Thani Talk 2019 November

November 2019

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

Thani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH

Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

NNR News:

Cover Story:

Travel:

Community:

NNR Charity Bazaar Nov. 9th!

Major Anniversaries: NNR’s 25th

Day Trip: Where to Take Visitors

New Businesses in the Neighborhood

Pages 4-5 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by: September 2019

Pages 10-19

Pages 28-29

T h a n i Ta l k

Pages 34-35

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

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

Connect with NNR

facebook.com/nnrthailand

issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Unofficialnichada.com

Thani Talk Ad Rates 1 page

19x28 cm.

3600 baht

1/2 page

19x14 cm.

2160 baht

1/4 page

9x14 cm.

1200 baht

• • • •

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

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

NNR BOARD 2018-2019 Chairperson

Sally Elliott

NNRThaiChair@gmail.com

Vice Chairperson

Liz Garrigan

lizgarrigan@gmail.com

Treasurer

Francesca Whitehead

nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com

Activity/Tour Coordinators

Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar

nnrtour@gmail.com

NNR Socials

Chantal Bremner

nnrsocial@gmail.com

Charity & Volunteer Coordinator

Jenna Deacon-Potter

nnrcharity@gmail.com

Advertising Director

Ginny Condra

Thani Talk News Team

Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team

nnrnews@gmail.com

Distribution Coordinators

Birgit Sund

nnrttdist@gmail.com

Communications Director

Kiki O’Connor

nnrcommunications@gmail. com

095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com

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

2 November 2019 T h a n i Ta l k

Letter from NNR’s Chairperson

Nov. 9 NNR Charity Bazaar as We Celebrate Our 25th Year!

As many of our friends and family experience the change of season into Autumn, it turns our minds to traditions and celebrations such as Divali, Christmas and Hanukkah.

We at NNR are no different and look forward to one such NNR tradition that is

25 years and going strong!

Our Annual Charity Bazaar will be held on SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER at the Nichada Club, and promises to delight us once again with 60+ artisanal vendors. (See details on pp. 4-5) A wonderful community event, the Bazaar provides Christmas shopping opportunities before many go away for the holidays. What a treat!

Join us for a great day and do your bit to support our 10 LOCAL charities.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sally Elliott, NNR Chairperson

Inside This Issue NNR Social

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach

1994 - Present

A volunteer group serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities We’re celebrating our 25th Year!

Calendar of Events Nov. 8: Comedy Den, (Competition), p. 19 Nov. 9: NNR Charity Bazaar, p. 4-5 Nov. 11: Loy Krathong Festival, p. 7 Nov. 22: NNR Tour, p. 6 Nov. 29: Comedy Den (Family Show), p. 19 Dec. 5: Tri Kids Triathlon at ISB

Letter from NNR’s Chairperson NNR Tour Cover Story: Community Anniversaries Community Fitness & Activities Nonthaburi & Beyond Travel: Day Trip Community News Feature: Running in Thailand PEOPLE: Nok of Muay Thai NNR Tour Highlights NNR Social Highlights Restaurant Review

3 6 10 22 23 28 34 41 42 46 47 49

Until Dec. 15: Terracotta Warriors Exhibition, p. 23 Dec. 16-22: Christmas Camp, p. 8

** Full calendar listing on p. 23 **

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach November 2019

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Cover Graphic Design by Bill Fear Thai Numeral 25 Saluting NNR’s 25th Anniversary 3

NNR Bazaar

Shopping for a Great Cause!

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach

Proceeds from NNR Charity Bazaar are donated to local charities in Nonthaburi

Shop ‘ Til You Drop to Support Nonthaburi Charities! *****

* Home for the Destitute * Thanksgiving Home * 1 Step, 2 Step * Home for Hope * Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities * I Care Foundation * Bumble Bee Free Library * Sailom Project * Sparrow Home November 2019

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5

NNR Tour

November 22 : NNR Tour

Felicia Design Jewelry Factory Tour, M.R. Kukrit’s Heritage Home

d Friday, November 22: Visit a jewelry making factory, shop for a good cause, and discover a beautiful heritage house hidden in the Sathorn area On Friday, Nov. 22, please join us for an amazing tour to the Sathorn area of Bangkok.

You will visit the jewelry factory Felicia Design, a high-end silver and gold jewelry manufacturing company.

You will be welcomed at Felicia Design by Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag, Managing Director and Norwegian national. After the tour, you will be able to shop to your heart’s content. Felicia Design will donate profits of the sale to Kids Action for Kids, a non-profit charity organization providing surgeries for children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.

We will then visit M.R. Kukrit’s Heritage Home.

Tucked away in a quiet corner in the Sathorn area and set on a picturesque pond garden, the five traditional teak homes showcase a rich collection of artifacts, including ceramics, antiques, fine arts and rare books.

M.R. Kukrit Pramoj was a Renaissance man. He penned more than 40 novels, stage plays, short stories and poems as well as actively promoting traditional Thai culture. He started a political party in 1945 and became Thailand’s 13th Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975.

Time permitting, we will have a quick self-paying lunch at Yellow Ribbon Home Kitchen just around the corner.

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When: Friday, November 22 Time: 7:45 am Where: ISB, in front of Chevron Theatre Cost: 400 baht per person What to bring: Water, comfortable shoes, camera, some money for shopping and good mood!

To sign up: Please email nnrtour@gmail.com Tour is limited to 12 participants.

Greetings from your travel team.

Pascale and Maida 6

felicia

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Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach November 2019

Cover Story: Community Anniversaries

Cover Story Marking Major Anniversaries In this issue Thani Talk introduces you to four community groups and businesses that are all celebrating major anniversaries—the volunteer group Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), Que Pasa restaurant, Kids Action for Kids (KAFK), and Comedy Den. NNR, publisher of Thani Talk, has been serving our community and Nonthaburi charities for 25 years! Read below to learn the many ways that NNR has been helping expats and Thais alike.

Que Pasa celebrated its 20th anniversary last month, and the story of its journey and growth is chronicled.

25th

Next is Kids Action for Kids, whose mission is to fund cleft palate surgeries in the region. KAFK has been helping others for a full decade.

Last but not least, Comedy Den is bidding farewell on its 2nd anniversary in December. We wish founder Delfin Solomon all the best.

All four groups and businesses play an important role in our community, helping all of us to connect and support one another. Let’s raise a toast to the contributions they have made and cheer them on their respective anniversaries.

Liz Lu, Editor

NNR Celebrates Silver Anniversary!

25 Years of Serving Our Community

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach It’s hard to believe that Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) has been around for a quarter century. The volunteer group raises money through its annual NNR Charity Bazaar and revenue from selling advertising in this magazine. All proceeds from the bazaar and ads are donated to Nonthaburi charities.

It was in 1994, one year after International School Bangkok moved out to Pakkred from its old campus on Sukhumvit, Soi 15, that locals Kacie Liput and Nancy Tonies decided to set up NNR. They saw a need, especially for newcomers, some of whom struggled with adjustment. In the days before Facebook and instant messaging, neighbors also needed a way to communicate and share information.

“What was important to me was having programs that were free, and a newsletter for free,” said Kacie in a 1998 interview. Together they published 300 copies of the first Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach newsletter. As the community grew, circulation increased to 700. Many years later, the newsletter was renamed Thani Talk, and now each month volunteers distribute up to 1,400 copies to local homes.

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From NNR archives, oh so long ago...

(Above) September 1996 edition of the Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach newsletter, precurser of today’s Thani Talk magazine, published

by NNR. The 14-page, hand-typed newsletter was photo-copied and stapled at the ISB print shop. It was distributed to 700 homes. Today, Thani Talk is produced with InDesign, professionally printed, and our monthly circulation is approximately 1,400.

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November 2019

Cover Story: Community Anniversaries

Early Days: (Above lt.) Nichada Lake being dug out of rice fields. (Above rt.) Housing was built surrounding the lake. * Archive photos courtesy of Scott Roman.

Nowadays, 2019: (Rt.) The lake rimmed by new high rise buildings. Starbucks later made its debut in Nichada. Expansion continued and construction and new homes stretched all the way to the expressway, with a guard booth added. Rose Marie Academy and Prestige 1 now sit on the eastern perimeter.

In addition to NNR and other volunteer work, Kacie also opened the Red Elephant, a shop selling a variety of goods, including handicrafts and furniture from Indonesia and Korea, as well as carpets from Pakistan. Later, the Red Elephant house would become the first home of Que Pasa, then Shawn’s Carpets, and finally, today’s Bumble Bee Free Library.

Back in the 1990s, NNR consisted of 2 to 3 volunteers who organized tours and published the newsletter.

Today, NNR has an 11-member board of directors. The newsletter has grown from 14 pages to 52 pages. It used to be ad-free, and NNR used to support local charities by collecting cash donations at monthly coffee mornings.

Now, advertising revenue from Thani Talk magazine helps fund local charities supported by NNR. NNR’s major fundraiser remains its annual charity bazaar. The NNR Charity Bazaar has switched back and forth between the Nichada Club and Chaengwattana Community Church. This year, on Saturday, November 9th, the NNR Bazaar will be held at Nichada Club, near the Nichada pool and gym, between 9am-5pm.

In addition to publishing Thani Talk and hosting the bazaar, NNR also has a Facebook page (facebook.com/ nnrthailand), and is linked to the community website, November 2019

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11

Cover Story

facebook.com/nnrthailand

issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Unofficialnichada.com. NNR Communications Director Kiki O’Connor is in charge of sharing helpful news and other announcements with the community. Keep an eye out for her posts in your Facebook news feed.

As NNR embarks on its next quarter century, it is committed to continuing its mission of serving neighbors and supporting local charities. NNR’s Charity Coordinator Jenna Deacon-Potter is tasked with a 3-pronged job: 1) Matching volunteers with local charities, 2) Forwarding your in-kind donations to those who can put them to good

Unofficialnichada.com

use, 3) Distributing NNR grants three times a year.

In addition, Jenna works closely with ISB so that on professional training day, teachers are taken on a tour of local charities so that they have a better understanding of volunteer opportunities for themselves and their students.

With the community’s support, NNR is able to offer grants that make a big difference for local charities.

Thank you for your support!

Liz Lu

NNR Makes a Big Difference

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach 12

T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

Cover Story

Did you know that Thani Talk is also online?

For archive editions (2012-Present) check out this link: issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Need Your Thani Talk Magazine?

For delivery information, please contact Birgit Sund at: nnrttdist@gmail.com.

Cover Stories: Editor’s Picks

Annual Travel Issue

2014 April: Meet Our Muslim Neighbors 2014 December: 10th Anniversary of the Southeast Asian Tsunami.

2014 September: 20th Anniversary of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) 2015 December: Religious venues: Meet Our Diverse Community: Worshipping and Living Side by Side 2017 October: In Honor of King Rama IX 2018 April: Growing Trend: Men as Trailing Spouses 2019 March: Discovering Nonthaburi 2019 April: Bangkok Shopping District 2019 Nov.: NNR’s 25th Anniversary

2014 February: Aurora Borealis in Sweden, Bungee Jumping in New Zealand, Beaches of Thailand, Disneyland in Hong Kong.

2015 February: Skiing in Canada, Safari in Tanzania, Safari in South Africa.

2017 February: Ballooning in Myanmar; Motorcycle Roadtrip in Thailand; Hanoi to Sapa in Vietnam; Exploring Kyoto; Iceland by Mini Van. 2018 February: Nepal, Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani Thailand, Koh Rong Samleon in Cambodia 2019 February: Maldives, Dubai, Train to Laos, Cruise to New Zealand and Australia, Day Trips: Snorkeling in Sattahip, Maeklong Railway Market

Cover Stories: News Round Ups 2015 September: International Clubs in Bangkok 2016 October : Charities and Volunteering 2015 November: Sports Roundup 2016 March: Libraries of Bangkok 2018 March & October, 2019 Oct.: Interest Groups 2018, 2019 September: Mega Edition, Grapevine tips

Annual Farewell Issue: (Each May)

November 2019

PEOPLE: Profiles 2014 Sept: Alex Janney, owner of Que Pasa 2016 Apr: Rose Marie Wanchupela, Rose Marie Academy 2016 Nov: Bruno Marchal, owner, Le Bouchon.

2017 Feb: Cherry Thamthai, owner Cherry Sweet Kitchen.

2017 Sept: K Veerapong Netiwinyoo, owner, New York Diner.

2018 Apr: Delfin Solomon, founder of Comedy Den 2019 Feb: Jum Chemnasira, owner, OC Organic Shop

T h a n i Ta l k

13

Cover Story

20th

Que Pasa Marks 20th Anniversary with More Expansions

Mexican food prepared by Thais at a restaurant started

by Americans—that’s how Que Pasa got started. Somehow, it turned out to be a hugely successful formula, and last month our neighborhood Mexican eatery celebrated its 20th anniversary with fan fare.

Founded in 1999 by Texan Alex Janney and a former business partner, Que Pasa has been at a number of different locations in the neighborhood. First, it started out at the Thai house that is now home to Bumble Bee Free Library. It then moved to a tiny shophouse near where Great Massage is now located outside Nichada’s main gate. Finally, Que Pasa moved to its current location where it has grown rapidly through the years.

Alex used to personally make food deliveries on a scooter. His wife, Jantasuda “Quan” Jamjod, now 41, was among the first group of employees. In the old days, when Nichada expats left for winter/summer breaks, Que Pasa would close. Nowadays, with word-of-mouth buzz on social media, enough Thai customers have discovered Que Pasa that the restaurant stays open year-round.

A graduate of Brigham Young University who studied Mandarin Chinese and first came to Asia to teach English in Taipei, Alex discovered Thailand through his travels and always dreamed of one day living in the kingdom. In 1994, when he was in the States and after his first marriage ended, Alex said he woke up one morning and told himself, “I’m 14

going to Thailand!” He quit his job that day and within a few weeks landed in Bangkok.

At first he worked as a consultant all over Asia, advising factories on how to meet international standards. When a friend told him that a little neighborhood shop called “Red Elephant” was struggling with its coffee corner, Alex decided to check it out. It was located at the Thai house that is now the free neighborhood library.

Alex and a business partner opened Que Pasa at the Thai house. Why a Mexican restaurant? “I’m from Texas!” laughed Alex, a Kerrville, Texas native. “ We don’t think of Mexican food as foreign cuisine.”

Through the years, Alex and Quan built a menu that went beyond tacos and enchiladas and now offer creations such as Mexican somtum (Thai green papaya salad with avocado), pizzas, BBQ and even corn dogs.

Before Que Pasa’s big 20th anniversary in October, Alex and Quan spent three weeks expanding the size of the restaurant as well, knocking down perimeter walls to add new indoor seating.

“We got to the point where we had up to 5 or 6 different groups waiting for tables,” Alex said of the pre-renovation situation. However, despite nearly doubling their seating capacity, when the restaurant re-opened, the dining room was filled to capacity almost immediately, he said.

During the past 10 years, Que Pasa made other changes,

T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

Cover Story adding three new restrooms, a party room, and additional playground equipment. Four times a year, Alex promotes an a la carte BBQ night that sells out quickly.

Alex, 61, is an avid collector of —well, just about anything, according to him. “I’m just a hoarder,” he said. “ I find them interesting.” On the restaurant walls is his prized collection of car license plates from more than half a dozen countries, including a Thai license plate he found on the street after the big flood of 2011. A Thai family dining at Que Pasa one day spotted the plate and told him, “That’s from our car!”

Alex also collects Coca Cola cans from different countries, and they are lovingly lined up on the restaurant walls. Friends and customers often bring him license plates and Coca Cola cans to help him build his collection.

“My wife, unbeknownst to me, built a storage facility as large as the inside of this restaurant to keep all my crap in,” said Alex. The recent renovation and expansion has displaced a lot of his collectables. But the wooden Thai canoe, tuk-tuk hood, and ice shaving machines can still be found in the garden area of the restaurant. “It’s a combination of preservation and just appreciation,” Alex said of his love for all things unique.

One passion he has had to curtail is his love of travel, especially to Nepal, which he has visited 24 times, sometimes leading groups such as a Boy Scout troop or teens from ISB’s Week Without Walls (now Global Citizenship Week) program.

“I stopped traveling because of needing to take care of my daughter,” he said. His 6-year-old daughter Arya is the apple of his eye. He is also dad to Quan’s adopted 16-year-old son Baell. “ I enjoy staying at home and taking care of the kids.”

To celebrate Que Pasa’s 20th anniversary, Alex prepared a new logo especially for the commemorative shirts he has ordered. It does not include the restaurant’s slogan “ Support Your Local Wetback”, which has drawn criticism from some customers. But he declines to remove the controversial slogan completely from the restaurant.

“It’s what you mean when you say it,” said Alex, who said he grew up with the term in his native Kerrville, Texas.

“I perceive it as a fond and endearing term.” As a foreigner working in Thailand, especially in the early years of the restaurant, he also thought of the slogan as a teasing way to describe himself.

Alex decided to leave out the slogan from the anniversary shirts as well as from the front of staff shirts, mainly out of consideration for his wife who may have to deal with complaints, he said. Also, customers who would like a commemorative shirt but who disagree with his slogan policy would have the choice of buying a slogan-free shirt. However, he said he will not remove the restaurant’s decorative umbrellas that feature the slogan.

“I stick with my commitment simply because I, in no November 2019

Early years

October 2019 way, shape, or form mean it to be derogatory,” said Alex.

“The reason I fight it,” he said, “is that by claiming it (the word), it loses power.”

“We have customers who come and complained (of the slogan),” he said. “Yet they very rarely stop coming and eating here.”

As Que Pasa enters its third decade, Alex remains happy with how things are going at Que Pasa. “I like it one-off,” he said, explaining the decision not to add branches, even though Thais and Westerners alike have inquired about franchises. He said of Que Pasa, “ It’s my failed retirement attempt.”

“Hopefully, someday Baell or Arya will take it over,” he said.

T h a n i Ta l k

Liz Lu 15

Cover Story

10th

Kids Action for Kids Kicks Off 10th Year Making Life-Changing Surgeries Possible

10 years and counting!!

Many of us want to make a difference; Kids Action for Kids (KAFK) continues to do just that and is now celebrating its 10th anniversary!

Founded in 2009, KAFK has helped to fund 1,600 LIFE CHANGING surgeries in children from rural Thailand and rural Myanmar.

Life Changing?

Yes, in so many ways! Not only do these operations help to correct severe congenital cleft palate and cleft lip conditions, but they also make a HUGE social difference.

These children often cannot go to school because they cannot speak properly, cannot eat properly, and are often socially stigmatized and bullied.

Their learning is minimal; their mothers very often cannot work because they need to feed the child and look after them, removing one salary from the family which confirms a poverty that can be impossible to escape.

Imagine a surgery which enables the ability to eat, to communicate through speech, to be independent, and to play with friends, which makes schooling possible and enables a parent to take on work to contribute to the family’s wealth and to be accepted as part of the village community.

Life changing indeed!

Please take 2 minutes to see for yourself: https:// youtu.be/-hhTuJXyXbQ. The average cost of one operation is 25,000 baht – just over US$800. Imagine changing a life for this amount.

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KAFK has worked in tandem with Operation Smile to change 1,600 children’s lives!

How have they done it?

They have raised funds through people like you and me, Girl Scouts, families, community groups etc. and people who simply decide to help.

Our own Nichada community has done a wonderful job over the years to support KAFK, and recently our own Zumba Ladies contributed 10,000 baht.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! The November 22nd NNR Tour will be visiting a beautiful jewelry company, Felicia Design, who will donating a portion of sales to KAFK. KAFK will be at the NNR Bazaar on November 9th, selling gorgeous handmade Christmas decorations with a Scandinavian twist—come and support us!

On December 6th, Sweet Poppy is kindly hosting an Ellie Edlehoff photographic exhibition­— with special surprises.

Ellie is a veteran with KAFK, supporting them on many missions. DO join us for a special evening!

Haakon Brekke, an ISB alumnus, is the Chairman of KAFK, and I am proud to be working with the group to help nurture future fundraising projects.

If you have an idea for a community group to be involved in fundraising, please do contact me: sallyelliott@me.com

T h a n i Ta l k

Sally Elliott November 2019

Cover Story

Thailand 39/206 Nichada Park, Nichada Thani Norway Sentrumsveien 62, 3647 Hvittingfoss, Norway kidsactionforkids.org kidsactionforkids@gmail.com

KAFK Sale of Christmas Decor at NNR Bazaar As in past years, Kids Action for Kids will be selling Christmas decor at the NNR Charity Bazaar to raise money to fund cleft palate surgeries.

Decor items include beautiful, handmade wooden reindeers, sleds, Christmas trees, and Santas. Freshly baked goods made by volunteers will also be available.

All profits go to fund surgeries, and each baht will be matched by sponsors, so every sale counts.

November 2019

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17

Cover Story

2nd

Comedy Den Bids Farewell on 2nd Anniversary Delfin Solomon, ISB Class of 2005 graduate and founder of Comedy Den, will be closing his local comedy club with an anniversary/ farewell show on Dec. 6th, after a 2-year run.

A percentage of the last three shows (on Nov. 8, 29 and Dec. 6) will be donated

to NNR charities.

The 32-year-old Nichada resident is a filmmaker, teacher, and comedian who launched his dream project in December 2017 at the Nichada Club. He later rented Que Pasa’s party room for regular shows featuring comedians from all over the world.

Delfin, an Indonesian who grew up in Thailand, attended university in Australia where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in film. He later earned a master’s degree in media communications from Webster University. To pay the bills in Australia, he worked in video production and short films.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m closing the club,” he said. “because I want to tour and focus on making my independent film.” If all goes well, he hopes to make a Hollywood blockbuster one day.

He said his priorities are film, comedy, and his day job.

Delfin said his experience organizing shows at the Comedy Club has helped him build a good network in the comedy industry. When he is on summer break from teaching, he sees his pursuit of comedy taking him to New York and Los Angeles, as well as to Australia.

Delfin developed his love of comedy by watching it on TV. His favorite performers include Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and George Carlin. “ I’m more into the old guys,” 18

he said.

At Comedy Den, Delfin introduced family-friendly shows so that parents can bring their children. Clean comedy is a new trend, and the PG-13 content and guest magicians appealed to Nichada area families. One of his favorite guest comedians was a guy in his 50s, he said. “He’s funny without swearing or being bad.”

He also set down ground rules for the comedians he invites to Comedy Den. “I don’t want to hear a single lady boy joke,” he told them. “ I don’t want to hear cliches or stereotypical jokes. I want to hear something I haven’t heard.”

As he prepares to go on tour, one of the challenges he and other comedians face is how to protect their original material, he said. “ How do you be orignal when everyone is online now?”

How do his parents feel about his pursuit of a comedy and film career? “All they wish for me is to be successful doing it,” he said, adding that they told him, “Don’t be irresponsible. Don’t come to us when you don’t have money.”

But Delfin is not one to be discouraged by setbacks.

Learning from failure is what the art of live comedy has taught him. He said when he performed his first stand-up comedy routine at open mike night at the Londoner on Sukhumvit Soi 33, he bombed. But he just shrugged it off and tried harder.

Pursuing a career in the creative arts isn’t easy, but Delfin has no regrets about all the work he put into Comedy Den. “At the end of the day, it’s a success because the main goal was to create a community,” he said. “That’s what Comedy Den is. It’s about community.”

Liz Lu

Tel: 085-134-8230 FB Group: Comedy Den Pakkret Email: comedydenpakkret@gmail.com

T h a n i Ta l k

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Community Fitness & Activities Yoga & Fitness Classes Nichada Neighborhood Kundalini Yoga - Baan Shakti Yoga with Napisa Community Fitness & Activities Listings Kerstin Wild, 086-372-9750 Napisa Pant, 086-975-7187

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

napisapant.yoga@gmail.com FB: yogawithnapisa

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

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

Iyengar Yoga Juan Bodan, 081-285-3050

Nice to See U Yoga - For kids & family Kay-Rosukon, Certified Kids Yoga Instructor www.budharasyoga.com, 087-929-9641

Monday Kundalini Yoga 7:45-9:15 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Napisa Restorative 8:45-10:15 All levels Meditation Mon with Marie 8:00-9:30 Kerstin Yoga for Kids Kids 3:00-3:45 pm Tweens 4:15-5:00 pm

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

Weekly Schedule Wednesday Kundalini Yoga 7:45-9:15 Napisa Alignment Flow 7:45-9:15 Level 2 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Yin Yoga Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45

kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com www.yoga-of-awareness.com Private classes available

Das PowerHaus Pilates + TRX Reformer, Mat with props, TRX Joanna Brittingham, 089-846-6610 joanna.brittingham@gmail.com FB: @daspowerhausnichada Charity Vinyasa Flow Kelly Poret - yogaporet@yahoo.com

Thursday Hatha Yoga w/Katja 7:45-8:30 (Baan Shakti) Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:15 Underdog Wellness 9:30 Mat Pilate Gong Bath & Meditation 11:00-11:45 Ashtanga Yoga PanZen 3:45-4:45 Napisa & Tween Yoga 5:00-6:00 pm

Friday Kundalini Yoga 7:45-9:15 Iyengar Yoga 7:50-9:20 **Saturday** Charity Vinyasa Flow 8:30-9:30 Das Powerhaus

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

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

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

Weekday rides - Mon & Wed at 7:30 am - Contact: Henrietta Bullinger, hbullinger@gmail.com.

Weekend rides - Sat & Sun at 7:00 am - Contact: Chris Oglesby, caoglesby@hotmail.com Tennis with Coach Sagi - Nichada tennis courts; Contact: Sagi Luft, 092-271-2110 or sagiluft@hotmail.com Bollywood Dance Colorful, expressive, exciting & sexy!

Morning Class: Friday 11:00am-12:00pm Afternoon Class: Wednesday 5:00-6:00pm Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 or iritmike@gmail.com

Dance

Zumba - Chaengwattana Community Church Mon, Wed & Friday FB: Zumba Nichada Thani - Class fee donated to charity!

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SpiritDance Learn to move your feet & body to a variety of fun styles of dance and music!

Morning Class: Wednesday 11:00am-12:00pm Afternoon Class: Tuesday 5:00-6:00pm Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 or iritmike@gmail.com

T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

Nonthaburi & Beyond

Exhibitions and Events Terracotta Warriors Visiting Exhibition from Xian, China at National Museum Bangkok Until December 15, 2019 9am -6pm Wednesdays - Sundays

Event: Thai Teaw Thai 2019 (travel fair featuring offers and promotions from tours, hotels, airlines, spas, car rentals, etc.)

Date: Nov. 7 - 10 Location: Impact, Muang Thong Thani Tel: 02-307-8555

Be prepared for waits of one hour or more

Calendar of Events

Nov 9: NNR Charity Bazaar, p. 4-5 Nov. 8: Comedy Den, Competition, p. 19 Nov. 11: Loy Krathong Festival, p. 7 Nov. 22: NNR Tour, p 6 Nov. 29: Comedy Den, Family Show, p. 19

National Museum Bangkok

Address: Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok (National Museum Bangkok is located next to Thammasat University) Tel: 02-224-1333 November 2019

Dec. 5: Tri Kids Triathlon at ISB Until Dec. 15: Terracotta Soldiers Visting Exhibition, p. 23 Dec. 16-22: Christmas Camp, p. 8

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ISB International School Bangkok

Upcoming events at ISB Arts, sports, educational and cultural events open to the public.

NOVEMBER 2019

Swimfest ISB Swiming Pool | 09-10 Nov

ISB swim team would like to take this opportunity to invite you all back to ISB’s largest swim meet of the year.

NNR Charity Bazaar Nichada Club | 09 Nov | 9am - 5pm

The Community Association of Nichada, the NNR, will have its annual Charity Bazaar on Saturday November 9th! In its’ 25th year, this promises to be a huge event, being on a weekend and sharing the day with ISB’s SwimFest. Christmas shopping opportunities from over 60 Artisan vendors, food sales and also a gorgeous cafe will be tempting all the community!

The NNR bazaar is the main fundraiser enabling support of 10 LOCAL Nonthaburi charities - who in turn support children rescued from human trafficking, the disabled, the homeless, orphans, promoting life skills and a local free library for local Thai children...

ISB has been partnering with the NNR for many years, and is a proud Gold Sponsor of the Bazaar - be a part of this great cause, and join us on November 9th: 9am - 5pm. See you there!!”

Spirit Night Main Field | 29 Nov

The culmination of Spirit Week at ISB with a host of sports on the go, tons of vendors and large crowds. Spirit Night has an awesome atmosphere and is a great night out for families!

www.isb.ac.th

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019

Join us for a roaring good time at the ISB Great Gatsby Gala!

Come enjoy an evening inspired by the iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald set in the 1920s. Eat, drink, dance & play like flappers and gents in support of the ISB PTA and the Nong Ya Plong Village.

Tri kids Triathlon presented by Amorn Group ISB | 05 Dec

Join us on December 5th for the 21st annual Tri Kids Triathlon presented by Amorn Group. Registration for the #ISBTriKids will open this Friday, October 18th at 10am. Get ready, registration will fill up quickly!#ISBtrikids #kidstriathlon #ISB #triathlon #ISBCommitment #ISBCourage

ES Festival of Lights!

Chevron Theater | 18 Dec | 6.30pm

This festive performance includes the ES Panther Choir, Orff Ensemble and String Ensemble. The concert will explore celebrations and traditions from around the world. We hope to see you there!

Middle School Olympic Rajendra | 19 Dec

Don’t miss this year’s MS Olympics Opening Ceremonies, December 19! Each year, ISB’s Middle School students celebrate a full day of culture and spirit at ISB’s Middle School Olympics. Please join us in this celebration featuring the talents of many ISB students and staff.

Follow us to find out more about ISB events

www.isb.ac.th

ISB International School Bangkok

DECEMBER 2019

Travel: Day Trip

Gentle & Easy Bangkok Half-Day Tour for Visitors

Rattanokosin Island, Golden Mount, Klong Boats, Jim Thompson House

Entertaining visitors? Here’s a great introduction itinerary for their first day in Bangkok Thailand and the capital city of Bangkok can feel daunting to first-time visitors, especially those from “the West” who have never set foot in Asia before. Add to the mix the malaise of jet lag and the assault on all five senses and it’s easy to understand how overwhelming the first day out in the city can be! The following is an entry-level adventure for freshly-arrived visitors to Thailand.

Rattanokosin Island Did you know canals were dug out like moats around the area that includes the Grand Palace? This is Rattanokosin Island or sometimes referred to as “Old Town” or “Old Siam.” It is home to many quintessential and iconic Thai sights you’ll want to show your guests in due time. But this half-day itinerary is a perfect way to comfortably acclimate guests to Thailand and to begin to open their eyes to the culture and splendor that is here. It includes just two sites and a short boat ride on the klong that connects them. Depending on your schedule and on traffic, you can go from east to west, or from west to east.

28 Than

If you’re using a private driver, it’s easy to get dropped off at one spot and picked up at the other.

The Golden Mount (Wat Saket) Hours: 09:00 to 17:00, 50 baht First stop: I always take visitors to the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) first thing in the morning, before it gets hot and crowded. All taxis and drivers know their way here, but you might have to walk around a bit to the entrance, depending on where you’re dropped off. (It is well marked.)

The Golden Mount lies just outside of the original city wall and was once the highest point in Bangkok.

Visitors can purchase tickets and then climb the 300 steps to the huge stupa which houses some of Buddha’s relics. The walk is very easy and leads through misty hanging forests, sculptures, pools and a line of large prayer bells and gongs which can be rung for good fortune. Wat Saket is an amazing place to get a 360° view of the city including a view of the Grand Palace, the Mahanakhon skyscraper to the south (The tallest building in Thailand, the Mahanakhon is often called the “Lego” or “Transformer” building). Wat Saket’s Ubosot (ordination hall) is to the west, and the klong and river boat on which you’ll soon ride, to the north!

When you’ve had enough of the spectacular views and soothing prayer bells, make your way back down. If you follow the signs to the “vultures” you’ll be lucky enough to learn about how the area was used during the cholera epidemics.

On to the boat!

D o n ’t miss this part of the itinerary! The boat ride to the next stop is easy immersion in the local culture and many guests report it as the highlight of the day!

i Ta l k

November 2019

Travel: Day Trip The pier closest to the Golden Mount is called Panfa Leelard #4 and is the last stop on the Saen Seap Klong. To get to the boat platform from the Golden Mount, walk out the west gate and go north over a narrow Italianate bridge called Mahadthai Uthit Bridge or the “Bridge of Tears.”

Originally built in 1910 by Italian sculpture Vittorio Novi to commemorate the death of Rama V, the bridge is one of the few that has never been widened or expanded and serves to remind us of the intentional Italian influence that appears throughout Bangkok.

Walk over the bridge and to the right you will see the boat platform. Get right on the boat and buy your 9 baht ticket from the wandering ticket person who will likely understand when you tell them you’re headed to the Jim Thompson Museum.

These days the boat moves more slowly due to the other “tourist boats” that now share the klong with the commuter vessels. In about 15 minutes (or less, depending on klong traffic) you’ll arrive at the Sapan Hua Chang Pier. Backtrack on the south side of the klong along the graffiti-filled walls until you reach the entrance to the Jim Thompson House.

Jim Thompson House Museum Hours: 9:00 to 18:00, 200 baht Jim Thompson was an American agent for the OSS (Office of Strategic Services, precursor of today’s Central Intelligence Agency) who was stationed in Asia and returned to Thailand after WWII. He is credited with single-handedly revitalizing the Thai silk cottage industries which ultimately supported the larger commercial businesses. In 1959, he built this house by combining several older traditional teak houses and buildings. It is an amazing blend of the old and new demonstrating Thai, Chinese, Burmese, American and European influences.

The beautiful house and gardens and the setting on the klong leave an indelible impression on those who visit.

The tours are about 35 minutes and run consecutively all day in several languages. Pay for the tour at the ticket window near the entrance then proceed to the garden where they’ll give you your time slot. There is also a store to visit while you wait for your tour and a lovely restaurant with western and mildly spiced Thai food.

Newly-arrived guests love this combination of Wat Saket, the boat ride and the Jim Thompson House Museum for many reasons: It’s only a half-day in duration and will gently introduce visitors to the boldness and enormity of Bangkok. In addition, the combination of the enormous beautiful wat plus the “East-meets-West” high design of the museum affirms people’s hopeful ideals of what exotic Thailand is truly like!

Kelly Kabat November 2019

Tips • • • • • • • • •

•

Take a cab or have a driver drop you off at one spot and meet you at the other in 2-3 hours.

Be sure to climb to the rooftop of the Golden Mount.

You will need to look for the small staircases that take you up to the golden chedi.

The washrooms at the wat are easily accessible. Be sure to take your own tissue, as with many places around Thailand.

The boarding pier near Wat Saket is Phanfa Leelard Pier, and the pier closest to the Jim Thompson House Museum is called Sapan Hua Chang Pier.

Take smaller bills and change for the boat. The ticket price is 9 baht.

Never believe tuk tuk drivers who tell you that the wat is “closed today” or that the Jim Thompson museum doesn’t open until noon.

You will board and disembark from the right-hand side of the boat (which does a U-turn after boarding near Wat Saket).

Jim Thompson House Museum is a great place for lunch. The setting is lovely, everything is very mild and their “Thai” dishes are accessible to everyone.

If you’re nervous about taking the boat to the Jim Thompson museum, use your phone to help identify when you’re getting close to your stop—especially if you’re seated in the middle of the boat and can’t see out properly.

- Last—enjoy the journey!

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Yoga of Awareness Kerstin Wild

Integral Sound Healing What is it?

Sound Therapy is effective in not only achieving a state of relaxation but it also has a way of moving through blockages in the body. Sounds or vibrations are well known to treat conditions as stress, shock, anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, specific health issues & symptoms, pain, addiction or drugissues…

Group classes are weekly available Private classes - Only few time slots They are tailored to meet the needs of each individual person.

Kundalini Yoga Class – 90 min Mondays,Wednesdays, Fridays 7:45-9:15am 450.00 Thb drop in / 400.00 Thb 10-times-ticket First class The 300.00

Sound-Gong-Bath&Meditation-45min Tuesdays: 9:30-10:15am Thursdays: 11:00-11:45am 250.00 Thb drop in / 200.00 Thb – 10-times-ticket

Yoga for Kids 6-9-years-old Yoga for Teenies 10-14-years-old Mondays: 3:00-3:45pm (Kids) 4:15-5:00pm (teenies) 250.00 Thb drop in / 200.00 Thb – 5-times-ticket

Hatha Yoga with Katja - 45 min Tuesdays, Thursdays 7:45-8:30am 250.00 Thb drop in / 200.00 Thb –10-times-ticket (tickets are valid 6 months)

Which tools can be used in a private session?

- Kundalini Yoga - Pranayama Exercises - Meditation - Mantras - Reiki - Gongs - Singing Bowls - A variety of other sounds Please contact me for more information and to register to classes.

SERVING CHILDREN AGES

Magic Years International School provides a challenging program that balances the body, mind and soul, understanding that they are of equal importance to nurture each individual as a lifelong learner.

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We help you make unforgettable ones, with our exclusive Art Deco range of home textiles / accesories / jewelery / handicrafts and many other items, specially crafted to cater to all of your gifting needs.

Address: 39/665, Bayview, Nichada Thani, Pakkret, Nonthaburi 11120 Phone: +66 983065892 (Open Daily 11:00 am - 6:00 pm) Email: monvoyage.th@gmail.com

Community News

3 New Businesses in the Neighborhood Last month, Thani Talk featured a new business outside Nichada’s main gate: Premium Craft Pizza. This month, we take a look at three other new shops—two on Soi Prasert Issaram and one on Soi Samakkee. Our dining choices are expanding and offering new options.

HealthyLicious365

Organic Salads, Meals and Drinks Delivery Tel: 093-018-9565 (9:30am-8pm)

The first one is HealthyLicious365, located opposite Slider Shack, between Great Massage and 7-Eleven.

HealthyLicious365 was opened in September by the husband-and-wife team of Khomthong “Mod” Mungpol and Priss Thanomphetsuk. Mod personally designed the airy and light interior, while his wife focused on perfecting the healthy smoothy menu.

“Our main concept is healthy, organic,” said Priss, who added that they were inspired by restaurants they discovered while traveling. “We found that in Europe and even in Singapre, there’s a concept of Build Your Bowl,” she said. To them, it’s a new version of the Thai khaogaeng serving concept where local restaurants offer a choice of different dishes with rice. “Let’s do a bowl but in a healthy way,” they decided.

So, at HealthyLicious 365, you can custom-build your meal for 179 baht by selecting your preferred flavor of sous vide chicken, grains and vegetables. The menu also offers hot, boxed meals for 89 baht and salads for 149 baht.

Mod and Priss source some of their vegetables from the O.C. Organic Shop inside Nichada. Produce also comes from the family farm in Samut Songkhram province.

They’re so dedicated to using the best ingredients that recently during October break, the young couple flew to Singapore to find the best Brazilian Acai available.

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The day I visited HealthyLicious365, Mod’s mother Supanee Mungpol was staffing the store. Khun Supanee is a nurse and spends her time off helping at the shop in the evenings and on weekends.

Mod, 37, is using years of experience he built up while running a Thai restaurant in Danang, Viet Nam. The couple has been responsive to suggestions from customers, 90% of whom are expats. For example, although they originally planned for the shop to offer mainly take-out and delivery service, when customers said they would like to have a sitdown meal, they provided additional seating. They share their customers’ preference for eco-friendly serving dishes and utensils. At the shop, forks are wood and spoons are made of a compostable material. “We start little by little to save the world,” said Priss.

Puudeong Annyeong Seafood Shop with Korean Twist Tel: 089-233-1336 (10am-9pm) You may not have noticed this new store at the shopping strip outside Nichada’s main gate, but it’s part of a chain offering Thai seafood with Korean sauces.The Nichada franchise branch opened in June 2019, just before summer break. It is across the road from HealthyLicious, near Slider Shack.

The unique shop is called Puudeong Annyeong

T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

Community News pronounced Bhu Dong Ahn Yong (Pu Dong in Thai means Preserved Crab). Puudeong o ff e r s clams, prawns, crabs, and other seafood from Chantaburi province, east of Rayong on the Gulf of Thailand. The seafood is meant to be enjoyed cold and raw, with a selection of Korean sauces including the following flavors: mustard, wasabi, and lime. There’s also a distinctly Thai flavor that may be new and challenging to foreigners­—Pla Ra (fermented fish). Staff member Khun Maprang said that some expat customers not used to eating seafood raw have bought the sauces to enjoy with grilled shrimp at home. Sauces are 65-75 baht a bottle.

In addition to the seafood selections (ranging in prices from 250 baht to 550 baht for prawns and different types of crab with roe), the shop also sells single servings of Korean rice and packaged Kimchi.

The seafood shop offers delivery service, but customers are also welcome to order online and pick up at the shop.

restaurant with a living room corner, modern furniture and free WiFi. Menu selections include homemade soups, salads, appetisers such as onion rings and fried cheese balls, as well as Western entrees, Thai fried rice and noodle dishes. A dessert display cabinet offers tempting choices after your main meal.

Since I Caffè is open beginning at 7am, lots of customers, such as parents from ISB and St. Andrews International School, often stop by after dropping their childrern off at school, to grab breakfast or just to enjoy coffee/tea and a chat with friends, he said.

Chanayus adds little welcoming touches such as fresh red roses on the tables.

In the same complex at 90/5 Soi Samakkee, his friends own a fitness gym, Fight to Firm, and a pet grooming service, Buddy Grooming Spa and Pet Shop. It was one reason that K. Chanayus chose the location. There’s synergy with the other businesses.

He said that after a workout or while their pets are being groomed, customers can wait and enjoy a drink at I Caffè.

Liz Lu

I Caffè Restaurant Bar

Ambiance, Food & Drinks Tel: 095-891-9536 (7am-9pm) Just 4 months ago, out on Samakkee Road, a new dining option opened, offering a spacious place to enjoy Thai and western meals, coffee, desserts, beer and wine.

I Caffè Restaurant Bar, located on Samakkee Road just before Sweet Poppy, is owned by Chanayus Theerakanthada, a coffee lover who has a passion for cooking and good food. He wanted to offer neighbors a place to enjoy good food and relax, so he designed the November 2019

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T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

Feature: Running in Thailand

Joys of Running in Thailand

I discovered the joys of long distance running seven years ago, almost by accident, while working as an international student advisor at Penn State University in the United States. Our medical college was organizing a running event for its annual children’s cancer research fundraiser, and my students and I wanted to support the cause. Upon erroneously registering for 10K instead of 5K run and realizing I am actually capable of doing it (I ran my first ever 10K without any training in under an hour), I knew this was just a beginning.

What followed was a series of weekend charity 5Ks and 10Ks in and around beautiful countryside areas of central Pennsylvania, resulting in determination to continue running at whichever foreign post was next for my family.

After arriving in Thailand, my husband and I literally hit the ground running in Nichada trying to get acclimatized to the extreme heat and humidity conditions. We later combined traveling to different parts of the country for running events with sightseeing and learning about Thai culture and history.

Running inside Nichada Thani is safe and convenient, as there are better road conditions and fewer motorized vehicles compared to the outside. One can cover between 10-12 kilometers from one end of the community to another and around the lake. There are also annual charity races within the community, such as 5K and 3K races organized by ISB student club “Operation Smile” as well as by Rose Marie Academy.

However, unless you are a creature of habit, running inside the Bubble can also get a bit mundane and uninspiring. My ultimate goal was to get out and starting doing races in greater Bangkok area and other places in Thailand.

As part of the growing running industry in Asia, the Thai November 2019

running/jogging scene has been experiencing somewhat of a boom in recent years, with 5K and 10K races popping up all over the country. Running events can be found in all major cities, so whether you are an experienced runner or just want to stay in shape, Thailand offers many opportunities to get out and start clocking those miles/kilometers. There is something for everyone: distances vary from 3Ks to marathons, plus there is also a variety of trail running races and even ultramarathons, such as Thailand North Face 100 and Thailand Ultramarathon.

Last September, while I was riding a songthaew to the Chiang Rai Marathon assembly point in beautiful Singha Park, I started chatting with other race participants. We quickly realized that quite a few of us have run the exact same races in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the past couple of years. Odds are that if you are a runner in Thailand, you’ll quickly identify your favorite annual running events (Northern Thailand ones are mine) and occasionally see some familiar faces.

Like most Asian cultures, Thai is a “high-context” one, meaning that interpersonal relations are highly valued. Its ubiquitous “mai pen rai” attitude translates into running culture as well. Most runners are not highly competitive; they do it because it is a newly discovered (and healthy) hobby; it’s fun to do with friends and family; and often because they enjoy getting “race swag”, i.e. medals, souvenir race t-shirts, as well as posting about their running events on social media. Many organizations and businesses encourage participation by forming racing teams, promoting health and wellness, as well as team work. Not to forget food and entertainment—I never had a post-run Phad Thai, or fresh coconut at any races I did in the States! The events are well organized and there is indeed a sense of real joy and enthusiasm about them, turning them into wonderful communal celebrations.

Running may not be everyone’s cup of tea (especially in tropical climates), but it is a kind of physical activity worth trying at least once. It can be done almost anywhere, at any time with minimal equipment and cost, and you do not have to be fast, or break any records (except personal ones) to enjoy it. I find running to be relaxing and therapeutic with almost a meditative quality to it. To quote Haruki Murakami from his book What I Talk About When I Talk About Running: “In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”

Maida Muslic-Kovar Resources to Road and Trail Running in Thailand: c25k.com, runsociety.com, runlah.com, runthailand.com, jogandjoy.com, gotorace.com thenorthfacethailand.com

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PEOPLE: Nok of Muay Thai

Nok Stitnimankarn of Jaroenthong Muay Thai Gym Kicking Away Stress in Nichada Plaza

One of the unique traits of Nichada Thani is its ability to draw an array of entrepreneurs who are as eclectic as the neighborhood’s own diverse community.

Take Nok Stitnimankarn for example. A native Thai who was educated in suburban Pennsylvania in the United States, Nok has done many things over the course of her career, and in many places. She was a cook and a bartender at an uncle’s seafood restaurant in New York City (Captain Nemo’s); an investor for her family’s Thai-based chemicals business; and a restauranteur at a Bangkok driving range.

These days, Nok runs Jaroenthong Muay Thai Gym, in Nichada Plaza—a job that she finds equally challenging and rewarding.

“I and three business partners started here about four years ago hoping to take advantage of the surging popularity of Muay Thai,” Nok recalls. “I had never thought of opening a Muay Thai gym, but it was really popular, and we heard Nichada was looking to open a Muay Thai gym here. I thought, ‘Let’s do it!’”

It helped that one of Nok’s business partners knows Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, a retired Muay Thai boxer who reached a pinnacle of fame and success in the late 1980s and early 1990s and who owns a chain of Jaroenthong gyms throughout Bangkok. Jaroenthong allowed Nok and her business partners to use his name and helped them outfit the gym with TWINS equipment, which is also used in the famous Lumpini Boxing Arena.

Nok and her partners then hired three trainers: two professional boxers, Khun Wirat Jeamroeng and Khun Kumphol Turksoon-nem, and sports trainer Khun Teeraeat Visapen or ‘Mi,’ who specializes in working with children.

“All of my immediate family is ‘up country,’” says Mi, 42

“so when I see kids come in for their regular lessons, they are like my family here.”

According to Nok, Jaroenthong’s clientele is evenly split between adult and youth, and they come to the gym mainly for fitness—although, she adds, sometimes they just want to relieve stress. “Some people, they come in very mad and they just kick and kick and kick. By the end, they are fine,” she says.

Although Muay Thai’s popularity might have seen a slight dip in recent years, Nichada’s Jaroenthong gym continues to attract a steady stream of clients from both locals and the constantly replenishing expatriate community. “Expatriates stay for a few years and want to learn a new sport, and then they leave, and a new batch comes in,” Nok explains.

But the churn also has its downsides. “You can’t be sure of the numbers,” says Nok, “and when the international folks go on holiday, there are no more clients.”

Maintaining the infrastructure has also been a challenge.

“Every year, the rainy season is an issue. We have water leaks, electrical power outages—you don’t know all the struggles,” she explains. “Clients also frequently want discounts, and we try to do what’s best for clients, but our rent costs a fortune.”

Still, the gym’s 100+ clients are among Nok’s favorite aspects of the job. “I’ve met a lot of people, a lot of local politicians and businesspeople. They come in and tell me their stories,” she says, “and I’m a good listener.”

Nok adds, “It’s fun to meet so many expatriates, too.

I’m happy to make connections to new clients and they are interesting for me. And I’m happy to see a lot of kids learning the Thai sport. If anyone has a chance to box, they should!”

T h a n i Ta l k

Laura Dodge

November 2019

PEOPLE:

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NNR Tour Highlights

Highlighsts: NNR October Tour

Spiritual Tattoos, Orchid Farm, Thai Crafts Off we went, with a bunch of ladies, by bus on an NNR tour to Wat Bang Phra. Although in the Nonthaburi province itself, the ride of one and a half hours took us through beautiful views of paddy fields.

Wat Bang Phra, also known as the Tattoo Temple is a mystical, non-touristic place. We were lucky our dear guides Maida and Pascale knew where the action was: a man with a long bamboo stick which had a pen at the end was just starting to put tattoo on the back of a young man. Apparently, people come here from far and wide with their problems. The revered monks suggest where a tattoo must be made to alleviate the problem.

The temple (monastery) itself consisted of many well-kept and decorated buildings, with a waterfall and many statues. Most statues represented the monk Luang Phor Pern, who established the place, wearing tiger-outfits. The story about him is as follows: Villagers in the area were beleaguered by wild tigers that had mauled or killed several locals. After Luang Phor Pern learned of the villagers’ predicament, he offered katha (incantations) and sak yant to protect them. He taught them that tiger yantras, in particular, could fend off attacks. From that point forward, no one who received the monk’s protection was ever attacked by a tiger or other wild animal, earning Luang Phor Pern a powerful reputation as a master of incantations and tattoos.

After an hour of exploring we crossed the river to visit the OTOP shop where they manufacture and sell scented soaps, essential oils and lotions made from coconuts. A cute place at the river that serves delicious cold coconut milk!

Our final stop was at The Orchid Farm where all kinds of orchids (and some other plants) are bred and sold. All the varied colors and shapes of the orchids make one feel happy instantly!

After a short guided tour about the parent plants and their ‘children’, we enjoyed a great lunch in the cute little café in the middle of the shop and returned to ISB around 2.30pm.

What a wonderful day! A massive thank you to Pascale and Maida for organizing this tour. Highly recommend to anyone keen on this diverse and enriching experience.

Moneesha Kapur, Petra Meeuwesen

Photos by Anna Jison 46

T h a n i Ta l k

November 2019

NNR Social Highlights

Highlighsts: NNR October Social Evening Gathering at Sweet Poppy

Did Running Dinner happen? No, it did not, but guess what, the Sweet Poppy Switch Up did! While by the end of the sign up period we didn’t have enough couples to hold the Running Dinner in its regular form, thanks to an idea started by the O’Connors and the phenomenal flexibility of John Popovic, the Running Dinner Team were able to provide a fun and slightly different forum to meet new and catch up with old friends.

Eighteen couples came together for a scrumptious selection of starters, mains and desserts affording those in attendance the chance to try different selections on the menu that some may never have had the chance to sample before. Between starters and main, couples were switched around and seated at different tables which gave everyone a chance to dine and meet different attendees. The dessert round was a little more casual allowing our diners, yet again, another opportunity to catch up and meet new people.

Heartfelt thanks go out to Sweet Poppy and the incredible staff! We highly recommend Sweet Poppy for your next private event or party! Thank you all for coming!

Chantal Bremner & Birgit Sund November 2019

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Restaurant Review

Myth My Tree Society Bar & Bistro Former Joe’s Café

November 2019

Kiki O’Connor Address: 158/1 ChaengwattanaParkkred 26

Myth My Tree

Outside the Sichaitong Gate, on the way to Central Plaza, in the calm hustle and bustle of our local community, you will find the newly revamped and welcoming bar and restaurant, with the rather mystifying name — ‘Myth My Tree’.

Open from 5pm to midnight, this is a spot we should all support! The lady manager speaks decent English, and her little toddler adds a little childish charm to this family friendly venue.

The former Joe’s Café has had a substantial facelift and now features soft furnishings, with comfortable chairs, airconditioned indoor area and a TV for showing sports.

The outdoor seating area is in a leafy garden, offering a serene sundowner atmosphere where you can enjoy a beer after work and watch the sun set, in the Thailand that is on our doorstep! After dark the garden is lit up in Thai fairy light style. Several outdoor fans create a welcome breeze and ice by the bucket keeps the beer cold too!

The extensive menu now not only includes quality Thai food, but also Western and Japanese dishes. Freshly g r o u n d c o ff e e s a r e also served, all at very reasonable prices. A highly recommended snack to go with your cold beer is ‘Fried Cashew Nuts’, served with finely chopped lime, ginger, shallots and chillies.

Recently, the Nichada rugby fans have regularly frequented Myth My Tree to watch the Rugby World Cup matches and mingle.

The staff have been very accommodating, opening outside normal operating hours to cater for the rugby get-togethers and allow people to connect to sporting events via their laptops onto the main TV screen.

The local Nichada Pub Quiz is held at Myth My Tree on Thursday evenings from 8pm every second week during the school term. For more information on that, contact Andy McRobbie, at amcrobbie63@ googlemail.com. Always a fun event and a great way to meet more ‘intelligent’ people!

Tel: 096 857 6244

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