Thani Talk 2019 March

March 2019

N o w o n l i n e a t : w w w. i s s u u . c o m / n n r t h a n i t a l k

Thani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH

Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

Cover Story:

PEOPLE:

Community:

Travel:

Discovering Nonthaburi

Volunteers Mike and Liz Lazich

New Parking Regulations

Exploring Myanmar

Pages 6-15 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by: September 2018

Pages 28-29

Page 34-35

T h a n i Ta l k

Pages 42-43

NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as by hosting the NNR Annual Charity Bazaar.

Additionally, NNR hosts monthly socials and organizes monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.

Connect with NNR

facebook.com/nnrthailand

issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Unofficialnichada.com

Thani Talk Ad Rates 1 page

19x28 cm.

3600 baht

1/2 page

19x14 cm.

2160 baht

1/4 page

9x14 cm.

1200 baht

• • • •

Rates per issue; discount for 8 and 4 month contracts Based on space availability Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month Contact nnradverts@gmail.com for more information

DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.

NNR BOARD 2018-2019 Chairperson

Liz Garrigan

NNRThaiChair@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson

Sally Elliott

sallyelliott@me.com

Treasurer

Francesca Whitehead

nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com

Activity/Tour Coordinators

Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar

nnrtour@gmail.com

NNR Socials

Chantal Bremner

nnrsocial@gmail.com

Charity & Volunteer Coordinators

Liz Garrigan Imogen Lee

nnrcharity@gmail.com

Advertising Director

Ginny Condra

Thani Talk News Team

Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team

nnrnews@gmail.com

Distribution Coordinators

Birgit Sund

nnrttdist@gmail.com

Communications Director

Kiki O’Connor

nnrcommunications@gmail. com

095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com

Thani Talk Team: Advertising Director and Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Graphics Consultant (Bill Fear, Rose Marie Academy), Restaurant Reviewers (John Marinos, Vara Sumetanon, Barb Lewis), Grapevine Tips Coordinator (Laurie Burin), Distribution Coordinator ( Birgit Sund).

2 March 2019 T h a n i Ta l k

Letter from NNR’s Chairperson

New NNR Chairperson Liz Garrigan I know I speak for so many in Nichada in extending genuine thanks and heartfelt gratitude for the amazing work and dedication of Henrietta Bullinger, who has stepped down as NNR chair after serving for three years and — for better or worse! — passed the baton to me. Hers are enormous shoes to fill, and all of us at NNR and beyond will miss her steady hand, her thoughtful words, and her sharp mind as we continue to raise money in support of local charities, publish this magazine, and offer social and volunteer opportunities.

We welcome the involvement of everyone in this community and would like to extend an invitation to join us in our volunteer work to support the less fortunate.

If you have an interest in rolling up your sleeves and helping, please email nnrthaichair@gmail.com.

In the meantime, we’d like to announce that the date for the annual yard sale at Chaengwattana Community Church in support of the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD) is May 11. It’s a great opportunity to donate unwanted household goods, to

pick up great deals, and to support an amazing charity.

If you are planning to leave at the end of this school year and are cleaning out closets, please keep donation opportunities in mind — whether it’s to our wonderful friends at White Elephant, which also raises money for charities, or to NNR.

Inside This Issue NNR Social

Calendar of Events

Letter from NNR’s Chairperson Changes on the NNR Board NNR Tour Cover Story: Heard It Through the Grapevine Fitness & Activities Nonthaburi & Beyond PEOPLE Community News Charity News Travel: Yangon Highlights: NNR February Tour, Ayuthaya Restaurant Review

3 4 5 6 20 22 23 28 34 37 42 46 49

With thanks, Liz Garrigan, NNR Chairperson

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach

A volunteer group serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

March 1: New parking rules at NICC, p. 34 March 2: Secret Garden , p. 17 March 8: Comedy Show (PG-13), p. 36 March 9: Maroon 5 Concert, p. 23 March 17: Comedy Show p. 36 March 22: , NNR Tour: K. Preeda’s Thai House, p. 5 March 28-31: Disney on Ice, p. 23 Full calendar listing on p. 23

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach March 2019

Cover photo Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge Nonthaburi, Thailand

T h a n i Ta l k

3

Changes on the NNR Board

Departing & Incoming NNR Board Members New Roles and Faces on NNR Board Former NNR Chairperson Henrietta Bullinger Henrietta, who has a German and British background, first joined the NNR Board as vice-chairperson. Three years ago she took the helm as chairpeson and led the volunteer group to expand its media presence on Facebook as well as through a cooperative effort with volunteers that led to the establishement of a community information website: Unofficial Nichada. To prepare for a possible upcoming move, Henrietta stepped down as NNR chairperson in January. A yoga instructor and an active biker, she continues her yoga practice and rides with the Pathum Thani Jakayans group.

Former NNR Treasurer Sandra Wilson Born in Germany, Sandra is a naturalized American who moved to Thailand 3 years ago due to her husband’s US Embassy job. After their daughter graduated last June, they moved downtown for a shorter work commute.

From her home in downtown Bangkok, Sandra continued serving on the NNR Board until Fran Whitehead stepped up to take her place as NNR Treasurer. Sandra continues her German baking business—Sandra’s Bavarian Delights.

New NNR Chairperson Liz Garrigan Liz is an American journalist from Tennessee. Before moving to Thailand, her family lived in Paris. After arriving in Bangkok last year, Liz pitched in on multiple community projects and soon joined the NNR Board as a co-coordinator of NNR’s Charity Committee. Along with Imogen Lee, she helped channel volunteers and in-kind donations to local charities. In January, Liz became NNR Chairperson.

Liz is also the founder of Nonthaburi Animal Welfare Alliance, dedicated to spaying and neutering, providing medical care, and homing street animals.

New NNR Treasurer Francesca Whitehead Fran joined the NNR Board this semester after training with her predecessor Sandra Wilson. Fran is British and has been in Thailand for one year. Prior to that she lived in the UAE and Oman for 8 years. After a 4-year career as a flight controller, she studied nursing at Robert Gordon University and went on to specialize in palliative and terminal care. Fran and her husband Sean, who works for Halliburton, have two boys. As NNR treasurer, Fran is in charge of NNR finances, handling advertising payments and preparing NNR grants to local charities.

Join the NNR Board!

Inviting New Board Members of All Nationalities Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) is a volunteer group founded in 1994 here in Pakkred shortly after International School Bangkok moved to Nonthaburi from downtown.

NNR serves our entire community of Thai neighbors and expatriates by providing helpful information, resources and socials that bring neighbors together. NNR also raises funds to support local charities and other community projects.

The NNR Board has been staffed by volunteers 4

with a wide range of cultural backgrounds: Belgian, Chinese, British, American, German, Canadian, Indian, Scandanavian, and more. Everyone is welcome to volunteer their time!

As we prepare for upcoming moves that will create anticipated vacancies on the NNR Board, we encourge you to volunteer as an NNR Board member. For more information, please contact NNR’s new chairperson, Liz Garrigan, at NNRThaiChair@gmail.com

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

NNR Tour

NNR Tour March 22: Khun Preeda’s Thai House - A Living Museum and Or Tor Kor Market On March 22, join us for a visit of Khun Preeda Phongpitakvises' private living museum: four houses, each 200 years old and filled with precious rosewood furniture and other historial objects. Khun Preeda hired artisans from Ayutthaya to build the houses using the traditional tongue and groove method.

To promote Thai culture, Khun Preeda researched and decorated his house to showcase the style of Thai homes of a bygone era.

In addition, the museum boasts a collection of blue and white porcelain from Khun Preeda's factory. Khun Preeda will lead the tour and you will be able to shop for porcelain in the museum's shop.

We will then go to Or Tor Kor, the best-known market in Bangkok for high-quality fresh produce including local, pesticide-free, specialties from across the country, as well as from some neighboring countries.

The market's food court is revered among Bangkok chefs for having some of the best “street” food in the city.

We will eat lunch there before heading back to Nichada.

Greetings from your travel team.

Pascale and Maida

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach Date: Friday, March 22 Time: 8:30 am Where: ISB, in front of Chevron Theater Cost: 300 baht per person What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes, camera and good mood!

To sign up: Email nnrtour@gmail.com The tour is limited to 12 participants.

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

5

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Discovering Nonthaburi Province Nonthaburi is often considered a suburb of greater metropolitan Bangkok, but the province, founded in 1561, has a rich history of its own. Covering 622 square kilometres but with a fraction of the population of the nation’s capital, Nonthaburi has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two decades.

Although drivers of 3-wheeled samlors (pedicabs) can still be found plying their trade near the fresh markets of Pakkred Pier, mega shopping malls (Westgate Mall and IKEA, for example) and massive, new government buildings (Government Complex on Chaengwattana

Road) are popping up all over the province, especially in and near our community in Pakkred.

This month, Thani Talk takes a step back to look at the results of such rapid growth. The cover story introduces readers to some of the local products and landmarks that make Nonthaburi famous. From durians to pottery to parks, landmarks and shopping malls, we take a quick peek at each. Enjoy.

Liz Lu, Editor

*****

Nonthaburi: Famous for Durians & Pottery Nonthaburi province, located in the central region Nonthaburi province is its famed hand-thrown pottery, of Thailand, is one of 76 provinces in the country. In made famous by the ethnic Mon artisans who migrated addition to the provinces, the kingdom also has two from the north and made their home on Kokkret Island in special administrative areas; one is the City of Bangkok, Pakkred. To this day, Kokkret Island houses home kilns and the other is Pattaya. Nonthaburi province is divided where local potters continue to refine their skills and sell into 6 districts, one of which is Pakkred. their work to visiting tourists. Nowadays though, some As of 2017, Nonthaburi has 1.2 million people, of the pottery sold in souvenir shops on Kokkret Island compared to the 8.2 million population of Bangkok. is made elsewhere but transported to Kokkret for sale.

Situated 20 kilometers northwest of downtown Bangkok and south of Pathum Thani province, Nonthaburi is renowned for its durians and its pottery.

“Durian Nont” (durian from Nonthaburi) is reputed to be among some of the most expensive durian in the world. Of the five types of Nonthaburi durian (Kop, Luang, Kan Yao, Kampan, Thong Yoi), the Kan Yao durian is the most highly prized, mainly for its richness, flavor and rarity. Kan Yao durians have been known to sell in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 baht (or approximately US$600) for one durian.

Following the 2011 great flood, a significant portion of Nonthaburi’s durian orchards The flag of Nonthaburi province features a covered suffered damage. However, pottery bowl on a field of two-toned blues. The seal the province remains proud of the province also displays pottery. As you explore of its durian heritage. At the Nonthaburi, you will see the seal emblazoned as Nonthaburi Civic Center decorations on fences and walls, such as on the gates of on Rattanathibet Road, for Maku Rommayasaran Park. example, lamp posts at Maku As Nonthaburi province continues to modernize, with Rommayasaran Park are MRT’s Purple Line already in place and the Pink Line decorated with sculptures now under construction, it will hold on to its heritage depicting a basket of durians. and pride for its famous durian fruit and prized pottery.

The other pride and joy of Sources: Wikipedia, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Personal visits.

6

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

alamy.com

durianinfo blogspot

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

7

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Arjay Balinbin

Nonthaburi Landmarks & Government Buildings

In addition to being famous for durians and pottery, Nonthaburi province is also known for its iconic clock tower at the Nonthaburi pier.

The province is also home to Bang Kwang Central Prison, a men’s prison near the banks of the Chao Phraya River. As of 2018 the prison had about 6,000 inmates.

Near the MRT Purple Line’s Civic Center station, you’ll find Nonthaburi City Hall and other provincial and municipal buildings on the perimeter of Maku Rommayasarn Park.

National government offices are located in a sprawling campus, Government Complex, off of Chaengwattana Road. This complex includes the immigration building where tourists and people with Bangkok addresses renew their Thai visas. In the cavernous multi-level lobby of the immigration building are food kiosks and vendors who sell to visa seekers and nearby government workers.

Also located along Chaengwattana Road are the court buildings and a main post office.

8

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Bridges of Nonthaburi In Nonthaburi, five bridges connect life on the east and west sides of the Chao Phraya River. The newest bridge is the Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge (top photo) completed in December 2014, after 30 months of construction following the great flood of 2011.

The 4.3-km bridge spans six lanes and was named after King Nangklao, who held many titles, one of of which was “Chesadabodin�. It was built by the Department of Rural Roads to ease heavy traffic on two upstream bridges (Phra Nangklao Bridge and Rama IV Bridge) and one downstream (Rama V Bridge).

When commuter traffic on the expressway on the east side of the river is bumper to bumper, it is often faster to cross the river on Maha Chesadabodindranusorn and other bridges, drive south and then go back across the river to reach Bangkok.

Since the full name of the newest bridge is such a mouthful, if you just tell taxi drivers Saphan Chesadabodin (Chesadabodin Bridge), they'll probably know what you're talking about, especially if you add that the bridge is near Phra Nang Klao Hospital.

Nonthaburi bridges, from north to south, include: * Rama IV Bridge * Phra Nangklao Bridge * Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge * Rama V Bridge * Rama VII Bridge.

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

******************** 9

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Kokkret Island: An Ethnic Mon Community Famous for Pottery Car-Free Island Offers Quickest Getaway

One of Nonthaburi’s most popular tourist attractions is Kokkret Island, a short boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, departing from Pakkred Pier, or from Wat Klang.

Kokkret residents are ethnic Mons who migrated from the north, and they’re famous for their pottery skills.

From Pakkred Pier, you can rent a long-tail boat.

There’s paid parking available under the Rama IV bridge near the pier. If you park at Wat Klang, the ferry costs just a few baht per person.

Bicycles can be taken aboard the ferry. Since Kokkret Island is car-free with narrow lanes for bicycles and motorcycles, your bike will allow you to enjoy a leisurely ride around the island. Those who do not bring their own bikes can easily rent basic bikes, with baskets, by the hour or day. Remember to bring an identification card for renting bikes. Any type of ID card will do.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has heavily promoted Kokkret, including building a long series of stalls to house OTOP (One Tambon One Product) shops, so weekends are packed with tourists. If you prefer a less crowded visit, try going to Kokkret on a weekday.

A must-see landmark is the white, leaning Phra Mutao Pagoda located on the tip of the island.

Also popular with visitors are the home kilns, pottery and Thai dessert shops lining the narrow walkways. Another must-do is to enjoy Kokkret’s cha-manao (lemon iced tea). It’s rich, aromatic and if you pay a few extra baht, can be served in your choice of local pottery.

10

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Leading Temples in Nonthaburi Province

According to the Office of National Buddhism, there are more than 40,700 temples in Thailand. Local temples are the lifeblood of a community, and they are dotted throughout the province. In Nonthaburi, three of the most well known temples are Wat Ku, Wat Bua Kwan and Wat Suan Kaew.

Wat Ku Wat Ku is a riverside temple located 10 km northwest of Nichada Thani. It has its own version of a reclining Buddha. Popular with local residents, the temple was built during the reign of King Taksin (1767-1782) who brought ethnic Mon artisans from Burma. Today, the Mons living on Kokkret island southwest of Wat Ku continue to create pottery in home kilns. The architecture at Wat Ku is in the Mon style. Getting to Wat Ku often involves a slow, winding drive on crowded sois near the Pakkred Pier, but the effort is well worth the visit.

Wat Bua Kwan This large neighborhood temple is located near the expressway on the short cut to the Mall at Ngamwongwan. Its beautifully decorated chapel displays colorful murals and celestial figures.

Wat Suan Kaew Wat Suan Kaew is a Buddhist temple and social services center that offers programs to assist the poor.

It is located at 55 Tambon Ban Len in Nonthaburi (Tel: 02-595-1444) March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

11

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Impact Arena and Challenger Exhibition Halls Muang Thong Thani Muang Thong Thani, with its empty skycrapers, used to be a ghost town. Developers have breathed life into the place: * Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center * Challenger Exhibition Halls * Thunder Dome * The Portal Lifestyle Complex * Impact Tennis Academy * Impact Sport Academy * Impact Speedpark * Outlet Square Muangthong Thani * Minor Outlet * Beehive Lifestyle Mall

We are fortunate to have Impact Arena and Challenger Exhibition Halls, The Portal Lifestyle Complex, and Thunder Dome in nearby Muang Thong Thani. All are less than a 30-minute drive from Nichada Thani. As a result, without having to battle traffic downtown, we get to enjoy concerts by Thai and international musicians and other performers. Major sports competitions and industry exhibitions are also held in Muang Thong Thani. ThaiTicketMajor makes booking tickets super easy. For highlights, check out page 23 for some upcoming events.

12

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

The Challenger Exhibition Halls in Muang Thong Thani showcase retail events ranging from furniture fairs to car shows to conventions for a wide range of industries. The sales draw massive crowds. What may be less known is that right next to the exhibition halls is Impact Tennis Academy and Impact Sport Academy where amateur and professional athletes train.

Coaching is available by the hour. Also nearby is Impact Speedpark, offering rental race cars for exhilarating rides at high speeds.

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

13

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Public Parks for Outdoor Fitness & Relaxation Maku Rommayasaran Park Located on Rattanathibet Road near the MRT Purple Line’s Nonthaburi Civic Center station, Maku Rommayasarn Park is rimmed by many government agencies and buildings such as: Nonthaburi City Hall, City Tax Office, and the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.

It has green space and padded running paths as well as large playgrounds for children. It’s popular with locals.

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 5am -8pm

Chalermprakiat Golden Jubilee Park Opened to celebrate and commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King Rama IX, this spacious river-side park is popular with joggers and other fitness enthusiasts.

Visitors who enjoy feeding catfish in the Chao Phraya River can buy fish food just outside the park from small shops. In addition to a large playground, the park offers two sections for adult exercise machines and one for children. Located next to Wat Chalerm, the park is also home for turtles and peacocks.

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 5:30am-6:30pm

The Princess Srinakarin Park Located in Tambon Ban Mai 6 km. northeast of Impact Arena, the Princess Srinakarnin Park offers a pond, green space and playgrounds. It was dedicated to Princess Srinagarindra, mother of King Rama IX. Address: Prachachuen-Pakkred Rd, Ban Mai, Pakkred Hours: Monday-Sunday, 4am - 8pm 14

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Cover Story: Discovering Nonthaburi

Shopping Venues Galore Back in the mid-1990s, Nichada residents still made pilgramages to Villa Supermarket on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok to stock up on meats and cheeses. In the late 1990s, Laksi Plaza at the intersection of Chaengwattana Road and Viphawadi Rangsit Highway was practically the only major shopping complex for locals. The cinema complex near Pakkred’s Hayek intersection just before Pakkred Pier had its hey day but is now a shadow of its former self.

Then slowly and with purpose, new shopping meccas sprouted in Nonthaburi. Central and Homepro on Chaengwattana popped up practically overnight. The Mall at Ngamwongwan got frequent facelifts to entice shoppers. The arrival of the MRT’s Purple Line opened up yet another new frontier. If you don’t have a car, you can simply take the Purple Line north to Talat Bangyai station and walk to the new, massive Westgate Mall, home of the IKEA of Bangkok North. Shopping has never been easier.

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

15

16

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

17

18

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

19

Heard It Through the Grapevine

Heard It Through the Grapevine

This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to others.

If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com.

Bewitch Hair Salon at the Oasis to let her give me whole new look and as usual, she did a perfect job!

In addition, Bewitch Hair Salon is very conveniently located next to the White Elephant thrift shop and easy to get to via golf cart. It’s also easy to make appointments and each time I’ve been, I am the only person there. Give Bewitch Hair Salon a try. You’ll be so happy you did! a

Shortly after we moved here, I began the search for a good hair salon. I’m not going to lie, finding a place I was going to like who knew how to work with blonde hair made me nervous. It took me two years to find someone in Shanghai and I was fully expecting the same to happen here.

However, my fears vanished instantly after my first visit to Bewitch Hair Salon. Kuhn Khrua spent time listening to what I wanted and chose the perfect color.

I’ve now been four times and have been happy every time.

The most recent time I went, I was even brave enough

Laurie Burin Address: 2nd Floor, Oasis Shopping Center Samakee Road Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm Khun Khrua Tel: 087-099-4569 Appointments highly recommended Facebook: Bewitch Oasis

Half Price Thai Books at Rattanathibet Mall For our readers who read Thai, there’s a great discount book store for you at CentralPlaza Rathanathibet (562 566 Rattanathibet Rd.) in Nonthaburi.

Books are in excellent condition and many are brand new and still sealed in print shop plastic. Everything is 50% off the sticker price. Special sale items are only 50 baht each.

This half-price book shop is located on the 2nd floor of the mall in an open area. There’s also an adjacent reading section with large tables and seating.

Liz Lu 20

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Heard It Through the Grapevine

Get the Most Bang for Your Buck with Local Loyalty Cards!

Some loyalty cards can result in big savings, while others may not be worth your time. We’ve tried a few around Nichada and can offer some insights to help you decide if getting them is worth your time and effort.

Central One Card: 5% off on non-sale items.

Collecting points goes quickly because you can also collect points on your Central One Card when shopping at other Central-owned or affiliated businesses, such as Robinson Department Store, Supersports, Power Buy, homeWorks, Office mate, Baan and Beyond, B2S, Family Mart, Central Food Hall and Tops Supermarket.

Villa: Download a rewards app on your phone.

Receive 500 baht off of your purchase when you attain over 1,000 points (most of the time you have to ask for the discount). Also, certain promotions throughout the year offer stamps you can redeem for discounts on special purchases.

Bamboo Spa: Receive an automatic discount by purchasing one of their membership packages. With silver, gold, or platinum you get 20, 25, or 30% savings, respectively. The spa keeps a record of your visits, so there’s no card to stamp!

Starbucks: Register a gift card and earn free drinks.

Yum! The Slider Shack: “The Shackaholic BIG Tab Program”. Prepay and get instant savings: 10,000 baht prepayment gets a 10% bonus, 20,000 baht gets 15%

bonus, and 30,000 baht gets 20% bonus. If you like Slider Shack and go there as often as we do, you’ll be saving some big bucks!

OC Organic: Sign up for the free membership and collect points. Collect points and use them to get discounts on future purchases and delivery. Every 100 baht spent earns one point. Each point is worth one baht.

In other words, you get 1% back on your purchases.

Yoga with Napisa: Drop-ins are 500 baht per 75-minute to 90-minute session. Buy 10 sessions and pay 4,000 baht, or a 20% discount.

Although there may be many more cards available around town, we hope these can get you started saving money like a champ.

Laurie Burin and Sarah Homan

Authentic New York Bagels Delivered to Your Door by dough-Re-Mi bagels

March 2019

Than

Nichada neighbors! Did you know that amazingly delicious REAL bagels are made right here in our community? I take them to the States when I go home because I can’t find anything that compares to dough-ReMi bagels! They have that slightly crisp, oh so delicious chewy crust and doughy interior that screams “Authentic New York Bagel!” Remi Taflan will deliver freshly baked bagels to your door on weekday mornings - I ordered for the IASAS tennis players I hosted. Ordering is easy through the website (https://drmbagels.com) or via WhatsApp (095-164-4373).

Erika Yepes 21 i Ta l k

Fitness & Activities Community FitnessNeighborhood & Activities Listings Nichada

Yoga & Fitness Classes Community Fitness & Activities Listings Kundalini Yoga - Baan Shakti Alignment Based Yoga with Napisa

Ashtanga Yoga with PanZen PanZen, 097-227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen

Napisa Pant, 086-975-7187 napisapant.yoga@gmail.com FB: yogawithnapisa

Ashtanga Yoga with Marie Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 marie.massard@gmail.com Class fees donated to BBFL.

Underdog Wellness Fitness Classes (UW) Yoga, Booty Barre, Mat & Reformer Pilates Stacy Klob, scklobhome@icloud.com FB: Underdog Wellness

Iyengar Yoga Juan Bodan, 081-285-3050 Monday Kundalini Yoga 7:45-9:15 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Napisa Restorative 8:45-10:15 Mixed level Napisa Evening Yoga 5:00-6:15 pm

Weekly Schedule Wednesday

Tuesday Hatha Yoga w/Katja 8:30-9:15 (Baan Shakti) Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Gong & Meditation 9:30-10:15 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Booty Barre 10:30 Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45

Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:45-9:15 Napisa Alignment Flow 7:45-9:15 Level 2 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Yin Yoga Kerstin Yoga for Kids 3:00-3:45 Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45 Napisa Restorative 3:45-4:45

Kerstin Wild, 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com www.yoga-of-awareness.com Private classes available

Das PowerHaus Pilates + TRX Reformer, Mat with props, TRX Joanna Brittingham, 089-846-6610 joanna.brittingham@gmail.com FB: @daspowerhausnichada

Thursday

Friday

Iyengar Yoga Kundalini Yoga All Levels 7:50-9:15 7:45-9:15 Underdog Wellness Napisa Alignment Flow 9:30 Mat Pilates 7:45-9:00 Beg-Level 1 Ashtanga Yoga PanZen Iyengar Yoga 3:45-4:45 7:50-9:20 Napisa Teen Yoga Ashtanga Yoga Marie 5:00-6:00 pm 9:30-11:00 **Sunday** Ashtanga Yoga Marie 7:30-9:00

Meditation Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation) Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Â Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org

Meditation - Dynamic & Vipassana Meditation Monday 9:00-10:30, Terrace Residence/Nichada Thani Teaching, meditation and Q&A Marie Massard, 098-882-8990 (What’s App & Line) marie.massard@gmail.com

Dance Bollywood Dance Suitable for all levels!

Wed & Thurs 9:30-10:30 Afternoon Classes: Tues or Wed 5:00-6:00 Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 iritmike@gmail.com Zumba Chaengwattana Community Church Mon, Wed & Friday FB: Zumba Nichada Thani Class fee donated to charity!

22

Sport Masters Swimming - Nichada Pool, Tues & Thurs 7:30-8:30 Contact: Kerstin Wild, kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com Biking - Meet at Sichaitong gate! Weekday rides Mon & Wed at 7:30 am.

Contact: Henrietta Bullinger, hbullinger@gmail.com. Weekends at 7:00 am.

Contact: Chris Oglesby, caoglesby@hotmail.com Tennis with Coach Sagi - Nichada tennis courts Contact: Sagi Luft, 092-271-2110, sagiluft@hotmail.com

Tutorials

World English - Oral English & composition instruction, 30 yrs exp.

Deborah Funthorn, BA, MFA, TESL, 083-055-9785, debhata@yahoo.com Piano Lessons - Exp. professional from Westover School in Connecticut capricio310@gmail.com, 091-878-6283

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Nonthaburi & Beyond

Exhibitions and Events Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Super Celebration Date: March 28-31 Times: 10:30 am, 2:30 pm & 6:30 pm Location: Impact Arena Tickets: Thaiticketmajor.com Tel: 02-262-3456 Email: callcenter@thaiticketmajor.com

Maroon 5 Red Pill Blues Tour Date: March 9 Time: 7pm Location: Challenger Hall 1, Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Thaiticketmajor.com

Calendar of Events

Sports World Expo Showcasing Thailand’s sporting industry, and featuring local and international sporting equipment, accessories, and all services.

Date: Mar. 15 - 24, 2019 Time: 10am -10pm Location: Exhibition Hall 8 Email: marketing@sportsworld.co.th March 2019

March 1: New parking rules at NICC, p. 34 March 2: Secret Garden, p. 17 March 8: Comedy Show (PG-13), p. 36 March 9: Maroon t Concert, p. 23 Marlch 15-24: Sports World Expo, p. 23 March 22: NNR Tour, K Preeda’s Thai House, p.5 March 17: Comedy Show, p. 36 March 17: St. Patrick’s Day March 28-31: Disney on Ice, p. 23

T h a n i Ta l k

23

Yoga of Awareness Kerstin Wild 


Kundalini Yoga is a tool to support your life to live it in a mindful and conscious way by doing Pranayama (breath) exercises, Kundalini Sets and Meditations as taught

by Yogi Bhajan.

Classes Mon: 7:45-9:15am Tue: 8:30-9:15 am Tue: 9:30-10:15am Wed: 7:45-9:15 am Wed: 3:00-3:45 pm Fri: 7:45-9:15 am

Kundalini Yoga Hatha Yoga w.Katja Gong&Meditation Kundalini Yoga Yoga for Kids Kundalini Yoga

Private classes are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and are available on request. It will support you physically as well as psychologically.

Please register with me, Kerstin Wild

CertiďŹ ed KY Teacher Level 1, Level 2 and Radiant Child

24

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Buy 1 Suit GetT h1a Complimentary Shirt n i Ta l k

March 2019

25

26

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

27

PEOPLE

Volunteers Mike & Liz Lazich Befriending and Teaching Neighbors In and Outside The Bubble “Mike and Liz jumped in right from the first minute they settled in Nichada and signed up to teach ESL on Sundays for BBFL,” says Kelley Weg, who coordinates volunteers for the free, all-volunteer-run library. “They genuinely love teaching and love the kids. It was never work for them. It was always pleasure.”

For the Laziches, whose son Dalton has helped them at ESL classes, the most rewarding aspect of teaching English classes has been witnessing the lessons working in everyday life.

“Children who were once incredibly shy and only spoke Thai will now wave us down at 7-Eleven, happy to see us and to speak English with us,” Liz says. “I was surprised by the overwhelming kindness and appreciation of Thai parents. They simply believe in these English classes, and make Mike and me feel very important to them.”

When Liz and Mike Lazich moved to Thailand three and a half years ago, they wasted no time identifying ways they could become involved in their community and volunteer their time. And they quickly identified Bumble Bee Free Library (BBFL), which offers neighborhood Thai children and adults access to books, magazines and free weekly English classes, as the place where they could make the greatest contribution.

“Mike enjoys learning Thai, and we both feel so much appreciation for Thai people and their culture, so we felt with Mike’s ability to translate and our love for the kids, ESL was the perfect volunteer opportunity for us,” Liz says.

Mike, with 24 years in the military, is an active-duty U.S. Army officer working with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok but will retire this summer at age 45, which means the Laziches will return home to Pennsylvania following the graduation of their son Dalton from ISB (his older brother Jake is already in college in the states).

For several years now, the couple have spent at least two hours a week teaching English to Thai speakers at BBFL. They have also taught evening English classes at Chaengwattana Community Church for the past three years. At the library, in addition to preparing lesson plans and teaching on Sundays, they have also chaperoned neighborhood children on special outings such as sports days and ISB’s annual International Food Fair.

28

And beyond that, their teaching has been an opportunity not just to give back to the people who are so graciously sharing their culture and country but also to spend meaningful time together as a couple. “Teaching ESL as a couple was extremely rewarding,” Liz says. “Working together to plan and teach, and being able to review lessons, helped us to see that we really make a great team.”

After starting retirement, “We will actually probably substitute teach for a few months while we figure out where we really want to live and get Dalton settled in college,” said Liz, also 45. “We hope to make it to Jake’s parents’ weekend finally, this fall, at UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara).”

Now that Mike and Liz are getting ready for their departure this summer, the library is looking for volunteers who would like to be lead teachers for BBFL’s ESL program. To volunteer, please contact bumblebeefreelibrary@gmail.com.

T h a n i Ta l k

Liz Garrigan March 2019

PEOPLE

Generous with time and gifts: Not only did the Laziches donate their time to teach on Sunday afternoons, they often shared treats with their students, handing out homemade cupcakes on the their last day of class in December.

Commitment to Thai neighborhood kids: Mike and Liz Lazich have taught neighborhood children wherever BBFL could find space: from the Krua Riskee outdoor food sala, to neighbor Khun Ratthana’s wooden house, to a driveway at Mansions in the Park, and finally to BBFL’s new venue opposite Que Pasa. That’s dedication for you!

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

29

JOIN OUR

AT MAGIC YEARS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

"FUN IN THE GYM" EVERY MONDAY COURSE PERIOD:

JANUARY 14-MAY 27, 2019

"OUTDOOR EXPLORATION" EVERY WEDNESDAY COURSE PERIOD:

JANUARY 16-MAY 29, 2019

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 02-156-6222 OR EMAIL OFFICE@MAGICYEARS.AC.TH 30

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

31

32

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

33

Community News

New Fees & Rules for NICC Parking Lot

Beginning March 1, 2019, new rules will go into effect for the parking lot adjacent to Aetna Clinic and 7-Eleven.

To discourage all-day parking by drivers (with some possibly waiting to pick up students at nearby ISB), Nichada has introduced new parking fees. During a trial period, those who park at the lot will need to get validated stamps from the businesses served by the parking lot.

The first 20 minutes of parking is free. After that, parking costs 100 baht per hour. Any amount of time exceeding 20 minutes will count as one full hour.

Visitors can get parking stamps from local businesses in order to get free parking. One stamp receives one hour of free parking. Two stamps from the same store entitles customer to four hours of free parking, and three stamps from the same store qualifies for 12 hours of free parking.

Customers of Starbucks and 7-Eleven who buy more than 100 baht per receipt will receive one parking stamp.

Those who purchase more than 300 baht per receipt will receive two stamps. Customers of other stores and businesses receive stamps in accordance to the amount 34

of time spent, up to a maximum of three stamps. The fine for lost or damaged cards is 500 baht.

Aetna Clinic has designated parking spaces reserved for its customers.

T h a n i Ta l k

Liz Lu March 2019

Community News

Art For All - Shaman Art Offers Classes

Shaman Art is on the 2nd floor of Nichada Plaza Chas Rubin, owner of Shaman Art, recognized an opportunity for a creative outlet within Nichada.

“My wife (Dao) lamented that there weren’t many options for our kids to get convenient additional art training and education outside of ISB, and we wanted to foster our children’s passion for art,” said the American lawyer-turned-entrepreneur. He first opened Shaman Boards at Nichada Plaza in in early 2017 and a few months later opened Shaman Art next door.

Shaman Art was also inspired by Bangkok’s PaintBar, where people go for guided painting, he said. “I thought it was a marvelous idea to allow adults to easily mingle and explore…artistic inclinations that might have been put on hold as we focused our lives in other more seemingly practical pursuits.”

Chas has lived in Thailand since 1999. He grew up in New York City but fell in love with Thailand during a family vacation with his mother when he was working in Hong Kong.

“I fell for Thailand - people, food, culture, beaches, mountains, etc.,” he said. “I then went to law school at Cornell­—took a semester of Thai there­—and spent my first summer break interning at a Thai law firm.” After graduating from Cornell, he practiced law in Hawaii with a law firm advising foreigners on investing in Thailand. “I enjoyed being a bridge between East and West business.”

Chas relocated to the Bangkok office of an international, US-based law firm focusing on project finance.

March 2019

“At the time of Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008 I was the Country Head for Thailand and Head of Real Estate investments for Southeast Asia,” said Chas. “I now do some consulting on real estate investments and law, but my passion is a startup I co-founded called Gogotech (www.gogotech.com) which has developed an affordable, powered wheelchair with internet connectivity to assist and empower the disabled.”

For the Shaman Art business, Chas found just the person for the job—Sarakorn Prosongsilp (whose nick name is Greek). After graduating first in his class at Chulalongkorn University, Greek earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at Korea National University of Arts.

Greek works with beginners up to advanced artists of all ages – from age 6 up to 70+.

Chas said he was very fortunate to find Greek and hopes that “Shaman Arts can serve the community to foster a love for the arts.”

Shaman Art also aims to work closely with the disabled and underprivileged to provide access to art education, outlets for expression and further inclusion with the community, he said.

Suthasinee (Oui) Madhanayaka, a long-time family friend of the Rubins, is manager of Shaman Art. She handles the daily operations and bookings and works with the disabled and underprivileged community to provide access to art education.

At Shaman Art, small class sizes and morning studio time are available. A course consists of 2-hour sessions over 5 weeks but may be crafted to meet different schedules. Greek is also available for individual workshops and private lessons.

Shaman Art welcomes everyone in the Nichada community to participate and partner with them in holding new courses, events, lectures and displaying or selling artwork. They plan to have additional space after expanding into the Shaman Board space. Contact Oui for special promotions!

T h a n i Ta l k

Ginny Condra 35

36

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Charity News

Little Things Can Make a Big Difference Back in September, Grade 11 student Luke Helmkamp contacted NNR about doing a project to help one of the charities that Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach supports. He wanted to spend a few months collecting toiletries such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes that could be used and appreciated by those less fortunate, and he asked that we help him identify a recipient once his collections were finished.

As it turned out, during one of our recent funding cycles for I-Care, the charity also asked whether NNR might be able to provide toiletries for the several hundred girls it houses and supports. Suddenly, we knew where

Luke’s valuable contributions should and would be dispatched.

I-Care supports Baan Kredtrakarn, which is a government-run rehabilitation facility and shelter for young girls, mostly between the ages of 13 to 18, who have been victims of human trafficking and other forms of abuse. The residents are given psychological, mental, and emotional counselling and are provided with educational and vocational training to support their re-integration back into society as productive citizens (they are encouraged to finish high school through a special government program). A significant number of the girls come from dysfunctional, low-income families in Thailand, although the shelter does occasionally have non-Thai residents.

Personal hygiene items such as deodorant and nice hotel-quality soaps and shampoo are a luxury for the residents at Baan Kredtrakarn. Both I-Care and NNR want to thank Luke for taking the initiative on this project and making a difference in the lives of these girls.

Liz Garrigan

Hot Yoga for Charity at Das Powerhaus While most people who choose to call Thailand home enjoy the sub-tropical climate, one rarely hears another proclaim “Let’s turn the heat up!” However, that is exactly what local yoga practitioners have started doing, with proceeds benefitting charity.

Baptiste Yoga instructor Kelly Poret offers the Saturday morning sessions in order to raise money for various organizations in the community. Joanna Brittingham, owner of Das Powerhaus outside Nichada’s main gate, graciously provided the space for the classes free of charge.

All proceeds from the first class went to help the Girl Scouts with their Home for Hope project (purchasing towels and pillows for the home).

One recent Saturday, ten “yogis” joined in, ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners. The goal of the practice is to increase physical fitness while also focusing on the present. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or yoga ability.

Kelly assures that everyone can participate and, of course, gets something out of the training. Please contact DPH (33/12 Soi Prasert Issaram) or Kelly Poret (kellyporet@yahoo.com) if you are interested in joining the next yoga-for-charity session!

Joey Poret March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

37

HEALTH FAIR

2019

“Personalized Healthcare”

27 – 29

Wed – Fri

10.00 – 16.00 hrs.

G Floor

Bumrungrad International Hospital (BIH) Building

30 – 31 Sat – Sun

10.00 – 16.00 hrs.

M Floor

Bumrungrad International Hospital (BIH) Building

30 – 31 Sat – Sun

10.00 – 20.00 hrs.

Central World

Central Court on the G Floor (near the main glass elevator)

Exclusive health check-up packages available at the Bumrungrad Health Fair only.

Special healthcare seminars led by Bumrungrad doctors on various topics in Thai language.

Basic health screenings available.

38

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

HOME-COOKED VIETNAMESE FOOD DELIVERY EXCLUSIVE SERVICE & CATERING FOR NICHADA THANI RESIDENTS

Call Khun Jum to make a booking for your next holiday!

Located in Nichada Secret Garden

Happy New Year!

Chef Meyung is traveling.

Xuan Mai will reopen on February 14th.

For Menu and Delivery Orders Call or Text 087-077-0605 Visit www.xuanmairestaurant.com Email: laithido@hotmail.com

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

39

Feature & Travel Writers & Photographers Wanted

Got a flair for writing?

Awesome with a camera?

Terrific at meeting deadlines?

Contact Liz at 40

nnrnews@gmail.com T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

41

Travel: Yangon

Exploring Myanmar

Yangon - Bagan - Inle Lake Mingalabar! ( Welcome) Myanmar was one of the dreamy destinations on my list. It was truly higher than my expectations. It is a land that has an undefined quality to make you fall in love with its temples, lakes, food and culture and of course people.

From Don Muang airport to Yangon, the one-hour flight with Air Asia was easy, comfortable and punctual.

YANGON, capital of Myanmar, is the country’s largest city and is home to bustling markets, parks and lakes.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in the world, and it is certainly the main attraction of Yangon. The pagoda can be seen from most places of Yangon day and night as the golden roof illuminates the city.

According to some, the pagoda is 2,600 years old, making Shwedagon the oldest pagoda in the world. It floats you to a different world with its mystic side. I recommend spending a minimum of half a day visiting this masterpiece.

When I am travelling, I prefer eating the local food to learn the tastes of different cultures.

Burma Bistro is a Burmese restaurant in downtown Yangon. The place itself and the food are awesome. From outside, you wouldn’t expect such a cozy, nice interior.

Just opposite Burma Bistro, YOUNG-ON is a designer store with unique gift options. It’s run by two enthusiastic expat ladies, Ozlem and Betul. They support local people 42

by encouraging them to make more handmade items like colorful lacquerware yuns, teak candle holders, bamboo baskets, home textiles, soaps, essential oils and many more with reasonable prices.

Next stop was BAGAN The flight with Air Kanbawza (KBZ) was really convenient. Although we were told to be ready for the delays and schedule changes, we didn’t have any problem flying to this magnificent temple town, one of Myanmar’s main attractions.

The thousands of temples that are spread across the plains of Bagan are the most impressive testament to the religious devotion of Myanmar’s people over the centuries. It is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. There are pagodas, stupas and temples all over the place.

PAGODA is a generic term for a stupa or a temple.

STUPAS are pagodas that you can go around but you generally can’t enter – because there is no entrance.

Shwedagon Pagoda is a good example of a stupa.

TEMPLES are pagodas that you can enter and typically they have four entrances and exits located north, south, east and west, with a Buddha at each entrance.

Staying in Old Bagan gave me the opportunity to easily travel among these wonders by motorcycle or bicycle. Being surrounded by these monuments gives you a feeling of living in the past. If you like to feel history so close, Bagan is your place.

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Travel You will also be able to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Sunrises are especially stunning with the hot air balloons rising to the sky. The picturesque view captures you in the moment.

INLE LAKE Water, mountains and an endless sky—Inle Lake's natural gifts­—have made Inle Lake one of present-day Myanmar's hottest destinations.

After leaving the main lake behind, the first sight on our boat tour of Inle lake was the stilt houses shooting out of the water on wooden legs so spindly they defy all the rules of engineering, architectural design and gravity.

We passed through a series of canals flanked by houses, shops, and schools, as well as the occasional pagoda.

There was even a floating post office with the mailbox in one of the stilt house villages.

fishing is brilliant because it allows the local fisherman two hands to cast their nets while maneuvering their boats.

Beyond the famous rowing fishermen and the lake waters that seem to go on and on, you'll find the following place waiting for you once you get out of the boat: Inle Heritage.

Inle Heritage is a not-for-profit organization that preserves the nature and culture of Inle Lake that is funded by our accommodation, restaurant, gift shop and cooking classes.

When you stay, eat, shop and learn at Inle Heritage, you ensure that their conservation projects continue to thrive.

You can finish your journey on the lake watching the sunset—a very unique experience. I have seen a lot of sunsets, and I can tell you that the hour of silence in the middle of Inle Lake was by far the slowest one ever.

Cigdem Koc

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

sassy mama

More impressive than the houses, if that’s possible, another must see is the farming that occurs on the water.

Floating lands make farming possible on the lake.

It is a unique style of aquaculture. Intha farmers grow flowers and vegetables such as tomatoes and squash on long strips of floating land.

We cruised under bridges and along narrow canals, the cool breeze and flat water providing the perfect atmosphere for our journey.

Seeing the “one-legged” fisherman was my favorite experience while visiting Inle Lake. This unique style of

43

44

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

45

Highlights: NNR February Tour, Ayuthaya

Highlights: NNR February Tour Exploring Temples in Ayutthaya

February’s NNR tour took 13 people to Ayutthaya for a fun, yet very hot and humid visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng, Baan Hollanda, Bang Pa-In Palace, plus lunch (for some, not for all) at The Summer House.

The first stop was Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon which is one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya. It’s an active temple where monks reside. Upon arrival we all took in the impressively large reclining Buddha, and later some of us climbed up the stairs of the 60-meter tall main bell-shaped chedi to take in the view of the dozens of stone Buddha images that surround the chedi, some of which were covered in saffron colored sashes. After 45 minutes of touring it was on to the next stop.

Stop two was Wat Phanan Choeng which is famous for its enormous seated Buddha image. It’s seated in the posture of subduing Mara, otherwise known as Calling the Earth to witness. It’s 19 meters high and quite impressive, not to mention the lovely red and gold ceiling and walls where the Buddha image is housed.

The statue is regarded as a guardian of mariners. On the grounds there is also a colorful Chinese temple— adorned with dragons­—that faces the Chao Phraya River. After about 30 minutes or so, we left having seen all there was to see.

The third stop was at Baan Hollanda where the group took a self-guided tour and learned the history of how the Dutch came to, and settled in, Ayutthaya. It’s located on the original site of the 17th century Dutch trading office.

46

While the Dutch brought with them items such as glassware, gin and wine, they were in search of spices from Asia, especially cloves, nutmeg, mace, and cinnamon.

Next door to Baan Hollanda is the Sri Charoen Shipyard which resembled more like a ship graveyard. The wooden boats/ships on the grounds were all in disrepair; however, there was activity and welding taking place on a boat or two while we were there so hopefully some will become seaworthy again. By the time the group was finished at this stop the outside temperature had reached 90 degrees but it felt like 101. It was now time for lunch and a place to cool off.

Stop four was lunch at The Summer House. For those who actually got served, the food was tasty.

Unfortunately, the restaurant got busy and given the time constraints (we still had one more stop to make) not all food orders were delivered before it was time to depart for the last stop of the tour.

The fifth and final stop was Bang Pa-In Palace, also known as the Summer Palace. This palace complex was formerly used by Thai kings. Our group chose to rent golf carts to tour the grounds faster and more efficiently given both the time constraint and the heat—by now it was 96 degrees but it felt like 109!

The grounds are meticulously kept and beautiful.

Because of its location next to the Chao Phraya River, periodically we felt a nice breeze. Some of us climbed the 77 steps of the colorful Withun Thasana Tower which gave us a better overall view of the massive grounds and a better view of the Chinese-style palace down below.

This was a wonderful day trip outside the bubble of Nichada. We were on the road just before 8am and returned to ISB before 3pm. We would have been back sooner had there not been a missed turn when going to the last stop. Despite the heat and humidity it was a great time and a well organized trip by Maida and Pascale.

T h a n i Ta l k

Jill Ebert March 2019

Photos by Anna Jison

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

47

48

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

Restaurant Review

March 2019

bangkok.com

This is barbeque at its best in Bangkok. Well, really in just about anywhere that I have tried and I have tried a lot of great BBQ in Texas.

Smokin’ Pug used to be located in the Silom area; a very tiny restaurant that I have to say was popular with expats just hankering for really good pulled pork, BBQ ribs and the like. I believe it opened in the Silom location just after we arrived in Bangkok, sometime in 2015. It wasn’t long before the only time you got into this restaurant without a reservation was when it was pouring down rain, with all movement in the city having stopped and you happened to be one of the lucky ones that was near and dropped in.

Their menu was simple: fries with ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, smoked beef (I think), roast chicken and a couple of different appetizers.

Well, fast forward a couple of years to another rainy night in downtown Bangkok, and we thought “Hey let’s go to Smokin Pug for dinner,” but I told my husband we better try to get a reservation first. It was then that we discovered they had moved.

They are now located close to Lumpini Park, at 105 Langsuan Road. The restaurant is larger than it was before, not a lot, so you still need a reservation. I think it is more appealing and has a bit of a patio. It has a more extensive menu, which still focuses on in-house smoked meats of all kinds, chicken, lamb, beef, brisket (one of my favorites), ribs and pulled pork.

For those who like something a little lighter, they have a couple of main salads with smoked meat and they also have pulled pork tacos, which are really yummy! All of the meals come with homemade cornbread and BBQ baked beans. There are also delicious appetizers, sides and desserts you can order. On the night we were there we were treated to a wonderful key lime cheesecake, a favorite of mine so it was a hit.

The young couple who own the place with their partner are delightful, warm and friendly. The staff efficiently

facebook.com

bangkokfoodies

Smokin’ Pug – Old Favorite, New Location

takes your order and serves you.

They have an extensive beer and wine selection at very reasonable prices. Of course they have cocktails, specialty drinks and soft drinks available as well. The atmosphere is homey. It feels like a community restaurant you would come back to time and time again not just because the food is delicious but because you feel welcome. If you haven’t tried Smokin’ Pug then you are in for a treat and if you’ve been, it’s time to go again.

Barb Lewis Smokin Pug Address: 105 Langsuan Road, Bangkok (Next to Luxx XL Hotel Langsuan) Telephone: 08-3029-7598 Reservations recommended.

Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 5pm- 11pm (Bar until midnight) Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

T h a n i Ta l k

49

Want to Reach Thani Talk Readers?

Print Edition reaches 1,300 local households.

Online edition offers unlimited reach.

New! Includes listing on new community website.

Interested? Contact Ginny: nnradverts@gmail.com Delivery Restaurant

Phone

Local Business

Phone

Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine

02-952-0031

Bamboo Spa

02-583-9871

Burger King/Pizza Company

1112

Bank Krungsri

02-582-2669

Cafe Kabul (Indian & Afgan)

02-960-3368

BeWitch Salon

087-099-4569

Cherry’s Cakes

081-446-2646

Blue Sky Cafe

081-811-8455

KFC & Pizza Hut

1150

Clark Hatch Fitness Center

02-960-4326/27

Le Bouchon Food Delivery

02-038-3020

Foot Heaven

061-541-6353

The London Pie Shop

02-381-5818

4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming

084-424-6545

Hair by Jib

085-115-3093

McDonald’s

1711

Happy Teeth Dental Clinic

02-960-3988

Mr. Enzo’s

02-960-0412

Great Massage

02-960-3691

New York Diner

081-624-2099

ISB

02-963-5800

Pinocchio’s

02-573-5646

Le Studio Hair

084-022-9928

Que Pasa

02-960-3821

Nichada Customer Relations

02-960-4300

Pandit Carpets

081-828-2562

Salad Factory

02-001-5659

Panipa

02-960-3934

Scoozi

02-715-8555

Rex Pharmaplus

081-834-1306

Subway

02-960-3232

Rose Marie Academy

02-960-3663

Sudhathai

02-583-2694

Shawn Carpets

090-564-8927

Slider Shack

086-773-4140

Starbucks

02-967-9686

Villa Market

02-960-3585

Vapor Restaurant

02-832-0055

Wash-N-Dry

085-945-4132

Xuan 5 0 Mai Restaurant

087-077-0605

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019

March 2019

T h a n i Ta l k

51

52

T h a n i Ta l k

March 2019