Metro Business & Leisure issue 01 by Metro Magazine

Contents conTENts #1 JULY 2013

30 40

Regular Columns 10 18 23

MetroSociety MetroUpdate MetroGlam

The Summit of a Man Nuttapol “Nut” Jurangkool, son of Dr. Sansern and Khun Hathairat Jurangkool, owners of both the Summit Corporation, a leading auto-parts maker, and Summit Windmill Golf Club, unveils his path to success.

The Intelligent Office

Let your spirit free at any one of the exciting, modern, upscale day and nightspots that we’ve showcased, all located along the Sukhumvit line. These rendezvous spots are perfect for people who love casual dining, excellent wines, and exclusive cocktails. The only question is: what kind of a place do you want to go to tonight?

Dining Out Japanese eateries have been popular in Thailand for ages, and now that Thai people are becoming increasingly health conscious, it will be interesting to see which Japanese restaurants stand to gain from this renewed interest in food quality. Check out our list of Japanese eateries in town that you really must try.

tower which has stood for over two decades on Soi Ekkamai.

Metro Hi-Like

Metro Trip Find out why traveling to Japan is such a timeless journey, and discover moderntradition in Tokyo. And now that Thai tourists no longer need visas for Japan (short stays only), you can pack your bags and book a

The evolution of the workplace trends urges Piyarat Ukrit, Director of V Brilliant Group Holding Company Limited, to come up with ideas for the renovation of the Bangkok

Living Trendy Meet the newly line-up of recommended residential projects in Bangkok – all planned, designed, and constructed for stylish urban living and modern lifestyles.

The Key Spirits For Success Patraporn “Joana” Techapaibul, Senior Marketing Manager at Ambrose Wine Limited, tell us about what’s behind the success of the company, even amidst the mounting competition.

Metro Girl Of The Month Apinara Srikanchana, the oldest daughter of Ms Yuki Srikarnchana, Managing Director of Pendulum Co., Ltd, reveals how her maturity was born from staying away from the family shelter in Tokyo.

Summit Windmill Golf Residence Discover the best of both worlds at Summit Windmill Golf Residence, where 70 exquisitely appointed suites and residences command spectacular views of the Summit Windmill Golf Club, one of the best golf courses in Thailand. Conveniently located just a short drive from the city centre and the airport, the suites and residences here range from 1-bedroom suites to 2-bedroom residences. Each is fully furnished with all the right touches to assure total comfort, while the contemporary décor is complimented with an Asian flair. The Garden Suites (1- and 2-bedroom residences) are ground floor units with private gardens, and panoramic views. Dining options at the resort include the @Course Library Cafe, a European-style bakery and coffee shop, and the Palm Breeze Bar & Restaurant, where guests can enjoy Asian dishes, light meals, snacks and tapas as well as wines, international beers, and specialty cocktails. And located in the heart of the golf course is The Fountain Restaurant, where a variety of Western and Asian fusion cuisine is prepared right in front of the guests at the restaurant’s open kitchen. For golf enthusiasts, the Summit Windmill Golf Club is classified as one of the best golf courses in Thailand, meeting the highest international standards. Also, unlike most urban golf courses, it is one of the most challenging and pleasurable courses on which to play, with a series of scenic lakes, overlapping hills, and sand bunkers strategically placed throughout the breathtaking fairways. For business, the Dharadon function and meeting room facilities can service and accommodate up to 350 people, and guests can rest assured that the experienced conference and events team will take care of everything. The Summit Windhmill Golf Residence is the ideal location for long- or short-term stays in Thailand’s bustling capital city. For guests’ convenience, a shuttle service operates from the Residence to the nearby BTS On-Nut station, Central Bangna Department Store, Bitec Exhibition Center, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and downtown Bangkok.

Summit Windmill Golf Residence 788 Moo 14 Bangna-Trad Rd., KM 10.5, Bangpleeyai, Bangplee, Samuthprakarn, Thailand. Tel : +66 (0)2 317 1717 Fax : +66 (0)2 317 1757 E-Mail: info@summitwindmillgolfresidence.com

www.summitwindmillgolfresidence.com

Editor’s MESSAGE

Metro Business & Leisure Magazine

Born of a Passion Real estate along the Sukhumvit line – from Ploenchit to Bangna – has shown a

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Rangsan Srirat Rangsan Srirat Editor

Behind The Scene

The THM Co., Ltd. Wisith Chawalitanon Manachai Inkaew Gaid Phitthayakornsilp Surachai Tantichot Nipon Riabriang Bruce Scott Alan Wass Kanittha Attamate

Kanchana Yeyaphan Parichart Khumsaub +66 (0) 81 648 0218 parichart@thethm.com Phuthiphat Thammavichaisri +66 (0) 89 169 8412 phuthiphat@thethm.com Pailyn Jitchuen +66 (0) 91 214 5680 pailyn@thethm.com Kritpeerat Rattanavijit +66 (0) 86 407 4523 kritpeerat@thethm.com Nutnaree Mathong Aphitchaya Phrueksa-aphon Thanawatt Khongseankhum Thunyarat Satornlug

Patchree Kukaew Sujitra Yeyaphan 8, Soi Phahonyothin 29, Phahonyothin Rd, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok, Thailand 10900 Phone +66 (0) 2939 5512-3, 2939 5488 Fax +66 (0) 2939 5477 VR Film Co., Ltd. Idea Printing (2013) sales@metrothailand.com www.metrothailand.com editor@metrothailand.com

MAD ABOUT THE SEA

Siam Center (G. Fl.), CentralWorld (2nd Fl.), Central Ladprao (2nd Fl.)

Metro SOCIETY

Perceptions of Beauty Dove believes many women are unhappy with their looks these days, so they organized a seminar and launched a 3-minute video entitled “Dove Real Beauty Sketches,” a successful viral campaign which has been widely talked about. Dove said that women are their own worst beauty critics with only 4 per cent of women around the world consider themselves beautiful. At Dove, it’s tried to create a world where beauty Dove Real Beauty Sketches is a beauty in contrast to what others see.

Beauty Secret Revealed Eucerin recently launched “Eucerin Skin Science Secret” event to create brand awareness and strengthen its pace as a leader in beauty and skincare product at the fashion hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. The event was packed with special guests and famous celebrities that came to join the hidden beauty under the skin through Eucerin’s clinically proven skin testing technology.

AUTUMN IN LONDON SMART, PERFECT, LONDON:

THE NEW BOSS MENSWEAR COLLECTION IS A MODERN HOMAGE TO THE TIMELESS SENSE OF STYLE ON THE THAMES.

What can a man learn from London? No less than a perfect sense of style. For centuries the Savile Row suit has been synonymous is home to the highest density of impeccable business looks-and new BBC series such as “Sherlock” document how Britishness has stayed en vogue on the fashion front. From Savile Row to Baker Street, London is the starting point for the new BOSS Menswear ness-and eveningwear.

join a hallmark shoulder construction and are enhanced by bespoke details. BOSS businesswear banks on luxurious, init sets stock in micro-prints such as mini-herringbone and function as fasteners on jackets. Business suit coats cleverly integrate smartphones: the earbud cable threads elegantly structed jackets with Alcantara detailing on the undercollar and lapels, paired with soft-washed denim shirts and wool neckties. Or the double-breaster with easy shoulders and

medley of grays joins velvet jackets in burnt orange. And the footwear? None other than Chelsea boots!

www .hugoboss.com

Metro SOCIETY

Quattro Design Flagship Store and enthusiasts of home decor products. With an investment of 10 million baht, they opened in a new two-storey building with 300 square metres of retail space that was packed to the rafters with beautiful and quaint furniture as well as decorative items displayed as if in an actual home.

Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future

One of the greatest decisions in a parent’s life is where to send their children to get the best and most comprehensive education available. At Berkeley International School we understand these challenges and we are here to make your decision easier. All of the teaching staff at Berkeley are from the USA, Canada, and UK and all of our educators hold BA’s and or Master’s degrees in education. students per teacher to ensure maximum performance and representation. All of our classrooms are equipped with the best technology including LCD projectors and smart boards. We encourage the use of new technologies

students should follow in order to gain the highest chance of university admission. We offer constant avenues to impart knowledge, and support students in their high school careers in the form of guidance counseling, electives, sports and extracurricular activities. Our student body make up is also very diverse and international with over 30% of our students coming from North America and 30% coming from Europe, with English being undeniably the language of choice used on campus. We accept students from all nationalities and we are very proud of our open door policy.

with a vast array of books and reading materials to suit all tastes.

Berkeley is ideally located on the Bangna Trad road within easy reach of the BTS, expressway and eastern seaboard. Our campus is beautifully

At Berkeley, we follow an American Common Core Curriculum, with a focus on Advanced Placement. This curriculum provides guidelines that

have for our work is contagious, come by anytime for a visit to catch a glimpse of who we really are. Join us, We are Berkeley!

Berkeley International School

123 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna Bangkok, Thailand | Tel: +66 (0)2 747 4788, (0)2 747 4888 | Email: info@berkeley.ac.th | www.berkeley.ac.th

Metro SOCIETY

Essential Looks 2013 Henkel Thailand Co., Ltd, the trader and distributor of Schwarzkopf in Thailand, organized EL 1/2013 Spring/ Summer: The Colour Buzz Collection under the concept â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catwalk To Salonâ&#x20AC;? to activate the essential look of Thai women, including introducing four According to the brand ambassador of Schwarzkopf Professionals Thailand Khun Somsak Chalachol, a guru in hair styling and dressing hoped that to upgrade the standard and skill of Thai professional hair stylists to international level.

Metro SOCIETY

The Splash BALDESSARINI Eyewear Party House of better vision and better look recently took place at Central Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eden zone during the launching party for BALDESSARINI eyewear fashion brand from Germany where attendants came with absolutely eye-catcher Baldessarini eyewear collections. The party led by Mr.Guenter Raichle, managing director of Rodenstock Asia and Rodenstock Thailand, Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturer of high-quality optical lenses and frames and distributor of Baldessarini. The party set the right mood for the launching of Baldessarini as feel like walking into the elegant eyewear store where distinguished guests came with their sense of style sunglasses.

Metro UPDATE

Advance Purchase

@ S.M. Grande Residence S.M. Grande Residence is now offering a promotion for every early bird “Advance

Conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Sukhumvit, the residence features 103 leisure, long or short term, as a single or with family, you are sure to enjoy the ultimate comfort and wide range of facilities. The “Advance Purchase” promotion is available from For more info, please contact +66 (0) 2656 0818 or visit www.smgrandebangkok.com

The Charm Of Siam Hua Chang Heritage Hotel recently unveiled “Miss of culinary delights featuring Thai recipes and the traditional art of cooking that have been passed down through the generations by the executive Chef Pairos Prapairak. Set amidst a charming ambience that harks back to old days of Siam, the former name of Thailand, during Rattanakosin ear, Miss cuisine delightfully concocted with a combination daily from 10.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. For a relaxing serves beer, wine and spirits daily from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2217-0777 ext 7421.

DoubleTree By Hilton Debuts In Bangkok

of DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, its 100th property in the region. It also has more than 170 hotels with more than 50,000 rooms in its pipeline and expects

also announced the introduction of its luxury brand Conrad Hotels & Resorts in include commemorating its 50th anniversary of operations in Japan as well as its

Metro UPDATE

Accor Signs 3 New Hotels In Myanmar

announced the development of three newly built hotels in Myanmar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an MGallery hotel in Naypyidaw, Novotel Yangon Max, and Novotel Mandalay Mingalar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; representing the

welcome guests with 168 rooms, a meeting hall, four meeting rooms, a cigar bar and two dining outlets, not forgetting an

Naypyidaw International Airport. Novotel Mandalay Mingalar, rooms, two restaurants, two bars, a ballroom, four meeting rooms, a swimming pool, and wellness centre. Situated in a prime location, the hotel is near the Maha Muni Pagoda, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay Hill, Mandalay is located 716 km north of Yangon on the east Myanmar.

The New Promising

Journey Of Zinc

aiming to reinforce the existing successful midscale hotel brand Hospitality currently manages 11 hotels and resorts in four countries, with signed contracts in place to open an additional 16

urban appeal with contemporary and distinctive property designs,

region. For more info, visit www.zinchospitality.com

First AEON Lounge in Thailand

lounge service to all of our good and loyal customers who have been with us for a long time and we sincerely hope that this new service will meet our current customers, as well as prospective well as outside provinces in order to provide services to even more customers.

Regent’s Wellness Package Regent Phuket Cape Panwa is offering a “Wellness Package” for guests to indulge themselves in a truly relaxing getaway at their Suite or Pool Villa with inclusive wellness options. The package features a wide range of massages and treatments, harmonizing Chinese and Thai traditional therapies. The selection of treatments includes the

priced at Bt10,300. For more info, contact +66 7620 0800 or visit www.regenthotels.com/Phuket

Special Come 4 Pay 2 This Sunday, treat your family to a gourmet feast at August at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, an array of delectable international cuisine includes ‘a la an extensive selection of Mediterranean cuisine such and tasty dishes the youngsters will love. New and succulent Australian beef and lamb, and a live station adult.

The First Pullman On Island of resorts on island, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, to cater the need

benchmark for the rest of the Pullman hotels and resorts to come. architecture and landscaping will leave guests with a lasting impression, with cascading waterfalls and uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea from all angles. Stay 3 consecutive nights, save up to 33.33 per cent off from the Best Unrestricted Rate with daily For more info, please visit www.pullmanphuketarcadia.com

Tea Time @ The Eugenia the Town High Tea” features an array of homemade mini French desserts served along with a wide selection of scones, sandwiches, cheesecakes,

For more info, contact +66 (0) 2529-9011-9 or visit www.theeugenia.com 21

Metro UPDATE

The New Lofty Living its latest freehold residential condominium development along Sukhumvit Road, targeting a new generation of potential homeowners looking for a combination of style, comfort and convenience

entertainment, shopping and business. The Lofts and trademark attention to detail. The interior space ensuring bright and airy volumes due to the generous ceiling heights and use of glass. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2651-9600.

The New Fashionable Mode Of Living Mode Sathorn Hotel, the latest benchmark of fashionable lifestyle hotels at the heart of Bangkok, is enticing travelers with an appetite for new experiences to sample its distinctive charms with major soft opening savings rate. Located just short steps from

including lots of extra privileges. For more info, contact +66 (0) 2623 4555 or visit www.modesathorn.com

Fenix Samui Offers Full Moon Package Fenix Beach Resort Samui is offering a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Full Moon Party Packageâ&#x20AC;? to tempt all young travelers and young travelers at heart wishing to explore the Full

For more info, contact +66 (0) 7742 4008 or visit www.fenixresortsamui.com

Cantonese Excellence Chef Chu Hoi Hong is presenting his passion of Cantonese signature dishes and set menus to celebrate his 10th

Cantonese selection of his most treasured recipes. Among with Snow Fish and Avocado, Braised Bamboo Pith Stuffed

For more info, contact +66 (0) 2261 9000 ext. 5058-9. 22

Feminine Elegance

Metro GLAM

Ladies’ watchmaker Bedat & Co. unveiled its ‘Best of 2013’ collections – dedicated traditional craftsmanship, and elegant feminist aesthetics. Visit Pendulum’s with feminine elegance.

Youthful & Healthy Looking Skin looking skin. The package features face serum, face cream and eye cream, and is now available at the Valmont counter in (Ratchadamri Rd).

Gardeners Limited Edition Exceptional Harmony

your hands need after a long day handling butter will help nourish and condition

Chivas Regal, the world’s most iconic whisky, has teamed up with Pininfarina, Italy’s supercar design and engineering 18 by Pininfarina’. The elegant bottles, glasses and packaging were created with the discerning modern gentlemen in mind, and for supercar enthusiasts who love living life in the fast lane.

Metro GUEST

The

Summit

Of A Man

To be tagged a ‘modern person’ has nothing to do with your age, the clothes you wear, or the gadgets you may choose to use. It has more to do with your outlook on life, the philosophy you live by, and the days. Indeed, with today’s youngsters having so much to live up to, shouldn’t it be they themselves who recognize who they are, what they want and where they are going? To do what you are passionate about, to live life intelligently and intuitively, all from an early age, creates the modern person. In this issue we chat to Khun Nuttapol “Nut” Jurangkool, the third of six children of Dr. Sansern and Khun Hathairat Jurangkool, owners of both the Summit Corporation, a leading auto-parts maker, and Summit Windmill Golf Club. Like so many of his peers, Khun Nut was fortunate to be born into a wealthy family and to have been given a helping hand, but this fortuitous start in life has not gone to his head, and he is a well-measured, mature adult who recognizes what he wants to achieve in the hospitality industry, and is planning to go about it in his own style.

Some people might view Summit Windmill Golf Club as a successful investment, but to me, there is still more room for development. I feel there is also more room to improve and develop myself and in that respect, there is much to be done in

Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from Rangsit University here in Bangkok, the young executive enjoyed working alongside his father and getting to know the family business intimately. From this vantage point, he saw early on that things could be done differently to achieve the desired results and so he set about adjusting his life to accomplish his dreams. He opted to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration at San Francisco State University, a degree that would give him the necessary skills to mould a luxury leisure business once he’d completed his studies. A major wheel in the family’s business empire is the stunning Summit Windmill Golf Club on the outskirts of Bangkok. It was Khun Nut’s idea to extend the family business and branch out into service, hospitality and real estate, and that’s when he realized that if this family gem of a golf course was to to retain its appeal for another generation, then he had to go about ensuring the hospitality and service remained on track, and that the overall look and feel of the club needed to be overhauled. A plan that included adding a residence to the already existing property. 25

His determination to develop and add an elemental approach to the club’s hospitality and lifestyle services convinced his father to put Khun Nut in a position where he was most effective. He was appointed point man to oversee Summit Windmill Golf Club, and then began to take on more responsibility when he was assigned leading managerial roles at other properties under the Summit portfolio such as Summit Green Valley Chiangmai Country Club, Summit Windmill Golf Residence, Ample Tower, Summit On Green Media Co., Ltd., and Berkeley International School. He rose to the occasion, and soon made a name for himself as a young businessman with steely nerves. “I’ve always known what I wanted to do since university. It was my decision to study what I did because I like mass communication and at the time achieve in hospitality in the long run,” says Khun Nuttapol Jurangkool, the Executive Director of the Summit Windmill Golf Club. “Later, I came to realize that in order to fully understand the scope of business development and to enhance my intuition and prospect in the hospitality industry I had to study business administration in the US. I knew it would help bring new developments to my family business when I returned. “It was quite a challenge, and I must say exciting, for me the day my father entrusted me to oversee the development of Summit Windmill Golf Club. Fortunately, I had grown up listening to and working with my father so I knew what to do, it was now a case of implementing those plans. I also took part in the family business while studying in Thailand so it wasn’t really that hard for me to familiarize myself and to bring my proven knowledge and intuition in the hospitality business to enhance the development of Summit Windmill Golf Club.” Khun Nut’s most promising business development in the hospitality sector so far was to mix a luxury leisure environment with a residential development to create Summit Windmill Golf Residence. The fully serviced luxury residences are his match of hardware in the form of architectural design, quality materials and gorgeous planning, interwoven with the software application of hospitality and well-trained human resources. Khun Nut is particularly keen to emphasize that human software is an essential tool to attract customers and gain potential at one of the most coveted locations in outer Bangkok that has commanding views.

SPECIAL THANKS

Make Up & Hair:

Shirt, Suit, &Trousers:

Summit Windmill Golf Residence comprises 70 luxurious suites and residences, ranging from one-bedroom suites, to the one-bedroom with study room, to the two-bedroom residences, which include the fully-equipped Garden Suite an urban resort, and all suites and units are well-appointed with all the right touches in order to ensure total comfort and individual indulgence. The contemporary décor is topped while the spacious balcony of each suite allows owners and residents to enjoy the stunning private gardens and the scenic opening in the coming months, and Khun Nut played his cards “One of the most important points in making progress in the hospitality business is to have unpretentious service. Before, people may have ignored small details about services, but doing this only leads to bigger problems in the long run. My father taught me to pay attention to any customer complaint so as to maintain a high standard. Some people might view Summit Windmill Golf Club as a successful investment, but to me, there is still more room for development. I feel there is also more room to improve and develop myself and in that

With his ambitious plans to take his family’s Bangkok golf club to a new level, I wonder if the young executive has any spare time on his hands. He tells me that he has ideas for a small resort on the beautiful Koh Kood, an island close to the Thai border with Cambodia, as well as working on the company’s plans to expand the business dealings of Summit Corporation. This includes putting more focus on hotel resorts by hiring some of the world’s most recognized hotel management brands in order to guarantee a promising accomplishment in hospitality business. was recently selected as a “modern executive idol” by Vaseline, one of the biggest names in body lotion for men. Moreover, Khun Nut also reveals a softer side when he tells me about his commitment to corporate social responsibility and the TV series Term Nam Jai Hai Cheewit, by Summit Corporation (“Adding Morale Support for Life With Summit Corporation”), a social connection designed to pinpoint gaps in the society. He and his family’s organization continues to donate and give help to underprivileged children, handicapped elders, and the disabled, in order improve their living conditions.

dreams,” he informs me.

Berkeley International School

Metro GUEST

The Key Spirits For Success we are listed in the top-five wine importers of the country, but I still feel that we have greed for growth

The growing trend of wine appreciation and the adoption of of wine consumption, have increasingly been on the focus for more than a decade, prompting Thai consumers to shift their drink choices to wine from other alcohol beverages. Such has made the market for wine continue to grow, despite setbacks due to rigid industry regulation. Rangsan Srirat sat down with the visionary woman Khun Patraporn “Joana” Techapaibul, Senior Marketing Manager, Ambrose Wine Limited, to discuss about what’s behind the success of the company amidst the mounting competitors. It’s the matter of quality of wine and service that drive the growth; it’s not that the company is taking the advantage of the growing trend. Wine is popular among young adults and woman, especially in socializing activities. It’s also linked to fashionable lifestyles, particularly in urban areas, due to its high-quality image. Khun Patraporn said that the wine market is bigger than before and there are up and coming new wine haunts, wine and bar nocturnal venues in the heart of the city center. Meanwhile, the increasing presence of wine with modern people whose urban lifestyles are linked to wine consumption and appreciation without worrying about the true sense of wine specialist or have great knowledge about matching wine with the food will be the company’s next focus to maintain its pace as the country’s forth largest importer and distributor of wines and spirits. “We are one of the country’s leading importers and distributors of wine and spirits. To me, we have reached a level of success as we feel that we have greed for growth, so we have to strive towards the next level of success and achieve the next goal,” she said. “It’s certainly because the wine and spirit market in Thailand is quite big as it’s going to have new players or competitors coming to share the margins. So, we can’t stop to explore the new chance to grow further,” she adds. Ambrose is a family business owned by the Techapaibul family, which has been prominent in business and banking in Thailand for many years. Established in 1996 as a spin off from Seagram (Thailand), Ambrose Wine Limited is currently behind labeled Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Bacardi. From the early beginnings as a specialist wine company, Ambrose’s portfolio has grown to include world renowned beverage brands such as Hardy’s, Pascal Jolivet, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Robert Mondavi, Fernet Branca and Voss Artesian Water.

The company has worked closely with its partners to increase brand value and capture an additional market share. Ambrose’s sales force covers all the regions and provinces of Thailand. Additionally, they have exclusive and better services in major tourist destinations. The company distributes its products in all channels including on-trade, off-trade, traditional wholesalers, duty free and direct sales. “Other dealers, importers, or distributors of wine and spirits might highlight the price as the key element to gain the potential in the market, but for Ambrose Wine, we will emphasize on service with a customer-focus Consulting with the customer, it’s actually good that we are able to appropriately know the trend and lifestyle of wine and dining of the people in the up market, including helping customers organize the exclusive wine dinner, allowing us to understand more about the changing taste and style of wine dining and improve the market share as well,” says Patraporn, a fourth generation of the family business “Our wine portfolio will be exclusively concentrated on the new world from Australia. We deal with Hardy’s wine, which is the award-winning and number one Australian wine and we also do the marketing for a number of stellar wine brands from New Zealand, including premium wines from United States and Chile to reinforce the company in the up-market sector. We are strong in supplying wine from the new world; they are quite good quality wines and value for money. Anyway, our core product is visibly not the wine, but the service, which I think is the core product.” “Our challenge in performing the wine marketing is about the capability to deliver a reliable quality of wine with an affordable or value price as well as in terms of the service. And I think both quality and service are the key factors towards the success that we have today,” says Patraporn.

Metro GUEST

When it comes to offering services, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to do it by heart

the

intelligent

In today’s business world, going to the office is not what it used to be. Nowadays the workplace has become an environment where employees tend to spend much more of their time each day, often doing a variety of things apart from the regular workload. Consequently, this evolution of workplace trends urges Piyarat Ukrit, Director of V Brilliant Group Holding Company Limited, to come up with ideas for the renovation of the Bangkok Business Center (BBC), which has stood for over two decades on building that provides today’s companies with an impressive work and recreation environment. “Since our company has a long-standing reputation, and the Ekkamai area is one of the most ideal locations in town,” Piyarat explains, “we came to the conclusion that renovation of the whole building was necessary in order to create an ‘Intelligent Building’ – one that features tailor-made indoor services and state-ofthe-art systems, in order to provide those who use our building with a better living environment.” According to V Brilliant Group Holding Co., Ltd., the company responsible for the site renovation, the parking area on 20,000-square-meter tower will be entirely remodeled. The area from the 1st a community mall that features coffee shops, restaurants, commercial banks, both the workforces in the building, and passersby in the neighbourhood. By be converted to a rooftop garden and a restaurant, for those who want to come and relax. Piyarat goes on to say that the trend in today’s workplace is constant change, and any rental situation that can’t adapt accordingly becomes a hindrance to the tenant everything they need, right on the premises, becomes the main focus. This allows tenants to maintain their budgets, and still have the capability to easily grow their businesses in the future.

office The renovation of the BBC building is also focused on reengineering the interior facilities, such as air-con, electrical, and communication systems (including internet and telephone). An importance has also been given to providing impressive amounts of usable space, in response to the new lifestyle demands of the modern urban professional. The due date for the completion of this project has been set for March 2015. The intelligent and experienced Piyarat, who has worked in management for many companies, including a stint as a Vice President for both BNH Hospital and Samitivej Sriracha Hospital, and as a Deputy Managing Director for National Health Care Company Limited, now sits as the Managing Director of Convergence System Company Limited, and the General Manager of V Intelligence Co. Ltd., and V Brilliant Group Holding Co. Ltd. It’s an impressive resume, but according to her,

There’s no doubt that the dynamic Piyarat will continue to be successful in her upcoming endeavours – as she deal with everything from small to mega projects with heart – but this busy woman also to chill out. ‘When it comes to work, I give 100 percent of myself, but when the job is done, I’m done, not thinking about it,” she assures us. “In my spare time I like to exercise, and to stop over at interesting places I discover on these journeys. One place I tend to especially love is Chantaburi, as it is my hometown. Chantaburi is a relaxing province and not too far from Bangkok. It features both beautiful mountains and a pristine seaside where you can get savory rejuvenated every time I come back from visiting there.”

“When it comes to offering services, you’ve got to do it by heart,” she says. “So I tend to recruit for my staff those employees who have shown to me that they have a service mind, and in turn I’ll skill. To offer services, is to impress the client. The bottom line is that the client’s problems are your problems.”

Alongside the conversion of the BBC into an intelligent building, the V Brilliant Group has also purchased a residential building, located on Ekkamai 2, and plans are underway to transform it into a serviced-apartment building, in order to even more effectively facilitate clients. able to easily access their downtown workplace, and, at the same time, have peaceful corner of town. Piyarat revealed that this serviced-apartment will be open for business by the middle of 2014. 31

Metro HI-LIKE

The

Passion

Of Gastronomy In The City

Culinary nuances are an intricate part of the hospitality service industry in which the competition has been heating up for a decade. The idea to renovate to add new exciting dimensions and captivating environments to an eatery is becoming the central goal in marketing content that many hotel dining and independent bistros along the heart of Sukhumvit are going to have to apply in order to live up to the expectations of existing out how to create new affordable dishes with new tastes in reasonable portions and price so as to challenge the tongue and wallet. Bangkok’s dining scene has evolved and gone so far that the ‘fusion’ has been gradually phased out from the culinary dictionary with the modern customer looking for a more unique yet authentic dining experience instead of two or more dishes from different nations combined together that confuses the palette more than tantalizing it. We took time off to enjoy a spot of dining with friends to do a review while sipping on will more or less provide you with the culinary platform to realize a memorable dining moment in the city and experience the exceptional phenomenon of artistically created meals, served within an impeccable dining atmosphere with seamless services.

BarSu BarSu is a benchmark of a modern, conceptual customers the chance to chill out, eat, play, and the ground floor of the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, BarSu is bathed in a soft black interior with moody red furniture, while its restrooms are dominated by mystifying blue tones. The overall atmosphere is cozy, modern, exciting and vibrant. BarSu has been designed to be the new meeting place for people who love casual dining, excellent wines, exclusive cocktails and an enjoyable nightlife atmosphere with but we could hardly differentiate between the restroom doors until we saw the little sexy legs juxtaposed. The main bar takes up the entire centre of the area and is surrounded by dozens of stylish and comfy black armchairs, lounge areas and private dining and drinking areas for guests that come in groups. The wine cellar is impressively stocked with wines acquired from around the world. A spacious dance floor is where guests get to release their emotions and dance to eclectic party sounds. As for the music, BarSu’s playlist is a mix of soul, funk, rock, sounds of the 70’s available here. Celebrate the day of love with a BarSu’s Valentine’s Wine Tasting. Lovers at the chic club will enjoy a selection of outstanding bites, all for just Bt1,600 per person. BarSu, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit For more info, contact +66 (0) 2649-8358 www.barsubangkok.com 34

The Tables

on the idealistic Mezzanine level that has been established to evoke the sense of tables helping to make the restaurant a pioneer of a dynamic cooking show to sensually enhance the taste of your favorite dishes. Tony Chi, wishing to take all diners on a journey to the bygone day of classic French The concept of a live cooking table here is based on the classical art of dining in dining experience. The overall atmosphere is classic, elegant and very formal, but not so intimate. The bronze tones and dim lighting dominate the whole area to make it more subtle and charming. Most of the decorative items, including table setting and seating, are

cooking tables with glass shelves for keeping wine glasses, dining tools and sauces. The restaurant also highlights its two enticing private dining rooms — Chamber glass imported from Argentina to exude an exotic feeling. The Tables, Grand Hyatt Erawan For more info, contact +66 (0) 2714 1928

Tsu Nami Lovers of Japanese cuisine should not miss out on sampling the fresh bites at “Tsu Nami”, the JW Marriott Bangkok. The restaurant is split into two exciting restaurants by Bangkok’s largest Skate and Sushi bar. One side is Tsu, serving simply classical, decorative dishes, while the other is Nami; a display unit by the hot plate Teppanyaki chefs. Moreover, it’s also launching the new “Sunday Brunch” concept to present the best of Japanese delicacies such as eating fresh

established Japanese eatery you simply cannot overlook. Tsu Nami, JW Marriott Bangkok For more info, contact Tel +66 (0) 2656 7700

Reflexions Are you yearning for French inspiration? You could be excused for forgetting some of the recently opened French eateries in the city since the profusion of traditional and conceptual French dining venues are already rules Bangkok. But you could not be forgiven if you forget

thrill of eating some of the best cuisine the world has to offer. Float into the cool glow of blue and violet lighting that helps to set the mood. A vocalist backed by a jazz trio helps put you in the mood as does the Reflexions, Plaza Athénée Bangkok For more info, contact +66 (0) 2650 8800

Fuzio spots and exclusive clubs and bars for bashers, party goers, and playboys to have an unforgiving night out in Bangkok, but it’s also the home to the endless sprawling metropolis.

the east and west under the same roof. The modern interior design and decoration, table setting, subtle lighting, food and drinks, alongside the bare ceiling helps represent the west, while the unique Thai hospitality and service and wooden furniture exudes a sense of the east. The overall ambience is serene, stylish, relaxed, lively, intimate, spacious, of Bangkok to its guests upon the airy terrace and comfy al fresco dining area, on a distinguished cocktail or a glass of top class bubbly. What makes Fuzio stands above the rest is the spaciousness of the indoor dining area which is fabulously and exquisitely designed in a lounge style as of a classic yet trendy feel that is conducive to family and groups of friends, including corporate gatherings. Furthermore, the food is impeccable and most

Guests are sure to be enlivened by a private wine cellar that houses international wines, while the bar area is sure to cater guests with an impressive selection of the most premium and authentic bubbly drinks. Fuzio also provides guests with private dining rooms with large glass windows offering spectacular river views that can accommodate up to 10 people or more. Fuzio, Sukhumvit 63 For more info, contact +66 (0) 2711 6999 wwww.fuzio.co.th 36

Kisso deliciousness in their meals, but are also seeking high standards of the food preparation, presentation, and the freshness for healthy eating. Japanese eateries are in the perfect position conscious. The newly renovated Kisso Japanese restaurant is one of the most noticeable Japanese outlets in Sukhumvit. Kisso is a modern Japanese restaurant that is not just the newest Japanese eatery in town, but its quality and westernized and innovative fusion dishes, especially the freshness, is the essence of this restaurant, making it worth a visit right away

restaurants that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adhere to the draconian ideals of authenticity. The restaurant is more modern contemporary with sprinkles of fusion. The atmosphere is modern Japanese, complimented by minimalist furniture. The interior is very simple and spacious, not fastidious and meticulous, but modern. Japanese cuisine is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthiest foods. Kisso accentuates the freshness of

Japanese delicacies here are available inr both a la carte and set menus. There are lists of hot and cold appetizers, a wide selection of sushi and sashimi items, teppanyaki, soups and salads. Grilled, steamed or broiled, fried, and hot pot items are also on offer. The price is moderate and not too expensive, yet is comprehensively compatible with the authentic taste of the Japanese style. Kisso, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit For more info, contact +66 (0) 2207 8000 La Bottega di Luca suitable for an intimate dinner for two, a special gathering, or small group functions, La its stylish ambience as the perfect match to the modern and creative twists that the Chef and owner, Luca Appino, has added to his culinary repertoire. La Bottega features an indoor dining area, open bar, one private dining room with an impressive wine cellar, although the alfresco dining area is highly recommended, which can accommodate decoration on the walls make the overall interior more playful and lively. Such ideas and the blend of high quality leather chairs and comfy sofas also help sport the timeless elegance and stress the authenticity as well.

Chef Luca also takes pride in his small plantation, which is dedicated to organically grown

La Bottega di Luca, Sukhumvit 49 For more info, contact +66 (0) 2204 1731

Wine Republic Wine Republic is one of the top wine dinner choices for those yearning to quench a large while at the same time providing the gourmet guest with some situated at the front of Thonglor Soi 10, the Wine Republic has quickly grown from an unknown spot to a well established destination for both Bangkokians and internationals to become the perfect hip and sipping wines and fashionable choices of cocktails. The recommended dishes include Dixie Two Step of BBQ Sauce, Chicken, Red Onion, Cheddar Cheese,

Wine Republic 137 Thonglor Soi 10. Open daily from (5.30pm - 1.30am) www.facebook.com/rpb.wine.

Le Bar De L’hôtel the hippest bars to socialize and sip romantic cocktails while listening to beautiful and soulful tunes to begin your night.

Restaurant and Bar, which is among the newest nightlife sensations in Bangkok’s central business district. Tucked away from San Francisco. The bar is slated to bring you back to the days when dining out was fun and entertaining. Leapfrog offers various indoor and outdoor dining options depending on your from around 9pm until 01:00 am daily. Le Bar De L’hôtel , Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit For more info, contact +66 (0) 2615 0999 www.ramadaencorebangkok.com

Spasso Restaurant & Bar At the Rajchaprasong intersection, Spasso has been noted by some partygoers as the wines and luring men into engaging situations. We don’t think so anymore, as we think Spasso classic areas for dining and spacious areas for hosting funky parties. The dishes here look

494 Rajadamri Road. The restaurant opens at Spasso, Grand Hyatt Erawan For more info, contact +66 (0) 2254 1234

The Huntsman Another interesting musical dungeon to sample ice cool draught beers and expertly mixed cocktails alongside quality live music is The

ô and chairs making it look and feel like a typical events. The Huntsman, The Landmark hotel, Sukhumvit For more info, contact +66 (0) 2254 0404

Smooth and Spotless

Skin Surface

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no denying that as we age, our skin deteriorates. Sun damage and environmental pollutants begin to take their toll causing loss of collagen and slower production of skin cells which contributes to the appearance of aging. To solve this, the new and improving technology, radio frequency skin resurfacing seems to do a good job. It can particularly those that form around the mouth and eyes. What are the traditional ways used to fix superficial skin problems? For many years, we used laser to treat acne, wounds and burn scars, pores, wrinkles and other skin issues. Laser can be used to resurface an entire layer of skin, which means it removes the damaged top layer of the skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving the skin smoother and clearer. This could a take a few minutes to an hour. However, the downside of laser resurfacing is it has a longer downtime and a higher chance of resulting in pigmentation and scarring particularly on Asian or dark skin.

How is the radio frequency resurfacing any different? Laser works from top to bottom. It burns the top part to reach and improve the deeper levels of the skin. If you burn too much of the form of hyper pigmentation. Radio Frequency Resurfacing on the other hand, can transmit the heat to a deeper layer of your skin without destroying too much of your epidermis. Rather than using light to affect the skin, fractional bi-polar radio frequency waves transfer energy to the dermis layer immediately below the surface of the skin. The energy waves pass through the top layer without harming it, and heat the cells below the surface. This way you can pigmentation as part of the package. The technique not just works better, but has rapid healing, minimal pain, and a lower incidence of adverse events. Another advantage is that you can use it on off face areas such as the neck, back of the hand as well as areas with stretch marks.

How is the procedure performed? The RF Skin Resurfacing technology uses fractionated pulses of radio waves to induce the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healing process to occur at an accelerated rate, increasing collagen production and creating beautiful, healthy-looking skin. It is a great remedy for erasing skin texture. It also works well for scars, skin irregularities, lesions, and/or textural irregularities. With this therapy, new, healthy skin cells are produced making the skin more elastic and even in tone.

What is the outcome in most cases? After RF resurfacing, the redness only lasts for a few days and you can apply makeup immediately after the procedure to cover it up. and imperfections in the treated area have gone. In the next few months, the results will further improve confirming the regeneration of collagen. However, natural facial movements and expressions eventually cause some of the lines to reappear, which may eventually call for another sitting. www.apexprofoundbeauty.com Call Center Thai: 0805000123, Call Center English: 0850002001

BEAUTY GURU Dr Nantapat Supapannachart Dermatologist and Laser Surgeon

living TRENDY

The

NEW METRO

LIFESTYLE

IN SUKHUMVIT

Sukhumvitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate, residential and lifestyle developments have continued property bubble due to the oversupply of condominiums, especially after the completion of Suvarnabhumi Airport, the opening of the airport rail link, and the expansion of the BTS skytrain to the Bangna area by Rangsan Srirat

THE

managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle, Suphin Mechuchep, said that the Thai property market is active, particularly condominiums in inner Bangkok, despite domestic political problems and sluggish Western economies. Thai property prices are one-tenth of those in Hong Kong and Singapore, while the Thai economy remains strong and people have cash on hand. Property purchases are a way to compete impossible despite the oversupply of condominiums. scheduled for Bangkok in the next three years, as the outer Sukhumvit Business District following the BTS sky train expanded its route linking On Nut and Soi Bearing, or Sukhumvit Soi 107. The low-rise housing and residential project will lead a trend of development for the next year, especially the property investments on Sukhumvit Soi 1 until Soi 63, Ekkamai and other sub-sois in between. The Real Estate 13,500 units in the number of low-rise housing construction permits 24,700 units.

The newly-developed Viva Garden by Bliston is an appealing case study of a mixed-use residential project between a residence and hotel, offering residents and discerning guests with a new style of luxury and comfort through the blissful complimentary and luxurious amenities. The interesting features and amenities equivalent to those of high quality hotels include spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, well-equipped kitchenettes, hi-speed internet access, home entertainment systems, in-room washing machines, and balconies, providing residents with deep rest and complete relaxation after a stressful working day. Even if Sukhumvit Road did not experience flooding, the prices of condominiums would have risen in accordance with the high construction costs, the Bt300 minimum wage, the coveted locations, how classy the interiors and exteriors are, the tranquility and peacefulness, and the variety of entertainments on Sukhumvit. The majority of the family market will consider townhouses in a good location several kilometres away from a mass transit station in the suburbs rather than a one-bedroom condominium in the city. Anyway, there will be continued demand for small condominiums from singles, couples and weekday occupation by children attending central city schools and second home usage.

The design and architectural concepts will be more customer-based. Meanwhile, the concern about space management, green and eco-friendly themes in design, resort-like ambiences with a homely feel, not to mention to the innovative designs that will be used as the quintessential tactic to edge out the competitors in the high-end market, where people will be following the trends of mixed-use residential developments to maximize the unique lifestyle and luxury of the city. The Hyde Sukhumvit is the epitome o f a m i xe d - u s e d eve lo p m e n t fo r an ultimate urban indulgence, comprising of 455 high-end residential and retail stores. The design concept is modeled on “His and Hers” architectural concepts, inspired by male and female clothing. The dwellings will consist of 227 one-bedroom units, 138 two-bedroom units, 78 three-bedroom units, eight three-bedroom duplex units and four penthouse apartments. The residence owners will be in the enviable position of living in the centre of Sukhumvit with the best of facilities and services on their doorstep. It will represent excellent value for money given its location, convenient transport links and the extremely high standards of the units. The Hyde Sukhumvit is slated for completion in March 2014. 42

In the luxury real estate market, co n d o m i n i u m l i v i n g i s b e co m i n g more widely adopted and there is still potential demand particularly in densely populated areas where there has been limited development. Developers will face the challenges of identifying new opportunities in new locations as well as to sell out poorly performing projects before they are completed. The competition will remain fierce and intensive with a tendency to quickly over supply in a particular location. The demand of condo living is driven primarily by end-users and partly by buy-to-let investors who purchase for their own use in the future. Large listed developers with a strong reputation, including Major Developments, conglomerates are to develop and to invest in a wide range of real estate projects covering residential, hospitality, retail, property management, logistics, and agro industries in Thailand and worldwide, dominate the condominium market and they are focusing more on the middleend market in the urban Bangkok area. Most luxurious and modern residences in Sukhumvit are increasingly depending on the latest developments in “Green” concept, ranging from a sophisticated water recycling system to the use of hot air from air-conditioners to provide include the latest in high-speed elevator technology and automated systems to

seal off upper level balconies in high-wind conditions. Meanwhile, the surrounding facilities will feature such intimate and convenient recreational facilities such as swimming pools facing the sunset and the jaw-dropping views of the city, multitiered sun and shade decks, a poolside bar, a health spa, gym, jogging track, tropical gardens and Salas, otherwise known as relaxation pavilions. Royce Private Residence is one of the brand-new residential projects and freehold high-rise condominiums situated on Sukhunvit 31. The Royce is a truly super luxurious condominium block consisting of two high-rise buildings – the 39-storey and the 25-storey buildings – which harmoniously blend together natural gardens and greenery space between the two buildings on the location of over 3 rai of land to create an oasis of sport, tranquility and comfort. The concept of Royce is not only privacy in a prime location, but also the greenery

space with the largest private formal gardens available downtown, conveying the art of living amidst the mood of English courtyard garden decoration. The residence is well complimented by the numerous amenities and natural splendor such as a mini sport world private pool terrace, 50m. lap pool, two Jacuzzi pavilions, perfume maze garden, decorative pond, and a magnificent private clubhouse with a full-range of activities. “Quattro” is an iconic and stylish living space in Thonglor, which is exquisitely constructed with state-of-the-art design, a branded concept, and consumerfriendly features in order to create a strong sense of an exotic mix with the ability to retain a natural outlook to exude or deliver an enduring experience of upscale condominiums in the metropolis. Located in the vicinity of Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor Soi 4), Quattro by Sansiri is a high-rise condominium community

featuring 446 units totally housed in the two innovatively designed towers. the second tower has 36. Quattro is a dream residential project in a coveted location amidst the mounting competitive amenities and cutting-edge facilities, well equipped with internationally recognized ideals for sophisticated and modern people living in the city. They believe that such well-appointed and classic highend hardware and decoration alongside an elegant design will play off as the key factor to accomplish a timeless and unsurpassable impression in each unit. The concept of high ceilings has been blissfully used to make the area of all the cozy feeling, comfort, and taste of grandeur of all its interiors. The overall balanced between classic textures and modern contemporary to avoid something repetitive. 43

about buying into the personality. It is actually an evolution of style and design. The condo is and distinctive layout, amenities, and classic decorative items that are perfectly matched to exude the glimpse of “Paris” as the classic touch “Florence”. Available with one and two bedrooms units typically sized from 30 – 175sqm, and aesthetic sense and a private pool. The large glass fracas and glazed walls are mainly used in the project to provide plenty of natural light and the solid furniture pieces, appealing features, and functional layout are sophisticatedly incorporated to e c h o a d i st i n c t i ve a rc h i te c t u ra l lo o k both in terms of design and style throughout the residential units, buildings, and outdoor areas. Raimond Land recently organized the launch regards to its new 2 billion baht Bangkok project under The Lofts Brand. The developer acquired 2 rai of freehold land in the Sukhumvit-Ekkamai area and will be developing over 250 units there at an average selling price of around 7.5 million baht per unit. Prices will start at around 3.9 million baht, within close proximity to a BTS station and the fashionable Ekkamai and Thonglor districts, expected to be completed by 2015. expects that hotel room supply will increase by 28 percent in Bangkok by 2014 as Thailand has obviously gained the reputation as one of the mustvisit leisure destinations in East Asia for decades. adhering to their loan repayments unless the cash may start to tighten their lending criteria towards the hotel sector which will restrict the amount of new supply that is being planned, but it is not yet being built. All information is based on the editor’s actual site inspection and independent of advertising and favoritism. Special thanks to CBRE Thailand*** 44

Metro TRIP

!OF TOKYO

THE MODERN TRADITIONAL SPIRIT Story & Photos by Rangsan Srirat

Generally, it might be considered tough traveling to nonEnglish country like Japan, but I’ve always said language is not the barrier for the maximum enjoyment as Japanese people are helpful and spontaneous and you will never feel you are the stranger, making it the timeless tourism destination for tomorrow. I wrote this story while I was managing to move from Tokyo to Nagoya and Gifu prefecture in the next morning so as to explore some interesting and hidden charm, sense and spirit of Japan in the central Japan’s Honshu island that are still not widely known among Thai market. As a tourist in Tokyo of if you are the new comer, it’s not wrong if you wish to visit key or famous destinations and sightseeing of the city as recommended by many travel brochures such as Asakusa, shopping in Shinjuku and Shibuya, and leisure at Ginza. I think it’s as if a good start or appetizers of Tokyo course before having main course or doing Japanese style through going to other places where local Japanese people like to spend their leisure time after work or during weekend. But, it doesn’t mean that such most-mentioned places as normally seen in handy guide books as Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Nihombashi, Marunouchi, Ueno, Tsukiji, Roppongi, Ebisu, and Ikebukuro are not the favorable places that local Japanese people like to go, they also do. The large number of Japanese salary men and women are dining at the Japanese bistros at Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Nihombashi, Marunouchi, and other regularly mentioned eateries are traditionally a testament that such are still the place that local Japanese people normally go to dine, to relax, and to enjoy drinking after work. The following is the list of pleasurable places where local Japanese people like to spend their down time that I am also lifestyle, culture of living, and Tokyo’s essentials in Japanese style. So, when in Tokyo, let’s do as Japanese do.

Japan

is a dream destination for many people in Thailand and all people around the world and if you have the second chance to revisit your favorite shortlist of place of interest once you visited, I do believe that one of them could the quality of live, intelligent and cutting-edge technology, standard of living, good food and spontaneous and friendly people, life amidst the well-preserved distinguish culture and tradition and technologically advance and all of the sought-after Made-In-Japan products that I and other Thai people wish to process due to its quality, value for money, and reliable standard. I have been totally impressed and positively talked about Japan every time when I get back to Bangkok and enthusiastically eulogized about way of thought of like earthquake to survive and become one of the world’s top nation of development where living tradition and spirit of Japan lively go in exist with the modern twist. 47

Hankyu Men at Yurakucho is one of Tokyo’s latest modern lifestyle mall that has been added to cement the pace of leading luxury shopping center in the Yurakucho and heat up the commercial competition in Ginza area, which Ginza has been known as the nucleus of high-end or up-market style. Just opened in October last year, The Hankyu Men branch at Yurakucho is not very close to JR Yurakucho station and not far from the Peninsula Tokyo, you can also reach to the Hankyu Men by using Metro Ginza. Hankyu Men at Yurakucho has a target demographic of businessmen in their 30s and 40s, and carries a large collection of brand-name suits. also boasts a cafe, geared toward female customers who may come to buy presents for men. Loft is also among new shopping and lifestyle destination in Yurakucho area created to spice up and add color to the shopping for designed products and innovative home wares at the center of Tokyo metropolis. Anyway, strolling along Chuo-dori allowed during the weekend, making it becomes a large pedestrian zone as many shopping buildings in Yurakucho and Ginza are undergoing a series of renovation and the Kabuki-za theater, located in Chuo Ward’s Ginza district, will be ready to amaze local people and tourists again next year. Eating out in Yurakucho is not so expensive with various kinds of Izakaya to choose from and the middle-end bistros with affordable rate can still be found at street-side restaurants located around Yurakucho Station, Marui bistro Japanese restaurants and western-infused dining venues all the way around Ginza and Yurakucho station through Shimbashi Station. The highlight of Harajuku area is Takeshita-dori Street, the walking and shopping street where new youth cultures and fashions transpire on an almost daily basic. The street is a center of Japanese fashion for young people; it’s fraught with street-wear clothing and accessories suitable for generations to make a new look, including some restaurants until Meiji-dori Avenue, where you can walk to Shibuya, a popular and hectic variety shopping and entertainments in eastern Tokyo. Nobody don’t know Daiso when it comes to shopping for wide range of miscellaneous products and welldesigned products for daily use available at around ¥100 each. Daiso is sporadically and ubiquitously seen through Japan, making the shops a great source for travelers and residents on a budget. But one of the largest Daiso in central Tokyo is Daiso Harajuku in Takeshita Dori, just a few steps from Harajuku Station. The store sells merchandise across four levels. You will see tourists mingling with tons of Japanese merchandise. Anyway, Japan’s largest 100 yen shop is of Machida Station (30 minutes, ¥360 from Shinjuku by Odakyu Railways). 48

Terminal Harajuku 24H is a new site of interest for those associated with the artdesign scene in Tokyo. The establishment is done in young, hip interior design and stylish atmosphere, aiming to be a creative recreation venue for those wishing to come to work, study, eat, drink, and play for 24 hours. The Terminal was inspired by the idea to provide a “terminal” and community for people with various needs, with their main audience being those who worked or were interested in the creative sector, including nomad workers. So, Harajuku makes more compatible sense than other sites as it is one of the most unique fashion capitals of the world. Omotesando is the adjacent shopping and lifestyle neighborhood to Harajuku. Omotesando is filled with commercial blocks featuring shops, café, Japanese eateries and local and international brand clothing boutiques. It’s contrast to Takeshita-dori, it’s quite an up-market area like Ginza, but with different sense. But shopping here at Omotesando, you will be amazed with large number of fashion boutiques selling Japanese and less wellknown brands with cutting-edge idea in style and design. One of the highlight of Omotesando is Omotesando Hills, which is a large shopping and residential development that occupies much of one side of Omotesando Avenue To my opinion, actually, Ikebukuro is reminiscent of Yokohama’s city center in some sense, especially in term of shopping lifestyle, choice of dining to choose from, and the cultural and art zone mixing with modernity as Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s busy commuter hubs. Ikebukuro offers plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities with huge urban lifestyle gathering here with the clashing of two of Japan’s largest electronic retailers, Bic Camera and Yamada Denki.

largest department stores, one of the world’s largest car showrooms, one of the fastest lifts in the world, and Tokyo’s second tallest building. If you are not enough to view the city at Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku and Roppongi Hill, you can also come to enjoy another 360-degree view of Tokyo for an unforgettable journey from the observatory at a height of 251 meters from the ground at Sunshrine City. Sunshine City also has shops, a planetarium, an aquarium, a small oriental museum, a theatre and the Namja Town theme park for children. Tokyu Hands is the place you should come to take a look and enjoy witness what’s daily necessary for Japanese residents is at your hands from products for the foundations of the customer’s life to products that provide pleasure and enrichment. Tokyu Hands is available at Japan’s large urban areas and major regional cities and in Tokyo it’s available at Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza. Tokyu Hands is a hobby and crafts chain similar to Loft, but Tokyu Hands has wider selection and greater emphasis on function and DIY, it has built up an excellent reputation as a place where and it invariably obtains high rankings in retail and service reputation surveys as a brand with an advanced and original image. Over the top of that, Tokyu Hands is extremely popular due to the excellence of its staff, who have a thorough knowledge of the merits of each product and are able to give precise advice to customers. Daikanyama is one of the districts of Tokyo in Shibuya. Known as a hot spot of shopping for locals, Daikanyama is home to a wide variety of fashionable boutique shops and sidewalk restaurants and cafes. Multiple

Essential & Flight Itinerary It’s much faster and cheaper to take JR or Keisei line from Narita to Tokyo *Keisei Express (Narita to KeiseiUeno Station) ¥1,000 *Keisei Express on Keisei Oshiage Line to connect to Subway Shinjuku Line (¥1,000) *JR Rapid Train (Narita to Tokyo Station) ¥1,280

Thai Airways International (THAI) (Outbound: Bangkok-Tokyo)

*TG 676 dep: Bangkok-07.35 arr: Tokyo-15.45 (Airbus A380) TG 640 dep: Bangkok-22.10 arr: Tokyo-06.20 TG 642 dep: Bangkok-23.50 arr: Tokyo-08.10 (Return: Tokyo-Bangkok) TG 643 dep: Tokyo-09.45 arr: Bangkok-14.45 TG 641 dep: Tokyo-10.45 arr: Bangkok-15.45 *TG 677 dep: Tokyo-17.15 arr: Bangkok-22.15 (Airbus A380) www.thaiairways.com

courtyards are located between restaurants and homes and the low rise buildings give the neighborhood a more subdued classic style than the hyper-modern high rises of Tokyo’s other shopping districts. Daikanyama can be accessed by a short train ride from Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The Daikanyama district area’s noise and less brash consumerism than Shibuya, but it is one of Tokyo’s hippest neighborhoods with its highpriced boutiques and some of the best cafe culture in Japan. Actually, Daikanyama is a fascinating mixture of the cute, the cutting edge and the retrospective with blissful choice of chilled and trendy fashion shops, galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Don’t forget to make a stop at Tsutaya modern meets living tradition in Tokyo, the modernity refers to the interior and exterior design and the enhancing ambience inside the building and the tradition is mean to the behavior of reading of Japanese people and the books. Daikanyama T-site is latest marketing and innovation in Tokyo, it’s a low-rise specialty and well-designed construction, it features boutique-style shops specializing in cameras, bicycles, toys and pet supplies. The Ivy Place restaurant offers all-day cafe service, a lively bar-lounge and a main dining room serving “global comfort food.” Both Ivy Place and Tsutaya bookstore are open from 7am until 2am. The design is by Klein Dytham Associates, and construction was fully completed in December last year. Roppongi has been widely known among Thai market as the best key destination if you are on the mood to see expats as it’s been dubbed as a popular spot for foreigners or expat community, but among the them, there are still tons of Japanese residents making their presence both

during day time and night time to spend leisure time dining and hanging around at Japanese classy clubs and bars at the Roppongi’s central nightlife area, including shops and restaurants at Tokyo Midtown. Roppongi is a recommended course for strolling, it is slated to be Tokyo’s new business zone and it features a handful of exhibition space, hotels, gardens, café and restaurants, and galleries, and Roppongi Hills is a 333-metre height building for viewing Tokyo in different angle. The apartments, shops, restaurants, cafés, movie theaters, a museum, a hotel, a major TV studio, an outdoor amphitheater, and a few parks. More than 200 shops, cafes, and restaurants are available for both tourist and local Japanese to experience the true modern and authentic taste of Japan. Actually, what we present in this issue is just the choice; there are a lot of things to do and new places to discover an unmatched Japanese lifestyle in Tokyo, which we cannot complete it within one issue. And if you are very much on the mood to do as Japanese people do when it comes to Tokyo, it’s not that the oftendescribed districts like Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku that you read on Tokyo’s of Tokyo culture, they are actually and the large crowd of local residents at such places is the evidence. And the best thing is to follow your heart and what you really wish to do and see, depending on individual propose and people have different ideas and styles. To me, Ochanomizu arcade might not be your essence, but it is the top destination for musician as all range of age of local Japanese from teenagers to salary workers both men and women who possess the skill in playing music will come to update, trade, and shop for new and second-hand American and Japanese musical instrument.

Japan is famous for perfection in all front, it’s more than just good seafood, friendly people, fast and convenience, good public infrastructure, cleanliness, modern technology, stylish design, Sakura and beautifully pristine nature. You have to do it again and visiting four times to experience its four different seasons in Japan might not be enough as each month in several part of Japan has its own interest and personality. I am sure you will have a wonderful time in Japan and if you explore the country alone and learn by yourself, you will understand more and more about the melody of living things and way of thought that we should adapt and apply to help develop our own country.

Dining OUT

e are fortunate to be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining well in Bangkok. The city is host to a truly staggering all corners of the world. And a discerning diner, the editor has come to expect high standards in terms of healthy ingredients and meticulous preparation and presentation. attributes and chances are high many will pick Japanese cuisine. Check it out!

Safe, Fresh The Real Deal For Authentic Japan For any Japanese cuisine operated outside Japan, people have been saying that the core of Japanese dining scene is about eating fresh like sushi all you discerning and savvy Japanese food critics might reject and say that the essence Japanese dining is about the ability to maintain or create the authenticity in term of taste and style aside from the freshness, as we there are many new Japanese eateries that claim to have delightfully dining experience would never be complete without trying this new place in the heart of Sukhumvit, where you will realize what makes Japanese Shun No Mai is one of a few and distinguished Japanese dining culture that delightfully authentic sense of taste like having Japanese food in Japan, Shopping Mall, Shun No Mai has the capacity of nearly 100 guests with

to make a real deal like visiting Japan for the authentic Japanese dining

SHUN-NO-MAI www.shunnomai.com

The Return Of The Best Fresh Bite

all who appreciate the work of skilled chefs preparing a wellNow, Kisso Japanese returns with a new look and enhanced contemporary interior yet one balanced with warm and cosy elements, for example, rows of earthenware pots rising high

a cruise ship, in the Philippines and then back in Japan, where he incorporated newfound perspectives on his native cuisine

the considerable skills and insights of a masterful chef â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not to mention the plaudits Kisso as almost a byline under superbly composed cuisine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the news is very

Kisso

www.westingrandesukhumvit.com/kisso

The True Essence Of Japan For all discerning and savvy food critics out there who have visited many sashimi and an array of traditional selections served amid modern elegance

for an outlet where the cuisine accentuates health and happiness, two of the

Taihei www.banyantree.com

The Great Experience Of Brunch

The Remarkable Japanese Brunch Experience especially when it comes to enjoying a buffet style brunch on Sundays

will enjoy all-time favorite teppanyaki, sukuyaki, shabu shabu, and Yaki mono grilled meats are cooked to taste by veteran chefs in the open-view kitchen, while miso soup, shumai, salads and hot pot Nabe oysters from three different regions of the world and teppanyaki, which experience would never be complete without trying this distinguished Tsu and Nami |

www.jwmarriottbangkokhotel.com

Metro SHOP GUIDE

M122

Nagiya

M123-M124 Tsuruha

Rain Hill

L3-08

Nail Care

M125

Aeon

L5-05

The Studio

M202

Okashi Land

Gf food, restarant,market

Gate Way Ekamai

G101, G102

BreadTalk

G103B

SUBWAY

G103C

EBISU-AN

G104 G105A

by Yakiya Kobashi

G105B, G105C Omuto Tomato

Food & Beverage

Chicken T

G107

Swensen’s

L1-09

Au Bon Pain

L1-07

Apostrophe’s

L1-09

Wine Connection Cellar Shop

B112

Sakura Laundry

G111, G112

L1-10

Penguin Likes Chocolate

B113

P.A.T. Pet Shop

G113

Coffee Gallery

L1-12

Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro

G114

OASIS

G115-7

Max valu

G207A

Hokkaido Milk

G108, G109 Thaveechai Restaurant

Bf service shop

L2-13

Hobs

L3-05

Moulin Roty

L3-10

Ramen Kio

L3-01

Kokoro

L2-08

West One

L2-09

Chao Chan

G110

Shabushi KFC

Mf japanese restaurant

Fashion

Lifestyle

M102

SUKIYA

M103

Tadaima

M104

Taruto

M105

Tomato Noodle

M106

Hokkaido (Crab)

M107

Kyo Roll - En

.Life

L1-03

Yankee Candle

L1-04

Boots

L5-01

Small Room

L4-01

Zoo Phonics

L4-02

Babies Genius

L4-03

Thai For Kids

L4-05

Curves Fitness

L4-06

Quality Kids

L5-04

Brainy Bright

Health & Beauty L3-07

Lollana Clinic

L3-04

B.a. By Bozart

1f health & beauty,service 1101

the UCC Oriental

Seranee Clinic

Clinic

M108-M109 Chabuton M110

L1-02

Education

G106

&Laser Institute 1107-1108

FIT Sports

M111A-M111B Shun No Mai

1110

Time for massage

M112

Hakone Bangkok

1111

Le Bangkok

M113

Hinaya

M114A

UOB

1113-1114

Slimming Plus

M114B

Tisco

1115-1116

Wuttisak Clinic

M115A

Government Saving Bank

1117

Boots

M115B

LABEL

M116

Maidreamin

1120

CAP

M117

SCB

1121-1122

M118

Kourakuen

1123

M119-M120 Kin Shabu Buffet

M121

Balance Shop

B2S

1124-1125

Watsons

R Burger

1126

Eye Bright

SAINT ETOILE by Yamazaki

1127

Blanc

1128

Nail Wonderland

by La Sista 1129,1130,1133B iStudio by SPVi 1131,1133A 1132

Washington

Tokyodo Books

3106

CSC International

3139

Icon Camera

3135

BAKAToon

His&Her

2106

Hot Pot

2107

Kimju

2207

Conversecool

2210

Yuri Fuku

2216

Seven24

4101

Ploy Accessory

4102

Golila Gears

4107

Toshiba Shop

Thai Genomes

306/307 Park & Bomb Academy Hair Salon

4Fl. 401

IVF Worldwide Clinic

Ei8ht Thonglor

4121-4123 J.I.B. Computer Group 4151-4124 IT CITY

5f .edutainment 5101-5102 Academy

KPN Music

5104-5105 Phonics 1st

2229-2233 Lens Around

5108-5109 Yoga Studio

2258

Junkers&Zepplin

5110-5111 Keaes

2301

Yuda

5113

Juno Park Metro

2317-2319 Green Cotton

5112

Molly Fantasy

2335-2336 Trevi Jewelry

5103

Clay Works

2337

303

4f technology & it

2f fashion 2101-2103

3Fl.

Claire Silver

Mille Malle

Food & Beverage B101A

Wine Connection

2367-2369 Claire Gems

B102A

Hola

2377

Shimodai

B108B

Tadaima

2378

Regina Queen

L102C

Crescendo

2379

Sewing Zakka Kurumi

L105-106 Crepes & Co

2260

Love & Luxe

L107

2263

Tomodachi

L108B, L109 True Coffee

2353-2354 Karmart

Parferio By Sfree

2307-2314 Scratch Cat

L110

2363

L203-204 Sushi Cyu

Zcene

2360-2361 Jaben

Nara Eight Cuisine

L205

Masala Art

L206B

Beirut

Health & Beauty

3f technology & it 3107-3108 3112 3113

1 Fl.

CNEX

ProPlugin Modern Air

103

Watsons

104A /105 /106 Max Valu Tanjai 3124

World Camera

104B

Masami

3146

Take Cover

107

Let Them Eat Cake

3158

True Move

3159

HTC

3160

VOX Shop

3164-3165 Purikura

Sothys Spa

B101C

Holistic Yoga

L202A

Inail

L207-208 Park & Bomb Salon

Home & Decor L104A

Pantry Magic

L104B

Bsab

& Laundry Boutique

Business Unit 2Fl.

B103-108A111,112 Foodland

201

Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pan

202

Yamagoya Ramen

B102C

Modern Optical

B102B

The Hisociety Brandname

B101C

Flower Stage

3102

Seed Camera

203/204

Zense of Joy Spa

3103

Big Camera

206

My Bebe Spa

207

Glitterati Nail Lounge

3104-3105 Speed Computer

B101B

Life Style

Metro Girl OF THE MONTH

A Mature

Girl From Tokyo

Miss Apinara “Prang” Srikarnchana is the oldest daughter of Ms Yuki Srikarnchana, Managing Director of Pendulum Co., Ltd, the Bangkok-based agent and distributor of Payap Srikarnchana, CEO of Asia Insurance. She has the unique and outstanding perspective of living a life of privilege, well prepared to make her own independent life. environment her parents created in Thailand and lived alone in Tokyo to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Politic and Culture from Waseda University, the school of international liberal studies, which is the only university in Japan that offers a course in English and Japanese languages. Thai family, as her parents are well-known business people never let this impede her determination and inspiration to develop herself with her unique approach to self-learning, adaptation, and the quality of her intuitive and courage to challenge herself with new things during her three years studying and living alone in Tokyo, which make her a stand out in comparison to other girls of her age. She got through it, and doing so, she said it helped make her a more mature person, adapting herself in order to become acquainted with the new culture and environment in Tokyo. “The good things I brought away from living in Japan were experiencing a different way of life within a good and well-organized city that was well-planned, tidy, and geared towards time management. Japan is a country that has stringent rules and regulations with a timely and well organized transportation system. It’s the Japanese lifestyle, environment, culture and the different ways of thinking that I had to live with and that made me more mature,” explains Apinara.

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