April 2013 by NewspaperDirect-Phuket

April 2013

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

BOI INCENTIVES

TO PROMOTE Foreign Investment in Thailand

SONGKRAN Celebration in Thailand

ASTON MARTIN th celebrated its 100 at Geneva

birthday

Editor’s Note It never ceases to amaze me that there is virtually some kind of event happening on this beautiful island, and every year there is always a new or long standing annual event taking place. Whether it’s a world class sporting event, a local traditional celebration, or a nationwide celebration, there is definitely something every single month of the year, and April is certainly no exception. This month sees probably the biggest nationwide celebration in the form of the increasingly popular tourist attraction, the Songkran water festival, either you’ll love it or you’ll hate it. It will also see the return of one of the island’s longest standing annual events, Phuket Bike Week, the biggest big bike event in Asia. If you are here over the Songkran holiday, please enjoy yourselves but make sure you stay safe and look out for those who you go out and celebrate with.

Contents Cover Photo Thai Elephant – A Symbol of the Nation

Diving in the South

Exploring the underwater world

07 08

Russell Smith Editor

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

Editor: Russell Smith

Stay connected with an air card

‘Gin Sen’

Yen Ta Fo Recipe

Eating noodles in Thailand

Phuket Philatelic Museum Take a stop for stamps

14 BOI Incentives to Promote Foreign

Know the background and beautiful traditions

Photographers: Suksan Samranrit Ukit Hanamornset Suravut Teepprasan Wasan Limsakul Watchara Sangmanee Designers: Mana Tinratreengam Somphot Hama Production: Ukit Hanamornset Sutin Wonglang Uten Arrerob

Aston Martin celebrated its 100th birthday at Geneva

All photography in this publication is copyright of Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. unless noted otherwise. No photos or any other part of this publication many be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. All rights are reserved.

Events & News

Quiz

in Phuket is published by Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. 50/21 Moo 4, Chao Fa Nok Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel.: +66 (0) 7624 8715 Fax: +66 (0) 7624 8901 Email: info@phuket4seasons.com www.phuket4seasons.com

Investment in Thailand

Songkran Celebration in Thailand

Sales & Marketing: Ponglikit Yuadyong Busayamas Sittidej Pirada Wongpara

What will happen and what has happened in Phuket

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Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

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Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, April 2013

EXPLORING

THE UNDERWATER WORLD Diving in the south

Thailand is a great destination for diving. It borders with The Gulf of Thailand on the East and Andaman Ocean on the West. The country has over 2,000 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of offshore islands with coral reefs and unique underwater creatures, thus making Thailand amongst the world’s top ten diving sites. The best time to visit the Andaman coast is from October to April, while May to September is a perfect time to visit those sites located along the Gulf of Thailand.

TYPES OF DIVING Snorkelling or Skin Diving

allows snorkellers to observe underwater attractions ranging from sea level to 3-12 feet using a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins while swimming on or through water.

Scuba is diving or exploring underwater using a scuba device to breathe.

DIVE DESTINATIONS

Scuba diving allows divers to stay underwater longer than when using breathholding techniques as used in free-diving. The recreational depth limit is 130FT or 43M.

Let us limit this only around Phuket, areas located within reach of the island. Phuket is like a door opening to other diving destinations which lie amongst the Andaman Sea.

Snuba

Similan Islands

is a form of surface-supplied diving in which an underwater breathing system, developed by Snuba International, is used. The word Snuba is a portmanteau of “snorkel” and “scuba”, sometimes used as a generic term for recreational airline diving. The swimmer uses swimfins, a diving mask, weights, and a 20 foot air line which is connected to a standard scuba tank. The tank is mounted on a raft on the surface that follows your movement. It is a great way for a certified diver to introduce non-certified partners to the underwater breathing experience.

The Similans are a group of nine islands located off the coast of Phang Nga Province in Southern Thailand. It was established as a marine national park in 1982. Recently, the park was expanded to include two remote islands named Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. This Similans are renowned for its dive sites ideal for both snorkeling and scuba diving. East side diving consists of gently sloping coral reefs with sandy patches and the occasional boulder in between. The west side is known for its huge underwater granite boulders with numerous swim-throughs. Famous dive sites are namely East of Eden, off Island number 7. Elephant Head Rock, North Point, Deep Six, Boulder City and some spots off Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. The Similans National Park provides accommodation, camping tents for rent and a restaurant. Trips to the Similans are operated by a few tour operators. There are both one day trips and an overnight trip for you to choose from. You may contact local tour agents for more information. The Similans can be reached from Tablamu Pier or Kuraburi Pier in Phang Nga Province or from Phuket which requires about 3-4 hours of travelling. The national park accommodation can be reserved online at www.dnp.go.th. Contact the Similans National Park on Tel. 0-7645-3272

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Koh Ha, Lanta Island Ko Ha is an archipelago of five islands located 25 km west of Koh Lanta Island which requires an hour journey by boat. The main highlight of diving here is cave diving, with a series of underwater caves with lots of soft coral. The largest cavern of the island lies on “Ko Ha Yai”. Travel to Lanta Island from Phuket, you can either take a ferry first to Phi Phi and transfer to Lanta Island or take a minivan for 5-6 hours directly to Lanta Island.

King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Shark Point This group of pinnacle dive sites are located nearby each other. They lay half-way between Ko Phi Phi and Phuket. These sites have some of the most abundant and colourful soft corals in Thailand and are home to literally thousands of fish and other marine species. Barracudas and Tunas are also easily seen. You can expect to see Leopard sharks here as well. The sites are one of the best places to learn advanced scuba diving. It takes about 45 minutes traveling from Phi Phi Don Island and 1.45 hours from Ao Nang, Krabi.

Surin Islands Surin National Park is situated in the Andaman Sea approximately 60 km from the Coast of Phang-Nga Province. The park comprises of 5 main islands; Ko Surin Nua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ree (or Ko Satok), Ko Glang (or Ko Pachumba) and Ko Khai (or Ko Torinla). Ko Surin Nua and Ko Surin Tai are large islands situated on the north-south axis. They are separated by 200 meters width of shallow sea. In the low tide period, you can walk across to the other island or so-called “cutted channel bay”. They are one of the biggest and best fertile shallow coral reefs in Thailand. While the Similans are famous for scuba diving, Surin National park is known as one of the best places for skin diving. Popular dive sites include Richelieu Rock Hin Kong, Koh Torinla and Koh Chi. There is accommodation and tents for overnight stays on the island which are operated by the National Park, as well as boat and diving equipment which can be rented for day trips. For more information, please contact Surin National Park on tel: 0-7649-1378, 0-7649-1582 or visit www.dnp. go.th. Dive operators in Khao Lak and around the tourist beaches in Phuket offer live-aboard diving trips and day trips via speedboat.

Jabang, Lipe Isand Racha Islands This is perhaps the best alternative for any diver with only a short time in Phuket, this being because Racha Island is located within just a half hour journey by speedboat from Phuket. Racha Yai Island is well known for snorkeling. It can be done in a one day trip tour from Phuket. For those who would like to stay overnight, there is a choice of accommodation available on the island from five star resorts to local bungalows.

Jabang is located northwest of Koh Lipe, near Koh Hin Ngam. It is a shallow underwater pinnacle in the Butang Archipelago, which is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The top of the pinnacle is covered in soft tree corals in eye-popping shades of red, pink, and purple with lots of fish in clear water.

Hin Muang & Hin Daeng Hin Muang & Hin Daeng are other famous deep diving sites which are situated in the Lanta Islands National Park. Hin Muang or ‘Purple Rock’ consists of a rock completely submerged underwater and is entirely covered with soft purple corals. You can expect to see anemones, colorful sea-fans and an abundance of little caves, ledges and rocky outcroppings. Manta Rays and Grey Reef Sharks are also often sighted here. Hin Daeng is located just 500 meter away. The ‘Red Rock’ is a colossal limestone rock that lies submerged underwater covered with red corals. Hin Daeng also offers ‘wall diving’ and is considered as offering the deepest ‘wall diving’ experience in Thailand with depths exceeding 60 meters. Nimos and Cartoon fish, as well as Whale Sharks, have also often been sighted here. Dive operators in Phuket offer live-aboard diving trips to Hun Muang & Hin Daeng. You can also buy diving packages from Krabi, Trang or Lanta Island when you reach there.

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PHUKET PHILATELIC MUSEUM Getting around Phuket Old Town to appreciate the uniqueness of the Sino-Portugese style architecture? Then the Phuket Philatelic Museum is one building that you should stop at for a while. It takes less than an hour to visit and there is no entrance fee.

huket Philatelic Museum is located on Montri Road, in Phuket Town, in the same area as the Phuket Post Office. The museum is one of only eight philatelic museums throughout Thailand. The building was once the former governor’s house before becoming the first Phuket post office during 1930-1963 A.D. Inside, the museum has been divided into 3 sections. After the very first few steps in, you will find an exhibition explaining how the Thai postal service originated and how it has developed since the reign of King Rama V. There are some images of the first officially printed postage stamps, pictures of the postman of the past and of the very first post office in Bangkok. The deeper rooms display equipment and machines used in the postal and telegraph services of the past such as telephones, telegraph machines, parcel-weighing machines etc. The last part of this small museum is dedicated to stamps and souvenirs. Here you will find beautiful postcards, coin banks, photo frames, magnet and more. Phuket Philatelic Museum is open 08:30-16:30 Monday - Friday, 09:00-12:00 Saturday and Public Holidays, and closed on Sundays.

About the Thai Postal Service As a result of the Bowring Treaty signed in 1855, Thailand has been open for foreign trade. Therefore, the postal service became a necessary source for exchanging communications. The early period postal service was setup and run by the British consulate in Bangkok. Thailand at that time had no stamps of its own and therefore used stamps of British India which were also used in the Straits Settlements, Malacca, Penang and Singapore. For mail sent from Bangkok, the stamps were marked with a capital “B”. The mail was routed straight through Singapore and had a Singapore postmark. Then, in 1880 King Rama V asked his younger brother Prince Bhanurangsri to set an up official postal service in Thailand. He was also appointed the first Director General of the Post Department. The first post office was built in Charoen Krung Road by the Chao Phraya River near the mouth of the Ong-Ang canal. The first set of Thai stamps featured a portrait of King Rama V and were designed by William Ridgeway and printed by Waterlow Printing Company in England, without the name of the country printed on. They were restricted to domestic post only and were called ‘Solos, which are the old units of Thai currency. After Thailand joined the Universal Postal Union in July 1885, the name of the country was then was printed on the stamps along with the price in both Arabic and Thai figures.

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Good to know:

Thai Visas

BOI INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THAILAND

As there are a growing number of expats in Thailand, it is important to know how you can actually reside in Thailand legally. There are a few visas that are available for those who wish to remain in Thailand for a long period of time. There are generally three categories of visas which foreigners can apply for in order to reside in Thailand for up to a year, with extensions that may be granted: 1. Marriage Visa: A marriage visa can be obtained when an individual is married to a Thai national. 2. Non-Immigrant B Visa: A visa that is applicable if you wish to work for a company in Thailand, or you are setting up your own company in Thailand. 3. Retirement Visa: A visa which can be used to retire in Thailand. You must be at least 50 years old.

In a previous article we advised about registering a business in Thailand with foreign shareholding/ownership by applying for a Foreign Business License. In this article we will review the incentives available to foreign businesses investing in Thailand as it relates to business operations. To relieve the fiscal burden of the government and to respond to current and future economic situations, the Board of Investment (BOI) prescribes policies for investment promotion. Under the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520, the Board of Investment is authorized to grant any one or a combination of the following incentives: Tax Incentives (A) Exemption/reduction of import duties on machinery. (B) Reduction of import duties for raw or essential materials. (C) Exemption of corporate income tax and tax on dividends. (D) A 50% reduction of corporate income tax. (E) Double deductions from the costs of transportation, electricity and water supply. (F) An additional 25% deduction on the cost of installation or construction of facilities. (G) Exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials for use in production for export. Non-Tax Incentives (A) Permits (Visas) for foreign nationals to enter the Kingdom for the purpose of studying investment opportunities. (B) Permits (Visas & Work Permits) to bring skilled workers and ex perts into the Kingdom that qualify under BOI investment promoted activities. (C) Permit to own land. (D) Permit to take out or remit money abroad in a foreign currency. The above mentioned incentives are primarily intended to support the ongoing development of quality and production standards in manufacturing to enhance competitiveness in the world market. However, priority is given to agricultural activities and products, projects related to technological and human resource development, public utilities, infrastructure and basic services, environmental protection and conservation, and other specific targeted industries that are identified from time to time as being important to Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development. If you wish to avail yourself of BOI incentives, contact your local legal advisor or the Board of Investment directly to begin the application process.

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Songkran is from Sanskrit and literally means “a move or change”, in this case it is an astrological passage of the sun into Aries. The Songkran festival is a Thai national holiday celebrating the traditional Thai New Year for three days from 13-15 April every year. Songkran is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and some other countries in South and Southeast Asia.

The myth

There is myth about the origin of Songkran. The story displayed on the stone inscription at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn (also known as Wat Pho) in Bangkok tells that there was Dhammapalgumara from a rich family. He was very smart and by the age of 7 he had completed Three Vedas of the Hindu religion and began teaching others. Gabil - a Master Builder respected throughout the world, heard Dhammapalgumara’s story and decided to come down to the human world and challenge him with 3 questions promising to cut his head off if the boy could answer all questions correctly. If he couldn’t, he would ask for the boy’s head. The boy was thinking hard until one day before he had to answer Gabil the Master Builder, and he happened to know the answers to his questions. The Gabil Master Builder therefore lost to Dhammapalgumara. Gabil the Master Builder, before cutting his head off, called his 7 daughters to come to keep his head on earth otherwise the earth would be on fire, throwing it in the air would cause drought, or leaving it into the sea would make all water dry out. The 7 ladies had to use a tray to bear their father’s head and parade around Sumeru Mountain, considered the pillar of the world as well as the center of the universe. When it came to the anniversary, one lady had to parade the head around Sumeru Mountain for 60 minutes every year. The lady was called ‘Nang Songkran’.

Making Merit

People also celebrate Songkran as a Buddhist festival. They may cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at temple by gently pouring scented water over them. They believe the water will wash away bad luck, bring peace and goodness. Some brings food to the temple to offer the monks and make merit for their departed family members and relatives.

Activities

Known well among tourists as a fun and colourful water festival, Songkran actually involves many meaningful activities which should be experienced.

Fun on street

On the 13th April or Maha Songkran Day, people will go out and walk along the road with a water gun or travel by truck with water containers throwing water everywhere. Some prefers water guns or some use traditional bowls. People will get soaked in what is one of the hottest months of the year.

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Family Reunion

Songkran is an important public holiday when most Thais who have moved from their hometown will return home to visit their parents. It’s perhaps one of only two chances for Thais to have a long holiday, the other being the international New Year. Similar to what they do to the Buddhist image, the young will pour scented water over their parents’ and elder’s hands to pay respect and they will be blessed in return. Songkran celebrations differ from region to region. Chiang Mai and other provinces in the North are great places to celebrate Songkran in a ‘Lanna’ style. In Bangkok, most tourists gather in Khao Saan Road. The venue is very famous and a hot spot for throwing water. Songkran in Phuket is celebrated mostly in the tourists areas such as Patong, Kata, Karon and at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town. You can expect festive activities throughout the day and well into the night.

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STAY CONNECTED with an air card

When you’re going on holiday, and on business trips, internet connection is vital and an aircard maybe a solution.

What is an air card With an aircard, you don’t need to depend on a hotel’s Wi-Fi connection. The internet is carried around with your laptop. An aircard is a device that plugs into your computer and allows you to access the internet through a mobile phone network. Acting like a modem, the air card comes in USB and PCMCIA versions, both of which require dedicated slots. The USB aircard is more popular nowadays because it is handy and an easy plug and play device. Prices vary from approximately 1000 - 6000 Baht.

Cellular Broadband Service in Thailand To be able to surf, check emails, upload or download, you need an ‘internet sim card’ provided by any mobile network carrier to accompany your aircard. There are mainly four providers of 3G service in Thailand namely TOT on 2100 MHz, AIS on 900 MHz , Dtac and True Move on 850 MHz.

Buying an air card An aircard comes with different specifications e.g. frequency band support, maximum speed etc. You therefore have to consider about your internet sim service provider. There are generally two types of USB aircards sold in Thailand; those provided by a phone company, which normally come with an internet sim card, can be bought at each provider’s service centers or counters at department store; and those without internet sim cards, which will normally describe which band it supports, carrier, operation system and maximum speed. They can generally be found at IT shops. For any of you who are looking for an internet connection for more than one device, you may have to look for 3G Pocket WiFi instead.

Internet Package There are both prepaid and per monthly plans, time based and data based packages on offer. Should you wish for more details you can either call a service center or look on their official website. AIS Dtac True Move TOT

calls 1175 (24 hrs) calls 1678 (24 hrs) calls 1331 (24 hrs) calls 1331 (24 hrs)

www.ais.co.th www.dtac.co.th www.truemove.co.th www.tot3g.net

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402

Mai Khao Beach

Thepkrasattr i

R oa d

402

Phuket International Airport

Nai Yang Beach

4026

The pkra sattr

4031

Naithon Beach

Lifestyle

Phang Nga

Sarasin Bridge

4027

Po Bay

i Road

Layan Beach

Bang Rong Bay

Bang Tao Beach

Phuket

402 4027

Yamu Cape

Srisoonthorn Road 4025

Surin Beach

4025

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Nga Cape

4020

4233

Prab aramee Road

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Patong Beach

Phuket City

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Sakdide

4021

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Cha o Fa

4028

Phuket Bay

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Kamala Beach

Koh Taphao Noi

4021

Ao Makham

Koh Taphao Yai

4028

Kata Beach

4129

Chalong Bay Kata Noi Beach

Yon Bay

4233

Panwa Cape

Viset R

4009

oad

Phuket Aquarium

4024

Koh Lon

Nai Harn Beach Rawai Beach Phromthep Cape

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Thailand is a paradise for foods, and whilst you’re here you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences; on the roadside, in a local restaurant, as well as in five star hotels. Cuisines range from delicious local specialties to international dishes.

n Thailand, tasty food is not limited to only big restaurants, it can easily be found along the street and of course it will cost you a fraction of the price.

Jiang Look Chin Pla

Noodle dishes are one of the many different popular foods and they can generally

How to order?

be found everywhere in Thailand. Ordering a bowl of noodles might be easy for

After you get a seat at any noodle shop the seller or server will come to you and wait

Thais, but for foreigners, the choice of noodles, toppings and seasonings might

for your order. Simply start with the type of noodle you want or ask for ‘Gao Lao’ in

make you a little confused.

case you don’t want ‘Sen’ or noodle. Then, you should indicate that you want it with or without soup. ‘Nam’ means soup while ‘Haeng’ means you don’t want the liquid. A

The noodle vendors will normally have their cart displaying the types of

bowl of noodles can be customised whether you prefer it with tom yam paste, with

noodles and other ingredients, such as vegetables, and various toppings such

Yen Ta Fo sauce, or nam tok which is when the soup is darkened with blood. Then

as minced pork, red pork, chicken thigh, wonton or deep fried wonton which are

request the meat you would like to accompany your noodles. The standard meats are

available. Thus, Thais generally distinguish the types of noodle shops with the

usually minced pork, moo daeng (red roasted pork), fishballs or meat balls called look

toppings. There is “Bamee Kiew” (noodles with wonton), “Yen Ta Fo” (noodles with

chin, wonton and innards. However, sometimes you can also have seafood but then

pinkish-red pickled bean curd), “Guay Tiew Tom Yam Ma Now” (noodles with Tom

the price will normally be a little bit higher. If you don’t want to put any of those or any

Yam seasoning and lime juice), “Guay Tiew Nong Gai” (noodlse with chicken

vegetable, simply point out and says “mai aww” or “mai sai”.

thigh) just to name a few. Getting a bit confused? The information below can shed some light on the matter for you before you decide to you grab a seat at any noodle shops.

Get to know types of noodles ‘Sen’ literally means ‘line’ in Thai. ‘Guay Tiew’ is those noodles made of white rice flour, whereas Bamee means those yellow egg noodles. There are typically 8 types of noodles you will see. • Sen Yai (flat rice noodles) – these are wide flat noodles made from white rice flour. Besides noodle soup, they are usually popular for a dish ‘Raad Na’ or fried noodles in thick gravy. • Sen Lek (thin rice noodles) – medium flat rice flour noodles, used a lot for ‘Pad Thai’. • Sen Mee / Mee Khaw / Mee Hoon (rice vermicelli) – small wiry looking rice flour noodles. Used for a famous Phuket specialty called ‘Mee Hoon

Example: • Bamee Moo Daeng Nam Tok means small egg noodles with red roasted pork in a darkened soup. • Gao Lao Yen Ta Fo means you ask for meat and vegetable in a fermented bean curd soup. Add the word “piset” if you would like to have a larger portion.

Seasons your noodles You will always see condiment sets on the table. There are usually four seasonings namely sugar, fish sauce, vinegar with sliced or crushed chilies and dried red chili powder which you can add to adjust the taste of your noodles. A bowl of noodles at the street vendors around Thailand normally costs about 35 - 50 baht.

Give ordering a try and enjoy your meal!

Pa Chang’. • Ba Mee – small egg and wheat flour noodles. • Ba Mee Yok - small green egg noodles. • Mee Luang - round yellow egg and wheat flour noodles. • Wun Sen (cellophane noodles, grass noodles) – very thin, very wiry, translucent soya bean flour noodles.

Bamee Cha Gang Row

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, April 2013 Ingredients (1servings) 1 lb

rice noodles

2 1/2

chicken stock

50g (1 1/5 oz)

dried cuttlefish, boiled

pieces of pork, boiled and sliced

fishballs or porkballs, boiled

slices of fried tofu (optional)

cubes of congealed pork blood, boiled (optional)

1 tbs

morning glory, cut into 2 inch long pieces, boiled

50g (1 1/5 oz)

jelly fish, boiled

2 tsp

fermented bean curd sauce

2 tsp

fish sauce

2 tsp

sugar

1 tsp

chilli powder

2 tsp

vinegar or lime juice

2 tsp

vegetable oil

Directions 1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water until tender. Boil for 3-5 minutes then remove from the heat. Put vegetable oil over the noodles, and quickly stir so that the noodles will not stick together. 2. In a pot, boil the fish balls, jelly fish, morning glory, congealed pork blood and tofu with the chicken stock. Then season with salted soybean paste and sugar. 3. When serving, place the noodles in a serving dish and pour the soup over it.

Jiang Look Chin Pla

YEN TA FO

Yen Ta Fo is a sort of noodle dish very popular in Thailand. It is different and attractive with the pink coloured soup being made from fermented bean curds. Besides its unique sauce, Yen Ta Fo is served with fried tofu, dried cuttlefish, congealed pork blood and morning glory, together with crisp fried wonton and fishballs. Here are the ingredient and the method of how to cook.

Season as desired with fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder and vinegar.

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ASTON MARTIN th CELEBRATED ITS 100 BIRTHDAY AT GENEVA Aston Martin celebrated a century of automotive achievement at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show.

he luxury British sports car maker - marked its centenary in Switzerland with cars from both its illustrious past and its

exciting future. Pride of place was reserved for the latest luxurious addition to the now fully-replaced or refreshed sports car range – the forthcoming Rapide S. The luxury four-door GT has been sympathetically

redesigned

and

painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world’s most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car. Extensive design and engineering improvements make the new Rapide S even more desirable and refined. It replaces the outgoing Rapide in

Changes under the car’s sinuous skin are comprehensive, with the new

markets worldwide.

AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 powerplant delivering unprecedented

The Rapide S now boasts an even

power and improved in-gear acceleration.

more assertive ‘face’ created by virtue of the striking new full grille.

Output jumps significantly versus the previous V12: power is up by 17% and The new front end design is matched at the back

the New Rapide S shaves 0.3 seconds off its 0-62 mph time, which drops from

by a new rear deck profile which consists of a

the 5.2 seconds to just 4.9seconds. Top speed climbs to more than 190 mph.

more pronounced boot lid ‘flip’. The improved

More efficient, as well as more potent, the new Rapide S cuts its CO2

aerodynamic and aesthetic upgrades both

emissions by seven per cent – from 355 g/km to 332 g/km – while fuel

reinforce the sporting nature of new Rapide S.

economy now stands at 19.9 mpg on the official EU combined cycle.

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in Phuket, April 2013

Lifestyle

New dynamic stability control (DSC) and the latest Gen4 iteration of Aston Martin’s hi-tech Adaptive Damping System (ADS) sharpen already crisp dynamics. The ADS system now offers three distinct settings: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’, with the character of each being tailored to the nature of Rapide S. The different damping modes help to significantly broaden the character of the Rapide S, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s precise requirements. Thus it can be a luxurious GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into a more assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes. Meanwhile, as with the new DB9, the new Rapide S achieves compliance with the latest European pedestrian protection regulations courtesy of its innovative new front grille design.

Centenary Editions On the Geneva stand Aston Martin’s ultimate Super GT – the new Vanquish – showcased a painstakingly created Centenary Edition specification that is available worldwide on just 100 examples of each of the car maker’s model lines: Vantage, DB9, Vanquish and Rapide S. Featuring a unique graduated paint finish, solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘trans flux’ enamel inlay and a special Aston Martin hallmark, the show car’s exterior represents an exclusive celebration of the company’s 100-year history.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez explained: “The chance to own and enjoy such a stunning piece of Aston Martin’s heritage is made all the more rare by the fact that we are limiting numbers to just 100 of each model line. Even before a single customer car is built we are seeing worldwide supporters and enthusiasts of the brand quickly securing their chosen model.” Inside, as out, a Centenary Edition Aston Martin is identified by its exclusive and luxurious treatment. Deep Soft black leather – previously featuring only in the One-77 hypercar – with contrasting silver stitching, a special silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the head restraints and solid sterling silver sill plaques individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark are among the features unique to the car. Each Centenary Edition model will also be supplied with a unique presentation box containing a number of exclusive gifts to mark the first 100 years of the company. These include two glass keys, two bespoke key pouches made from leather matching the car’s interior trim, solid silver cufflinks featuring the Aston Martin script, solid silver Rollerball pen and high quality Bang & Olufsen headphones. The gift box will also include a silver polishing cloth to help owners ensure the silver centenary wings badges and sill plaques on their car keep their lustre. Some specification details will vary market by market around the world but all cars will, as ever, be painstakingly handcrafted at Aston Martin’s global headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Gaydon, in Warwickshire, England.

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, April 2013

Century of success In 2013, 100 years after it was first incorporated, Aston Martin offers customers its most modern, attractive and compelling line-up to date. The luxurious new Rapide S joins sporty V8 and V12 Vantage, in either coupe or roadster form, timeless new DB9 – as coupe or Volante – and ultimate Super GT, the Vanquish coupe, in a centenary sports car portfolio that continues to make Aston Martin one of the most desirable automotive brand’s in the world. The Cygnet ‘tailor-fit’ city car, meanwhile, underscores the brand’s determination to challenge convention, think differently and surprise and delight its customers worldwide. Before the show in Switzerland Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “2013 is a celebration of the Aston Martin Brand and its achievement as being seen as ‘best of British.” From the triumphs on the track at Le Mans and Nürburgringin 1959 – represented at Geneva by the showing of a precious 1959 DBR1 – to the on-going on-screen ‘love affair’ with James Bond, Aston Martin has a richly-textured history that we can look back on with pride. “Today, with many exciting new projects in the pipeline and new shareholders helping to drive us forward, we can also look ahead to what I am sure will be a vibrant, dynamic and successful future.” He added: “Aston Martin is, today, truly a global business. A growing network that now stands at 145 dealers in 41 countries worldwide illustrates how far this still modestly-proportioned British company has come in recent times, and I know our determination to continue reaching into new markets and territories around the world will see Aston Martin’s unique appeal spread further still.”

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Events & News

in Phuket, April 2013

news

MCOT in Phuket 16 March 2013

The Bangkok based public broadcaster MCOT, who operates a number of radio and television stations in Thailand, organized a big event in Phuket on Saturday 16 March at Saphan Hin Public Park in Phuket Town. The event attracted lots of locals who enjoyed activities, a lucky draw, performances, as well as free concert from Thai bands and singers.

events

Songkran Festival 2013 13 April 2013 There are total of 57 awards for 11 categories. About 50 archers from different organizations have confirmed their acceptance to participate in the event. Elite archers from the Thai national team including Traipat Maneesombatkul and Kanyawee Maneesombatkul are also joining.

3rd Phuket Archery Open 2013 6 April 2013 Phuket Archery Club, in collaboration with the Sport Association of Phuket and Blue Elephant Restaurant Phuket, will host the 3rd Phuket Archery Open 2013 on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Blue Elephant Restaurant.

Celebrate Traditional Thai New Year in Phuket on Saturday 13th April 2013. Prepare your water gun and to get wet when wandering around the island. Check out Patong, Kata, Karon or Saphan Hin in Phuket Town and have some fun.

Phuket Bike Week 2013

Archers are scheduled to fire their first arrows at 9am against the backdrop of Phuket’s famous Sino Portuguese architecture. The finalists for all categories will progress to the medal matches held later in the afternoon. Admission is free for spectators.

14 -21 April 2013 The annual Phuket Bike Week will celebrate its 19th anniversary under the event named “ASEAN Ride Together”. The biggest motorcycle event in Asia will attract over 5,000 motorcycles, with more than 30,000 visitors from 26 countries, who gather coinciding with the world famous Songkran Festival at Patong Beach. Please visit their official website www.phuketbikeweek.com for more information.

Phuket Pride 2013 22 - 28 April 2013

Phuket Pride 2013 will be held in Patong Beach for one week starting from 22 to 28 April 2013. Festivities include parties, bowling competition, quiz night, exclusive dinner, football competition and more. A big stage will be set up at the football field close to Patong Beach with a range of booths opening from 4 pm and the entertainment starting from 6 pm. You can never fail to enjoy the Grand Parade in the afternoon of Saturday 27th. For more details, please visit www.phuket-pride.org

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, April 2013

SUDOKU These Sudoku puzzles are pitched at a middle level: not too easy, and not too frustratingly hard, for the average person.

We will publish the solutions in next month's issue.

Crossword Down

2: Enchanted time of song 6: Professional slang 7: Wedding page word 8: Teamed up (with) 11: Out of work? (abbr.) 13: Depart 14: Personal liberty

1: Impress 2: Itching (to) 3: Complicated 4: Cyclotron bit 5: 'Golly!' 9: Bailiwick 10: Hate the thought of 11: KO caller 12: Player's peg

Last month's sudoku answers

Trivia Quiz

Last month's solution

Across

S N A G S M E R I O A A 5 6 7 D I M C A B L E R R V B 8 M U L T I T U D E E I E L 9 10 11 A D D L E S A P G N E A 12 13 R E D T E N S E

1. Who was the director of the CIA from 1976-81? 2. Which Chinese year follows the year of the sheep? 3. Which country does the airline Gulf Air come from? 4. In which German city was the original Volkswagen factory? 5. What does the letter E stand for in UNICEF?

6. Pudong International Airport is in which country? 7. Who wrote the book Pride and Prejudice?

8. What element is found in all organic compounds? 9. Which actress played Miranda Priestly?

10. What are the colours of the Poland ďŹ&#x201A;ag?

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, April 2013

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