Mango Metro – Volume 10, Issue 5 – April 2016 by Mango Mango Ltd. Part.

LEGAL & ACCOUNTING FOR THAILAND BUSINESS

INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATES THAILAND LEGAL & ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS

COMPANY SET-UP ACCOUNTING IMMIGRATION BOI APPLICATION PROPERTY LAW FAMILY LAW WORK PERMIT LEASE & USUFRUCT CONTRACTS WWW.INTERACTIVETHAILAND.COM | 02-653-0043

APRIL 2016 • VOLUME 10, ISSUE NO. 5

ALWAYS FREE!

Songkran Escape pg.4

About Membership Contact Rbi today and ďŹ nd out how you can save thousands of dollars on expat medical coverage. Free worldwide travel insurance for all new members this monthâ&#x20AC;Ś

Rbi Premium has introduced a revolutionay new card membership exclusively for exptriates and overseas travellers. This new membership is designed to be a more veratile and coat effective alternative to high-priced international medical and overseas travel insurance. Rbi card membership provides better value, more benefits and the opportunity to enjoy cash savings and accrue tax-free interest at the end of each year. Standard membership includes: Global in patient cover outpartient cash allowance option MasterCard payment solution World wide travel insurance Critical illness cover Bespoke membership designs

+66 879181684 +852 81915426 +44 20 7859 4228

AW_vertical_W109.25mm_X_H155mm.pdf 1 08-Dec-15 4:26:37 PM

Volume 10, Issue No. 5

APRIL 2016

Published by

Mango Mango Ltd. Part. 124 Sukhumvit 38 Prakanong, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110 • Thailand Tel. 02 661 4818

Publisher and Managing Director: Reid Nixon Tel. 080 246 9000 • reid@mangometro.com Publisher and Managing Director: Pavinee Chaymanee (Ad sales: Thai) Tel. 084 147 5550 • joke@mangometro.com Business Development Manager: Andy Hyde (Ad sales: English) Tel. 080 814 9080 • andy@mangometro.com Graphic Designer: Yosalak Chanutrutipan Tel. 092 271 3581 • gorn@mangometro.com

Travel, Health, Personal Accident

CMY

HEALTH INSURANCE

PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

50,000,000 Baht

5,000,000 Baht

Up to

Benefit Value (per disability)

Up to

Benefit Value

Songkran Escape

Hidden Yunnan B y

D a v e

S t a m b o u l i s

Songkran is a mighty fine holiday the first few go-rounds. I mean how defining of a country to throw a giant national water fight as a way to welcome in the sizzling hot summer. I know that isn’t the real meaning (which is Buddhist in origin) of the big wet, but nevertheless, it really is a swell time for those who’ve never experienced it.

Yet too many Songkrans down the road, it gets kind of old. You can’t run any errands without getting soaked, recent years have seen upgrades to stronger guns, ice water, and other ways of drenching folks that are just downright unpleasant, not to mention that it is hotter than hell out there, making it often preferable to lie indoors under the air-con than heading into the steam to get a bucket of water poured on one’s head. You can’t really escape Songkran by heading over the border either, as Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia also revel in their own New Years the same way, but just a bit further north, the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan is a kaleidoscope of diverse landscapes, colorful ethnic groups, and some real hidden gems in Southeast Asian travel. The topography of Yunnan ranges from 7,000-plus-meter peaks marking the eastern end of the Tibetan ranges to steaming tropical jungles in southern Xipsongbanna, home to the Dai minority, who, for those who need their water, actually celebrate Songkran just like here with one giant water festival. However, highest on most travellers’ bucket lists are visits to 1) historic Lijiang, home to the ancient matriarchal Naxi culture, 2) trekking forays to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where a tributary of the Yangtze River gets funnelled into one narrow canyon amidst stupendous scenery, 3) the aptly-named Shangri-La, also known as ‘Little

4 mango metro

APRIL 2016

Sukhumvit 4

Sukhumvit 2

Highway

S uk h

WE ARE HERE

vi t

Sukhumvit

7 Alley

mvit 3

Sukhumvit

Sukhu

Nana BTS

throughout the year, turning golden in the fall, and an added bonus are the many festivals held here, with the Hani and Yi outfitted in their traditional dress. While Kunming may not have the stunning scenery as the aforementioned spots, it is one of Asia’s most pleasant cities. Sitting at an altitude of 1,900 meters, yet far enough south, it is known as “The City of Eternal Spring,” due to year-round temperatures that are not extreme at either end, plus an endless array of blooming flowers. The city has many ancient temples, an exotic flower and bird market, and some truly wonderful city parks, where traditional musicians perform, tai chi gets practiced, and families come to picnic and enjoy the lakeside restaurants and market vendors that can be found. Direct flights to Kunming from Bangkok are available these days, with Air Asia and China Eastern Airlines offering the best deals. For easy access, great value for the money, and some of Southeast Asia’s least-visited tourist hotspots, Yunnan is highly recommendable. And, hey, you get to be dry and cool for at least a few days as well!

Tibet’, 4) Kunming, Yunnan’s capital and the city of eternal spring, and 5) the rice terraces of Yuanyang. Lijiang, at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains, is famed for its residents, the Naxi, a tribe that descended from Tibet and are one of the few matriarchal societies in the world, with women making most of the decisions, inheriting property, and playing the dominant part in commercial and community life. The city is also noted for its quaint old wood buildings with heavy slate roofs and hundreds of cobblestone arch bridges that have survived massive earthquakes, and the town is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While many of the Naxi residents have sold their properties to Han Chinese, with the town turned into a bit of Chinese Disneyland for tourists, one can still find some tranquil and atmospheric spots, especially outside of the main holiday periods. If you go to Lijiang, you most definitely should visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, about two hours away, where an upper tributary of the Yangtze River snuggles into one of the world’s most spectacular canyons, with almost 4,000 meters of vertical between the river and the mountains that rise up above it. It takes two days to walk the high trail above the river, with plenty of guesthouses to stay in and fabulous views all the way, and there is also a motor-able lower road to take in some of the gorge for those who don’t want the exercise. For the ultimate in mountain scenery, head north to Shangri-La. Yes, that’s actually its name, although the town was formerly called Zhongdian. The Chinese decided to cash in on its tourist potential and claim that it was the real setting for James Hilton’s fictitious Asian paradise in the novel Lost Horizon. Tibetans, who make up more than 50% of the inhabitants here, call the town Gyelthang, and it’s a great spot to experience Tibetan culture without needing the paperwork and expenses of going to Tibet. The big draws here are the massive Songzanlin Ti-

6 mango metro

APRIL 2016

betan Monastery, wandering the narrow lanes of the old town, and planning treks to the holy Tibetan Kawa Karpo mountain range that lies a few hours away. Bring your woolies if you come here, as Shangri-La lies at 3,200 meters and is brutally cold in winter. Much warmer in climate, the magical Yuanyang sits above the Red River Valley, closer to Sapa in Vietnam than to Kunming. This is the site of probably the mother of all rice terraces in the world. If you think Bali or Banaue are great, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The ethnic Hani and Yi people who inhabit this region have made the most out of an extremely inhospitable mountain environment, using 2,000-year-old techniques to grow and irrigate hanging terraced rice fields. The dramatic tiered rice terraces are especially beautiful in the winter months, when the paddies get flooded and reflect the clouds and sunrise/sunset colors, but have charms

BLEND bistro

wine bar

Reservations 02 258 8808 www.blend-bistro-bkk.com Open Every Day 11:30 - 24:00

Blend Bistro & Wine Bar

The

Street

Chicken By Voicu Mihnea Simandan. Photos by Sirirak Chantorn There’s an invasion and a revolution taking place right now on the streets of Bangkok! If you don’t hear the deafening sounds of machine guns and the scraping of tank treads on the hot surface of the capital’s roads, that’s because the invasion is a visual one on the abandoned walls of Bangkok, and the revolution is in the Thai art circles. The beginning of 2016 saw the second edition of Bukruk, an urban art festival that brought together ten European and four Asian artists (two of whom were Thai) with one mission in mind: to visually stimulate everyone living or passing through Bangkok with their graffiti art. For ten days, street artists were given wall space and artistic freedom to “redecorate” the center of Bangkok according to their artistic vision. Their work is still visible, and the locations of each graffiti point are shown on a map available at bukruk.com. The most amazing part of this urban art festival is the fact that it gave passers-by the opportunity to see the art coming to life on the walls right in front of them as the artists “performed” their graffiti live. While only two Thai artists exhibited this year at Bukruk, there are

8 mango metro

APRIL 2016

many more Thai street artists who’ve long since left their mark on abandoned buildings and walls in Bangkok. One of them is 35-year-old Ekkrhat Nhakanukhor, known by his graffiti tag name “ASIN”, who, as a child, sold his first cartoon drawing to his own mother for five baht. “That moment made me very happy, and I’ve been drawing ever since,” said ASIN recalling how his passion for art started. His first attempt at graffiti was during his vocational college time when he bought a can of spray paint and drew a tag on an overpass, which is basically the artist’s name in his own typography style. We see plenty of these everywhere in Bangkok, but to reach the status of street artist requires more than just vandalizing public facilities. After ASIN graduated with a degree in art and design from Poh-Chang Academy of Arts, he entered the workforce as a graphic designer, and his passion for graffiti was rekindled. It was at this time when he truly dedicated himself to establishing his name as a street artist with a recognizable style and character.

The graffiti scene in Thailand is split between two groups. The first one, following Western ideas and concepts, is mostly engaged in legal and illegal “tagging”, “bombing”, and “throwup”, which are less complex in design and can be easily done in a very short period of time. As they are usually spray painted on public or private properties without consent from the authorities or owners, many associate these graffiti pieces with youth urban vandalism. “After all,” muses ASIN, “laws are made to be broken.” The second group has taken graffiti to an actual urban street art. “These artists use their creativity constructively by making abandoned spaces visually beautiful and, thus, encouraging people to see the aesthetics side of graffiti. I don’t judge either of them, and it’s not my place to say who’s right or wrong. It’s up to your own viewpoint as both artist and audience,” explains ASIN. All street artists who take their passion seriously work hard to establish their own recognizable tag names and characters. For Ekkrhat Nhakanukho, his tag name is a combination of his name and the word “sin” which he chose due to his fascination with the movie Seven, in which a serial killer uses the seven biblical sins to commit murders. “But I still have to create a set of art works to represent this concept,” confesses ASIN. The second, and probably most recognizable trademark of ASIN’s street art is his character, Chicken. “The inspiration came from a Japanese children’s book that compared life at school with that on a farm. On the farm, the chickens

ulating. “My inspiration comes from what I see around me as a member of our society. Anything can impact me, and I use Chicken to tell a story. Sometimes it’s my story, sometimes it’s yours,” explains ASIN. So, next time you see Chicken on the streets of Bangkok, stop for a moment and think about it. Is your own story right there on the wall? If you want to see ASIN working on graffiti right in front of you, then don’t miss his first solo exhibition “Lost in Connection”, where he will perform several live graffiti paintings. The other works on display will be a combination of spray painting mixed with oil.

are free to move around as they wish and eat all day long. On top of that, my family has had a chicken farm since I was a young boy… I’m still pretty good at making chicken sounds,” says ASIN laughingly. The way ASIN uses Chicken to send a message via his graffiti is both visually and mentally stim

“The concept of the exhibition focuses on how we communicate in this world called ‘social media’. It unconsciously influences our living and daily routine. Some people lose themselves in this world and forget to communicate in the old-fashioned way by looking people in the eyes and hugging each other,” says ASIN. “The purpose of the exhibition is to raise some questions in the audience’s mind, not to provide a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. Rather, I want people to ask themselves, ‘Is it real?’”.

The opening of ASIN’s exhibition will be at Midnice Gallery – midnicegallery.com – on April 23rd, from 7 p.m. until late. The exhibition will stay open until May 20th. Don’t miss your chance at seeing a local street artist paint right in front of your eyes! If you want to keep track of ASIN’s work, like his Facebook page at fb.com/ASIN1980. Keep up with what’s happening on the graffiti scene in Thailand by visiting bkkgraff.com.

mango metro

APRIL 2016

Vapor Restaurant and Bar provides a charming and modern, yet rustic, ambience for diners with a choice of atmospheres in which to enjoy a blend of Thai, American and French cuisine, or a range of signature drinks blended from the freshest home grown herbs and fruit. Located in the middle of a stunning lake, the cooling breezes provide comfort in the main open-sided restaurant or on the outdoor Vista Terrace, where diners enjoy a more intimate experience day or night. The banquet room provides air-conditioned comfort and is also available for private hire.

Nichada Thani, (known as the expatriate Town of Thailand,). This cosmopolitan, vibrant and exclusive neighborhood of over 1,300 homes encompasses 2 international schools and a whole host of retail outlets and services within a lush, high-end and secure environment, which has continually developed over the years to respond to the ever changing demands of the international community which it serves. Since opening in May 2015, word has spread about this convivial little gem in Nonthaburi and diners from surrounding neighborhoods are on the increase.

Bangkok's best restaurants delivered to your door since 1998!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY TO REGISTER NOW

GET 30% DISCOUNT ENTER THE CODE MMFBP30

*New Customers Only

With decades of experience, the Vapor team can easily arrange catering at the restaurant or in private residences within or outside of Nichada Thani. Vapor’s signature drinks include the “Bangkok Symphony”; a perfect balance of Thai herbs, and the “Lake Rhapsody” which uses organic and home grown Butterfly pea flowers, in harmony with other ingredients, to create a welcome and cooling respite from a hot day. The fare is no less exciting, with Thai, American, French and Chinese influences making their mark across the broad menu. The popular and authentic Massaman Curry is expertly prepared with top quality Thai beef shank, slowly simmered for 3 hours. Vapor lies within the gated community of

10 mango metro

APRIL 2016

Find us at Sukhumvit soi 11 Telephone: 02-651-1098 snappernz@snapper-bangkok.com www.snapper-bangkok.com www.facebook.com/SnapperNZ

PARTY NIGHT

12 mango metro

APRIL 2016

PARTY NIGHT

Tuesday, May 3rd, 6:30-? THE FORGE BANGKOK

mango metro

APRIL 2016

Offer valid until 30th April

A GEEK IN THAI LAND

Although they’re most visible at Thailand’s bars and cabaret shows, kathoey can also be seen working in almost every sector in the country.

LADYBOYS: THAILAND’S THIRD GENDER Thailand’s third gender is an endless source of fascination for visitors, who are invariably astonished at the seemingly high numbers of kathoey (ladyboys) in Thailand and the comparatively privileged place they occupy in society. The only time most tourists see kathoey is at overtly sexualized cabaret shows or in the ‘entertainment’ zones of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, where they will dance, have their picture taken and provide comfort, all for a price. It is for this reason that Thai ladyboys are often equated with the seedier side of Thailand. They are often viewed, at least by the tourist, as a highly sexualized caricature, albeit attractive, and are thus objectified.

This is both unfortunate and unfair as the kathoey, away from the neon-lit bars and huge cabaret shows, have become integrated into most areas of Thai society. It is quite common to see a ladyboy bagging groceries in a supermarket, serving food in a restaurant or working in a beauty salon, for example. They can also be found in many less traditional female occupations, a famous example being Nong Toom, a Muay Thai fighter whose trademark was to kiss her vanquished male opponent on the head. A movie of her life was released in 2003, entitled Beautiful Boxer. Some saw the introduction, in 2011, of an all-kathoey air hostess staff aboard PC Air airline as a positive high-heeled step up for the community, while others viewed it as mere exploitation. The airline ceased operations in 2012. Ladyboys in Thailand seem to be much more visible, respected and accepted than in other Asian and Western countries. It is probably for this reason that tourists turn out in droves to gawp, point

16 mango metro

APRIL 2016

and have their pictures taken among these beautiful and remarkably feminine people. Others have suggested that it is perhaps something darker, something more akin to the fascination people had for the Bearded Lady of yesteryear.

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder The dramatically different way in which ladyboys are perceived in Thailand may go some way towards explaining why it appears that there are, proportionally, so many more of them in Thailand than elsewhere. Maybe it is simply a matter of Thailand creating a safer haven for transgender and transsexual people to come out. Being transgender in many other places is still seen as something shameful, to be hidden away and even to be repressed. But in Thailand this is not the case. There is pride in being a kathoey. There are celebrated kathoey models, singers and actresses. There are also annu-

al beauty pageants, with Miss Tiffany the best known, the winners of which garner almost as much interest from the public and press as do women contestants in traditional competitions. Theorists speculate that the high percentage of Thai nationals who are ladyboys could be indicative of something more ominous. Rumors abound that in impoverished rural areas of Thailand very poor families will start to give their young children hormone tablets so that they will be able to provide for them as kathoey entertainment workers when they grow up. It is certainly the case that there are a large and disproportionate number of Thai kathoey working in the sex trade. There are also many kathoey who profess to have been the victim of extreme discrimination in Thailand. Many large companies are unwilling to employ kathoey, so many resort to criminal activities and consequently fall foul of the law. Interestingly, however, there have been reports that when in prison kathoey enjoy a level of freedom not experienced on the ‘outside’. In jail, many ladyboys become ‘prized prisoners’ and are treated exceptionally well. Postop ladyboys are segregated from male prisoners and are thus highly valued. It is only when cut off from Thai society at large that they realize, perhaps for the first time, how unfair and discriminatory life as a kathoey can be in Thailand.

Getting Better Life for the Thai ladyboy is unquestionably better today than it was in the past. There was a brief period, from 1993 to 1997, when homosexuals (which kathoey were categorized as) were prohibited from attending teacher training courses. It was only in 2002, under pressure from the gay community, that the Thai Department of Mental Health removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. The Thai military followed suit in 2005, discontinuing its practice of dismissing transsexual and gay recruits from the army on the grounds of severe mental disorder. In 2007, the legal definition of rape was changed to include same-sex criminal attacks. Before this, if a man raped a man or ladyboy, it would only be classified as sexual molestation.

happy, and, as such, explain their existence as karmic retribution of a past life. They believe that kathoey were playboys in previous lives and are thus destined to live a life, in a cruel twist of fate, as a woman trapped in a man’s body, resigned to a life without true love. In Buddhism, there are four genders. In addition to male and female, there is also bhatobyanjuanaka, which was originally translated as hermaphrodite but has now widely come to mean transgender or transsexual, and pandaka, which probably referred to eunuchs.

The Thai kathoey community, however, still argue that things could be more equal in Thai society. Any time a kathoey appears in a Thai soap opera or on TV, she is cast as a horrible caricature. Loud and brassy, kathoey usually play the role of fools. Kathoey continue to campaign for equal rights regarding civil partnerships and for the legal right to change their gender on identity cards and passports.

Tom-Dee

Couple Another widely accepted alternative lifestyle frequently seen in Thailand is that of lesbian couples. In Thailand, this often takes place between a tom, a young woman who dresses in traditionally male clothes, has short hair and speaks using male speech patterns and a dee, a stereotypically feminine girl with long hair and an outwardly female appearance.

Moving Forward

They also bemoan a lack of employment protection rights. In Thailand, a paradox exists where, on a superficial level, kathoey enjoy immense freedom unparalleled in Western societies, a freedom, however, that is not reflected within the Thai legal system. Although the tenets of Buddhism purport tolerance in all aspects of life, many Thais perceive the lives of kathoey as deeply un-

The

This month’s story is an excerpt from the book A Geek in Thailand (Tuttle Publishing) by Jody Houton, 160 pages. It is available for purchase at Asia Books and Kinokuniya bookstores throughout Thailand.

Such relationships tend to occur during the teenage years, with many dee, especially, choosing to adopt a more standardized romantic and heterosexual life when they get older. However, as displays of affection between girls are quite common anyway, tom–dee relationships largely go unnoticed in Thailand. Much like gay and ladyboy relationships in Thailand, to be a tom or even a dee is perceived to be retribution for a transgression in a past life.

@jodyhouton mango metro

APRIL 2016

Si Thep Historical Park Before you reach the city of Phetchabun proper, you’ll have to pass by Si Thep Historical Park, situated about 130 kilometers south of the city on Highway 21. The park is actually an “ancient town” full of ruins, allegedly dating back 1,000 years to the Khmer Empire. There is plenty to see and explore: redbrick ruins of temples, prangs (tall, tower-like spires), wall decorations, Buddha statues, and vast areas of

well-maintained grass dotted with numerous ponds. There is very little shade in the park, so don’t forget to wear a sunhat and apply sunblock. Also, stop at the Archeological Excavation Site, a small building erected over a few archeological pits where human remains have been unearthed. It’s amazing how some of the ancient skeletons are still recognizable as humans! The Information Center provides a few details with regards to the naming and discovery of this ancient city, as well as statues of Hindu gods on loan from the National Museum in Bangkok.

Weekend Wanderings

Phetchabun

Wat Trai Phum

As you enter Phetchabun city on Highway 21, turn right on Petch Charoen Road and then veer off to your left on Soi Petcha Rat to reach Wat Trai Phum, a simple, white temple built in the Lopburi style. The small compound of the temple looks like it needs a whitewash, but the tranquil atmosphere of its garden and the very few people visiting make it the perfect place to take a breather before you move on to your next destination. The low wooden windows painted in pink are especially striking and make a great background for selfies and group photos. If you’re lucky enough and the temple doors are open, then you can check out the Buddha statue inside.

18 mango metro

APRIL 2016

By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

The south, the north, the northeast, plus Bangkok and its surrounding central provinces, are high on the interest lists of anyone who lives in or travels to Thailand. Many, though, forget that there’s another cluster of provinces located in central northern Thailand that can be a great destination for a weekend wandering. One such destination, almost completely forgotten by local and foreign tourists, is Phetchabun, a province located 340 kilometers north of Bangkok. A trip to this laidback province will give you the chance to explore ancient towns, religious architecture, mountains covered in forests, and amazing waterfalls. On your next trip to Phetchabun, make sure you don’t miss these five highlights of what the province has to offer: Si Thep Historical Park, Wat Trai Phum, the Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine, Khao Kho National Park, and Song Nang Waterfall. They will give you the chance to genuinely experience one of the most forgotten destinations in the Kingdom.

City Pillar Shrine Continue north on Highway 21 and then turn right at the intersection with Highway 2215 and visit the City Pillar Shrine. Lak Mueang, or city pillars, are found in most cities in Thailand and are usually housed in shrines where people can pray to Chao Pho Lak Mueang, or the city spirit deity.

Since this particular pillar was brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep, it is considered to be the oldest city pillar shrine in Thailand. The shrine that houses the pillar in Phetchabun is beautifully painted in maroon with golden ornaments typical to Thai religious architecture. Once inside the shrine, burn some incense and say a prayer.

Song Nang Waterfall

Khao Kho National Park If your first day in Phetchabun was dedicated to history and religion, on your second day you can visit the great nature that surrounds the province. Back on Highway 21, this time heading back south towards Bangkok, turn right on Highway 2302 and head for Khao Kho National Park, located about a one-hour drive northwest of the city. Also known as “Little Switzerland” for its astounding views and evergreen forests, the

Before you settle in for the journey back to Bangkok, there’s one more stop to make. Visiting Song Nang Waterfall, a 12-level waterfall in Tat Mok National Park, will surely make the detour from Highway 21 onto Highway 2271 worth it. This big waterfall can be reached by taking either of the two trails that slither up the mountain on the waterfall’s two sides. It’s a good idea to go up on one trail and come back down on the other. Depending on the time of the year, the waterfall can be swift and noisy with several ponds along the way, perfect for a quick swim or three, or it can be a slow and quiet rivulet making its way down boulders. If you decide to climb to the top level, make sure you wear proper footwear and never undertake the journey alone. Entry at national parks in Thailand can be a bit pricy for foreigners, so if you have a work permit, show it at the entrance to get a discount.

park has a lot to offer. Many wild animals found sanctuary in the dense forests of the park, including the Indian elephant, Asian golden cat, and over 100 species of butterflies. Khao Kho National Park is also historically relevant because it was here where, for almost 20 years between 1968 and 1982, communist insurgents built mountain bases from where they initiated skirmishes against the Thai Army.

The easiest way to reach Phetchabun province is by bus from Mochit (Northern) Bus Terminal. The journey takes about four hours, and the ticket costs around 300 baht. To move around within the city, use the local motorcycle taxis or the motortri-shaws (which are quite fun to travel in). If you drive your own car, head out of Bangkok on Phaholyothin Road (Highway 1) until you’re in Saraburi and then follow Highway 21 until you’ve reached your destination. To find out more about the province, visit Phetchabun’s official website (in Thai and English) at phetchabun.go.th.

mango metro

APRIL 2016

HOW TO PREVENT HEATSTROKE DURING THE THAI SUMMER By Dr. Chonlatit Chongboonprasert, Emergency Physician, Emergency Center, Bumrungrad Hospital As the Thai summer approaches, both citizens and travelers are at a higher risk of heatstroke. So what happens to your body when you suffer from heatstroke, and what are the ways in preventing it? Let’s take a closer look at the warning signs.

What is heatstroke?

The human body temperature is maintained within a narrow range by balancing heat from the body and the environment (around 36 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, which varies throughout the day). Evaporation of sweat from the body is the main mechanism in reducing excessive heat. Heatstroke is caused by failure of thermoregulation (the maintenance of a constant body temperature). Due to the high body temperatures that occur, there is a risk of serious injury.

There are two types of heatstroke:

1. Classical Heatstroke or Non-Exertional Heatstroke (NEHS): This type occurs mostly in the elderly who have chronic medical illnesses, making them vulnerable to hot environments and dehydration. As well, in persons of any age, this type could occur due to the use of certain prescription medications or recreational drugs (e.g., alcohol) that impairs how the body controls temperature. 2) Exertional Heatstroke (EHS): This type occurs in younger people, athletes, and military recruits who engage in heavy exercise in hot temperatures and high-humidity environments.

Symptoms of heatstroke

Heatstroke doesn’t happen as soon as you step outside into hot weather. Instead, it occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures or exerting yourself during physical activity in high temperatures. As your body temperature rises, you may begin to feel dizzy, weak, and nauseated. When the temperature keeps climbing, you will become disoriented. Sometimes odd behavior may occur in the form of slurred speech, agitation, or hallucinations. In the worst-case scenario, you may experience a seizure or go into a coma. Your skin may be very warm to the touch, look red or flushed, and can either be moist or dry. These symptoms indicate that you might not be properly hydrated and that the body is unable to cool itself down. The main indicator of severe heatstroke and what leads to serious bodily injury is when your body’s internal temperature increases to 40⁰C (104⁰F) or higher.

20 mango metro

APRIL 2016

Dangers of heatstroke

Heatstroke is a major concern throughout the Thai summer. After lengthy exposure to heat and the sun without proper access to shade or water, your body will become dehydrated and eventually overheat. The associated dangers of this include brain and heart damage, as well as other Staying properly hydrated allows your body to harmful effects to the kidneys, muscles, and liver. cool off naturally through sweating. Drinking plenty of water is the best option – and it’s best to It’s imperative that a heatstroke a victim receives stay away from alcoholic or sugary drinks. Lightproper medical treatment as soon as possible. weight clothing that isn’t too tight will also allow The goal of the treatment is to reduce the victim’s your body to cool properly. internal body temperature. Treatment by evaporative cooling is effective and easily performed by Be cautious if you have an increased risk of heatmisting the skin with lukewarm water, and then stroke. Remember that certain medications may evaporating the water using a fan. affect the body’s ability to cool off or regulate temperature properly. Additionally, if you have Another method that is less commonly used is to not spent much time in the hot weather, and put ice packs around the armpits, neck, back, and your body has not become acclimated to the groin. high temperatures, you are more susceptible to heatstroke than someone who is already accusIf treatment isn’t immediately provided, serious, tomed to the heat. and sometimes irreversible complications can occur. As well, the longer a victim goes without Don’t over-exert yourself during the hottest part treatment, the chances of death dramatically in- of the day. Instead, opt for doing the most laborcrease. intensive tasks in the early morning or late evening, when the temperature is cooler. Also, never Tips in avoiding heatstroke ever sit or leave someone sitting in a parked car, The good news is that heatstroke can be avoided even if the windows are cracked and the vehicle in high temperatures by following these simple is parked in the shade. The car’s internal temperasuggestions: ture can become very hot very quickly.

EXTREME HEAT AND HEAT STROKE

• Throbbing headache • Dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness

Summertime in Bangkok (March-May) can be a surprisingly hot experience for people who arrive from the northern hemisphere due to the increased heat and humidity.

SPF 15 or higher and broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection and apply 30 minutes before going out. If you suspect an allergy to sunscreen, please your consult your doctor before applying.

Exposure to extreme heat can sometimes lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it is very important for visitors to protect themselves from the extreme heat so that they can still enjoy the sights and experiences of Bangkok.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully and pace yourself. The sun is the most intense between 10 am to 3 pm every day. Try to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. If you feel tired, drink water and rest up.

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and will need to have someone call for immediate medial assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Here are some general guidelines for heat stroke recommended by the Centre of Disease Control in the USA (2009)

• Stay cool indoors. Air conditioning in malls or other public facilities comes in handy.

Contributed by Bumrungrad International Hospital. Reference: CDC, July

• Drink lots of water. For most people, 1.5 liters a day or 10 glasses is recommended. • Avoid alcohol or large amounts of sugar. They actually cause you to lose body fluid. • Replace salt and minerals due to heavy perspiration. Sports beverages are great. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk to your doctor before drinking sports beverages or taking salt tablets. • Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose light weight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing. Wear sunglasses with a low brimmed hat to protect your eyes. Choose sunscreen with

• Use common sense and keep cool. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals – they add heat to your body. • Monitor those who are at high risk. Infants and children are sensitive to high heat. People over 65 years of age may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to respond to changes in temperature. Do not overexert doing work or exercise.

Some warning signs of heat stroke

• Extreme high body temperature (above 103 F or 39 C, orally) • Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) • Rapid, strong pulse

What to do if you encounter a victim of heat stroke

• Get victim into a shady area. Call medical assistance as soon as possible • Cool victim down rapidly using whatever methods you can, for example, immerse or dip body into cool water, place victim in cool shower, spray with cool water or fan vigorously • Do not give the victim fluids to drink to prevent choking • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until body temperature drops to 101102 F • Bring victim to hospital for further examination Sometimes a victim’s muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.

mango metro

APRIL 2016

CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE Advertise or announce anything for... FREE!

Max. 75 words. Listings run as space allows or until cancelled.

Email your ad to: dsbkk@mangometro.com

For more DSBKK, click over to fb.com/groups/dsbkk or fb.com/groups/dsbkkpromo FOR RENT – tidy deluxe condo Sukhumvit 34 (Thonglor BTS). Brand new 1 bed unit furnished 28,000Bt p/m incl. weekly maid service, swimming pool, gym, ultra hi-speed internet ready. 089-1222292. (B) WEBSITE BUSINESS SERVICES – If you ready to start your new business era online to grow your business and earn more customers send us your requirments to. yui@tobe-website.com Find us here:www.tobe-website.com Skype: yuisoeur Cell: 089 669 4852 (A) LARGE 2 BEDROOM CONDO FOR RENT (120 m2) – quiet side of Sukhumvit Soi 11, modernly designed, fully furnished, brand new A/Cs, fully fitted Kitchen with oven, 2 bathrooms with rain shower, unobstructed view, onsite pool, sauna & fitness facilities, car park, walking distance to BTS Nana & MRT Sukhumvit / Asoke. Only THB 49,000 per month (1 year contract min.). To arrange a viewing, call Pat 087 517 4129 - pmbkk@hotmail.com (A)

SUPALAI CITY HOME CONDO FOR SALE - Two bedroom, one bathroom, 68 sq meter unit. Only 100 meters from the Udom Suk BTS station. Sale Price 3.89 Million Baht. Contact Ampai 061-629-7999. (B) 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM condo for rent (101 sqm) great location ,great views 34th flr. Situated on Wireless rd, 10 min walk from Ploenchit bts, 2 min from the canal taxi and 15 min from airport link. Has a 25m swimming pool and a new gym with new shower and sauna. also has an onsite laundry, convenience store and hairdressers. Asking 30,000 baht per month and open to offers to purchase. Call Jas on 0860486823 (B) SOCIAL PETANQUE – Fancy a game of French Petanque and meeting new people? Can’t think of anything better than playing on a Saturday or Sunday morning 10-11 am around Sukhumvit-Asoke area? Then, wait no longer, join our Petanque Group and join the next event! Email your contact details to Pat at pmbkk@hotmail.com (B)

PAD THAI & MORE! Thai Cookery & Catering BRAND PRODUCTION IN THAILAND. Anybody Classes in your own kitchen. 2.5 hours, four delicious need help on this? Please email white.lily40@yahoo. dishes suitable for vegetarians & seafood lovers. com (B) Yummy & fun, too. Impress your friends! Call 087SHIPPING CONTAINERS going to UK mid march 810-1880. Email: magicthaiATgmailDOTcom. (B) have room for Any thing legal call 081-490-6275 (B) THAI LESSON WITH EXPERIENCED TEACHER – Promotion! Free 1 hour trial lesson to make your decision. I provide speaking and reading course. You can study on YouTube by watching my videos or follow me on Facebook. YouTube.Maliwan Thai Language Facebook.maliwanthailange Email. maliwanthailange@gmail.com (A) LEGAL & ACCOUNTING FOR THAILAND BUSINESS

ERIE SILK SCARF – 100% Hand-made and Pure Natural Dyed Now available online. Our scarf and shawls are designed hand woven, using the finest quality home spun Erie Silk yarn with natural dying method. A superior choice of gift for you or anyone. We have a wide range of woven from solid to intricate traditional mud-mee pattern. We also provide a daily tour visit weaving site. Tel 081-8348787 or Email: vip@bcl.co.th(C) PROMOTION! THAI LESSON with experience teacher. Free 1 hour trial lesson to make your decision. I provide speaking & reading courses. You can study on YouTube (Maliwan Thai Language) by watching my videos or follow my Facebook fanpage (maliwanthailanguage). email: maliwanthailanguage@ gmail.com • 0917100326 (B)

INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATES THAILAND LEGAL & ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS

COMPANY SET-UP ACCOUNTING IMMIGRATION BOI APPLICATION PROPERTY LAW FAMILY LAW WORK PERMIT LEASE & USUFRUCT CONTRACTS WWW.INTERACTIVETHAILAND.COM | 02-653-0043

APT IN SUKHUMVIT SOI 11 for rent. 2 bedrooms + 1 study room, 2 bathrooms. 118 sqm F/F open kitchen and living room on 9FL. rent: 33,000/month. contact: 081-3070618 Lee (B)

22 mango metro

APRIL 2016

WELCOME CHRISTIAN of any nationality / denomination stay in Bkk, Thailand who would like to pray for salvation of your friends / relatives come together to pray. Only once a year. Please contact: email: welcome.volunteers@yahoo.com (B) SALE OF A PLOT OF LAND about 15 rais, with a beautiful house and a small pond including surrounding fence. It is located in Tambon Nichom Kraseaw, Danchang District, Supanburi. This land area is very good for building the nursing homes for the elderly, as it is very close to Danchang Hospital. Price for sale is at 20 million baht. For more information, please call 089 9964900, 084 1453883 or email suganyab_bma@hotmail.com. (B)

Office space + business room + in townhouse. Excellent location. 22,000 THB Our upstairs rooms are available, WIFI internet, messenger service, maid, private bathroom and business/tv room etc, The rent + extras come at a very fair price. 6 months minimum contract. Location: Between Thonglor and Emquartier. Ph: 026625662 / extrovertasia@gmail.com

TREADMILLS, CROSS-TRAINERS, BIKES AND MORE...

CAFFITALY CAPSULE COFFEE for sale – We have 7 flavors for sale from THB 23 / capsule. www. stefan.asia for more details. Direct import from Italy. new arrival: s22 + s08 both machines latest models. call stefan 081 846 7770. also have orig. nespresso machines (inissia / citiz / pixie / milk u / lattissima) (B) CAN HELP YOU WITH MATTERS you required to be done in Thailand. Fit for those who travel frequently and no time to do by yourselves. Please contact. w.newt@yahoo.com (A) CHEAP COMPANY SET UP & work permit – We support you setting up your company and getting your work permit done. Also, we can do BOI, accounting & admin service. Contact at Jin: 091 8869049 or pk@jinda.co.th (B) FRENCH EDUCATED (Dr. of sciences) interested to learn Thai language, I live in Bangkok. If you want to learn French or herbal sciences in exchange, I will be happy to meet you and doing some conversations. My email: panah_ naturalmedicines@yahoo.fr (D)

BMW 2012,320D,F30 sport,Excellent condition,legal book,novi,cruise control, 75000km. Price 1.590 MB Only one owner Tel.085-288-2723 Line,WhatsApp

EXPERT EDITING, copywriting and ghostwriting offered by retired researcher and valuer of museum quality fine art and antiques. English language writing and speaking help available (academic, business or conversation) to adults. Sathorn-Silom area. Contact information and details to: Mr. Yon (jonhal@gmail. com). (A) CONDO LPN Near Thailand cultural center, for rent and sale, 8th floor, corner 60.23 sq.m, 1 living room, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Kitchen. 2 balconys. Finished in modern light and fresh style. Rent 20,000 THB per month swimming pool. sauna. Fitness. close to MRT Huai-khwang. 089-870-5009 easy1624@ hotmail.com line ID joeqi (C)

X-BANKERS – business loan consolidators, only over 1.0 MB. good credit, bad credit, no credit, everyone welcome. “We make it possible for you”. Phone: 081-447-1478 (J) LOOKING FOR #CONSTRUCTION, #Renovation, #Build-in and #Design? We serve a full range service to your home and office. Bangkok: ceiling, aluminum mirror, house, condominium, townhome, vinyl, windsor product, English friendly, thus we can provide you a right service. Build you tomorrow, today! Tel 088-209-9456. Name Tee. https://www. facebook.com/ingenbuild Line id: Callmet (C) HIGH QUALITY SEAFOODS from Norway and Japan.Free delivery in Bkk. No minimum order. We are lower price than Makro and other supermarket bec. we are a supplier. Fresh or frozen. Tuna, mackerel, salmon, scallops, sea urchin, octopus, etc. uticfoods@hotmail.com (A) CONDOS: 2-BEDROOM 2-BATHROOM unit for rent now between Nana - Asoke area near BTS Stations. Rent 25-35,000 Baht / month, email: henry. properties7@gmail.com (A) LANGUAGE SCHOOL FOR SALE – in North Pattaya. Fully licensed by MOE. forsaleinthailand@ gmail.com (C)

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WORK at home use your computer in your spare time go to www. tripleclicks.com/12510570 – You can register free online and if you feel not right you can terminate anytime. (A)

FRENCH EDUCATED (Dr. of sciences), I am interested to learn Thai language, I live in Bangkok. If you want to learn French or herbal sciences in exchange, I will be happy to meet you and doing some conversations. My email: panah_naturalmedicines@ yahoo.fr (C)

FOR SALE – Over 2,600 DVD movies, including some documentaries. You may view the entire list at: http://healththai.org/DVD_List.pdf. They are all neatly alphabetized in 17 DVD caddies. From your browser type in 192.168.1.44, click on the “DVDs” link on the top left, and login as “Guest.” If you have specific questions, please email me at edbkk2010@ gmail.com. I would expect around B45,000 for the entire collection (including the caddies). Make me a reasonable offer. (L)

PRIVATE/GROUP SPEAKING THAI LESSONS – want to learn Thai? Or improve yours? Private tutor or group lessons, all levels. Experienced, professional tutor. Fun, effective & affordable. Call Tip 087-8101880. (A)

WITHIN A WALKING DISTANCE TO BTS CHIDLOM, available a 2 bedroom unit for short / long stay rent. Rent from 38000 Baht a month. Call 0959487221 (L) LARGE 3 BEDROOM condo for rent – 175 m2. 150 m away from BTS Nana station on Soi 8. Well designed. Fully furnished. Fully fitted Kitchen with oven. 3 bathrooms. Unobstructed view. Onsite pool & car park. Only THB 49,000 per month (1 year contract min.). To arrange a viewing, call Pat 087 517 4129. pmbkk@hotmail.com (C)

DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING... At All Bangkok & Pattaya

Need more business...? Obscure location...? Running a promotion...? New business...?

Adverts from 1,000 Baht/month CALL Andy on 080 814 9080

featured in FB/groups/dsbkkpromo Mango Moving – here to make your move easy! A fully enclosed truck, the hands to load it up, and even free moving boxes! We drop off the boxes to you a couple of days before your move for you to pack; on moving day, we do all the heavy lifting of boxes, furniture, and other items from your old place to your new one; and then we pick up the empty boxes a couple of days after. In English or Thai, call 084-147-5550 or LINE (ID: JokeMango) or message us on our page at www.facebook.com/MangoMoving WANT TO LEARN ENGLISH? Request a teacher here: www.ericgabriel.com/request. I’m a professional English tutor, teacher, and trainer. I have a network of tutors to help any level, any age, and customize lessons to meet each student’s needs. Email questions to eric@ericgabriel.com. (I)

ORIENTAL CARPETS LOOKING COST YOU NOTTHING Mr. David 081-373-4602

Bangkok Hua-Hin

(Sukhumwit33) 02-2585096

(Villa Market) 032-533-608

Pattaya

(Villa Market) 038-489-468

www.orientalcarpetsthailand.com

April 30% OFF

Email: orctl@yahoo.com

mango metro

APRIL 2016