N ONTHABURI N EIGHBORHOOD R EACH
M AY 2014
Thani Talk Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
We’re Going to Miss You!
Events at a Glance: May 9: Farewell Coffee & Rug Raffle May 20: NNR Tour - Cooking Class May 8: Latin Community Bingo Bazaar July 24: Summer Social
Contents: Highlights Grapevine: pp. 26-27 Social: Good-bye Coffee, p. 3 Summer Fun: p. 41 Tour: Indian Cooking, p. 3 Cover Story: Farewells, pp. 4-7 Restaurant: p. 49 Feature: ThaiCharity: p. 14-15 Summer Coffee Morning: p. 22 Hispanic Assn., p. 46
Thani Talk is generously sponsored by
Thani Talk ~May 2014
NNR President’s Letter
Transitions and Farewells This is the last issue of the Thani Talk for this school year. Our next issue will be September 2014. In this issue we are focusing on transition - some people are moving, and some going on big holidays. Most of the NNR Board members will be going on vacations, but one is leaving Thailand. On behalf of the NNR, I would like to thank Alexandra Ries for her contributions to the NNR Board. Alexandra, an NNR Board member for 3 years, has planned some amazing tours. We will miss her charm and beautiful smile. We wish her and her family all the best as they move to Dubai. I would also like to welcome Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Ara to the Board as the new Activity/Tour Coordinators. As I reflect back on this last year, I am very proud of my board members, our volunteers, and our community for all the wonderful things that we have accomplished. We have helped many local charities and had lots of fun along the way. Thank you, everyone, for the tremendous support you’ve shown the NNR. We will continue to strive to help our community and the locals that live in our area. Wherever you may be in the coming months, I wish you safe travels and wonderful adventures. Cheers, Mare Harvey
NNR BOARD 2013-2014 Chairperson
Mare Harvey
billandmare@mac.com
Vice Chairperson
Charlotte Sanders
Treasurer
Val Mowat
Activitiy/Tour Coordinator
Alexandra Ries
084-388-4457
NNR Socials
Sarah Glaze
081-793-0806
Charity Socials and Volunteer Coordinator
Linda Feltham
091-095-0457
Advertisements
Laura Sadowski
089-924-5306
nnrads@yahoo.com
Thani Talk Editors
Liz Lu (Co-editor) Monique Langer (Co-editor) Jennifer Bradley (Proofreader)
086-784-7171
nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com
084-875-7655 valmowat@gmail.com
Distribution Coordinator Heather Powell
083-293-2169
Bazaar Committee: Carla Zeitune (Coordinator), Charlotte Sanders (Raffle Prizes), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong (Vendors).
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Rates per issue, discount for annual ad Based on space availability. Deadline for all ads is the 15th of each month. Ads must be paid in full prior to publishing.
NNR 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 a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies. We host monthly coffee mornings, an annual charity bazaar and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues. 2
Thani Talk ~May 2014
NNR Social and Tour
NNR Social, May 9: End of (School) Year Coffee Morning * Win Raffle for 12,000฿ Oriental Rug from Pandit Carpets * It’s that time of year again when the school term ends, and most of us head off home or travelling for the summer. No doubt most of us will be facing up to one of the hardest parts of ex-pat life- yet again, sadly, having to say “A bientot” to our friends and neighbors that are leaving for pastures new. This month we shall have a relaxed open-house coffee social, with the added excitement of a raffle for an Oriental carpet generously donated by Asif of Pandit Carpets to benefit the homeless. It is a beautiful, 6-foot by 4-foot carpet, single knot, New Zealand wool with silk inlay. Retail value is 12,000 baht. Raffle tickets (1 for 100 baht, 6 for 500 baht and 15 for 1,000 baht) can be purchased from Mare Harvey (billandmare@mac.com), or at the coffee morning. The May 9th NNR Farewell Coffee will be a good opportunity to catch up with friends old and new. Please come and join us! Date: Friday, May 9 Time: 10:30 am-12:30 pm Venue: At the home of Annette Del Rosario, 39/628 Lake Home No need to RSVP but if you do have any queries, feel free to call Sarah Glaze on 081 793 0806. Please feel free to bring a dish of baked goods to share
NNR May 20 Tour: Mrs. Balbir’s Indian Cooking Class For the final NNR tour of the spring season, and her final one as NNR tour leader, Alexandra takes us to Mrs. Balbir’s Indian Cooking Class in Bangkok. Learn to make delectable Indian dishes and enjoy it together with your classmates afterwards. Please RSVP by May 10. Price is 2,000 baht, and payment must be made by May 12. If you need to cancel, you are responsible for finding a replacement. Space is limited to 10 people. Come join us! Date: May 20 Time: 8:45 am-1 pm Meet at 8:45 am in front of the Chevron Theatre. Cooking class starts at 10:30 am. We will NOT be back in time for school dismissal.
RSVP: Alexandra Ries at berlin.bangkok@hotmail.com. When you RSVP, please provide cell number. 3
Cover Story: Bon Voyage!
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Bidding Farewell to Thailand It’s that time of year again, when an estimated 15% of the families in our expatriate community get ready to head back to their home countries, or to pack up for a new posting in another part of the world. The farewell messages featured last May proved so popular with readers that Thani Talk is featuring this special section again. We’ve invited some of our departing neighbors to share their memories of Thailand and offer advice for the “Stayers”. Take their words to heart, because they speak from experience. Have a wonderful summer break, everyone! Liz Lu * Profiles collected by Monique Langer and Liz Lu
Graphicmaps.com
Lorri-Ann Smith, American: Moving to Sofia, Bulgaria
Nationality: USA Hometown: Tough question! I have lived overseas a lot. I was born on Long Island, New York but I guess hometown for me would be Virginia. Other Overseas Postings: Taiwan, Egypt, Philippines, Germany, Macedonia, Malaysia, Thailand and soon to be Bulgaria Company: Now we are with the U.S Embassy Number of Years in Thailand: Three years Number of children: We have two kids. Connor is 21 years old and graduating university this year. Meagan is 18 years old and graduating from ISB. Moving to: Sofia, Bulgaria Plans: My husband and I plan to start our new phase as empty nesters. We are excited to be returning to Eastern Europe again. It's exciting and a little sad all in one. We are pretty excited for our kids too, with Connor starting a new job and Meagan starting college. Memories: I will remember the ease with which we could walk to breakfast or Starbucks on the weekends. Traffic will be a not so happy memory. The flowers here are beautiful! I'll really miss that. And Thailand has some really wonderful, delicious smells when it comes to food. My fondest memory will be of the people. The Thais have been just wonderfully friendly. Advice: Time goes really quickly so take advantage of your time here. Get downtown and try some great restaurants there. Take trips! Other advice: Long timers of Thailand know where to find everything so if you want or need something, just ask them. You can find most anything here in Bangkok. The Expat Facebook page has been great for that so join that if you can. My final advice: Take a deep breath when in traffic. It can be frustrating and scary but if you try to relax, it's much better. 4
Cover Story: Continued
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Wang Hui, Chinese: Going Home to Beijing Nationality: Chinese Hometown: Beijing Other Overseas Postings: Mongolia, Switzerland, Germany, Fiji, Iran and Afghanistan Company: United Nations Development Programme Number of Years in Thailand: 6 years Number of children: 2 sons. Weidi has a Master’s degree and now works in London, UK. Kaiwen will graduate from ISB in June and enter a university in US. Moving to: My husband went to his new post in Afghanistan last year. I will go back to Beijing, China. Plans: Will spend some more time with my father and decorate our new home. Memories: Thailand, we have so many memories with you. You are so easy to get along with. You have nice people, beautiful sceneries, delicious food, a wonderful international community and school. You also have such a friendly Chinese group. We will miss you, Thailand. Advice: Being a housewife, I sometimes feel lonely. So making more friends and learning more about local culture is the best way to enjoy life overseas. We enjoy being in different cultures and making different friends.
Alexandra Ries, German: New Adventures in Dubai Nationality: German Hometown: Berlin Other overseas postings: Qatar, Egypt Years in Thailand: Almost 5 Child: Max, 13 years old Moving to : Dubai Plans: My plan is to make the move to Dubai as smooth as possible for our son, because he will miss Nichada, ISB and his friends so much. Memories: Thailand is a very special and spiritual country. Even if Bangkok is such a busy city, compared to other big cities, it's easy-going, and the "Spirit of Asia" gives you a lot of opportunities to be open to new things, to reflect and to slow down. "Maipenrai" is not just a useful word, it's a perspective of life, and not only in Asia. Advice: Try to find activities, friends, etc, even outside of Nichada! Although you always feel "in good hands", from time to time, you need a change :))))))))
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Cover Story: Bon Voyage!
Loraleigh Daum, American Headed to Home State of Texas
Nationality: USA Hometown: Borger, TX Other Postings: Rome, Italy Company: US Government Number of Years in Thailand: 3 Number of children: Three: ages 11, 8 and 6 Moving to: Houston, TX Plans: We’ll be reconnecting with family this summer since we haven’t seen most of them in 3 years. Who knows how long we’ll be in Houston but we do hope to go overseas again...sooner rather than later if I have a choice. Memories: Our best memories are of the beautiful places and cultures that we’ve experienced during our 3 years and, of course, the memories of the dear friends that we’ve met and treasure. Without those friendships, our time in Bangkok would never have been the same. We will miss you so much! Advice: See as much as you can outside of Thailand. Southeast Asia has so much to offer! Our favorites were Cambodia and Vietnam! Reach out to people in the community if you need help. Chances are good that someone you know has had the same issue and will be happy to help!
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Thani Talk ~May 2014
Amy Bunker, American Repatriating After 13 Years
Nationality: USA Hometown: Mesa, Arizona Other postings: None Employer: Microchip Technology, Inc. Number of years in Thailand: 13 Number of children: Seven Moving to: Mesa, Arizona, USA Plans: Sadly, our time in Thailand has come to an end. We have two kids in the States at university and a graduating high school senior so it’s a good time to return home. Memories of Thailand: Celebrations are a highlight! We will miss holiday fun such as messy Songkran water fights and decorative Loy Kratong boats. Tense times such as coups, flooding and tsunami will be remembered with reverence and respect. I will miss the simple, everyday routine and interactions with neighbors, teachers and friends. Friends have become family and have made our time in Thailand so lovely. There is a unique sense of community that I will dearly miss! Thank you to all who have made Thailand our home. Advice: I believe that none of us is here by accident. Challenge yourself to move past your comfort zone in order to figure out your purpose and what you are supposed to learn from your time in Bangkok. Embrace the experience! Bangkok is a wonderful place to live!
Cover Story: Continued
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Gaile Rockey, American Going Home After 18 Years in Thailand Nationality: USA Hometown: Ocean City, New Jersey Other postings: Only place besides the US teaching Employer: ISB Number of years in Thailand: Total 18 years (First came in 1992, stayed for 5 years went home for 4 and returned) Number of children: Schuylar, 27 (ISB class of 2005), and Shayne, 19 (ISB class of 2013) Moving to: Our home in southern New Jersey & outside the Philadelphia area where all our family lives Plans: Our primary reason for returning home is to be close to family. Besides wanting to be part of our son’s various activities and involvements, both my husband and I have one elderly parent each and as they are still healthy and relatively active, we want to be part of their lives on a daily basis. We have a home by the Jersey shore, so what better place to enjoy a beautiful environment than by the sea. Of course, being active is a daily practice, so whether it be getting involved with teaching, coaching, officiating, I hope to continue to be part of spreading the word of healthy living. As an American Red Cross Instructor, I plan to continue staying involved in this wonderful organization. Memories of Thailand: There are so many wonderful memories of our times in Thailand. A few that are foremost in my mind: • The warmth and friendliness of the Thai people. Whether out on a bike ride, walking down a street, or part of an activity, the lovely smile and hello, the friendly cheer or good wish, or the willingness to always lend a helping hand will be foremost in my mind. • Habitat builds that have brought pure joy to homeowners. • Bike rides along klongs, villages, and rice fields; sailing adventures to islands and overnight campouts, racing events, whether taking part or organizing that always result in a good feeling or accomplishment. Advice: “The pleasure you get from life is equal to the attitude you put into it.” Enjoy the simple things in life. Get involved in helping others. Explore and take in the culture, lifestyles, and wonderful tastes. Learn Thai. Try not to do too much at one time. Always have water with you and be active and healthy every day!
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Thani Talk ~May 2014
Transitions
Prepping for the Move: Where to Donate Stuff Old School Uniforms For security reasons, ISB requests that school uniforms NOT be donated to people in the immediate Nonthaburi area. Instead, they can be donated to: ISB Nurse’s Office, which uses old uniforms as emergency replacements as needed. Chaengwattana Community Church, which periodically takes clothing upcountry to refugee camps. Friends with children still at ISB
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White Elephant Thrift Shop Accepts clothing, household items, toys, books, shoes, etc. Proceeds benefit charities. Located on 2nd floor of the Oasis shopping center on Samakkee Road. NNR Charities Accepts all types of items, including sports equipment, clothing, toiletries and household goods. NNR will deliver your donations to orphanages and other facilities. Contact: Linda at lindafeltham@gmail.com. Soi Prasert English Class (offers free classes for Thai kids in our neighborhood). Needs all types of school supplies, used and new, for the Thai students. Contact: Liz at lizsiam@gmail.com
hat is Reverse Cultural Shock? Remember when you first landed in Bangkok and a blast of humid, tropical heat assaulted your face? Then came the chaos of the streets and all the unfamiliar sights and sounds? Learning about a new culture and how to get things done in your host country were also challenges. That was Cultural Shock, the initial period of confusion in a new country.
Well, when you return to your host country, it turns out that as a result of your time away, you’ve fallen out of touch with all the changes in your home country too, therefore many expats returning home find themselves overwhelmed by what’s known as Reverse Cultural Shock — difficulties in readjusting to how things are done back home. Have you avoided automatic, self-swiping cash registers in favor of standing in line for a real, human cashier? Have you pulled into a gas station and waited for an attendant, as we have in Thailand, to come and fill your tank and clean your windows, forgetting that in your home country it’s mainly self-service? You’ll find your friends and family have changed too. Actually it’s you who have changed, so that you may not realize folks back home have difficulties relating to all the tales of massages and maids and drivers, and vacations to half a dozen exotic locales a year. Their eyes glaze over as you rattle off destinations they may not have heard of. So, remember to be patient, be Jai-yenyen as the Thais say, as you ease back into daily life in your home country. Check out the trusty Bangkok Guide for tips on dealing with Reverse Cultural Shock. If you happen to be headed to a new posting, use the skills you’ve learned in Thailand to adjust to your new surroundings and home. Bon voyage! We wish you the best! Liz Lu 8
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Charity Update
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Sparrow Home for Children Needs Your Help Twenty years ago, several expatriate women, including Nonthaburi's own Monika Dettmann, saw a need for the care for children of prisoners and created a small group home called Sparrow Home. Under Thai law, a child born in prison must leave the mother at age 1, requiring the mother to place the child with a relative or a government orphanage. Sparrow Home was set up as an alterative to the latter so that the mother-child relationship could be maintained through regular prison visits. Since it began in 1993, the home has provided loving, individualized care to more than 80 children. In recent years, Sparrow Home has opened its doors to other at-risk children, including orphans and those with special needs. How to Help Funding Running Low The New Life Foundation, which operates Sparrow Attend: Fundraiser with Margarie Mullings Saturday, May 10 Home, has in the past relied on generous donations Ocean Livingstones Hotel from various sources. Unfortunately, these funds are oceanevent@gmail.com (see ad p. 19) nearly depleted, putting Sparrow Home in danger of closing within a year. Facebook: “Friends of Sparrow Home” A group of us calling ourselves “Friends of Sparrow Home” met with Monika Dettmann to hear about its Contact: Sandie King: sbking60@hotmail.com history and brainstorm ideas for extending its Linda Feltham: lindafeltham@gmail.com funding (see Linda Feltham’s article, opposite Mio Foster: miofoster@gmail.com page). From organizing events to creating a new child sponsorship program that will allow individual Monika Dettman: tmbdettmann@yahoo.com donors to connect with specific children, our main objective is to keep this unique home open. Sparrow Home, where about 15 children ages 3-7 now live under the care of a devoted teacher and two house mothers, costs about 1 million baht, or about $31,000 USD, a year to operate. Sponsoring one child – covering housing and care, food, clothing, school fees, etc. – would cost about 6,200 baht a month. A one-time donation option and partial sponsorships are also available. Seeking Help from Local Community If you are interested in helping with an event or donating, please let us know by contacting one of us through email or by visiting our Facebook page, “Friends of Sparrow Home.” We are updating the Sparrow Home website, which will enable you to learn about ways you can get involved. ISB’s “Sparrow Home Club,” a group of students who visit the home regularly, will also be involved and working with Chris Tananone, Karen Reau and Mio Foster, who have been active at the home this year. A brochure is being created to explain opportunities for child sponsorship. Jazz singer Margarie Mullings is offering her world-class talents at a fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, at Ocean Livingstones Hotel with part of the proceeds going to Sparrow Home. (Contact oceanevent@gmail.com or see ad on page 19.) We are organizing a dinner in May which will feature more information about Sparrow Home to generate enthusiasm for this cause. Watch for announcements about this and join us for these events. Sandie King and Mio Foster 14
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Charity Update
Bangkok Women’s Groups Working Together Uniting to Save Sparrow Home On March 27, representatives from several women’s groups met at Samakee Oasis to brainstorm ideas on how to keep Sparrow Home open. Sparrow Home is operated under the New Light Foundation and is a home for 14 children up to seven years old whose mothers are in prison or who are from "at risk" family situations such as physical or sexual abuse. In attendance were three ladies from Samutprakarn International Ladies Club (SILC), two from American Women’s Club (AWC), one from Club Canada, me (Linda Feltham) from NNR, two independent ladies, one from Sparrow Club at ISB and the founder of Sparrow Home, Monika Dettmann. (ANZWG and British Women’s Group could not be present on that day they have received information about the projects and will be discussing with their members if they are able to help.) Monika started the meeting by telling the story of how Sparrow Home was started and outlined the difficulties it is currently facing with funds running low. Chris Crajakarier from SILC outlined a proposal she had worked on which entailed the children being sponsored for living expenses/education costs, separating rent and salaries. Participants at the meeting agreed that this was a great place to start and were thankful to Chris for working so hard at putting the proposal together. Lively discussion followed on the logistics of the sponsorship, with many great ideas and suggestions being brought forward. Visit to Sparrow Home Spurs Donation Following the meeting, the attendees visited Sparrow Home. We were able to observe the children playing happily and Monika was able to answer any questions that arose. It was apparent that Monika had a great affection for all the children there and was touched that so many people were now involved and could help her keep this safe haven for them. After seeing Sparrow Home, SILC generously provided sponsorship for a child for one year. Following the visit to Sparrow Home, I took the ladies to The Home for the Destitute, where we met with Liz Lu, NNR representative, and the new director, Khun Nan. We were able to show the ladies the very basic living situation for the residents whilst handing out oranges donated by Club Canada. The needs were evident and a wish list was given to the visitors; this included fans and new bathrooms. These requests will be taken to the women’s groups and hopefully donations will be made. Finally I took the ladies from AWC to Baan Rachawadee Ying, the government home for disabled girls, to meet the very inspirational Dorothy Klynstra, a long-term project worker in the orphanages. She talked about the Nutrini supplement program that is making such a difference in the lives of the girls with cerebral palsy (see Thani Talk’s Dec./Jan. issue to read more about it). It is hoped that some of the groups will be able to help support this program. At the end of a very busy day we all went our separate ways, but were united in our desire to activate change, and improve the quality of lives of the children and adults who had touched us that day. Linda Feltham 15
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Tour Tales
NNR April 24 Tour: On Top of the World at “Above Eleven” Sky Bar This visit to Above Eleven marked one of the final tours organized by Alexandra Ries, NNR’s outgoing Activity/Tour Coordinator. Here are some words from grateful tour attendees. Magical evening under the stars - Above Eleven! Peru and Japan in Thailand, a mix of food from Latin America to the Far East, with a wonderful fusion of international ladies enjoying jazz on the 32nd floor, watching the Bangkok skyline, the lights, the pulsating rhythm of the city we live in. Our NNR group, thanks to Alexandra, once more got together to celebrate our friendships and enjoy each others’ company! We will miss our dear Alex, guide and friend. This outing is going to be her last, but it’s typical of the many wonderful jewel-tours she organized for enjoyment by our Nonthaburi community. Thank you Alex, Above Eleven and above all, good luck and thanks for your wonderful ideas and company! The outing was greatly enjoyable with music, friends and an extraordinary view! Vielen Dank Alexandra! We will miss you a lot!
I had heard a lot about Above Eleven, and I am so glad I finally managed to see it with the NNR trip. I can say that it lives up to the hype in every way. Thank you, Alex for a lovely evening spent with a lovely group. Inderbir Broca
Sanya Stanley
It was a great night with great people! Thanks a lot Alex! We will miss your fun and interesting tours for NNR ! Anne Gry Ranchil
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Thani Talk ~May 2014
Community Bulletin Board
The Community Bulletin Board contains advertisements from local instructors, vendors, residents, and service providers. If you would like to advertise your business or event here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnrads@yahoo.com. Cost per announcement is 400 baht.
Yoga Class with Napisa
Vinyasa Yoga
Napisa Pant
Ellie Edelhoff
Mon: 8:45-10:15am, Energize and Restore, All Levels Wed: 7:45-9:15am, Strength and Smiles, Level 2 Wed: 10:00-11:00am, Prenatal Yoga Wed: 7:45-9:00pm, Evening Yoga, Level 1-2 Friday 7:45-9:15am, Back and Core Yoga, Level 1-2 @Studio Above Starbucks Napisa C. Pant 086-975-7187 or napisapant.yoga@gmail.com
NEW! It’s Free! Starting September 2014
Develop strength, flexibility, balance, focus and awareness coordinating movement and breath. Thursdays 8.15-9.45 am: Clark Hatch Gym above Starbucks. All levels welcome. Contact: Ellie Edelhoff 087-000-2464 or 02-987-9677 Email: eedelhoff@hotmail.com
Meditation Courses-Individual or Group Learn to meditate-TM style. Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic, and professional performance. Easy natural, anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 30-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more information. www.TM.org, www.tmeducation.org, www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
List your exercise/fitness class on this page! In order to better serve our readers, we will list, at no cost, Nichada Thani area exercise classes, workout facilities, and fitness opportunities and provide contact information. Don’t miss out! Send us your details!
Contact: nnrads@yahoo.com Upcoming NNR and Community Events May 5
Holiday - Coronation Day
May 10
Nichada Secret Garden
May 5
15th Colgate Kids Triathlon, ISB
May 20
NNR Tour: Indian Cooking Class
May 9
NNR Social: End of Year Coffee (see p. 3)
July 24
NNR Summer Social
May 10
Sparrow Home Fundraiser (see ad p. 19)
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See you after the break!
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Thani Talk ~May 2014
NNR News
NNR’s Annual Summer Social Thursday, July 24 New in town? Staying in Nichada for the summer? Interested in joining the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach team? If you are any (or none!) of the above, join us for the NNR’s 2nd Annual Summer Social. Enjoy a chat and a coffee with friends old and new alike. Home of Charlotte Sanders 39/684 Lakepoint Thursday, July 24 10:30am-12:30pm For more information: Charlotte Sanders Email: sanderschar@yahoo.com Mobile: 084-875-7655
Help Wanted For Thani Talk Travel Writers, Feature Writers, Distributors Long hours, zero pay. But it’s loads of fun, and you get to see your work in print. Plus, it’s a great way to meet fascinating people in our community. If interested, please contact Liz at nnrnewsletter@yahoo.com. If you excel, we’ll double your pay. 22
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Thani Talk ~May 2014
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This is a column that we hope everyone will appreciate. It’s a chance to share all those good finds and tips so that others can benefit. If you have tips to share, please send them to the editor at
Breast Cancer Support Group to Meet in Nichada Please join me for an informal get together at my home on Tuesday May 13th from 1-3 pm to celebrate life and ....US! Feel free to drop in anytime or stay from the beginning. I’ll have some light snacks and sweets. I mainly wanted to connect with others that have been on this journey and to help anyone who might be going through it in this distant land. This isn’t just for breast cancer survivors so if you know someone else who celebrates life each and every day, please feel free to invite them. My address is 39/928 Regent. Tel: 02-911-6669. Please RSVP by Sunday the 11th for planning purposes. I look forward to seeing you. Lee Derr
Autographed Chelsea Shirts Available via Online Auction Chelsea football jerseys, signed by Chelsea team members during their stopover in Bangkok as part of their Asian Tour in July 2013, are available through online auction at https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheWave All funds will go directly to the After The Wave Foundation, a charity founded in response to the 2004 Tsunami to support underprivileged children in Khao Lak, Thailand. The auction opens April 25th @ 5:30 p.m., and closes May 29th at 3:00 p.m. (Bangkok time). Wendy VanBramer
SPOT Card Rewards Shoppers at Tops If you shop at Tops Supermarket, a SPOT reward card will give you 1 point for each baht spent. Collect points and get free cash vouchers. Collect 2,000 points for a free 10 baht cash voucher, 3,000 points for a 20 baht voucher, 5,000 points for a 50 baht voucher. After collecting 5,000 points, get a 5 baht voucher for every additional 500 points you collect. To join, apply at the customer service at any Central Food Hall and Tops Market. Nongyao Sintrakarnchok 26
Heard It Through The Grapevine
Thani Talk ~April 2014
New Ice Cream Shop in Nichada Open Daily There’s a new ice cream shop in Nichada, and - be warned - it is delicious. Husband and wife team Benjamin Leiner and Dao Siripromsit have brought Emack & Bolio’s to the eager residents of Nichada. The American brand is popular on the East Coast (which is why this Cali girl hadn’t heard of it), but you can now enjoy their unique imported flavors and signature ice cream cones right here in Nonthaburi. Nichada has the first Emack and Bolio’s in Thailand, but more are scheduled for downtown Bangkok in the near future. Every flavor is great, and they have the customer service to match. Emack & Bolio’s Nichada Plaza (near new Villa Market), Second Floor Open until 9pm every day Monique Langer
Best Travel Buys in BKK and Beyond Travelzoo – the website best known for their weekly Top 20 travel deals – now has an Asia-Pacific component. As a long-time subscriber of the USA version, I was delighted to discover the A-P deals. You can sign up to receive the Travelzoo Top 20, delivered each Wednesday and described by Travelzoo as “deals from across Asia-Pacific specifically for an English-speaking audience,” hand-picked by their 250 deal experts. The deals are varied and include flights, hotel stays, packages, last-minute deals and more. You will also receive “Newsflash” emails about the best deals in the Asia-Pacific region as they become available and “Local Deals” for the best buys in Bangkok. (No need to worry about receiving too many emails – there are never more than a few a month.) To sign up, visit www.travelzoo.com/ap. You can also view the editions for other countries. Monique Langer 27
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When Life gets Overwhelming Reach Out for Help‌ For 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided counseling for adults, adolescents and families. Educated and trained in the United States, he also had a private clinic at Bumrungrad Hospital for five years. Now with two locations downtown and also in Pattaya, Carl specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship conflict, stress management, school problems, substance abuse and self esteem issues. For a confidential appointment please call 089 680 3503 or counselor_cj@bangkokhappy.com www.bangkoktherapy.com Carl Janowitz Marriage and Family Therapist First Tower Sukhumvit 1/1 (Behind Bumrungrad)
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Around Nonthaburi and Beyond
Events: Shopping The Biggest Fair 2014 May 10-18 Impact Arena Furniture, fashion, electronics, food and more. The 3rd Bangkok Bike Festival 2014 May 1-4 Impact Arena Edutainment bike festival for bike lovers. Onestop products and services for bicycles. Thailand Golf Expo 2014 May 15-18 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Expositions of activities and equipment related to golf products and service. Jim Thompson Sale 2014 May 30-June 1 BITEC Bangna Sale of Thai silk products, cotton fabrics and accessories.
Clubs: International CCT - Club Canada Thailand Open to all nationalities. Monthly tours, book group, Lunch Bunch, and other social events. www.clubcanadathailand.com
Adult Volleyball League: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (and some Mondays) playing friendly matches in ISB’s Rajendra Hall. Contact Pat Sethbhakdi: psethbhakdi@hotmail.com Nichada Tennis Leagues Tuesday-Intermediate League Mary McCarty: mrymccrty@yahoo.com Friday 7:30-9:30- Intermediate/Advanced League Ann McVey: tim_mcvey@hotmail.com
Worship Venues The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road, Pakkret, Nonthaburi. Church service in English begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome! Chaengwattana Community Church Adult Sunday School—8:30am Sunday Service—9:30am Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am Community Prayer—Thurs., 10am Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)
Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi Our Lady of Mercy Church BWG - British Women's Group 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred. Monthly Luncheon, Activities, Coffee Mornings. English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm Open to all nationalities. Faith Formation Religious Ed/CCD) Classes Contact: Sarah Glaze 081-793 0806 OurLadyofMercyParish@gmail.com www.bwgbangkok.com; info@bwgbangkok.com Synagogue Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish Center ANZWG -Australia/New Zealand Women’s 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22 Group Monthly Coffee Mornings, Tours, Newsletter & Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245 Activities www.anzwg-bangkok.org
Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque AWC—American Women’s Club of Thailand 8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi Neighborhood mosque just outside of Nichada Thani. Monthly Luncheon, Activities and Coffee Morning. Contact: 02-712-3380/1 Buddhist Temple awc@awcthailand.org; www.awcthailand.org Wat Bua Khwan (วัดบัวขวัญ) 1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road, Muang, Nonthaburi Clubs: Sports 02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local Men’s Softball League: temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings and Slo-pitch men’s softball. League runs from No- funeral services.15 minutes from Nichada. Go via vember to May. Contact: Troy Regis at: Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the ex(troyr@isb.ac.th) pressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan. 33
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Photo Highlights Thani Talk 2013-2014
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Thani Talk Archive Is Just a Click Away
Check it out Online!
issuu.com/ nnrthanitalk
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Recipe … For a Great Summer!
Instead of the usual Recipe page, here are some ways to beat boredom over the break. Beyond BKK Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014 June 20-22 (Dates subject to change) Drive down to Hua Hin, sit on the beach or walk around the city and listen to great jazz. King's Cup Pattaya Marathon 2014 Sunday, July 20, 2014 Offering full marathon (42 Km), half marathon (21 Km) and quarter marathon (10 Km). 11th Annual Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek July 16- 20 International sailing event off Phuket’s southeast coast.
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Something Different Farmers Market, K Village: Jun 28-29, Jul 26-27 ThaiCraft Fair, Jasmine City: June 7 Wednesday Artists Market, K Village: Jun 4, Jul 2
Boredom Busters For Kids • • • • • • • • • • •
Bowling at Avenue Chaengwattana The Mall Ngamwongwan: Molly Fantasy (6th floor) or water park (top floor) Central Chaengwattana ice skating (basement) or arcade (7th floor) Funarium Playtime for Kids (Park Lane Ekamai) Siam Ocean World at Siam Paragon Flow House - Simulated surfing Kidzania at Siam Paragon Safari World Dream World amusement park Siam Park City amusement park
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Feature: Latin Community in Thailand
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Latin Ball 2014 Highlights! Proceeds Benefitted Orphans, Refugees, & Scholarships
A few years ago, the Thai-Hispanic Association began helping the Latin Community integrate in Thailand and the group has also given a lot to this wonderful country through many charity projects. This past March, the Latin Community hosted the highly successful Latin Ball 2014 at Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel with 350 guests from all around the world. It was an excellent opportunity to raise money for some charity projects, while attendees enjoyed good live music, dance, shows and delicious food. All of these events would not have been possible without the support of the Embassies of Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru and Spain, as well as the great sponsors we had the fortune to have: Asian Tigers Movers, Bumrungrad Hospital, El Charro Mexican Food, Halliburton, Thainamtip/Coca-Cola, Sofitel Sukhumvit, Rembrandt Hotel/Señor Pico, Texica Wine, Brazilia Steakhouse, Soledad Designs, Bell Real State, Panipa, Raja's Fashions, Exotíssimo Travel Asia, El Gaucho Restaurant, Above Eleven/ Fraser Suites and Romrawin Clinic. Thank you again for your support! Likewise, we would like to thank all the participants who also helped with an outstanding accomplishment. As a result, we could donate all the money raised to the following organizations: •
Christian Foundation for Children with Disabilities (Orphanages and Day Care): 100,000 baht
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Chaengwattana Community Church (Mae Sot refugees, many Orphanages of Pak Kret, Lad Yao prison): 170,000 baht
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Colabora Birmania (Refugees): 55,000 baht
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Salesian Congregation/Sister Ana Rosa (Scholarships): 25,000 baht
We are very pleased with the outcome and are eager to keep helping others, so we hope to see you at our "Bingo Bazaar" on May 8. We'll send out an email for further details. We really hope to count on you for future events, and if you are interested in becoming part of the Latin Community, please send us an email to latcommthai@gmail.com. Many thanks and kind regards, Adriana, Aida, Alejandra, Anita, Gabriela, Sergio y Verónica 46
Feature
Thani Talk ~May 2014
For more information about the Thai-Hispanic Association’s May 8 Bingo Bazaar and other activities, contact: latcommthai@gmail.com
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Restaurant Review
Thani Talk ~May 2014
Restaurant Review: River Tree House "It is very possible that many of you reading this will already know of, have found, or been taken to River Tree House (RTH) - otherwise known as Baan Rabiang Nam! It is a distinct favorite with many of us living in Nichada - because it is relatively close, the food is superb, the atmosphere great, and it is not too expensive! All in all, a pretty good find. The restaurant is operated by French and Thai owners, so it has a good mix of 'local' Thai culture, with a blend of European organization. This may also explain why it is incredibly popular with Thais and farangs alike. It is a wonderful place to take visitors as it is situated on the river, which means there is a lot to look at as rice barges pass by, a few guests arrive by jet ski, fishermen attempt to sell their wares (to the restaurant clientele, which always strikes me as very bizarre), but more importantly, the sunset can be watched in the evening - which is always special. To reach the restaurant you park your car in the wat opposite a little tiny soi, from where their complimentary motorcycle with sidecar picks you up and transports you to its entrance on the river. An experience indeed! Once there, you walk amongst tropical plants and flowers on wooden broad walk - all beautifully lit in the evening. Wherever your table is located it is lovely, but, of course, the prime seating is riverside (worth noting when you book). The quality and variety of the food is the key to whether a restaurant passes the ultimate test, and here RTH certainly collects that Certificate with Honors. The food - all delicious Thai - can be chosen from a book of a menu (you will need a few minutes to select!). And, if you are not a confident Thai food eater, believe me, you WILL find something yummy here. The choice is way too long to list, but some favorites are crispy morning glory spicy salad (120 baht), fish cakes with sweet peanut sauce (130 baht), lemongrass soup with chicken and tamarind (130 baht), F\fried chicken with cashew and apples (150 baht), Thai-style papaya salad (90 baht), steamed snapper with chili, lime and garlic (320 baht), sweet fried fish with peanuts and herbs (300 baht), and sticky rice with fresh mango (rice in the shape of teddy bears and hearts!) (80 baht). The waiters are extremely attentive with drinks - Never an empty glass to be had! You can also take your own wine if you wish (you can take that as a tip!). If you have not yet been, go! It will take you 20 minutes from Nichada, so an easy trip. Enjoy! River Tree House 74/2 Soi Nonburi 23 Nonburi (Wat Khae Nok) - next to the Ministry of Commerce, Meung Nonburi Tel: 02-968-1481 or 089-182-7100 Hours: 11:30am - 11:30pm (live music every Friday night!) Sally Elliott 49
Providing highquality quality custom custom tailoring forfor more Providing high tailoring more than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in than 45 years, Voguehas Magazine, International Living,Vogue Raja’sMen's Fashions been featured in Men's Worth Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Magazine, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, International Living, Magazine, Esquire, The Washington Post,Worth Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast Magazine and Fortune, many other travel magazines. Bangkok Guide, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s Guide,
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DELIVERY RESTAURANTS
PHONE
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine 02-952-0031 BBQ Sandwich King
086-773-4140
Bukhara (Afghan/Indian)
082-443-1398
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Food Loft
02-831-5588
KFC and Pizza Hut
1150
Le Bouchon Food Delivery McDonald’s Milano’s @ Pro Club
02-962-2850 1711 02-582-1555
Mr. Enzo’s
02-960-0412
New York Diner
081-624-2099
NICC Club
02-960-4326
Que Pasa
02-960-3821
Sapna (Indian and Afghan food delivery) 02-960-3141 Scoozi
02-715-8555
Subway
02-960-3232
Sudhathai
02-583-2694
Slider Shack
086-773-4140
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BUSINESS
PHONE
Bamboo Spa Bank Krungsri Bumrungrad Family Clinic
02-583-9871 02-582-2669 02-960-4216
Clark Hatch Fitness Center Crystal Holiday Travel
02-960-4326 / 27 02-960-4469
Hair By Jib Happy Teeth Dental Clinic Great Massage
02-960-3783 02-960-3988 02-960-3691
ISB
02-963-5800
Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928 Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300 Pandit Carpets Panipa Pum’s Salon Rex Pharmacy Rose Marie Academy Shawn Carpets
081-828-2562 02-960-3934 02-583-7117 081 834 1306 02-960-3663 090-564-8927
Starbucks Twist Villa Market
02-967-9686 02-911-6839 02 -584-5444
Wash-N-Dry 085-945-4132 4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming 02-960-4189
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