in the
good mix between the popular ones and the less
heart of Phuket Town, the live bar is often packed
crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find
to the brim and patrons need to book for a table in
their own happy place.
advance.
The incredible story of the World Wide Web Our tech column this month explores the birth of the World Wide Web as we know it, and the many development it went through until today. The fact that you are reading this magazine online is a technology prowess that no one could have imagined 20 years ago.
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The Guide to Thai language New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn
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Understanding what’s behind your address The Thai address system is largely different from what
this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered!
we are accustomed to in the Western world. In this
Ourguide to the Thai language will bring you new
short article, we dive deeper into the Thai address and
content monthly
explain all the intricacies you need to know.
LET’S CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Loi Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of Thailand’s most recognized celebrations and will be held on Monday, November 11, 2019, across the country. Loi Krathong is a yearly celebration
The origin of this ceremony is not clear,
the option to purchase a ready-made
that takes place on the evening of the
but it is believed to have originated
Krathong at several designated areas.
full moon of the 12th month in the
from Chiang Mai in the 40s as a way
In Phuket, it is common to celebrate
traditional Thai lunar calendar, so the
to pay respect to the water spirits and
this ceremony at Saphan Hin Park, Nai
date may vary from year to year. In the
has since then spread to the rest of the
Harn lake, Karon Lake, Kathu lake and
Thai language, Loi means “to float”,
country.
in Cherng Talay. Many beaches, such as
while a Krathong is a small floating container made of leaves.
Patong, will allow people to place their The base of the Krathong is usually
Krathong in the water, too.
made of a piece of banana tree trunk Every year, millions of Thai, expatriates,
and is decorated with banana leaves
Make sure to use original Krathongs,
and tourists bring their Krathong to the
and flowers and topped off with
and not the ones made with Styrofoam,
nearest source of water, such as a lake
incense sticks and a candle.
as those are not biodegradable. Some
or the sea, and gently place it on the
Krathongs are also made with a base
surface of the water, where it will float
While creating your very own Krathong
of bread, so that fish can feast on the
away, bringing good luck to the ones
can be a lot of fun and a great
small floating devices.
who partake in the ceremony.
opportunity to spend time with your friends and family, you will also have
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
Loy Krathong coincides with another festival called Yi Peng, which
designated area when using the lanterns, as it is recognized as a
also originates from the northern part of Thailand. During Yi Peng,
flying hazard for planes and helicopters. Usually, you will find a no-
thousands of sky lanterns, known as Khom Loi, are lit up and end
fly zone nearby each airport, and huge fines can be applied if you
up flying in the night sky. While Chiang Mai is certainly the most
choose to disregard the no-fly zone.
impressive place to visit during Yi Peng, Phuket has its fair shares of lanterns going on, and you will have the opportunity to purchase
It is quite common to write your name and the name of your loved
one and make a wish.
one on the lantern before lighting up the candle that will make it fly, and some Khom Loi come in different shapes and colors.
Make sure, however, that you are located in an approved,
THE BEAUTY OF NANG NOPPHAMAT According to the legend, the very first Krathong was created by a consort of Sukhothai king Sri Indraditya, in the 13th century; her name was Nang Nopphamat, also written as Noppamas in some cases. During Loi Krathong, many cities will organize a beauty contest in her honor, the Nopphamat Queen Contest. While the main contests are organized by the cities, it is also common for hotels and other venues to organize their own beauty contests at that time, where staff and guests can take part and receive prizes. Whether Nang Nopphamat ever existed is difficult to establish; however, she was recorded in a 19th century novel as the lead character, which was written as a guide for all women who wished to become civil servants.
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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 | NOVEMBER 2019
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. Patong Beach: The beating heart of Phuket’s nightlife, Patong Beach is the most famous beach on the island and the center of entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels. The beach itself has soft sand and warm clear water. Behind the beach you’ll find the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s tourism business, which features hotels, restaurants, bars, street bazaars and shops crammed into a colorful, lively mix that showcases a vibrant Thai tourist beach town. 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).
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MODERN CLASSICS AND THAI FUSION AT THONG DEE BISTRO The second venture of the charismatic Patrik Lundgren and the talented Chef Ponchan has opened its doors in Phuket Town, with a menu combining traditional Thai dishes reinvented and western classics, reminiscing of the cuisine served in Europe’s gastropubs.
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THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
specialties: the gambas ‘Pil Pil’, which are spicy Phuket prawns served with garlic and oregano. We then moved on with some delicious main courses; first, we indulged in the Swedish meatballs, a mix of pork and beef meatballs served in a rich gravy sauce with mashed potato and a green salad. The meat was seasoned to perfection and paired wonderfully with the gravy. Our second main course was the epitome of Thai fusion cuisine; the classic Pad Ask any locals or expatriates about dinner
crostinis with grilled goat cheese, walnut,
Gapraow, but served with premium, sliced
recommendations in the Kathu area,
honey, apple and a touch of shallots, as
Australian beef in oyster sauce with Thai
and chances are Thong Dee - The Kathu
well as a chicken liver mousse, served with
holy basil, peppercorn and some chili to
Brasserie will be in their top 3, and for
cranberry jam and butter-fried bread; a
provide that traditional heat. By far, one of
good reasons! Carefully selected premium
fantastic way to start off the meal. We also
the best stir-fried basil dishes I have ever
ingredients and a love and passion for
had the opportunity to try one of their
tried, and they offer different versions of
cooking have pushed this establishment at the top of Trip Advisor and other review websites for several years. Now, the very same Thong Dee we fell in love with has opened new doors in the heart of Phuket Town, on Ratsada Road. The decor is inviting and elegant, with many blackboards and pieces of art hanging on the walls and a little terrace at the entrance of the venue. Starting with the appetizers, we were served a selection of bruschettas and that same dish, too, including one with pork fillet, chicken and tender grilled duck breasts. For dessert, you have to go with the chocolate lava cake, made with 72% dark chocolate and served with roasted hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream; the perfect way to finish a culinary adventure like no other. Thong Dee Bistro is a must-visit destination in Phuket Town and a great venue to visit before continuing the party in town. Thong Dee Bistro is opened from Tuesday to Saturday, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You can find the restaurant on Soi Ratsada in Phuket Town, right before the intersection with Takuapa Road and the large Krungthai bank. You can find more information on their website at www.thongdee.com/bistro.
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THE HOUSE OF JAZZ
Three years ago, the night scene of Phuket Town expanded a little bit further with the arrival of Bebop, a venue that is now considered the mecca of Blues, Jazz and other funky music by its numerous patrons. By definition, Bebop is a style of jazz created in the 40s that features fast tempo, complex chord progressions, and numerous changes of key and improvisation. This definition is also accurate to describe Bebop Live Music Bar, a fantastic venue that opened its door almost three years ago. The decor is warm and inviting, with touches of red velvet and exposed bricks along the walls, reminding you that you are located within the historic part of Phuket Town. A row of sofas is available along the longitudinal wall, which is facing the central stage where the magic happens almost every night, as they are closed on Mondays. Music is taken very seriously here, and K. Boy, the owner, has been playing the guitar and other instruments for as long as he can remember. The band itself usually gathers a drummer, guitarist, bassist, saxophonist or trumpet player, and a talented singer, and we strongly advise you to visit on a Thursday, when the whole band is complete and revisits the classic of Jazz music, as well as some more recent beats. The bar is well-stocked and offers all the classic cocktails you can think of, as well as the traditional wines and fresh beers. They also provide you with a small snack section, in case you rushed to the place without having dinner, such as French fries and nuggets. The venue is notorious for filling fast, so it is quite common to arrive early in the evening in order to save a few seats. Bebop Live Music Bar has become a strong pillar of the night scene community in Phuket Town and is certainly a place you should visit if you are looking for a great night out. Additionally, if you are playing an instrument yourself, feel free to grab a guitar or a pair of drums and ride along the musical journey for a couple of songs; after all, Bebop is all about the community. WEB: www.phuketify.com/bebop-live-music-bar/
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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
A FULL DAY REST AT PAKPON RELAX After a rough week going through stress and pollution, your body and mind surely get exhausted. If you are looking for a place to recharge your battery, we recommend a cozy little place named Pakpon Relax, located in Soi Houypru, in Rawai. The signature of Pakpon Relax is its
Every weekend, Pakpon Relax also
is rinsed off, you will surely feel the
wooden Thai style house sitting in
offers a special option with an ice bath.
difference.
the middle of the venue, surrounded
After getting out of the hot steam, we
by a small green garden providing its
dipped into the freezing ice tub that
A rest day wouldn’t be complete
guests with a tranquil and peaceful
helps to boost health in many ways,
without a massage. We chose the
atmosphere.
including healing muscle pain, constrict
coconut oil massage that is combined
blood vessels, flush waste products,
with Thai massage techniques. This
and boosts metabolism.
massage is well-known for its several
We ordered fresh coconut water and hot ginger tea to cool down the
health benefits and mixing it with
day before we began to get changed
After a few rounds of herbal steam
coconut oil is certainly pleasing. Close
and be ready for the herbal steam
and ice bath, we used a coffee grain
your eyes and let the therapist eases
room that was set to the perfect
scrub mixed with natural yogurt and
down your tense body.
temperature. The scent of spices and
honey. Following the hot steam, your
herbs freshly made every day will
pores are open, which is perfect to get
After a day well-spent at Pakporn
certainly calm your soul, pamper your
exfoliated. This recipe helps stimulate
Relax, you will leave fully recharged
skin, and will also clear your respiratory
blood circulation, hydrates, soothes
and ready to tackle the new week
system and boost your heart strength.
and renews the skin. Once the scrub
without stress and worries.
Pakpon Relax can be found on Houypru Street, in Rawai. Find out more about their prices and promotions on their website at www.pakponrelax.com or on www.facebook.com/PakponRelax.
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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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Open daily from 11:00 am till 09:30 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Since 2013 A cozy little restaurant... Thai traditional food... Home-style cooking... Affordable prices...
Information / reservation: 093 575 7600 (TH-EN) 37/9 Wiset Road, Rawai (80 m. Above the SCB bank) www.colombo-bar.com
Our Phad Kra Phao, Massaman and Red Curry have been considered by many customers as some of the best ever tasted.
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
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 | NOVEMBER 2019
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.
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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS
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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
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THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE WORLD WIDE WEB The Internet as we know it today was created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist who was researching at the CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in Switzerland, back in 1989. This was made possible thanks to the use of hypertexts, or links, creating the basis of an information system, accessible from anywhere on the network. Thanks to this feature, it was now possible to link several documents together, creating the web navigation system we use today. However, this was not the first time a text was transmitted from one computer to another; the precursor of the world wide web, a military-backed project called the ARPANET, successfully sent a message from a computer located at the University of California to the Stanford Research Institute in 1969.
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The very first website to be born into
The era of Web 1.0, from the 1990s to
existence was the website of the CERN and
early 2000s
could be accessed by typing http://info.cern.ch into a web browser.
At the early stage of the Internet, the
The site, which you can see in the picture
web was a static place; it was mainly used
above, presented the World Wide Web
to broadcast information to visitors in
project and the people working behind it.
a one-way communication system. The
Fun fact: you can still access the very first
era is often referred to as Web 1.0, a
website ever created by typing the same
time without social media as we know it
address in your current web browser.
and without the possibility to download
THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
large files, such as videos and
consumer. Once the person is
pictures. Most of the websites
back on Facebook or Instagram,
around that time were based on
he will start seeing ads that have
some texts and a few pictures,
been tailor-made based on the
providing limited interactions
pages he visited earlier on the
with the users.
website.
The era of Web 2.0, from 2004
While this process can be
to today
considered intrusive, it has lead
THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!
to an increase in online sales as Web 2.0 is the evolution of the
the will-be consumer now sees
Internet and represents the era
ads that are highly relevant to
of user-generated content. We
his interest.
slowly moved away from the static pages of Web 1.0 and
Can we expect a Web 3.0?
entered a time where everyone
Coursera
can create their own content on
Web 3.0 is already underway,
Continuous development is a critical skill in today’s economy,
the Internet.
and many companies around the
and attending online classes does not have to be expensive. As a
world are investing top dollars
matter of fact, it is 100% free on Coursera, an online education
to make it a reality.
platform that offers classes from various universities.
This has been made as easy as ever thanks to the generalization of Social Media,
The concept of the Internet of
such as Facebook, Twitter, and
Things is one component of the
Instagram, which allows for the
Web 3.0. Imagine the day when
WEB: www.coursera.org
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
end-users to post their stories
your fridge notices that you
and share their thoughts.
ran out of milk; it automatically updates your grocery shopping
Web 2.0 is also about
app on your phone, which
personalization; most websites
notifies you as soon as you
nowadays ask you to create an
arrive in the store. And in case
account, and will then display
you somehow still forget about
specific images and call to
your milk, you get a second
actions based on your interests
reminder from your car as soon
and overall behavior on the
as you try to leave the parking
Internet.
lot.
A good example of such
There are plenty of other
behavior comes from Facebook
interesting components to Web
Pixel, a small API that one can
3.0, which we’ll happily discuss
authors or by using the search engine available on the site.
install on his website and that
in a future issue. Till then, let’s
WEB: www.gutenberg.org
will track the behavior of the
enjoy the present day!
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
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
21
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 EP3: DATE AND TIME
Numbers
ศูนย์ หนึ่ง สอง สาม สี่ ห้า หก เจ็ด แปด เก้า สิ บ สิ บเอ็ด สิ บสอง
Zero Soon One Neung Two Song Three Saam Four - See Five Haa Six Hok Seven Jet Eight Bpaet Nine Gaao Ten Sip Eleven Sip Et Twelve Sip Song
Months
Weeks & more
มกราคม Mohk Ga Ra Khom กุมภาพันธ์ Goom Pha Phan มีนาคม Mee Naa Khom เมษายน Mae Saa Yon พฤษภาคม Phreut Sa Pha Khom มิถุนายน Mi Too Naa Yon กรกฎาคม Ga Ra Ga Daa Khom สิ งหาคม Sing Haa Khom กันยายน Gan Yaa Yon ตุลาคม Too Laa Khom พฤศจิกายน Phreut Sa Ji
January February March April May June July August September October November Gaa Yon
December -
ธันวาคม Than Waa Khom
วันจันทร์ Wan Jan วันอังคาร Wan Angkhaan วันพุธ Wan Phoot วันพฤหัสฯ Wan Pha Reu
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Hat
วันศุกร์ วันเสาร์ วันอาทิตย์ พรุ่ งนี้ มะรื นนี้ เมื่อวาน เดือนหน้า อาทิตย์หน้า
Friday Wan Sook Saturday Wan Sao Sunday Wan Aathit Tomorrow Proong Nee After tomorrow Ma Reu Nee Yesterday Meua Waan Next month Deuan Naa Next week Aathit Naa
What time is it? While most office and government buildings use a 24 hours system to tell what time it is, things are quite different when asking in
ตี โมงเช้า) to express time in the mornings, Bai (บ่าย) when it is the afternoon, Mong Yen (โมงเย็น) to express time in the evenings, and finally, Toom (ทุ่ม) from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. For example, to say it is five o’clock in the evening, you would say Haa Mong Yen (ห้าโมงเย็น) [five hours evening]. 8:00pm would be Song Toom (สองทุ่ม), or 2 hours in the Toom section of time. general conversation. Thai people have divided the clock in five different sections: Dtee ( ) to express time between 1:00am and 5:00am, Mong Chao (
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
23
GETTING TO KNOW Run at your own pace, never stop and at last, you will succeed – Coach Ricky
If you’ve ever trained in Phuket or joined a running circle in Thailand, chances are you must have heard about the talented and kind-hearted Coach Ricky. Ekkarat Phanthip, his full Thai name, is a wonderful coach and an outstanding Thai triathlete. Based in Phuket, he has trained many Thai celebrities and is the founder of the ‘Born Free to Run’
I started working as a tour guide, then moved to the hotel industry, until 2012, when I was hired as a Sports Assistant at Thanyapura. This is where I met Jürgen Zack, Triathlon Head Coach, and former world triathlon champion. I watched his team
project for underprivileged children.
training every day and I told him I wanted to be part of it.
First off, tell us a bit more about yourself
he had to return to Germany. I then started working as
I started running when I was 13 years old. At that time, I
to train, work, and compete in many races and meet
was just a kid who loved running and dreamed that one day I would become a professional runner. I started doing some competitions at school and received several gold medals, so
One day, he contacted me to ask to cover his absence as his Triathlon Assistant Coach. I had a great opportunity with several professional athletes, who exchanged their experiences with me and helped me develop.
I kept pushing.
The childhood dream comes true
Once I finished vocational school at the Phuket Technical
In 2013, I heard that the Thailand Triathlon Federation
College, I realized that I wanted to pursue my passion, so I searched for a running coach and found one at the Chumphon Campus Physical Education Institute. I decided to develop my running potential there until I graduated.
24
THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
was organizing a tryout to select athletes to compete at the Asian Beach Game to represent the Thai national team. I joined the duathlon tryout and qualified for the Thai National Team Duathlon. Also, I received my triathlon
coach certificate in the same year by passing the International Triathlon Union (ITU). Beyond the childhood dream Later, I competed in one of the biggest races of my life, the Powerman Asia Championships 2013. It was my first time competing outside the country. I was so excited. I remember there were about 800 athletes. There were both short and long distances and I chose the short one as I just wanted to try. I remember that my legs were shaking at the starting point. I started running and my heart was racing. After cycling, we were all running to the finishing line. I looked back and the number 2 was still a good distance away. My eyes were a bit teary with pride. I remember the moment I held the Thai flag and crossed the finishing line as the 1st winner overall. I ended up finishing first again in 2015, 2017 and 2019. Born Free to Run has begun In 2013, three years before I was promoted to be Head Coach, I founded the Born Free to Run project - a team that works with local underprivileged children and I spent time after work coaching the children. Many of them have qualified at the national level. Also, some children in the team come from families that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for them. Some of these kids stayed with friends that use drugs. I tried to bring them into the team and once they had become great at running, they would leave this bad influence entirely. Three skills required for triathlon Most of the triathletes are not good at all three skills; some may be good at one skill, some may be good at two, but very few are good at all of them. However, triathlon is very challenging and the person who finishes swimming first can be overtaken when cycling or running. To me, the hardest part of a triathlon is running because it is the last session. The body is already tired from swimming and cycling, so it can be difficult to manage. Fortunately for me, running is the part that I am good at. The beauty of a triathlon is to challenge yourself and it is also a great way to make some new friends along the way, who are supportive and loving.
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
25
How is it like training Toon Bodyslam?
What’s the most important thing makes a coach from good to great?
There is no need to say much with P’Toon. Mostly, he is the one who talks and it is mostly about attitude. I’m very
I think attitude is the key. I never cared if the athlete I
grateful every time I run by his side and train with him.
coach is talented or not. I coach everyone who comes to
With his great attitude and strong determination, plus his
me no matter who they are. Another important thing is
positive energy, the result is always wonderful. Coaching
being open-minded; when both sides open to each other,
Toon Bodyslam is like exchanging knowledge because he
we can move forward together and the training will be
also coaches me about attitude and life.
more efficient.
Apart from Toon Bodyslam, which other celebrities have
Born Free to Run from now on
you coached? No matter where I am, I will continue the project because There is Tono [Phakin Khamwilaisak], who trained
I meant to do it from the beginning and I believe that
swimming with me. I think he will have a project soon.
everyone in my team who is coaching the children is still
Also, P’Lookkade Metinee [Metinee Kingpayome Sharples],
happy to volunteer and dedicate their time to this charity.
who has just finished the Berlin Marathon. This was her
There are currently 15 athletes in our team, which are both
first-ever marathon and I am so proud of her. If you follow
runners and cyclists, from 10 to 20 years old.
her, you should know that she is always busy and does not have a lot of time to train. She was injured before the race,
We are a non-profit organization that aims to help
which made me worried a bit, but in the end, she finished
underprivileged children, so we are still looking for support
the marathon. She is a real tough one. She does not have
from people who understand and agree with our mission to
a lot of time to train but when she trains, she is really
send these local kids to a national level by sponsoring them
determined.
for registration fees, traveling fees, their training clothes, so they can reach their goal.
26
THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
People say sports cannot be a career When I was younger, my family did not understand why I was running. I only knew that I loved to run and dreamed that one day, I would be a national team member. It took a lot of commitments before I became a national team runner for real. I want to tell the younger generation that when you love doing something, be determined and commit to it. Some victories will not come to you within one or two years. It is a matter of opportunity and one day, when the opportunity comes, you will be ready to grab it and succeed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compare yourself with others. Run at your own pace and never be hard on yourself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the sports field for more than 20 years and many people only see my beginning and my achievements: not a lot of people see what I have been through along the way. Born Free to Tri Born Free to Tri is my shop that sells everything about triathlon, including swimming, cycling, and running equipment and wears. We have cycling services as well. I want Born Free to Run members to have extra income to study and spend their time working here. The shop is located nearby the heroine monument, opposite the Shell gas station. It is open daily, except Mondays, from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to visit and talk with us about sports and their passions.
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
27
UNDERSTANDING WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR THAI ADDRESS
One of the things that foreigners can find a little distressing when
roads would usually be referred to as Thanon, such as Thanon Chao
settling in Thailand is the Thai address system, which is completely
Fah, for Chao Fah Road.
different from one would be accustomed to in Europe or the United States. In our monthly real estate column, we will attempt to
We then have the sub-district and district names. In the Thai
decipher the address system so that you won’t ever get lost again.
language, a sub-district is called a Tambon, while the district is
Here is what a random address looks like in Phuket:
called Amphur (sometimes written Amphoe). There are three districts in Phuket: Muang, which covers the southern part of the
27/35, Moo 7
island and part of the west coast, Kathu, for the center of the island
Soi Sai Yuan 10
and Patong and Kamala, and Thalang, which covers the northern
T. Rawai, A. Muang
part of the island.
83130 Phuket, Thailand Finally, we find the zip code, the name of the province and What does it all mean?
the country to finish it off. Thailand’s zip code consists of five numbers, with the first two digits denoting the province or special
Starting with the first line, we have the plot and house number,
administrative area. In the south, where Phuket is located, the zip
followed by the name of the village. In this instance, this house
codes start with 80 to 86. Our beautiful island uses the number
has the number 35, was built on the plot 27, and is located in the
83xxx, while Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, uses the number
“village” 7. Some houses are located in actual communities, and
10xxx.
would often use the name of the village instead. For example, a house could be located at 27/35, The Plant. The next line tells us
We hope that this short guide will help you better understand
the street name and number; in this case, Sai Yuan street number
where you live and, as usual, join the conversation on our Facebook
10. The word “soi” here can be translated as street, while larger
page if you have any questions.
28
THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
Tim Tate, General Manager - DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort “We have always welcomed our guests at DoubleTree by Hilton with our signature, warm Chocolate Chip Cookies. Now, we have gone a step further to build a fun and experiential lifestyle destination around it, suitable for all ages. More than just a delicious treat, the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie represents our constant dedication to our guests and the thoughtful touches that ensure they feel special and cared for throughout their stay in Phuket.”
THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND COOKIE SUITE The simple gesture of offering a warm
for a limited time only, from September 15
staying at the Cookie Suite will also receive
DoubleTree Cookie to guests upon check-in
until December 31, 2019.
an exclusive beach kit that comes with a
has become synonymous with the warm welcome culture of DoubleTree by Hilton.
cookie-designed beach umbrella and towels As part of the Cookie Suite Experiential
to protect them from the heat of the sun
Package, guests can book to stay in the
as they enjoy time in the sand and sea at
To celebrate the brand’s 50th Anniversary,
unique cookie-themed King Deluxe Suite
Patong Beach, directly across the resort.
the recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton
which has a separate living area with a
Phuket Banthai Resort is marking this
dedicated cookie bar decked out with
During their stay, guests may choose
significant milestone locally by taking the
freshly baked cookies, a neon cookie sign
between a complimentary Thai-cooking
experience a step further with a first-of-its-
and a special flat-lay photography corner
class with a local chef and a cocktail-mixing
kind Cookie Suite Experiential Package.
for photo enthusiasts. Cookie-scented
class with a friendly bartender, to top off
candles and body-scrub bath amenities
the Cookie Suite experience, in addition to
The bespoke package will be accompanied
extend the experience into the bathroom,
return airport transfers, one complimentary
by a range of benefits that will allow guests
while customized cookie bathrobes and
dinner at The Port, and much more!
to enjoy an immersive retreat in the brand’s
cookie plushies for the young ones make
newest tropical resort destination, available
for exclusive turndown amenities. Guests
WEB: www.doubletreephuketbanthai.com
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
29
WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON GUIDE
OUR OCTOBER FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET During the month of October, no less than twelve different events happened in all corners of the island. We visited a brand new bakery in Kamala and witnessed the coming launch of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next big attraction in that same city, as well as an exciting test drive that pushed us to our limits.
On October 25, 2019, members of the media were invited to the announcement of Carnival Magic, a new attraction operated by Phuket FantaSea and opening in 2020.
///////////////////////// During the month of October 2019,
the route in Phuket on October 5, 2019,
cycling enthusiasts had the pleasure to
with a 28 kilometers distance, then
take part in the Tour de Andaman 2019,
moved to Ranong on October 6, for
a cycling tour and competition in six
24 kilometers, followed by Phang Nga
provinces, including Phuket, Phang Nga,
on October 19 for 46 kilometers, the
Krabi, Trang, Satun, and Ranong.
province of Krabi on October 20, for 30 kilometers, Trang on October 26, for 26
30
The activity was aimed to promote
kilometers, and then ended with Satun
eco-tourism and sports in each area
on October 27, for 29 kilometers. The
while also connecting the tourism route
race itself was held from October 31 to
of the 6 provinces. The touring started
November 3, 2019.
THE GUIDE PHUKET | NOVEMBER 2019
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, The
local ingredients, while the owner is
Guide Phuket was invited to the Grand
always helping the local schools. With
Opening of the Swedish Bakery &
that regards, a selection of delicious
Restaurant, inside of Hua Khuan Neua
pastries are being sold for only THB
Road, in Kamala. The event, which
8 per piece until November 18, 2019,
started at 5:00 pm, gathered many locals
and all the money raised through the
as well as VIP guests, who were keen to
pastry sales will be donated to the
discover the new bakery.
Naphrachanukroh School on November 30, 2019. The venue is open daily from
All the products are made using fresh,
7:00 am until 11:00 pm.
/////////////////////////
On October 14, 2019, the team of The Guide Phuket had the pleasure to test drive the brand new MG Extender all the way to the top of the Phang Nga mountains.
NOVEMBER 2019 | THE GUIDE PHUKET
31
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