April 2017
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: Songkran & Other April Activiites in Thailand Pages 10-15 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by:
Charity News:
PEOPLE:
Our Community Gives Back
Profile of ISB Alum Turned Entrepreneur
Pages 34-39
Page 42-43
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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 hosting an annual charity bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.
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Happy Songkran!
Easter Greetings!
The temperatures are increasing and the hottest months in the Thai year are approaching. Keep cool, stay hydrated and remember to avoid being outside during the middle of the day if you can. With the heat, we can also look forward to one of my favorite Thai holidays – Songkran. An important Buddhist festival, it brings some welcomed respite from the heat through the custom of spraying water at each other. I hope you all enjoy the festivities and are able to share the spirit of celebration with friends, family, and strangers alike. Henrietta Bullinger President, NNR
Inside This Issue NNR Social
Calendar of Events 4 5 10 20 22 28 32 34 42 49
NNR Social NNR Tour Cover Story Travel Fitness & Activities Grapevine Tips Religious Venues Charity News Profile Restaurant Review
April 3: Grand Opening of Thanksgiving Home steak restaurnt and bakery (p. 36) April 4: NNR Social in Nichada Park (p. 4) April 5: Registration deadline, Rose Marie Academy Foundation Charity Run (p. 39) April 13-15: Songkran holiday April 15: Easter Sunday April 19: NNR Tour to Bangkok Art & Culture Center (p. 5) April 22: Nichada’s “Songkran Water Fun Fair” at Nichad pool (p. 6) April 28 - 29: Soep Moei Arts Sale at Greenville (p. 43)
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach April 2017
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NNR Social
NNR APRIL SOCIAL TUESDAY, APRIL 4 10 AM-12 PM
HOST GILLIAN ADAMS 39/214 SOI 5 NICHADA PARK BRITISH PIE MAKER STEVE MINES OF LONDON PIES WILL BE THERE WITH SAMPLES TO TASTE AND ALSO PIES TO BUY
EVERYONE WELCOME Questions: contact cdwarta@yahoo.com 4
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NNR Tour
Cool Down with Hot Art! Bangkok Art and Culture Center When the temperatures rise and rains fall, NNR heads to one Bangkok’s leading art venues--the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC). The Center, which is a new mid-town facility for contemporary art and programs, includes studio art, music, theatre, film, design, cultural, and educational events. There are also cafes, restaurants, bookshops, and an art library. The BACC aims to create a meeting place for artists and to provide cultural programs for the community. Join the April NNR tour as we visit several special exhibitions featuring rising stars of the international, Southeast Asian, and Thai art worlds. We also hope to have time for you to visit the studios and shops of artists-in-residence. At the end we can all enjoy a good cup of coffee and light meal together. Susanne Rodrigues and Elizabeth Bredin, NNR Tour Leaders
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Time: 8:30 am Meet at Chevron Theatre, ISB, Return by 2 pm Costs: 300 Thai Baht Drinks/Food (self pay) Space is limited to 12 participants. Book at esbredin@gmail.com. Reservations can only be taken if the full name, email address and mobile number of each participant is given. We cannot take group bookings under one name. April 2017
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Cover Story Government Asks for Subdued Songkran Celebrations Out of Respect for the Late King This year, with the Thai kingdom in the midst of preparations for the royal cremation ceremony of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, authorities are advising residents and visitors to tone down the level of Songkran festivities as a mark of respect. Songkran, a water splashing festival celebrated as part of festivities for the Thai lunar new year, is observed April 13 -15. Cobbled with weekends, Songkran becomes a week-long holiday during which banks, most businesses, and nearly all government offices are closed. Traffic out of Bangkok will be extremely heavy as the majority of Thais either head for beach holidays, or for visits back to their villages to visit relatives. Songkran week is a period notorious for having the highest rate of deaths from car and motorcycle accidents. Spikes in alcohol consumption exacerbates the problem despite the efforts of
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police to curtail drinking and driving. Do anticipate increased numbers of roadside police checks for sobriety tests. Traditionally, Songkran is observed by gentle Rod Naam Dam Hua ceremonies during which people pour scented water over the hands of elders, offer garlands, and receive blessings. Fragrant powder is also gently dabbed on faces. Through the years, to fight summer heat and with the introduction of water guns and even super-sized water cannons, celebrants began spiking the intensity of the celebration, with the traditional gentle ceremony evolving into massive water battles -- in recent years, with ice-cold water -- all in the name of fun. Silom Road and the famous back-packer paradise Khao San Road are reknowned for epic water-gun battles. This April, however, government authorities have announced that “only traditional water splashing and
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Cover Story merit-making as well as a Buddha image procession will be allowed this year, as the country is still in the mourning period following the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.” As reported in a Nation newspaper article, district chief Supakrit Boonkhan of Phra Nakhon said, “Songkran revellers will not be allowed to use powder and water guns, and they will have to cover their body properly”. So, as you celebrate Songkran this April, be aware of the new advisory and be respectful in how you celebrate. Stores are already selling the traditional and colorful Hawaiian-style shirts often worn during Songkran. Nevertheless, note that Thais may be adding a small black ribbon in remembrance of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. As members of our expatriate community head out of town, or overseas, to escape the heat during Songkran, we wish you safe travels. For those who remain in Thailand during the week-long break, check out pages 12- 15 for fun things to do with the family here in Nonthaburi, as well as in downtown Bangkok. Happy Songkran, everyone! Liz Lu, Editor, Thani Talk
April 12 Procession of the Phra Buddha Sihing Image
Richard Barrow
April 2017
The sacred Phra Buddha Sihing image, housed in the Buddhaisawan Chapel of National Museum Bangkok, is taken outside each April for a Songkran procession through the streets of old Bangkok and and the nearby Sanam Luang area. On April 12, the revered Buddha image will be transported to Khon Muang Plaza in front of City Hall, where visitors can view it and pay their respects before it is returned to National Musuem Bangkok on April 15. Throughout Songkran week, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the governing body of the Thai capital, will host activities emphasizing traditional culture preservation, said Bangkok Deputy Governnor Amnuay Nimmano.
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Northern Suburbs: Things to Do , Places to Go Koh Kret: 20 minutes from Nichada Biking, Pottery, and Island Tour
This ethnic Mon community in Pakkred sits on an island created 300 years ago after a canal was dug as a shortcut across a bend in the Chao Phraya River. From the Pakkred Pier at the end of Chaengwattana Road, it’s only a 3-minute ferry ride across the river. A prominent landmark is a leaning, white chedi near the water’s edge, but Koh Kret is most reknowned for its red-clay pottery, skilled potters and kilns. The island has motorcyles but is car-free. Bicycles are available for rent, so visitors can bike along a narrow 6-km path for a relaxing island tour. Gift shops are plentiful. Be sure to treat yourself to the island’s fresh lemon tea (cha manao) served in pottery mugs you take home.
Chalermprakiat Park: 30 minutes Away Riverside Park Great for Exercise and Open Space Also known as Jubilee Park, this spacious park on the banks of the Chao Phraya River sits near the new Maha Chesadabodindranusorn bridge, on Nonthaburi 1 Road. In addition to riverside pavillions where visitors can sit and relax, the park also has an extensive network of running paths that are popular with joggers. Just outside the park, shops sell fish food to visitors who want to feed giant catfish at the river’s edge. Plenty of outdoor exercise equipment is available. There are at least two exercise areas for adults. A third area for children offers exercise equipment plus an extensive playground as well. Open, grassy fields are perfect for soccer, frisbee, and other sports. Many families also bring blankets and snacks for picnics. In the parking lot on week nights, free aerobic classes are offered. The park closes at 6pm. 12
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Take Purple MRT Line to Central Plaza Westgate Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) launched its Purple Line last summer. Instead of taking it south into downtown Bangkok, be adventurous and ride it north towards Ban Yai. Stop at the mega Central Plaza Westgate and explore the humongous shopping center. Upon entering the modern complex, the words “cavernous” and “endless” come to mind, since Westgate is one of the larges shopping centers in the greater Bangkok area. With plenty of restaurants, shops and markets, you can easily spend most of the day exploring. When you get tired, stop for a massage or a movie. If nothing else, air-conditioned Westgate will keep you cool in the middle of Thailand’s hot season. This northern section of the Purple Line runs from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai, a 23-km stretch designed to serve Bangkok’s northern suburb in Nonthaburi, so there are plenty of other stops to explore. The MRT is a separate rail system from the BTS, so you will need to purchase a separate MRT card.
Tripadvisor
Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre
The Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre sits on a spacious campus where veteran craftsmen train the next generation of artisans. Crafts nurtured include carving, weaving, Khon mask making, painting, basket-making, and a myriad of other specialties. Some of the crafts are available for purchase in local shops. Visitors can watch artists at work, stroll through the lush and expansive grounds, and enjoy dining at restaurants serving royal Thai cuisine. The culinary arts is another skill taught at the Centre. Address: 59 Mu 4 Tambon Chang Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. April 2017
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Bangkok: Cool Things to Do During the Hot Season
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium
Located in levels B1 and B2 of Siam Paragon, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is an aquarium featuring more than 8,000 marine animals. Attractions include an underwater ocean tunnel and a shark walk that gives visitors close encounters with sharks through a glass wall. The combo package offers a 25% discount on entrance to both Sea Life and Madame Trussaud’s Wax Museum. Family packages offer a 40% discount. Hours: 10 am to 9 pm. Last entry at 8pm. Sea Life recommends a minimum of 90 minutes to visit the aquarium. Info: sealifebangkok.com
Ice Skating Venues Ice skating in tropical Bangkok -- what better way to stay cool in the summer heat. For your convenience and with thanks to the Bangkok Guide, here are a few venues where you can lace up and hit the ice. The Rink has three locations in Bangkok: on the first floor of Central World, on the 7th floor of Cenral Plaza Grand, Rama IX, and on the 3rd floor of Seacon Square on Srinakarin Road. Website: therink-icearena.com. Sub Zero Ice Skate Club also has three locations: on the 9th floor of Major Ekkamai, Sukhumvit Road (Tel: 02-391-1944); on the 2nd floor of Mega Bangna (Tel: 02-105-1588); and at The Esplanade shopping mall, 99 Ratchadapisek Road (Tel: 02-354-2134)
Open Ice Skate is located on the 5th floor of Imperial Lad Prao (Tel: 02-934-9252). Website: imperialladprao.com Most of the above venues offer lessons for both adult and children. Lockers, skate rentals, and snack bars are also usually available. ********************* 14
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Central World ice skate
Imperial World Skating is located on the 5th floor of Imperial World Shopping Centre at 999 Sukhumvit Road. (Tel: 02-380-4230).
April 2017
Surf in the City at Flow House Bangkok Flow House Bangkok describes itself as an urban beach club. Located at A-Square, 120/1 Sukhumvit 26, Sukhumvit Road, the mini water park is indeed in the heart of the city. Without having to battle traffic to get to a beach, you can enjoy surfing and boogie boarding right in town. Flow House recommends that you budget one to two hours per visit for maximum enjoyment. The facility is open from 2 pm to 11 pm. Food and drinks are available for sale. Currently, Flow House is offering a summer promotion: Everyday (except Thursday), from 17:00 22:00, tickets are 500 baht per hour. For children under age 12, price is 500 baht/hour all the time. Website: flowhousebangkok.com Info: (02-108-5210) Bookings: 99 083-8787
Kidzania: Career Exploration for Kids Kidzania is an internationl chain of indoor amusement parks specializing in giving children the chance to explore different careers. The Bangkok Kidzania is located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon. Businesses sponsor activity centers where children try out different occupations, such as banking at the CIMB booth, piloting at the Air Asia booth, etc. Customers shop and dine at “Kidzania” with Kidzania currency. Discounts available to residents with IDs. Hours: Mon - Fri : 10 am - 5 pm. Sun-Sat & public holidays: 10.30 am - 8.30 pm. Tel: 02-683-1888. Website: bangkok.kidzania.com
Asiatique: Riverside Shopping and Dining Asiatique The Riverfront is an outdoor dining and shopping complex located where warehouses of the East Asiatic Company were once housed. It can be reached by car or free shuttle boats that depart from the Taksin Bridge pier (BTS Taksin Bridge station). After the old Suan Lum night market on Wireless Road closed, many vendors moved to Asiatique. But the new venue is more modern and spacious. A landmark that’s easy to spot as the boat approaches Asiatique is a giant ferris wheel. A wide variety of restaurants are on site. After dinner, visitors often stroll along the river bank to enjoy the evening breeze.
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Travel Kathmandu, Nepal & the Holi Festival This was my third time visiting Nepal and my friend George's first time. I was curious to see how things have changed over the years and after the 2015 earthquake. George was up for an adventure. We were not disappointed. We spent five days touring around the Kathmandu valley. The weather was sunny, dry, and a lovely 20 degrees Celsius; a nice change from the heat of Bangkok. The city of Kathmandu has grown over the years as one would expect. You have to travel a lot further to get away from an urban background. The city has, however, still retained is charm and bohemian, mountaineering feel. We did a one-day hike, and it was nice to get out of the city to see the terraced farmland and the big mountains off in the distance. We hiked from Nagakot to Changu Narayan Temple. It was a 3-hour hike that anyone could do. We walked through pine and eucalyptus forests, through farms, small villages, and up on top of big hills (or small mountains depending on your perspective). It was very scenic and I would highly recommend it. Our taxi driver took us to Nagakot, and we hired a local guide to make sure we didn't get lost. We used the same taxi driver for the three days we needed a car. That was the best money we spent. The traffic in Kathmandu is a new kind of chaos from Bangkok. People just drove where they wanted in all directions, and horns were beeping constantly. When I asked George what the most memorable part of the trip was, he said just getting in the car to go somewhere. We had many laughs, but at the same time felt totally safe. We saw all the major attractions in the valley, and they were in surprisingly good condition considering the earthquake in 2015. Our driver said tourism is way down since the earthquake, which is unfortunate because there are many great things to see, and they are repairing the attractions that were damaged. We stayed in an area called Lazimpat, a short walk to the main tourist area called Thamel. We stayed at the Shanker Hotel. It was listed as a 4-star hotel but was really a 3.5-star with lots of character. Also nearby were a Marriott and the Annapurna Hotel, both considered 4-star hotels. The hotels in the Thamel area seemed to cater more to backpackers. The major attractions that we enjoyed were the Swayambhunath (Monkey) Temple, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Crematorium, Bhaktapur, Patan, 20
Thamel, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The pagoda style architecture started in Nepal, and some of the buildings are a thousand years old. Some of the oldest temples and stupas survived both big earthquakes in 1934 and 2015! Each area we visited had something unique about it and was worth seeing. We also visited the Palace Museum, the former palace where the royal family was murdered in 2001. We got lucky enough this trip to be able to participate in the Holi Festival. This year it was on March 12 (the date revolves around the full moon). It is a Hindu festival that kicks off the spring season and celebrates the triumph of good will. The people do this by putting brightly colored powders all over each other, saying Happy Holi, singing, dancing, and throwing water at each other. The water came from water bottles, water balloons filled with colored water, water guns, and pails of water being dropped from above on unsuspecting passers by. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed a bit of dancing in the Kathmandu Durbar Square with thousands of people! The festival is very youth oriented and all ethnic groups participated, but even the older men and women got involved. If you had any color on you at all that meant you were fair game. It was a nice way to interact with the locals and we had a great time. As the day went on large dance parties with blaring pop music seemed to pop up anywhere there was an open space. Nepal has a lot to offer and is only a short hop from Bangkok. We flew direct on Thai Airways in 3.5 hours. You could accomplish a lot in a long weekend. If you had more time you could fly to Pokara and do some trekking. My husband Bill and I did that years ago, and it was amazing. My first trip there was in the summer months and we went rafting. That was fun too. While you are living in Southeast Asia I would recommend Nepal, and it would really help the Nepali people get back on their feet after the earthquake. Tourism is their number one industry. Mare Harvey
Travel Tips: -Money was easy to get from ATMs. -The airport was chaos, so at least fill out all your forms ahead of time online. First you have to stand in line to pay US$25 for a 30-day visa. Cash, Visa and Master Card accepted.
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Fitness & Activities
Nichada Neighborhood Community Fitness & Activities Listings Yoga, Meditation & Tutorials KUNDALINI YOGA
ASHTANGA YOGA With PanZen A great way to improve your flexibility, core strength and get balance in your life. Breath, Body and Mind. All levels - beginner to advanced. • Tuesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Intermediate • Wednesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Advanced • Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm- Intermediate • Saturdays 9:30-10:30am - Beginner For more information: http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen Contact: 097227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com
Be the Master of your Mind: • Tuesdays 9:30-11:00am • Fridays 7:45-9:15am Train your Body and Mind: •Wednesdays 7:45-9:00am All levels are welcome! Danicha Condo 39/289 Contact Kerstin 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com FB: yogaofawareness Visit www.Yoga-of-Awareness.com
YOGA WITH NAPISA, 500 RYT
IYENGAR YOGA Iyengar yoga classes at Regent from Beginners to Advanced Asanas. • Monday to Friday 7:50-9:20am. Contact: 081-285-3050, Juan Bodan, Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga certified. For more information about Juan please visit http://kripa-yoga.com/
HOT POWER YOGA
Mornings: • Mondays 8:45-10:15am: Restorative Yoga - All levels • Wednesdays 7:45-9:15am: Level II • Fridays 7:45-9:00am: Beg I-II Prenatal & Private classes available. Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187 napisapant.yoga@gmail.com, FB: yogawithnapisa
MEDITATION COURSES Individual or Group
Designed by Baron Baptiste combining the elements of classical yoga, Ashtanga, Iynegar and Bikram yoga to build a practice that brings personal transformation in body, mind and soul. All levels welcome. Tuesday 7:45 - 9:00 am Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 pm Friday 7:45 - 9:00 am Contact Kelly: 061 872 7534 yogaporet@gmail.com https://www.baptisteyoga.com/pages/about-us
Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation). Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic and professional performance. Anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
WORLD ENGLISH
PIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES
Enjoy refining skills in oral English and composition with American, Deborah Dunthorn, BA, MFA, TESL Cert. 30 years international experience coaching academic, professional and other clients of all ages and levels of proficiency. To discuss private or group tuition contact 083-0559785 or debhata@yahoo.com.
By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance. Experience teaching at Westover School in Connecticut. Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes. Contact Info:capricio310@gmail.com Tel: 091-878-6283
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Exercise Classes and Sports BOLLYWOOD DANCE
LATIN RHTHYMS DANCE CLASS
Bollywood dance is an exciting and upbeat fusion of Western and Eastern dances with traditional classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun...and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance – this is for you! Suitable for all levels. Morning Classes: Wednesdays OR Thursdays OR Fridays 9:30-10:30am. Afternoon Classes (new!): Wednesdays at 5:00-6:00pm All classes held in Nichada Studio above Starbucks. Contact Irit: 086-004-484 iritmike@gmail.com
Latin Rhthyms and Choreography dance class is back again! Looking forward to seeing you. Live the music, dance and have fun!
ZUMBA Zumba meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Chaengwattana Community Church. • Monday and Friday @ 7:45 • Wednesdays@ 7:30 The cost is a donation basis, and it goes directly to the surrounding community non-profit organizations. If there is a class cancellation or changes to the schedule students can find out via our FaceBook page, Zumba Nichada Thani or Google Group, https:// groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/zumbanichada.
PILATES classes by NICOLE SWAT Fitness Classes Strength - Weight Loss - Abs - Toning • Mondays at 9:15 am - Premier Place 1 Pool • Wednesdays at 7:30 am - Premier Place 1 Pool For small group or individual Personal Trainings, please contact Nicole Ostmeier - 0819344140 Nicole.Ostmeier@gmx.de.
MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool •Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30am Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Catherine Miller: solviken66@hotmail.com 06-2001-0000, or Kerstin Wild: kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750
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All Levels - Mondays, Tuesdays & Saturdays Advanced - Thursdays • Mondays 10:30 am - 200 THB - Above Starbuck’s • Tuesdays 7:15 am - 150 THB - Above Starbuck’s * 1/2 of Tuesday’s fee donated to charity. •Thursdays 10:00 am - 200 THB - Raintree, Advanced Contact me for more information! • Saturdays 9:30 - 200 THB, Above Starbuck’s Tennis shoes required for all classes. Contact: Blanca de la Vega 086-348-3287 or blancadelavegacid@hotmail.com
BIKING
Weekend bike rides leaving from back gate at 7am, 50+km on mtn bikes. Contact Chris: caoglesby@hotmail.com Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30 a.m. Distance and terrain varies with groups for both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes. Contact Henrietta Bullinger: hbullinger@gmail.com
TENNIS WITH SAGI
Certified tennis coach, teaching the Play & Stay method at Nichada tennis court for all ages and levels. Private lessons and groups of up to 4 players. 7 days a week, flexible hours. Tennis is EASY, FUN and HEALTHY. See you on the court! Contact Sagi Luft at 092-271-2110 Email: sagiluft@hotmail.com The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/ groups that meet regularly. Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader for more information. If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnradverts@ yahoo.com.
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For Archive Issues of Thani Talk
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Grapevine Tips
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
Amulet Market: Century-Old Community Nestled between Maharat Road and the river is Bangkok's largest amulet market, Talaad Phra Chan, where an incredible collection of religious amulets, charms, talismans, and traditional medicine is sold. It is a century-old market where thousands of Thai Buddhist amulets can be found. Potential buyers, often already sporting many amulets, can be seen bargaining and flipping through magazines dedicated to the amulets, some of which command astronomical prices. It's a great place to just wander and watch people looking through magnifying glasses at the tiny amulets, seeking hidden meaning and, if they’re lucky, hidden value. Each amulet brings a specific kind of luck — to pass your exams, to keep bugs out of your rice stock, or to ward off your mother-in-law. Catherine Miller
Hidden Gem of Nichada – Khun Jum at FOUR LEGS. Four Legs has a pick up and delivery service and sells a selection of food, toys and pet accessories… but she will also do special orders. So if you are after a particular item, just ask her! She will be happy to source it for you. Khun Jum needs our support if she is going to stay a part of Nichada, so pop by and say hello to her or you can contact her via her number 084424545. Cara Mayega Khun Jum runs a small pet shop/grooming salon within Nichada called FOUR LEGS. It’s hidden away near the back gate under the overpass. She boarded our cat, London, in her home for 6 weeks last year and during that time she fell in love with him. He is always happy to see her for his monthly grooming. 28
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Grapevine Tips
Check Out the Bangkok Music and Arts Calendar Are you interested in music and arts? There is a wealth of interesting events and activities going on in Bangkok. What is one great way to find out about them? By subscribing to Jack Gittings Bangkok Music and Arts Calendar. He sends out a monthly newsletter providing the details of various music and arts events. Send Jack an email on jackgittings12@gmail.com if you would like to get on his distribution list. Catherine Miller
Tae Chiew Park is Full of Life Looking for an excursion off the beaten path? How about a visit to the Chinese Tae Chew Cemetery in Sathon? That might sound like a creepy suggestion, but you will be pleasantly surprised! I promise. And if you are interested in photography you will find many, many interesting shots. There is a shrine at the end of the walkway that is actively used and well maintained. Not only is the cemetery a cemetery, it is also a public park. There are several outdoor cafes offering both lunch and karaoke. There are locals doing their daily exercise on the path around and through the cemetery on foot and bike. There is a basketball court, badminton areas and an outdoor covered gym. Or perhaps just sit in the shade and enjoy the shady peacefulness of the park. The park is full of life! Location: Intersection of Wat Prok 1 Alley, Soi Yen Chit 12 and Yen Chit Alley in Sathon. Same location as the Tae Chew Association of Thailand. Catherine Miller
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Religious Venues
Bahá’í Worship services (cont.) Contact person: Ms. Sulee Kaewprasert Tel: 02-530-7417. Email: info@bahai.or.th Additional activities available: Devotional gatherings, children’s moral education classes, study circles.
Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Neighborhood mosque near Nichada Thani.
Buddhist Temple Wat Bua Khwan 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Nonthaburi 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada.
Bahá’í Worship services Address: 40/265 Chaengwattana Soi 28, 6/F Royal Tower Condominium, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Website: www.bahai.org; www.bahai.or.th (Thai) 32
Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center. 121 Soi Sai Nam Thip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22. Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245 Thailand Progressive Jewish Community Contacts: Narissara Udomvongsa, Alec Goldman, Elissa Miller-Kay or Michael R. March (Members) Telephone: 02-023-5019 or 081-257-2411 Address: 39/722 Lakeshore North, Nichada Thani. Activities: Monthly Shabbat dinner and service, High Holiday celebrations, Community Passover Seder, and other Jewish holidays.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road Sunday Worship Service--11:00 am (in English) Family History Research Group--Mon. 9:00-12:00 pm Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11:00 am
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Religious Venues
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (cont.) “Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month, 10:00 a.m. Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. Contact: Bishop Doug Dent (0982805705) fddent@gmail.com
International Church of Bangkok Sunday Morning Service (Traditional): 10:00-11:00 am, at Bangkok Christian College near Surasak BTS. Children’s Sunday School during morning worship. Sunday Evening Service (Contemporary): 6:30-7:30 pm, at Bangkok Christian Guest House, Sala Daeng BTS/Silom MRT. Contact: http://www.icbangkok.org/
Hindu Worship Venues Dev Mandir: The Hindu Samaj Association 136/1-2 Siripong Road, Sao Chingcha, Bangkok.Tel: 02 223 8494 Digambar Jain Temple: Building # 143/3, Soi Putha Osot, Maha Set Road, Bangkok Geeta Ashram Thailand: 444/4, Soi Sowaneet, Yaek C-One Mansion, Sukhumvit Soi 50, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toey, Bangkok. Email: info@geetaashramthailand.org April 2017
Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred. English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Contact us at: ourladyofmercyparish@gmail.com Discover the Rosary, contact Chris at hushh@hotmail.com
Chaengwattana Community Church Sunday Service—9:30am Encouraging Women—Wednesdays, 9 am Community Prayer—Thursdays, 8:30 am Youth Alpha Group (high school) Thursdays, 7 pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays, 6 pm Contact: Andrew Pennels, Interim Pastor Tel: 02-911-6702. Office Tel: 02-911-6700. Website: www.cccthailand.org
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Charity News
NNR Donations Fund Sports Program at Rainbow House
According to English 18th century poet Leigh Hunt, “the groundwork of all happiness is health”. At Christian Care Foundation (CCD), we have been focusing on improving health through sports for the past year. In particular we have had a push to improve exercise and fitness amongst the disabled children, young people and young adults we work with. NNR has been a massive support to us in this endeavor. In 2015, NNR contributed 30,000 baht from its November Bazaar towards our project to install a new Sports Court with a roof at Rainbow House. We wanted to update you briefly, and also to say a big thank you to everyone at NNR. Wednesdays at Rainbow House have a sports focus. Children from Rainbow Day Care, and also our young people and residents, wear grey T shirts with an adorable bee logo (and the slogan “bee happy”!) ready for a morning of sports. In late 2016 the 10-meter high roof, and the bright colourful sports surface was completed – with 4 sets of coloured lines for badminton, basketball, 5-a-side football, and volleyball. In 2016, NNR gave CCD a further 29,000 THB towards purchasing sports equipment. It was an exciting day in early March when the two new football goals, footballs, new basketball hoops and backboards, volleyballs, mini cones, badminton rackets and even special foam javelins (!) arrived. The pictures on this page give you an idea of what a difference all this wonderful equipment will make to our sports program at Rainbow House. We firmly believe that instilling an active lifestyle from a young age is vitally important to optimizing health, (and therefore, according to Hunt - happiness!). Good health will ensure that our disabled children are flourishing and reaching their potential. Lydia George
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White Elephant Donates Playground to Homeless Shelter to the Delight of Cambodian Children at the Shelter
White Elephant, a neighborhood thift shop run by local volunteers, donates proceeds to many charities. Recently the group provided a colorful playground unit at the Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute, a government homeless shelter that houses nearly 300 people, including many Cambodian children and their mothers. NNR volunteers visit the shelter every Thursday and bring the kids out to play, providing them with a rare chance for outdoor fun.
Providing a Welcome Break. Why I visit Home for the Destitute The Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute(H4D) currently houses about 300 residents in a complex made up of several buildings. Residents rarely leave the home. After visiting regularly for the last 18 months, I feel my purpose in visiting (aside from bringing much-needed items, such as adult diapers, purchased with the generous donations from NNR) is to offer some diversion to the residents and to help those who work and live in the home feel loved and remembered. This is why I go! When our group visits, we usually check in with the craft team, spend time with the elderly women residents, and play with Cambodian children who are temporarily placed in the home along with their mothers. Our group of volunteers are there to offer residents words of encouragement, hugs, lots of smiles, and a bit of a break from their daily routine. April 2017
Sometimes we bring treats too! Each visit is always a little different, which the residents seem to enjoy. When we gather together, they laugh with us (and at us), they love to comment on how we look, they practice their English on us, and they try to help us with our Thai. We add a bit of variety and entertainment to their week. In addition to visiting the residents, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some pretty incredible women volunteers and many dedicated employees at H4D. I’m really grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to get to know these lovely people, and I look forward to seeing them each week. These visits have been a wonderful break from my daily routine, and I think the residents feel the same!
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Thanksgiving Home to Open Restaurant April 3 Steak Restaurant & Bakery Creates Jobs & Promotes Self-Sufficiency
“My favorite part was getting to help people through art, it was so much fun! -- Reagan W.
“I wanted to do this service project because I know that they needed the help with painting and getting their restaurant open so that the girls running it can have a job.” -Chloe R
Thanksgiving Home, one of the many local charities supported by NNR, will be holding a grand opening of its newest project -- Steak Dek-Dee & Bakery Thanksgiving Home on April 3rd. The Home, run by Wanchai and Maetim Tripiyachart of the Haven Foundation, provides care to 23 disabled or abandoned children and young adults. One of the residents, 20-year-old Kanokthip, was abandoned as a baby on the streets in northern Thailand. She was brought to Wanchai and his wife Maetim, who raised her to adulthood. White Elephant funded Kanokthip’s studies at the Pongsawadi Technological College, where she studied food and nutrition. On April 1, Kanokthip is scheduled to receive her diploma. In anticipation of her graduation, Wanchai spearheaded the steak restaurant and bakery project. The hope is that not only will the restaurant offer Kanokthip a chance to showcase her skills and earn a living, but it will also provide jobs to other disadvantaged people in the Pakkred community. On March 25, teens from the Chaengwattana Community Church helped Thanksgiving Home get ready for opening day by decorating a front wall with a colorful mural, as well as painting a second-hand oven that will be used for the bakery. The Dek-D steak restaurant and bakery is located 15 minutes from Nichada Thani, at 187/38 on Ton Son Road, Soi 9, off of Chaengwattana Road. Drive towards the river, pass HomePro and Big C, and after the Mercedes Benz showroom, turn left onto Soi 9. Hours are: Monday to Saturday 10 am. to 7pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Tel: 081-620-6662, 091-779- 5207. Liz Lu
“My favorite part of the service project was just being able to help Thanksgiving Home paint and having fun.” Heather J. 36
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Wall Before
Oven Before
Church Teens Paint & Transform Restaurant Venue
Wall After April 2017
Oven After
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It Takes a Village: Thank You for Donations! I would like to thank the following people for their generous donations to our local charities: Carla Zeitune, Djamilla Durao and Carla Knorst for their cash donation of 2,700 baht. Mary Beth Skrobala Warrener for her cash donation and household items. Wanda Grove for donating clothes and household items. Cheryl Blumberg for donating clothes, household items and toys. Naoko Anderson for blankets, pillows and bed sheets. Amy Hall for a sewing machine. Shawn Tweedell and his family for a large box filled with toys. Rosanna Tarrega for donating an iPad. Nicki Horrocks Black for donating a desk and toys. Elizabeth Hudson for donating a desk, loveseat and household items. Angela Kohl for a drawing table. Colleen Burgess for household items. Julie Bain for little kids toys. Jo McGregor for donating a variety of furniture, Jeannine Vasey-Walden for household items, Kacey Martin for little kids toys.
And last but not least, a big thank you to: Rebecca Armstrong, Lynda Romero and Jonathan Fisher for delivering all donations to our local charities. Sandra Wilson NNR Charity Care Coordinator
Hang On Hangers: Charity Project in Bangkok Slum Area HangOn Hangers is a charity project, based on fair trade principles, from which the proceeds go to charities in a Bangkok slum - especially to the women who work for the project. Some of them have disabled children and the profit covers expenses such as daily supplies, medical and dental care as well as school fees. It’s a win-win project for everyone involved. The idea is to dress durable steel hangers in beautiful fabrics. The hangers come in two different sizes – the smaller ones are suitable for children’s garments. Some popular patterns recur year after year, but HangOn Hangers also work constantly to renew and develop their collections. They always aim to be up-to-date with trends. Price per set of 3 adult hangers, or 4 children’s hangers, is 500 baht. The hangers can be purchased and group visits can be arranged by contacting Annika at HangOn Hangers at: 089-903-5750, or jonasson.annika@gmail.com. 38
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Rose Marie Academy Foundation Launches Charity Run Registration Deadline: April 5 Rose Marie Wanchupela, owner of Rose Marie Academy inside Nichada Thani, has established a foundation to ensure that the school she and her late husband Prinya Wanchupela founded would continue to serve the community, as well as the educational needs of rural schools elsewhere in Thailand. Named Rose Marie Academy Foundation, the nonprofit entity was set up last August. On May 20, the Foundation will host a charity run for 500 participants in order to raise money for education and other Foundation missions. Deadline to register is April 5. The main reason that Rose Marie set up a foundation was that she was concerned about the future of the academy, she said. “I’m concerned that there will be a time when I won’t be able to be active at the school anymore,” said Rose Marie, 77. If the foundation can also help other educational institutions, especially upcountry schools, “ we’d be
happy to do that,” she said. She hopes to replicate the teaching approach at Rose Marie Academy in upcountry schools. She is also interested in setting up more libraries in provincial schools, such as as the one she and friends built at the Namol Wittayakarn School in northeastern Thailand in honor of her husband. Rose Marie also hopes that the Foundation can improve teacher training. “You have to have the teachers. It’s what the teachers do with the skids in the classroom that makes the difference,” she said. The May 20 charity run will be held inside Nichada Thani. Register at http://rmafoundation.org/run2017/. The event is open to the public. Proceeds raised from the event will go toward the funding of the Foundation’s projects including the supporting of schools, child care centers, and homes for the elderly, as well as assisting with medical care and food and shelter for victims of natural disasters. For further information, please contact Krittiya (krittiya@rmafoundation.org) Tel: 02-960-3663 ext.205 or Netra (netra@rmafoundation.org), Tel: 02-960-3663 ext.203. Liz Lu
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Volunteer! Thani Talk Needs Distributors, especially for Nichada Park If interested, please contact Shana: sdehaventhai@hotmail.com April 2017
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Profile ISB Alum Merritt Gurley Returns to Thailand, Starts Summer Camp Business with Sister Merritt Gurley, who attended ISB in 1993 as a 10-year-old, fondly remembers her summer camp experience in Khao Yai. Hiking, camping, swimming, --- she loved it all. But by the time her sister, Kat, who is 10 years younger, wanted to go to summer camp, there was no similar camp available. Raised as Third Culture, expat kids, the two American sisters lived in other countries before they both ended back in Thailand as adults. They eventually decided to start their own company offering a sleep-away, adventurebased, summer camp program. So it was that Thailand Summer Camps was born. Now in its third year of operation, Thailand Summer Camps (TSC) is recruiting campers (ages 8 to 15) for its 2017 summer season. Three sessions are available: June 26 -30; July 3 -7, and July 31 – August 4. Not only does Merritt want to recreate for others the wonderful summer camp experience she had as a child, but she also believes that being outdoors and getting fresh air is good for everyone’s health. She described campers who, after only two days in Khao Yai, had much better breathing. “I think it’s important to get kids out of Bangkok,” said Merritt. Now 33 and a mother of two young boys, Merritt said her return to Thailand was prompted by a visit back to Bangkok just before she finished graduate studies in journalism at New York University. Her father was working for the U.S. embassy in the USAID program. She said of her parents’ living standards in Thailand, “They were paying less rent than I was, and they were living like kings.” As a copy writer in New York city, she was living in a studio. After only five days, she told herself, “That’s it. I need to move.” Her return to Thailand brought back childhood memories, such as waking up at 5:15 am to commute to ISB’s new Nonthaburi campus, even though her family lived on Sukhumvit Soi 15, the same soi as New International School of Thailand (NIST). The commute was more than an hour long and grueling for a 10-year old, so Merritt attended ISB for only one semester before transferring to NIST. To this day, she fondly remembers the ISB Booster Club’s famous “Panther Pop” cookie-on-a-stick, asking 42
tentatively, “Were they called “Tiger Pops?” Following her return to Bangkok, Merritt met her husband Jago Gazendam, then a physical education teacher at NIST. Jago later started a web design and software development business. The young couple now have two sons, 8-month old Bo and two and a half year old Eli. Merritt’s sister Kat, now 23, also returned to Thailand, and two years ago in 2015, the sisters
founded Thailand Summer Camps, partnering with Wild Planet, a company that specializes in adventure camp programs for schools and other organizations. That way, insurance, food and logistics are all covered. Some of TSC’s past campers have been ISB students, including Charlotte McGregor and Piper Garrett. Piper was so good at archery, said Merritt, that her nickname was “Piper the Sniper.” TSC offers all the traditional summer camp activities. Cycling, climbing, charades, telling ghost stories and roasting S’mores over a camp fire. “We keep the kids busy,” said Merritt. Both Merritt and Kat still have day jobs – Kat works at Jago’s company, and Merritt works in publishing at Travel & Leisure. But they hope to continue expanding their summer camp business. In their first year in 2015, they hosted 16 campers. Last year they had 24, and in 2017, they’re aiming for 30. Jago is also involved and helps with advertising. One of the camp counselors for TSC is Merritt’s childhood friend, Nadini Gopinadh, who happens to be someone she attended summer camp with in Khao Yai when they were children. In the not too distant future, Merritt and Kat hope to expand their business by adding camp sessions not
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Profile
just during the summer months of July and August, but also during Christmas break and Thai schools’ October break and the local summer break March through May. Merritt is excited about the potential growth of TCS. “It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “ I’m enjoying it. “
Liz Lu (Left): Merritt holding baby sister Kat. (Below, rt. to lt.): Merritt, Kat, and Merritt’s childhood friend Nadini Gopinadh. All three are now counselors at Thailand Summer Camps.
thailandsummercamps. com April 2017
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Restaurant Review Tropical Setting & Delightful Lunch in Downtown Bangkok
Look no further than Issaya Siamese Club in Krung Thep; not the easiest to find but definitely worth it if you want good atmosphere and great Thai food. Issaya Siamese Club can be found at 4 Sri Aksorn Soi, Chua Ploeng Road, 10120. Phone for reservations at +66 (0) 2 672 9041. We had visitors from Canada staying with us who really love hot, spicy food, I mean Thai spicy. The food at Issaya wasn’t unreasonably spicy but it was delicious. The restaurant is an old colonial house decorated in vibrant jewel colors of Thailand that is both comfortable and eclectic. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The patio had fans, but on that day with our guests having only just arrived and my husband in a suit, we decided to sit where there was air conditioning. The service was very prompt and efficient. We started with drinks: my sister-in-law had a pomelo cocktail, brother-in-law had wine as did I, and my husband Ken had a club soda. No drinking of alcohol for the working ones at lunchtime. As you can see from the picture we sat on a comfy couch but it wasn’t so comfy that you couldn’t eat properly as often happens. We each ordered a dish and some steamed rice.
April 2017
Everything on the menu sounded delicious in the description and there were definitely some Thai dishes I had never seen and old favorites to rely on. We ordered pomelo salad because our relatives had never had it and as far as we are concerned it is a must have. We ordered an appetizer that was a betel leaf and vegetable taco, both scrumptious. We also ordered fish with lemongrass and lamb shank in Masaman curry sauce. It was served with steamed rice. A truly lovely traditional Thai lunch that was filling and wonderfully delightful to the tastebuds. I would highly recommend trying Issaya Siamese Club for lunch, and I am sure it would be spectacular for dinner. Just remember to put on bug repellent if you go this time of year.
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Delivery Restaurant
Phone
Local Business
Phone
Bamboo Spa
02-583-9871
Bank Krungsri
02-582-2669
BeWitch Salon
087-099-4569
Blue Sky Cafe
081-811-8455
080-070-0180
Bumrungrad Family Clinic
02-960-4216
Indian Darbar
084-671-8318
Clark Hatch Fitness Center
02-960-4326/27
KFC & Pizza Hut
1150
Crystal Holiday Travel
085-042-6054
Le Bouchon Food Delivery
02-960-3011
Foot Heaven
061-541-6353
McDonald’s
1711
Hair by Jib
02-960-3783
Mr. Enzo’s
02-960-0412
Happy Teeth Dental Clinic
02-960-3988
081-624-2099
Great Massage
02-960-3691
New York Diner
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
Salad Factory
02-001-5659
Pandit Carpets
081-828-2562
Scoozi
02-715-8555
Panipa
02-960-3934
02-960-3232
Rex Pharmaplus
081-834-1306
Subway
Rose Marie Academy
02-960-3663
Sudhathai
02-583-2694
Shawn Carpets
090-564-8927
Slider Shack
086-773-4140
Starbucks
02-967-9686
Vapor Restaurant
02-832-0055
Villa Market
02-960-3585
Xuan Mai Restaurant
087-077-0605
Wash-N-Dry
085-945-4132
4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming
02-960-4189
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine
02-952-0031
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Cafe Kabul (Indian & Afgan)
02-960-3368
Cherry’s Cakes
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