Expat Life in Thailand February/March 2019

Feb / March 2019 lifestyle . travel . education . nutrition . health . tourism . retirement . relationships

Inside we interview:

The Italian, Belgian and Iranian Ambassadors to Thailand Professor Jimmy Choo

Goethe Institut Alliance Franรงaise Bangkok 50 years of Minor Group Thai celebration of silk Miss Universe contestants

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Harrow Bangkok is in safe hands

A

fter nearly seven years of developing the school, consistently raising exam results and ingeniously enhancing the school facilities, Head Master of Harrow International School Bangkok, Michael, (Mick), Farley, has moved to become Director of Group Operations for Harrow International Schools’ holding company Asia International Schools Ltd. Taking leadership of Harrow Bangkok is Jonathan, (Jon), Standen

an experienced head with strong credentials.

Jon’s first headship was of The Crypt School, a state grammar school which UK school inspectorate Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ under Jon’s leadership. Whilst there, Jon became a National Leader of Education (an expert educational advisor to other head teachers) and the school became a teaching school.

Following there, Jon became head master of Plymouth College, England.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate describes Plymouth College as ‘extremely successful’ with happy and knowledgeable students that ‘achieve at a high level.’ Its ‘exceptional’ sports

programme includes a performance swimming school that boasts alumni Tom Daley, the Olympic medal-winning diver and 100 metre breaststroke world record holder Rūta Meilutytė.

Jon is married to Suzie, they have three boys, a labrador Dottie and Oz the cat.

Why did you decide to move to Bangkok?

After two very successful headships, I felt it was time to move on. Suzie, my wife, and I loved the international flavour of Plymouth College, with students from 30 countries, so I started thinking I'd love to be head of an international school. But not any international school. So when I saw this post, I thought, Harrow Bangkok. Wow! It is one of the best schools in the world and such an attractive post to apply for.

I feel very privileged to have been asked to take over from Mick Farley.

What are your first impressions of Harrow Bangkok?

You cannot fail to be blown away by the impressive facilities and HBuild (the school redevelopment programme) has clearly added to what was already a great campus: it is world-class. I've taught in some great schools in the UK

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Education

What do you think makes a good teacher?

but I’ve never had facilities like these.

But buildings on their own can be cold places. What really matters is the people inside them, so the warmth of the staff and children in the school, and just how welcoming they've been to me has been lovely.

What do you think makes a school worldclass?

I think a world-class school sets you up for life and it gives you a set of skills that mean you don't panic the first time you come across a really challenging situation later in life; you can refer back to things that you were taught in your school days and apply them to this new situation and go on and succeed. I also think great schools develop people who build successful careers but also contribute positively to the world itself.

A great school is defined by the people who inhabit it; if you're truly worldclass, you must have the very best staff. The boys and girls in school look at the role models around which is every single member of its staff. So I believe a great school invests a huge amount in to looking after its staff, nurturing them and developing them.

What do you think make outstanding early years and sixth form environments?

An outstanding early years I think is lots of learning through fun activity and enquiry, to develop enquiring minds and alongside this you need highly qualified staff to lay the foundations for oracy and literacy. An outstanding sixth form will get great exam results and university destinations but it will also develop those all-important people skills, to communicate, empathise, lead and be a team player. Naturally, these will not begin in the sixth form but will build up throughout the whole school.

Passion. You can't be a great teacher unless you have passion; passion for your subject and a love of working with children.

You have got to have both of those together with superb subject knowledge and a really good pedagogy; understanding how to teach in a variety of situations and get the very best from every child.

What do you hope to achieve in your first year as Head Master of Harrow Bangkok?

I'm going to spend a lot of time listening to people and walking around and observing and getting a good feel for things. I don’t think it’s a good thing for a Head Master to come in and do things instantly. I’ll get around the school and drop in to lessons, unannounced, and see the quality teaching and how much fun learning is going on.

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th us! i w d e t c e n n o Get c • • • • •

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CONTENTS

FEATURE 8 The Italian Ambassador to Thailand 16 The Belgian Ambassador to Thailand 25 The Iranian Ambassador to Thailand 82

Celebration of Thai Silk

84

An interview with Professor Jimmy Choo

88

Celebrations of Chinese New Year

94 Valentine’s Day bliss in Slovenia 154 50 Years of Minor EXPAT LIFE 34

The Goethe-Institut Bangkok

42

Alliance Francaise Bangkok has moved

114 Finding my family in Thailand 122 Winds of change 124 How it happens 126 The milk boy how became

a soldier 130 Festival du Féminin 136 My immigration story 140 E.Quality talks and ThaiConsent 144 The token farang 148 How to create a

successful party TRAVEL 50

The beauty of Coron Island

58

We are going to Anambas

66

First ever visit to Phnom Penh

76

Palermo Sicily: A long walk in the clouds

FITNESS 70

Beast Spartan Race in Hua Hin

ART AND CULTURE 98

Bangkok – beacon for the creative

Stay refreshed at the new Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit

BOOK YOUR STAY NOW AT HYATTREGENCYBANGKOKSUKHUMVIT.COM The Hyatt trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS NGO 106 The Heinecke Foundation 110 From the small village of

Nichada comes big

charitable work 118 The ECPAT Foundation REPORTS 132 The Commander of the

Anti Trafficking in Persons EVENTS 39

Goethe-Institut

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75 Ximena Quiros birthday celebration 81

Dining at Vertigo Too

93 Hong Kong Ladies' Group pictures 97

British Women's pictures

103 Celebration of Thai Silk 117 Cosmopolitian Ladies

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129 St Andrews Ball 135 Singha Complex 143 Fashion and Think Pink 156 Social pictures

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Sheer Italian style

by Agneta de Bekassy

Who goes to go to work in a Maserati, James Bond? Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible? No, the new Italian Ambassador to Thailand!

I

taly has a new Ambassador in Thailand, Signor Lorenzo Galanti has arrived in Bangkok. On a November afternoon, photographer Daniel Herron and I went to meet the new Italian Ambassador to Thailand Signor Lorenzo Galanti and and his wife, Signora Francesca Andreini. A young and stylish couple who now live in the 100 years old residence in Silom. Today there are not too many old villas

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left unfortunately. It is early afternoon and Lorenzo has taken a couple of hours off from his busy schedule to meet us.

Lorenzo has a striking presence, as he is very tall, slim and good looking. Born in Stuttgart, in Germany in 1968. He did his studies in Florence, where he also met his lovely wife Francesca, who was also a student in the same city. Lorenzo graduated in 1992 in political science and started his diplomatic career in 1993 at the Department of Cultural Affairs. He joined the National Military Service in the Air Force in 1994 and returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. He served as First Secretary at the Italian Embassy in Damascus from 1997 to 2001, mainly in the commercial section. In 2001 he and his family moved to Dakar, Senegal, and he worked at the Embassy, its competence stretching over a large chunk of West Africa, seven countries, from Mauritania to Guinee Conakry and from Mali to Cape Verde.

He was Deputy Head of Mission there until 2005. The family moved back to Rome and Lorenzo was assigned to the Directorate General for Human Resources until 2007, when he was appointed Head of the Office of the Secretary General.

In 2010 they moved to Washington DC, and Lorenzo worked as First Counsellor for Economic Affairs, Science and Technology, a very challenging time in his career he fondly recalls. In 2014 it was time to go back to the Ministry in Italy again where Lorenzo became chief of staff to an Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, travelling to 56 countries in four years.

That’s when he became keenly interested in SE Asia, which he visited numerous

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times. In 2018 he was appointed Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand.

Now we can talk about a straightforward career. Lorenzo had always dreamt of becoming a diplomat as he was always interested in international relations, economics and history.

But he had to promise to his then girlfriend Francesca, who wasn’t very pleased with this perspective, that he just would try once to join the Foreign Service and should he fail, he would drop it.

Francesca tells us that she was not happy at all about him succeeding at his first try and I had to ask why? She looked at me in surprise and said; “Well, I also wanted to have a career and that is rather difficult if you marry a diplomat”.

She’s right of course, as the spouse of an Ambassador you have to put your own job to the side to follow and support your partner.

I asked Francesca what she did before marrying Lorenzo. She had been working for television and advertising in Rome, but she put that on ice as they left for Syria in 1997. Syria I said surprisingly? “Yes, at that time Syria was a beautiful place with just a few tourists and it was very peaceful.” Hard to believe when you see what’s happening in the country today. “We felt very safe and we could easily travel everywhere and visit its impressive archeological sites”, they both pointed out. At that time their first daughter was just one year old. After Syria they moved on to Dakar, Senegal and arrived “just two weeks before the 9/11 attacks in the US” Lorenzo recalls.

I was curious to hear their opinion about Dakar, as I have friends working there for the UN and they are not very pleased with their stay; Lorenzo and Francesca on the contrary loved it very much and it was here that their third child, a son, was born. The couple have three children; the second daughter was born in Florence.

“It was quite fun and charming, in Dakar and I was called “Madame Dakar” Francesca said. The locals made a big difference between the tourists and the expats who lived there. I could, without problem, walk around by myself without being anxious.”

When the family moved back to Rome in 2005, Francesca started working with movies. She was asked to write several screenplays and spent a couple of years on these projects. She admits, however, that she was very disappointed, as none of them were never finished due to lack of financial support. Here she says with pride that their first born daughter Ilaria, graduated last year in Cinematography from RUFA – the University of Fine Arts in Rome – and seems to have inherited her mother’s interest in moviemaking. She has already opened a studio with some colleagues, all men, and they are now producing documentaries, video clips, short movies and advertising projects.

The second daughter Erica has taken after her father; she is interested in international politics and is very serious about sustainability and climate change. She is now studying Political Science at LUISS University in Rome but Lorenzo quickly let us know that he has not influenced her at all. “I haven’t been forcing her, it’s her own choice,” he says seriously, you can sense how proud he is of her.

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So what about the son Federico, the last born? “He attends the French International School here,” Lorenzo says, "as all three children have done everywhere we have lived before.”

During their years in Washington DC, Francesca worked for a networking organisation and created activities for groups of Italian speaking people, and different cultural events including a book club. We were impressed when she told us she has even published two books – an historical novel in 2009, and a journal on her Washingtonian experience in 2014 – and has contributed for over ten years for a literary review on line, Zibaldoni e altre meraviglie. Her last years in Rome she has worked for a literary club creating events and keeping courses of creative writing which were a great success.

This family is quite involved with literature and music. When I asked about the son and what he liked about moving to Bangkok, I’m answered that before leaving he had told his parents, “If we move there, I absolutely want two things. To continue playing the piano and soccer, and to follow my football team on TV.” Lorenzo proudly says that his son is very fond of classic, jazz and blues music.

What about you, I asked? “Well, I play the guitar and I have a passion for Elvis Presley” Lorenzo says with a laugh. Francesca points out that he is quite good at singing and playing. The Ambassador even admits he has performed in public as a teenager. Here we have a talented family and who knows, if we are lucky we might get to hear an Italian Elvis someday... Both Lorenzo and Francesca are early birds.

They start every morning at 6.30am with the “Five Tibetans.”

I confess, I didn’t know that it is a kind of yoga. “After this exercise we have a good, healthy breakfast and I usually fastwalk on the treadmill for a while” Lorenzo tells me.

He arrives at the Embassy around 8.45am in his beautiful Maserati. You can say whatever you want, but the Italians certainly have class, be it in car design, wines or garments, in my opinion they are the leaders in style.

I asked the question what he, during his time in Bangkok, would like to focus on.

“I aim to further improve relations between Italy and Thailand; there is a lot of potential. Italy can be of help when 10

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it comes to infrastructure, building highways, railways, advanced manufacturing, the creative industry. I also aim to promote Italian products and to attract more Thai investments to Italy. Central Group e.g. acquired the well-known brand La Rinascente, whose department stores are located in the historic city centres of Rome, Milan, Turin, Florence, etc.

The La Rinascente malls are a much sought destination for tourists – also Thais – who enjoy some luxury shopping.”

Last year 265,000 Italian tourists came to Thailand and the number is increasing month by month in 2018. About 40,000 Thai tourists per year visit Italy, many of them high spenders, keen to purchase luxury and interested in Italian style. “We have just opened an office for tourism promotion at the Embassy to encourage more Thais to come and visit.”

Recently an Italian airline, AirItaly, started four direct flights a week between Milan-Bangkok, which add up to the direct connections by Thai Airways to Milan and Rome.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Thailand and the Embassy has celebrated the anniversary with a vast programme of cultural events – branded as Italian Festival in Thailand – that includes movies, concerts, exhibits, culinary events, lectures, etc.

Italians really are blessed and excel in arts and culture!

Italy and Thailand also have a student exchange programme and this is something Lorenzo would like to improve on too.

The Italian Embassy in Bangkok is a middle size Embassy with about thirty employees, a mixture of locals and expats. The consular department accounts for most of the work. Today at least 5,000 Italians are living here, but probably more, as not everyone is registered with the Embassy Lorenzo explains.

As the family only has been here a few months, you can’t expect them to know much Thai. They learned to speak Arabic while living in the Middle East and they will start with Thai lessons soon. I’m convinced that they will pick up at least, what I call Tuk Tuk Thai, quickly.

Whilst Lorenzo follows his ambassadorial duties, his wife will take part in SHOM activities. She also gives lectures

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at the Chulalongkorn University in Western literature, and Italian culture. As if this and the many events and functions she attends in Thailand wouldn’t be enough to keep her busy, she is also producing tutorials on creative writing based on the last workshop she held in Rome, whose aim was to teach how to overcome the writer’s block.

To me it sounds like none of them will be bored.

Like all Italians they like good food. Francesca confesses that she has problems eating ‘too spicy’ Thai food, but Lorenzo says he can and actually he enjoys it. We talk about restaurants in Bangkok and how many excellent

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Italian restaurants you can find here, amongst other cuisines. The diplomat that Lorenzo is, he didn’t want to name any special restaurant.

Daniel and I knew that Lorenzo had to hurry back to the office, so despite it being a cosy afternoon and we could have stayed much longer, I quickly asked my last and favourite question.

If you would have the possibility to choose one person to dine in privacy with, who would you care for Lorenzo? I saw that he wanted to say “Francesca”, but begged him to think of someone else and he said “an Italian citizen in a hundred years from now”, an unique and interesting choice!

Francesca immediately mentioned Daisaku Ikeda, someone I’d never heard of, and who she thinks should win the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the head of the Soka Gakkai (a Japanese Buddhist religious movement based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren as taught by its first three presidents Tsunesaburō Makiguchi, Jōsei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. The organisation promotes its goals as supporting "peace, culture, and education” and nowadays counts approximately 12 million practitioners in 192 countries, Wikipedia says.)

Well, I just learned something new... After our interesting talk, the photographer Daniel and I took a few photos in the villa and then moved out into the greenish garden with its inviting swimming pool. It’s a real beautiful and very cosy residence for an international family.

We were very lucky to get a lift to the MRT in the Ambassador’s Maserati, all together another feeling than going by tuk tuk or taxi, pure luxury.

Thank you Lorenzo and Francesca Galanti. We wish you a very happy stay in Bangkok and feel sure that you are the perfect replacement to take over from Francesco Saverio Nisio.

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Family brunch at The Coffee Club

by Scott and Nori Brixen

W

e are always looking for family-friendly breakfast/brunch places that open by 7am- which is when our four boys are ready to eat! Although there are many boutique coffee shops in Bangkok, we really like The Coffee Club.

The brand is originally from Australia but is now owned by Minor Group, the Thai hotel and restaurant/food service group. The Coffee Club has numerous locations across the country (stand­ alone, inside shopping malls, airports and at key locations).

They've got an extensive (mostly Western) menu that has something to suit each of us. For breakfast, they have a range of sweet and savoury dishes as well as some freshly made pastries. My boys usually order the pancakes: a trio of thick, fluffy flapjacks. Logan likes the plain ones (with syrup) while the other boys like the fruity ones. They've recently added Nutella Pancakes with fresh berries to the menu. (The boys love it, of course, but it seems more dessert than breakfast food.) Scott tends to order the Big Breakfast or bacon Cheese Omelet, while I almost always order the poached eggs with avocado.

But I recently had their classic eggs benedict with smoked salmon and it's now my favourite dish there.

The coffee there is good (not

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burnt like at Starbucks) but it is a little on the weak side – we both like our coffee stronger. If you like frappes or sweet drinks, then you're spoilt for choices. They offer a dozen choices for frappes from coffee/tea based to fruity ones. They even offer wine, cocktails and craft beers but unfortunately they don't offer fresh juices – yet!

We also like the spaciousness of their restaurants. Our boys are loud and tend to wander around the restaurant after they've eaten, so it's nice when the outlets are spacious and/or on multiple levels like at The Coffee Club near us on Soi Convent. At that early hour, we are usually the only ones on the 2nd floor which is nice for us (and for everyone downstairs).

The staff are always friendly and attentive. They always smile even though my boys are generally quite loud and not the cleanest of eaters. Staff are also good at dealing with requests like sauce/syrup on the side, no nuts, etc. And they are generally very efficient in taking our orders getting the food to our table quickly. During off-peak hours, I've come here several times to catch up on writing on my laptop. The chairs are comfortable and the aircon is strong which is nice when it's blazing outside. The free wi-fi is usually quite fast.

I think the pricing is quite reasonable considering what you get: good-sized portions of tasty food, and a cool, clean and comfortable environment. Dining out is never cheap when you have a family of 6 (our boys will often order two breakfasts!) but as a special treat The Coffee Club is excellent.

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Photographs by Cteerapan

The Belgian Ambassador to Thailand

by H.E. Mr Philippe Kridelka How long have you been the Ambassador to Thailand?

I arrived in Thailand in December 2016 Did you arrive to Thailand direct from your home country, or were you posted somewhere else before?

Before coming to Thailand I was working at the Belgian Royal Palace as Secretary General (previously known as Grand Chamberlain). When H M King Philippe of the Belgians succeeded his father King Albert in July 2013, the Royal Palace asked me to be part of the team of senior advisors who helped our King in the first years of his reign.

Where were you born and brought up?

I was born in Belgium and brought up in Liege, the largest city in Wallonia.

At which age did you decide you wanted to become a diplomat?

I loved to travel from a young age and I am passionate about foreign languages and cultures, especially from Asia. I am also very interested in history and fine arts, especially architecture. I studied law so and met a 16

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How do you look upon your work here? How does an average day look like?

There is not really anything like an average day! If I am in Bangkok, I wake up very early, have a stroll in the large garden of the Belgian Residence, read the newspaper, walk to the office, have many meetings (internal and external) and most of the evenings are busy with social events!

As every Ambassador, I assume you have some goals you really would like to reach/fulfil before you leave Thailand?

Belgian diplomat at the end of my studies who was so passionate about her work that she convinced me to take the diplomatic competitive exam.

Do you have more diplomats in your family?

I come from a medical family so I am the first to embrace this career.

I would be very proud if I could convince more Thai students to study in our Belgian universities and more Belgians to come and study in Thailand. With my team we are committed to developing the Belgian Alumni club of Thailand.

Furthermore, it would be an immense honour to welcome their Majesties the King and Queen if they were invited to an official visit to Thailand.

How do you look at Thailand today, have you had many obstacles in your way since you arrived?

I have not faced any obstacles except for maybe the language, but I am working on it! The main challenge for me is to balance my time between the four countries I cover (Thailand of course, but also Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia).

Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?

The passion for food! Also what foreigners say about my fellow countrymen and about Thais, the kindness of the people.

Do you have children, what age, and where do they go to school?

We have a 19 year old son. He currently studies in Canada.

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The long-lasting friendship between our Royal Houses is one of the pillars of the Belgian Thailand friendship which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018.

Have you been travelling around in Thailand?

Not enough for my tastes because I have four countries to follow but I have been to the North, to Isaan, to the South both professionally and privately with my family. Visiting Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet, the ancient royal capitals is probably what impressed us most, my wife and I. We also had a wonderful visit organised by Count Gerald van der Straten-Ponthoz around Chiang Rai with HRH Princess Lea of Belgium when she came to Thailand in October. A lunch with members of the Aka community was one of the highlights of the visit.

Until now your favourite destination in Thailand?

Maybe the mountains around Chiang Rai. I am very into botanic and I love the diversity of the plants, crops and flowers When you have a day off, what do you prefer to do?

Do you have any special hobbies?

Taking care of the garden of the residence! I have worked a lot on it, with the help of specialists of Chulalongkorn University. I also read a lot and often go to the movies with my wife Pascale.

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How many of your countryfolk are living in Thailand?

When and why did Thailand become a desirable destination for your people?

We estimate the number of Belgians living in Thailand at around 6,000. However 130,000 Belgian tourists visit the country every year and this figure is growing very fast!It is difficult to have an exact figure, as not all of them are registered in Thailand. We have three types of Belgians here: tourists of course, businessmen and retirees.

Does your country and Thailand have an exchange programme for students today?

We have a very fruitful cooperation between Leuven University and Thammasat and Chulalongkorn Universities. Each year 15 students in Engineering go and spend a year in Leuven.

If you could choose your next destination, where would you like to go?

Having been learning Chinese for a long time, I would be inclined to say China. But the truth is: any country!

It is each time such an adventure to discover a new place, a new culture, new people, make new friends.

And having no more children at home, we do not have to worry about school.

Any memory from Thailand that you’d like to tell us, an awkward situation, a real fun moment etc?

I must say that I loved taking the BTS in Bangkok between National Stadium and Chong Non Si stations last October, with HRH Princess Lea of Belgium who inaugurated the first BTS cars decorated with the Belgian smurfs as a sign of humour and friendship towards Thailand’s many friends of Belgium. The Princess came to Thailand in order to inaugurate several projects developed in 2018 with our BelgianLuxembourg/Thai Chamber of Commerce (BeLuThai) in order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Treaty between our two Kingdoms. The decoration of the Thai-Belgian bridge is another great initiative in that context.

Do you regularly meet up with your community?

I have regular contacts with the Belgian business community in Thailand, especially through BelgianLuxembourg/Thai Chamber of Commerce (BeLuThai), with the Belgian Club of Thailand, with the Flemish club in Pattaya and other Belgian associations...

Photographs by Cteerapan

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Heart attacks are different for women

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hat does a heart attack feel like? Movies and TV shows have helped promote the heart attack stereotype of a man in his 60s suddenly grabbing his chest as he is overcome with intense chest pain.

There certainly is some truth to the stereotype, as heart attacks occur more frequently in men, and chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, especially amongst men. But heart attacks and heart disease pose a serious threat to women as well. The leading cause of death worldwide for men and women is heart disease, which includes high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart attack and other conditions involving a reduction or blockage of blood and oxygen o ­ wing to the heart that results from narrowing of the arteries.

Urgent response A heart attack (or myocardial infarction) occurs when oxygen-rich blood encounters a sudden, severe blockage that prevents it from reaching the heart. Most heart attacks aren’t fatal, but getting urgent medical help is critical to limit the potential damage

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infl­icted on the heart. Almost all of the damage to the heart muscle occurs within the first two hours following a heart attack, so the sooner you get to a hospital the better your chances for a full recovery with little or no permanent damage to the heart.

Men have a higher heart attack risk and suffer heart attacks at a younger age compared to women, but statistically women are less likely to survive heart attacks. In fact, many more women are killed by heart attacks than breast cancer.

Menopause and heart attacks The onset of menopause typically occurs during a woman’s late 40s to early 50s, and it brings a number of important physical changes, including a decline in the level of the female hormone oestrogen. Women who haven’t yet reached menopause have a lower heart disease risk, as oestrogen is believed to have heart-protecting properties.

But along with the ageing process, the decline in oestrogen during menopause contributes to an increased heart disease risk as well as a lower heart attack survival rate among post-menopausal women.

Changing heart attack symptoms Declining oestrogen levels also can impact the nature of heart attack symptoms in post-menopausal women, who become more likely to experience the types of symptoms more common in men, including: • severe chest pain • pain in the stomach or back • pain or discomfort affecting one or both arms • pain in the neck or jaw • rapid and/or irregular heartbeat • heavy sweating The greater heart attack risk that comes with age and menopause makes it all the more important for women to pay close attention to their health and follow their doctor’s recommendations for periodic health checkups and screenings.

Women’s symptoms Heart attack warning signs and symptoms for a woman can be much more subtle and less typical, to the point where many

most common “pre-attack” symptoms that women experience much more frequently than men. This should serve as an important reminder to take note of any ongoing difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep and be sure to talk to your doctor. women mistake their symptoms for less-serious conditions such as the ­flu, acid refl­ux or a hormone imbalance – and decide not to seek medical help.

As with men, women can experience chest pain, discomfort or pressure during a heart attack. But the symptoms tend to be less severe for some women, and women’s other symptoms may be more prominent than chest pain and pressure. As borne out by statistics, women are more likely than men to suffer a heart attack without having any chest pain, and women tend to experience more symptoms that don’t involve chest pain or pressure, including: • pain or discomfort in the shoulders and upper back • pain in the neck, jaw or throat • difficulty sleeping

• • • • • • •

feeling dizzy or lightheaded shortness of breath sudden severe fatigue ongoing fatigue that lasts for several days pain felt in one or both arms nausea, sweating and/or vomiting abdominal discomfort, indigestion, gas pain severe anxiety and/or mental confusion

Studies of heart attacks in women have revealed a number of distinctive symptom characteristics. In one study, nearly 4 out of 5 women heart attack patients reported having one or more symptoms for at least one month prior to the actual onset of their heart attack. Difficulty sleeping is one of the

Men’s symptoms Men and women experience heart attacks in different ways. The most common heart attack symptoms for men include intense chest pain, pressure and a squeezing sensation; pain radiating to the arms, left shoulder, back or stomach; jaw and neck pain; shortness of breath; feeling dizzy, nauseous or faint; profuse sweating; and a rapid or abnormal heartbeat.

Dr Sureerat Panyarachun, Cardiologist, Heart Centre, Bumrungrad International Hospital www.bumrungrad.com

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How to bring home your baby

I

nspire IVF has recently opened a new state of the art IVF clinic at the Ploenchit Centre in Bangkok, offering Thais and the expat community access to the latest technologies and procedures available in Assisted Reproduction.

The clinic and its results are world class, and the staff at Inspire IVF are Internationally trained. All IVF treatments are available, including western methodologies, introduced in conjunction with overseas expert clinicians. The clinic has its own in house Preimplantation Genetic Testing Laboratory, enabling clients to have their embryos tested for genetic and hereditary diseases.

Inspire IVF is the first private clinic in Thailand to be a member of the Oncofertility Consortium, a US based organisation which offers fertility treatment and preservation for patients with cancer.

Written by Dr Patsama Vichinsartvichai, MClinEmbryol.

Medical Director, Inspire IVF)

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A series of unfortunate events This is a tragic true story that you may have heard, seen, or even played part in once in your lifetime. In society, the force for gender equity has pushed women to have a higher education and pursue success in their career.

The decision to get pregnant and raise a family for many was put in the long-term file. Without realising, their fertility lifespan was ticking away and their chance to conceive naturally became almost impossible.

Jane is a perfect example. She’s 43 and works in cosmetics. She and James have been married for 7 years.

He’s a business entrepreneur at the top of his game. They seem like the perfect couple. The only thing missing is the laughter of children. They sought professional help from several infertility centres before they came to Inspire IVF. They had almost run out of hope. Last October they came to us wishing to give it another try.

I can’t imagine how many tears they cried. How many stressful moments their lives underwent. This pain may take their lifetime to heal.

The solution A successful pregnancy requires the proper function of several organs in both partners. Figuring out the cause of infertility can be difficult.

It should always start with a careful medical history investigation and a physical examination. From Jane and James’ previous treatments, I specifically looked at her uterine cavity with our unique 3D vaginal sonography to see if there was any congenital anomaly there. Her womb was OK. At 43 she still had 8 follicles from both ovaries which is quite satisfactory. In summary, the only possible culprit here is the embryo’s chromosome.# Unlike men who have stem cells to produce

new sperm throughout their life, women are born with a limited number of eggs. Older is not better, but worse here.

Not only are the number of eggs lower, the quality has also decreased. Women like Jane might have over 80% of eggs with abnormal chromosomes.

So, the chance to conceive is very slim, even with IVF. How can we convert Jane and James’ hope into reality?

What more can we do?

Age is nothing but a number at Inspire IVF Over recent years, the age of accelerated innovation has helped us a lot. The much simpler way to cope with the problem of chromosome number abnormality, or even genetic diseases, is to test the embryos before they implant.

We can count the number of chromosomes in each individual embryo and target the abnormal genes that cause genetic diseases even before it happens with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). With proper selection and finely-tuned technology, an accurate result and proper embryo selection can be carried out. Bringing a healthy child home can be expected.

It is commonly known that older aged women have a higher rate of eggs with an abnormal number of chromosomes. This is the most common cause of nonimplantation of embryos, miscarriage, and some syndromes (such as Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, Turner syndrome). We use SNP array and Karyomapping technology to test the number of chromosomes, and precisely map the gene of interest, so only euploid chromosome embryos

without genetic diseases are put back.

That’s why age is nothing but a number since only normal chromosome embryos are implanted in a similar fashion to in younger women. This is what we offered Jane and James, accompanied with our tailored stimulation protocol and dedicated international standard laboratory environment.

Those 8 follicles were stimulated and 6 mature oocytes were retrieved. 4 beautiful blastocysts were produced and biopsied to test. As expected, only 1 blastocyst had a normal set of chromosomes. They were disappointed.

In my consultation room before the beginning of their frozen embryo transfer cycle, I let them see the whole situation from another perspective. There is only one perfect embryo here but you want just one child.

An excess of embryos may be unnecessary. The frozen embryo transfer was carried out now she carries an 8 week pregnancy and looks forward to meeting her new family member in August.

“On your most important journey, our inspiration will guide your way” Inspire IVF clinic Ploenchit Centre. 5th floor, suite no. 05 -10B, Sukhumvit Soi 2, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110.

Phone: +66(0)2-251-8666 E-mail: info@inspireivf.com Line ID: @inspireivf

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Expat Life sat down with the Iranian Ambassador to Thailand – H.E. Mr Mohsen Mohammadi How long have you been the Iranian Ambassador to Thailand?

I started my mission as Ambassador to Thailand in January 2016, so I have now been in Bangkok three years. I cover Myanmar and Laos as well.

Did you arrive to Thailand from home, or were you posted somewhere else before?

Normally when our diplomatic mission comes to end we go back to Tehran and after three years, diplomats would be appointed in a new mission. So, before moving to Thailand I was in Iran. I was Head of the 2nd department for CIS, which covered central Asian countries and I was National Secretary for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the same time as well. I was in missions in Uzbekistan, Finland and Germany before coming to Thailand, but this is my first Ambassadorial assignment.

Where are you born and brought up?

I was born and brought up in Tehran, the capital of Iran.

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At which age did you decide you wanted to become a diplomat?

After finishing high school, I went for military service and after that I entered the faculty of International Studies of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. I started my diplomatic career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991 as a desk officer of the State of Pakistan at the age of 29. Thereafter I have served in a range of different positions in the Foreign Ministry.

Do you have more diplomats in your family?

No, I am the only person in my family who joined diplomatic life.

How do you look at Thailand today, have you had many obstacles in your way since you arrived?

I believe that Thailand is an important part of ASEAN and plays an effective

role in the region. Thailand will chair ASEAN this year and that would have a significant impact not only for Thailand but for all of the 10 ASEAN countries.

What has most fascinated me in the nearly three years of living in Thailand is the politeness and genteel nature of the Thai people. You get a sense of satisfaction and contentment, tolerance and patience. A peaceful coexistence exists amongst the people, regardless of their religious beliefs.

The relationship between Iran and Siam goes back to the Sassanid Empire era.

The first official Iranian political mission in Siam was established in 1686. In modern times, official diplomatic relations began in 1955 and during the history of relationship

between the two countries; there has been never a sign of tension.

The Islamic Revolution in Iran even made the bilateral relations stronger because of the ‘Look East Policy’ of Iran, in which SE Asia found a special position in expanding political and trade relations.

To answer your question regarding obstacles. I would like to mention ‘to tackle obstacles is the nature of diplomatic missions' assignments which I have been faced with’. But it should be noted that it is not due to any problem, working with Thai authorities and as I mentioned, it is the nature of our duty that any diplomat should do his/her best to ease any difficulties and pave the way to enhance relations.

Do you see any similarities between your country and Thailand?

Iran and Thailand are both great nations with ancient civilisations, profound history and as well as unique capabilities, which can compliment each other in many fields.

The people of the two countries enjoy many common Eastern cultural values such as hospitality, respect for the family, and so on, which is rooted in the rich and ancient history of the two nations.

Iran by more than 7,000 years of written history, is called the cradle of civilisation. It is easy to find the trace and the role of Iranians everywhere in the world as well as in SE Asia.

Regarding Thailand, I reference Sheikh Ahmad Ghomi, who is very well known nowadays in Thailand.

He was an Iranian merchant and clergyman who came to Thailand in the 16th century and served as a sincere and trustful advisor to King Narai the Great. After more than 400 years of his passing away, he is still remembered as a well reputed person in Thailand and as a source of pride and honour for Iranians. He reached the highest ranking positions such as King’s advisor, Interior Minister, Finance Minister, Head of Custom and acted as Foreign Minister of Siam. He was appointed as Sheikh-al-Islam (supreme leader of the Muslim community) in Siam as well.

He died at age of 80 and was buried in Ayutthaya.

His tomb now is located at the centre of Rajabhat University in Ayutthaya and his death anniversary is still commemorated gloriously after 400 years of his passing away. Nowadays there are two big and famous families of Muslims and Buddhists from his generation named as Ahmadchulay and Bunnag which are very well known and respected in Thailand.

Iran and Thailand furthermore to political and economic aspects of relations, have always paid specific attention to the cultural dimensions of the relationship as well. Due to the good knowledge and experience of Thailand, Iran is going to cooperate with this country to exploit its potential of tourism and in the hotel industries. Right now, there are four weekly direct flights by Iran’s Mahan Air between Tehran and Bangkok.

The cultural centre of our Embassy in Bangkok is very active. I invite everyone to enjoy the traditional Persian paintings there and participate in the Persian language courses.

Promoting better understanding between the Muslim and Buddhist communities is one of the key objectives of this centre as well. The centre so far has organised three rounds of dialog between Muslim and Buddhist individuals and organisations.

Buddhist leaders and monks from Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka have also participated in the dialogue. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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I believe that through such initiatives it is possible to create better understanding between religions which ultimately can prevent horrible incidents like those befalling Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority.

Do you have children, what age and where do they go to school?

I have two sons that live in Iran. The eldest one is already married, but both are still university students.

As every Ambassador, I assume you have some goals you really would like to reach/fulfil before you leave Thailand?

I believe that relations between the two countries on the basis of common values, historical ties, mutual benefits and respect, have developed on a very positive trend and I am predicting a bright future of friendly and constructive relations and bilateral cooperation. Both sides have shown their strong will in further development of the relationship which is the main factor and inspiration in a bright and fruitful future.

I hope that I will be able to fulfil my duty as Ambassador in the further flourishing of political and economic cooperation via preparing legislative basis and providing the necessary documents for the way ahead; Preparing the grounds for closer communications and interaction between the peoples of the two countries and prepare the grounds for further collaboration and cooperation between West and East Asia as well as between important regional bodies and international organisations such as ECO and ASEAN via joint efforts by Iran and Thailand, as two main players in the region and these regional organisations Have you travelled around Thailand?

Before arriving in this beautiful country, I was provided with a lot of useful information about travelling in Thailand by asking my predecessors as well as searching on the internet.

During the last three years, I have visited many places, such as

Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Koh Chang, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Nakhon Ratchasima to name but a few.

Until now what has been your favourite destination?

I should definitely say that everywhere in Thailand is beautiful. The rich culture, tolerant and friendly people and delicious food, are all good reasons to travel from North to South and West to East in Thailand.

When you have a day off, what do you like to do? Do you have any special hobby or pastime?

I like walking with my wife as just ordinary anonymous people. I enjoy communicating with the people that we meet, people watching and acquainting myself with Thai culture. reading books and articles and sometimes I play tennis and meet colleagues and their families.

Do your country and Thailand have an exchange programme for students?

We have a cultural centre

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in Bangkok that holds Persian language and Iranian traditional Persian paintings for Thai students. Many Thai students have studied in Iran and know the Persian language and they really are a treasure for boosting cooperation and interaction between the two countries in state, popular or private sectors levels.

If you could choose your next post and destination, where would you like to go?

I have really not thought about it, but maybe another mission in SE Asia. It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decision and I will go where they send me. I am a career diplomat so anywhere in the world, can be my next destination Any memory from Thailand that you’d like to tell us, an awkward situation, a fun moment, etc?

What has most fascinated me over the last three years is the politeness and genteel nature of the Thai people. You get a sense of satisfaction and contentment, tolerance and patience, of peaceful coexistence among the people regardless of their religious beliefs. I very much enjoy walking around Thailand and communicating with the people. I believe that this tolerance, patience and peaceful coexistence, has roots in the rich culture of Thailand’s society. The mentality and way of thinking of the Thai authorities, particularly the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun the new King of Thailand.

I refer to the holding of the Molud-Al-Naby ceremony (commemorating the birth of the Prophet Mohammad, peace upon him), which was attended by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, as well 30

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as several Eftar (fast-breaking) ceremonies in the Holy month of Ramadan with joint participation of many Buddhists. These include ceremonies organised by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Do you regularly meet up with your community?

Thailand is one of the main travel destinations for Iranian tourists in SE Asia. Around 130,000 Iranians visit Thailand every year. Direct flights from Tehran to Bangkok make it easy to travel to Thailand. Also there are Iranian families that have lived and worked in Thailand for many years and they are part of Thai society. I meet them in some Iranian ceremonies, specially in NOWROUZ celebration which is starting of new year in Iranian calendar on the 21st of March.

We are here to support our fellow Iranians.

To conclude I would like to invite the Thai people and other foreigners who live here to visit my beautiful, spectacular and safe country Iran. Iranians are infinitely hospitable and believe that the guest is a "Friend of God". Last year, the former Ambassador of Italy, spouse of the Colombian Ambassador Madam Astrid Garcia (Amaya) and the Deputy Head of the Brazil Mission in Bangkok, travelled Iran and their memories are worthy to be heard and prove my claim.

Iranians enjoy a unique identity different from any other race in the region.

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Find out more – www.regents-pattaya.co.th / Follow us on facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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The Goethe-Institut Bangkok: A German institution in Thailand

by Nathalie Gütermann

"He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own" (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).

M

ost of us know how it feels to learn a new language.

Looking back on our school days, language classes rated amongst the least popular. We were amazingly adept at finding ways to skip them.

Vocabulary lists and spelling tests still haunt most of us. But now that it’s all over – isn’t it just awesome to be able to chat to someone in a foreign tongue?

When we travel abroad, we realise just how important and useful it is to be able to communicate with the locals.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, we need to master at least one other language to avoid being branded an ‘outsider’ or ‘uneducated’. But besides work and travel, there are enough other incentives to make us want to learn a new language.

Take relationships, for example.

Wouldn’t it be nice to talk to your

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partner in his/her mother tongue? Or you might want to prepare yourself for a course of study, an exchange programme or a career abroad.

Perhaps in Germany? This is where the Goethe-Institut comes into play. The non-profit association founded in 1951 by six German teachers has long since become part of a global network. It has set itself the task of promoting the German language abroad, fostering international cultural cooperation and conveying a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of Germany to students of all ages.

Public acclaim and figures show that it works: 34 million people visited the ‘www.goethe.de’ website, 14 million attended 30,000 cultural events and the Goethe-Institut boasts 4.1 million international Facebook fans!

In Germany alone, the Goethe-Institut has branches in 12 cities. Abroad, there are a further 160 institutes and liaison offices in 98 countries. Approximately 3,000 people are employed in the language departments and 270,000 people worldwide attend German courses there every year.

"Behind these figures lies an infinite treasure trove of stories from all over the world," writes media personality Maren Niemeyer on her website, niemeyer-film.de. “There are anecdotes and accounts from rich and poor countries, from holiday paradises and areas of crisis, from old dictatorships and young democracies,

Expat life from the Far East and the Middle West. Tales of pioneering spirit and new beginnings, about fantasy and enthusiasm, about passion and the art of improvisation about success but also about failure and cultural misunderstanding”.

The German TV journalist, documentary film director and film producer knows what she is talking about. This successful woman, who has produced various cultural and political programmes for numerous well-known national and international television stations since 1995 – including the twopart documentary "Planet Goethe" on the occasion of the cultural institute's 60th birthday in 2011 – is now herself director of the Goethe-Institut in Thailand. Prior to this, she worked for 6 years as television and radio broadcasting representative at the Institute’s headquarters in Munich.

"My job took me to 40 different Goethe-Instituts worldwide. From Kabul to Addis Ababa and from Sarajevo to Buenos Aires, Hanoi and Helsinki. These experiences made me want to lead one myself. As much as I love film and television work, it's always very short-term and there's not much

left behind – the film contributions transmit their message themselves.

Working as director of a cultural institute, on the other hand, is much more sustainable and long-term. You have 5-6 years to develop your very own thematic focus in the field of cultural work – in principle it's very similar to the work of an artistic director.”

Since July 2016, Thailand has been second home to our Bremenborn interviewee. Her dream came true when she was asked to head the Goethe-Institut in Bangkok until the year 2022. At first she questioned what it would be like to work and live in a country where everyone else goes on holiday. Two years later she concludes: "It may be the hottest megacity in the world, but living here is fantastic. As a journalist and filmmaker I travelled the world and got to know many interesting cities but I have never experienced a city as exciting, adventurous, spiritual and versatile as Bangkok. I'm almost addicted to this breathtaking sensory explosion!"

These are by no means empty words. Now in her mid fifties, Maren Niemeyer takes advantage of every free weekend to explore and visit places

recommended to her by her Thai colleagues. But most often you’ll find Maren Niemeyer in her office, or in action – even at the weekends when cultural events take place in or outside the Institut. As director of the GI, she is always on call. As she once said in a TV interview: "The Thais have high expectations of us Germans. They see us as great managers and good organisers and they admire Germany because the country is economically very successful. So they would like us to somehow pass on our know-how to them." That's exactly what Maren does!

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do" (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).

Every year, around 7,000 language learners attend German courses at the Goethe-Institut Bangkok. Students and the general public can enjoy free use of the library, where they can find information about Germany or borrow books, videos and games.

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‘Khun Maren’ tirelessly beats the drum for the institute and its cause, making use of her excellent contacts on the international and Thai cultural scene and initiating exciting supporting programmes.

The latter are particularly close to her heart. These are the events that give the language students the opportunity to mingle with German speakers. Here, they can converse, put what they have learned into practice and get to know the German culture and way of life, be it through film, music, dance, theatre, festivals or exhibitions.

Although every student is aware that knowledge of a second language opens doors and offers numerous private and professional advantages, motivating oneself to learn can be very difficult and frustrating. I know that from my own experience. After 12 years of expat life in Bangkok unfortunately I haven’t learned much Thai. It is just as big a hurdle for Thais to learn German as vice versa. Maren Niemeyer is well aware of this. "That’s why we organise around 150 cultural events every year to motivate, inspire and animate”.

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“Instruction does much, but encouragement does everything” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe).

In this sense, the tall blonde German has already made several changes and improvements since taking up office in Thailand. I can judge that myself as I have been a frequent visitor to the GI Bangkok for the last 10 years. Now a fresh breeze is blowing and freedom to act and implement original ideas is granted, indeed encouraged, by the headquarters in Germany. Thus, each individual Goethe-Institut worldwide is strongly influenced by the personality of its director.

The numerous events of the last 2 years clearly bear Maren’s trademark.

Every idea, every project is meticulously thought through - just like the scripts she wrote during her earlier film career.

With knowledge, charm and great commitment to the cause, she continues in the role of director in her current position, staging each event so skilfully that it will be remembered for time to come.

An example of this is ‘Wanderlust Küche – A Culinary Dialogue’. This gourmet festival took place in November 2018 in the grounds of the Goethe-Institut in ‘Soi Goethe’.

By the way, the street name is no joke! In the City of Angels, the great German poet and thinker was indeed immortalised years ago with his own "Soi" in Sathorn district.

On a warm summer night, 120 invited guests gathered around beautifully set tables in the garden of the institute in eager expectation of the very unusual culinary journey that was to follow. "An innovative cultural format towards international understanding. One that brings delicious food to the table and, at the same time, breaks down so many prejudices," as the hostess emphasised during her speech.

"German cuisine doesn't just consist of the clichéd roast pork or fried sausages with sauerkraut and dumplings. Fatty, heavy, bland food is a thing of the past. Healthy fusion cuisine is now the trend! It is my strong desire to make this development better known in the SE Asian region as well”.

Expat life No sooner said than done: the "culinary dialogue" was born.

Commissioned by the Goethe-Institut’s of SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand, a German chef partnered up with a local chef to take part in a regional food festival which lasted several weeks.

"Nothing connects people of different origins more than a delicious meal. The food culture is a very basic component of a country. What I especially love about Thailand is the warm hospitality of the people, their sociability and their love of food," Maren enthuses about her new home.

One usually greets others with the words "Have you already eaten" (ginn khau rüü yang)? This sentence reflects the soul of the Siamese Kingdom”.

And the culinary summit "Wanderlust Küche" was certainly an all-round feel-good affair. In Bangkok, top German chef Mirko Trenkner from Hamburg and Thai chef Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava (co-owner of the Michelin Guide award-winning restaurant Bo.Lan) stirred up a menu with a "WOW" effect, which combined typical Thai ingredients with ThaiGerman culinary art. And this culinary

highlight was just a starter! The event menu continued over the course of several weeks with cooking and baking courses, culinaric cinema, readings, workshops and panel discussions. The topics covered included sustainability, organic nutrition and the preservation of traditional cuisine.

This proves that it is well worth serving up surprises and breaking new ground from time to time. "For me, taking a new course means expanding the concept of culture," says Maren.

"Culture should not be confined to the tower like Sleeping Beauty. It should be accessible to the general public. I’m not afraid of popular entertainment formats because these are precisely the projects that breakdown the fear of contact between different cultures.

The "Spark of Hope" exhibition, ran to the end of January, was also a visual treat. Particularly impressed by his visit to northern Thailand, the Mainz-based professional photographer Jonas Werner-Hohensee decided to draw attention to a children's home in Phrao with some extremely sensitive photography. The home, in Northern Thailand, was founded 10 years ago by

the German Günter Oppermann. The Goethe-Institut Thailand supported Jonas' cause and organised this in house photo exhibition in Bangkok.

The focus was not only on the exemplary work of the children's aid organisation, but also on the social exclusion and bitter poverty of the mountain people. "Anyone who has ever travelled through these regions and has a heart for people in need will never forget the experience" said Jonas, at the opening of the exhibition in October 2018.

The photographer spent 6 weeks in the children’s home. He accompanied the students in their everyday life and on their way to their families in the mountain villages.

"On the one hand, their eyes were bright, eager to learn and open to everything new. On the other hand, the eyes of these village kids were old,” says Jonas Werner-Hohensee, depressed. "There was no sparkle.

Only fear.”

These young people have no opportunities for further development.

They only know poverty, illness and stress.

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"This is where the ‘Spark of Hope’ Foundation (‘Hoffnungsfunke e.V.’) comes in," says Maren. "Günter Oppermann and his Thai team have been providing accommodation, care, security and education for the children and young people for a decade now – we have seen this for ourselves. Oppermann is making a culturally important contribution". Since the Goethe-Institut takes a strong interest in civil society, Maren Niemeyer decided to stage this photo exhibition in Bangkok.

Now the director of the Goethe-Institut is looking forward to other upcoming events, such as the performance of the legendary German 38

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jazz formation "Trionauts" (Mahidol Jazz Festival, end of January), the 12 strong Bavarian punk brass troupe "La Brass Banda" (on the Cheng Chui grounds, beginning of March), the German Film Week, the annual Science Film Festival and numerous exhibitions. All schedules are published on the institute’s homepage and in the newsletter.

The highlight par excellence, however, is and always has been the Open Air Cinema. German films with English/Thai subtitles will be screened in the garden of the Goethe-Institut every Tuesday at 19:30 from 8 January until 5 March. For decades, this has proved an extremely popular event for locals and expats alike. Entrance is free of charge.

Does Maren Niemeyer perhaps have something special in mind that she would like to see implemented

during her term in office? "Yes," she tells me with a smile. "In 2020, when the Goethe-Institut Thailand turns 60, I would like to serve our course participants and visitors a wonderful birthday cake with many different ingredients: a Bauhaus exhibition, a documentary film about the history of the Goethe-Institut Thailand, an electronic music festival... and our typical German Christmas market with Christmas cookies and mulled wine!

Goethe-Institut Bangkok, 18/1 Soi Goethe, Sathorn 1, Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel. + 66 2108 8200.

Fax + 66 2108 8299.

E: info@bangkok.goethe.org Contact: Maren Niemeyer (Director).

Email: Maren.Niemeyer@goethe.de Information about language courses and event schedules at the Goethe Institut Thailand: www.goethe.de/thailand.

Open Air Cinema: Programm@bangkok.goethe.org

Dinner at the Goethe-Institut, 19th Nov

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Alliance Française Bangkok has moved!

by Pascale Fabre, Director of Alliance Française Bangkok

New building to continue a long story!

A

lliance Française Bangkok moved from its previous premises to a new building on July 27th, 2018. One Bangkok has assisted Alliance Française Bangkok in developing its new facility.

Alliance Française Bangkok is part of the largest cultural network in the world, comprising more than 800 Alliance Française in 138 countries with more than 500,000 people learning French.

The Alliance Française was founded in Paris in 1884 by a group of personalities (Jules Verne, Ferdinand de Lesseps from the Suez Canal, Louis Pasteur, discoverer of the anti-rage vaccine among them) who after the defeat against the Prussians in 1870 decided to

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create a network of friends of France.

Very rapidly the network extended in France, in the French colonies but mostly in other countries (1884 in Barcelona, Senegal or Mexico, Australia in 1889, etc). Before WW1 erupted, there were

already 150 Alliances Française’s in France and 450 abroad!

In Thailand, the Alliance Française was created in 1912.

The Fondation Alliance Française (AF Foundation) was established to oversee the work of the Alliances in the work. It is in particular in charge of granting or retrieving the AF label. It has also produced a quality chart to which all Alliance have to concur with.

The purpose of Alliance Française Bangkok remains the same since its creation when it was established as the first Franco-Thai cultural centre: to promote the French language and francophone cultures as well as cultural diversity by providing a rich and varied programme of education, and supporting artistic talents throughout performances, films

Pictured (left to right): H.R.H. Maha Chakri Sirindhorn received by Dr Jingjai Hanchanlash, Chairman of Alliance Française Bangkok, Expat Khunying Chamnongsri Hanchanlash (Dr Jingjai's wife), Olivier Richard, Charge d'affaires a.i. of the French Embassy in Thailand, and Pascale Fabre, Director of Alliance Française Bangkok, during the inauguration of Alliance Française Bangkok new building, on October 18, 2018.

and landscape features had been transferred from the previous premises to the new building.

The new Alliance Française building will be able to directly connect with the landmark of One Bangkok development by Frasers Property and TCC Assets.

This new development now under construction will be the city’s first fully-integrated district including hotels, offices, retail, residences and a large cultural component. This new building has improved access for both vehicles and pedestrians, including safe well-lit sidewalks to be supported by state of the art security controls, integrated to connect to the MRT Lumpini Station once One Bangkok is completed.

Ambitious design, spacious with modern amenities

and art exhibitions. It is placed under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the President of the board is Dr Jingjai Hanchanlash, a successful businessman who is a francophone (having studied in France) and a passionate Francophile.

The Alliance Française Bangkok also has 3 annexes: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket. Although more modest in size, they also promote the French language and culture in their provinces.

In 2013, Alliance moved to new premises next to Lumpini. But as its previous location became part of the overall One Bangkok footprint, it had to move again. To minimise the environmental impact of construction and for sustainability, equipment and materials as well as greenery, trees

The brand new Alliance Française features an attractively striking design and façade with elegant landscaped grounds.

Spreading over 5 floors for a total area of 6500m2, the new Alliance Française has: • 29 classrooms all equipped with screen and computer system, including children classrooms for different ages • An interactive multimedia library of 330m2, with a kids corner and a relaxing corner

Part of the One Bangkok Community The first location of AF was rented rooms in the Oriental hotel. But rapidly, the space proved too small and after a few locations the Alliance settled on Sathorn. A lot of Bangkokians still remember with nostalgia the nice atmosphere, the café and the garden of Sathorn. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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•

A new and brighter dance studio with a great view and professional equipment for all sorts of dance classes (from ballet to hip hop for children, teenagers and adults) • Spacious sewing rooms for fashion classes (haute couture, sewing, draping, etc.)

One of the highlights is the auditorium with ambitious design that offers the public exceptional acoustics and better viewing quality thanks to an increased ceiling height, for memorable artistic experiences (films, performances).

It can accommodate 219 guests.

The Steinway grand concert piano allows the Alliance to organise classical concerts.

The monumental staircase has another function besides allowing to go up and down in the building.

An open gallery hosts artists' creations and offer a pleasant space to rest and admire art.

Brand new ‘French bistro’ Café Mademoiselle has joined us on the ground floor and serves healthy traditional French cuisine and homemade pastries in a friendly atmosphere. Cold cuts and cheese, as well as a variety of breads will also be available to takeaway. Traditional Thai dishes cooked with quality products are also on the menu.

A bookstore Carnets d’Asie located at the entrance of the building offers a variety of books in French for French 44

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readers, learners and teachers, as well as stationery and educational games etc., and provides ordering services for individuals and institutions.

Both a language school and a cultural centre In Thailand, almost 3000 people per year (children, teenagers and adults) follow courses at Alliance: French classes of course for all ages (from 3 years old), but also fashion courses, dance classes (from ballet to hip hop for adults and children), theatre in French.

Alliance is also very active in training Thai teachers of French in partnership and with the support of the French Embassy.

At Alliance, all teachers are natives and have received a full training in teaching French as a foreign language. The curriculum is centred on

communication and the acquisition of effective language skills. It is based on the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), an international standard set up by the Council of Europe.

Alliance Française is also the only official exam centre for the DELF and DALF, national diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education.

More than 500 candidates every year pass the exams to recognise their level. Furthermore, together with the French Embassy, the Alliance is also instrumental in proposing the DELF scolaire (DELF for schools) to more than 2000 secondary school students nationwide.

The Alliance Française has very strong ties with the cultural section of the French Embassy. Together, they propose a common communication through “highlight”, a brochure

Expat life presenting four times a year their cultural activities, a lot of which are organised in common. 40 events have been organised in 2017: 8 festivals, 6 exhibitions, 9 concerts, 5 dance shows, 11 conferences, 16 special events, 117 screenings of French, Thai and other movies, for close to 15,000 people. The events range from the battle, a hip hop competition with more than 120 contestants, to classical concerts, theatre plays in French and English, standup comedy, scientific conferences together with IRASEC and IRD, two French research centres housed at Alliance, meeting with famous literary authors, presentation of books, sculpture, paintings and photos exhibitions, dance shows, etc.

The events promote as much as possible the cultural exchanges between Thailand and France, with a lot of artists being honoured (for example Pen Ek and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival have both recently had a retrospective of their work at Alliance).

Alliance Française has also very strong ties with the Embassies of the Francophone countries present in Bangkok, and in particular Belgium, Canada, France, Morocco, Romania, Switzerland. Together with the French Embassy, they organise every year the “Festival de la francophonie” in March, a month-long celebration of the diversity of the French speaking world.

In 2018, it included one exhibition, two jazz concerts, one conference, five special screenings including one in the presence of the director of the movie, and a special fair with more than 500 students and friends of the French language participating in contests, game, while visiting booths from each Embassy. In 2019 more countries are to join the event.

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To strengthen the relation with the Francophone countries represented in Thailand, the Alliance has decided to give to some of its classroom the name of French speaking countries and ask the Embassies to decorate them.

Alliance Française also works closely with other Embassies to promote cultural diversity. For example, in November 2018, 5 countries (Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Spain) have organised with Alliance the first Spanish speaking film Festival in Bangkok.

Alliance also cooperates with international organisations like the EU (a debate on the death penalty, or the first outdoor European Film Festival) and the UN, especially UN women with an exhibition on women migrant workers in Thailand and an exhibition and a debate on violence against women as part of a two-week campaign launched by the UN to raise awareness.

Alliance is also committed to working with the Thai civil society, for example on LGTBI rights such as a screening and debate on transgender men together with Thai associations.

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Opening celebration In order to celebrate the new building, Alliance Française Bangkok launched an Inauguration Festival that included many exhibitions and performances from mid-September onwards and had

an Open House Day on October, 7th 2018 to let people (students, art and culture lovers) visit the whole new building and enjoy many activities based on the French theme and join various open classes from our programme. More than 700 Thais and expats attended the Open House.

A festival introducing the world famous dancer Nureyev was also organised in conjunction with the Nureyev foundation with a photo exhibition, ballet on screen and a conference by Charles Jude, Nureyev’s protégé.

Alliance also featured an exhibition by Art Jeeno, one of the most talented Thai cartoonists, on the occasion of the translation into French of three of his books.

But the highlight was of course the official inauguration of the building by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on October 18th. The Princess visited the facilities and spent almost two hours on site.

In the evening, a gala night was performed to more than 200 guests.

The highlights were the unveiling of a monumental painting by FrenchChinese artist Yan Pei-Ming, as part of the Bangkok Art Biennale, and a colourful fashion show by Thai designer Tawn C.

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The beauty of Coron Island

by Scott and Nori

C

ORON ISLAND was a fortress of jagged, Jurassic limestone.

From a distance, it looked impregnable. As our bangka motored closer, however, emerald coves and concealed passages came into view.

We are karst connoisseurs – having climbed, sailed and spelunked these fantastical formations from China’s Yangshuo and Vietnam’s Ha Long to Thailand’s Phang Nga. Coron Island exceeded them all: bigger, sharper, clearer, cleaner – and more threatened.

I was glad that I had done my research. Most tours use charmless, chaotic Coron Town as a base for exploring Coron and dozens of other islands around the bay. That seemed sensible until I discovered that Coron Town isn’t even on Coron Island, which is at least a 20 minute boat ride away.

That presented three problems. First, we'd waste a lot of time getting to Coron Island and back every day. Second, our ability to travel further afield would be limited. Third, everybody else would be

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doing the exact same thing.

Averse to crowds and eager to explore beyond Coron, we booked a 3D/2N cruise with Big Dream Boat Man. We’d stay on a different island each night and visit places before or after the day tours came. Chino, our cheerful and laidback guide, met us at the hotel in the morning. It was obvious that he had a son too; he was an absolute natural with the boys. We climbed into two very odd shaped trikes and rattled down Coron Town’s main road towards the port.

Our boat for the next three days

was a bangka – a photogenic Filipino vessel that looks like an X Wing Fighter coming at you or like a water strider from above. Essentially a big canoe with twin outriggers, deck space was extremely limited. After cruising on the spacious Sea Gipsy in the Mergui Archipelago and the Carpe Diem in Komodo, we couldn’t hide our disappointment when we first saw it.

I wasn’t sure how all six of us and our bags were going to fit. It certainly wasn’t going to be comfortable.

As it turned out, the boat was fine because the crew was fantastic.

Travel No journey was longer than a few hours and the scenery en route was magnificent. Chino found us lesser-known snorkelling spots and empty beaches. Our chef whipped-up delicious, hearty meals in a kitchen the size of a gym locker. Pan-fried grouper with roasted potatoes and bacon bits?

The freshest fried calamari? And while there were no G&Ts on the sundeck, there were plenty of T&Cs (Tanduhay & Cokes) on the outrigger struts.

We decided to save Coron Island’s most-famous locations for last. Instead, we sailed south down the island’s west coast, stopping to swim and drink freshly-chopped coconuts at tiny, immaculate Smith Beach. Next, we explored a concealed cave. And after a long swim and snorkelling session, we ate lunch at a bamboo -and-thatch hut built into the cliffs near Sunset Beach. Then Nori and the boys napped as the captain headed southwest across the width of Coron Bay. When we arrived on pretty little Banana Island in the late afternoon, there were five other boats anchored offshore and a few dozen tourists sunning on the beach or dozing in hammocks. I didn’t realise that they

were day-trippers. But within an hour, they were all gone! I flew the drone over the island and across the channel towards the Two Seasons Hotel on Bulalacao Island. The boys borrowed bicycles and slalomed through the palm trees. Then the six of us went for a long snorkel.

It had been an amazing day, but it was a terrible night of sleep.

The electricity went off some time after midnight, bringing the ancient, fuzz-covered fans to a halt. I stumbled around in the dark, trying to locate the magic switch. Eventually, I gave up and crawled back under the mosquito netting. But it was already too hot for me to sleep, and without the whirr of the fan I could hear small animals scampering about in the rafters.

Pastor Hermi met us at Culion port. He was tall, tan and wore wraparound sunglasses. He looked more like a beach volleyball player than a man of the cloth and tour guide, but he was passionate about unearthing and sharing Culion’s surprisingly rich history. We piled into a motorised trike and zipped uphill towards the old Spanish fort. The beautiful Church of the Immaculate Conception had been

built on and amongst the defensive walls. Inside, two women were dusting the pews and arranging flowers for a wedding later that day. Exiting through a side door, we climbed up to a battlement with a commanding view over the island-studded sea.

“See that cannon?” Hermi asked Drake and Kiva. “See that narrow place where the boats can come into the city?

That’s where the cannon is pointing; to protect the city from invaders.”

Drake and Kiva were fascinated.

“Who were the invaders?”

“Well, at that time, mostly Muslims,” Hermi replied. “The Spanish wanted to protect their fort and their church. Remember, before the Spanish came and brought the Catholic faith, most of the people in this area of the Philippines were Muslim.”

A short walk away were the lemon-coloured walls of the Culion Sanitarium and Hospital. A hundred years ago, this was the largest leprosarium (leper colony) in the world, designed by the Americans to isolate the afflicted, prevent the spread of and eventually eradicate the disease.

Today, it’s an important medical centre for the region. “We get patients from Busuanga, Palawan, all over.

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It’s amazing to think that this hospital has changed from a ‘place of no return’ to a place where people are cured!”

After sailing north through a maze of tightly-packed islands, we moored beside the wreck of the Terukasi Maru, sunk by US planes in WWII. The boat lay on its side in relatively shallow water, its stern only a metre below the surface. After eighty years submerged, the Terukasi Maru was now a ship-shaped coral reef teeming with life. Wreck snorkelling was a new experience for the boys and they were utterly captivated.

Our family had a good hour floating alone above the ship and freediving down to get a closer look. Then suddenly, four boats from Coron Town showed up and we shoved off.

Our second evening was spent on stunning Pass Island, a low hump of green with a tongue of the whitest sand extending into the light blue water.

Hoover, the island’s loveable resident chocolate lab, was the first to greet us.

Chino said that the island gets over 100 guests daily, mostly day-tours from Busuanga and Coron Towns. But it was already 4pm, so we had the island

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to ourselves (again). While the boys played Uno with Chino and cavorted with Hoover, Nori and I followed a path up and over the knoll to the other side of the island. The sky was filled with ragged clouds that lit up magically as the sun dropped behind dozens of islands.

A GLORIOUS SLUMBER recharged our bodies and spirits. We woke to the peaceful sounds of palm fronds high-fiving above our bamboo hut and tiny waves caressing the sand.

The last day. Sigh. After a ‘clear-out-theleftovers’ breakfast of gristly beef tapa, bright red hot dogs and fried rice, Nori and I snorkelled one last time in the exceptionally clear water. The boys were giving Hoover belly-rubs and jumping from the outriggers. It was one of the finest mornings of our six-month trip.

Towering Coron Island – always visible throughout our cruise – was a two-hour sail east back across Coron Bay. But an hour into the journey, we heard a loud grinding noise from the stern, followed by a BONK! Our transmission had broken. We’d have to wait an hour for a replacement boat to arrive from Coron Town.

“Time for fishing!” Chino

shouted, killing the tension.

While I fished Filipino-style – a hand-line wrapped around a joint of bamboo, a section of rebar for a sinker – the boys jumped overboard, turning the bangka’s outriggers and struts into a jungle gym. There was no point in getting upset. Our overnight ferry to Manila left tomorrow afternoon, the kids were having a great time and there was plenty of Tanduhay rum and Coke in the cooler box. An hour later, we and Chino were on a new boat with a new crew, heading for Coron.

After the splendid isolation of Pass Island, Twin Lagoon was something of a shock: eight bangkas crammed into a small cove. You could swim to a bamboo ladder and climb up over the low saddle between the two lagoons (a favourite IG spot), or you could swim through a nearly submerged tunnel to the other side. We swam, together with a group of 20 comically unfit Filipinos who linked arms and legs and were towed backwards into the lagoon by their beefy guide. Coron’s serrated cliffs towered above us, carving a circle of blue from the sky.

The dozens of bangkas lined up under the cliffs near Kayangan Lake

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made for a pretty photo, if you waited in line 20 minutes to take it. Each one of those boats carried upwards of a dozen tourists. As a result, the trail leading up over the ridge and down to the lake looked like the queue for Magic Mountain at Disneyland. Kayangan Lake itself was undeniably beautiful – pellucid water hemmed in by sheer limestone walls – but the short wooden pathway built along the lakeside was thronged with people desperate to get a sexy photo with no one else in the frame. Our boys inadvertently spoiled hundreds of photos. I purposely spoiled a few.

I worry that greed could ruin Coron Island, just as it did Boracay (which Philippine President Dutuerte closed for six months because its famous waters had become a “cesspool”) and Thailand’s Maya Beach near Koh Phi Phi (closed indefinitely due to ‘over tourism’.) Coron’s main attractions were already overcrowded, yet the Philippines is now a “hot” global destination and the tsunami of intra-Asian tourism is still swelling. Underwater, I had noted bleached coral, meagre fish numbers and diversity and clear evidence of dynamite fishing. The only long-term solution is to limit tourist numbers and raise prices, but local governments are terrible at enforcement and there are huge incentives for businessmen to keep adding flights, hotel rooms and boats.

Two things did give me hope.

First, we hardly ever saw trash (PET 54

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bottles, crips packages etc.) floating in the water (like in Komodo) or strewn across beaches (like in the Mergui Archipelago). The islanders, apparently, had embraced a clean-up campaign.

On both Banana and Pass Island, we’d watched in amazement as staff meticulously swept up fallen leaves and plucked tiny bits of trash from the beach in the morning. Second, Coron Island is owned and managed by the Tagbanwa people, one of the Philippines’ oldest ethnic groups. Ultimately, they have the ability (and responsibility) to control where, when and how many people visit the island. Hopefully, they learn to prioritise sustainability over revenue maximisation, so that their karst wonderland keeps captivating for generations.

About the author: Two Twins Twavel Scott & Nori are avid travellers and knowledge seekers who have travelled to 110 plus countries across all 7 continents. Now they’re sharing their wanderlust with their two sets of twinboys, Tai, Logan, Drake and Kiva. Follow their travels at: www.twotwinstwavel.com

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Education Matters What Makes a Good International School?

by Dr Andrew Davies, Head of School International School Bangkok (ISB)

P

arents face one of their most challenging lifetime decisions when selecting a school for their children and this decision is amplified when selecting an international school. Transient families face many hurdles related to things practical, culture shock, isolation from family and friends, lack of employment opportunities for an educated spouse – to name but a few. Selecting the right school, however, can bring enormous peace of mind, a greater sense of belonging to a community, and an important sense of stability. So what should parents look for in selecting the best international school for their children?

into a spiky ball. For a school, the hedgehog should always be student learning - both academic and personal. Certain aspects peripheral to learning are important (finance, facilities, etc), but the first, second, third and fourth priorities for schools (after student safety and wellbeing) are to focus on improving student learning. Q: What do you do to ensure the school is focused on student learning?

A Caring and Supportive Environment Students are significantly more likely to flourish as learners and as people if the school they attend provides a caring and supportive environment, invests in specialists such as counsellors and psychologists, and intentionally hires teachers who genuinely care for young people. The conscientious and well thought out commitment to the development of social emotional competencies and values is also vital. Q: How to you care for and provide support to students?

Teacher Quality First and foremost, a school must have highly effective teachers and this ingredient is far more important than any other factor. Researchers have slowly come to realise that a school’s effect on learning is nowhere near as significant as an individual teacher’s impact on learning, that an effective teacher brings value-added learning gains for years to come, and that an ineffective teacher will have the reverse effect.

Parent should ask the schools they are considering. Q: How do you make sure your teachers are of the highest quality?

A Focus on Learning

Clear and Valued Mission and Vision

In his book “Good to Great”, Jim Collins writes that the most successful organisations often have a fixation on being “great” at one particular thing that they are passionate about. This is referred to as the “hedgehog concept” as the hedgehog can protect itself incredibly well just by positioning itself

Vision and mission statements can sound wonderful and can beautifully decorate websites and schools brochures. They can also sound pretty hollow when parents dig below the surface.

Clear and valued missions and visions, however, ones that are adhered too and used, can serve as very valuable agents in the school improvement process. Almost all decisions made should filter through the mission and vision to ensure schools are working toward their aspirations. Q: What are some examples of how your mission and vision live in the classrooms?

Professional Development Research has recently suggested that many teachers learn most and improve the most in their first few years of teaching and after that their learning either plateaus or stops. This is why it’s important for schools to invest in the professional development of their teachers and staff. Q: How do you support professional learning for your teachers?

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A Listening School

Providing a Well Rounded Education

Schools should routinely offer several forums where the community can give valuable input. In international schools we have highly educated parents and teachers with considerable experience of what works elsewhere. Students are also very astute about what works and what doesn’t.

Q: How do you create opportunities for feedback to improve as a school?

Good schools also support student development through a vast range of extracurricular activities including the arts, athletics, community service, clubs, cultural exchanges, trips, outdoor education and much more. Students must not only reach their academic potential, but also develop as people, as artists, as athletes and as caring, contributing members of society. Q: How do you provide opportunities for my child to be involved in a variety of activities and opportunities?

Promoting International Mindedness It is easy to assume that because international schools often have students of many nationalities that the school promotes international mindedness. However, in the words of Professor George Walker, “more than the rubbing of shoulders is necessary” and schools need to be very intentional in ensuring that their students truly receive the benefits of this diversity and a true international education. Learning experiences that foster international mindedness and crosscultural competence should be built into course materials, into the learning outcomes, and should be supported through school events and activities. Q: How do you intentionally promote international mindedness?

College Support Schools often have students from many nationalities and it is incumbent on the school to provide specialist support for the college application process whatever the destination country.

This can be a confusing and stressful process for both students and parents and expert support is very much needed. Q: How do you engage parents and students in planning for life after high school?

A Choice To Make

Thinking Ahead Schools are incredibly busy places and when the daily needs of the students come first, one can be forgiven for focusing on the here and now and addressing the issues on our desks.

However, schools must also have one eye firmly on the future to be able to adapt as needed to the kind of school students will need. The world is changing incredibly fast and schools need to be able to challenge the status quo, adapt to changes, and prepare students for a world they can’t themselves fully envisage. Q: What are you doing as a school to plan for the future needs of students?

Parents of today are fortunate as there are so many excellent schools around the world, including Bangkok, and this range can often make the decision a more difficult one. Hopefully, this list of important qualities and key questions can assist with this important choice.

Dr Davies holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Philosophy, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Doctorate Degree in International Education. He also serves on the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) Heads Council as well as the EARCOS Board.

Being Inclusive Good schools embrace the challenges of meeting the learning needs of as many students as possible, including the highly able. Each child is unique and the role of the school is to meet the needs of the children in its community. Q: What is your inclusion policy? How will my child’s unique needs be met? facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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We are going to Anambas

by Scott and Nori Brixen

“

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e are going to Anambas, Anama-nama-nambas!” the boys sang in the backseat of the taxi. The melody was from Pitbull’s’ “I know you want me.”

The Anambas Islands. All those a’s. It sounded like a fictional destination. But it was real: an isolated chain of 230 Indonesian islands located 200km northeast of Singapore. The Anambas are still a travel secret. We had lived in the Lion City for more than a decade but had never even heard of them.

I found limited information about the archipelago online. Google Maps had island outlines only. We were winging it, and it was thrilling.

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adventures for hardy travellers. With a friendly demeanour, a bit of Bahasa and a lot of patience, it’s relatively easy to explore this ‘improbable nation’ – as Elizabeth Pisani dubbed Indonesia in her extraordinary travelogue, “Indonesia etc.”

I’d had a taste of unknown Indonesia a few years earlier, when I’d travelled to Belitung Island with my friend, Rob. Belitung sits halfway between Singapore and Java. The mining giant, BHP Billiton, got half its name from the tin rich island. Nobody I knew had ever been there. Rob and I spent two days swimming between dozens of islets off the northwest coast.

We saw no other foreign tourists.

We drank a lot of rum, slept in a barely habitable beach hut, got destroyed by sandflies and flayed our feet climbing up shell-covered rocks. It was awesome.

I hoped that the Anambas would

deliver similar discoveries, albeit with less physical damage. The last ten minutes of the flight, we descended over clusters of gorgeous, mostly green islands fringed with beaches. My adventurer’s heart was thumping.

The Anambas looked very promising indeed.

We landed at a tiny airport owned by Medco Energi, an Indonesian oil and gas company with exploration rights in the Natuna Sea. But where were our checked bags? Airport staff directed us outside, where our fellow passengers were already jumping into taxis. Everybody looked calm, but the thought of leaving the airport without even seeing our bags distressed me.

“It’s OK, this is normal,” said a friendly Indonesian. He worked for the state electricity

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company and came to the Anambas frequently. We shared a taxi for the 15 minute ride into the village, where Xpress Air’s office was located. We waited there for another 20 minutes before a van lurched to a stop outside. Thankfully, all of our bags were inside. But now how were we going to get to the Anambas Resort, which was located on another island?

We piled back into the same taxi and rode another 15 minutes down a twisting road through lush jungle. At the pier, we jammed into an itty-bitty fibreglass boat that roared south down the channel between Matak and Mubur Islands. Not since our journey up the Tonle Sap to Siem Reap 20 years ago had we been in such a dangerous craft and we didn’t have kids back then. I

made sure that everyone in my family had their life vests on, a precaution the Indonesians found either paranoid or hopeless as they giggled at our naïveté.

Soon excitement overwhelmed my fears. I poked my head out of the tiny roof hatch and watched the Anambas slip past. I smiled at Nori and she smiled back. We’re cruising in Anambas, Anama-nama-nambas!

Utter, overwhelming happiness.

My soul was beaming. Our little boat skimmed over a flat sea studded with verdant, uninhabited islands. As we moved forward, the islands slipped past one another, creating spectacular, shifting panoramas. The captain said that fishing boats rarely ventured this far out. It felt like we had the archipelago to ourselves. After an hour and a half, the boat slowed as we slipped into a narrow, coral-rich channel between two islands.

“Oh my,” Nori said, as the captain

killed the engine and the boat coasted into the shallows.

Penjalin Island is the icon of Anambas tourism. Its perfect white arc of sand, lush interior and turquoise waters were on every pamphlet, poster and map. So naturally, we expected to share it with other day trippers. But nobody else was there. Nobody else came, unless you count two feral dogs, who we named Friday and Saturday.

While the boys built sandcastles, chased “ghost” crabs and scrambled over the shapely, Seychelles like boulders, Nori and I snorkelled the reef.

We had planned to spend the day islandhopping, but Penjalin was so lovely that we island-flopped instead.

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Our first two nights we stayed at the Anambas Resort on Siantan Island. Our huge, overwater bungalow had three rooms, a large living/dining area and a covered balcony overlooking beautiful coral. The ethnic Chinese owner, Christine, loved to chat with us in an English dialect that was more Singlish than Singlish itself.

I delighted in hearing her speak, and she knew everything about the Anambas: Who owned what where? What was being planned when? She even made us a business proposal. After spending the day on Penjalin, Nori and I could see that the Anambas wouldn’t remain a secret for long.

The islands were just too beautiful.

While they were doubtless remote, they weren’t that far from Singapore.

The last three nights we shifted to the brand-new Anambas

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Dive Resort, an octagonal, overwater structure consisting of six small villas, a kitchen and an office – all connected to a central dining area. The Jakartabased owners, Heru and Lita, went all out to make us comfortable: adjusting the menu for the boys, restocking the keropok jar every few hours and taking us to see the seven-stepped Temburun Waterfall. Heru even joined the boys as they leapt off the pier that extended out from the resort!

One morning, we made the long voyage to Pulau Akar, one of the easternmost and most beautiful islands in the archipelago.

Akar’s most striking feature was its doubled-edged dagger of white sand slicing into the channel between it and gorgeous Boboh Island. From the air, Boboh’s tidal sand bars reminded me of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia – branching and rejoining rivulets of blue over the shallow white seafloor.

I was so absorbed by flying the drone that I didn’t notice that the boys had climbed a very dangerous rock face. Sometimes they are too confident for their own good.

The boys were pelting me with fish. One stuck to my forehead; there were several in my hair. Drake howled with laughter after hitting me in the mouth with one. He’s got an amazing arm, but yuck. Submerging to avoid the fishy fusillade, I was startled by a big guitar shark as it glided towards me like a brown star destroyer. There were fish everywhere – a real feeding frenzy! I held onto a rock to stay underwater and marvelled as the lightning-fast trevally arrowed to the surface to snatch the latest arrivals. The other fish had to settle for leftovers!

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Heru’s “pool” at the Anambas Dive Resort was an unexpected highlight of our Anambas visit. It didn’t look like much: a football field sized rectangle of shallow water enclosed by a six foot high rock-and-mortar seawall. But the pool was bursting with incredible sea life: rays, guitar sharks, lemon sharks, trevally, sergeant majors, boxfish, filefish, triggerfish and a few rescued green sea turtles. At first, I was skeptical when Heru told me that it was safe to swim there. That “mama” guitar shark was large! But after testing it out first (the joys of fatherhood!), I motioned for the boys to join me. Of course they loved it.

Several times a day, the boys leapt off the seawall into the pool and just snorkelled around.

They discovered new creatures each time. But the best time to be at (or in) the pool was morning feeding time, when Heru brought out two big trays full of bait fish for us to toss into the water. All of the larger fish, including the sharks, congregated near the seawall, creating a swirling mass of fins.

One morning, Heru made me an offer I’d never refuse.“You want to help me release the turtle?” Heru asked. “Absolutely! Yes!” I replied, my voice a few pitches higher.

His team had already netted one of the green turtles. Next, Heru scrubbed the algae and other gunk off its shell. The patterns on its glistening scutes were mesmerising. Gripping its carapace like a manhole cover, I deadlifted the turtle out of the chest. It wasn’t as heavy as I had expected, but I had to hold on tightly as the turtle began flapping its flippers. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Not wanting to traumatise the poor turtle further, I bent as low as I could go and released it.

The turtle’s plastron hit the water with a slap and then it swam away at an unbelievable speed.

The tourism potential of the Anambas hadn’t gone unnoticed. But development moves slowly and fitfully in Indonesia.

Locals with capital were quietly accumulating beachfront plots on the prettiest islands. A fish farm entrepreneur was constructing six villas above a tongue-like sandbar on Menyali Island. An ice factory owner had cleared land for hillside cabins overlooking the straits between Siantan and Matak Islands. We met a Jakarta based developer who was scouting for hotel locations.

A Malaysian company was breaking ground on a resort on Boboh Island. The luxurious Bawah Island Resort, accessible only by seaplane from Singapore, had already been declared “the most out-of-this-world private-island resort” in a breathless article by Conde Nast Traveler.

Unknown Indonesia had wowed us again: adventure, animals, virgin islands and empty beaches.

The Anambas Islands turned out to be one the highlights of our family’s six month “Big Twip.”

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When I recently replayed the videos from our visit, Tai said wistfully, “Gosh! That was really paradise.” Drake added, “I really miss the Anambas!”

The world is huge, and we have so much left to explore.

Yet I have this happy feeling that we’ll return to the Anama-nama-nambas.

About the author: Two Twins Twavel Scott & Nori are avid travellers and knowledge seekers who have travelled to 110 plus countries across all 7 continents. Now they’re sharing their wanderlust with their two sets of twinboys, Tai, Logan, Drake and Kiva.

Follow their travels at: www.twotwinstwavel.com

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Future Paths leads the way for international school students futures in US colleges

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uture Path Projects – Summer Pre-College Programmes designed specifically for international school students at real US universities.

When it comes to deciding where to enrol for higher education, the endless possibilities can seem overwhelming. As soon-to-be international high school graduates, one's main concerns are what paths to take and where to take them. These next steps are often life-defining, so when it comes to risking the unknown and adapting to a country across the globe, international school students can defer to – Future Path Projects. They help bring clarity to that decision.

Future Paths helps hundreds of international expat and local international students transition to college life in the United States with confidence and definition every year.

Through in-person introductions to some of America's best higher educational institutions, they help bridge the gap between the student and the unknown and lead them towards a bright educational future that best fits their needs. From enrolment to adapting to a new environment, dormitory life to cultural keystones, Future Paths lays the foundations and help students prepare for whichever path they find is best for them.

Each of Future Paths three US college-prep programmes provide invaluable, in-the-moment experiences

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of the realities of academic life in the US. These two week, on-campus educational programmes, designed for international school students in Asia, throw them straight into the world of American upper-academia, giving them a unique opportunity to experience their college career before it begins. Find a major to fit your dreams and learn to survive the university life as Future Paths provides the resources and the knowledge to make the right choice for our students academic future through real-life insights into some of the most prestigious universities in the US. American Heritage Path This two week programme takes students to two of the most iconic locations in America – Washington DC and New York City – where they will have the chance to experience your potential future at two key state universities.

The journey begins as they touch down in the capital, Washington DC. Here they spend time on campus at Georgetown University. With an acceptance rate of just 17%, this university is a competitive choice, however Future Paths knows just the

right techniques that will help our students make the cut. Sightseeing at the White House, Capitol Building, and the Washington and Lincoln Memorials are all on the itinerary, as are visits to a number of other colleges along the way.

Week two sends our students northbound to the broadway city of New York where they check into St John’s University - an international campus with students from over 120 different countries. Here, an alternative approach to academia provides a range of unique routes to choose from, such as enrolling at the Institute of Asian Studies. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without a trip to the Statue of Liberty and a chance to take in the views from the top of the famous Empire State Building.

Frontier Path This route sends students to the west coast to experience university life in the big, sunny state of California. Here, they spend time at two universities that are cultural melting pots of students, courses and cultures. The journey begins at Dominican University, located in the quiet, leafy, northern suburbs or San Francisco. Steps away from Silicon Valley, this small liberal-arts school is designed to foster creativity and imagination.

No doubt we’ll have time for a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and a boat ride to Alcatraz Island before the programme ventures south towards the City of Angels and pay a visit to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

The first thing our students notice are the vast differences between the two locales. At UCLA, a 45,000 strong student body is the number one attraction for anyone looking for a global perspective to education. This is America’s top-ranked public university, so we devote over 20 hours of distinctive higher education Path-Finding training to help our students find a programme and a campus environment that fits them best.

Into the heartland On this journey, students venture into the heartland of America where they can find cities built around universities,

rather than universities built inside cities. This programme offers a real “college town” experience – where life ebbs and flows through campus greens, down sweeping college hallways and across vast city halls. American football, homecoming festivities and graduation ceremonies take centre stage in both Dayton, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois.

The first week takes you to the all important University of Dayton, where one of every ten students comes from outside the US. With over 50 programmes offering international university credits, this is a great choice for students with international backgrounds. This liberal-arts school has a strong sports programme too, so expect to attend a Minor League baseball game during your visit and enjoy some of middle America’s finest cultures and cuisines.

The second leg of your journey will take students to Loyola University in Chicago, where they will bunk up at the Lakeside Campus of Loyola University of Chicago, home to their College of Arts and Sciences. With sweeping views of Lake Michigan, this is a highlight to students with diverse backgrounds, thanks to the university’s many overseas campuses in cities such as Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City. A tour of Chicago will certainly be in the cards, guaranteed to change your opinion of the mid-west forever.

Optional campus visit add ons Visiting schools outside of what is provided in the itineraries is also available during or after the programme. These visits are conducted with Future Paths professional programme staff for an additional fee, and offered upon availability of time and resources. These optional additional campus visits are limited and scheduled upon a first come, first served basis of our programme staff and availability.

To find out more about how you can kick-start your international college career, visit www.myfuturepaths.com or call one of our regional offices at (+66) 053 232 053.

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First ever visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

by Monica Nilsson

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e had visited Siem Reap like many other tourists, mainly to visit Angkor Wat and wanted to do that while we still were living in SE Asia but had not yet visited Phnom Penh. To be quite honest with you I had no wish to go there for reasons I no longer remember or understand. I had in mind that it should be a large city with no little charm or nothing really of interest except the “Killing Fields” that I did not intend to see anyway. My husband and I have both seen so many war memorials so we decided that it was more than enough

and besides we didn’t want to spend half a day outside of town to see sorrow and pain but rather focus this only time on the positive side of Cambodia of today.

The sites we have seen are Auschwitz and Birkenau in Poland (horrible), the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam (grotesque pictures) and also the Cu Chi tunnels. I have also seen all the white gravestones in France and also visited a very creepy church outside of Prague called “Bone Church”. I have seen how the Japanese treated the British soldiers (why were they in Singapore in the first place? Hmm, wars you never quite understand) during the occupation of Singapore in 1942 through pictures on Changi War Museum in Singapore (terrible pictures of starving men weighing 45kg) and to finish off the war museums we have also seen the Latvian War Museum in Riga. The Russians for sure have not been nice people either in the past, in war times. My goodness all these totally meaningless horrible wars!

So we decided that it should be enough of that kind of exploration or visit on this three day time trip only.

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I rather wanted to focus on the more positive side of Phnom Penh and for us it now for ever will remain as a quite cosy, pleasant and nice city.

We arrived to Phnom Penh the day after the yearly Water Festival that what we understood is a quite spectacular event with boats all covered with steel racks decorated with thousands of coloured light bulbs. It must have been a sight to see in darkness.

Additional they organise a rowing competition when over one hundred boats participate. This race is called “Bon Om Touk” and lasts for three days in November every year. The very first was 1914 so the tradition is now more than 100 years old. The Water Festival commemorates the end of the rainy season and changes the flow of the Tonle Sap River. The King and Queen attend as well as hundreds of thousands of people. https://www.tourismcambodia. com/tripplanner/ events-in-cambodia/water-andmoon-festival.htm We missed it and I still don’t know if that was a good or a bad thing. Crowds like that can be difficult to stand and the sight and

visibility may have been quite poor anyway, as I can imagine. Maybe it was a pity, I don’t know. I simply have to enjoy the pictures of it to be found on the internet and think that we at least were pretty close to have been there.

I found this nice classic colonial hotel on booking.com called Palace Gate Hotel and it was such a nice place. I can highly recommend this if you go to Phnom Penh. I liked everything about that hotel in fact. It is well located close to the river and opposite the Palace. It was walking distance to everything we had planned to visit, very convenient. The hotel reminds you of a small replica of Raffles Hotel in Singapore and even the welcoming

staff outside the hotel are dressed in colonial style like they still are at Raffles. The swimming pool area is a charming and green oasis that you need after a couple of hours of motorbike honking out on the streets.

You don’t hear a sound there funny enough even though the street life is right outside. We had a nice 45m2 suite facing the pool area and it may sounds expensive but in fact it is not.

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Comparing to what you get on a 4 star hotel for that kind of money (160€) in my home country in Sweden, maybe 18m2 in Stockholm without breakfast. If you are lucky and it is not high season!

You might as well enjoy this while you can.

We have a few tips from our good friends in Bangkok and we had to visit the FCC – Foreign Correspondence Club. It is a “not to miss” place indeed. http://fcccambodia.com/our-story/ You can sit there and look around you or you can even close your eyes and still imagine how things once were, in and around that building.

The second day we took a 2 hour tuk tuk ride with a very nice guy who spoke excellent English.

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and across the river to a few temples and we saw the fishing people who live and work on their boats.

Such a difference from the luxury hotel right opposite where they harboured.

You can also go to Silk Island or Koh Dach from a dock with a small ferry and see silk factories, etc. We chose not to but if I ever come back, I will for sure explore this as well. They have fantastic silk fabric and silk clothing to purchase in Cambodia. There is one very nice shop just across the beautiful yellow Cambodia Post building.

It reminds very much of another fantastic Postal Building, namely the one in Saigon which looks almost identical to me. The one in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is much nicer inside though and better restored and preserved.

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Not far from the hotel are two large areas where the first one is a huge public area and space where it is very nice to go and see all the young people and children play and kicking with a bamboo ball. At one side of the area loudspeakers were placed on the ground and a group of maybe thirty youngsters danced to the music.

It was so lovely to see the activity in this enormous square. For me places like this – the huge areas – symbolise very much communism since we have seen them both in Moscow and Beijing e.g. but no matter history – it is a gathering place where people meet and are active outdoors instead of sitting indoors with their cell phones or games.

I was amazed to find that even here in Phnom Penh the majority of the people we met spoke almost fluent English, which is quite the opposite of the people in Thailand. Still today I find even people working in the tourism industry have very poor knowledge of the English language. Maybe in the future they will have the pressure of trying to learn Mandarin instead of English, who knows. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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One thing we did while there was that my husband tried one of many hair saloons just a few minutes from the hotel. 3USD and 30 minutes later he had a great haircut, just as good as the ones in Bangkok for 10 times the money.

Amazing.

I got a tip from our Swedish friends to visit the restaurant MALIS, which was a 10 minutes stroll from our hotel. We went there but had to go back and book for the following evening instead. It was fully booked in the garden that we found very much nicer than the indoor air con area. It is a lovely restaurant with great food and good service. I can highly recommend it if you’re going.

By the way… I happen to have a 50USD voucher for this popular and nice restaurant that I gladly sell to anyone for 30USD (win-win) since I probably won’t have time to go back to Phnom Penh before I am moving back home to Sweden in early May. This is a great opportunity for Expat Life readers. The voucher covers both cities have a good selection of cafe’s and restaurants with good food both local but also international cuisine we found in both places.

We understood from our tuk tuk driver that they are not entirely pleased with their government and its PM has held this position since 1998, that’s 20 years. Of course people

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are still struggling and the minimum daily salary is not enough but luckily the history of its past is a memory long gone for the young people of today and that no one ever will see happen again. You can only hope future will be bright for the people of Cambodia so that the smile will remain and not fade away.

At least I will remember the spirit and joy of the dancing young people in the park that evening a few weeks back and keep my memory bright. Go there. You will not regret it.

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Beast Spartan Race in Hua Hin

by Jocelyn Pollak “

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H

ey, you know what would be fun? Let’s run 21 kilometres, midday in 40 degree heat at the noncommissioned officer base in Hua Hin. To make it more fun, how about we do that run through the mountains, rivers, sand and mud and throw 30 obstacles in too!”, said no person ever. Until now. I’m saying it!

It was actually a lot of fun, hear me out, I’m not (totally) crazy. In October, I registered for a 21 kilometre Beast Spartan Race. It was against my better judgement (as are many things I do) because I only gave myself about two and a half weeks to train. I have a good base level of fitness, but this race isn’t called the “Beast” for no reason.

For those unfamiliar with what a Spartan race is, it’s basically a trail run with various military bootcamp-style obstacles involved. There are three distances: 7, 13 and 21 kilometres. The 7K has just 20 obstacles while the 21K has 30.

The obstacles challenge your endurance, strength and sanity.

You have to climb a rope, throw a javelin and hit a target, carry a heavy iron ball, a bucket of rocks, a log and a sandbag, climb walls and nets, crawl under barbed wire, swing across monkey bars and rings and finish the race by jumping over a row of burning logs. If you can’t complete an obstacle, you are required to do a penalty of twenty burpees which are basically a punishing combination of a jumping jack and a push up.

Sounds like a nice little Saturday.

Despite living in Thailand for six years, I had never been to Hua Hin so at the urging of my Thai boyfriend, I finally signed up to do the race with him. We did a 7K Spartan race together last year on a team with three other Thai guys and it was a lot of fun, but I wasn’t exactly excited about doing that race 3 times in a row. I remembered the resulting pain from the 7K attempt and this time I made sure to splurge and get FEBRUARY / MARCH

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a good hotel to prepare for the race/recover from the race. At the recommendation of a good friend, I stayed at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. It was incredible, absolutely incredible. From the moment I arrived until the moment I hobbled out of there looking like I had been thrown off a mountain, which I basically had been, every moment at the hotel was perfection. More on this saving grace later.

I spent the two weeks leading up to the race pushing myself in the gym trying to get my running endurance up. I knew there wasn’t much I would be able to do for my strength in such a short window so I focused on running, running, running to get my endurance closer to where it needed to be.

I locked into the treadmill for several days for 90+ minutes which only ended up accounting for just over half of the total distance I would be required to run. Luckily, I’d have a partner to do it with me. Oh, never mind, a week before the race my boyfriend hurt his knee so change of plans, I’d be out there solo. Although, admittedly, I had an inkling that a mysterious “injury” might come into play so I trained as if I’d be alone…

That’s a whole different conversation though. At least I would have a cheerleader/post-race driver and masseuse.

On race day, I made sure to take full advantage of the awesome breakfast spread at the Centara Grand. While normal me would have eaten myself to the point of shallow breathing, race day me was sure to go for a balanced breakfast of eggs, bananas and oats plus lots of water. My cheerleader got his money’s worth though and ate enough for the both of us.

When you arrive at a race like this, there is always lots of loud music blaring and an intense feeling of anticipation in the air. Everyone is all geared up, taped up and fully caffeinated. Adrenaline is high and there’s somewhat of an animalistic survival mentality that overtakes people. Two of the guys from my team the year before were doing it again plus a young guy on my boyfriend’s staff. Upon my boyfriend’s

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urging, they all agreed to keep an eye on me. The peace of mind was nice but the independent “I am woman, hear me roar” side of me was annoyed that I would have three boys tagging along for presumably the next 5 hours.

Our motley team of four entered the starting gate around 9:30, hot but not sweltering yet, and off we went.

Within the first 10 minutes of what would prove to be a nearly six-hour death march, we had to cross through a muddy drainage ditch and wade through a swamp with water nearly to my armpits. Great, soaked and muddy from the outset…

Our next few obstacles were 4, 5 and 6 foot walls which I am not strong enough to pull myself over; this is where the boys really come in handy and I was thankful to have them in tow. I’m sure they also didn’t mind it because they got a full handful of my butt as they tried to push me over the top.

No one complained. After completing a few heavy carrying obstacles, we reached a split in the trail where the 21K racers had to go straight up a mountain while the 7K racers got to continue along the nice, flat paved road. I cursed my injured boyfriend.

The next three hours were spent hiking all the way

up and all the way down two mountains on a one lane dirt path. It was basically impossible to run. So much for all those hours spent killing myself on the treadmill. This was actually my favourite part of the race though because there are approximately three trees in Bangkok and I miss nature a lot.

Plus, I didn’t have to run. The canopy also protected us from the beating sun so it was a little cooler in the undergrowth.

There were a couple water stations along the way with young military kids rotating big (warm) jugs of water for all the racers. Around hour number 4, we finally emerged from the jungle to attempt probably the most difficult obstacle of the race. Imagine hanging upside down like a sloth but then pulling yourself horizontally along an inclined rope, for 15 metres. Yeah, skip. My teammates could all do this one but I managed to give myself a rope burn almost immediately and I knew there would be more pits of stagnant water coming so I didn’t want to slough off any more skin than was necessary.

At this point is also when one of my teammates got a wicked calf cramp and couldn’t move. I was completely useless other than to wait around as moral support. Su su na.

After about 40 minutes of stretching, water and rest, Honda and I decided to keep going while the other two waited either for the cramp to go away or for a medical pick up. Unlike the Thais, I wasn’t wearing head to toe spandex to protect my skin and I was starting to get sunburned so I needed to get through these last 5K of exposed running quickly. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Honda and I continued on our way, a fantastically unlikely duo. This part of the story gives me a little chuckle.

Honda speaks maybe 3 words of English and my Thai is an advanced beginner at best. He’s about 24 years old, I’m 33 so he’s just a kid in my mind. Plus, I’ve barely ever interacted with him. Despite all of this, we stuck together for the full 21 kilometres. We had some funny moments in the last part of the race where we just looked at some obstacles and then looked at each other and said “mai len” which translates to “no play” and continued on our way. At about the 19th kilometre, Honda started whining to me in Thai, I’m soooo hungry. Pretty fair considering A: He’s a boy which makes him hard wired to complain to a woman about this subject, B: We had been out there for 5 hours and C: 19 kilometres is a pretty calorically demanding distance. I gave him some gummy bears.

Coming into the finish, there were 4 obstacles basically laid out in a circle so that spectators could watch the battered racers attempt to finish. As we approached the barbed wire, which we had to roll under for 60 feet, I could hear my cheerleader yelling at us in support. I think Honda was also probably relieved because his boss saw that he was the guy who stuck with the boss’ girlfriend until the end. We got through the last few obstacles and leapt over the burning logs to finish the race. After crossing the finish line and collecting my medal, adrenaline was running high. High fives all around.

I couldn’t feel any pain just after finishing the race, but 30 minutes later when I was attempting to get out of the car was a different story. The light at the end of my tunnel was the luxurious bed and incredible buffet dinner awaiting me.

Thank God for the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. So, what was the final injury verdict? Two skinned knees and two skinned elbows, four purple toenails, four inch long rope burns on the inside of both calves, sunburn and too many bruises and blisters to count. Plus, my left knee was massively swollen from falling off the top of a six foot wall and landing squarely on a rock.

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On the plus side, my boyfriend didn’t dare complain to me about his injury for the rest of the weekend. Here I sit two months later writing about the whole experience and my scars and toes still remind me of that day.

Despite all of the pain and exhaustion, I would absolutely do it again. I’ve done 7 and 21 kilometres, I’ve got to complete the trifecta with the 13 kilometre race and get my missing medal puzzle piece.

Next event is this spring, have I convinced you yet?

Who’s in??

Thank you, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/chbr/

Birthday celebration for Ximena Quiros, wife of the Peruvian Ambassador, 23rd Nov

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Palermo, Sicily: A long walk in the clouds

by Arlene Rafiq

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have been to most parts of Italy but that was thirty years ago. I haven’t been to Sicily because when I hear the name, I only think of the Godfather stories of crime, hate and revenge and Don Vito Corleone’s famous quote “Revenge is a dish best served cold” so it wasn’t on my bucket list. However, thirty years ago was a long time, people change, circumstances differ and I have also grown mature and had travelled far and wide so now I knew better. My friend talked about Palermo, a city in the island of Sicily, I was intrigued. I have heard about it in passing, have not been there and have not heard of any friends or relatives who had been there so it was quite intriguing to find out about this place.

My initial plan was to be in Germany for the Christmas markets but I couldn’t possibly stay that long in a freezing temperature. I was waiting for any travel opportunities south so I could make the most of my vacation time.

After a few days in Bavaria and Munich, my friend suggested a week in Palermo. At that time I was going

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to say yes, no matter what, as my body couldn’t take the weather. There was of course a bit of apprehension because of the crime stories but I thought "I am a grown up woman, I can take the challenge". Off we flew to Palermo.

As soon as the plane touched down, my worries disappeared. I was telling myself seize the moment, appreciate the cool but sunny weather, have fun and not worry about anything.

We stayed in an apartment with enough

rooms for a family of six right in the heart of the Main Square or piazza overlooking the first opera house in Europe, the Teatro Massimo Vittorio di Emanuele. Looking from the outside the teatro is gigantic… I thought it would be awesome to watch an opera and of course the chance to enter and see for myself the interior of this magnificent teatro dressed to the nines. Bought tickets and made my

wish come true. That was my first activity.

Looking at the guidebook and map, everything in the historic area of Palermo is pretty much in walking distance. Besides most of the sites we want to visit are all here.

So the plan of renting a car was of no use as all the roads leading to most of the sites are barricaded in the early afternoon. Even if it was allowed the alleys are too narrow anyways to rent a car or you will end up parking it somewhere far away or hard to find.

Palermo is a site to behold, no matter where I turn, I find cobblestone alleys, chapels, fountains, incredibly beautiful churches and basilicas or building structures that fills anyone’s heart with awe and you are purely in a world of your own to waste any time dreaming of anything else but enjoying to the max. My first

impression was it felt like I was doing a pilgrimage as I plan to visit as many churches as possible during this visit. The most imposing architectural wonders in Palermo are the churches dating back the middle ages. As we were walking on the busy street, we passed about a hundred metres more on the crossroads four tall and impressive buildings called Quattro Canti. This is to me is like the centre of Palermo. It became our landmark because we came back to this crossroad so many times after going to places of interest.

After the tiring walk we sat in a coffee shop at the piazza to drink latte macchiato and a piece of Cannoli which is the most tempting of all the Sicilian pastries and also had freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juice watching people go by. Just relaxing and engrossed in looking at people, both locals and tourists, loving life without qualms was already an entertainment.

The day went by swiftly and the walking street suddenly turned congested with hundreds of people, shoulder to

shoulder walking or checking on the various vendor tables that were installed on both sides of the road. It also turned dark so quickly because at 5pm the sky was as dark as midnight.

The following morning was welcomed with enthusiasm as I received a message from an excited friend suggesting to include the Chiesa Della di Martorana knowing I am interested in art and culture. It was a fifteen minutes walk to reach the World Heritage church but it was all worth it because what I saw was spectacular art form from different artistic styles. We stayed inside the church for at least close to an hour to take photographs and to view the colourful mosaic posts, walls and ceiling which was breathtaking.

Just a few steps from the Cathedral is another World Heritage site, the church of St Cataldo, an example of Arab-Norman architecture.

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place. Nothing gives me more pleasure than being in a market and to me a Sicilian market like the ”Mercato della Vucirria” completed my day as a foodie.

We were forewarned though that this market is the watering hole of pickpockets and snatchers but when we got there we felt safe. It was lunchtime and the smell of grilled fish was enough to pull us to a table. We had steamed

The church obviously has Islamic and Byzantine features as is evident in the red domes on the roofs and the ornate decoration typical of Byzantine art. The church is very simple and despite the statue of Jesus on the cross at the altar, it felt like entering a mosque because of its simplicity.

Continuing my historic tour on foot, just around the city centre is the Piazza Pretoria or also known as the Square of Shame. I thought it was beautiful, quite imposing and didn’t see why it was called the Square of Shame.

The visitor’s guide said that in 1573 the government bought a fountain intended to be for the Palace of San Clemente in Florence. Obviously, it didn’t happen because homes were demolished to give way to this project and the fountain was installed on the square. The fountain was the central point surrounded by nude statues. Historical records say that the square since the 18th century became a representation of the corrupt government and nudities so they nicknamed it the Square of Shame.

Quite a distance from Piazza Pretoria, is the Palazzo Real of Palermo.

The main palace was not available for viewing when we came as it is now being used as a government office but we were lucky to see the Capella Palatina. It was used as the Royal Chapel of the Norman Kings of Sicily.

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elegant mosaic. It will take a historian to give an accurate description of the chapel which is of Byzantine architecture. But Islamic and Christian influences can be seen vividly in its art form. It was awe inspiring to say the least.

Two more days and we are out of this spectacular city. After a few days of strolling, sightseeing and being with locals, I could already tell that the people of Palermo are friendly and accommodating. They genuinely enjoy life and are not letting anything get in their way. I had that same feeling... it was contagious! That love for life is seen vividly in a market

sea bass with just olive oil and squeeze of lemon and pasta aglio Olio. After a hearty lunch, our opera singing waiter disclosed that the area used to be a notorious mafia den.

Wanting to sample more of the real Sicilian lifestyle, we decided to go on another market adventure... go where the locals go. On foot we went to Mercato Ballaro.

To our disappointment,

there were no activities so we sat in a family owned café and had cappuccino and a piece of pastry to share. It was almost ten in the morning so we reckoned that this was probably not a real marketplace. Before we even had our first sip of coffee, the place suddenly turned wild with throngs of people setting up their tables, singing or talking loudly.

There was excitement and in less than thirty minutes, the market was there. Table after table of fresh produce like vegetables, herbs, olives and many other items are on sale. Vendors taking turn screaming at the top of their lungs calling attention to their products, such as fish and seafood. It didn’t disappoint after all. This market is a cornucopia of

interesting activities and a happy place of exciting mix of people.

My eyes feasted on a lot of food. If you are adventurous and have a strong stomach there are a lot of dishes you can try and one of the most popular delicacy is Stigghiola. Just the look of it, it can be disturbing especially when I found out it is made from either veal or lamb intestines, grilled to perfection and eaten on a stick.

Another traditional Sicilian food is Frittola. If you are game enough to order this food, the vendor opens a basket covered with cloth and digs a mixture of greasy looking animal organs and then put in bread. Sicilians find this very delicious… hesitantly; I bought a sandwich upon prodding of the young vendor. I tried a bite. It wasn’t bad but knowing it’s pure cholesterol I decided to get rid of it in a subtle way.

We walked the huge market with lots of

excitement, then it started to rain. The bad weather didn’t hamper our spirits a bit... we continued strolling and went through the various eateries. We found all kinds of food, but we didn’t even know what to eat first. The rain had us seated in a corner street food area. We ordered marinated sardines in olive oil because it seems that this is their famous dish, sfincione a bread that looks like pizza but never make the mistake of calling it pizza... not to offend the Sicilians. It is bread that is spongy with olive oil on top and fresh tomato, a plate of pasta fruitta mare and fried calamari.

One thing I’ve noticed though... the Sicilians have a good sense of humour...

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They seem to be all happy campers but they can be hot tempered when it comes to their food. It’s a big deal to them to be appreciated and to see customers enjoy their food. Appreciating the chef came easy to me as the food that was served to us was delicious to the last bite.

We spent our days wandering long hours through the streets of Palermo, chatting and being entertained by locals in the markets, going to museums, entering and appreciating the architecture of churches and almost all the buildings.

Enjoying the food, the friendly locals and making new friends.

Being in awe at everything we see, touch and feel.

Despite the exhaustion, I went to sleep every night looking forward to get up and start all over again. That is how incredibly wonderful Palermo was to me. There is more to see in this beautiful city but in the mean time I just want to say Arrivederci Palermo until next time.

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Cocktails and dining at Vertigo Too new Moon Bar at Banyan Tree, 16th Nov

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Celebration of Thai Silk

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aturday 1st December at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central world saw the 8th Celebration of Thai Silk. It was a great success and all credit to Edward Kiti and his team at the Thai Tourists Association Foundation. They pulled off a wonderful event and promoted Thailand to the world.

The first celebration was way back in 2009 and each year in collaboration with members of the foreign diplomatic corps TTAF has organised the project showcasing modern and traditional Thai silk and design.

This year they invited designers from all over the world to take part and to work with their own Embassy and their pwn Ambassador (or spouse) to design a unique, outfit made entirely from Thai silk.

Those that did not have a designer from their country could work with one of the 10 top Thai designers invited to partake this year for the first time.

Each designer showcased a collection up to 12 pieces of Thai Silk costumes and also their own latest creations.

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All of the Thai Silk fabrics used in this years project were entirely from The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.

All Thai Silk fabrics from the Foundation are handwoven with limited quantity for each pattern and texture.

This years project was by far the biggest ever organised with more than 3,500 metres of Thai Silk being delivered to designers in more than 40 countries around the world.

The highlight of the year’s event was special appearance by the world renowned designer Jimmy Choo, who made a pair of shoes using Thai Silk fabric. He presented them at the Grand Opening event on the 1st of December 2018.

More than 35 beauty queens from Miss Universe participated in this year’s fashion show wearing Thai Silk dresses designed by either a designer from their own country’s or from the guest Thai designers. This will help to promote the use of Thai Silk and Thai cultures through their fan clubs and social media followers around the world.

The winner of Miss Universe 2015 Miss Pia Alonzo Wutzback from The Philippines was also in Bangkok to model for the famous Filipino American designer Oliver Tolentino at the Grand Opening and Fashion Week.

The experience provides the designer the chance to represent their nation in very unique and special way. The experience also provided important commercial and media exposure for each designer.

Total number of participating countries: 48 Total number of participating Ambassadors: 21 Total number of participating Spouses of Heads of Missions: 23 Total number of participating Embassy representatives: 16 Total number of international designers: 43 Total number of Thai designers: 15 Total number of international beauty queens: 35

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An interview with Professor Jimmy Choo

To most, the name “Jimmy Choo” calls to mind the image of a ballgown clad celebrity standing on the red carpet as a camera pans down to their feet and an unmistakable pop of a pair of fabulous stilettos or ballet flats. You think “Jimmy Choo” and you think elegance, style, and delicate design.

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or me, I think of the writer Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City, and her undying devotion for Jimmy Choo shoes.

As an aspiring writer myself, I often look to Carrie as the epitome for

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“making it” as a writer. And part of making it? Wearing Jimmy Choo shoes.

When I received my first paycheque for writing back in 2011, I marched straight to the downtown shoe store and donned a pair of black and beige Jimmy Choo heels.

This past November I had the honour of meeting the man whose shoes are the gauge to which I base my writing career. Professor Jimmy Choo was in Bangkok to unveil a new shoe designed especially for the Thai Celebration of Silk The event showcased modern and traditional craftsmanship of Thai silk, and celebrated the projects of Queen Sirikit. Thousands of guests were in attendance, including diplomats from nearly fifty countries who took part alongside celebrities such as the 2015 Miss Universe, the current contestants from Miss Universe and, of course, Jimmy Choo.

Professor Jimmy Choo grew up in Penang, Malaysia, the son of a reputable shoe designer. He spent his early years apprenticing under his father’s tutelage before travelling to London in the 1980s to study footwear at Cordwainers College, now one of five colleges that makes up London’s University of the Arts. Professor Choo established his own couture label in 1986. His custom designs included extensive handbeading, hand-stitching, and other personalised options for every type of footwear. A testament to his drive and talent, nearly three decades later Professor Choo’s name is still associated with fine, intricate, and exclusive detail.

Professor Choo and I were introduced by H.E. Dato' Jojie Samuel the Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

We were both attending the Malaysian Food Festival, organised by the Embassy of Professor Choo’s homecountry: Malaysia. Professor Choo was in Bangkok to take part in the Fashion Week and unveil shoes he had designed specifically for presentation at the Thai Celebration of Silk Festival that evening.

We were thrilled that he agreed to an interview with us and that he managed to squeeze us into his busy schedule.

You come from a family of shoemakers. Did you get into shoe design because it’s in your lineage or is there something about shoes specifically that made you want to focus on them?

I went into shoes partly because it is my lineage, my father was a shoe designer and I come from a shoe family.

However, the main pull to shoes to me is my own passion for it. It is a spiritual calling for me.

You are from Penang, Malaysia.

Is there anything about the city that has influenced your designs?

Can those influences still be found in your designs today?

When most people think of fashion they think of Paris runaways and New York Fashion Week. In your opinion, what is the most exciting city for fashion, and why?

In your opinion, what’s the best destination for shoe shopping?

Yes, I incorporate a lot of ethnic Malaysian fabrics such as batik and songket as well as nyonya bead works into my designs.

To me, it has to be Shanghai. There is a big mix of designers, local and international. Household international labels too are focusing their business on Shanghai. (It is) the new mecca for fashion.

For men: what’s the one type of shoe they should never be without?

Was there a moment when you knew you had “made it” as a fashion designer?

When I was featured in Vogue UK in August 1988. Vogue gave me 8 pages for that particular issue.

Living in the UK, what do you miss most about Malaysia?

How have you enjoyed your time participating in Thailand’s International Silk Fashion Week?

I had a fabulous time. It was a great show with a plethora of future potential.

I salute Edward Kiti for the noble effort.

The food and the weather.

What did you enjoy most about visiting Thailand?

What’s your favourite place visit when you travel?

The food and the hospitality of the people.

I really enjoy visiting Heritage museums in the different countries as I find it very enlightening to relate to the culture of each of the countries.

Any exciting new projects on the horizon?

I am involved in some very interesting educational projects to inspire the new generation both in the Far East and in the UK.

Kuala Lumpur, a lot of variety with attractive prices.

It has to be Oxford shoes. It is adaptable and it reaffirms masculinity.

Same for women: what’s the one type of shoe they should never be without?

It has to be ballerina pumps as they are both practical and feminine at the same time.

We would like to thank Professor Jimmy Choo and his assistant Dodi for taking time out of their busy schedule whilst in Thailand to speak with Expat Life in Thailand.

Although I did not buy those fabulous heels way back in 2011, I still hold a high bar for myself that I will know that I have personally have “made it” when I can strut into a book signing wearing a pair of elegant Jimmy Choo shoes.

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Celebrations of Chinese New Year

by Kathleen Pokrud President of Hong Kong Ladies’ Group in Thailand

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here is a common Chinese saying, “The arrival of the Winter Festival is more important than the New Year.” Among Chinese families, the arrival of Winter is to be celebrated like Thanksgiving in the United States. Although not officially treated as a national holiday in many cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Taipei, Chinese families will have a hearty meal together. Companies allow staff to leave the office early to be home on time. Mothers prepare a wide spread of delicious dishes to show gratitude for the whole family gathering.

Chinese New Year preparation The date of the Chinese New Year changes every year to follow the Lunar calendar, and signify by the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs. There is no fixed date for the Chinese New Year. 2019 is the Year of The Pig and the New Year falls on February 5.

Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the holiday marks the end of the coldest days welcoming the arrival of spring with hope of new planting and harvest.

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It is celebrated in other Asian countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Laos, Singapore and Vietnam.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese communities all around the world. In China, the festive week is referred The Golden Week holidays where almost the entire country shuts down, with offices and factories countrywide closed for the spring break. Chinese citizens travel thousand miles back to their hometown’s to pay respect to their elderly relatives. Technically, the 15 days celebration period marks one of the largest human migrations in the world.

The celebrations of Chinese New Year officially ends on the first full moon of the lunar year, the 15th day and generally known as the Lantern Festival. It is a night of freedom and partying, and unofficially referred as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. Red is the favourite colour for Chinese and also the main colour representation of the Chinese New Year. The colours to be favoured in 2019 in order to balance the energy flows of a year of the Earth Pig are red and white, whether it is for fashion trends, weddings, gifts or home decoration.

Some fond childhood memories of Chinese New Year Growing up in a four generation household with the presence of my Great Grandmother, and Grandparents, I recall seeing my Great Grandmother supervising the maids to make all the homemade puddings and snacks for Chinese New Year. We never brought any readymade holiday goodies from the retail shops.

The happiest time for children is Chinese New Year.

Apart from the abundance of food offered during the period, as children we received lots of red packets or “lai-see” which is lucky money signifying the transfer of fortune from the elders

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Members of the Hong Kong Ladies’ Group at our 2018 AGM luncheon

to their offspring. The cash would always be new, fresh and crisp notes. Children were not allowed to use the lucky money for lavish spending but encouraged to save it in the bank. This may be one of the reasons why Chinese are frugal and have good habits in saving money, as we are all taught at a very young age.

Days before the Chinese New Year, the spring cleaning is due in every household. However, on the actual New Year Day, the sweeping of the floor or hanging laundry are forbidden.

New Year bazaars are common scene during this period. Shoppers walk along all the multiple vendors to stock up for fresh flowers and plants to be used in New Year displays. Candy bars and snacks to offer to families and friends who drop by for exchange visits.

Some of the previous beneficiaries from the Hong Kong Ladies’ Group’s charity funds: The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for earthquake and flood victims in China, Kwong Siew Hospital, The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia for victims from earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi Island through Indonesian Red Cross, Community Learning Center Wat Arun Rajawararam and Pink Park Village

HKLG Charity Gala Ball presided by from right to left: Noreerat Noparatanaraporn, President Winnie Lo, Madam Pan Peng, Madam Anita Rusdi, Ambassador Mary-Jo A Bernardo-Aragon, Suvimol Mahagritsiri, Usana Sukonthasup, Kathleen Pokrud

The Hong Kong Ladies’ Group The Hong Kong Ladies’ Group is a Bangkok based, non profit making social group founded in 1991. Our objective is to assist newly arriving lady expatriates from Hong Kong to adjust to their new environment and to meet new friends through the monthly luncheons and activities. Apart from promoting friendship, unity and mutual support amongst members during their residence in Thailand, HKLG has also established a charity trust, funds from which are used to help the needy throughout the country.

The patron of Hong Kong Ladies’ Group is the Spouse of the Ambassador of The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand. Madame Pan Peng is our current patron and she has graciously supported and sponsored us since her arrival to Thailand.

Front row from left to right: Celicia Chung, Pan Bencharit, Masey Chinsomboon, Winnie Lo Back row from left to right: Kathleen Pokrud, Grace Kwok, Betty Phanphensophon, Teresa Pang Biesty, Candy Tsang, Ellen Liu, Ruby Shum facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Past Presidents of Hong Kong Ladies’ Group Pan Bencharit (Past President 1991-1992 ) “I was the founding member of HKLG and also the first President. We had about 20 members. I was born in Bangkok and went to study at St Steven's College in Hong Kong as a boarder from 1953 to 1962. My stay in HK really changed my whole life. Not only because I learned English and Chinese but I also met my husband who turned out to be a very nice man. We were married for over 50 years, and he never lost his temper once in front of me.”

Rose Navapan (Past President 1994) “I am one of the founding members of HKLG. I joined because I missed my beloved Hong Kong and at that time, I met a few fellow Hong Kong ladies who married Thai husbands. We felt the need to set up a community group to keep our closeness to Hong Kong. I took my fellow friends’ children to make charity donation upcountry at the Thai border. This was one of the starting points of HKLG charity funds.”

Masey Chinsomboon (Past President 1995) “Being a member of HKLG has given me opportunity to meet ladies who have long established themselves in Thailand as well as those who are newcomers. There is a wealth of experience and expertise I can learn from and friendships that I cherish. From the beginning our founding president Khun Pan Bencharit reminded us that as privileged expatriates we have the duty to contribute back to the country which has welcomed us generously. We have adhered to this greater cause by helping those in need since then. This is what makes HKLG special to me.”

Celicia Chung (Past President 1996) “HKLG was formed for the purpose of introducing newcomers to Bangkok from Hong Kong. To meet each other and introducing them to life in a new country of residence.”

Betty Phanphensophon (Past President 1997) “Hong Kong Ladies’ Group is a non profitable social organisation. A fun, friendly, and supportive community where our new members get to experience Thailand together with us long term expats. Our members volunteer their time and energy to work for the club, they take pride in the charitable endeavours, supporting local charities mostly through fundraising. Through luncheon gatherings, we enjoy cultural, family activities, celebrate birthdays for our members, meet newcomers and catch up with returning members. All of this so that we can build lifelong friendships and to have a community where we feel most at home. I’m thankful for being a member and having the opportunity to be the President in 1997.”

Ruby Shum (Past President 1998-1999)“I have made friends with a lot of members of HKLG in the past. Some of them even became close friends too. Being a president in 90

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1998 and 1999 was a fun experience for me. I learned a lot from the work with the group and organisation skill.”

Ellen Liu (Past President 2001-2002)It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the Hong Kong Ladies' Group. I have been living in Thailand since I married my husband in 1979. I had a shop that sold Cantonese movie videos at the beginning then worked in a garment factory for five years, a luggage factory for two years for the same boss.

I joined HKLG in 1997 when Betty was President.

I worked as a volunteer in HKLG for 13 years and enjoyed my volunteer jobs. I loved to organise different events.

Hong Kong Ladies' Group is a non profit social group in Bangkok which started in 1991 with the aim of helping new expatriates from HK to get adjusted to the new environment and make friends through our social events and charity work in Thailand. I worked on the committee for many years and I knew the committee members tried their best to organise the monthly luncheon for members and Charity Gala Ball for the underprivileged in Thailand.

We have to support and encourage them every month and year. I hope our group will get more and more members every year.

Winnie Lo (Past President 2003, 2007, 2015-2018) “Hong Kong Ladies’ Group is very dear to my heart. I was fortunate to be elected as President for two years back in 2003 and 2007. I was more grateful to be re-elected again in 2015 and led HKLG for the past four consecutive years. During this past period of presidency, I hosted three gala balls within four years, and shared the joy with many HK friends on the marriage of both my daughter and son. I was thrilled to be a grandmother three times over these years. Our group has proven to be an anchor for the Hong Kong community in Thailand with an emotional connection to our motherland.”

Grace Kwok (Past President 20052006) “Masey brought me into the HKLG and then I made lot of friends here.

Unexpectedly I was elected President in 2005 and 2006. I gained experience for cooperating with the committees and running three Gala Ball’s with no difficulties! I am proud of them and now we are all close friends going for my.ch, dinner and trips! It is wonderful!”

Candy Tsang (Past President 2008) “My greatest joy of being the President of the Hong Kong Ladies’ Group is to be able to help the local community and the underprivileged people. Through our luncheons and annual charity balls, we learn together and make a lot of friends! I think to join HKLG is a good place to start the expatriates’ life in Bangkok.”

Teresa Pang Biesty (Past President 2011-2013) “Although I have made Thailand my home for almost 30 years, I still think lovingly about my home in Hong Kong.

The HKLG allows me to join in the company of Hong Kong Chinese people living in Thailand who share the same emotional connection to Hong Kong.”

Chinese Horoscope – The Year of the Pig 2019 Rat – born in 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 The 2019 Rat Horoscope is prosperity and happiness this year. To avoid influence of bad luck, avoid funerals and stay away from hospitals. Remain healthy and strong by watching your diet and exercise.

Ox – born in 1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 The oriental sign of Ox has a prime place in Chinese symbolism for its diligence, perseverance, tenacity and thoroughness. Your 2019 Ox Horoscope shows that you can expect a more auspicious year with some hurdles in between but overall stability is expected. Strengthen family bonds to prepare yourself for any unexpected storms in the coming months.

Tiger – born in 1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 For the Orientals, the Tiger symbolises power, strength, dynamism, intense activity, independence. Many Tigers are courageous, active and self-assured, and make popular leaders. 2019 is more productive, with helping hands to share support. Being relaxed and friendly is the right approach this year.

Rabbit – born in 1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 In 2019 the Rabbit needs to prepare to work hard and stay calm to adapt the changing times of your horoscope. You will be able to make progress of your dreams, and expect development in your career, finances, and relationships. Learn to control your words and behaviour to avoid disputes with friends. Remember to be extra careful when you travel on trips and excursions. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Dragon – born in 1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 The Dragon is a major Chinese sign for good fortune, power and luck. To the Orientals, the gifted Dragon possesses magical powers with a strangely lucky mystical side. In a confrontation, most Dragons have a tendency to misjudge the situation, and few are adept at extricating themselves from difficulties. One should note that most Dragons can be ferociously brutal when angered. In 2019, prepare to stay focused and maintain good deeds to ensure your luck lasts throughout the year. Be more compliant this year to build more affection.

Snake – born in 1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 The Snake 2019 Horoscope shows this year has its challenges.

Be active in presenting act of kindness to help balance out bad energy. Prepare to work harder this year to navigate any challenges. To boost more positive energy, attend more weddings and birthday celebrations, and minimise visits to funerals.

Horse – born in 1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 Horses are hardworking, aggressive, ambitious, and intelligent with boundless energy and ambition but despise being pressured. Freedom and independence are as essential to most Horses. The Horse Horoscope 2019 shows that you can expect an excellent year ahead. Monitor your stress levels by working on your healthy lifestyle with exercise and a well-balanced diet.

Sheep – born in 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 The Sheep Horoscope for 2019 proves to be a fantastic year ahead, as several of your lucky stars are on the horizon. Expect success in all areas of your pursuit. However, not to misspend your good fortune, do try to remain hardworking and reliable when dealing with important issues with significant values.

Monkey – born in 1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 Dear Monkey, in 2019 be prepared to take less risk which Monkeys are generally known for.

The Monkey Horoscope for 2019 shows you may

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expect better outcomes this year. Share your fun seeking vibe with the Pig, and forget the hardships endured in the past years.

Rooster – born in 1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 The Rooster Horoscope 2019 predicts a more comfortable year ahead. Roosters will be better off to relax more than looking for new challenges.

To ensure not fallen into bad fortune, it is best to avoid hospitals and funerals in order not to absorb negative energy around. Fill your days with leisure hours to attract positive energy.

Dog – born in 1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 The 2019 Dog Horoscope shows that Pig and Dog are very different, so difficulties and challenges could arise. Dogs’ cautious approach will need to be adapted to the Pigs’ easy manners to ensure success this year. Practice more simple charm to make the most of your fortune this year.

Pig – born in 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 The Pig 2019 Horoscope is the year of one’s zodiac sign. Traditionally not a lucky year so pigs will most likely experience emotional ups and downs. It is best to try and keep calm at any trying situations.

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Hong Kong Ladies’ Group and International Women’s Club of Thailand paid a courtesy New Year Visit to Madame Pan Peng, Spouse of HE Ambassador of The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China.

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ooking for the perfect Valentine's Day weekend, I decide on dog sledding, somewhere that would enable a long weekend trip out of London. I am looking for something to surprise my partner, which is a challenge, given that he is a seasoned traveller and hotelier. I'm buying the clothes, booking the flights and packing the bags. While it seems most options are in Scandinavia, I soon discover Bled, 35 kilometres North West of Ljubljana. Difficult to spell, impossible to pronounce and challenging to place on a map. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, once part of Yugoslavia, which gained independence in 1991 following a referendum the year prior, joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and the Euro in 2007.

Husky Adventures promises what I am looking for in the foothills of the Italian Alps, just over the border.

We arrive at Stansted, an efficient airport providing low cost alternatives to destinations not served by their so called ‘full service rivals’ and even though a return train trip from the airport to London may cost more than the bargain fare you snagged

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earlier, these shuttling pioneers are providing a better service to centrally located airports these days. It is however worth checking the airport code to be sure you are not fleeced with a $100 cab ride on your arrival and a border crossing to boot.

Ljubljana flashing up a gate number on the departures board doesn’t stir any recognition and we’re off.

After a ninety minute flight, shared with stags and hens throwing down Vodka and beer at six in the morning, we are greeted warmly by a young man who shows us to our car. His car. Exchanging nervous glances, we dismantle the child seat and toss it into the boot with our bags. It transpires that Damir is the meet and greet as well as the hotel sommelier.

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During the journey we discuss the joys of the local Slovenian wines and by the time we arrive, we are more knowledgeable and even more importantly, keen to partake in a private wine tasting during our stay.

Passing the sign to Ljubljana we head to Bled, leaving the buses behind.

Bled is a magical town nestled around the glacial Lake Bled, which in February still clings to the remnants of a freezing winter, sheet ice glimmering in the late winter sunlight. Summer brings the sleepy hollow to life having hosted the World Rowing Championships on more than one occasion, as well as numerous regattas, the first to pierce the waters over 100 years ago. Bled Castle surveys its kingdom below with majestic grandeur and poise. The first stones put in place in 1001, making it the older statesman of all of Slovenia's castles. The town nestled at the far end struggles to provide coffee and wine which will, as spring melts the snow that leads into summer, replenish to nurture visitors, who venture to enjoy the sun and sports provided by the mountains and the lake.

Hotel Triglav Bled, originally built in 1906, clings to the cliff allowing uninterrupted

views. Tastefully renovated, we are at once settled in and invited for dinner.

Restaurant 1906 both excites and surprises. Food worthy of Michelin star status and the view... The church on the lake floats on a glistening ice platform, gradually giving way to the icy blue water below, as spring gently nudges the countryside to life.

After breakfast we are met by our guide. Just the two of us today. Wearing snow gear, packing snow shoes and passport we hop into the van.

I’m still managing to keep this part a secret. We drive past the Julian Alps, soaring mountain ranges piercing clear blue sky.

Host to Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.

Rugged, imposing and awe inspiring. We cross the border into Italy.

Clipping on snow shoes we head out, immersed in Italy’s winter glory. They make crossing the fresh snow easy and enjoyable. Shortly, we hear them. Around the corner the huskies. Surprise! A quick safety talk and one at a time we lead our team around the track. Well I say lead, however the dogs rocket around the groomed and well worn path, chasing the rewards awaiting their return. A little commercial perhaps. Instinct advises to lean in instead of out, as you skim freshly revealed ponds, and after a few close calls I am back. Camera ready. I hear the dogs and see the sled. Shortly a snowmobile carrying a slightly muddied recruit roars into base. Missed the last turn. Cursing. Laughter.

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Bled Castle surveys its kingdom below with majestic grandeur and poise.

Would you like another go? It's wine o’clock! The return drive allows photo opportunities to marvel at manmade ski jumps and thermal pools.

Nestled in a cellar under the hotel, our wine tasting begins. Passionate and knowledgeable, Damir guides us through the history of Slovenian wines with maps, anecdotes and wine. We will be seeking out the Slovenian flag amongst the French, Australian, South African... grabbing pride and place at most wine shops, although, as the majority is consumed locally, this will prove a difficult task.

Further enlightened we choose a bottle of Slovenian Merlot to enjoy by the fire. Dinner overlooking the church on the lake, shrouded in mist. Spectacular.

Happy Valentine's Day.

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BWG 2018 Christmas Lunch at Chatrium Riverside

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Bangkok – a beacon for the creative

by Robin Westley Martin

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hen Bangkok springs to mind the immediate thought is not of arts or artists. But after the success of the Bangkok Art Biennale – that ran from October 19th 2018 to 3rd February 2019 – featuring the work of more than 75 artists from 33 countries, and shown in 20 locations around the city, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, things are looking up for art lovers in Thailand.

We were lucky to have visited most of these exhibitions, and during the course of this met and got to know several of the artists who live and work in the city, as well as the current Director of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), Pawit Mahasarinand. Their enthusiasm for their work is infectious, and was the inspiration for me to research this article.

The temples of Bangkok are a good place to start, as they have always been popular tourist destinations, and will probably be the first

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place where non-Thais get a taste of Thai art forms, whether it be through the buildings themselves, or the sculptures and murals found within them. So it was that a few well known temples around the city, such as Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) were chosen as exhibition sites for several of the contemporary shows presented during the Bangkok Art Biennale.

The BACC played a prominent role in Biennale too, and Khun Pawit told us that his purpose built centre for the arts is going from strength to strength, and that from its early days, when the building attracted a

mere 300,000 visitors per year, that the figure had risen to more than 1.7 million visitors in 2017. That year also saw the biggest attendance for a photo exhibition, referencing the life of the late King Rama IX, and attracted 158,000 visitors over four months. But the brightest news for Khun Pawit is that the Maria Abramovich exhibition ‘A Possible Island’ in October 2018, featuring performance artists from around the world, attracted 55,000 in only three weeks… which he said

Arts and Culture was unbelievable, and bodes well for the future. Apart from these larger places to display the work of the arts community, in Bangkok there are also many smaller galleries where art lovers can have a more intimate experience, and even meet and chat with the artists themselves. Alejandro (Sacha) Franco, born and raised in New York, is a fine case in point. Sacha is a selftaught artist who came to the fore in Bangkok in 2018. He has had over 55 shows in 38 years, including his own recent exhibitions here, and he also curates the exhibitions of other artists, or artist collectives. Sacha says his highlight of 2018 was gaining respect from some Thai and international artists in Bangkok. Sacha is proud of his participation in the Queen Sirikit Gallery exhibition and the show he curated for Kalwit Studio and Gallery, and also worked on a project with Fraser Suites and Residences with 25 originals of his ‘Circulism’ abstract art, that will be featured throughout their properties on over 500 canvas prints.

Sacha said, ‘The arts scene in Bangkok is growing quickly but does not yet really have an international feel to it.

Art is not just about Thai art or Thai artists… I feel there is not as much interest as there should be in international artists who live locally. Modern and contemporary art is driven by artists from the West so maybe Thailand should embrace and welcome the international artists that they have right here in Bangkok’.

In January Sacha will begin managing Silapix Art Space at WishBeer and he will participate in at least six shows, including two solo exhibitions. He will also be curating five shows at galleries around the city, bringing together local and international artists in group collaborations.

Arash Grovan is another interesting expat artist, hailing from Teheran, Iran. He styles himself as a Persian miniaturist, and his beautiful, precise, intricate works of art are painstakingly executed over many hours or weeks. Arash has been living in Thailand since 2009, and as an artist is always active. He participated in several exhibitions inside and outside Thailand during 2018, but the highlights for him were at The Louvre in October and the group exhibition at Queen Sirikit Gallery in Bangkok. Arash also conducts workshops with international school students in Thailand, such as that at the Art Talent show at River City.

Arash mentions, ‘Bangkok has an eclectic international society and many people from different countries are on the move here, and I can see the intercultural communication. There is a lot of art space and galleries in Bangkok but it still is not a big market in comparison with Singapore or Hong Kong, Bangkok is developing and I'm sure for the next few years the interest in international and Western art will grow. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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I can already see the progress’. For 2019 Arash is working in Bangkok on new pieces to exhibit and show in Thailand, Europe and Singapore, beginning in February and continuing throughout the year. www.arashgroyan.com It’s now time to focus on the ladies, and one of the most personable and interesting it has been my fortune to meet is Aarti Saikia, born in India, but well ensconced on the arts and social scene in Bangkok

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for several years now already. Aarti Saikia is a creative expressionist, a multifaceted professional – she is a poet, dancer, visual and performance artist. I have now been to several of her solo shows, and her passionate performances fill the room. She enters the performance area with a lithe and sensual grace, and all chatter in the room ceases. She commands attention with both her physical presence, and the beauty of her selfpenned poetry, orated in spellbinding dulcet tones, all combined with her dance. I am a fan as you might guess!

Aarti’s artistic journey spans over three decades. She has trained in several dance styles including classical Indian, ballet, Spanish flamenco, and contemporary choreography. She has embraced poetry as a stylised form of creative expression. She is also the creative director of an international theatre production, ‘SoulVilla’, that integrates original and improvised

spoken words, rhythm, music and dance. SoulVilla has staged two successful cultural shows at the Alliance Francaise in Bangkok.

Aarti has several shows planned for 2019, and you can find out when to go by checking out her Facebook page.

Let’s stick with the ladies, and take a look at Sylvia Ong, from Malaysia. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Sylvia Ong is a contemporary artist based in Bangkok for the last eight years. She was a producer and director before abstract art charmed her into creating loose and free visualisations that blend her innermost feelings with the things around her.

Experimenting with paint in layers, bold brush strokes, evocative lines and dripping on canvas, there is a sense of the intangible and the personal making its way onto the canvas, to be interpreted in its own way by the viewer’s eye. In her abrupt drawings of figures and expressive

Arts and Culture

strokes, one can discern the intensity of her feelings.

Largely influenced by her day-to-day experiences, Sylvia has learnt to appreciate the beauty of life’s surprises. It is this unexpectedness of life that projects itself into her work – some of her paintings might change forms or styles drastically in the middle of its creation, revealing a different story altogether. Casting away the rules has allowed her to create work that is beyond boundaries, capturing a raw fearlessness that is also delicate and feminine.

Sylvia’s journey as an artist is only beginning, and every piece of her work is part of her process of growing up as a professional and as a woman. She keeps herself ready for more discoveries, successes and even failures in her desire to express herself through art and make connections with the people around her.

‘The Bangkok arts scene is totally inspiring, and 2018 has developed a wider love for art and performances – like the hotels art fairs. As a part of the audience, I would like to understand more the motivations, desires and goals of the artists or exhibitions – especially in the English language. Art is for everyone, and is a way for us all to try to understand each other just that little bit better,’ said Sylvia.

We will wind up this mini-exploration of the arts

scene in Bangkok with another guy, Marcelo von Schwartz. Marcelo is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, who has now made Bangkok his home. He is a film director, architect, photographer, sound architect, and he also collaborates with Aarti Saikia in presenting innovative art events in Bangkok.

In 2018 Aarti and Marcelo curated the ‘Art Happening, New York 60’s style’ “Eat my Canvas” at The Continent Hotel: a very successful food-action-painting event that will come back in early 2019 with some exciting new upgrades.

We asked Marcelo to tell us about his life in Bangkok, and this is what he told us; ‘I came to Bangkok about 8 years ago to shoot my first feature film, Dark Bridge. It got good reviews and some film festival awards. Dark Bridge is being rereleased with a remastered ‘brainwaves’ soundtrack in 2019.

I like to live in Asia, especially in Bangkok because of its extremely powerful creative energy.

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In 2018 I founded SevenSenses Art Company, a space to explore new concepts and expressions about art and mixed media. A few years ago I became very interested in SynestHesia and with the collaboration of the very talented artist Aarti Saikia we are exploring and developing some new immersive art experiences to be released in 2019.

Regarding filmmaking, I just finished a pilot episode for an original TV series shot in Bangkok in the Thai language and I started rewriting a project for a 3D thriller I wrote 10 years ago; I believe VR technology nowadays has developed sufficiently to make my vision a ‘reality’.

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Regarding some of the art events I went to in 2018 I liked the most the photo exhibitions at House of Lucie, an amazing programme with many top-ranked world photographers. It was an amazing meeting place for photographers and art enthusiasts and I can’t wait to enjoy their next step in Bangkok.

BACC also hosted great exhibitions, Photo Bangkok, and the many exhibitions I saw at Kalwit Gallery, a mix of fresh and high quality artworks, where I had the chance to meet and swap ideas with the artists, too. Bangkok in 2019 is going to be

great for art lovers, I am sure.

So, there it is, I hope this short look into the Bangkok art scene has piqued your interest, and I hope to see you around at a few of the exhibitions in 2019. I would be more than happy to introduce you to some of the artists and performers. Enjoy your arty 2019!

About the author: Robin Westley Martin has been working as a journalist in Thailand and Southeast Asia for 30 years. He first worked as News Editor for Business in Thailand magazine, before moving on to edit and write for the Thai Airways domestic inflight magazine, and also Hotel & Travel. He continues to work in Thailand and Southeast Asia as a freelance writer or editor for several magazines, covering a wide range of genres.

Email: robinsiam@yahoo.com Facebook: Robin Westley Martin Line: robinsiam555

Celebration of Thai Silk, an event at CentralWorld, 1st Dec

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Sports Engineering And Recreation Asia (Seara)

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ports Engineering And Recreation Asia (Seara) has been playing an important support role to the hospitality and real estate sectors for two decades.

Seara specialises in the planning, supply, and installation of international standard sports, recreation, and fitness amenities to resorts, real estate projects, and home buyers.

Beginning in 1991 from its Bangkok base, Seara now has nine offices in seven countries in Indo-China and South Asia in order to be close to customers and provide unrivalled customer service. Technical support, design, repairs, and warranty service is also available for acrylic, grass and clay tennis, futsal, indoor and outdoor multi-purpose courts, putting greens, landscape grass, squash courts, playgrounds, jogging trails and home and commercial fitness and specialty surfacing.

In the hospitality business recreation and fitness amenities are important capital assets and are also must haves to create guest satisfaction. Branded properties especially require international standard indoor and outdoor products that meet specific athletic association certifications. Seara uses world class athletic surfacing brands such as Plexipave, ACTGlobal, Prestige, Rephouse, coupled with proven localised construction and installation techniques. Fitness in particular is now especially integrated into many concepts with near unlimited design possibilities.

One particular area in which the technology for hospitality installations has been changing rapidly is in synthetic rubber based fitness flooring. The utilisation of laminated manufacturing and computer aided design and cutting techniques from Rephouse coupled with a mix of new and used coloured EPDM rubber has proven to be a vastly superior looking and wearing solution over older, flammable, odour prone, SBR rubber floor tiles. The new

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designs are near seamless, easy to install, allow for endless design possibilities and clean easily.

Seara is the authorised distributor of Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Escape, Octane, Balanced Body, Power Plate, Sci Fit, Torque, Impulse, Stex, and other leading brands of fitness equipment. Seara stocks spare parts for everything it sells. Its technicians are fully trained to repair and maintain the brands it sells.

Life Fitness is the largest fitness brand in the world. The company is a division of Brunswick Corporation and includes brands like Hammer Strength, Sci Fit, and the Brunswick Active Recreation products of Brunswick Pool tables, shuffle board, Foosball, Ping Pong, golf putting greens and other premium products that make a family games room, man cave, high end lounge or restaurant truly unique. Brunswick tables are synonymous with the precision and craftsmanship a lifetime guaranteed piece of furniture requires.

Seara is a trusted amenity planner, supplier, and installer that stands by its work to provide the best in customer satisfaction.

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"Work hard, play hard, find your passion and have fun learning"

The Heinecke Foundation

by Jocelyn Pollak

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e all like to find ways to help others in our daily lives and Minor International and the Heinecke Foundation makes it easy for the people of Thailand to give back. Did you know that every time you stay at an Anantara hotel, or sip a coffee at Coffee Club or treat yourself to an ice cream at Dairy Queen you are helping Thai children get an education?

Minor International is one of

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the largest companies in Thailand and the parent company of many familiar restaurant and hospitality hot spots all around the country. Founded by Mr William Heinecke 50 years ago, Minor has grown into a huge multinational corporation and with it, the Heinecke Foundation.

The aim of the education arm of the Heinecke Foundation is to support underprivileged children with excellent academic performance. The scholarships are awarded from early education through university. On a grassroots level, different arms of Minor International’s businesses support their communities with more local efforts. For example, each Anantara Hotel supports individuals on a local

level by supplying books, pencils and other school equipment in addition to organising local events with the goal of bettering the community as a whole.

Since its inception 23 years ago, the Heinecke Foundation has given over 8,000 scholarships to children in need. The first scholarships were given to just 9 students while in 2018 a whopping 1,300 plus students made the cut. Clearly, the Heinecke Foundation is committed to the long term education and development of Thai citizens. On top of the scholarship programme, Minor supports work-skill development programmes in collaboration with vocational schools and gave students exposure to working in one of Minor’s businesses. Education is a great passion of the Heinecke family and their actions show and support it.

Students from approximately 646 schools and 86 universities were the recipients of the 2018 scholarships.

Many students have received them for several years in a row. If they maintain a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, they can continue to apply for and be awarded the scholarship. The foundation has no plans of slowing down either. They are hoping to support even more students in 2019.

Expat Life was invited to the 2018 ceremony where some 700 school children were personally awarded their scholarship by Mr and Mrs Heinecke and their son John. After watching a

video detailing the scholarship and history of the programme, Mr Heinecke approached the podium to give an inspirational speech. He wanted the children to understand the value of growth and progress and urged them to work hard. His key maxim was “Work hard, play hard, find your passion and have fun learning”.

Following Mr Heinecke’s speech, his son John spoke to the audience in perfect Thai to offer more inspiration and support to the youngsters. He said that they must learn from their mistakes and how that's impossible without taking risks and possibly failing from time to time, the children to “fail fast, fail forward and fail often” which is an almost unheard of concept in the Thai no-fail school system. After the speeches, the children in attendance awaited patiently for their names to be called to approach the family and receive their award for academic excellence. Scholarships are given in the amounts of 5,000-15,000B.

While the success stories number in the thousands, there are a couple that stand out.

First is Khun Vorramon Borisuth, a long time recipient of the Heinecke Foundation support. For 10 years Khun Vorramon kept good grades and personified the values of the foundation. Now, he currently works as a Product Coordinator at Bossini. Another success story sadly stems from great tragedy. Khun Palatip’s mother worked for Minor’s hotel in Khao Lak and was tragically lost in the tsunami.

The Heinecke foundation stepped in and has supported his education since then. Last year he graduated from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and currently he works with SC Assets.

So next time you’re thinking of where to grab a bite to eat, sit down for a coffee with friends or spend a few nights on vacation, know that Minor International and the Heinecke foundation have demonstrated a clear commitment to the wellbeing of Thailand and Thai people.

After 23 years of scholarships, there is no sign of stopping for the Heinecke Foundation.

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You're never too young to have a heart problem Timely treatment saves 36 year old businessman

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n this modern day and age, people are still living under the presumption that heart problems are confined to only old people.

This is definitely not the case, and especially so for most of us who are continually subjected to high levels of daily stress, combined with a lethargic lifestyle and poor eating habits.

Be warned that heart diseases can strike at any time, particularly when you least expect it. Such was the case with a young, robust businessman, Khun Theeravee Kruawan, who underwent an angioplasty with stents inserted to open up two arteries at the age of 36. This is his story.

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overseas business trip, Khun Theeravee experienced discomfort and chest pains.

This cameintermittently, and he initially mistook them for acid reflux, which would subside on its own. However, it never did, and the pain became more constant. As it continued to persist, Khun Theeravee decided that it would be best to seek professional medical assistance. Knowing that Sukumvit Hospital, which was near his Thonglor residence, had a well-equipped heart centre, he decided to go to their emergency section.

The doctor who completed his initial diagnosis was Dr Nivit Kalra, a cardiology specialist at Sukumvit Hospital’s Heart Centre. Based on his abnormal EKG graph reading, Dr Nivit diagnosed him with a condition that involved heart blockages. The patient was immediately put on special medication to reduce the size of blood clots in his arteries, as well as administered blood thinners to

Khun Theeravee Kruawan

improve blood circulation to the heart. The case of Khun Theeravee was then assigned to Dr Uthai Phanthitphong, a well-known and highly experiencedinterventionist cardiologist.

The treatment plan was to conduct an angiogram on the patient to determine the root of the problem. Khun Theeravee was prepped for the procedure and Dr Uthai proceeded with caution.

The angiogram revealed that one artery was completely blocked, while the other was blocked by 90%. After almost 90 minutes, the procedure was a complete success.

A cardiac stent was inserted into the artery thatwas fully blocked, which resulted in normal blood flow to the heart. Dr Uthai revealed

Dr. Nivit Kalra Cardiology Specialist

that such a case can be difficult and requires the combination of the right equipment with an experienced medical team.

As the completely blocked artery failed to show up on the Xray, it was therefore important to proceed with extreme caution, so that the catheter that was inserted into the artery did not puncture it, as this could lead to fatal consequences.

As Khun Theeravee is young, he recovered quickly and was discharged from the hospital after two days. When he asked his doctors as to why he had a heart disease at such a young age even though none of his family members had a history of heart problems, Dr. Uthai informedhim that apart from genetics, stress and lifestyle also play a major role. So for those who smoke, they should quit as soon as possible and take special care to reduce daily stress and the quality of

Dr. Uthai Phanthitphong Interventionist Cardiologist

diet. Exercise routines should also be incorporated into their daily lives.

Heart disease is an unwanted health hazard that can happen to us at any time without much warning. It is therefore most important to seek expert medical advice and treatment, especially from a reliable establishment with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Sukumvit Hospital, which began its operations in 1977, has just completed a major makeover.

Not only have they built a brand new building, but the entire team of doctors, specialists, nurses and assistants have all been trained with the singular aim of helping their patients maintain optimum health. Then there is the equipment, state-of-the-art MRIs, Cath labs and a myriad of others, so that their specialists have the best available tools for diagnosis and treatment. Conveniently located on Sukhumvit Road with English speaking staff, Sukumvit Hospital is now ready for any emergencies or treatments.

Sukumvit Hospital 1411 Sukhumvit Road, (Ekkamai BTS) Phrakanong Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 02 391 0011

www.sukumvithospital.com Facebook: @sukumvithospital

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From the small village of Nichada comes big charitable works

by Barbara Lewis

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nnually Nichada Thani has a bazaar organised and run by the volunteers of NNR (Nonthanburi Neighbourhood Reach). This group has been around for a few decades. One of its mandates is to raise money through a singular community event – the bazaar, and to distribute the raised money to needy charities in the surrounding community.

The bazaar is an annual event that the community looks forward to and gathers every year for. It has been held at several venues and this year it went back to a venue used in the past. The bazaar was held in the Nichada village plaza which is fondly referred to by the community as ‘the old villa’. I organised the bazaar for a couple of years when the venue was in the church and I must say, purely my opinion, but moving it to the plaza has given the bazaar a new exciting open market feel. There used to be a restaurant in part of the venue which lent itself nicely to a lovely café of coffee and tea and homemade baked goods on offer.

The bazaar occurs as a one day event in early November before most of the other holiday bazaars and shows. It starts at 9am and ends in the afternoon at 3pm. This year they had 54 different vendors who sell all manner of goods from

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foodstuffs, handicraft items, homemade quilts, personally fitted bras, handcrafted jewellery to ceramics, photographs and artwork. There is literally something for everyone. There is also a raffle of amazing prizes big and small that number in the hundreds so your chances of winning something are very high. The vendors are set up inside and outside and it is wonderful just to wander and look around however I have learned from past experience that if you find something that you like buy it because very likely when you pass by a second time you will not find it.

This bazaar is mostly for the community because Nichada is 30km from downtown but for those that make the trip they won’t be disappointed at a day of superbly fun shopping for holiday gifts and just those things you didn’t know you needed.

The money raised during the bazaar support the following charities: construction workers camp, Baan Kredtrakan Home for Girls, Baan Poomwaet Home for Boys, Bumble Free Library, Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities In Thailand, Home for the Destitute,

NGO

Home for Hope, 1Step2Step, Sallom Project and Thanksgiving House.

Each of these charities exists in the surrounding community of Nichada. They are usually supported by to a greater extent by the government but this can, for an expat especially, be a bit misleading in that government support really just means very basic infrastructure with definitely no extra frills. Thailand cares for their indigent and disabled but like many countries does not have a huge budget to do this with so most of the care facilities are in need of help from outside charities like money from NNR. However it is generally not the practice of the charity just to give money but rather to give items from a wish list.

This way all donations are accounted for in a professional and visible manner. Some of the items that have been given in the past were water filters for the girls and boys homes to filter the water. It was important that they home source and purchase the filters because in the past they had been given filters that had been well used; broken and needed replacement but the home did not purchase them from the local market and had no idea how to source the filters or service them, so they sat broken and unused.

NNR, on a lighter note, provided a fully funded Christmas party for the Construction Workers Camp with toys for the children and turkey meals for the whole family: these parties are a great success. Often this is the first time the child has had their very own, new toy.

What really makes the NNR bazaar zing from year to year and especially this year’s event was the wonderful community spirit it generated. The 61 vendors, now comfortable friends to most Nichada neighbours, helped us fill our closets with holiday gifts. The café gave people a chance to chat, have a coffee and sweet and maybe – if she wasn’t busy – catch a relaxing massage from Khun Nung.

Sally Elliott along with her many volunteer helpers, too many to name here, created an event that generated that spirit of togetherness and familiarity that we are often looking for so far from our original homes. This event truly felt like the warmth of the holiday season and neighbourhood congeniality and this is what Sally hopes the event always brings to the community and then by extension to the charities NNR supports – in a word ‘love’. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Finding my family in Thailand

by Jackie Jeanne

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remember when I was a 27 year old woman living in Canada, so unaware of what my future had in store for me. I had come to know a very inspiring group of ecowarriors in my nifty open minded community. They really opened my eyes to many different aspects of life from spiritual health and healing to gardening and natural medicine options as well as much more.

It was so easy to fall in love with their kind Canadian ways and their inherited strong wisdom. I valued my time with them and considered it like school, so I was very open minded to my “teachers”.

Until one day when everything changed… At a community meeting we were discussing sustainable communities and what that might look like. I remember my excitement until they mentioned things like sharing, communal living spaces and eating together to save resources. I honestly ran for the hills as quickly as possible.

I had grown very used to my private lifestyle on a few beautiful rolling acres in British Columbia Canada. The thought that I would have to give up all of that privacy and possession simply did not register well with me. I also saw nothing but problems when it came to sharing resources.

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What if someone breaks something? Who will pay to replace it?

Will it be equal in who brings what to contribute? What if someone makes a mess in the kitchen and is lazier then everyone else so others have to clean up after them? No, no and no. I just could not see it working for me. Especially with a new baby on the way I did not want to be in that kind of a situation at all. As they were slowly working with the city to start up their project I made my exit and looked for other options in the world.

Their lines of thinking did however leave an impression on me and made me consider how I could live a more simple and less harmful life without having to give up my treasured privacy and independence. Ultimately, that is a very big part of what led me to move to Thailand. I researched warmer climates with low costs of living, access to clean food and the possibility of medical assistance. Friends of mine from Canada had already suggested to me that I would love Thailand; it kept popping up as a possibility and eventually became a reality. In the beginning I thought I would just come for a year to be a stay at home mommy

to my new little girl and then move on or move back home. For sure I did not predict the massive impact my time in Thailand would have on me and the change of life course it would bring about.

Initially, Thailand was a mixture of shocking and difficult with spurts of excitement and wonder.

I finally settled into a beautiful little house on stilts in the garden of a very sweet Thai family. The story of finding this home was actually quite special in itself and maybe fate was taking me by the hand to teach me some very big lessons. My dear friends from Canada had allowed my daughter and I to be house guests with them until I found a place of my own. I was a bit scared to be out on my own but one morning, after over a month of living with my friends I woke up knowing that I really needed to find my own place. I went for a motorbike ride with my daughter to a new little breakfast restaurant in our town. On the way we took a little side road where I saw this house that hit me like a bolt of lightning. I pulled over, stared at the house and said to my daughter, “I don’t know how but we are going to rent that house”.

Expat life After a few dumbfounded minutes of staring we continued on our way to eat. In the restaurant I explained in my very broken Thai that I was looking for a home to rent for my daughter and me.

The sweet woman that worked there just looked at me and smiled but as I tried to explain what we would like she seemed to be genuinely interested and caring. As we parted ways she told me her name was Pi Newt and gave us one of those beautiful loving Thai smiles that left me feeling hopeful. I decided to drive past that house again on my way home to see if maybe there was someone there I could talk to.

When we pulled up I was shocked to see a man hanging a sign in English that said House for rent. Of course we went inside immediately and I did my best to talk with him. It was in fact the house that I loved so much for rent and shortly after we arrived Pi Newt pulled into the drive way behind us. It was hers and her husbands, Pi Prasit’s, home and they were happy to rent it to us. We moved in the very next day and that was the beginning of my first Thai family.

Our little house did not have a kitchen and although it was beautifully set in a lush garden it was actually very tiny. One room with a bathroom and that was it. We ate outside under the house and often ate together with our Thai family or our neighbours. They shared everything with me so very openly and easily. They allowed us to use their bikes to go to the market; they would even drive us to the main city if we wanted to go shopping.

Most days my daughter would wake up and wobble straight over to see Pi Newt because she grew to love her very much. Pi Newt would often make her a few eggs and some homemade kahnom and just enjoy her company.

I did not realise how much I needed that support. As a new mother she was a lifesaver for me. All of the sudden I had a support system and I started to thrive again. In Canada I had friends and support groups that I could go to for “socialisation”, as well as a friend or two who would pop by from time to time but daily life was essentially solitary. I thought I valued that and

even protected that but my experience in Thailand was starting to open me up to new possibilities.

Growing up in the United States was a very impactful experience for me. I was taught to work hard and always strive for more. Bigger, better, faster, stronger was deeply ingrained into me. Fortunately, I balanced out the need for more over my time in Canada and Thailand and have calmed down quite a bit.

Although I greatly appreciate my life lessons and the opportunities I had as a child in the USA I also feel a little bit sad for the people living there. I noticed there has been a large breakdown in the family unit.

Aside from getting together for holidays (if they are lucky) most people move out of home as early as 15 to 18 years old and find their own ways in life, often relocating to other parts of the country. The typical work structures do not condone a strong family unit and it is common not to keep a strong bond with parents.

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Of course there are always exceptions but I am speaking from what I observed. The USA offers retirement homes everywhere and many people opt for this simple solution for dealing with ageing parents. I see the impact that this has had on me and now wonder if, in Canada, I was not running from all of the problems of community living but rather running from having to be in relationship with others and deal with people in a more family like way? I was simply not brought up with the tools to navigate that world.

There in the south of Thailand, in our little garden, I was shown such a beautiful example of family living that it changed me. I accepted that a loss of privacy would be replaced by support from those around me. I loved that I wanted to support them back and that there was not a concern for who was giving or taking more but rather a natural rhythm of caring. This country has been greatly shaped based on a father figure loving them and seeing to all of their needs and that is a treasure in our world. My heart has been touched right down to the core and changed by this unwavering feeling of being cared for and working together.

I have also accepted that my possessions that I loved so much in Canada were of no value at all when compared to the advantages of family.

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never really looked back. I have spent the past 9 years living in simple rooms or houses where we cook with the family around us, eat together, take each other to doctor's appointments and just generally look out for each other.

They iron my daughter’s school uniform (I loathe ironing) and I sew up their clothes for them. We all do what we are good at.

I really love how the labels for family can be applied to many people here as well. For example, any woman around my mother’s age could be called mom or auntie. That goes for men as well and it really helps to make me feel like I have family everywhere I go in the country. I still get privacy from time to time but I do not find I miss it as much as I thought I would.

I wish for everyone this holiday season to look around them and notice the family in their community.

This might be the person who makes sure to smile to you each day on your way to work or the person who knows what coffee you want before you order.

I hope we can all build on that and expand our family units.

Embracing the Thai sense of family has been a blessing I would have never realised I needed so much if I had not come to live in Thailand. If you are lucky enough to have built a family community around you I wish you and yours a loving and supportive holiday season.

Cosmopolitian ladies in Bangkok lunch at "Mother May I", Sukhumvit Soi 59

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ECPAT Foundation: Ending the sexual exploitation of children in Thailand

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hen people think of Thailand, many things come to mind. Thailand is famous for its spectacular beaches, bustling night markets, scrumptious street food, vibrant holidays and festivals, and more.

From the elephants, to the hills, to the rivers, waterfalls, shrines and temples, Thailand is well-known for many things.

Unfortunately, it also has the well-deserved reputation as being rife with opportunities to pay for sex.

And often, this “sex industry” directly places children in harm’s way.

While exact figures are hard to come by, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of children in Thailand are sexually exploited through prostitution (by tourists, travellers, and local Thais alike), are sought after online for sexual purposes, are forced into early marriage, or are trafficked as a part of the sex trade. Thailand’s position

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as a hub in SE Asia exacerbates this problem. For example, in 2018, Thai police and armed soldiers raided the “Victoria Secret” massage parlour in the Rama IX area of Bangkok. Inside, they found 113 victims, many under the age of 18, being sexually exploited through

prostitution. Just four of the victims were Thai; the rest had been trafficked from China, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. All were frightened, alone, separated from their families and in desperate need of legal and emotional support.

For many children in Thailand, this situation is a frightening everyday reality.

ECPAT Foundation stands up to protect these children – to safeguard children from ever being exploited in such a way. Since our founding in 1998, we have worked tirelessly to eliminate all forms of child sexual exploitation. “If children have the right to live their lives free from sexual exploitation, then

NGO Trafficking in Persons Report, 2018) Other times, this requires that ECPAT Foundation battle myths and misconceptions.

For example, poorly trained police officers who don’t understand that children cannot legally consent to a sexual relationship with an adult, sometimes arrest child victims of sexual exploitation for “prostitution.” Not only does this further traumatise them, but it engenders a mistrust of the criminal justice system, says Chantrakul. “The work of child rights advocates and good

we have a responsibility to honour and protect that right,” says Ketsanee Chantrakul, the programme director of our Foundation. “We all share in this responsibility. Business leaders, tour operators, hotel staff, NGO staff, taxi drivers, policy makers, law makers, law enforcement officers, government officials, childcare providers, social workers, lawyers, educators, the clergy, religious leaders, community leaders, family members, and even children themselves have a role to play.”

Though children, unfortunately, are at risk the world over, Thailand has consistently been ranked between the Tier 2 Watch List and Tier 3, the lowest tier, on the US Trafficking in Persons Report published by the US State Department. According to the report, throughout the Kingdom, “Children from (within) Thailand, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia are victims of sex trafficking in brothels, massage parlours, bars, karaoke lounges, hotels and private residences.”

Nevertheless, Thailand has also made significant gains, particularly over this past year.

In 2018, Thailand was removed from the Report’s Watch List for the first time in over seven years.

Truth be told, sometimes this requires tackling corruption: “Corruption continues to undermine anti-trafficking

efforts. Some government officials are directly complicit in trafficking crimes, including through accepting bribes or loans from business owners or brothels where victims are exploited. Credible reports indicate some corrupt officials protect brothels and other commercial sex venues from raids and inspections and collude with traffickers.” (US

law enforcement officials is beginning to upend this myth, ultimately revolutionising how we approach child victims. Children cannot engage in sex ‘work’ because they cannot consent, so rescue efforts must always avoid revictimising the child.”

Ultimately, we are fine-tuning our programming to meet these needs.

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Training law enforcement personnel is just one facet of the work ECPAT Foundation does to prevent sexual exploitation and protect children in Thailand. The Foundation also works to: develop child protection policies that have been adopted by other NGOs across the country, including at shelters, schools and businesses; train and equip school teachers, community leaders, and community watchdog groups to identify high risk children (often these are stateless, or migrant children, or those from unstable backgrounds); and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams of social workers, police officers, childcare providers, and physicians to intervene when a child needs help.

Because of our trainings and reputation, just this past year we helped rescue a 16 year old girl when she was sexually exploited by a neighbouring relative. In another instance, our efforts at training community leaders in a Lahu ethnic minority village paid off when we were informed that a girl was being pressured by her parents to marry a man who was offering gifts and payments to the family. He was 45.

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She was 13. In another case, likewise, we initiated a police investigation into reports of a 15 year old girl who was filmed having sex with her 19 year old boyfriend.

Traditionally, because of its location, ECPAT Foundation has focused on the region of the North.

For years, we’ve implemented programming in partnership with Akha, Karen, and other ethnic minority

village communities in the northern regions of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Phayao.

We’ve also worked with migrants who come across the northern border from Laos and Myanmar. But our efforts to train children as advocates have recently taken off throughout other regions.

We pride ourselves are placing children in the driver’s seat as their own best advocates – and we’re proud to report this model has begun spreading across the country.

Chantrakul says it is the children that ECPAT Foundation has trained that she is most proud of. “The child leaders that we entrusted as peer supporters have made lasting impacts in their respective villages, communities,

and school districts,” she says. “They are youth who are adept at watching out for their peers, warning them that sending out particular photo messages might have unintended consequences; they press their rural communities

NGO to establish watchdog groups that explicitly look out for child safety; and they execute their own awareness raising campaigns in the form of radio programmes, video clubs, cultural presentations and dances, and street theatre performances.”

So now that our programming is spreading, in places like Phuket, the young people we have trained have started organising their own awareness campaigns, parades and public meetings at markets and other venues where locals and tourists go. In one event, they reached more than 3,000 people. And just last winter, our efforts culminated in the Child Forum of 2018. After convening together for a collaborative meeting, children from the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phuket, Nakhorn Ratchasima, and Bangkok provinces met with government officials at the Parliament Building in Bangkok to present their “Recommendations to Address Online Abuse and Exploitation” to the Director General of the Department of Child and Youth Affairs. They were lauded and honoured for their efforts to protect other kids.

Our new, national-level work isn’t just programme-based, it’s policy-based too. ECPAT Foundation is also working with the Thai national government to establish policies that will tackle the online sexual exploitation of children.

In 2018 it led a task force that has published a policy agenda calling on the authorities to take more steps in protecting children from offenders who use digital technology to harm children.

So this begs the question: what has Thailand done to improve the situation? To warrant being lifted into Tier 2 on the US Trafficking in Persons Report?

It has something to do with the combined efforts of all relevant stakeholders. Child rights advocates and NGOs like ours, government officials and government offices, leaders within each sector, and, of course, children themselves working in tandem have made impressive strides in combatting child sexual exploitation in Thailand.

We’ll continue to work diligently and strategically to ensure all child sexual exploitation is eliminated. So, we’re always asking the question: what can you do? Now, we'd like to ask you: What can you do?

If you would like to get into contact with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We are looking for funding partners, individual donors, and part-time volunteers who can commit to a year of service. We also accept financial donations.

To donate to ECPAT Foundation: Bank: Bangkokg Bank, PCL Name of Account: ECPAT Foundation in Thailand Account Number: 537-043299-8Swift Code: BKKBTHBKVAT Number: 0993000135644 To find out more about ECPAT Foundation: 426/21 Moobankokkalae, Rimkok, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100 Tel/Fax : (053)750167 Hotline: 062-2608485 Email: info@ecpatthailand.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ECPATThailand

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The winds of change

by Barbara Lewis

D

o you ever look around you and know that you are the ‘foreigner’ the different one in the room? Do you ever wake up and wonder where you are or it takes a few moments for you to orient yourself to where exactly you are in the world at that particular moment? Do you know more than one language and live in a country where English is spoken as a second language but is the common denominating language amongst so many?

Do you walk to your car to get in to drive and have to think which side the steering wheel is on? When you are driving, do you have to think hard or use other car traffic as a guide for which side of the street you should be driving on? Do you often look the wrong way when crossing the street? Or better yet are you completely shocked when pedestrians do have the right of way and cars stop to let you cross the street?

Do you wonder how it is possible to get so many things done in so little time: maintaining a household, shopping for food, cooking meals, cleaning, etc.

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without help?

Do you wonder if someone overheard you and members of your family talking about various vacations you have taken or will take, how pretentious you sound? Do you wonder if anyone has a complete medical history of you even yourself since you have been to so many doctors in so many different countries, as well as every other member of your family?

The answers to the questions above in the positive give rise to the characteristic expat. Recently one of the key psychological, sociological, political and neurological expletives that have become theoretical buzz is ontological security. Ontological security according to (Giddens 1991) Wikipedia is a stable mental state derived from a sense of continuity in regard to the events in one’s life. Giddens refers to a sense of order and continuity in regard to an individual’s experiences. He argues that this is reliant on people’s ability to give meaning to their lives. Meaning is found in experiencing positive and stable emotions and by avoiding chaos and anxiety (ibid; Elias, 1985).

All humans have the need for ontological security but it would seem just by the nature of how expats must construct their world and make sense of it their need for ontological security is much less.

A perfect example was a dinner

conversation between my husband and a friend; they were chatting about retirement, both in their late 50s, it is fast approaching. Our friend could look ahead and chose what year he wanted to retire and really from an employment perspective what that would look like, his payout and retirement package etc.

For my husband things are not that simple. We are Canadian so we are not residents of Canada for tax purposes. We do not know how much longer we will remain overseas that is in the hands of my husband’s employer.

We hope that we will stay overseas for a while longer. We do not have a residence in Canada, which is part of our non-resident status.

Expat life In fact, we do not have a residence that we own anywhere. USA citizens are taxed worldwide so for them it does not matter, they are taxed on citizenship but if you come from a country where you are taxed based on residency then of course you will chose more than likely to make sure you are meeting the requirement to remain tax free however in doing so one keeps their world in a constant state of a certain amount of instability emotionally and physically.

Our friend can plan how much money he will be getting and from where. Our sources are a little less certain as it is generally what we have saved and invested and a portion to come from company saving but essentially nothing from the government. Since we don’t own a residence we have to take that into account also in our retirement plans and we

from where to find the correct ingredients for a recipe for a dinner party that you made last month but now suddenly you cannot find what you need anywhere in the city to who you can take your disabled child to for help with his/her disability to buying a pure bred dog off the internet, etc. Our lives are a constant source or renegotiation: how and where will we spend the holidays, what are the weekend days, what traditions are we allowed to practice without breaking the law, etc. Expatriates live in a constant state of negotiation and learning to be flexible to change.

Expats, seem to have the unique characteristic of flexibility in the face of an ever changing environment. This flexibility seems to give them the skill to take what would be ontological insecurity and change it or modify/understand it in a way that allows for more ontological security, ease and comfort with surroundings that might not always be so easy to translate and understand. Expats have the ability to sit in the grey zone for a longer period than the average human because they understand that they will eventually find a way to figure their surroundings out comfortably.

Recently Oprah interviewed Daniel H. Pink the author of “A New Mind” in which he postulates that movers and shakers of the world will be right brain thinkers or the people who use their more creative minds rather than their logical minds. Maybe that is what expats as a group are, people who navigate their worlds with their more creative minds and make ontological sense of it through their willingness to be flexible to difference and change.

have to determine where based on whether we want to be taxed under Canadian law or not; there is a great deal of ontological insecurity in all of this.

This is just one aspect of our lives as expats that builds ontological insecurity. I think that most expats have a great deal of ontological insecurity of some kind or another in their lives. A friend of mine recently moved from Bangkok to Hua Hin. She owns a house in Hua Hin but it isn’t the home she wants to live in year round. This move was somewhat unexpected. She had lived in Bangkok for 14 years and Thailand is their country of residence but recently she had found that where she lived in Bangkok was not meeting her emotional needs so she actually moved to Hua Hin for a more stable, friendly community that she and her husband could grow with. She went looking for more ontological security.

Expats deal with ontological insecurity constantly facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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How it happens

by Jess Thakkar

L

iving as, and being an expat, has been on my mind of late.

How did we all get here. Was it planned? Or did it just happen? Usually it’s the male half of the couple that brings about the move, the female has to follow and adapt. It’s a challenge and we all want something exciting and new for our lives. And so it begins...

A series of events, decisions and even luck brings us to attain this status.

I don’t think anyone really sets out to be one. It’s not like saying to ones teachers at a school careers meeting or to your parents that, “when I grow up I want to be a doctor, oh an expat one!”We all set out along the usual route, higher education, that converted first job, perhaps a super second one with a pay increase then maybe you get headhunted, or meet a friend or ex colleague that has this fantastic job in say, Singapore! And that’s it!! Bang! You start to think, “Perhaps I could do that!

Why not, think of the money and oh the sunshine, the big bonus at the end of the year".

The thoughts begin to move into action, you instigate and contact a recruitment consultant that is a specialist in overseas positions, or a friend of a friend that knows of a vacancy overseas, that’s just right for you!

That’s how it may start and it ends with you and your partner upping sticks, with or without children in tow, going to work halfway around the world. Some people just fall into

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it... by mistake even. Transferred by their company to sort things out for them, only for six months, to set up the manufacturing arm or delivery point... that was two years ago and you have no idea when you will be going “home" because you have now made this new place your “home“.

This new life doesn’t come easy, you are expected to work, and work hard! Long days, hours spent in traffic, hot, sweaty and exhausted by the heat and that’s before 9am.There is the abysmal driving conditions, the potholes in the road and the motorbikes/bicycles or even cows depending on where you land this fantastic overseas job!

It’s not just you that have to change your life, your partner and your family, siblings, and children all have to. You are ok. You have your special job, with the bonus and the cachet of working overseas. Your partner had to leave their job, family and friends. They worked hard to get that job! They were happy and content and didn’t really mind the wind and rain, seasons are wonderful things. Family feel upset and even angry, why do you need to leave they say? That job was perfect for you, and it is so far away, but when will we ever see you? Children will have tantrums, once they realise what they are leaving, friends are so important and so is routine to a young person.

Babies and toddlers come with their own issues, food, clothes and sickness, how will they cope in a strange land.

It happens and the move takes place. The packers pack your life away on a container for a six week (if you are lucky) journey to the next stop.

The excitement of finding a beautiful house with a garden, a swimming pool, maid and gardener kicks in. You love it! It’s warm all the time and the food is exotic. It’s OK that you can’t speak the language. You get by with “Google Translate” and the promise to your self, that you will learn.

Until that moment when you are all alone, it’s 1pm, you are sad that you have no one to talk to and won’t have until 7pm. When they come home. The house is quiet. Loneliness kicks in. You cry and try to sleep. You miss the butter for your toast and the milk tastes yuck and you can’t find that sausage roll that you loved so much for lunch, whilst reading that glossy mag with your mates, giggling at the latest fashion faux par made by that actress.

You miss home and everything that goes with it. And your partner doesn’t understand, This house is fantastic, what more could one want?

This is supposed to be a dream come true, is it not?

Finally you make friends and join a club. You meet others that are in the same position as you. You start to feel normal for feeling as you do. You begin to fit in. You are OK. Things are looking up. You all go out in couples for weekends away and dinner at the newest restaurant in town.

Expat life

You actually start to enjoy your new life. Your family get used to you not being around and you make new friends. They are the same as you and you are happy in their company. In some ways they are better than the ones you left behind. They understand your new life. They are experiencing it at the same pace as you.

Things are good and then you change. You don’t want to go ”home” for winter... Oh God! It’s freezing! Oh how your feelings have changed. You really don’t want to go back. It’s cold and dull!

No one understands you any more.

You’ve changed. We adapt to the new and leave the old behind.

Humans are always evolving and moving and becoming apart of our new surroundings. We make it all work. We have to. An expat is a weird creature.

Not belonging here or there anymore but we survive and live and enjoy and just get on with it. We enjoy the fruits of our labour, we have a disposable income, we have home help and even a driver to take us where ever we need to go. Yet I can’t help but wonder, how does the uncertainty effect us all? One day it will all be over and you will have to start again.

By which time you have made this “new” place your home. You have roots now and people who care for you and

you them. You can’t imagine being without you new best friend. Uncertainty... an awful emotion. Not knowing when the plug will be pulled on your special life is tough. Maybe it won’t happen for a while yet but there is always an end date, you just don’t think about it.

You did once, in the lonely days, when you counted the days and months, when you were alone at home. But not anymore.

I have lost many friends, I say lost because I too looked for someone to fill the gap of who I left behind. I made friends who understood me and experienced all the same emotions.

They have left and I have found new friends. But it never gets easy. You have to expose your self time and time again and it can get quite hard to continue to do so. But continue we must. For being lonely isn’t a good place to be.

So my friends. Enjoy it. Embrace it and love it. Live the expat life you are lucky enough to find yourself in. It will eventually end. There is an alarm waiting to go off after so many years.

Then you go back to being someone you once were. Normal life resumes.

Expat life isn’t normal. It’s special.

Enjoy it!

Jess x

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The milk boy who became a soldier

by Daniel Sencier

W

hen they left school, everyone remembers their ‘first job.’ I bet you can? By the time I’d left in 1966, I’d done fruit picking, potato picking, shoplifting and had two paper rounds, though I didn’t get paid for all those!

My first real job was as a Co-op ‘milk boy.’ It was August 1966, and I'd left school in the July, aged fourteen and a half. England had just won the World Cup, and there was optimism around the country that I’ve hoped to, but never experienced since. I'd already applied to join the Army (see the world, learn a trade), and to the Australian Embassy to become a ‘£10 Pom’ but the real objective was to leave home as fast as possible. I'd have fled with a travelling circus, such was the desire!

So, as I went for the interview that morning at the Co-op milk depot in Colchester, I knew it was temporary, but I had to convince them that this was indeed a career choice!

I sailed through the 3 minute session, and the lady then gave me a math’s test paper. She went to get a pencil, but I spotted one on the windowsill, and when she returned I’d already completed all the questions. She was amazed, even more than my math’s teacher who'd always excluded me in mental arithmetic tests so as not to demoralise the rest.

Yes, I was in, but thanks to the math’s test, I got offered a far better job as an apprentice in the Co-op laboratories.

It was twice as much money, more paid holidays, I could work indoors, wear smart clothes and get free dinner in the canteen, BUT I didn’t want a job for life, just a job until I could escape from Essex! I didn’t know what claustrophobia was, but I’d heard of people who were scared to stay inside, and this was the card I played, the card that led me to my alarm clock ringing at 2.30am the next Monday morning.

I’d never seen the clock at that time before, and when

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I looked from my bedroom window, the streetlights were off, there was nobody to be seen! I dressed, threw cold water on my face, then crept from the house like a scared cat! My sister Jacqueline was only two, a ticking time bomb sleeping in my parent’s bedroom; if she woke, the whole house would!

A 3 mile run (I ran everywhere) landed me at the depot, half an hour early. Wow! I'd seen milk floats on our street, but never this many, there must have been over a hundred! I was spotted quickly, the obvious ‘what the hell happens now’ face betraying me, and was taken over and introduced to Len; a lovely guy as it turned out. First, we had to check the stock put on the float by the night workers, making sure it tallied with Len’s book, a record of what each customer wanted. There were no calculators then, but there was me, and Len soon realised that he could forget his pencil and notepad, as he shouted string after string of numbers, and I just shouted back the total; he loved me! Twelve pence to the shilling, twenty shillings, ten florins, eight half-crowns or two ten-bob notes to the pound, and a guinea, a nice round twenty-one shillings; nothing easy in those days!

There were only a few different things on the packed float, mainly pints, half pints and third pints of milk, small jars of cream and bottles of orange juice, all which came in glass. The milk float was a relatively new thing, batteries the

Expat life

size of suitcases but drove along almost silently. However, you couldn’t appreciate that silence because with all that glass in metal crates, rattling along the bumpy road, you could hear us coming from three streets way; it was deafening!

By 4am we were out on the delivery, and Len would make up the hand crates, about three houses at a time. He'd shout what to drop on each step, then off I'd go. Trouble was, everytime you got to a step there was a note, ‘one extra pint’ ‘no milk today’ ‘don’t walk on my grass,’ it was as if they were all compelled to say something! I first witnessed why Len was a lovely guy when one morning he said, “Stop! Stand very still and look away from the float, Mrs Jackson’s coming for her milk.” From the corner of my eye, I watched as this frail old lady sneaked from behind the hedge, tiptoed to our float in her slippers, and helped herself to half a pint. “But she’s nicked it,” I said. “It's OK,” Len said, “I put it down as a breakage, she lost her husband last year and went a bit batty. What should I do, call the police?” He laughed, and we moved on.

As we walked up East Hill, Len told me he’d seen almost everything imaginable in his thirty years with the dairy. He’d bagged burglars coming out of houses, helped put fires out, saved a guy who’d had a heart attack and delivered two babies!

“You wouldn’t see that much action if you joined the army,” he joked, as I blushed. At the end of the street, we looked back at the float, and Len seemed sad. “You know son, when I had Dobbin, I used to just whistle, and he’d trot along with

the milk cart, he saved me a lot of walking, but that said, I suppose I’m fitter now.” Of course, I’d seen the horses only a few years before and knew what he meant. The coal man, rag-and-bone man, undertakers, everybody who carried anything bigger than a letter seemed to have a horse. “What happened to them all Len?” I asked. “They all ended up at the glue factory son, every one of them, young and old.” I guess at the time I was trying to imagine how you turn a horse into glue, would they be sticky enough? Who could possibly need that much glue anyway, but Len said it was called ‘progress,’ and we left it at that.

As the days turned to weeks, I got into the routine, and Len especially liked me on Fridays, because that’s when he collected the money. He would get his scruffy old book out,” Two pints, one cream, one juice and sixpence owing from last week,” to which I’d shout out,“Two and tuppence Len.” He'd knock on the door, the lady would pay, then he’d often show me off by making me calculate any obscure thing he could think of in front of her; it was fun, and for the first time in my life, I felt rather important. Friday was also pay day, and that little brown packet with fifteen shillings and sixpence in was a bag of gold to me. Over six weeks pocket money in one go!

Looking back, I’ve never felt that wealthy since!

Very often, especially after 7am, housewives would have tea and even biscuits waiting for us. We’d sit around the kitchen table, the grown-ups all dragging the last sliver of goodness from their cigs as I put my sugar in. “Three sugars!” they'd often shout, “It’ll rot your teeth.” I'd never drunk as much tea and was always needing to sneak into bushes for a wee! One lady, Val used to insist that Len had his tea upstairs because she wanted him to help her “lift some heavy things” in the bedroom. I had to look after her cat, who she said ‘got scared’ if it was left alone. Looking back years later, I can laugh and still see how happy Len was after all that lifting.

Maybe it was a ‘perk of the job,’ everyone’s job had perks back then. The coal man got free coal, the dockers seemed to get free everything, the civilian workers at the Army stores dressed their entire family, rather conspicuously I thought! facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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So, on Fridays, Len and I helped ourselves to a few bottles each, which he recorded as ‘breakages,’ and everyone was happy.

Winter soon arrived and getting up at 3am with an inch of ice on the inside of the bedroom window and a foot of snow outside was a whole new game for the ‘milk boy.’ Our hands were so cold that we lost all feeling, and the chilblains were terrible, but still, we managed to have fun, though Len seemed to go through three times as many fags.

Customers were complaining that the birds had pecked through the foil caps and drank the cream from their milk, others moaning that the milk and cream were frozen. What could we do? I was delighted that the birds were so clever, and at the posh looking houses, I'd pop my frozen little finger through the foil to give them a head start!

A big day at the depot was the introduction of ‘yoghurt,’ and we were given a tasting sample because they were going to turn us into ‘salesmen.’

After one spoonful, Len and I looked at each other and grimaced; it was like sour milk, we knew it would never catch on! It came in four flavours and in ‘plastic tubs,’ they would never replace glass! On my very first yoghurt delivery, on the way across the slippery path I went flying, and out popped six plastic tubs like mini-missiles. I thought, ‘thank God they’re not glass,’ until they hit the ground, the lids popped off and I’d painted a ‘Jackson Pollock’ in the snow. I shouted to Len,“Have we anymore yoghurts?” to which he yelled back, “No son, why?”

I paused, “It’s OK!” I then had to make sure it really was OK. There was a rusty spoon by the frozen fish pond; I remember seeing the fish still alive and moving under the ice, how bizarre! I scooped a mixture of yoghurt, snow, and perhaps 128

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a little muck, equal amounts to each tub, then pressed the lids back. Then I broke the thin ice on the pond, washing each carton in turn, drying them on my shirt tail.

As I ran back to the float, Len said, “You were a long time?” “Needed a wee Len,” I said, more than relieved! That Friday, Len asked the lady at that house if she’d liked those new yoghurt things. I went red; it was a sure giveaway, I’m dead! “They were delicious, thank you,” she said, “Not sure about the flavours though. Did they have nuts in?”

Before I knew it my time with Len was nearing an end, and I never would see him again. The Army wanted to interview me, and the Australian Embassy had offered me a ‘£10 Pom’ position, but I’d have to wait a further six months to sail. So, the British Army it was! The milk boy became a soldier on 9th May 1967 and he still smiles when he sees yoghurt, and enjoys it occasionally!

St Andrews Ball at Amari Watergate, Nov 17th

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Festival du Féminin® A transformative journey not to be missed. Asia’s fourth year to host an exceptional, womenonly, event in Bangkok at Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada March 15-16, 2019.

T

he participants who joyfully experienced it the previous years can’t wait to come again. They are bringing their friends and shouting from the rooftops to spread the word. The ones who missed it, or were still wondering whether to attend, are now saving the dates and looking forward to joining this year.

An international vibe Starting in France and developing in Europe, this registered trademark festival has been rapidly expanding internationally in more than ten countries, from Canada and Mexico to Colombia, from India to Morocco. In SE Asia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore are welcoming their second edition, while new projects are initiated in Indonesia, Kenya and the Middle East.

The Festival du Féminin links women all over the world to gather and connect with each other. More than 24 nationalities were represented last year in Bangkok. ®

A wide variety of interactive websites During the two-day festival, we as women are invited to experience a beautiful inner self-journey to discover, feel, contact, and connect the multiple facets and spaces within ourselves, with our femininity.

Where am I as a woman? How do I live my femininity in my heart, in my body, in my belly? Am I wishing to be uplifted and nourished through a collective shift of awareness and consciousness?

The Festival du Féminin comprises 20 interactive creative workshops guided by an array of experienced and acclaimed local and international facilitators (from the US, Australia, Poland, France, Portugal). Included amongst them are skilful therapists, lecturers, writers, dancers, painters, singers, energetic healers, coaches, psychologists, gynaecologists, photographers, midwives and wise women. ®

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They all generously share and convey their deep experience to accompany and empower women to trust and follow their own path to reach their essence, their deepest and most vibrant inner world.

They will guide us safely to discover our strengths and vulnerability, our sensitivity and our power.

Body and mind experiences This festival is designed to be experienced fully, body and mind, with all senses awakened. The festival facilitates interactive and participatory workshops that bring women face to face with a wide variety of practices, healing modalities, dance, songs, visualisation, meditation, arts and initiation rituals. There is a wide choice to choose from: family constellation, gong bath, Tibetan singing bowls, Primitive Expression , laughter yoga, forgiveness circle, water ritual, reconnecting to inner child, a red tent, a survivor more intimate circle, Qiqong and introduction to jade egg to name a few. All workshops are detailed in the programme with the profile of each facilitator. When women support women… magic happens! ®

Expat life affiche_bangkok2019_v2:affiche_bangkok_A4_engl 06/11/2018 21:31 Page1

Interactive workshops . Red Tent . Celebration evening . Open space

www.festivaldufeminin.com/en/bangkok2019 4th edition

FESTIVAL du FÉMININ A transformative journey for women by women

BANGKOK

15-16 March 2019 « An essential experience to live and share ! »

2018 festival du feminin Bangkok 2019 fdfbangkok@gmail.com / tel : +66 (0)85 0204 777 / #fdfBKK2019

A panel discussion “This is my body: What is at stake?”

Five inspirational Thai panelists gather to share their insights, thoughts, and challenges on the relationships between women and their bodies. The social activist and former Miss Thailand, Sirinya (Cindy) Bishop, is one of them who will present her viral campaign #DontTellMeHowToDress, while raising awareness on contentment issues in Thailand.

Here is a testimony from Onyxe Antara, an American, who calls Bangkok her second home:

“I'm an introvert by nature, preferring a few close friendships rather than groups of friends. I also prefer small gatherings to large events. Festival du Feminin® is the exception for me. No matter how many women attend, it maintains a feeling of intimacy and closeness. Connecting with new friends seems effortless and absolutely joyful at Festival. The women I have had the pleasure to meet over two years have quickly become friends who I cherish to this day. We laugh, we cry, we hug, we tell stories, and we listen with our hearts. We celebrate what it means to be women and we celebrate each other. At Festival, I know that I am welcome exactly as I am and that my fellow sisters have my back. It is a place that feels like home and I am incredibly grateful.”

Workshops are conducted in English.

Registration & programme: www.festivaldufeminin.com/en/bangkok2019 Facebook : festival du feminin Bangkok 2019 Tel: 085 0204 777 Email: fdfbankok@gmail.com

In full swing!

To sum up in a few words, Festival du Féminin is joyful, it is liberating, it is welcoming, it is powerful, it is communicative, it is fulfilling, it is pleasurable! What more could there be?

Come and share these unique moments of deep connections and great encounters: opening up to oneself and to the other, becoming an agent of change for the world we wish to build. This is a sisterhood movement blossoming across the world. A longing for values and liberty, a longing for grounding and harmony to contribute to the re enchantment of the world.

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The Commander of the Anti Trafficking in Persons reports

by Jocelyn Pollak

Welcome to the Land of Smiles!… and human trafficking. That’s not exactly the tourism slogan that would fill the beaches, hotel rooms and jobs with tourists and expats eager to explore all the wonders that Thailand has to offer. But until recently, it may as well have been.

A

fter years of occupying a tier 2 watchlist spot on the annual US Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP), back in 2014, Thailand was stung by a downgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 3, Tier 3 being the lowest possible grade. Tier 3 is serious for all the human abuse reasons plus it can result in both trade and aid sanctions if the US president doesn’t sign a waiver allowing continued cooperation with the offending nation. In a country with relative political stability, peace and economic growth plus nearly 200,000 police officers spread across 1,400 stations, why did this issue get so out of control?

First, Thailand welcomed over 35 million international tourists in 2017.

That is a huge number considering the total population of the country is around 67 million. What’s even more shocking is that just 15 years ago, only around 10 million tourists came into the Kingdom each year. The massive

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movement of people throughout the country, especially with such exponential growth, has made it easier for traffickers to evade authorities.

Greater demand for prostitution and cheap labour makes traffickers eager to get their piece of the tourism pie.

Second, Thailand has experienced decent economic growth rates as of late and is much more developed than its SE Asian neighbours. While this is fantastic news for the region, it also creates a magnet for unskilled, uneducated labourers to seek better lives, often at the hands of modern-day slave drivers, particularly in the fishing industry.

Thailand is the number one exporter of seafood in the world which puts an increasing demand on boat captains to get cheap labour and cut costs in order to remain competitive. The typical image that one gets in their mind when thinking of human trafficking is of a woman or a child, in fact the largest offenders in Thailand are in the fishing industry and the victims are men.

Lastly, corruption and lack of proper laws/enforcement of laws made it easy for traffickers to grease the palms of desperate and unethical police officers and local mafia bosses.

Coupled with slap-on-the-wrist laws

Reports

that were not enforced, even by the majority of good officers, it was a recipe for disaster. Adding to the bureaucratic problem, human trafficking was not on the national agenda which means that each department basically went about handling it (or not handling it) on their own with essentially no cooperation or larger goal.

The boom of tourism, magnetism of better employment and scourge of corruption were a perfect storm resulting in the explosion of human trafficking

and the subsequent 2014 downgrade.

However, despite all of these hurdles, this isn’t a bad news story, there is a silver lining. The downgrade seems to have had the intended effect of spurring Thailand into action to fix this problem.

In 2018, Thailand was upgraded back to Tier 2. According to the US Department of State, this means that “Thailand does not fully meet the minimum standards for elimination of human trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so”.

Anecdotally, this article came to be because Police Major General Worawat Watnakornbancha

(Commander of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division) of Anti-Human Trafficking in Persons Division) and Police Colonel Athiwit Kamolrat (Deputy Commander) reached out to Expat Life, not the other way around, to sit down with us for well over an hour and explain what efforts they have been making and how the foreign community can help them with this problem.

For starters, after the downgrade, human trafficking was put onto the national agenda as opposed to in the past when it was only given fragmented attention. This was crucial move to simply raise awareness that trafficking had become a national problem. Many countries who drop to tier 3 don’t seem to care much or aren’t able to mobilise to improve. Thailand cares and is mobilising. While it’s still work in progress, putting it on the national agenda was a major step in the right direction. This change means that the national government now tracks and checks things in a centralised department. The US State Department reports, “(Thailand) established an anti-trafficking task force composed of law enforcement, social workers, and NGOs to increase coordination of law enforcement and victim protection efforts.”

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Authorities were also given a lot more power to convict and prosecute offenders. In addition, laws were introduced that punish law enforcement officers who are complicit in human trafficking at three times the rate of a civilian. Significantly more criminals were tried and convicted under the new laws. US Department of State, “The (Thai) government reported investigating 302 trafficking cases (333 in 2016), initiating prosecutions against 638 suspected traffickers (493 in 2016), and convicting 466 traffickers (366 in 2016) in 2017”.

Combined with new national awareness, the greater ability for the authorities to prosecute and convict traffickers is moving the country in the right direction.

Most importantly, the problem needs to be stopped before any at-risk individuals get into the hands of these predators. There has been a major step up in awareness and prevention programmes. The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the Thai police, now headed by Major General Worawat has instituted several programmes aimed at educating at risk youth. They have also worked together with the cyber-crime division (Major General Worawat’s previous department) to crack down on the growing issue of trafficking, particularly of young boys, on social media. According to the Commander and his team, because they have made their presence known at so many more physical locations, the problem is moving online. The specialised task force now works closely

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with NGOs to educate at risk groups and helps the victims. With the FBI, Interpol and other law enforcement agencies they have created initiatives to find the perpetrators before they can gain traction.

So, what do the Commander and his Deputy see as the future of human trafficking in Thailand? “We want to be tier one by 2019! But we understand it may take a little more time.”

They also want foreigners/expats to know that if we see something questionable, we can call their anti-trafficking hotline – 1191 - but for now, unless you speak Thai, ask a Thai friend for help as the call centre is new and not yet staffed with English speakers.

Now that you as a reader are aware of what’s being done at the government level, we invite you to join the momentum of this movement and learn more about what Thailand is doing to help stop human trafficking. Look into NGOs in your area that are helping the victims and see if you can provide assistance in some way.

Together as a community, we can put an end to this deplorable behaviour and make sure more of the victims of these heinous crimes can smile again.

Singha Complex Asok Montri official opening, 12th Dec

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My immigration story – we all have one!

by Chris Harrison

I

recently left my local Thai immigration office in tears, holding the hand of my 10 year old daughter who was ill with the chicken pox, walking with my equally frustrated husband because we had failed yet again to complete our annual visa applications correctly. I thought that surely this year I had completed everything the “right way”. In fact I was so proud of my beautiful stacks of (very not eco friendly) papers that I took photos to commemorate the moment of completion. I crossed every t, dotted every i and triple copied everything to be completely sure that I had what I needed but yet again, I failed.

My initial reaction was that I am tired of this and I am not sure if I still want to live in this country which I have called home for nearly all of my daughter’s life. I wondered what my options were and gave serious thought to moving on. Once I calmed down I did what I do every year and sat down to remake my applications. This is not an article meant to complain but rather to observe the issues at hand and consider the options for moving forward. To begin I would like to share with you my most recent story which many expats have their own similar version of.

It started with a three hour drive to my “local immigration office”.

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Thankfully we can check in by mail and do not have to drive there every 90 days anymore. I did this trip to change my address and check in as I was new to the area. I was met with super friendly Thai smiles and photos and all the rest.

I quickly and easily did my change of address and then 90 day check in. The service was superb and I thought I was super lucky to have move to an area with such friendly immigration officers.

I asked them about renewing my one year visa for myself and my daughter as it was coming up in the end of the year to which they smiled and said “super easy! Just go on the website and look at the list needed then bring us those documents and you will be done in a day”. WOW, so easy! They even had example copies hanging on the wall for us to look at. As a stay at home mom to my daughter with my hands full I was so relieved by this because I thought, “Finally, this year will be different.” I went on my three hour drive back home with a smile on my face and a new 90 day check in. Great!

Fast forward to about a month or so before visa renewal time. I started to do my search on the web for this list that I was told of. After finding many agencies that had lists, which all varied from each other and were written only in English, I finally decided to just make all of the documents on all of the lists.

"The bigger picture is that the world is becoming smaller and we are learning to live together but the truth is that we come from two different worlds and we are all in a state of transition."

I also found on the official Thai Immigration website a list in Thai which I printed up to bring with me to the officials which I would have to request the documents from. I was going to cover all of my bases and be sure to walk into immigration smiling with completed applications in hand and walk out happy for another year. I am married to a Thai man and am living a very simple life in rural Thailand. I am not a male running an illegal business in a sketchy area of the country and I have a daughter who I want to keep safe and healthy. I do not think I am someone that would ever make a problem for immigration or Thailand so I think this process should be very easy.

Off I went to compile all of my forms. I started with downloading and printing the Tm.7s that they asked for and got all of our photos completed, you know all the basics. Then I went to some of the government offices to get the required forms. I was met with confusion because they did not know what exactly I was asking for. I had given them the list in Thai from the Thai Immigration website but it was still unclear. I was told that the way things were written on the list was so confusing that the average

Expat life Thai person would not understand.

I thought, “no problem!” we can just call the immigration officers and ask them to explain what they need us to bring to the officials in the office.

Big mistake. I was basically told that the immigration officer could not explain what we needed because she was not sure and that she was too busy to talk with us. Then I was told that the best thing for me to do was to bring all the required documents to them to have them checked and if needed we could go back again on another day to complete the process.

Mind you, I live three hours each way from the office and we were still unsure of what documents were even needed. I remained calm and gave the phone to the Thai people who got the same answers and basically just told me that “this is normal in Thailand”.

Fortunately at the next government office the woman was very professional and helpful and had actually assisted with paperwork for a visa before so she just did the best she could to give us all the same documents and more.

She even made some multiple times with different wording because she too, was not sure what the correct way was. I then emailed photos of all of our documents to immigration

and told them we would be coming and if they required any other documents to please let us know. At that point we had all of our papers after many trips to other towns and different offices and to some multiple times but we were pretty sure that we had covered all of our bases and it was now time to go back to immigration.

I remember feeling calm and relieved on my three hour drive back to immigration because I would be finished for another year. Talk about counting the chickens before they hatched because we were greeted by the same friendly smiles and photos and wais then slammed down with rejection yet again. I honestly felt heartbroken because I had tried so hard and no one there was willing to help us on the phone or by email. Another thing to keep in mind is that my husband lost money every time we made that trip because he could not work, plus we had to pay for gas and the visa application itself. This is not a little bit of money when you live as simply as we do.

We were told that our Tm.7 was unacceptable because it was not printed on 2 sides of the same paper.

Presumably that is to save paper but they made me do it over and had us throw away the old paper which is not very earth friendly. They told me that I had come too early to renew the visa

because they looked only at the 90 day check in date initially however the visa was actually about to expire and had I listened to them and left and not gone back until the date they initially told me we would have overstayed by nearly 2 months which I am sure they would have gladly penalised us for.

I knew the rules however so I asked them to double check that which they did and then agreed that it was indeed time to renew.

I think by that point in time I had already lost all chances of getting my visa completed smoothly. The woman who I had spoken to on the phone already did not like me and now I had shown them that they were wrong about the renewal date.

I honestly did not mean to make a problem; I was trying to prevent the very problems we ended up having. I am not sure what else I was supposed to do. I never yelled at anyone, I kept my smile on my face and acted as humbly as possible but nothing worked. They continued to pick apart my applications piece by piece. They asked for one form that was not listed on any site that I found as well as two other documents, again not listed anywhere. They said that our map to our house had to be drawn in on their form and that our photos had to be in colour two photos to a page.

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My greyscale photos with one on each page were unacceptable.

They laughed at the wording on our documents that the kind lady at the government office had tried so hard to prepare for them and said that it was all wrong. Had I said to them that I had called but no one would help or that I was unable to find a proper list of what was needed they probably would have made even more problems for us. I simply smiled and took it all like a knife right through my heart tainting my love for the country I live in.

At this point my application is still not completed. I am awaiting the offices to reword the documents and I will drive back again for another attempt at this application. If all goes well I will pay them 4,000B (2,000B per person) and then return a month later to pick up my visa. In total we will have driven 24 hours, lost 4 days of work for my husband, paid over 3,000B in petrol and that’s not including all of the trips to government offices. Sadly I am not the only person that goes through this and I have known many good friends and qualified English teachers who have given up and left Thailand due to this problem happening year after year.

Let’s summarise the issues before we discuss the solutions. I promise I am not here to complain but rather to explain and bring things to light. Firstly, the visa requirements are inconsistent and not only do they change from year to year but from place to place and person to person. Secondly, the officers do not always know the answers to questions regarding the visas so you get different answers and occasionally wrong information. Although I have always found immigration officers friendly this year I was actually told that they were too busy to help me so I am not sure if they do not have time or resources to assist people but that leaves me confused as to why we pay to process our applications? Lastly, the websites are not in English. I found many regions that had home pages in English but once I clicked past the home page it was all in Thai which made finding anything impossible for me. My Thai husband did his best to help but even the Thai people do not understand what is written in Thai.

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These problems have led to some very serious and sad consequences for this country. As I previously stated many foreigners have simply decided to go elsewhere and along with that they take their education, influence and money. That has left Thailand with a shortage of qualified English teachers which has left some schools and agencies so desperate that they allow unqualified people to work with Thai children. This has also broken up families because the foreign spouse gets fed up and leaves the country. This can be a massive drain on the economy and the health of the society.

Now I would like to discuss the most important point I would like to make here. The Thais, the system, immigration, the farang etc., are not the problem! 99% of the officers I have met

here are kind, helpful and sometimes overly helpful. I have actually been driven around on motorbikes by more than one officer to try to track down some new document they need. That is above beyond their call of duty.

The bigger picture is that the world is becoming smaller and we are learning to live together but the truth is that we come from two different worlds and we are all in a state of transition.

Expat life What I hope to accomplish with this article is the creation of a bridge. A bridge that connects the two vastly different worlds and helps to create a future where we can all benefit from each other’s cultural backgrounds.

The foreigners who have decided to stay and who value this country can be utilised and can assist in this new world we are creating together.

I can see some very simple and small changes that could be made overnight that could have a dramatic effect on this countries interaction with its valued expats.

So how do we fix this? I see many solutions which start with first standardising the visa application process for the entire country.

I would like to see a simple list available on the official immigration website, in Thai and English, with the documents required, the options to print the forms needed and photos of examples. If this is the same for all offices in the country then there is no room for things to suddenly change from time to time. This would make life easier for the officers and applicants during the process.

The great thing about websites is that they can be easily and instantly

updated so as the country’s needs change the new requirements can go into effect and be communicated at the touch of a button. Expats mostly come from countries where they are used to applications and paperwork processes. They will happily comply with the rules of Immigration because at the end of the day the rules are not that complicated and they are not even “bad” or unfair they are simply not understood. I believe that any foreigner given the clear guidelines would be more than happy to comply in order to remain in this beautiful country.

Next, there must be accountability.

I know that many people have worked very hard to make great changes in this country. Thailand has come a very long way in a very short time and we must keep that in mind. As we transition out of some of the old ways of doing things there must be a way for people to contact people above the officers that they are working with in the case of incorrect procedures being followed. I assume that this is already in place but as a foreigner getting access to that is difficult.

As a foreigner I have often felt completely helpless and that my only option is to smile and do whatever I

am told because the person standing in front of me literally has my life in their hands. If I did not have family here and was, for example, a qualified single teacher in that situation I would simply not stay after being subjected to that.

If we were able to call for assistance in both English and Thai then we can have misunderstandings explained to government offices who do not know what all of the required documents are.

This would eliminate so much time and money spent on going back and forth.

Let’s work together. I propose that the government engages with its valued expats and employs them to assist in the process. For example, those of us who live hours from immigration may have simple questions and if there is an expat volunteer or employee in our area they can contact for assistance many problems can be sorted out before they become big frustrations. I believe that the majority of expats who really live here with families or businesses are more than willing to help out in some way. At the end of the day we are a part of your communities and want to be or believe me we would have left a long time ago. Please also remember that we are used to doing things differently and need your patience at times as well.

Allow us to work with you and to be utilised because we too want to contribute to our society’s growth and health.

Anyone who only wants to complain but offers no solution can keep right on going to Vietnam or whatever other country they believe is so much better but as for the rest of us let’s build this bridge together and continue developing Thailand into all it can be.

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E.Quality talks and ThaiConsent

W

hen you think of consent in Thailand, what comes to mind? If you’re anything like me, the answer is nothing.

Shockingly nothing. I say “shockingly” because in a world where rape culture is at the forefront of societies with things like India’s Daughter, the Women’s March, and “grab ‘em by the pussy,” the fact that after a year of living in Bangkok I knew nothing about sexual consent in Thailand floored me. For a country globally associated with sex tourism and the sex industry, very little of Thailand’s sexual consent is discussed in the expat community. Perhaps – that’s part of the problem.

ThaiConsent is a nonprofit organisation tackling this topic head-on. Founded in 2015 by a group of friends who had all experienced sexual abuse, ThaiConsent makes it its mission to educate Thai men and women about the myths versus realities of consent.

I first learned about ThaiConsent when I was invited to an exhibition opening at Alliance Française de Bangkok. The exhibit featured art by activists and survivors as well as printed

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displays of personal stories detailing good and bad encounters with sexual consent within the Thai community.

The Alliance Française de Bangkok, in collaboration with UN Women Asia-Pacific and the Embassies of Canada and the Netherlands, hosted an event to commemorate the opening of the exhibit: E.Quality Talks: My story of ending violence against women.

This public event featured activists and survivors of violence, who shared their experiences and their plans for ending violence against women. Speakers ranged from social media activists to lawyers, models, and social workers.

One of the first stories that stuck out to me was that of Sirinya (Cindy) Bishop, a model, social activist, founder of #DontTellMeHowToDress. Bishop started by speaking about Songkran, the popular water festival celebrated every April in Thailand. During one

of Bishop’s first Songkran’s, she went out into the streets of Bangkok to take part in the water fights with friends.

Throughout the celebration she was groped not once, not twice, but five separate times. “I never participated in another Songkran again,” she said. Years later, sitting at home, Bishop heard a news report, which advised women how to dress during Songkran so as to avoid assault.

Her story reminded me of my first Songkran in Bangkok. I was brand new to Thailand. Coworkers warn me about how to dress and that I may “get grabbed” during the water fights. “Don’t react how you normally would,” a coworker said to me.

“Punch them?” I said.

“Yeah,” he said. “Don’t do that. It’s Songkran. Things happen.”

His words infuriated me not because he said them, but because

I knew it was true. Guys probably would use the festivities to grab women and then deny any wrongdoing. Even worse: they would probably get away with it. Most of the world is full of countries where it’s the woman’s job to not be assaulted, rather than a man’s job not to assault. My own country, the US, has this problem. I don’t know if I had expected Thailand to be any different, but I had hoped it would.

Like me, Bishop’s hackles raised upon hearing the news advise women how to dissuade unruly hands rather than warning men to not be aggressive perverts. Thus her #DontTellMeHowToDress movement was born.

After Bishop came Busayapa Srisompong, a pro-bono lawyer for survivors and founder of Shero; Thararat "Nun" Panya, activist and law student from Thammasat University; and Watcharapon "Sia" Kukaewkasem, a social worker and migrant women’s rights advocate. All shared stories of abuse, survival, and how they are now using their energies to protect other women.

I sat glued to my seat as each woman shared her story.

I couldn’t believe how much their words shocked me. Had I been in the US listening to fellow Americans, I would have still been horrified, but I would have expected the stories.

Having grown up in the US it’s (unfortunately) easy for me to expect stories of abuse and assault from women.

Throw a stone at a bachelorette party and it’s unlikely you’ll hit a woman who hasn’t experienced some sort of harassment. Throw a stone into a room full of women and it’s impossible to find a single one who doesn’t at least know a woman who has been harassed and/or assaulted. Sound like a bold statement? I do not take it back: it is impossible.

One of the last E.Quality speakers was Nana Wipaphan Wongsawang, the originator of ThaiConsent. Wongsawang recounted a time when a male friend tried to assault her at a party. The next day Wongsawang and the friend chose to ignore the experience and pretend like it had never happened.

“I convinced myself to let it go,” Wongsawang said.

“He was a nice guy… despite the fact that he tried to rape me.” It took a year for her to realise the true nature of what had happened to her, and how her friend had not been “a nice guy.” As Wongsawang shared her story with friends, she found more and more had similar experiences.

Wongsawang highlighted Thai culture as the biggest culprit surrounding the misconceptions of consent.

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Like countless other countries, Thailand has laws to prosecute physical, violent assault, but acquaintance rape?

Spousal abuse? Those lines are blurred and less discussed. As stated earlier, Thailand may be known for sex tourism and the sex industry, but as a general topic sex is not openly discussed. School children receive minimal – if any – sex education and, like most patriarchal cultures, Thai society teaches women to feel bad for saying ‘no’ to anything, especially when saying ‘no’ to a romantic partner.

Further confounding the subject of consent is that many women do not realise they have legal rights to report these encounters to the police.

Wongsawang spoke to these problems, and more, as the obstacles ThaiConsent is trying to overcome.

What ThaiConsent and E.Quality Talks highlight is just how tragically universal violence against women is. No matter where you go, sexual consent is not often talked about, and when it is it is about how easily consent is misconstrued or ignored.

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like ThaiConsent and #DontTellMeHowToDress exist across the globe: uplifting because it illustrates people willing to help victims in need; disheartening because there are still so many victims in need.

I teach at an all boys Thai school. Monthly, I lecture my kids (ages 11-13) on the damaging connotations of using “like a girl” comparisons negatively (you throw like a girl). I tell them rape jokes aren’t funny and I make them write essays acknowledging that they show male teachers infinitely more respect than they do me or the only other female teacher in our department. As I sat through the two hours of E.Quality talks I wished my students had come to the event. What the activists and survivors spoke about was not only important for women to hear, but it is vital for men - young boys especially - to hear as well. Stopping violence against women does not start by telling women how to dress or where to walk

or how much they should/should not drink. It starts by telling men one simple thing: respect women.

Plain and simple.

Hopefully, through the efforts of people like the activists and survivors at E.Quality Talks and the work of organisations like ThaiConsent, Thailand will soon find itself on the other side of this struggle. With any luck, news reports for this year’s Songkran will steer away from telling women how to dress and instead they’ll tell men how to behave.

Fashion presentation, 21st Nov

THINK PINK: Charity event for Pink Park Project; a cancer rehabilitation and hospice under the Queen Sirikit Centre for BCF.

Fashion Show by H.E. Evren DaÄ&#x;delen at her residence by the Turkish haute couture fashion designer Ahmet Ozceyhan

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The token farang at a Thai wedding

by Jocelyn Pollak

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ne day, while scrolling through Facebook, you get an event invite for your Thai friend’s wedding. No save the date fridge magnet a year in advance. No beautifully calligraphed invitation in the mail with an RSVP required and a little mini card asking you to make the ubiquitous decision between beef, chicken or vegetarian. Just a simple Facebook invite for a wedding in perhaps three weeks, or maybe three months. So… what is going on here?

Are you actually invited for real, or is this like other invites you get and reply “going” with no intention of ever showing up? What should you expect?

Like weddings in any culture, they come in all shapes and sizes but as an early 30s woman living in Thailand for the last six years, I am at the ripe age to have attended lots of Thai weddings so I’m going to try to give you an idea of what to expect (and not expect) from before the nuptials right up until the last glass of Sangsom is chugged down by the after partiers. These are some general tips and things to be aware of but these are by no means what every

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Thai couple chooses to do.

After a couple decides to get married, there are many wheels set in motion. One of the first things the couple will traditionally do is negotiate a bride price known as a dowry – “sin sod”. In Thai culture, the man’s family is expected to offer a sum of money, gold or goods to compensate the woman’s family for taking her away from them. While largely a symbolic gesture nowadays, it’s still a very important part of the pre-wedding logistics. A prime aged, more accomplished, more beautiful bride from an upper class family typically commands a much higher price than one without any pedigree.

Different families will negotiate this to varying degrees of seriousness. I have Thai friends who literally can not marry their girlfriends because they can’t (or won’t, ouch) pay the "sin sod" of 500,000B so they just sit in limbo until one side or the other caves in. Other friends of mine have eliminated this practice, seeing it as archaic and demeaning to the

woman. But nine times out of ten, there will be some kind of financial negotiation. Pro tip: when a drunk Thai man proposes to me, I tell him my sin sod is one hundred buffalos and three white tigers. No takers yet!

The next step is to choose a venue and date. Usually they will go to a fortune teller or a monk to

choose an auspicious date based on their birthdays and a bunch of other variables that I’m not totally sure of. As for the venue, it’s very common for Thai people to do a standard hotel wedding as is common in many cultures now. If you’re lucky you may get invited back to your friend’s hometown where the wedding will be in their traditional stilted Thai house in the middle of a rice paddy, and they will offer you a plate of ground field rat as a welcome treat, that’s if you’re lucky. I am.

After a venue is selected, they will start to invite people and this is when you’ll likely get your mass invite via Facebook. Thai weddings are typically a community event unlike Western weddings where there is a strict headcount that must be adhered to. Somehow they know approximately how many people to expect whether it’s ten or a thousand and they prepare food and seating accordingly. I don’t know how they do this, but they do. Pay very close attention to this invite because it will usually tell you the theme of the wedding. Usually it’s a colour, but I attended a wedding for a trainer at my gym with a fun theme of pretty dresses and sneakers and I’ve attended others with no theme at all. Definitely don’t be ignorant of the theme and show up in a lime coloured cocktail dress in a sea of 500+ Thai people dressed in casual pink and tan who have had almost no sight of a real live foreigner. Yeah, don’t do that…

If you see photos on Facebook of your Thai friend in a full white wedding dress weeks before the wedding, don’t panic, you did not miss the wedding.

They rent several wedding dresses and take full wedding photos weeks or

months before the actual wedding. They are usually surprised when I tell them it is really bad luck in our culture to see the bride in her dress before the wedding but that I hope they will have a long, happy marriage.

I never said I was socially capable, just that I’ve been to a lot of weddings.

When the big day arrives, you can usually expect two events: a traditional Thai morning ceremony and a Western

style afternoon or evening party. The morning part is attended by all of the family and close friends while the afternoon/evening is the big party.

The bride and her girls wake up at 3am to start the preparations for her morning ceremony. Full costuming, hair and makeup in traditional Thai style is

the look. The bride usually waits for the groom in her house or in a special room at the hotel. Then the fun begins. All of the guests, besides her very closest family, join in a parade to introduce the arrival of the groom.

There is an old guy (think town crier) who announces the approaching fanfare by yelling oh-e-ohhhhh-eeohhhh, the closest thing I can equate it to is the sound Tarzan makes.

Friends of the groom carry banana tree leaves, plates of cookies, food, pig’s heads, flowers, gold and other trinkets to offer to the woman’s family as payment for allowing him to approach. When he arrives at the bride’s quarters, her best girls block his entry by holding a series of gold chains across his path. These lady guards will only let him pass if he pays them.

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After paying off all of her friends to show his worth, he may enter the wedding chamber where she and her family await.

The next step is the presentation of the "sin sod", which was negotiated back before all of this started. The groom’s family will lay out plates of food, money and gold to display that he can properly care for her. While largely symbolic now, this is an important part of the traditional ceremony. The parents of the bride will typically return a large portion of this, if not all, to the newlyweds so that they can start their lives together.

Some Scrooge McDuck families will keep all the of money, but it’s rare.

Monks then bless the union and the couple will sit at the feet of their parents and grandparents and exchange vows.

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The bride will bow down to the lap of the groom to show her submission to him. This part of the ceremony always seems to get a good laugh from the crowd as they know who the real boss is. They will then be bound together in linked flower head wreaths with a string connecting them to signify their union. Guests will then be invited to approach the couple to bless them by pouring holy water over their hands out of a shell.

After morning festivities are completed, it’s time for the reception and for you to get out your wallet.

Rather than giving wedding gifts, guests are supposed to give cash, which really makes a lot of sense, who needs four gravy boats and a one year subscription to the decorative pillow club? There is a box set up at the entrance to the reception where you can drop your money with a note. Your Thai friends can advise you on how much you should be offering based on your relationship to the couple, your financial standing, etc. But don’t fret,

Thai people get that foreigners don’t fully understand this process so if you give the wrong amount, they are forgiving.

The bride will do a costume change into a full white wedding dress for this part of the wedding. There is a receiving line where you can take photos with the couple before lunch/ dinner. Find a seat and feast! Don’t be totally surprised if you are in a threepiece suit or cocktail dress sitting next to a guy in an Angry Birds T-shirt, shorts and crocs; not everyone adheres to the theme, the locals are just there for some free food and booze. Sometimes there will be entertainment, but there is always food and lots of it. Not a fan of Thai or Chinese hotel cuisine, but you see the big 3-tiered wedding cake waiting to be cut? Now is the time to panic, that cake is fake. There is a small piece of real cake in the back for the bride and groom to cut and eat, but no cake for you. You may be eating Sangsom and rice for dinner if you don’t like what’s being served.

An emcee will present the couple up on a stage and they will cut the cake, pour Champagne down a tower of glasses and throw the bouquet all in one swoop. I have to admit, it’s kind of weird for an American to go to a Thai wedding and see all of our customs done so wrong, but everyone is having fun so whatever.

Don’t expect any kisses when you tap your spoon against a glass or for the groom to go hunting up the bride’s

Expat life It’s a Thai kiss. I was really confused the first time my Thai boyfriend did this to me. What the heck is going on here…?

If bottles of Thai whisky aren’t set up on every table for self-service, you can expect waiters to keep it flowing.

But just as you finish eating and the party gets started, it’s time to go home. There is no father daughter dance, no crying maid of honour, no best man telling stories of his buddy’s stupidest college moments, but don’t worry, there are usually at least a few crazy drunk uncles roaming around with bottle in hand. Find those guys if you want to make a night of it. Otherwise, that’s it. Game over, time to go home. Enjoy your first Thai wedding!

And always remember the theme…

wedding dress for her garter. Thai weddings are still fairly conservative and any public display of affection in front of granny, or anyone for that matter, is frowned upon. You’ll see the groom put his lips to the bride’s cheek and sniff.

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I

’m sure most of you have experienced a situation where you have found yourself either making cupcakes, costumes or small crafts like paper snowflakes for Christmas. This sudden urge to create is all part of parenthood, in which you subconsciously begin to develop skills such as cooking, sewing, crafts or organising parties and get togethers for the kids.

For those that do not have children it would seem strange to put in endless hours of effort in preparing events. However it is a way of treasuring memories and laughter in a more personal and rewarding way. To have prepared and organised a successful event as simple as a party for your daughter or son, a graduation party, work promotion, seasonal parties like Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hanukkah and Chinese New Year, Songkran... The list is endless.

Overall, one would not argue that the main goal of fashioning such celebrations is organising them with love, care and laughter. In order to form a positive and joyful atmosphere to all those lucky individuals who take part in the preparation and celebration of the said event. This is what we all hope for in a party, and before any of us party-

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How to create a successful party

by Lucrecia Rodriguez de Acuña planners can blink our eyes, we find ourselves making cupcakes, costumes, cakes, invitations and all sorts of other little details and final touches in order to make the atmosphere of each and every event as enjoyable and loving as we possibly can. Showering our guests with fountains of crafts and gorgeous ornaments that decorate the event.

We have all experienced this in one way or the other, and we can all choose what to do with our wonderful new talents. Be it teach them to our children, do it with them, or simply do it ourselves and give them a big surprise with a marvellous party. I decided to take it one step further and become a party designer. I am now proud to call myself an official family party organiser and I can now truly say that I have found my purpose in life.

The main reason that I decided to become a party designer is due to the fact that throughout my expat

experience, my life has seemed to fly by fast. I would definitely say that faster than a more settled life. Due to the many experiences, as well as the fact that expats learn to greet and say goodbye to each change so much, that it ends up becoming part of our way of being. But somehow, I have managed to slow down the “high speed train” designing parties and creating a visual impact with my new job. A wondrous form of entertainment for those around me.

I come from a large family – five siblings to be precise - in which every anniversary, any small and important event, ends up in a large celebration.

I believe that my natural urge to host and create (and celebrate!) comes from my roots, my pillars, my family.

Furthermore, having had the opportunity to experience luxurious hotels, with sumptuous buffets in opulent surroundings as well as

attending corporate events with incredible organisation and design.

My standards started to rise when it comes to parties, and I began to expect no less than near perfection in the events I put together.

I like to think I have some sort of sixth sense when it comes to detail.

I am especially acute in the preparation of any party or event that I myself have committed to complete. Taking in inspiration from every celebration that I attend is a large part of my road to success!

As a party designer, my aim is to help others organise their own parties. I hope to inspire my clients to enjoy not just the celebration but their preparation too. In my opinion, enjoying each step along the way will not only turn out in you being an incredible party host and planner.

It will also give you wonderful memories to cherish forever with friends or family!

The thought I try to convey to all of my followers, is that anyone can get involved in some stage of the organisation and planning. Crafting and DIY is a brilliant way to spend time with loved ones, believe me

when I say, your guests will feel the love and care that has been put in by all of the organisers.

Creativity is a key element in order to offer a unique experience in any event or celebration, I recommend getting inspiration from resources online such as Instagram, Pinterest, blogs and websites. On the other hand, I encourage you to explore your own boundaries and imagination with your children inventing all kinds of DIY party ideas.

Although it is one of the main elements of any event, creativity is not the only skill necessary in order to create the perfect party. You will also need to produce an attractive visual

experience, i.e. you need a proper party design to coordinate and harmonise your themed party with the space or venue you have chosen to hold it.

When planning the party, said design will make your party just perfect when choosing the final details and decorations. I always try to aim for the coordination between all the elements included in the event to make it look like a balanced symphony of: invitations, graphics, creativities, decorations, costumes, entertaining activities, party bags and food. This part is where many people struggle because you require, not only time, but also a certain taste and sense of the space to be able to prepare a party considering all the possible variables on the event to achieve the sensorial experience for the guests. Having said so, creativity and design are fundamental pillars to create a successful party. For the design, If you have time, good taste and the ability to explore decorative options to create a visual scenery for your party, go for it! if not there are many professionals that will give you a hand in obtaining the final effect you desire for your event.

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However, for the creativity part, I can lend you a hand! Even if you find it hard at first to organise your parties and find that it takes up too much of your time, this is a very effective solution that will guarantee a great party:

Incredibly effective DIY party planning list 1. Mark a date in the calendar Once you decide which date is the most appropriate to hold your party, you have no turning back. It will remain on your

to-do list and you will do everything possible to execute it as you like it.

2. Send a ‘Save the date’ message Using a guest list. This will allow you a certain flexibility to finish deciding the theme of the party and the invitation you will send for your event. The best way to do this is via email.

3. Send the invitation This is where we started the manual process of our creative party. Sending or giving paper invitations or sending

via email. You can always capture your personalised invitation and send it to your guests by email.

4. Organise the party Once you choose a theme for your party, be inspired by the options we present on our website and incorporate your own ideas. Then, make a list of the ideas you want to be present at your party. For this, do not forget to take a tour of the following areas: • cards (invitations, thank you cards, labels, etc.)

• decoration • games and activities • costumes and props • recipes • favours 5. Collect the necessary material Put a date in the calendar to buy materials and ingredients to make your DIY projects.

6. Save yourself some time to elaborate your ideas I suggest you enjoy the celebration of the preparations. I encourage that when you reserve time to create DIY projects

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for your party, plan to do it with family or friends.

This will make creating ideas and generating pleasant moments by sharing them with others.

7. Send a reminder to guests Will create expectation among your guests, helping them to plan for the event. It is also very useful when the party requires additional preparation such as wearing a swimming suit, hat, or something else you require for the entertainment.

8. Leave a full day for the party setting This recommendation I make is essential so that you enjoy the preparations and the final organisation without stress. Let your creative side develop, deciding the best way to place all the details prepared with such care for the appointed date.

Organise your attire and overall aesthetic appearance, so they do not prevent you from dedicating the last day to prepare your event with due attention.

9. Open the doors and enjoy your event!

Your guests will see that you have organised a creative party prepared with detail and dedication. This will make them enjoy from the first moment an environment full of affection. Enjoy yourself, their company and the environment generated.

10. Thank your guests Show your guests how grateful you are for having shared with you the event. Suffice with a WhatsApp, or an email. But you can also send a Thank You card by mail, a detail that will be welcomed with great appreciation.

Feel free to print out and share this useful ‘Incredibly effective DIY party planning list’ with your friends.I hope you all have wonderful parties coming your way! Best of luck in your party preparations, give your guests an unforgettable experience!

Best wishes, Lucrecia Rodriguez de Acuña Martinez, Founder and Creative Director Fiesta4u.com

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Helping Our Children be More Resilient These days, we are often guilty of trying to make sure our kids are comfortable all the time.

As parents we are often trying to stay one step ahead of everything our kids are going to run into.

But in the long run, we risk allowing a child to grow up unable to cope with life’s problems.

By Wellington College Bangkok

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n short, resilience is the ability to bounce back when things do not go our way, which is a fact of life. Having resiliency helps kids navigate the inevitable trials, triumphs and tribulations of childhood and adolescence. Resilient kids also become resilient adults, able to survive and thrive in the face of life’s unavoidable stressors.

Resilience isn’t inherited but it can be taught. At Wellington College, aside from teaching about numbers, phonics and the world around us, we teach children how to handle the unexpected

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and challenging side of life.

Anxious parents have an especially hard time helping their kids tolerate uncertainty, simply because they have a hard time tolerating it themselves, so the idea of letting a child experience the same pain may seem intolerable. So anxious parents try to protect their kids and shield them from worst-case scenarios.

However, a parent or teacher’s job isn’t to be there all the time to safeguard kids. It’s to teach them to handle uncertainty and to solve their own problems. At first glance, some of the approaches below may seem cruel, but in the long run they develop the ‘bounce back’ that people need to be successful.

1. Do not accommodate every request.

When we are too preoccupied with providing children certainty and comfort, we get in the way of children being able to develop their own problem-solving and mastery.

Overprotecting kids only fuels their anxieties, and it is easy when a child has a nanny or helper at their disposal for this to happen.

For example, a parent may continually allow their 7-year-old to come to sleep in their bed all the time

because they are too scared to sleep alone in their own room. Sometimes you have to say no, with reason.

2. Avoid eliminating all risk.

Naturally, parents want to keep their kids safe. But eliminating all risk robs kids of learning resiliency. The key is to allow appropriate risks and teach kids essential skills from when they are young. This means allowing children to use scissors when they are at the right age, because if they accidentally get a slight cut on their finger that bleeds, of course we would want to dress the injury right away, but it would also likely be a painful lesson that they would remember. Kids need ageappropriate freedom to help them learn their own limits.

3. Teach them to problem-solve.

Starting from Year 2, at Wellington College we begin taking children on overnight residential trips. If a child is nervous about being away from home, an anxious parent might say, “Well, then there’s no reason for you to go.”

A better approach is to work with the teachers to normalise a child’s nervousness and help them figure out how to navigate being homesick. They

can understand if they are scared that there will be adults that they trust who will be around. We may ask a child how they can practice getting used to being away from home.

In other words, we should engage a child in figuring out how they can handle challenges. Give them the opportunity, over and over, to figure out what works and what doesn’t.

4. Teach concrete skills.

In our classes, we look at focusing on specific skills children need to learn in order to handle certain situations. We are always asking “Where are we going with this [situation]? What skill do they need to get there?” For instance, if a child is painfully shy, we may show them how to greet someone and start a conversation.

5. Avoid “why” questions.

As tempting as they are to ask, “Why” questions are not helpful in promoting problem-solving in children. They automatically put children on the defensive, which does not give room for honest introspection. Instead we ask “how” questions. “You forgot your swimsuit again. How will you fix that?”

For instance, they might come up with a way to check a list of what they will need before they leave the house.

handle bigger trials.

For instance, if your child asks if they’re getting an injection at the doctor’s office, instead of trying to soothe them, you might say, “I don’t know. You might be due. Let’s figure out how you’re going to get through it.”

7. Let kids make mistakes.

Failure is not the end of the world. It is a teaching moment, and place you get to figure out what to do next. Letting kids mess up when you can easily avoid a problem is tough and often painful for parents. But it helps kids learn how to fix slip-ups and make better decisions next time. Your child is about to leave home without a hat when you know they will not be allowed out at playtime without one? If you do not say anything and they feel the consequence of not being able to play with their friends, see if they remember the next time.

8. Help them manage their emotions.

Emotional management is key in resilience. At Wellington, we teach kids that all emotions are valid. It is normal to feel angry that you lose a game or someone else finishes your ice cream. We then teach them that after

experiencing their feelings, they need to think through what they’re doing next.

Kids learn very quickly which powerful emotions get them what they want. Parents should try to stay calm in the face of emotions and not give in. You might tell your child, “I understand that you feel that way. I'd feel the same way if I were in your shoes, but now you have to figure out what the appropriate next step is.”

9. Model resiliency.

Of course, kids learn a lot from observing their parents’ behavior. As much as possible, we need to try to be calm and consistent. You cannot say to a child you want them to control their emotions, if you yourself are becoming enraged over trivial matters.

When you do make a mistake, sometimes it is best to admit it. “I made a mistake. I’m sorry I handled that poorly. Let’s talk about a different way to handle that in the future.”

Children will have to find out sooner or later that Mum and Dad are human too, and when they see us successfully dealing with the trials and tribulations of life, they learn a powerful lesson that they can do it too.

6. Don’t provide all the answers.

Rather than automatically providing your kids with every answer, start using the phrase “I don’t know, what do you think?” Using a phrase like this helps kids learn to tolerate uncertainty and think about ways to deal with potential challenges. Starting with small situations when they’re young helps prepare kids to facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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50 years of Minor – the Chairman's message

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his year is a very exciting year for Minor. It is with great pleasure we mark this year as the celebration of Minor Group’s 50th anniversary. For me, our first 50 years was merely the beginning of our journey, to build a strong foundation for an even greater future to come.

Looking back, we have come a long way. Since Minor Group’s inception in 1967 with an advertising agency and a cleaning company, and Minor International's beginning in 1978 with the Royal Garden Resort Pattaya, we as a company have been through countless impediments, whether they were the Asian financial crisis, political unrests, epidemics or natural disasters. But every time, we have emerged even stronger, and we have continued to grow our businesses successfully regardless. From a single hotel and one restaurant in Pattaya about 40 years ago, Minor International has expanded the businesses and today has a portfolio of over 150 hotels, 2,000 restaurants and 390 retail outlets across multiple brands. From capital of a bit over USD1,000 and a handful of employees in Thailand, currently, Minor International’s market capitalisation is over USD6 billion, with over 66,000 employees in 32 countries.

Reflecting on our journey, I attribute our success to several key factors. We have always had a long-term strategic plan, which everyone in the organisation supports. This strategic plan has led to business diversification, in terms of brands, business models and geographies, which have allowed us to deliver consistent growth overtime. We could only come this far with incredible contributions from an incredible team of people, both management and staff, who helped steer us in

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the right direction throughout our 50 years.

These people created and built our portfolio of brands, again and again striving to satisfy our customers.

Our commitment has been to deliver quality products and services that provide 100% satisfaction to our stakeholders.

We could not have done it without the operational excellence that we have accumulated over time.

Another achievement during our 50 years that I would like to highlight is our sustainability development journey. We started off with each hotel property, each brand, each business unit doing what they could to give back to society by organising their own individual corporate social responsibilities activities. Today, we have Corporate Sustainability Department that oversees our sustainability strategy and corporate wide activities, to ensure that everyone is progressing in the same direction. I am proud to report that Minor International’s inclusions in many of the sustainability indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index, the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and the list of Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) by The Stock Exchange of Thailand, are testaments of our unwavering efforts.

Coming back to the present, in 2017, we continued to strengthen our business platform, just like what we have done in each and every year over the past 50 years, in order to ensure our path for growth. Minor International reported net profit of 5,415 million Baht in 2017, an increase of 18% from 2016 core net profit, attributable to the performance of all the three business units.

Our key achievements in 2017 are as follows: •

Minor Hotels focused on introducing our brands in our existing markets, strategically offering a wider range of choices to our customers and cross-selling our brands. We introduced the

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Anantara and AVANI brands for the first time in Europe with the launch of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort and AVANI Avenida Liberdade Lisbon Hotel in Portugal, traditionally a Tivoli territory. In Australasia, where we have our Oaks properties, Minor Hotels introduced the AVANI brand for the first time, with the launch of AVANI Metropolis Auckland Residences in New Zealand and AVANI Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences in Australia. In addition to our prominent Anantara, AVANI and Oaks’ presence in the Middle East, we introduced the Tivoli brand with the debut of Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli in Doha, Qatar.

In other existing markets, we continued to expand our hospitality portfolio. Minor Hotels opened Anantara Guiyang Resort, a 218 room management contract, our third hotel in China.

We strengthened our AVANI brand further in Thailand by entering into a 50% joint venture to invest and operate AVANI Hua Hin Resort & Villas, our fifth AVANI hotel in Thailand, and the 25th hotel in our Thailand portfolio. Moreover, Minor Hotels continued to upgrade our hotel portfolio in Portugal in order to further capture the rising demand as well as the potential of higher room rates. Following the completion of the renovation of five hotels, two in 2016 and three in 2017, we are in the process of renovating another four hotels, which will be completed in time for the high season in 2018.

In 2017, Minor Hotels made a leap forward by entering into two new markets. Oaks made its entrance into India with the opening of Oaks Bodhgaya, a 25% joint-venture hotel in Bihar, India.

In addition, Minor Hotels entered into the UK with a 74% investment in Corbin & King, comprising six restaurants across London, which includes The Wolseley in Piccadilly, together with a management contract of the Art Deco five-star hotel, The Beaumont, in the heart of Mayfair. The investment will serve as a platform for further expansion in the UK market.

Minor Hotels announced a joint venture with Kajima Corporation to launch Avadina Hills by Anantara, a residential project adjacent to Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. Furthermore, after the adjustment of sales package back in mid-2015, Anantara Vacation Club demonstrated a robust business turnaround with revenue increase of 28% in 2017.

Minor Food continued to expand in China, a market which we believe has immense potential.

Minor Food increased the shareholding in our key brand in the country, Riverside, the Sichuan barbecue fish restaurant concept, from 69% to 85%. In addition, we launched the franchise of Thai Express in China, with the opening of the first outlet in Beijing International Airport.

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We believe that there is a substantial opportunity for Thai Food internationally. Therefore, Minor Food further strengthened its presence in the UK with a 70% investment stake in Grab Food, the Thai casual-dining restaurant, through the conversion of its loan to equity. In addition, Minor Food’s 50% joint venture, Patara Fine Thai Cuisine, acquired the existing four Patara outlets in the UK, resulting in seven Patara restaurants in the portfolio by the end of 2017.

Minor Lifestyle continued to build its portfolio by selectively adding new brands. In 2017, we introduced Joseph Joseph, the design-led houseware products from the UK and OVS, the Italian fashion brand for men, women and kids.

While we expanded our businesses, we did not compromise our financial position and made sure that our balance sheet remained strong. The MINT-W5 warrants programme issued by Minor International was a success. With the exercise rate of 98.7%, Minor International received an additional equity of Baht 7.9 billion for the entire warrant programme. As a result, not only did we have a lower leverage ratio, but we also have additional funding for future expansion.

Today, Minor is in a strong position to grow further and farther. Our five-year plan calls for a 15-20% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of net profit and a return on invested capital (ROIC) of over 13% by 2022. In order to achieve these goals, Minor International will drive growth of our multi-brand portfolio, maximise profitability and expand through strategic investments, joint-venture partnerships and acquisitions. We believe we have the right portfolio of brands, people and a strong financial position, and these elements will be the force behind our next chapter of growth and success.

I cannot end this message without expressing my sincere appreciation to my fellow board members, management and staff. In addition, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our stakeholders, whether they are our customers, business partners or shareholders for their continued support. 2017 has been a busy and rewarding year, and I look forward to working with everyone to deliver continuing strong results over the next 50 years and beyond.

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Events / social pages What’s been happening

Poland's National Day celebration at the Shangri-la Hotel, 13th Nov

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National Day of Bhutan

National Day of UAE

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National Day of Kenya

Portuguese Ambassador at his residence for a play premiere

International festival facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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Miss Universe

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The Beaumont Partnership School Foundation

Christmas dinner – Soroptimist International Dusit

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FULFILLING POTENTIAL through creativity and determination

Children are full of wonder. At Bangkok Patana we encourage children to explore their interests and feed their passions, but they also benefit from a rigorous academic curriculum through which they develop the skills and attributes to stand out as leaders in an ever-changing world.

Contact us to find out how Bangkok Patana’s qualified teachers and excellent learning environments provide a positive arena for your child to grow and develop.

www.patana.ac.th admissions@patana.ac.th +66 (0) 2785 2200

Bangkok Patana School is a not-for-profit IB World School, accredited by CIS. facebook.com/expatlifethailand.com

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BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE ANSWER FOR CANCER. Verita Life is a specialised oncology clinic, combining the very best of conventional cancer treatment, with scientifically proven holistic approaches. All of our doctors are internationally trained, while our staff are renowned for their kind and caring approach. Just as no two people are the same, neither are two cancer patients. That’s why all our programmes are tailor made and customised to suit to each patient.

Verita Life. We listen. We care.

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VeritaLife

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veritalife +66 (0) 2554 8333 contact@veritalife.com