Mango Metro – Volume 9, Issue 12 – November 2015 by Mango Mango Ltd. Part.

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Hobby > Passion > Entrepreneur By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

The huge impact the internet has had in the new millennium has brought about the emergence of a new breed of expatriates: professionals who find jobs online which allow them to relocate to foreign countries where they undergo a process of self-rediscovery. These expats usually do not conform to the more “traditional” (and better paid) job descriptions of doctors, engineers and lawyers who usually work long hours and earn enough money not to think of (or have time for) a hobby. This is the case for Jerubem Era, or ‘Bem’ to his friend and acquaintances, a Bangkok-based Filipino photographer who has been calling Thailand home since 2003. He “found” photography (or maybe photography found him) while working as a graphic designer at a media center in Bangkok. Part of his job was to gather stock photos for his work, and soon, he realized that he could take his own photos. “Photography and graphic design go hand-in-hand. Graphic designers work together with photographers,” says Bem, recalling the moment he made his first investment in a professional camera.

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Fast-forward more than a decade from his arrival in Thailand, and today, Bem is one of the founders of Photography Entrepreneurs, a photography and marketing group whose mission is “to focus on the bigger picture.” Jerubem Era realized that, nowadays, anyone can take a decent photo on their mobile phone, use a free application to enhance the colors, and be able to publish it online. “The business side of photography is not only in taking good pictures, but also marketing

online advice for our members. We are building Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter accounts that are separate from our personal accounts too.” Basically, if you’re on social media, you exist. Since 2014, when Photography Entrepreneurs was founded, Bem was able to secure several collaborations with established and upcoming models, actors and actresses, as well as photographers from around the world. “Through the years, I have developed an eye for capturing the

angles that expresses the potential look of a model. I aim to capture their best look and also strive to find a way to surprise them,” explains Bem.

and networking. And this is what Photography Entrepreneurs is doing.”

One could argue then that since most hardcore members of Photography Entrepreneurs still keep their full-time jobs, this enterprise is just a hobby. The truth is that it starts as a hobby and then it becomes a passion and even later on, a business model. But it’s not all about the money.

In our fast-paced society, most promotion is done through social media, something that Bem and his fellow photographers have realized from the very beginning. “We have created a logo, a Facebook group and page, and started to get the interest going by putting up article links, workshop details, and

Having a steady income from a different source allows Bem and his team members to choose projects they’re most passionate about. “We feel lucky to be able to do what we like and that is why we think it’s our moral duty to give back to society. In the future, we’re planning to organize semi-

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nars, workshops, and create tutorials to help other photographers just starting out. We’re also always looking for new opportunities to diversify our network and marketing reach and have already started collaborating with a YouTube channel.” Even though times are changing fast and social media and online platforms present a huge potential for displaying art, art should be made available in a physical format too. So, it is commendable that Bem has also joined several photography exhibitions, the most recent one at Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok.

seventy images by 26 photographers. “I submitted, and got approved, two images that showcase my surreal art. In these two photographs, I wanted to express an idea that can be interpreted through striking visual elements. The first one is entitled, ‘Resilience’, and it shows a woman withstanding the storm by holding an umbrella. In ‘Longing and Waiting’, the second photograph, I tried to express a feeling of hope by photographing a woman looking out of the window.”

The exhibition was organized by the Bangkok Photographers Group (BPG) and displayed

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ELDERLY HEALTH ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT By Dr. Lily Chaisompong, Internist and Specialist for Geriatric Medicine, NewLife the Healthy Aging Clinic, Bumrungrad Hospital

Prevention and Management: • Consult a doctor to identify the cause and determine whether it can be treated, such as a bladder infection. • Exercise and keep mobile to maintain muscle strength. • Practice squeezing the pelvic floor muscles 50100 times per day. • Practice holding your bladder when you feel you need to urinate and gradually delay going to the toilet for progressively longer periods.

Sleep Problems

The average human lifespan today is longer than ever before thanks to the latest advances in medical technology. In addition to extending life expectancy, these medical developments also enable older adults to stay healthy and enjoy a good quality of life well into old age. Nevertheless, there are still certain medical problems that affect the elderly. Understanding these conditions as well as their prevention and management will help older adults to live longer and healthier lives.

Confusion and Memory Loss

difficulty doing complicated tasks, getting lost in familiar places, withdrawing from social activities or talking less, and changes in mood or personality. Prevention and Management: If you notice that an elderly relative may be developing memory problems that disrupts their daily life, please consult a doctor to evaluate the symptoms and receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Although there is no cure, it is possible to slow the progression of dementia other than by medication only, by performing activities that exercise the brain, such as working or doing hobbies and housework, engaging in social activities with family and friends, reading, playing games and taking regular physical exercise.

Incontinence

Forgetfulness and slower thinking are common problems as people grow older. Acute medical problems, such as infections or conditions that cause low blood flow to the brain or heart, can cause transient and reversible mental confusion and impaired thinking, and it is important to detect and treat these conditions early. However, if an older adult begins to develop progressive or more permanent behavioral and emotional changes or memory loss, it may be an early sign of dementia. Signs and symptoms of dementia in the elderly include difficulty learning or remembering new things, repetitive speech or actions,

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Older adults are at increased risk of urinary or fecal incontinence, which can be caused by several factors, such as weakened pelvic floor muscles, an overactive bladder, neurological disorders, side effects of medication, bladder infection, constipation, prostate gland enlargement and diabetes.

Aging can lead to a decline in sleep quality, such as having difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, experiencing less deep sleep, and waking up tired. Sleep problems can be a normal part of aging, but other factors may also interfere with sleep patterns, such as depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, heartburn, breathing problems, snoring, frequent urination during the night, and side effects of medication. The inadequate rest due to sleep problems can affect quality of life, and lead to other health problems for the elderly, such as an increased risk of falls, depression, and an impaired immune system. Prevention and Management: • Make the bedroom a comfortable sleeping environment, free of any background noise. Avoid using bright-colored curtains, bed sheets and blankets. Keep the bedroom temperature comfortable - not too hot or too cold. • Stick to a sleep schedule and try to sleep in the same place every day. • Do not go to bed too early. Older adults should aim to go to bed at 9-10 pm and wake up between 4-5 am. • Drink water in the morning and during the day. Drink less water after dinner to reduce the need to urinate at night. Avoid or limit the consumption of caffeine after 2 p.m. • Avoid or limit naps. Find some light activities to keep you occupied. If you can’t get by without a nap, try to limit their frequency and duration, and avoid napping altogether after 3 pm. Napping during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night. • Consult a doctor to change any medications that may affect your sleep quality and seek treat-

ment for the cause of any sleep problems. • Sleeping pills should only be used as prescribed by a doctor, because regular use develops dependence on them.

Hearing Problems

plements should be taken. • It is recommended that elderly people consume at least 1,000 mg/day of calcium from their food intake or supplements. • Physical exercise that improves bone strength, such as walking, jogging and light weight lifting, is also recommended. • If osteoporosis is detected, treatment is necessary to prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of bone fractures.

quate lighting, anti-slippery floors and grab rails. • Undergo bone mineral density testing so as to detect osteoporosis and receive the appropriate treatment.

Undernutrition and Reduced Appetite

Dizziness and Imbalance

Hearing problems are a common condition affecting older adults. In the early stage, older adults may have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and an inability to hear well when there is a lot of background noise. Hearing loss impacts quality of life and affects communication with other people. Prevention and Management: • If severe hearing loss in both ears disrupts your daily life and affects your ability to communicate with other people, please consult a doctor about being prescribed a hearing aid to make sounds louder and stronger. • Family members should always treat their older relatives with understanding. The best way to speak to people with hearing loss is to face them and speak clearly, a little bit slower and a little bit louder, with eye contact, stand or sit in a position where the mouth movements can be seen, and communicate in a quiet place free from background noise.

Osteoporosis

Dizziness and imbalance are common in older people and can lead to falls. The symptoms are caused by several conditions, such as low blood pressure, side effects of taking medications (some pain relievers, anxiety relievers and anti-seizure medication), Meniere’s disease, arrhythmias, anemia and stress. Prevention and Management: • Consult your doctor to be assessed and treated for any correctable causes of dizziness. • Take care when getting up from sitting or lying down, by steadying your balance before moving and changing positions more slowly. Use equipment that helps maintain balance, such as walking sticks or frames, and grab rails.

Balance Problems and Falls

Undernutrition and appetite loss can be caused by several factors, such as dental problems, difficulty swallowing, poor appetite, weight loss, side effects of taking certain medications, depression, forgetfulness and certain chronic diseases that cause a loss of appetite. These factors lead to poor nutrition and subsequent complications in the elderly, such as infection, osteoporosis, decreased muscle mass, and weakness in the arms and legs. Prevention and Management: • Consult a doctor to determine if any of the above causes of appetite and weight loss are present. • Have a regular oral health check. • Eating with family and friends, rather than eating alone has been shown to improve food intake in older persons • Try to ensure a variety of foods that are easy to digest, and lessen dietary restrictions • Consult a doctor to change any medications that may cause appetite loss. • Consult a doctor or nutritionist about nutritional supplements.

Vision Problems

Balance problems and falls in older people can be caused by several factors, such as osteoarthritis, decreased muscle mass, muscle weakness, brain disorders, a sharp drop in blood pressure when getting up from bed or from a chair, arrhythmias, Osteoporosis weakens the bones and makes medications that affect blood pressure or cause them brittle, or fracture more easily. It is common drowsiness, inadequate lighting, and uneven or in women after menopause and men older than slippery floors. Fall prevention is very important 70. because older people are more likely to break or fracture a bone, as well as to experience compli- In addition to aging, some conditions including Prevention and Management: cations after surgery and hospitalization. diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts and macular de• Women older than 55 and men older than 70 generation can cause decreased vision and affect should undergo bone mineral density (BMD) Prevention and Management: the life quality of older adults. testing to determine bone mass and identify any • Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or low problems. blood pressure. Prevention and Management: Older adults • Blood tests should be performed to test Vitamin • Exercise regularly to maintain muscle strength should have their eyes checked at least once a D levels. Vitamin D is important because it helps and balance. year. The most effective treatment is linked to calcium absorption. If it is too low, vitamin D sup- • Create a safe environment, such as with ade- early detection.

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Oral Health

Diarrhea

• Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at bedtime, for about 2 minutes each time. Brush the teeth thoroughly and clean the tongue gently. • Use other dental cleaners, such as dental toothpicks, dental floss and interdental brushes. • Clean the dentures properly, if any. Removable Dentures: Remove and clean the dentures after every meal. Clean the dentures with a soft-bristle denture brush and mild dishwashing liquid and then rinse them thoroughly. Do not use any abrasive cleaning material. To remove stains and sterilize the dentures, place them in water or a denture-soaking solution. Remove the dentures at bedtime and soak them to help them remain moist. Fixed Dentures: Clean the dentures after every meal. Use dental floss to clean underneath the dentures and at the edge of the gum. Visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 • Schedule regular dental checkups at least once a year.

Prevention and Management: • Family members should help older relatives get to the toilet promptly to avoid any leakage or loss of control. Place them in a comfortable position to ensure easy bowel movements. Have them sit on the toilet and avoid squatting. Clean and dry the area after each bowel movement, and always keep the skin clean and dry. After a bowel movement, have the elderly relative rest on their bed and take any medication as advised (if any). • Prevent complications from lost fluids, salts and minerals. At the early stages of diarrhea, avoid

Skin Care eating in order to stop bowel movements. Drink rehydrating salt solutions, sugary drinks or flat carbonated drinks with a pinch of salt. Eat soft and low-fiber foods without fat when the diarrhea and vomiting have stopped. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day to replace lost fluids. Consult a doctor for intravenous fluids if there is any severe vomiting or persistent watery diarrhea. • Look out for the warning signs of loss of fluids, Dry skin is often a problem for older adults due salts and minerals, such as intense thirst, loss of to a decline in the skin’s moisturizing mechanism skin turgor, palpitations, stomach pain, cramps, with increasing age, leading to symptoms of dry- fatigue and dizziness. ness, flaking skin and itching. • Avoid very hot water and reduce the time spent Abdominal Bloating or Heartburn in the shower or bath, as it increases the symp- Prevention and Management: toms of dryness, flaking skin and itching. • Avoid tight fitting clothes and activities that in• Use mild or moisturizing soaps. crease pressure in the abdomen. Engage in regu• Use moisturizing cream or lotion. lar physical activity. Burp and pass gas without • Avoid scratching. Consult a doctor if you experi- suppressing it. Take any medications as advised ence any severe itching. by a doctor. • Avoid exacerbating symptoms by eating an Constipation appropriate amount of food slowly. Chew food Prevention and Management: thoroughly before swallowing. Avoid eating • Promote regular bowel habits at the same time foods that produce gas (such as nuts, radishes, every day. Massage and rub the stomach gently carbonated drinks, spices and spicy foods), foods while passing stool. that are difficult to digest, and deep-fried foods. • Prevent future episodes of constipation by en- Avoid chewing gum and candy. Avoid smoking. gaging in regular physical activity or exercise. Eat Do not drink while eating. Do not exercise or lie high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruit and vegeta- down immediately after a meal. Engage in regubles, cereals, nuts and prunes. Drink at least 2-3 lar physical activity. liters of water a day. Develop regular bowel habits. Evaluate and record bowel habits, character- Aging affects everyone, but by following these istics and color. simple tips, you can help to ensure that you and • Use fiber supplements or stool softeners as ad- your loved ones remain healthy and active well vised by a doctor. into old age.

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MANGO NIGHTS Q&A W/ DIY MV DIR

What does it take to make a great director?   Probably a mix of determination, inspiration, perseverance, patience, stubbornness, impeccable taste, and an obsessive love of music.    Can you list all the MVs you have directed with a note about the level of difficulty for each?   In the ongoing narrative of the Bangkok independent music scene, there are many names, musicians, label heads and producers to keep track of: people like Wannarit Pongprayoon, the cofounder of Bangkok’s 16-year-old pioneering indie label Panda Records; and Matthew Fischer, the young American songwriter who arrived in Bangkok several years ago with a Martin guitar, struggled for years as a downand-out musician, and then one day, opened the subversively successful live-music haven Fatty’s Bar and Diner. There is another that the narrative cannot fail to mention, although he might prefer privacy and anonymity to fortune and limelight. The man is veteran music video director Gary Boyle, and he’s had a critical eye and ear on the Thai music scene for well over ten years, working not just as a director, but also as a music journalist. The stoical director, a native of the UK, is normally on the other side of the questioning. Needless to say, there was much ground to cover as it’s been a busy year for the music veteran with videos for distinguished acts such as the art-rock influenced Monomania and the edgy rock-’n’-roll band Plastic Section under his belt. With the city brimming creatively, as indie promoters stage live original music events on a weekly basis, it was a good idea to pick the brain of the well-regarded

critic and contributor of the Thai Do-It-Yourself underground music scene. How did your career as a music video director begin?   I somehow convinced Mind The Gap [an artist management and music promotion team] to let me shoot a video for their band Zero Hero in 2010. The song and video were an eloquent and passionate response to Thailand’s political clashes happening at that time. Needless to say, I don’t think the video was ever shown on TV. How would you describe your directing style? Is there a signature technique?  The main technique is using imaginative ways to shoot quality video in the absence of any reasonable budget. The labels and bands I shoot for don’t have a lot of cash, but I respect their music, so I’m willing to work within their limits. The limitations make you more creative, and the indie music community can always be called upon to help when needed.    What has been your best video thus far?   My “Dirty Beaches” video has had the most reach, but the best, in terms of outcome and pure fun, it’s Plastic Section’s “Shot.”

They’re all on my website – www.stereo68.com. Each one had its own unique challenges. The most common are bribing security guards, dodging the police, and convincing ladyboys that you want them for a music video, not a porn shoot.    You are also a music journalist, how would you describe the health of Bangkok music at the moment?   The underground music scene has been strong for a few years now, but the mainstream mostly sucks. What’s been happening is that some great underground bands are seduced by the big labels and then abandon everything that was good about them to pursue mass appeal. We need a band or a label with the balls to challenge the accepted ideas of what mainstream audiences want. What are your latest projects? My “Sofar Sounds” video for Plastic Section should be out in November, then I’ll be shooting the video for Matthew Fischer’s first single for Panda Records. Last question. What makes a band great and inspires you to want to make a video? Commitment, originality and good shoes. If any member of a band wears shit shoes, I refuse to work with them. There’s an audience watching, make an effort!

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MANGO NIGHTS

Deadtown Trash Lives On I think we were all probably wondering if the energy would be the same, or if we would still enjoy playing this kind of music together. It was, and we do Deadtown Trash quickly developed a small following via word of mouth. Were you surprised by the reaction?

In the early days of December 2013, a rock band the likes of which the City of Angels had never seen was born in its bowels. After a few gigs at Overstay, Fatty’s, and Zoo, the word was out. They were called Deadtown Trash, the four-piece musical equivalent of a behemoth howitzer bathed in fire and spitting Molotov cocktails at 120 bpm. With the menacing tower covered in tattoos for a bassist, Aaron von Rock; a succubus straight outta hell, B. Asia Marie (formerly known as Brittany) delivering her pulsating poetry like a hip-hop MC; the tall lanky Keith Giles beating like a metronome on the drums; and the heavily-distorted guitar droning of Ben Cleary… few bands would deliberately play after them. But the band seemed to disappear as quickly as it rose to the top heap of expat rock bands in the bosom of Satan. Soon after the release of the band’s eponymously titled EP Deadtown Trash and T-shirts at Noise Market 3 in November of 2014, the band went on hiatus as their singer, B. Asia Marie returned to her home in the United States. No doubt, Aaron, the band spokeperson had to field questions concerning a Deadtown

Trash funeral or revival every time he went out. After perhaps much soul searching and rumors of a return, B. Asia Marie, the quiet, introverted front gal who morphs into a lioness onstage finally reappeared on this side of the world, last seen publicly at Sofar Sounds 1st birthday party in October. The reports from all relevant parties were that the band was in talks to revive with rehearsal scheduled. It was a good time to get the scoop from bassist, Aaron von Rock.

I think we were all surprised. We weren’t even sure if we were going to be able to find places to play when we started the band. We all practiced for about two months before we played our first show. We seemed to go over well with people, and we just started playing more shows as often as possible. I think for rock bands that building a reputation as a good live act is the best way to get street ‘cred’. What was the best show you have played?

The three of us have continued practicing fairly regularly, a few times a month. We came up with a lot of new songs and just kept jamming. We had a short-lived cover band project called Wong Dravolta that played at a Full Metal Dojo fight card with Jon Nutt singing. That was fun.

There are two shows at Fatty’s that stand out: Ed Rudy’s AC/DC tribute show and the show the following week with Flat Sucks from Japan. And the Popscene show with Dune Rats from Australia and The Ladz. We had never heard of Dune Rats before, and the show was on a Wednesday at PlayYard, so we weren’t really expecting much. It was the craziest crowd we ever played for. The biggest Thai crowd for sure. The crowd was singing along to all the Dune Rats songs and… crowd surfing! The hangout after the show was really cool, too.

How did it feel playing with B. after so many months? Ten months?

Describe the music of Deadtown Trash to someone who has never heard it.

Everything pretty much clicked right off the bat.

Rough, aggressive rock music.

Prior to B. returning, what have you, Ben, and Keith been doing?

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

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MANGO BITES

House of Stories By Dave Stamboulis The House on Sathorn 106 North Sathorn Road Tel. 02-344-4000 www.thehouseonsathorn.com

As Bangkok has developed and become more overdeveloped in the past years, it has become harder to find glimpses of its storied past. Thus, I am always pleased to come across little gems that seem to survive amidst the surrounding cranes and construction. Several years ago, my curiosity was perked by a beautiful old colonial building that sat near the corner of Sathorn and Narathiwat, surrounded by the monstrous skyscrapers of the Central Business District, slightly crumbling, yet still elegant. I walked by the building several times in the next months, and when the W Hotel opened next door, I heard

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theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d taken over the management of the old house and were planning to turn it into a restaurant. Visiting several weeks ago, I was overjoyed to see the aptly named House on Sathorn restored to its former glory and to get the chance to learn about its history while eating a most unique meal at the same time. The House on Sathorn was built in 1889 and belonged to Lord Sathorn Rajayukta, a businessman responsible for building the Sathorn Canal. He eventually fell on financial hard times and had to give up the property,

from whence it became a luxury resort, the Hotel Royal, during the 1920s. Further on, the hotel declined, and the beautiful house became the home of the Embassy of the Soviet Union, and then the Russian Federation Embassy from 1948-1999. The colonial mansion sat vacant after this, until the W launched into the ambitious project to restore it. This was no easy feat. As a protected historic building, the House on Sathorn came under the auspices of the Department of Fine Arts, and their approval was required during

MANGO BITES all stages of renovation. Avroko, the design firm behind the facelift, stayed true to their wishes, even keeping the two-toned original color scheme of the house, as well as preserving details like pig faces in the mansion’s columns and Lord Sathorn’s personal zodiac sign; and the interior, with its neoclassical elegance, is exactly as it was, full of period furniture and vintage wooden staircases. Perhaps just as interesting as the wonderful building, though, is its restaurant’s storied concept matching the history of the house. Culinary director and head chef, Fatih Tutak, a Turk from Istanbul who has done stints at the prestigious Bellbrook in Hong Kong, Marina Sands in Singapore, and the 3-Michelinstarred Nihonryori Ryugin in Tokyo, decided he wanted to do something in the kitchen that would match the history of the 126-year-old house, so he decided to create a menu inspired by his memories and stories from his own life as a chef. There can’t be too many restaurants and chefs taking this novel approach, with each dish telling a story. Take for example, “Snowstorm in Istanbul, 2004,” which is a fine lamb kebab. The dish comes from Tutak recalling his days in culinary school, when the worst snowstorm in recent Istanbul history shut down most of the city. There were a row of

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MANGO BITES

kebab restaurants at which Tutak and his mates used to eat, but during that week, all of the sellers closed down except for one, who provided them sustenance during the freeze. The most unique and stunning dish on the menu has to be “The Hunting,” named after Tutuk’s German wife’s family, whom he says were really “old-school traditional.” On one of his first visits to his in-laws, his father-inlaw took him duck hunting, and this dish is based on that memory. A duck breast is served with sorrel leaves (representing the duck’s wings), and then the duck is surrounded by pomegranate sauce and seeds, which represent the blood, while burnt onion powder shows up as the exploded gunpowder used on the hunt. Needless to say, The Hunting is both intensely visual and visceral. Another great one is “Early Morning at Tsukiji Fish Market,” recalling Tutak’s days as a chef in Japan, where he’d go to Tokyo’s famed morning seafood market. For this dish, fine katsuo tuna from Tsukiji is marinated and served with avocado, seaweed, and wasabi on a large lotus leaf. Also inspiring is the “Season, Volume 3” (every new season brings a dish based on the produce available during those months), where a Jerusalem artichoke gets served up with a porcini mushroom and tapioca infusion into which an on-

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sen egg (cooked at 60ºC for 30 minutes) has been dropped. While it would be easy to call the whole setup and experience at the House on Sathorn truly fine dining, chef Tutak says that he thought this was too stuffy, and instead, the team here calls it “fun dining.” It’s great that the old mansion has been opened up to the public and that such pains-

taking care has been put into its revival. And while the dining room storybook experience remains the best part, the House on Sathorn actually is far more comprehensive. The adjoining bar serves up master mixologist Joseph Borowski-inspired cocktails, and there is a lovely outdoor courtyard in the back where one can opt to eat in, or else just visit for afternoon tea, and even the upstairs of the original house has been put to good use as club for late night cocktails, desserts, or parties.

When people in Thailand refer to the north, they usually think of such popular destinations as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Mae Hong Song, where the tourism industry is well-developed. But there’s much more to this region than the Golden Triangle, the hill tribes, and the night markets.

By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

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Actually, even before you reach these popular provinces, there’s a plethora of destinations worth visiting in the north. Yes, they are a bit off the beaten track, and they are more cumbersome to access due to poor infrastructure and limited transportation options, but they are worth the trouble. One such “hidden” destination is Phetchabun province, located in the lower northern region of Thailand, 340 kilometers from Bangkok.

With a generally cooler temperature than the rest of Thailand, Phetchabun province is flanked by two mountain ranges of the same name with Pa Sak River flowing in between. This great topography gives Phetchabun province numerous natural vistas, especially in its national parks. Add to this the ruins of ancient towns and some intricate religious architecture, and you have all the reasons why you need to plan a two-day, one-night trip to this province.

eye open for some exotic birds! Actually, the park has two waterfalls: Tat Mok and Song Nang. Tat Mok Waterfall is a single-leveled waterfall, and it’s the easiest of the two to access. It’s more than 200 meters high, and if visited during or right after the rainy season, it looks like a blanket covering the side of the mountain. The pool at the base of the waterfall is deep enough to go for a decent swim and an excellent way to cool off and clean the sweat and dust you’ve

Tat Mok National Park (www.dnp.go.th) is located about 40 kilometers east of Phetchabun City, and it’s got great and affordable accommodation facilities, including a camping ground. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. After spending a night with the sounds of nature all around you, it’s time to pack your bags and head back home. But not before you make a small detour to the north to visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a Buddhist temple and monastery built on the peak of a mountain at an elevation of 830 meters. The name of the temple translates as “temple on a glass cliff.” This is probably because the decorations for the various parts of the temple were made using five million pieces of tiles and pottery items set in intricate mosaic styles.

On a weekend escape trip, make sure you don’t miss the following three destinations: Si Thep Historical Park, Tat Mok Waterfall, and Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. These scenic spots will give you a great overview of what Phetchabun has to offer and will surely make you want to return and explore more.

Apart from that, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is surrounded by stained glass pavilions and minipagodas. The centerpiece of the monastery is a structure made up of five white Buddha statues built one in front of the other in a decreasing height. The gardens dotting the mountain peak are well-maintained, but the sun above is unforgiving, so make sure you wear a hat and drink enough water. The panorama from the top of the upper level of the Buddha statue is breathtaking.

If you’re coming up from Bangkok, it would make sense to first stop at Si Thep Historical Park, located 130 kilometers south of Phetchabun on Highway 21. The park encompasses over 100 archeological sites that actually make up the ancient city of Si Thep. The many architectural structures found in the park are made of red bricks and laterite and resemble the ruins one can see today in Ayutthaya. Make sure you don’t miss the museum within the park’s information center and the Archeological Excavation Site. The museum showcases statues of Surya, the Hindu God of the Sun, as well as ancient inscriptions carved in stone. The archeological site has some amazingly creepy skeletons, which were unearthed on location and left lying in their pits. Si Thep Historical Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is free. After spending a few hours in the sun exploring ancient ruins, head for Tat Mok National Park and bathe in Tat Mok Waterfall. The park is home to a great variety of birds, so while you’re hiking to the waterfalls, keep an

Unfortunately, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is that one destination off the beaten track which requires extra effort to reach. If you have your own transportation, then you can easily find your way up the mountain or else you’ll have to arrange transportation from Phetchabun City. But, there are a few travel agencies that organize trips there, so it shouldn’t be a great hassle!

accumulated on your body. Song Nang Waterfall takes a bit longer to reach and to explore, as it’s a twelve-level waterfall with each level between 5 and 100 meters high. You can climb to the last level in a day and enjoy an arresting view of the mountains around you, but it will take you a few good hours and some exertion.

From Bangkok, you can reach Phetchabun by air-conditioned bus from Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2). If you drive your own car, start on Highway No. 1 and then continue on Highway No. 21. Once in Phetchabun City, you can negotiate rides on songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors, and tuk tuks. Since it is quite an inconvenient travel, I recommend you find a few friends or colleagues and rent a van for the entire trip. That way, you can really travel off the beaten track.

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Cover-free adventures in Thailand... can you afford to be oblivious to risk? If you can’t afford travel insurance, can you afford to travel? For those who never travel with it, you’ll hear comments such as “Oh, it doesn’t matter if you lose your bags, just travel light with stuff you can afford to replace” or “Medical bills in South East Asia are pretty cheap if you need treatment” and of course “Travel insurance companies will just tell you the horror stories to get you to buy insurance”. The last one is quite true. You ought to know for example that without travel insurance, an emergency evacuation can cost in excess of USD$100,000… In most cases of course your travels will go without a hitch. You’ll not have to experience the nightmare of being seriously ill or injured in a foreign country. But if you do, the last thing you want is not having the support or financial means by which to get treated and flown home. For this reason alone, travel insurance is worth every cent. Read on… A British-Irish national, Darren Vogan, 33, who was stranded in Thailand after a serious road accident, describes his ordeal. “It was in hospital that I discovered that my insurance policy didn’t cover my treatment.” he says. “I didn’t realize I was supposed to renew the policy every month, and the insurance provided by my employers didn’t cover me either. I hadn’t read the small print.” After four weeks in hospital, Darren arrived at the airport with a ‘fit to fly’ certificate from doctors but airline staff wouldn’t let him on board as they didn’t think he was well enough. Instead, he returned to hospital and it was a further four weeks, and much organization later, before he was able to board a plane home. And you don’t have to be on or in a vehicle... Pattaya City has spent millions of baht on specially constructed pedestrian traffic lights to improve tourist safety and to make visitors feel more secure as they venture from the pavements to cross busy main roads. However the lights do not stop the traffic. Pressing the “walk” button may or may not work, and you have to be extra careful when crossing roads, for speeding drivers, vehicles driving in the wrong direction and motorcycles driving along the sidewalks may present unexpected and very unwelcome surprises.

So, does your health insurance plan cover you adequately while abroad? Firstly you should determine if your plan covers emergency care overseas. Then decide if buying supplemental coverage is a good idea, based on factors such as your itinerary and any pre-existing health conditions. Also, suppose you’re traveling overseas and you become suddenly unwell. You don’t speak the native language and you’re uncertain if your health plan covers medical care, such as a visit to a doctor or hospital whilst abroad. While this is probably the last scenario you want to consider while planning your trip, medical emergencies happen. But here’s the silver lining, you can easily find out what your insurance will cover while traveling abroad by asking your provider a few key questions. This will determine what coverage you have, and what you’ll need when traveling overseas. It’s a smart idea to consider investing in travel insurance. But before you make a final decision, you ought to evaluate a variety of factors, including the type of trip you’re planning and if you’ll be taking part in risky activities, such as scuba diving or mountain climbing during your travels. Comprehensive travel insurance plans may include emergency medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation coverage, trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage and baggage coverage. How to arrange health, travel and personal accident insurance? Pacific Cross Health Insurance offer Inbound and Outbound travel insurance, two Personal Accident plans and Comprehensive Health insurance. Their Lifestyle Series is not just a health insurance policy. It is a series of nine medical insurance plans with incredible flexibility, among the most comprehensive and best health insurance plans available worldwide. Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL. http://www.pacificcrosshealth.com Tel - 02 401 9189 (International +66 2 401 9189) contactus@th.pacificcrosshealth.com

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A COLLECTION OF 1000 FILMS, many of them from the golden era of cinema for sale. Offer please around 50,000 baht will be considered. nigel Barrett Tel.0871053664 (H) OPENING – Nichada & Natakorn Lake Condominiums was launched in May 2015. The 22-floor towers are the newest development in the prestigious Nichada Thani luxury gated community in Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok,just minutes from downtown. Built on a 60acre lake, there are 159 apartments of 1,2,3 and 4 bedrooms for both short and long-term rental. The project features personalized butler services and state-of-the art security. For More Information: www. nichada.com n1n2@nichada.com 02 960 4329-31 (I)

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COLLECTIONS, DELIVERIES AND RELOCATIONS Nationwide in Thailand. Call 090-659-1065, e-mail windsor-th@outlook.com or Facebook: Windsor-TH. Collections, Deliveries and Relocations. (I) 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 (J) SPACE FOR RENT near Kasetsart University area. Total rental area 125 sq. m. suitable for Office or Tutoring school. Contact Khun Art (094 654-8740) or Khun Ann (089 890-5473) E-Mail artann1512@gmail. com (J) APT IN SUKHUMVIT SOI 11 FOR SELL. 2 bedrooms + 1 study room, 2 bathrooms. 118 sqm F/F open kitchen and living room on 9 FL. sale: 7.9 mil baht. contact: 081-3070618 Lee (K)

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DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING... APT IN SATHORN (SUAN PLU SOI 8) FOR RENT – Studio 40 sq.m. Fully furnished. 13,000 ฿ per month. Contract 1 year. Deposit 2 months. Contact now: 097-008-5992 (H) BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM CONDO FOR RENT (75 M2) – Sukhumvit Soi 11 - Stylishly newly designed All furniture, A/Cs and Fully fitted Kitchen Brand New – Very nice onsite Pool, Sauna & Fitness Facilities – Car park - Walking distance to BTS Nana & MRT Sukhumvit / Asoke - Only THB 29,000 per month (1 year contract min.) - To arrange a viewing, call Pat 087 517 4129 - pmbkk@hotmail.com (K)

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