Metro Business & Leisure issue 02 by Metro Magazine

Contents conTENts #2 AUGUST 2013

30 44 48 10 12 14 16 18 22

MetroCLUB MetroSOCIETY MetroMOTOR MetroARTS MetroPROMO MetroSPECIAL SocialGiver: Get Ready For A New Giving Experience

MetroUPDATE World Update and Idea Update

MetroHUB

MetroDECOR MetroGLAM MetroGUEST Vorasit Issara: From Vision to Reality: Moving Forward with Passion and Tolerance Taychanavakul Family: Right Market Positioning Essential to the Success of “AMBER” Pailin Taewasakraksa: Living Life with Integrity & Passion

MetroHI-LIKE 10 Unique Condo Projects

MetroLIVING Limited Space Decoration Grow Your Urban GREEN

MetroTRIP Turkey: A Nation of Tradition & Transition

MetroSENSE Free Your Soul: Give In To Great Food and Atmospheric Pleasure

Share or Die

26 28 30

MetroGEN Niki Chatikavanij: Life Without the Politics

YOU DON’T STAY HERE, YOU LIVE HERE. At Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista - Bangkok, you will

MoMo Café

enjoy the convenience and facilities of a 5 star full service hotel

One of the most vibrant Bangkok international buffets, MoMo Café offers all-day dining featuring international and Asian cuisine combined with local flair. Stop in for a hot breakfast or enjoy a casual lunch or dinner with friends, family or colleagues.

combined with the space and ambience of private residential living.

Editor’s MESSAGE

Metro Business & Leisure Magazine August 2013

MeTRO Business & Leisure Magazine’s August issue, which you are now reading, is focused mainly on Bangkok’s ‘vertical living lifestyle’, or ‘urban condo living’. In this issue we review 10 of the most unique condo projects – current and future – in the Ekkamai, Thong Lor and Sukhumvit downtown zones. As well, we’ve got some juicy content on how condo owners can make the most of whatever limited space they have, and how it can be gorgeous, modern, green and functional. For our business minded readers, we invite you to join in on our conversations with some of Thailand’s best and brightest young successful business leaders. Their stories, the lessons learned, and their key success factors, as well as many other interesting aspects of their lives, are right here for you to share in these pages. Also, get updates on ideas, innovations, and highlighted business news in our various MeTRO regular monthly columns. Last but not least, you can get some valuable lifestyle updates and insights, for life in the Ekkamai, Thong Lor and Sukhumvit corridor, including reviews of fabulous restaurants, up-coming events, glamourous parties and many other cool activities. Let MeTRO be your guide – and inspiration – as you navigate your way through all that modern downtown Bangkok has to offer. Enjoy reading, and enjoy being part of the real Metro.

Preekamol Chantaranijakorn Preekamol Chantaranijakorn

Editor

Behind The Scene

• PUBLISHER

Manachai Inkaew

• EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

• SENIOR BUSINESS CONSULTANT

• CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Wisith Chawalitanon

• MANAGING DIRECTOR

Metro Business & Leisure Magazine is a registered publication of The THM Co., Ltd., and is published monthly by The THM Co., Ltd.No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or THM Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. All information is correct at the time of printing. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographs are not accepted and will not be returned. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2013 by The THM Co., Ltd. 8

• SALES & MARKETING MANAGERS

Parichart Khumsaub +66 (0) 81 648 0218 parichart@thethm.com Phuthiphat Thammavichaisri +66 (0) 89 169 8412 phuthiphat@thethm.com

The THM Co., Ltd.

Gaid Phitthayakornsilp • SPECIAL CONTENT EDITOR

Surachai Tantichot • PHOTO EDITOR

Nipon Riabriang • SUB-EDITOR

Bruce Scott

• ONLINE EDITOR

Kanittha Attamate • WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS

Viroonrat Chokchaithanakul Sakolrit Chanphum Kirati Sachasingh Sawarot Thawinwongrak Kochawan Chayawan HUBBA SocialGiver

Pailyn Jitchuen +66 (0) 91 214 5680 pailyn@thethm.com Kritpeerat Rattanavijit +66 (0) 86 407 4523 kritpeerat@thethm.com

• EDITORIAL SUPPORTS

Sujitra Yeyaphan

• EDITORIAL & SALES OFFICE

8, Soi Phahonyothin 29, Phahonyothin Rd, Ladyao, Jatujak, Bangkok, Thailand 10900 Phone +66 (0) 2939 5512-3, 2939 5488 Fax +66 (0) 2939 5477

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VR Film Co., Ltd. • PRINT Idea Printing (2013)

• LAYOUT EDITOR

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• GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

• VISIT US ON WEBSITE AT

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Kanchana Yeyaphan • ACCOUNTANT

Patchree Kukaew

sales@metrothailand.com www.metrothailand.com • PRESS RELEASE SUBMISSION

editor@metrothailand.com

Dear Readers of MeTRO Business & Leisure Magazine,

CLUB

We invite you to visit our booth at the 13th Annual Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) from August 15-18, 2013, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Visitors can enter to win a variety of prizes, simply by cutting off the corner of this page and ﬁlling out the required information. Then just drop it into the box provided, at our booth number CC 23.

The lucky winner from

our previous issue, who simply clicked ‘LIKE’ on our Facebook page and won a fabulous prize package – including Bangkok-Phuket air tickets + 2-nights accommodation at Worabura Phuket (valued at 25,000 THB) – is:

Khun Sutamma Dharmasakti

Prizes Include:

Please contact us at +66 (0) 2939 5512-3 or email editor@metrothailand.com to claim your prize. You have until September 15, 2013, to claim this package.

• Package tour to Phuket, including air tickets • Hotel vouchers • Spa vouchers • Car rental vouchers • Stylish travel luggage The lucky winners will be announced everyday, throughout the 4-day event. Stay connected and get updated on all our news and activities at www.facebook.com/themetromagazine.

I’D LIKE TO RECEIVE 12 ISSUES OF METRO BUSINESS & LEISURE MAGAZINE, BEGINNING WITH ISSUE , FOR 300 THB DELIVERY FEE. Payment Methods:

Enclose is a cheque/money order for THB payable to Tropical Hospitality Management Co., Ltd Money transfer of THB: Tropical Hospitality Management Co.,Ltd. Siam Commercial Bank, Tesco Lotus Wanghin Saving Account No. 402-161047-6 Please fax back slip at 02 939 5477

MY DETAIL:

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Mailing Address Postcode Home Phone

Mobile

E-Mail

For more information on subscriptions, please e-mail to editor@metrothailand.com, or call +66 (0)2 939 5512-3, (0)2 939 5488

The Lucky Winner might be YOU! Name……………………………… Call………………………………………

Read online and stay tuned with MeTRO Business & Leisure Magazine www.metrothailand.com www.facebook.com/themetromagazine

VIRTUAL OFFICE IN EKKAMAI, CLOSE TO BTS

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VALUABLE TIME THE BANGKOK BUSINESS SERVICED OFFICE

Truly one of the most modern buildings in the heart of the Sukhumvit area, this landmark structure on Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 63 (Ekkamai), lies within easy access to the Ram-Intra expressway on the west side, and the Klong Toei port and Rama IV Rd on the east side. The Bangkok Business Serviced Office offers virtual office space for rent that can accommodate from 2 to 10 staff. Apply for membership and get full access to all the luxurious facilities, including lounge, reception, modern meeting rooms and internet. Your virtual office can be set up within 10 minutes. The Bangkok Business Serviced Office is located just a 5 minute walk from the nearby Ekkamai BTS station. 29 Bangkok Business Center Building, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Kwang Klongton-nuea, Khet Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Phone: [+662] 714-8239, +669-1819-3537Fax: [+662] 714-8238 E-mail: salesoffice@vbrilliantgroup.com

Metro SOCIETY

Ladies and Golf

Golfers Compete for Plenty of Prize Money at the Thailand Ladies Open Golf Tournament From November 7th to 9th, 2013, the Plantation Golf Course at the Siam Country Club will play host, for the ﬁrst time, to the Thailand Ladies Open Golf Tournament. Now in its 26th year, this prestigious championship – an integral part of the annual Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) – will boast prize money of US$200,000 (6,258,000 THB), an increment of US$50,000 from last year. In another ﬁrst, a 3-hour highlight show from the event will be broadcast on FOX Sports.

“The Thailand Amateur Ladies Golf Association is delighted with the progress being made for this year’s Thailand Ladies Open,” said Khun Jittakarn Chandraviroj, President of the Thailand Ladies Golf Association. “Our objective is to lift the Thailand Ladies Open to the next level and get wider exposure overseas. This of course will be a great incentive to our local players as well.”

Echelon Ignite Thailand 2013

Thailand’s Biggest and Most Anticipated International Tech Startup Conference is Back As a spin-off from Echelon, Southeast Asia’s biggest technology startup conference – held every June in Singapore – the conference’s aim is to catalyze younger startup communities and focus on country-focused growth. The series was ﬁrst started in November 2012 in Bangkok as a means to help spur the growth of the Thai tech ecosystem, both through education and engagement. Together with HUBBA Thailand, the event is back again this September, and will include over 400 attendees representing startups, investors, corporates, and community leaders that make up the tech community. If you want to meet and network with angel investors, venture capitalists, and pioneers from the Thai startup scene, then don’t miss this event! Dates: September 5 – 6, 2013 Where: Bangkok University, Kluay Nam Thai Campus Tickets: www.bit.ly/eit2013 HUBBA: www.hubbathailand.com Echelon Ignite Thailand: www.e27.co/ignite 12

Culinary Stories Sharing

Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, Host to The 2013 Marriott Executive Chef Workshop From the 15th to the 18th of July, 2013, the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa played host to the ‘2013 Marriott Executive Chef Workshop‘, which gathered Executive Chefs from various Marriott Hotels & Resorts around the Asia-Paciﬁc region. This Executive Chef workshop is essentially designed as an international stage for premier chefs from Marriott Hotels & Resorts around the Asia-Paciﬁc region to share their culinary stories with each other, and inspire the growth of each other’s culinary talents. As part of the workshop the chefs also participated in the ‘Spirit to Serve’, a CSR activity that had them cooking and serving food for students at the local Wat Takian Thong School.

Metro MOTOR By Kochawan Chayawan

Take Life’s Journey to the New Level with the

Spin

New

Chevrolet LTZ

Chevrolet recently launched their new Spin at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show. This new model has been created to “ﬁll in the gap between sedan and SUV” says Mr. Martin Apfel, president of General Motor (GM) South East Asia Operations, GM Thailand, and Chevrolet Sales Thailand. It’s designed to ﬁt the contemporary Thai lifestyle, with 7-seats-MPV designed solely to accommodate users with a variety of needs. It’s perfect for today’s modern family, whether that involves driving around the big city – with the smart casual feel of a sport car – or taking friends and/or family on a holiday road trip, with the comforting reassurance and feel of an SUV. Either way, Spin has it all.

Spin’s design is practical in both form and function. The form is designed with a sport car’s sleek and smart look, complete with Chevrolet’s signature front grille. This is highlighted with the strong and sharp line, giving the car to thoroughly modern look. The console is designed in dual-cockpit style, with a two-tone appearance and sport car analog meters. As for function, 32 storage compartments have been designed for keeping your belongings, the 7 seats can be folded in 23 different ways, yielding maximum space over 1,608 cubic meters, 14

and all that means maximum ﬂexibility for you and your fellow passengers. Spin LTZ is driven by 1.5 liter benzene engine, double overhead camshafts, 16 valves with dual-VVT system, multi-point fuel injection, with a maximum speed of 107 hp at 6000 RPMs and maximum 148 newton meters torque at 3,800 RPMs. It’s fully equipped with numerous accessories, ensuring you a perfect journey along any road, with a calm, silent smooth ride. This is undoubtedly one of the best Chevrolet models yet.

THREADLIFTS

A QUICK & PAINLESS,

NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURE TELL US ABOUT THREADS. Do you wish to be free of fine lines, get that perfect arch for your eyebrows, or take on a defined jaw line? You can have it over lunch – yes, over lunch – thanks to the quick and painless, non-surgical procedure known as the Threadlift. The procedure itself is not new, but with more choices and types of threads now available in the market, it is gaining popularity, particularly for the fact that more and more areas can be better worked upon. WHO GETS A THREAD LIFT? The ideal candidate is usually someone who doesn’t actually need to get anything done. If you’re looking for a subtle lift, and want minimal recovery time, then a thread lift is perfect for you. People of all ages and genders get it. Women in their 30s often come to lift their eyebrows, foreheads or breasts, people in the 40s often come to correct laugh lines, and fix up their stomach and buttocks, and for folks in their 50s it’s often for the drooling mouth. Even younger men and women sometimes come to lift their sagging skin that may have resulted from an abrupt weight loss. However, most commonly we have patients aged 35 to 45 with minimal signs of aging, needing just a small lift. They correct their cheek and brow sagging caused by weakened muscles, and it’s a great alternative to the more invasive procedures. However, those having a lot of skin sagging, and expecting drastic results, might be disappointed. WHAT’S THE ‘NEW’ THREAD WE ARE HEARING ABOUT? Before I get to that, let me give you a quick picture of how threads are used to give a facelift. Your doctor will use thin needles and insert threads under the skin. These threads are then gently pulled tight to lift sagging skin on the treated area. In the case where extreme lift is needed, we make a small slit at the hair line, insert the non-absorbable thread, and fix the thread to the hair line to create a stronger pull. Although there are several choices of threads already available, the introduction of the Spring (or Cone) Thread has definitely added to the procedure’s popularity. It is thicker than its alternatives, and its cone, or coiled, shape allows it more anchoring points on the skin. This means that when you insert this thread into the skin, it doesn’t just catalyze the production of collagen in the area, it also holds on to the skin better, often giving longer-lasting and clearer results.

DOES THE INTRODUCTION OF ‘SPRING THREAD’ MEAN DISCARDING THE OTHER TYPES OF THREADS INTO THE BIN? No, actually it only means there are more choices available to our patients and doctors. Say if Aptos, Korean or other dissolvable threads weren’t to work well for your condition, now you have the choice of Spring or Cone thread, but the others are still going to be around, because each have their pros and cons. Aptos Threads, also known as ‘feather lift’ or ‘contour lift’, is a hypodermic suspension system with special, dissolvable threads that are usually effective for the lifting of sagging, or asymmetrical, eyebrows, a fading jaw line, or sunken cheeks, but less suitable for the contour of the eyes. Then there are Korean Threads, which are commonly used in Asia because it is normally a cheaper option. These threads are dissolvable and work entirely differently. They dissolve naturally after a while, so their job isn’t to lift the skin, but instead to boost the production of collagen in the area, so as to let the skin naturally tighten. Regardless of whichever thread used, the results are highly dependent on the doctor’s skills and experience. If you opted for nondissolvable threads, the results may last longer, but if you’re not satisﬁed, you need to ﬁx or remove things, whereas with dissolvable threads you can just wait for them to disappear. HOW LONG DOES EACH SITTING TAKE, AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The length of time depends on a few factors: the age of the patient, the area to be treated, the level of sagging, and the number of threads required. But on average it takes about 30 minutes, giving it the nickname “lunchtime lift”. You also usually need only one procedure to get your desired outcome. So it’s only a one-time, half-hour procedure that costs approximately 10,000 to 50,000 THB. This obviously depends on the area to be treated, the severity of the sagging, the type of the thread used, and the place you’re getting it done. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS? If done professionally, Threadlift is a safe and effective treatment that offers subtle, natural looking results. In this procedure, the incisions are small, and there is no interruption of the blood supply to the skin. However, if not well done, like all else, there can be complications. Common issues involve the sutures being felt or seen. This may cause headaches or pricking sensations under the skin. In extreme cases, the threads can break, or stick out of the skin. But this is rare, and usually that’s the worst it gets.

Contact the Axis Profound Beauty Call Center at +66 (0)80 500 0123

www.apexprofoundbeauty.com

Dr Nantapat Supapannachart American Board Certiﬁed Dermotologist and Laser Surgeon

Metro ARTS

Meet the Unmet

From Hidden Needs to Business Growth

Creativities unfold at Bangkok’s 2013 “Meet the Unmet: From Hidden Needs to Business Growth.” This series of workshops and symposiums offers a great chance for new business opportunities to see what innovative designs can be used and applied. The activities include Creative Space Workshops, International Workshops, an International Symposium and Networking Sessions. Dates: August 1 – September 9, 2013 Location: TCDC at the Emporium Shopping Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 24 www.tcdc.or.th

The Body Project

Beauty, Brutality, and the Reasons Behind Throughout different periods of time, across different cultures, and within different societies, one unanswerable question remains: what should be “the look” of a beautiful woman? Similar questions arise such as “Why we all have to be beautiful in the same way?” and “Is it worth trading off your natural body with painful surgery for the sake of beauty?” Find these answers in this astonishing art exhibition. Dates: Runs until September 29, 2013 (museum is closed Mondays) Location: Museum Siam, 4 Sa nam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon www.facebook.com/museumsiamfan

17th Annual

Thai Short Film & Video Festival Short Films with Big Ideas

The Film Archive (Public Organization) in collaboration with the Thai Film Foundation and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre present the 17th Annual Thai Short Film and Video Festival – a cinematic exploration of new horizons in entertainment media. As with the past editions of this event, the 10-day festival will present local and international competition programs, as well as many special programs showing interesting shorts, selected around the world. For this year, the special programs include S-Express (the selected short from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and China), the ‘Best Selections’ from the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival, Queer Shorts and much, much more. As well, during the festival there will be a masterclass by Umesh Kulkarni, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, whose works have been shown in the best film festivals from around the world. Dates: August 22 to September 1, 2013 (no program on Monday, August 26) Location: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) 5th floor Auditorium, and 4th floor Room 401 www.bacc.or.th

Suriyothai: A Ballet – Opera

Movement & Song by Silpathorn Kittikhun and Somtow Sucharitkul

Designed for a cast of dancers and singers, plus a large symphony orchestra which incorporates classical Thai instruments, this music-drama is a new stylistic fusion. The Thai artists behind the show have been inspired in equal parts by classical Thai dance drama, as well as opera, ballet, and ancient Thai temple murals. Date: August 23 – 25, 2013 Location: Thailand Cultural Centre (Main Hall), www.thaiticketmajor.com/performance 16

Metro PROMO Attractive Special Offers and Discounts

Oasis Spas - Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom “Only two and a half hours to real relief!”

You need more than just a simple massage to find relief from tension, chronic pain, headaches, lower back pain and fatigue… you need the body rebalancing of Siamese Therapeutic Wisdom – a treatment that uses ancient healing techniques, combined with a contemporary knowledge of anatomy and physiology, to deeply stretch, rub, knead and stimulate the acupressure points. Massaging these points has an overall balancing effect on the entire body, allowing the body’s life force to flow freely again. The use of Thai herbal massage balm and Thai Herbal Hot Compress during the treatment enhances its effectiveness. The result is greater health and vitality, improved blood circulation, relief from stress and pain, improved flexibility, and much more. Treat Your Mother Right: Get 50% OFF (from 4,600++ THB) at any Oasis Spa in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket, from now through to the end of August 2013. For more info and reservations, please call: Bangkok 02 262 2122; Chiang Mai 053 920 111; Pattaya 038 364 070; and Phuket 076 337 777. www.oasisspa.net

International Buffet at Bangkok Sky Restaurant

“Special offers with great food and a brilliant view”

Saturday Night Special at W XYZ Bar, Aloft Hotel

“Cocktail Marathon on Sukhumvit Soi 11!” Catch the real Aloft vibe at W XYZ Bar, a no-walls, no-limits space that’s always abuzz. Connect your gear to the free Wi-Fi and get some work done during the day, before the place transforms into the most hip and happening bar in the Bangkok nightlife scene. Sip on specialty cocktails, munch on snack-attack menu items, and get your groove on with a range of eclectic beats and sassy DJ mixes. Programmed events keep everything hopping, and the fun ﬂows freely all night long. Unlimited drinks - including spirits, cocktails and beer From 9pm - midnight every Saturday 499 THB net (per person) www.aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com 18

This seafood buffet experience comes with one of the best views in all of Bangkok. Occupying the 76th and 78th floors of the towering Baiyoke Sky Hotel, this restaurant delights visitors with an extensive assortment of seafood; from river lobster to prawns, shrimp, squid, scallops, clams, crab and fish. Have them prepared as a salad, spicy soup, stir-fried in curry paste, served tempura or Teppanyaki style, or sprinkled with salt and steamed to mouthwatering perfection. Enjoy your favourite selections – for lunch and dinner – with unlimited soft drinks, and the added benefit of complimentary access to both the Observation Deck on the 77th floor, and the Revolving View Point on the 84th floor. At these heights, the view of downtown Bangkok, and beyond, is simply unbeatable. International Buffet Lunch: 11am – 3pm Adult 570 THB / Child 350 THB (per person) International Buffet Dinner: 6pm – 10pm Adult 980 THB / Child 490 THB (per person) For more info, or reservations, please call: 02 656 3456, or 02 656 3000 www.baiyokehotel.com

Metro PROMO Attractive Special Offers and Discounts

Dim Sum Extravaganza at Sui Sian, Landmark Bangkok Hotel

“All-you-can-eat feasts every weekend” Offering a superb all-you-can-eat Dim Sum feast – which also includes Chinese soup, fried rice or yang chow noodle, plus a choice of desserts – the Sui Sian Restaurant, located on the 10th ﬂoor of the Landmark Bangkok Hotel, tempts guests with recipes created by award- winning chefs from Hong Kong. And on Sundays, enjoy more of the same plus unlimited Peking duck, suckling pig, crispy pork belly, drunken chicken and Saturdays: 520++ THB (per person) Saturdays: 620++ THB (per person) For more info, or reservations, please call: 02 252 4222 www.landmarkbangkok.com

The Bar at The Peninsula Bangkok “Black Ivory Coffee: rare, unique and decidedly different”

A proper hotel bar in the old-school tradition, The Bar at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok, is proud to introduce ‘Black Ivory Coffee’, one of the world’s most rare and unique coffee blends. The beans are naturally “reﬁned” by Thai elephants at the Golden Elephant Triangle Foundation in Chiang Saen, and are then roasted to perfection, and served to only the most discerning palettes. The Black Ivory Coffee set includes: • Black Ivory Coffee for up to two persons • Sweet Delights, created by the hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, including salty caramel macaroon, praline crunchy choux, orange blossom marshmallow, and madeleine • Hennessy Cognac pairing for 2 persons Available from August 1 - 31, 2013 Priced at THB 999++ (per set) For more info, or reservations, please call: 02 626 1841 www.peninsula.com

Boston Bright English Language School

“Special promotional discount of 50%” The Boston Bright Language School is committed to teaching English in a privileged environment, with high quality, interactive classes. The school not only wants its students to learn English, but also to live with it. Whether you need to improve your English to become an outstanding student, or you need to prepare for your better job, we cater to all needs. And to celebrate their 5th Anniversary, Boston Bright is offering a special promotion for August, 2013, with discounts of 50% on select courses. To ﬁnd out more, please call: 02 234 4888 www.bostonbright.com

Metro SPECIAL

By MYSOCIALMOTION

SocialGiver:

Giving Experience

A New

Imagine if you could spend weekends at amazing hotels, dine at world-class restaurants, and enjoy other exciting activities, while at the same time improving the lives of less privileged children across Thailand. Well the people behind MYSOCIALMOTION have just launched SocialGiver, a platform and website that makes fundraising more attractive, e f fe c t i v e , a n d exc i t i n g . B y pairing up with businesses wishing to give back to their communities via social projects, the organization offers people the chance to support social projects, and in turn be rewarded with gift vouchers offered by the businesses. Environmental and social projects receive the funds they need, whilst providing accountability and transparency for their supporters.

In preparation for Mother’s Day in Thailand (August 12), SocialGiver announced their first campaign called ‘Let the Giving Begin’, which aims to raise funds for 4 projects that are helping to improve the lives of children in Thailand. "It’s a unique gift for every mother,” said Arch Wongchindawest, founder of MYSOCIALMOTION. “Not only do you get to support less-privileged children on Mother’s Day, but you’re also able to give your own mom an experience to enjoy as a family.”

The 4 social projects currently being supported are: Zy Movement Foundation, that works to empower children with physical disabilities; 4DekDoi, that gives hill-tribe children a chance to attend school; DeeJai, that provides education resources for classrooms in rural areas of the country; and the Education for Development Foundation’s ‘Under the same sky’ project, which offers scholarships to children orphaned by the violence in the 3 southernmost provinces of Thailand.

Yunomori Onsen & Spa Give 350 THB to fund 4 projects that are helping to improve the lives of less privileged children, and receive a one-day pass (valued at 450 THB). As the first authentic Japanese onsen in Thailand, Yunomori is an escape from the often overwhelming sights and sounds of city life. The interior design features wood and other natural materials, recreating a sense of nature. As a counterbalance, the softer side of the natural world is represented through our selection of the finest mineral waters in the region. Retreat from daily hardships through various forms of hydrotherapy, including hot and cold baths, saunas, steams and showers.

Flow House Bangkok Give 375 THB to support Zy Movement Foundation’s efforts to empower children with disabilities, via SocialGiver, and receive a free one-hour wave surfing machine ride and instruction (valued at 375 THB). If you’ve got some time to kill (or chill), then Flow House has something special for you. Alongside their plunge pool, bar/restaurant, and pool table, the unique FlowRider Double System – a simulated wave surfing machine – is a one-ofa-kind find. As part of the family of Flow and Wave Houses that stretch from California to the UK, to South Africa to Singapore, the Bangkok locale provides all the equipment needed, along with qualified instructors to help you every step of the way. You’ll be flowboarding or bodyboarding in no time!

Wine I Love You Bar & Bistro Give 300 THB to support 4DekDoi’s initiative to give hill-tribe children an opportunity to go to school and receive a gift voucher from Wine I Love You (valued at 500 THB). Wine I Love You is a bar and bistro serving international and Asian dishes with a modern flair. Espousing the belief that food should be easy to eat and easy to appreciate, the restaurant came up with their very own creative culinary concept – ‘confusion bistro food’. Meanwhile the ambience provides the perfect setting for a get together with friends, and there’s a wide selection of dishes to choose from.

Rayavadee Give 19,900 THB to support 4DekDoi’s initiative to give hill-tribe children an opportunity to go to school, and receive a weekend in paradise at Rayavadee Resort. Offer includes a 3-Day, 2-Night stay, for 2 persons, in the Deluxe Pavillion (offer valued at 50,000 THB). Situated in the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula, on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park, Rayavadee Resort nestles discreetly amidst tropical gardens and coconut groves against a backdrop of sheer cliffs, lush jungle foliage, and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea. In addition to stylish, 5-star accommodations, the resort boasts fine cuisine, warm, attentive service, and one of the most unique relaxation spas in Thailand. Anyone interested in becoming a giver, or in providing innovative gift ideas for Mother’s Day, can visit www.socialgiver.com

Metro UPDATE

By Sawarot Thawinwongrak

worldUPDATE

Who knew that scooping up dog poop could translate into big bucks? Well, it seems Jacob D’Aniello and his wife Susan, founders of DoodyCalls – the first franchise providing professional pet-waste removal services across the US – have discovered just that. Jacob came up with the idea when listen to the radio interview about unusual jobs. One week later he and his wife formed their company and started placing the ads in local papers. The first client responded to the ad and bought 6-months of service for a friend as a gift. The company now offers various service plans, including one-time cleanups and weekly service.

The Tourism Council of Thailand has estimated that Koh Samet island may lose approximately 100 million THB in tourism revenue because of the recent oil spill from the PTT Global Chemical Plc facility.

The amount of exported Thai rice in the first half of 2013 stands at 2.94 million tons, down 8.41% from last year, and the overall value is 61,988 million THB, down 7.88% from the same period last year.

After temporally closing down, due to liquidity problems, the Saha Farm Group, one of Thailand’s leading poultry exporters, now aims to return to operation within the next 2 months, after receiving financial support from Middle East investors.

Facebook, the world largest social network site, is planning to offer TV-style commercial platforms to advertisers later this year, going for as much as US$2.5 million per day.

Paris-based Publicis and New York-based Omnicom agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction to create the world’s largest advertising company, Publicis Omnicom Group, with estimated billings of US$35 billion.

IdeaUPDATE

Riverside Masterplan Co. plans to develop the second Asiatique project on the other side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The 2-3 billion THB project is expected to be a high-rise project, including a shopping mall, condominiums and a hotel.

DoodyCalls Fun Facts: It’s the 1st pet waste removal franchise in the world. It’s grown to 55 franchises in 23 US states, and make millions dollars annually. The company scoops over 3 million poops a year. Americans using the service save over 300,000 minutes a year by having someone else scoop up what their dogs leave behind. The company boasts over 8,000 happy dogs as customers. www.doodycalls.com

Innovative and Creative Ways for Rolling Out Your Business

Metro HUB By HUBBA

SHARE OR

DIE

A NEW AGE OF SHARING HAS ARRIVED, AND CO-WORKING IS HERE TO STAY!

What’s so special about co-working? We’ve seen the number of co-working spaces increase from zero in 2011, to at least 10 within 2013.

Co-working is, to put it simply, a professional lifestyle in which individuals from different companies share a common physical and social working environment. Startups and freelancers are some examples that might come to mind, due to their highly ﬂexible and mobile work habits, but co-working spaces have doubled in number worldwide within the past year, so it’s no longer just an isolated phenomena.

Members of co-working spaces find their productivity and creativity increases, business and friend circles grow rapidly, professional skills increase, and they are healthier physically and mentally. However, the most important benefit might just be ‘serendipity’, because co-working facilitates the “unexpected relevant encounter” that can often help take professional careers to the next level or turn dream startups into reality. So to all the Gen Y’s out there, do yourself a favor and get out of the house, leave the boring office behind, and say goodbye to working out of some corny coffee shop. Instead, find your nearest professional co-working space, and make a new start. The age of sharing has arrived and co-working is here to stay. It’s share or die!

In an increasingly uncertain world, where the cost of living has skyrocketed, sharing is not just an option or a smart choice, it’s mankind’s survival countermeasure. Sharing is the real trend behind the co-working movement – both around the world and in Thailand – and many innovative ways of sharing are actually already right under our very noses, including car sharing (Zipcar), ride sharing (Über), bike sharing (Spotcycle), yard sharing (Urban Garden Share), coworking (Hubba), and travel accommodation sharing (Airbnb).

Metro DECOR

By VIRCH

Chester Moon Sofa

Cherner

Lounge Armchair

A minimalist style that speaks for itself, this quirky yet charming chair is both smartly designed, and cohesive in color and shape. Designed by Benjamin Cherner it is the latest addition to his renowned seating collection. Here a comfortable molded plywood shell, solid bentwood arms, and laminated wood base, all combine to produce a dynamically curvilinear form. And shouldn’t one have an equally interesting place to sit while enjoying a good book? Brand/Designer: Benjamin Cherner (made in USA) List Price: 53,160 THB www.julesseltzerstore.com

Here’s an opportunity to introduce a luxuriously gorgeous fabric into your space. The Chester Moon Sofa, by Baxter, is an iconic piece of furniture that combines good looks, comfort, and support. It is a fully handmade sofa that takes up to 45 days of manual labor to produce. Such contemporary luxury creates moods that are consistently new and amazing. Brand: Baxter (made in Italy) List Price: 645,000 THB www.baxter.it

Dog Carrier This product is specially made for all the dog’s lovers out there. And since your lovely dogs share a good part of your life, shouldn’t you pay more attention to their spaces – both indoor and outdoor? To complement your luxurious lifestyle, this elegant dog carrier is one of Ralph Lauren’s stylish solutions. Crafted in Italy from vibrant vachetta leather, and featuring an optional cross-body strap, the unit measures 11” high x 14.5” long x 8.5” deep. Brand: Ralph Lauren (made in Italy) List Price: 60,450 THB www.ralphlauren.com

Plaza Black Marble, Best Badger Shaving Set Why, you may ask, should one waste time looking for luxury bathroom items? Well here’s an exquisite 3-piece shaving set that makes your daily grooming gear just as beautiful as the cooking equipment in your kitchen. Comprised of an imitation black marble and chrome safety razor, shaving brush, and chrome plated double wire stand, the set is manufactured by Edwin Jagger, out of Shefﬁeld, England, and uses only the most carefully selected quality materials. Brand/Designer: Edwin Jagger (UK) List Price: 7,620 THB www.edwinjagger.co.uk 26

Hermès Candle (unscented) his printed porcelain cup and candle combo is an accessory that will shed some new light on darkened corners. With 7 different designs to choose from (including the “Equateur” pattern), and the velvet goatskin base, these unique pieces are something to really talk about. Collect a few, mix and match, and who knows, this might become your favorite hobby later on. Brand: Hermès Home Collection List Price: 9,610 THB www.usa.hermes.com

Product: Branch Chandelier Wiseman’s signature Branch Chandelier simultaneously brings a touch of nature, as well as light, to indoor paradises. This poetic work draws upon traditions of time-honored craftsmanship and experimentation in contemporary design. Or, as Tessa Evelegh says: “Clever lighting is the key to creating ambience; aim to change the mood at the ﬂick of a switch.”

Designer’s Pick Designer: David Wiseman Awards: “Best of the Best 2013 Home Furniture by Robb Report” www.dwiseman.com

Product: Box Do you ever get bored with the typical containers? Well, this elegant box, by designer David Wiseman, is an eye-catching piece for anyone hunting for a doubleduty item. The only thing now is to ensure that no one grabs it and tries to take it back home with them after visiting you!

Product: Collage Table Absolutely stunning, The Collage Table is a surprise décor element that provides more personality to your room, due in part to its different era and style. You can place it in the living room, bedroom, or even bathroom, to extend the feel and tone of the space you wish to create.

Metro GLAM

By Kirati Sachasingh

Get GLAMMED UP w i t h t h e L a t e s t Tr e n d s !

Denim Shirts

By TOPMAN

Quite frankly, the denim shirt is a bit of a year-round obsession. The difference now however, is that these tops are even cooler with their acid- and bleach-washes, and different dyes, as well as their touch of “Western” motif. Topman typiﬁes this look with their very own shortsleeved bleach wash denim shirt. Wear it with colored chinos to be bold, or choose a Western-style long-sleeved shirt combined with darker coloured trousers if you want a light and casual feel. You could wear these shirts buttonedup, and accessorized with a bowtie, or simply go unbuttoned with a white T-shirt underneath. Be aware that the details – either too many or too few – can tip the design over, but take the risk with a denim shirt anyway, and you might ﬁnd you receive some big returns.

Colourful

Printed Shorts By H.E MANGO

When it comes to linen-cotton blended Bermuda shorts for this season, H.E Mango has a palette of colour options ranging from eyecatching shades of yellow, dusted pink, teal or royal blue, as well as a wide-array of patterns. When sporting these shorts, details should be considered carefully, so pair them perfectly with a denim short-sleeved shirt for a casual style, or a more sophisticated button-down top for a more preppy approach. And when it comes to the prints, ﬂoral continues to stay popular, and is one of the easiest ways to look stylish with a plain T-shirt. You’re now good to go!

Penny Loafers

By GUCCI

Folding Bicycles By BROMPTON

Bangkok traffic is getting worse than ever, and not every office can be located right next to a BTS or MRT station, but luckily folding bicycles have come to the rescue. Brompton bikes are the only fullsized steel frame two-wheelers that can easily be converted into a compact portable package in just 15 seconds, so now you can hop on the metro or sky train and continue on to your final destination once you get to the nearest station. There are currently local mass campaigns in the city supporting ‘slow travel’, and promoting awareness that cyclists are road users too – with just as much right to the road as other vehicles and vendors – but now you can reduce your carbon footprint with a little Glam Style!

Cut-outs outs

By BCBG MAX AZRIA This trend has been strutted along the catwalks for a few seasons now, but that doesn’t stop it from being a must-have item? The key to its lasting success is that designers have given it a new take, season after season. This season, BCBG Max Azria went for the more illusionist approach, wherein the wearer is able to be fully clothed, and any glimpses of skin are merely suggestive (not overgenerous as it once was). Delightfully powerful, yet ultra-feminine, BCBG’s approach on this cutout effect is the perfect embodiment of high-fashion glamour. Full-length loose garments, high-slits, and lace and sheer fabric cut-outs were used, rather than seductive ﬁgure-hugging pieces.

Baseball Cap

By KENZO

Graceful and feminine classic whites are in, and Alexander McQueen tastefully achieves this look with volume on the sleeves, and layers throughout. Another way of making a light graceful statement is to go for the luxe or sheer organza fabrics, which are slightly embellished with delicate ornamentations or beadings. If you’re not a girly-girl, structured panel tops can give your look an androgynous rendering, and the simplicity of the blouse can be complemented with dark statement bottoms, or something more ﬂoral and/or colorful.

Métamorphose

Quadra Blue Eye Shadow By CHANEL

A large spectrum of dazzling bright blue eye shadow shades have made their way onto runaways this season, and several designers have capitalized on both bright aqua eye shadow shades, and sapphire-colored eyeliners. And although any bright shade will do, an icy tonal hint gives a magical touch to the overall look. You can now easily incorporate this romantic yet seductive trend into your everyday makeup routine by underplaying the majority of your facial features, and just let your eyes do the talking. Apply a quick stroke of one of Chanel’s Métamorphose Quadra eye shadow shades to give your lids that eyeliner feel, or, for a night out, employ a mixture of all 4 icy hues and you‘ll have everyone giving you a second glance.

Classic White Shirts

By ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Metro GUEST

“”

Nothing is that easy. If I didn’t start ‘doing’, I would never have success. I want to create something on my own. It’s totally not any matter who my father is, and what my family name is.

“PLAWAN”

VORASIT ISSARA FROM VISION T O R E A L I T Y: MOVING FORWARD W I T H PA S S I O N A N D TOLERANCE

Khun Vorasit “Plawan” Issara, the icon of luxury leisure property in Thailand, is the key man behind the super luxurious and modern tropical resort and mixused residential project known as Sri Panwa. While aiming to make this property one of the world’s top 100 hotels, Khun Vorasit – the Director of Charn Isssara Residence Co., Ltd. – is also proud that it is managed by Thai people. As an industry maverick, Khun Vorasit takes after his father Khun Songkran, one of the early developers who initiated many high-rise office building concepts, including the addition of up-scale dining choices. In his book Wanwan of Plawan Vorasit Issara, Khun Vorasit compiles many of his experiences, thoughts, and views of success, into inspiring stories, both for young generations, and whoever else may dream of success. The success of Sri Panwa, for instance, has nothing to do with luck, but instead is all about moving step by step and implementing what you believe in, until the dream becomes reality. Although the success of Sri Panwa is proven by many internal and international awards, Khun Vorasit is quick to tell everyone that it’s not only him alone who’s behind this success story; strong teamwork and a culture of organization also factor significantly. However, many people question this success and wonder if it weren’t for his family’s high social and financial status, would he still be this successful. In an exclusive interview we asked about this and other questions, and this property powerbroker – known for his optimistic point of view, and his active and creative personality – was happy to respond and share some of his insights.

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In fact, most of all things are up to experiences. Money is somehow one factor; but it can’t buy people, can’t buy styles, and can’t buy luck. If I was not with Issara, I would work hard at ﬁnding my own way to success. I believe that people can be successful with clear goals, and taking steps towards them.

”

What are the main points or techniques behind managing such successful business? Creative idea and great vision alone cannot lead to real success. What I thought or have ever thought for any project in business might be the same as, or similar to other people’s idea, but my key word towards success is “getting things done”, and I always say that it’s not only me alone who’s behind the success of Sri Panwa. So the most essential philosophy of “getting things done” is “tolerance” – especially with team communication. The “human skills” behind team creation and communication pull out the strengths of each member. And like all people, I faced lot difﬁculties that made me exhausted. But in my leader’s position, other human skills needed, like how to always keep myself up, how to create a mutual goal, and how to build and inspire the team.

To be successful is not always easy, and many people quit early on because they are discouraged by barriers. Do you have a personal philosophy on how to overcome barriers? It depends on what kind of barriers. Facing new threats is the way it is – just learn and deal with them step by step. As I keep traveling back and forth to manage many projects at the same time, it’s like I step back to view the whole picture clearer and fresher. When you can view clear problems, you can cope with them eventually. That’s why I always support my team, and encourage them to relax and ﬁnd leisure time. Everyone has to accomplish their duties to the best of their abilities, but relaxation is also important in keeping you fresh.

You are also actively developing www. guruwan.com, an online shopping platform for premium products and services. How do you manage so much work, while keeping your life balanced? In this 21st century, all things become online data-based. IT will become the sharpest weapon of business. So Guruwan is a way to expand my exposure to both IT, and creative networks and knowledge. The trend now is that all businesses, even consumer products, are moving online. We can also expand quantitatively to more suppliers, and online markets in Europe and the US are now at the stage of full capacity, unlike the growth stage of Asia’s online market; namely Singapore, Thailand, China and Hong Kong. The Thai market is becoming a hot IT center investment spot. Now, back to your question, my life and my work is mixed together (laughs). The Guruwan ofﬁce is located in Bangkok, so I can manage to take care of my wife and my child, but to balance work and life together depends on the timing of both, and how you manage them together. 32

Can you share with us what you expect for Sri Panwa, guruwan.com, and yourself, in the next 10 years? As for Sri Panwa, even if it has already reached a considerable level of success, I still wish it to be in a leading position in the luxury leisure market in Thailand, as well as to be the world’s top resort in 10 to 20 years. In the near future, we would like to see the “Sri Panwa” concept in many other countries too. Recently, we signed an MOU of building a Sri Panwa in China, and more than billion potential customers are there. This is our important next step; if we perform well in China, I can guarantee hyper-intensive expansion of Sri Panwa in 20 years – just like the Marriott, Hilton or Ritz-Carlton brands. As for guruwan.com, which is owned and managed by Siam Brands, we’re continuing to explore the best of the Asian products, and are introducing them to the world of online shoppers, as well as enhancing our cutting-edge e-commerce platform on the global-scale. Personally, I love the name “Siam Brand”, I am so proud to be Thai. Anyway, going 10 years forward, Siam Brand would be a lot bigger, and Guruwan would be the main portal, and we’d co-partner with big companies to help them create luxury portfolios. As for myseIf… if my 2 companies succeed as planned – meaning that I have to travel around the world to manage them – that’s great because travelling and exploring new locations are my favorite things. Imagine I have to manage 30 hotels! I am expert in exploring US and Europe, but for now China is my ﬁrst priority to explore.

If you could be the adviser to yourself when you were age 20, what would you want to suggest? I normally have no regrets over what I have decided and done. However, if I can tell myself in the past, I would advise myself to stay only 3 years in the UK, and only 3 years in the US, and then spend the rest of time in China, where I can learn about the country, and learn how to speak Chinese. I confess that I underestimated and totally assumed that China couldn’t grow as much as it has now. At the beginning of my hotel business, all the conferences were talking about customer focusing in Europe and the US. As for me, I somewhat disagreed and believed in the potential of Thai customers. As a consequence, I succeed with Thai customers nowadays, but still, I missed out on Chinese customers.

Could you share with us something about your more relaxed side of life? Are you a romantic person? I do love to eat, cook, travel and join the party. I also love driving outside Bangkok. For the romance side, I do romantic things with my kid now (laughing). For my wife, we used to do romantic things a lot, and we’ve become best friends now. We both have our own time, but we try to manage time to have dinner together. As for my daughter, I do not impose any expectations on her of being anything in particular. But if she became a chef, I would be happy because I love eating. Also I’d have a cooking partner (laughs).

วรสิทธิ์ อิสสระ

สุภาพบุรุษช�่อ “วรสิทธิ์ อิสสระ” หร�อที่เรารูจักกันในนาม “ปลาวาฬ” ทายาทคนโตของตระกูลอิสสระ เปนผูพัฒนาร�สอรทระดับ 5 ดาว เนื้อที่กวา 80 ไร ซ�่งเร�ยกไดวาเปนร�สอรทที่สวยที่สุดบนเกาะภูเก็ต ช�่อ วา “ศร�พันวา” ซ�่งเปนการสรางแบรนดไทยใหโดงดังและเปนที่ยอมรับ ช�่นชมในเวทีระดับสากล คุณปลาวาฬเนนยําถึงความสําเร�จตรงนี้วาอยู ที่การสรางทีม การบร�หารทรัพยากรบุคคล และการสรางวัฒนธรรม องคกรที่แข�งแกรง ซ�่งตองใชความอดทน การมองปญหาอยางใสใจ รายละเอียด และแรงใจในการกาวขามอุปสรรคตางๆ คุณปลาวาฬเปนคนที่ไมหยุดนิ�ง อยากจะพัฒนาตัวเองและธุรกิจ ออกไปเร�่อยๆ มองโลกในแงดี และรักความเปนไทยอยางมาก มีความ ฝ น อยากพั ฒ นาแบรนด โ ดยคนไทยให เ ป น ที่ ย อมรั บ ในระดั บ โลก ไมใชแคธุรกิจร�สอรทเทานั�น ปจจุบันคุณปลาวาฬยังมีการขยายทีม งาน ขยายความรู ขยายเคร�อขายไปยังดาน IT ภายใตบร�ษัท “สยาม แบรนด” นั�นก็คือ GURUWAN ธุรกิจ E-Commerce ที่มุงสราง พ��นที่ออนไลนใหแบรนดชั�นนําของคนไทย เร�ยกไดวาคุณปลาวาฬ เปนตัวอยางของคนรุนใหมไฟแรง มีมุมมองว�สัยทัศนแหลมคม ที่ลุก ข�้นมาพัฒนาแนวความคิดของตนใหเปนรูปเปนราง จนประสบความ สําเร�จอยางกวางขวาง และยังมองไปขางหนาถึงทิศทางแหงอนาคต เพ��อที่จะกาวตอไปโดยไมหยุดอยูกับความสําเร�จในปจจุบัน 33

Metro GUEST

Right Market Positioning

Essential to the

Success

“AMBER”

Who would have thought that Amber, the well-known premium health pillow business of the Taychanavakul family, would be built by people in their 20’s? These young adults have been operating the business for less than 3 years, but already the company has dominated the market in leading superstores and hospitals. They even partnered with SE-ED Book Center bookstore, a major retailer here in Thailand. “Our family bedding business started with our grandparents in Phahurat,” explains Khun Sirinya Taychanavakul, the elder sister of the family. The business succeeded in the hands of the parents, who primarily sold other brands of bedding products, and only occasionally hired manufacturers to make custom orders under their own brand name. Having such long time experience in the bedding business, as well as accumulating decades of market research, the next generation decided to establish their own brand. The brand captures the high-end market gap with unique touches, including the use of advanced materials such as “memory foam” from Europe, which is of the same high-standard as the original but sold for a lower price. With premium quality products and affordable prices, Amber gets great feedback from customers. But this is not enough of a reason for Amber to stop improving on their products. As brand owners, they have tested all their products themselves and they really listen to what their customers have to say.

“Our goal is strong brand recognition that establishes Amber as the ‘pillow for health’ both in Thailand, and worldwide,” says Khun Veerachai, Sirinya’s younger brother.

“Be calm and don’t create too many limitations on yourself. You must keep going forward, through trial and errors, or there will be no success,” says Khun Sirinya.

The health trend is booming in Thailand now, and that, combined with the increasing numbers of elders in the society, mean that Amber’s health pillows have a wide market audience. The pillows can not only reduce body pains, aches, and help with snoring problems, but they are also suitable for people with Sleep Apnea, postoperative patients with Decubitus ulcer, and patients with allergies. This exceptional functionality and quality has led to signiﬁcant “word of mouth” publicity for the Amber brand. As a result they expanded their market to department stores, hospitals, healthcare shops, and even in the SE-ED bookstores. This was an important step for the company, because if they had assumed it would be impossible to get distribution with SE-ED, and shied away from asking, they would never have ended up with over 400 branches as their points of distribution by SE-ED.

Fortunately the Taychanavakul family members can all strategically support the brand. Along with their father, who offers sharp insights and good advice, Khun Sirinya is good at business management, Khun Veerachai, the younger brother, offers design knowledge as well as IT and multimedia skills, and the worldwide language skills of Khun Chatrada, the younger sister, all contribute to the hyperintensive growth of Amber.

ใครเลยจะคิดวาแบรนดหมอนสุขภาพช�อ่ ดังอยาง Amber จะมีผูบร�หารอายุไมข�้นเลข 3 นําโดยพ��สาวคนรองของ ครอบครัว คุณสิร�นยา เตชะนาวากุลที่เช�่ยวชาญดาน การบร�หารธุรกิจระหวางประเทศ และความสามารถดาน IT การออกแบบ และการบร�หารของนองชาย คุณว�ระชัย เตชะนาวากุล รวมกับความสามารถทางภาษาของนอง สาว คุณฉัตรลดา เตชะนาวากุล และยังมีแรงใจ แรง สนับสนุน คําปร�กษาดวยมุมมองที่เฉียบคมของคุณ พอ ไมแปลกใจที่ Amber จะเติบโตอยางรวดเร�วไปตาม หางสรรพสินคาและโรงพยาบาลชั�นนํา และยังมีออเดอร จํานวนมากจากตางประเทศ จนลาสุดไดกระจายไปสูกวา 400 สาขาของรานหนังสือช�่อดังอยาง SE-ED Book ใน เวลาไมถงึ 3 ป ความฝนของทุกคนก็คอื อยากใหแบรนด Amber เปนตัวแทนของหมอนเพ��อสุขภาพ เหมือนที่เรา เห็นตัวแทนของสาหรายคือเถาแกนอ ย หร�อ ชาเข�ยวโออิช�

“”

Our goal is strong brand recognition that establishes Amber as the ‘pillow for health’ both in Thailand, and worldwide.

“”

Be calm and don’t create too many limitations on yourself. You must keep going forward, through trial and errors, or there will be no success.

Metro GUEST

LIVING LIFE WITH INTEGRITY & PASSION As beautiful as she is clever, Khun Pailin Taewasakraksa is the executive Area Manager for Wall Street English, and from this position she commands 3 main centers in Bangkok, and oversees 150 team members. She has been working with the company throughout the past 7 years, always aiming to push her students as far as they can go.

“”

Don’t hesitate to take the first step in changing your life

PAILIN

TAEWASAKRAKSA “I am proud to say that this has been a great experience in my life – being part of a company that intentionally wants to help “Change People’s Lives”, and to have the opportunity to see our students become successful and reach the next steps in their lives or careers.” To achieve this goal, Khun Pailin reveals her directing framework. “We have to be proactive in sales and be extremely strong in service,” she explains. “With certified quality and services, we confidently present Wall Street English as much as possible, in a way that we can ‘change people’s lives’ for real.” “As area manager, the important thing is human resources managing, and making sure that all our staff have been educated by working here,” she goes on to say. “Training and educating are different; training is just to guide, but what really educates, and makes them grow, is what they experience by doing. We therefore support our team to both grow and become successful, so they can help expand and strengthen the network. “Another key point is achieving proper resultoriented communication with people of various

ages, perceptions and backgrounds,” Khun Pailin adds. “Keep in mind that the seniors always have more experiences, and we can learn a lot from them.” In order to gain trust, to inspire your team, or even just to push yourself ahead, Khun Pailin lives every minute of her life with the philosophy: “Walk the Talk”. As she goes on to explain, “In every situation; what you talk, what you think, and how you walk, should go along in the same way. Only then we can really commit with all meaningful steps in life.” Although this ambitious and dedicated woman is passionate about her work, there is another side to her personality, and it’s one that believes in simplicity and sufficiency. “Everything happens in our mind,” she says, “and if there is peace and serenity in the mind, you’ll find happiness there too.” Finally, this savvy businesswoman points out what many people overlook these days, and that is that people shouldn’t hesitate to invest in a little (or a lot) of extra education for themselves, because no one knows clearly what those small investments can lead to. In fact, if you invest in proven things – such as education – and you are fully committed to success, then you likely will succeed. So remember: “Don’t hesitate to take the first step in changing your life”.

ไพลิน เทวศักดิ์รักษา คุณไพลิน เทวศักดิ์รักษา ผูบร�หารแสนสวยกับตําแหนง Area Manager แหงสถาบันสอนภาษาอังกฤษชั�นนําระดับโลก Wall Street English เธอ เปนผูบร�หารที่ดูแลสถาบันทั�ง 3 สาขา คือสาขาสีลม สาขาป�นเกลา และสาขาเมกาบางนา มีทีมในการดูแลถึง 150 ช�ว�ต เธอเลาถึงความภาคภูมิใจที่ได เห็นความสําเร�จของนักเร�ยน เลาถึงแนวคิดในการบร�หารงานวาสิ�งสําคัญคือการใหทีมของเธอทุกคนไดเร�ยนรู ไดประสบการณ และสนับสนุนใหทุก คนประสบความควาสําเร�จ โดยเคล็ดลับของเธอคือการรูจักสื่อสารอยางเหมาะสมกับคนที่มีแนวคิดตางกัน อายุตางกัน ประสบการณตางกัน รวม ถึงเลาปรัชญาช�ว�ตวา ทุกสถานการณในช�ว�ต “พูด คิด ทํา ตองเหมือนกัน” เพ��อใหเรานําคนได และทําใหตัวเราสามารถคงอยูในความตั�งใจของเราได นอกจากนี้ เธอยังทิ�งทายวา “อยาลังเลที่จะกาวในกาวแรกที่อาจจะเปลี่ยนช�ว�ตเราได”

Metro HI-LIKE

“

Some say that “vertical living” is the perfect choice of urban lifestyle, but it’s not just a matter of mass populations living on limited land area. The real thing here is lifestyle – locations and facilities that meet people’s need while simultaneously being convenient, healthy, secure, stylish, private, and so on. Each project then tries to find its own best, unique, or surprising features in order to capture a different target buyer. Here then are 10 interesting condominium projects, each with their own different designs and features that we at MeTRO would like to introduce to you.

The Sky

”

Incorporating MOFF Design Innovation @ Sukhumvit 103/4 (BTS Bang Na)

The Sky is one of the most luxurious condominium projects by Property Perfect, with a huge area of almost 10 rai. There are 5 building in total, comprising 898 room units, and the different unit sizes and styles make for a variety of choices. One of the most outstanding aspects of the project is the “MOFF Design”. The term stands for ‘Maximum of Flexible Function’, and it employs a “semi-duplex” concept of utilizing space out of 4 m. ceiling height by adding extra space to one part of the unit to act as a mezzanine. The extra mezzanine is well-equipped with strong metal trestle – up to 10 people can party there! – while there remains 4 m. of ceiling height in the bedroom, living room and dining room. Price start from 2.2 million THB / 2.7 million THB with MOFF Design Expected completion date: September 2014 MOFF Remarks Worthwhile Stairs More narrow compared with standard size Comfort Tighter in mezzanine zone Common fee Mezzanine excluded

Duplex Luxurious Larger All zones are more comfortable All space included

Sky Walk Condominium & Weltz Residences A New Landmark in Bangkok is Emerging @ BTS Phra Khanong

The Sky Walk Condominium and Weltz Residences, by W-Property, is the highest condominium on Sukhumvit Road, with 47 stories on a 9-rai area. The property is located next to BTS and expressway, and part of the exceptional architecture and remarkable landscaping of the building is the offer of Weltz Residences – exclusive abodes located on selected floors that provide an extra level of luxury and comfort with the highest levels of security for residents. The building as a whole was specially designed to allow the breathtaking beauty of Bangkok to be appreciated from every perspective, and also for residents to experience fantastic 360° panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River (from more than 160 m. up). And in the very same area, W-Property has invested more than 1 billion THB to establish new landmark of Bangkok lifestyle, the “W District”. Price starts form 4.9 million THB Expected completion date: December 2013 38

Amazing Features: • See-through “sky walk” path on the 46th floor • Blue sky lobby and skyline party room on the 46th floor • Nirvana and serenity space on the 47th floor • Panorama private beach on the 11th floor • Aquarium and high-rising waterfall • Helicopter landing pad

The XXXIX

Timeless and Elegant

@ Sukhumvit Soi 39 (220 m. from BTS Phrom Phong) Designed for timeless living, and located in the very heart of Bangkok, The XXXIX by Sansiri, offers 32-storeys, 178 units, and an area of almost 2 rai. Ideally situated near the city’s newest landmark – the Emquartier or Emporium 2 – the building and its landscaping offer a feeling of bliss, peace, and sophistication. Ventilation is optimized, with natural breezes flow through the spaces, and only the finest finishes and materials were used in the construction, including sandstone cladding exteriors, metal screen interiors, all creating a harmonized luxurious lifestyle. It’s the ultimate luxury class for luxury professionals. Price Starts from 9.75 million THB Expected completion date: not available Amazing Fact: Although this development had been the most expensive Sansiri project in 2012, it still, unbelievably, was fully sold out within 3 days!

Circle Sukhumvit 11 Condominium

Advanced-Eco-Luxurious Lifestyle Living @ Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Asok)

The Circle Sukhumvit 11 Condominium, by Fragrant Development, ranks in the top 10 when it comes to the most expensive condominiums in Bangkok. The project had been “talk of the town” for a long time, and the project was pre-designed for long term sustainable living, with loads of smart built-in functions, and extremely energy efficient features throughout the building. And it’s these exquisite details that really make this project the epitome of refined living. Price starts from 7 million THB Expected completion date: 2015 Amazing Features: • Auto Smart Parking • Sanctuary Complex at doorstep, and Aqua Music System with Breezy Corridor • Thermal Smart Frame (minimizes heat and UV rays, but allows sunlight through) • Drinkable tap water, available directly in the unit • Friendly Water System, heat recovery system from air compressor • iWall, Movable Wall and iConnect, Multi-entertainment TV • iControl - controls all electronic devices in your room with a single remote 39

The Room

Where “PEACE” Meets “Urban” Lifestyle @ Sukhumvit Soi 40 (BTS Thonglor)

Discover uniquely private living at The Room by Land & Houses, and live idealistically with peacefulness amongst the nature that lies hidden behind the city. With its 128 units, residents living in this low-rise project can fully embrace the serenity and live comfortably with the modern high standard and functional design evident in each fully furnished unit. The project also provides functional facilities such as fitness, private library, ozone system swimming pool, and semi outdoor pavilion garden. Price Starts from 4 million THB Expected move-in date: August 2013 Amazing Fact: This condo is ranked 1st out of 2012’s top 3 most popular residences in the 80,000-100,000 THB per sq. m range from the poll by www.ThinkofLiving. com, property review website.

The Bloom Sukhumvit 71

Where Luxury Meets Eco-Consciousness @ Sukhumvit Soi 71 (550 m. from BTS Phra Khanong)

Mode Sukhumvit 61 Low-Rise yet High-End @ Sukhumvit Soi 61 (BTS Ekkamai)

The Mode Sukhumvit 61 by Gay-Sorn Property is one of the most stylish and well-designed projects in the city. With its perfect room function, privacy and concierge services targeting the luxurious class, the building also can boast and ideal location – a peaceful area of Sukhumvit Road, right between the BTS stations Ekkamai and Thong Lor. Discover an iconic low-rise condominium of extraordinary quality and refinement, and surround yourself with all the things you’d ever need. Price starts from 7.26 million THB Ready to move in Amazing Fact: The project is located on Soi Sukhumvit 61 (Soi Sreshthaputra), a quiet, green and leafy lane recognized as Bangkok’s best by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

H Sukhumvit 43

The Finest in Living Experiences @ Sukhumvit Soi 43 (BTS Phrom Phong)

Aiming to design a better living solution to suit today’s urban lifestyle, V Property Development proudly debuts H Sukhumvit 43, an exclusive project that promises to define the next level of urban living. The project breaks out of the convention with its unique ‘stack’ design, affording sky views to any room in the building, no matter which floor. But it’s not just the building itself that makes this development special, its surroundings as well, and no doubt the well-landscaped gardens will offer a slice of peace and quiet rarely found in the Central Business District of Bangkok. Standing 32-storeys tall, the building is more than just a great design, it’s also about providing superior comfort and first-rate security to its residents, with units ranging from 39 to 229 sq. m. Price starts from 3.9 million THB Expected completion date: December 2014 Amazing Features: Sauna to Sky Lounge Swimming pool and breathtaking views of the city Embassy-style turnstile operated entrance and exit security system 41

Noble Remix 2 Walk Above It All

@ Sukhumvit Soi 36 (BTS Thong Lor) Noble Remix2 by Noble Development Public Company once again follows the innovative approach to design and construction that has marked the name of Noble so much in the hearts and minds of many Thai homeowners. This project offers exceptional designed living and creative innovation that will satisfy customer needs. Ideally located, this 11-storey building boasts 152 units, a refreshing green area, a swimming pool, steam room, and fitness sport club. Price starts from 4.9 million THB Ready to move in

Lofts Ekkamai

Elevate Yourself Above All the Limits

Amazing Features: • Skylink walkway from BTS Thong Lor directly into the building. • Very high 3-meter, and large 2-layer, laminate windows

@ Sukhumvit Road (150 m. from BTS Ekkamai) The Lofts Ekkamai embraces the many facets of Bangkok’s vibrant urban lifestyle, but still savours the privacy of personal designer living space. Developers Raimon Land have taken their inspiration from the vibrant districts of capitals around the globe, including the meatpacking district in Manhattan, Soho in London, and Omotesando in Tokyo. This new Bangkok project will reach 28-storeys, and include 263 living units, all on total land area of almost 2 rai. It’s the perfect address for professionals, from which to live, play and work.

Did You Know? The Real Estate Information Center revealed that the condominium market in Bangkok has increased 11%, and the number of newly launched units in the first half of 2013 was 28,637. 45% of new units launched in the 2nd quarter were located in areas along the BTS and MRT public transit lines.

Price starts from 3.9 million THB Expected completion date: Q3 2016 Amazing Features: • Sky Terrace with infinity edge salt water swimming pool • Fitness centre with panoramic view • Roof top resident’s garden with BBQ area • Sky Lofts Lounge • Residents garden on the 7th floor • Floor specific access security card system

หากพูดถึงเรือ่ งวิถกี ารใช้ชวี ติ ในเมืองแล้ว คงไม่สามารถมองข้ามการอยูอ่ าศัยใน “คอนโด” ได้ ศูนย์ขอ้ มูลอสังหาริมทรัพย์ ได้เปิดเผยตัวเลขการเติบโตของโครงการคอนโดมิเนียม พบว่าในครึ่งแรกของปี 2013 นี้ มีการเติบโตขึ้นมากกว่าช่วง เดียวกันของปีที่แล้วถึง 11% ที่น่าสนใจคือ 45% ของโครงการใหม่ทั้งหมดในประเทศไทยที่เกิดขึ้นในช่วงไตรมาสที่ 2 นั้น เกิดขึ้นในแถบเส้นรถไฟฟ้า BTS และ MRT แสดงให้เห็นว่าการอยู่อาศัยแบบแนวตั้งนั้น ประเด็นสำ�คัญอาจจะไม่ใช่ เรื่องการรองรับผู้อยู่อาศัยจำ�นวนมากในพื้นที่จำ�กัด แต่เป็นการแสดงถึงวิถีชีวิตที่ตอบโจทย์คนเมือง ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเรื่อง การเดินทางที่สะดวกสบายมากขึ้น การมีสิ่งอำ�นวยความสะดวกที่รองรับและตรงกับความต้องการ เราจะเห็นว่าคอนโด ที่เกิดขึ้นต่างมีจุดเด่นแตกต่างกันไปเพื่อตอบสนองความต้องการให้ตรงกับรูปแบบการใช้ชีวิตของแต่ละกลุ่มเป้าหมาย Special Thanks : www.thinkofliving.com

Metro LIVING By VIRCH

Limited

Space

Decoration

While it’s true that today’s urban lifestyle has made most city dwellers used to living in smaller quarters, skillful designers seem to always be able to conjure up a little extra space out of nowhere and, with lateral thinking, so can you. It all comes back to your own personal lifestyle, and what you would ideally like from your home. You also need to consider the space functionality that best suits your activities, both now and over the next 5 years. Here then are some tips that you can use to maximize your home’s precious space.

Working with Space In a compact home or apartment, think of the rooms as cubes, not squares. The secret to getting the most out of your limited space is to make rooms flexible, with dual functionality, or by providing an open plan. Space can be divided using hanging fabric hanging panels, or sliding doors, as these can be changed within seconds, transforming large spaces into private areas. Similarly, floor-to-ceiling shelves can function as pseudowalls, on which to stack your favorite books, or show your beloved travel souvenirs. For those who love a clean and minimalist look, built-in furniture, such as discreet wallto-wall cupboards, is the magic ingredient, as it de-clutters and often improves the proportions of the room. However it is sometimes better to keep the room empty as possible, and this can be achieved by using multifunction furniture that can be easily folded up. On the other hand, doubling the useable areas is an efficient option where furniture plays a big role – like a sofa bed that amazingly shifts your “living room” into a “bedroom”.

Working with Scale Fittings and furniture that are chosen and designed to suit the scale of the room not only look better, but also make the best use of limited space. When buying furniture, keep scale and proportion in mind, and ensure new pieces are well balanced and harmonious with what you already have. It’s also not just the size of furniture you need to consider, it’s also the bulk. Using less dominating pieces will generally make the room look lighter, and something like a low-line cabinet can be easily moved to anywhere in the room. A small oval table, on the other hand, can also be a great choice to provide plenty of circulation and useable space. Of course, room accessories are the one instance where it is possible to break the proportion rules. Hanging one huge painting, or mirror, in a small room has a clutter-free look that still offers a sense of openness and grandeur.

Working with Colour Colour is your secret weapon for making expand a room both stylish and very personal. One well-known method is the use of lighter colours for creating a sense of wider space. If you are overwhelmed when surrounded by it, simply add a strong tone to one part – the floorboards, or perhaps some trim – to alternate the mood.

หากได้ลองทำาความเข้าใจเคล็ดลับง่ายๆ ในการตกแต่ง ห้องแล้ว เรือ่ งพืน้ ทีท่ มี่ อี ย่างจำากัดก็ไม่ใช่เรือ่ งยุง่ ยากอีก ต่อไป ไม่วา่ จะเป็นการใช้สสี ว่าง การแบ่งพืน้ ทีง่ า่ ยๆ โดย ใช้บานเฟ�ย� ม หรือจะเลือกเฟอรนเิ จอรทมี่ ฟ ี ง� กชนั หลาก หลายแถมพับเก็บได้กป็ ระหยัดพืน้ ทีไ่ ด้ไม่เลว ทีส่ าำ คัญ หากเลือกจากขนาดและสัดส่วนที่เหมาะสม ก็สามารถ ทำาให้หอ้ งคุณดูกว้างขึน้ อย่างน่าประหลาดใจ เพ�ยงเท่านี้ คุณก็สามารถมีหอ้ งทีโ่ ปร่งและอยูไ่ ด้อย่างสบายแล้วค่ะ

You might possibly panic when it comes to the actual process, but take your time and enjoy your decorating as much as possible. And remind yourself with a smile that SMALL is the new BIG, when it comes to living space in this modern era.

Grow your

Areas of green in the home have become a modern solution for conserving energy and refreshing the mood, and urban gardens have increasingly become a focus for city dwellers, especially as Bangkok becomes more and more packed with skyscrapers. If you are not a “plant” person, and have no idea how to get started, these following tips might help you out.

UrbanGreen Container / Pot Garden

A “container”, or “pot”, garden is one of the easiest ways to add a little green décor, as they are portable and offer many different styles to play with. Start with basic terrarium to make an impact, or choose some painted ceramic pots to add bright colors with a summery vibe. For eco-lovers, recycling old tires, broken sinks, jars or even water bottles are great options for planters, and don’t forget the topless table, which is an excellent item for creating mini-gardens near sunny windows.

Vertical Garden Imagine a wall in your living room filled with cascading plants – a mini-jungle purifying the air in your home and filling the room with botanical energy. Living walls have long been a popular indoor feature, and the idea also works with fences, rooftops, shelves, hooks, brackets, and wall-mounted urns. The concept originated from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, but you can get modern inspiration as well from one of the many online websites where gardeners share their secrets and techniques. Then experiment a bit, and eventually you’ll fall in love with your own creatively designed vertical garden. 45

Roof / Balcony Garden Larger areas allow you to combine planting methods and create small but beautiful yards, however for those living in apartments, be sure to check for legal, safety and especially weight and drainage system considerations before planting. And OK it with any fussy landlords first. Generally, your balcony’s conditions will determine the best types of plants for your garden. Lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes are great for container gardening, because they don’t require very much space, while plants that require the structural support of trellises or cages – cucumbers, beans and other vine plants – can make use of fixtures or beams on the balcony.

Indoor Green For indoors, the main challenge is selecting plants that can brighten up the room, and survive in less than ideal conditions. Tough, easy to grow greens that can withstand erratic watering, uneven or bad light, and fluctuating temperatures, are definitely the best. Here then are 6 hardy suggestions: 1. Golden Pothos Vine (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘aureum’) is one of the most popular hanging plants around. It will grow from a glass of water, pots, or trailing baskets with minimal care. With better care, large, mottled, mature leaves may develop. 2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) grows easily in baskets or atop columns, and is not picky about water, temperature, or light conditions. 3. Snake Plant and Mother-In-Law’s Tongue (Sensevieria trifasciata & trifasciata laurentii) both love plenty of light, but can tolerate less if necessary. Don’t overwater. 4. Corn Plant (D.Fragrans) is one of the sturdiest indoor options. Droughttolerant, and needing minimal light, their only drawback is the ‘dust’ on their leaves.

Do you know? Green area is one measurable indicator of air quality, which directly affects health.

5. Cacti (and other succulents) live best with bright light, well-drained pots and minimal watering. They also look great planted in small groups.

More than 9 sq. m per head is the standard amount of green space in big cities.

6. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is often found sprucing up office spaces, as they can survive such awful conditions as bad light and poor air quality.

There are only 4.73 sq. m per head of green space in Bangkok.

อากาศที่ร้อนขึ้นอยู่ทุกวันอาจทำ�ให้หลายๆ คนเริ่มอยากปลูก ต้นไม้ในเมืองกันบ้างนะคะ ซึ่งการเพิ่มพื้นที่สีเขียวนั้นไม่ได้ยุ่ง ยากอย่างที่คิด แม้ผู้ที่เคยแค่ปลูกถั่วงอกบนกระดาษทิชชู่ก็ สามารถเริ่มได้ง่ายๆ ค่ะ ลองเลือกภาชนะที่คุณคิดว่าเหมาะกับ สถานทีข่ องคุณ อย่างเช่น กระถางเล็กๆ วางข้างหน้าต่าง กระถาง แขวน หรือของรีไซเคิล ยกตัวอย่างเช่น ภาชนะบิ่น หรือแม้แต่ ขวดนํ้าพลาสติก รวมถึงการเลือกพรรณไม้สำ�หรับการปลูกที่ ทนกับสภาพอากาศ ต้องการนาํ้ และแสงน้อย อย่างเช่น กระบอง เพชร พลูด่าง หรือต้นเดฟ ก็จะช่วยให้มีความสดชื่นจากพื้นที่สี เขียวได้ แถมยังเป็นการแต่งบ้านไปในตัว และหากผ่านด่านง่ายๆ ไปแล้ว อยากจะเพิ่มความยากในด่านต่อไปก็ไม่ใช่ปัญหาค่ะ Special Thanks : forfur.com 46

Turkey

Metro TRIP Globetrotting in Style By Sakolrit Chanphum

A Nation of Tradition & Transition With a population of more than 75 million, Turkey is the only country in the world that spans 2 continents, with 97% of the country located in Asia, and the rest being part of continental Europe. The two halves are divided by the Bosphorus (also known as the Istanbul Strait), and this is where the magnificent historic city of Istanbul is located.

urkey is bordered by 8 countries, and has shoreline on 4 seas. The World Bank rates Turkey as 16th on their scale of upper-middleincome economies, and as the 6th biggest in Europe. In 2012 more than 36 million tourists visited this ancient land, which is about 12 million more visitors than Thailand received the same year. This combination of great geographic placement, and fascinating national heritage, has shifted the country of Turkey to a place on the list of “Europe’s 20 Best Destinations”.

Is ta n b u l This fabled and ancient city is not only a crossroads location between Asia and Europe, but also a thoroughly modern metropolis with all kinds of recreation for the savvy traveler. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of 13.9 million, and it is also the primary economic hub – home to thousands international companies. There are elements of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Christian and Islamic inﬂuences in the history, culture and architect of the city, many of which can be seen in the historic part of town. The city was founded in the Greek Era, around 660 BC, and became a Christian center during the Roman Empire, when it was known as Constantinople. After the fall of Constantinople, the Ottomans (Muslim) of the 15th century transformed the city from a bastion of Christianity, to a center of Islamic culture. 48

PlacesTo See â&#x20AC;˘ Inside the Hagia Sophia

â&#x20AC;˘ Medusa

The Blue Mosque Regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, the glorious Blue Mosque was built in 1609 as a reflection and celebration of the splendor of both the Ottoman Empire, and Islam itself. The name derives from the blue tiles decorating its interior, and the high ceiling alone is lined with the 20,000 blue tiles, all with different patterns. This stunning architectural landmark has justifiably become one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Istanbul.

â&#x20AC;˘ Basilica Cistern

Th e Hag i a S o ph i a A masterwork of Roman engineering, The Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya, is one of the most stunning ancient landmarks in Istanbul. It was originally a basilica, constructed for Emperor Justinian I during the 6th century (the Byzantine era). This church became a mosque in the 15th century when the Ottomans conquered the city, but the Ottomans were so impressed by the Christian Cathedral that they refrained from destroying it, and instead converted it, adding such Islamic features as mihrabs, minbars and minarets.

Th e B as i l i ca C i ster n The Basilica Cistern is located underneath the city of Istanbul, and offers visitors a chance to view the complicated underground plumbing systems that were built in 532 AD, during the Byzantine Empire, and used to store fresh water for the palace and nearby buildings. The cistern had the capacity to store 100,000 tons of water, and this engineering wonder continued to be used for hundreds of years. Within the cistern chamber there are 336 columns that support the ceiling, and 2 of the columns are decorated with the head of Medusa. 49

Other Attractions

Be sure to visit Topkapi Palace, the largest palace in Istanbul, and make sure to take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus as well. Shopping at the spice markets is another recommended pastime and don’t forget that Istanbul also hosts such modern day world events as Formula-1 races, concerts, and football champion league competitions.

• Ephesus

E ph es u s This historic landmark, in Izmir province, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. It was an important trade and religious center, and during the Roman period its population reached approximately 250,000. Ephesus is also one of the 7 churches of Asia that are cited in the bible’s Book of Revelation. This city, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is also famous for the beautiful Temple of Artemis.

Pa m u k k a le In the Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey, not far from Ephesus, there is a natural spring water city called Pamukkale (which means “cotton castle” in Turkish). It is a unique geological formation, formed over thousands years, containing hot springs and travertines, which are terraces of sedimentary rock deposited by water with a very high mineral content. People have bathed in these pools for centuries. The natural hot springs a site to see, but there’s also the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis at the summit of the springs, a city that was built by the kings of Pergamon. The ruins of the baths, as well as temples and other Greek monuments, can all be seen at this historic site. • Pamukkale

• Cappadocia

Cappadocia The Nevsehir Province, in Central Anatolia, is where you’ll find Cappadoci. Here the fairy tale landscape of cones, pillars, mushroom and chimneys rock formations – created by the wind and water erosion of two different volcanic layers – have been enchanting tourists for countless decades. Centuries ago, this area was being constantly invaded, by not only the Greeks, but the Persians, and the Byzantines as well. The residents needed hiding places, and so they crafted the soft rock into living quarters, as well as stables, storehouses, and places of worship (Byzantine frescoes can be seen in cave chapels). It is fascinating to discover that beneath this lunar landscape there are networks of underground cities, with tunnels, defense networks and booby traps. Visitors can also experience the magic of the region by enjoying local delicacies while seated in the terrace of the hotel, which was carved directly into the soft rock, or by taking a hot-air balloon ride high above the ancient stone city. Turkey is indeed a unique and magical place to visit, and more and more Thai tourists are discovering this unique country. The amount of travelers from Thailand goes up by about 12,000 each passing year, and that can only mean good business for both nations. 50

เมือ่ นึกถึงประเทศในฝนทีห่ ลายคนอยากไปเยีย่ มเยือน ประเทศตุรกีอาจเปนประเทศทายๆทีค่ นไทยนึกถึง แต เช�อ่ หร�อไมวา ตุรกีมนี กั ทองเทีย่ วไปเทีย่ วปละ กวา 36 ลานคน (ประเทศไทยมีนกั ทองเทีย่ วราว 24 ลานคน) และ ติด 1 ใน 20 สถานทีท่ น่ี า ทองเทีย่ วมากทีส่ ดุ ในยุโรป นอกจากเปนประเทศเดียวในโลกทีม่ ดี นิ แดนอยูบ น 2 ทว�ป คือ ยุโรปกับเอเช�ยแลว ตุรกียงั มีประวัตศิ าสตรทางการเมืองและศาสนาทีน่ า สนใจ เพราะไดรบั อิทธิพลตัง� แต สมัยกร�ก โรมัน ออตโตมัน(มุสลิม) มีสถานทีท่ อ งเทีย่ วนาสนใจมากมาย เชน เมือ่ มาเยือนเมืองอิสตันบูลตองไม พลาดการเขาชมมหาว�หารฮาเกียโซเฟ�ยซ�ง่ เปนว�หารของคร�สตศาสนานิกายกร�กออเธอรดอ็ กซ แตถกู แปลง มาใชในศาสนาอิสลาม เมือ่ อาณาจักรคอนสแตนดิโนเบิลลมสลายโดยถูกจักรวรรดิออตโตมันบุกยึด มัสยิด สีนาํ เง�นอายุกวา 400 ป รวมไปถึงมุดล ปี ยุโรปกับทว�ปเอเช�ย นอกจากเมืองอิสตันบูลแลวเมืองอืน่ ๆ ยังมีท่ี เทีย่ วนาสนใจมากมายไมวา จะเปนบอนาํ พุรอ นสมัยโรมันทีช่ อ่� ปราสาทปุยฝาย ณ เมืองปามุคคาเล และอยา ลืมไปเทีย่ วชมมหานครใตดนิ ณ เมืองคัปปาโดเกียซ�ง่ รับรองวาจะไมผดิ หวังอยางแนนอน ทีส่ าํ คัญการไปเทีย่ ว ประเทศตุรกีนไ้ี มตอ งขอว�ซา

คลิกเลย

Metro SENSE Dining and Hanging Out

Free Your Soul: Give In To

and Great Food Atmospheric Pleasure

Looking for somewhere “really different” to celebrate upcoming special occasions? MeTRO would like to introduce you to a set of “different” restaurants and bars. Leave duties and routine behind, and say goodbye to ordinary food and atmosphere. Get ready for an extraordinary experience and check out something really different.

Whale’s Belly

@ Sukhumvit 39, Boulevard Tower, 2nd floor Inspired by ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’, the concept here is “dining in the whale’s belly”; a unique concept, to say the least, which this European and seafood style restaurant and bar has brought to Bangkok. The creative interior design has an underwater theme, with blues and jazz music playing in the background, and a panoramic view of Sukhumvit Road through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Mains on offer include selections of fresh produce from the sea, as well as more premium earth-bound choices. The restaurant’s executive chef, Chef Mai, has experience in the best French restaurants of Asia-Pacific, and has worked with many Michelin 3-star chefs from around the world. The restaurant also boasts over 100 listed wines from many major wine-producing regions. Whale’s Belly is perfect for anyone who enjoys excellent food and wine, and even Pinocchio himself would tell you ”that’s no lie!” Hours: Open daily, Dinner from 5:30pm – 11pm For reservations please call: 02 1600 333 or 091 554 2142 www.facebook.com/whalesbelly

Whale’s Belly จะพาคุณหนีความจำ�เจ มาเปิดรับประสบการณ์ใหม่ๆ ด้วยแรงบันดาลใจ จาก นิยายเรื่อง The Adventures of Pinocchio มาสู่การออกแบบในแนวคิด “ดินเนอร์ สุดหรูในท้องปลาวาฬ” ไม่ใช่เพียงบรรยากาศทีน่ า่ ตืน่ ตาตืน่ ใจเท่านัน้ ทีจ่ ะทำ�ให้คณ ุ หายเหนือ่ ย ยังมีอาหารคุณภาพเยี่ยมจากเชฟฝีมือระดับโลก ไวน์ชั้นนำ�ที่มีให้เลือกมากมาย เคล้าเสียง เพลงสไตล์ Jazz และ Blues 52

Al Majlis

@ 68/2 Soi Julin Sukhumvit 21, Sukhumvit Rd Like a Moroccan living room, the concept here is refined, relaxing and romantically Bohemian”, where fantasy is entwined with a modernized relaxing ambiance. Leave your worries behind and escape to a Middle Eastern oasis. Be enchanted by the touch of Bohemian air that accompanies the restaurant’s fine gourmet delicacies. The authentic Moroccan menu features extensive selections of international fusion cuisine, enjoyable all day. The dishes are simple but stylish, and there’s something for everyone on the menu. Available for private functions, weddings, seminars, or for just hanging out, Al Majlis eagerly awaits the chance to take you on an enchanted journey. Hours: Open daily, 11:30am – 1am For reservations please call: 081-825-2799, or 026640212-3 www.al-majlis.com

Al Majlis สถานทีท่ เี่ หมาะสำ�หรับวันทีค่ ณ ุ อยากหลุดจากบรรยากาศเดิมๆ เข้าสูโ่ ลกแห่ง เสรีภาพและสีสันของธรรมชาติ โลกแบบ Bohemian – Morocco โลกที่บรรยากาศ ที่แตกต่างจากโลกภายนอกที่วุ่นวาย พร้อมทั้งผ่อนคลาย สนุกสนาน และโรแมนติก ที่ นี่มีอาหารสไตล์ Morocco และ International Fusion พร้อมทั้งเครื่องดื่มและของ หวานที่พลาดไม่ได้

BURGUR FACTORY @ Ekkamai Shopping Mall, 3 Soi Ekkamai 10

The motto, and the secret, behind this original and authentic burger restaurant is simple: “To make a good burger, we simply follow an old-school tradition: freshly handcrafted”. The people here believe a burger should never become just fast food, and they insist on serving their burgers homemade fresh daily, exactly the way they should be. Using only well-selected premium beef and other ingredients, the result is mouth-watering patties; juicy inside with a smoky char-grill on the outside. The tone of the interior décor harkens back to a Mid-European factory look, circa 1900 – 1920, the era when handicraft met assembly line work. Just don’t expect assembly line food. Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30am - 11pm Friday & Saturday, 11:30am - midnight For reservations please call: 02 714 4249 www.facebook.com/TheBurgerFactory

Burger Factory เป็นโรงงานเบอร์เกอร์ทำ�มือแห่งแรกในเอกมัย ก่อตั้งขึ้น ด้วยความตัง้ ใจให้มรี า้ นเบอร์เกอร์คณ ุ ภาพเยีย่ มในรูปแบบดัง้ เดิมทีพ ่ ถิ พ ี ถิ นั ทุกขั้นตอน ใหม่สดทุกวัน และวัตถุดิบต้องคุณภาพดีเท่านั้น นอกจากเรื่อง อาหารแล้ว ทางร้านยังใส่ใจการออกแบบร้านที่เรียกได้ว่าสามารถคงความ ดั้งเดิมไว้กับความทันสมัยหรูหราได้อย่างลงตัว

SMITH

@ 1/8 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Rd From “nose to tail, farm to table – nothing is wasted” is the exceptionally creative, and highly sustainable culinary ideology behind this innovative restaurant. The word ‘smith’ also makes reference to expert craftsmanship and the highest professional regard. The restaurant is the creation of international renowned chefs, who have joined forces to create an eatery that incorporates international nose-to-tail dining, sustainable practices, and sleek rustic style, all housed in a reclaimed 40-year-old warehouse in central Bangkok. The menu utilizes various cuts of meats and combinations of fresh wholesome produce to create a diverse symphony of flavours, with exceptional ingredients and progressive cooking methods. All produce, meat and fish are humanely, organically, and locally sourced whenever possible. Smith entertains guests with its innovative design, classic bar cocktail culture vibe, and modern signature twists, all paired with imaginative cuisine, and even the décor is locally sourced and produced in Thailand. Hours: Open daily for dinner from 5pm – 11:30pm Saturday & Sunday brunch from 11:30am – 3pm Bar closes at 1am every night For reservations please call: 02 261 0515 www.smith-restaurant.com

SMITH จะเปิดประสบการณ์มื้ออาหารรูปแบบที่แตกต่าง ด้วยแนวคิดร้านอาหารที่แปลกใหม่ อย่างน่าสนใจ คิดค้นนวัตกรรมและภูมิปัญญาให้เกิดกระบวนการทำ�อาหารที่อยู่บนพื้นฐาน ของความยั่งยืน ทุกวัตถุดิบมาจากธรรมชาติตามฤดูกาล โดยใช้ศิลปะในทุกกรรมวิธีของการทำ� อาหารทีพ ่ ถิ พ ี ถิ นั ตัง้ แต่ขนั้ ตอนการจัดการวัตถุดบิ ไปจนถึงการปรุง แปลงให้ทกุ ส่วนของวัตถุดบิ กลายเป็นเมนูชนั้ เยีย่ มเลิศรสทีม่ คี วามแตกต่างหลากหลาย ไม่ใช่เพียงแนวคิดของอาหารเท่านัน้ บาร์เครือ่ งดืม่ การตบแต่งภายในร้านทีแ่ ตกต่างอย่างมีศลิ ปะ ก็ลว้ นทำ�ให้ Smith เป็นร้านอาหาร ที่มีเสน่ห์น่าหลงใหลชวนค้นหาจริงๆ

Metro SHOP GUIDE

Rain Hill

L3-06

I-Da

M122 Nagiya

L3-02

Casa Derma

M123-M124 Tsuruha

L3-08

Nail Care

M125 Aeon

L5-05

The Studio

M202

Okashi Land

Gf food, restarant,market

Gate Way Ekamai

G101, G102 G103A

BreadTalk

Dolce

G103B SUBWAY G103C EBISU-AN G103D

Dunkin’ Donuts

G104

มีเส้น by Yakiya

G105A Kobashi G105B, G105C Omuto Tomato

Food & Beverage L1-09

G105D

Auntie Anne’s

G106

Chicken T

G107 Swensen’s

Au Bon Pain

G108, G109 Thaveechai Restaurant

L1-07 Apostrophe’s

Bf service shop

G110 Shabushi

L1-09

Wine Connection Cellar Shop

B112

Sakura Laundry

G111, G112

L1-10

Penguin Likes Chocolate

B113

P.A.T. Pet Shop

G113

L1-12

Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro

B114,B115

L2-01

Shuffle

L3-05

Moulin Roty

L3-10

Ramen Kio

Fashion L2-09

Chao Chan

Lifestyle L1-02 .Life L1-03

Yankee Candle

L1-04 Boots L5-01

Small Room

Education 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

G114 OASIS G115-7

Max valu

G118

Doi Chaang Coffee

M102 SUKIYA

G207A

Hokkaido Milk

M103 Tadaima

G207B

DAKASI

1f health & beauty,service

L3-07

Lollana Clinic

L3-04

B.a. By Bozart

M105

Tomato Noodle

1101

M106

Hokkaido (Crab)

M107

Kyo Roll - En

1102-1103 Clinic

Seranee Clinic Dr.Delight

M108-M109 Chabuton

1104-1105 Dr.Nida’s Slim &Laser Institute

M110

1107-1108

the UCC Oriental

FIT Sports

M111A-M111B Shun No Mai

1110

Time for massage

M112

1111

Le Bangkok

M113 Hinaya

1112

ZAP Hair Designing

M114A UOB

1113-1114

Slimming Plus

M114B Tisco

1115-1116

Wuttisak Clinic

M115A

1117 Boots

Hakone Bangkok

Government Saving Bank

M115B LABEL

1119

M116 Maidreamin

1120 CAP

M117 SCB

1121-1122

M118 Kourakuen

1123 B2S

M119-M120 Kin Shabu Buffet R Burger

1124-1125 Watsons

M121

1127 Blanc

SAINT ETOILE by Yamazaki

1126

1128 56

Coffee Gallery

M104 Taruto

L3-01 Kokoro

West One

27 SPEED

Mf japanese restaurant

L2-13 Hobs

L2-08

B301

Office Depot

KFC

All Smile Dental

Balance Shop

Eye Bright

Nail Wonderland

by La Sista

1129,1130,1133B iStudio by SPVi 1131,1133A Washington 1132

Tokyodo Books

3106

CSC International

3139

Icon Camera

2104

Daiso

2106

Hot Pot

Thai Genomes

306/307 Park & Bomb Academy Hair Salon

4f technology & it 4101

Ploy Accessory

4102

Golila Gears

4107

Toshiba Shop

4Fl. 401

IVF Worldwide Clinic

Ei8ht Thonglor

4121-4123 J.I.B. Computer Group

2107 Kimju 2207 Conversecool 2210

Yuri Fuku

2214

Destination

4151-4124 IT CITY

5f .edutainment 5101-5102 Academy

KPN Music

2216 Seven24

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

3135 BAKAToon

2f fashion 2101-2103 His&Her

3Fl.

Claire Silver

Mille Malle

2353-2354 Karmart

Food & Beverage B101A

Wine Connection

2367-2369 Claire Gems

B102A Hola

2377 Shimodai

B108B Tadaima

2378

Regina Queen

2379

Sewing Zakka Kurumi

L102C Crescendo L105-106 Crepes & Co

2260

Love & Luxe

L107

Parferio By Sfree

2263 Tomodachi

L108B, L109 True Coffee

2307-2314 Scratch Cat

L110

2363 Zcene

L203-204 Sushi Cyu

2251-2253 I Print I Do

L205 Masala Art L206B Beirut

2360-2361 Jaben

Health & Beauty

3f technology & it 1 Fl.

3107-3108 CNEX 3112 ProPlugin 3113

Modern Air

101/102 Wine Connection Deli

104A /105 /106 Max Valu Tanjai

3124

World Camera

104B Masami

3146

Take Cover

107

Let Them Eat Cake

3158

True Move

GC01

The Cleaners Dry Clean & Laundry Boutique

3160

3164-3165 Purikura

201

Peter’s Pan

3101

DTAC Shop

202

Yamagoya Ramen

3102

Seed Camera

203/204 Zense of Joy Spa

3103

Big Camera

206

My Bebe Spa

207

Glitterati Nail Lounge

3104-3105 Speed Computer

Sothys Spa

Home & Decor

2Fl.

VOX Shop

B101B

B101C Holistic Yoga L202A Inail L207-208 Park & Bomb Salon

103 Watsons

3122-3123 D-Point

3159 HTC

Nara Eight Cuisine

L104A Pantry Magic L104B Bsab

Business Unit

B103-108A111,112 Foodland

Life Style B102C

Modern Optical

B102B The Hisociety Brandname B101C

Flower Stage 57

Metro GEN

Niki Chatikavanij:

Life Without the Politics

As the granddaughter of a famous politician, Niki Chatikavanij graduated in History and Politics from Exeter University, in the UK, and is getting ready to tackle a Master Degree in Politics with Communications, at the London School of Economics. She loves studying the political scene, especially US politics. “Politics is always big thing behind what’s going on in the society” she explains, “and I love to understand the origin of cultures and things that shape the world. It is the training for critical thinking. But even though I do love politics, it doesn’t mean I have to work in that ﬁeld.” Niki realized that politics was not for her after 4 months in a political internship program she found a little too repetitive and conservative. Currently, she is working for 2Magazine, and she confesses

that working in the world of magazines has really opened up the world to her. “I was able to be exposed to lots of new ideas, and meet with lots of people of different ages, styles of thinking, and life experience,” she adds. From Niki’s point of view, many adults judge her and her peers as an unsettled and unreliable gadget-crazed generation. However, as she points out, “Gen Y is growing up with new ways to succeed; with our creativity and imagination. Everything seems to be more interesting when it comes from imagination,” she goes on to say. “But that doesn’t mean that we are unreliable, undetermined, and frivolous.” Finally, this thoughtful young woman reﬂects on how lucky is she to be in a family that gives her freedom, while always supporting her all the way. “I must use this chance I’ve been given to the fullest,” she conﬁdes, and no doubt she’ll succeed.

นิกกี้ จาติกวณิช หลานสาวคนสวยของนักการเมืองช�่อ ดัง กรณ จาติกวณิช นิกกี้ใชช�ว�ตวัยรุนและการเร�ยนสวน ใหญอยูในตางแดน อยางไรก็ตามเธอรูสึกอบอุนทุกครั�ง ที่กลับเมืองไทยเพราะที่นี่คือบานของเธอ นิกกี้ชอบและ เลือกเร�ยนดานการเมืองเพราะเปนการฝกกระบวนการ คิด รวมถึงไดรับรูที่มาที่ไปของสังคม แตเธอไมอยากเปน นักการเมืองหร�อทํางานดานนี้ เธออยากทํางานที่หลาก หลาย และการเปนนักเข�ยนที่ 2Magazine ไดเปดโลก กวางและมุมมองที่แปลกใหมใหกับเธอ นิกกี้เปดใจวา ได ทํางานในโลกแหงความเปนจร�งเพ�ยง 1 ปแตรูสึกโตข�้น มาก และรูส กึ วาเราโชคดีทไี่ ดรบั อิสระในการทํางาน อิสระใน การเลือกใชชว� ต� และอิสระในการตัดสินใจโดยมีครอบครัว ที่อบอุนใหการสนับสนุน ปจจุบนั คนรุน ใหมอาจถูกมองวาทําอะไรไมจร�งจัง ไมอดทน ซ�ง่ จร�งๆแลวเราตัง� ใจทํางาน แตอาจเปนเร�อ่ งของว�ธกี ารทํา ทีแ่ ตกตางจากมุมมองของผูใ หญเทานัน� เอง อยางไรก็ตาม การทีเ่ ราเปนทีร่ จู กั ในสังคมอยูแ ลวไมไดทาํ ใหเรารูส กึ วาเรา ไมตอ งสรางอะไรของเราข�น้ มาเอง แตถอื เปนโอกาสในการ ตอยอดอนาคตของเรามากกวา Special Thanks : Heritage Cafe Bakery