Phuketindex.com Magazine Vol.39

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People Focus

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City Focus

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Chef Talk

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GM Talk

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EDITOR’S NOTE Phuket

Dear readers,

index.com

TM

Welcome to the green season edition of Phuketindex.com Magazine V.39. This issue features highlights of many things to do on Phuket and lots of interesting facets of the island.

There’s also in-depth news and articles in this issue such as an interview with Michal Zitek, Area General Manager of Angsana Laguna Phuket, as well as a talk with Wipa Tanmanatrakul, the President of the International Women’s Foundation and a chat with Sathirapong Na Takuatoong, President of the Phuket Tourist Association.

Focus P.10 People

Focus P.38 City

Talk P.52 Chef

Talk P.64 GM

In this issue we also have many green season suggestions for family trips, kids’ activities, and coffee venues for you. We hope our information will help you to plan your trips! Enjoy!

Best regards,

Phuketindex.com’s Team

Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Paradorn Promkird Advertising Enquiries dos@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 99 391 4056, +66 (0) 61 749 9392 Fax. +66 (0) 76 240 750

www.facebook.com/phuketindex

Contents MAY 2018 - JULY 2018

People

Lifestyle & Travel

People Focus

Business Story

10 - Armani Wachiravit Samart

14 - A Place for Coffee

A Young Phuket Artist

Property Guide

Business Talk

22 - Utopia Karon

24 - Pikgo Café Indy Café in the Park

23 - Utopia Central

City Focus

Charity

38 - Phuket as a Destination for Family

34 - An interview with President of

Tourism with President of the Phuket

International Women’s Foundation

Tourist Association

Wipa Tanmanatragul

Chef Talk

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58

52 - Interview with Chef Sumol Hirunmal Executive Sous Chef of Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

GM Talk 64 - An interview with Michal Zitek Area General Manager of

Restaurant Guide

Angsana Laguna Phuket

46 - Acqua Restaurant 48 - Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar

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64

50 - Savoey Seafood

Signature Dish 56 - Lamb Duo Massaman

52

Phuket Kids’ Activities 58 - Phuket Kids’ Activities

Social 26 - Photo Albums

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Lifestyle - People Focus

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huketindex. com chats with a young Phuket artist, Armani - Wachiravit Samart to discover what’s behind this 12-year-old boy’s inspiration and concepts in his fantastic paintings.

What is the inspiration behind your painting?

My inspiration is Master Chalermchai Kositpipat.

I really admire his paintings and I’ve been a fan since I was nine years old.

Armani

Wachiravit Samart A Young Phuket Artist

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Lifestyle - People Focus What’s the inspiration behind your work?

I use my feelings and emotions in what I am interested in at that time.

Is your technique Thai pattern painting?

Yes, that’s right.

Is there any specific name of your technique?

Actually, there is no specifi c term to describe my work. I just paint Thai patterns.

What’s your favourite painting from all of your creations?

Why do you think this painting is your masterpiece?

Image Copyright Armani Wachirawit Samart

I created this painting for our King Bhumibol so I worked hard at it.

What’s the most important tool you must have?

Music. I always listen to music while I create.

I heard that he invited you to join in his art school at Wat Rong Khun

What have you learned from your art?

I’ve learned many different techniques.

It’s true.

What is your best skill as regards your paintings?

I really like using Thai patterns in my painting because I would like to conserve our Thai culture through this.

Who was your first art master?

Master Watcharin Rodnit.

How do you feel when your paintings are completed?

I’m so proud of all my work.

My favourite painting is ‘The king of a 10-year-old boy’ which I created about a year ago. It was painted with black ink and acrylic colouring on a 2.4 - metre size canvas frame. It won the CEO AWARD prize of ‘The 6th White Elephant Art Award’ under the theme ‘Happiness of Thai people: the Gracious of Seventy Years of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne’.

So is it still at your house?

It’s kept at a museum in Bangkok after I was presented the prize by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

What’s your goal in being an artist?

I’d like to be a national artist of Thailand.

Which school year are you studying in?

I am studying in grade 7 (M.1) at Pluk Panya Municipal School If you would like to follow or support this skillful and talented young man please visit https://www.facebook.com/armani.samart

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Lifestyle - People Focus

Let’s have a look at some of his work.

This name of this oil painting is ‘Continuing Khon’ because Khon is a famous yet uniquely Thai performance that I wanted to celebrate. It took 79 days to complete.

This painting is called ‘The Sound of the Jungle’, it was inspired by the bad news of black tiger being found dead so I put several animal species together then added a Thai pattern using colours and a light and shadow technique.

This is a ‘Hanuman’ painting. I wanted to show Khon to foreigners so I choose Hanuman which is the main character of Khon. I spend about a week in creating an 80x100cm painting using acrylic colours.

Image Copyright Armani Wachirawit Samart

The painting behind me is ‘The last scene of Tossakan’. This gold painting is an image of a struggle between Rama and the giant Tossakan.

The painting took about two months to finish.

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Lifestyle

- Link

See more pictures from our online section

You’ve arrived

Scan the code Your smartphone has the ability to read the codes (which automatically take you through the website), use QR Code Reader app, or easier use your line QR code reader function and then point your smartphone camera at the codes.

Lifestyle - Business Story

A Place for

Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and in its various forms people love an original hot coffee while some prefer it iced and others prefer latte. Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans from many kinds of coffee plant; Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, Liberica...

Coffee is slightly acidic and has a stimulating effect because of its caffeine content. It can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways.

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Lifestyle - Business Story MAI KHAO:

KINDS OF COFFEE

Doppio (Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa) Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 999

Siam Deli

Tel: +66 (0) 76 338 000

Bill Bentley Pub

Tel: +66 (0) 76 314 818

The Coffee Club

Tel: +66 (0) 76 314 805

Espresso

Espresso or ‘short black’ is brewed by expressing or forcing out a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.

Americano

Latte

Americano is a type of coffee mixed by diluting an espresso with hot water. It has a similar strength to espresso, but features a different flavour from traditionally brewed coffee.

PHUKET TOWN

Latte or café latte is made with espresso and steamed milk. It is an espressobased drink with steamed milk and micro-foam added to the coffee. Latte is sweeter than an espresso due to the addition of steamed milk.

PiKGO Cafe’

Tel: +66 (0) 85 058 6567

RoengJit Phuket

Tel: +66 (0) 98 596 9495

The Circle Coffee Boutique Tel: +66 (0) 76 216 396

Cafe’in - Thaihua Museum Tel: +66 (0) 62 067 5979

RAWAI

Cappuccino

Cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink that originated in Italy, and is traditionally prepared with double espresso, and steamed milk foam. It is similar to latte but a cappuccino has more foam and chocolate placed on top.

The Phuketindex.com team brings you to six places in five easily accessible areas – to take a shot of coffee – chill out - talk with your friends – or to do business...

Mocha

Hock Hoe Lee

Tel: +66 (0) 76 381 975

Absolute Mango Café

Tel: +66 (0) 94 343 3399

Bake Free

Tel: +66 (0) 92 516 4021

Margaret fresh coffee & bakery home made

Also called mocaccino, this is a chocolate-flavored variant of a caffe Doppio latte, a mix between a cappuccino and a hot chocolate.

Airport Other commonly MAI KHAO used spellings are mochaccino and also mochachino.

Tel: +66 (0) 61 794 2995

KARON Coffee Talk (Phuket Karon Beachfront Café)

Tel: +66 (0) 76 396 090)

Paradise The Espresso Bar

Tel: +66 (0) 81 497 5535

Doi Chaang Caffè - Karon Beach Phuket

Tel: +66 (0) 64 934 7467

Italian Job Coffee

Tel: +66 (0) 98 708 3843 Nowadays, due to connected technology, we can work almost anywhere on our notebooks, tablets or mobile phone. Cafés are ideal for this; and they’re a place where people can spend their time with Wi-Fi, coffee, baked goodies in a pleasant atmosphere.

KATA RoengJit Phuket Coffee Talk KARON

PiKGO Cafe’ Moments

Moments (The SIS Kata)

Tel: +66 (0) 76 609 555

Gluay Nam Wa

Tel: +66 (0) 76 687 428

Tiffin Mama Café

KATA

Hock Hoe Lee RAWAI

Tel: +66 (0) 76 680 900

At KATA Bar & Restaurant

Tel: +66 (0) 81 537 0105

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Lifestyle - Business Story

AFFOGATO

Coffee making by

Sriampron Promsorn

COFFEE TALK See view coffee shop

One of the best beachfront coffee shops in Karon Beach if you want to have both air-con and sea views. As it’s a hotel outlet the service is of a high standard and there are not only cakes and bakery goods; you can order Italian dishes from the restaurant too.

LOCATION / CONTACT Patak Road, Karon Beach Tel. +66 (0) 76 396 654

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COFFEE EXPERIENCE Affogato Affogato is an Italian coffee-based dessert. At Coffee Talk you can enjoy a vanilla gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso – a perfect mix of the strong and subtle, espresso and the creamy sweetness of ice cream.

Lifestyle - Business Story

ROSEMARY

Coffee making by

Prapadsorn Kullima Moments Coffee & Tea Room is located at The SIS Kata, a cafe that welcomes both inhouse guests and passers-by. Partnered with Illy Coffee and TWG tea, Moments is a great meeting place with free Wi-Fi. Their desserts are very fresh and presented in a decidedly cool style. A great place to catch up, make new friends or just chill.

MOMENTS COFFEE

& TEA ROOM Cool style coffee place

COFFEE EXPERIENCE Rosemary - Iced Coffee Vintage At first sight you’ll think that it’s a normal coffee with ice and milk but after trying it you’ll discover that they add rosemary syrup to the coffee resulting in a very distinct aroma and flavour.

LOCATION / CONTACT Tanode Road, Kata Beach Tel. +66 (0) 76 609 555

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - Business Story

Coffee making by

Supannee Innakhon

CARAMEL LATTE

DOPPIO

A pleasant place to spend your time This is an on-site coffee house in Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, located in the Mai Khao area in the north of Phuket. With trendy staff members, it’s a great place to sit and chill with your friends, get your business done or to wait for your flight as it’s only 15 minutes to the airport. Serving not only coffee, here you can indulge in tea, smoothies, light dishes and baked goods.

LOCATION / CONTACT Moo.3, Mai Khao Beach Tel. +66 (0) 76 363 999

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COFFEE EXPERIENCE Caramel Latte Caramel lattes are one of the most popular items at coffee shops. At Doppio their caramel latte is specially made with homemade caramel sauce, a secretrecipe of the hotel. The taste is very smooth and relaxing.

Lifestyle - Business Story

ROENGJIT Chill out with Phuket’s memory

This restaurant serves many kinds of coffee.

Here you can order main dishes, baked goods and coffee. The restaurant also provides Thai and international food. Located at Surin Circle, this was once the Roengjit theatre and the place is redolent of Phuket’s past with decor to match.

Very atmospheric.

Coffee making by

Siwarat Lertpoonsawat

SYPHON

& COLD DRIP COFFEE

COFFEE EXPERIENCE Syphon & Cold Drip Coffee The syphon & cold drip process is a 24-hour affair starting with ice melting through blended coffee (Sumatra Mandheling or Columbian Supremo), this process has a lot to do with controlled temperature in order to ferment the coffee so you should notify the restaurant first before ordering.

LOCATION / CONTACT Surin Circle, Phuket City Tel. +66 (0) 62 426 3954

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - Business Story

HOCKHOELEE The legend of Phuket’s coffee roaster

Well known as the original Phuket coffee roaster, it was founded in 1958 in Phuket Town by Mr. Cheng Long. And in 2011, by the third generation of the family, it has started roasting premium coffee for espresso drinks. Come to visit their store for a taste of a living Phuket legend. The store is located next to Phuket Town’s fresh market. You can enjoy Hockhoelee coffee at their coffee shop on Viset Road the way down to Rawai Beach.

Coffee making by

Ruengrit Petchvorakul

COLD BREW COFFEE COFFEE EXPERIENCE Cold Brew Coffee Brewed from Hockhoelee organic coffee, using a cold process, Hockhoelee cold brew coffee gives you a new dimension of coffee. It has less of an acidic taste and more of a clean and strong feeling. As it is bottled coffee you can take it with you everywhere; drink it straight up or put on ice or add milk, soy milk, coconut milk whatever you feel like!

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LOCATION / CONTACT Viset Road, Rawai Tel. +66 (0) 76 381 975

Lifestyle - Property Guide Our Property Guide recommends the best and trendy properties available in Phuket at the moment. We have two properties from one of Phuket’s top developers to share with you; Utopia Karon and Utopia Central.

Utopia Karon Winding coastlines, so�t beaches, gentle waves and t�opical b�eezes

S

etting in an ideal location 800m from Karon Beach, a freehold ocean view apartment / 33.6sqm / 68.87sqm with great deal for selective rental agreement

1-20 years with fixed annual income of up to 8% 5-year repurchase with original price option Fully decorated, complimentary home appliances and balcony view, Jacuzzi No maintenance or utilities charge during the course of the rental period 40 nights of free stay per year (at any Utopia Project.)

Image Copyright Utopia Karon

Developer : Utopia BQ Karon Co., Ltd.

Details

Location:

- Rooms and Villas: 238 units

Patak Soi 14, Karon Phuket

- Land plot area: 7 Rai - Nearby amenities: Beach, Makro, restaurants and bars

Facilities - Furniture - Swimming pool: shared - Parking area: shared - Ownership: leasehold - Rental program: yes - Utopia island free tour bus service Image Copyright Utopia Karon

Image Copyright Utopia Karon

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Image Copyright Utopia Karon

Contact Information: Tel +66 (0) 80 886 9660 Email: info@ipa.black http://www.ipa.black

Lifestyle

- Property Guide

Utopia Central 10 years, Fixed annual income 8%

T

he UTC project is close to urban-grade facilities such as the Prince of Songkla University, Country Club golf course, Makro supermarket, Phuket International Hospital, Big C supermarket, King Power luxury shopping mall, Central Phuket shopping mall, and Phuket sightseeing railway. The project offer 10 years, fixed annual income 8% and 10 nights of free stay per year at any Utopia Project.

Details

Image Copyright Utopia Central

- Rooms and Villas: 410 units

Developer: Utopia Central Co., Ltd.

Location: Vichit Songkram Rd, Kathu Phuket

Image Copyright Utopia Central

- Land plot area: 4 Rai - Nearby amenities: School, Hospital, Shopping Malls

Image Copyright Utopia Central

Facilities: - Usage area 24sqm/33sqm/48sqm/53sqm - Hotel management Image Copyright Utopia Central

Image Copyright Utopia Central

- Standard in-house companion system - Gym - Children’s playground - Restaurants - Infinity glass swimming pool - Utopia island free tour bus service

Contact information: Tel +66 (0) 80 886 9660 Email: info@ipa.black http://www.ipa.black

Image Copyright Utopia Central

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - Business Talk Duo Barista

Pikgo Café Indy Café in the Park

C

offee drinking has become something of a trend amongst office workers. But running your own café is a dream for many, to simply walk away from daily and routine office hours. And yes, the coffee shop business is booming as we can see a number of cafés opening up all over the place, especially near to tourist attractions and offices in the form of franchises, standalone cafés or humble kiosks. Having your dream come true is good but chasing the dream down against high competition is another story and that’s why the casualty rate can be quite high and many newcomers to the business fail. Running a café seems easy but actually it requires more than just passion.

In a quiet corner of Saphanhin Public Park stands a small local café known among Phuket’s coffee drinkers and visitors in the know. Pikgo Café has a sense of peace to it with discreet decor and a unique charm with stylish furniture, and colourful arts and crafts. The decor perhaps reflects the personality of the owners, Khun Anuchit Jongrakwittaya or ‘Golf’ and Khun Sutticha Saksritawee or ‘Pik’ who have seen their dedication rewarded and have been in the cafe business for years. While Phuketindex is attracted by the aroma of good coffee, we won’t let this opportunity of getting an interview with them get away.

How come Pikgo Café?

Golf: It started with our aff ection for coffee. We dreamed about having our own place where we could make our own coffee and to also make other people happy with what we like and enjoy.

How did you get into the coffee business?

Golf: I used to work with coffee dealers.

They had training and workshops on a regular basis so I started to learn about coffee from there. It really got me into it until I finally decided to run my own coffee shop.

Pik: For me, I used to have my own café in Patong but we closed it down and started up Pikgo Café instead.

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www.phuketindex.com

Lifestyle - Business Talk Duo Barista

Please talk a bit about the art of coffee

Pik: I like latte; not too strong, nor too sweet.

Golf: For me, I think coffee is a kind of food. When we talk about food it’s similar, I think it requires both art and science to make the best coffee.

Any words for those who want to become a barista?

Pik: You have to have love and passion for it fi rst and then to learn more about coffee.

How do you train to become a successful barista?

Pik: I took a training course before I started to do it.

Golf: I also went through some training.

But more than that it’s about practicing and doing it repeatedly until I found what I think is ‘right’, I then try to introduce it to our customers.

In your opinion how can you tell which coffee is good and what is not?

Golf: I think there’s no such thing as bad coffee. It depends on what you like. Mostly we focus on our customers’ preferences. Simply put we make and offer what they like.

Any suggestions for those new to coffee?

Golf: Well, actually there are certain steps to take. If you want to try coffee with a mild taste, you can start with latte. Anyway, each version is made up of different mixtures… less milk or more milk, this will make your coffee as strong or as mild as you want.

SECRET FRAPPE

How about your favourite?

Golf: I think service is the key. You can’t just have love or passion to do this successfully you need a service mind and if you don’t have the heart for it you’ll not win the customers’ hearts. Apart from the café, we found that it’s not easy to get close to a barista with a shy character. The barista who speaks from his heart will make you feel a simple happiness just like when you sit down and relax at home with a cup of good coffee.

Golf won the 4th Thailand Indy Barista Championship for Southern Region held on 31st July, 2011 at Jungceylon Patong.

From the very beginning of their barista path, these two have never stopped pouring out their passion in their own style for coffee drinkers.

‘Secret Frappe’ is a special recipe t h a t P i k g o C a f é i s p r o u d t o present. Will coffee with a hint of ginger be your next favourite or not? Try it yourself!

Pikgo Café is open Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 – 21:00 and Thu – Sun from 09:30 – 21:00 (closed every Tuesday).

Golf: I like Americano with nothing added. That’s the real taste of coffee. www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

XANA Beach Club 6th year Anniversary ‘Pink Party’ On Saturday 24th March, XANA Beach Club celebrated its 6th anniversary with an all-star lineup of DJs to get the party moving. The celebrations lasted from the afternoon until the early hours of the morning. Specials on food and drinks featured, along with plenty of extra beachside entertainment.

A full selection of snacks and bites were on offer all afternoon and evening, helping party guests recharge their energy and to dance the night away.

Event

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

Phuket’s Legendary Sunday Brunch @The Slate, Phuket On Saturday 18th March 2018, Phuketindex.com experienced Phuket’s Legendary Sunday Brunch at at the Underground Café and Rivet, The Slate Phuket. A fantastic assortment of some of the world’s favourite cuisines featuring creative cuts straight off the hot charcoal grill to freshly sliced sashimi and maki rolls, oysters served with your choice of lemon or shallot vinegar and a plethora of other dishes including cheeses, cold-cuts and barbequed lobster.

Phuket Restaurant Photos

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

Laguna Phuket Annual Sea Turtle Conservation This event was organized to raise funds for the ongoing sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation program of the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC).

It was arranged to build up awareness of the turtles’ plight, followed by the release of 40 sea turtles into the Andaman Sea. Since 1994, Laguna Phuket has set 2,105 sea turtles free, and raised 7 million baht for PMBC’s sea turtle initiatives.

Event

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

Khao Chae at Twilight Sky Restaurant @ The SIS Kata, Phuket On Wednesday 4th April 2018 – The SIS Kata held a Songkran’s Khao Chae premiere press conference. The package is for 2 person and started on 13 until 17 April 2018 at Twilight Sky Restaurant.

Event

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Lifestyle -

Photo Albums

A Taste of Malaysia @JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa On Friday 7th April, ‘A Taste of Malaysia’ culinary event was held at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The set menu was created by Guest Chef Mohd Shawal Basry, using traditional recipes that have been passed down through the generations with the emphasis on best quality produce. Guests and Phuket residents enjoyed an unforgettable gastronomic experience with authentic Malaysian flavours.

Event

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

Singha Laguna Phuket Open (SLPO) – Press Conference On Wednesday 18 April 2018 ‘Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2018’ Press Conference was held at Laguna Lifestyle Hub. Phuket Province and Laguna Golf Phuket golf course were selected to host the All Thailand Golf Tour 2018’s Singha Laguna Phuket Open (SLPO) a professional golf competition to be organised by Sports Management Group (SMG) with Singha Corporation as founding sponsor and Laguna Phuket as its title sponsor. SLPO 2018 was held from 10–13 May at Laguna Golf Phuket as a joint sanction golf event with Asian Development Tour (ADT).

Event

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

Marriott International’s Journey Week at Renaissance Phuket On Friday 27th April Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, part of Marriott International, hosted Marriott International’s second Journey Week. The event promoted the company’s commitment to people development – which is also known as a ‘People First’ initiative.

Event

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Lifestyle - Photo Albums

East-Meets-West Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival On Friday 27th April Laguna Phuket held an East-MeetsWest Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival at Laguna Grove. The event hosted a wide range of popup concept food booths serving both international and Peranakan cuisine; attending were Phuket’s top restaurants, local vendors at Laguna Phuket resorts, and it featured a food truck dining garden and picnic area.

Event

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Lifestyle - Charity

An interview with President of International Women’s Foundation

WIPA TANMANATRAGUL

P

huketindex is honored to present an interview with Khun Wipa Tanmanatagul, the President of one of Phuket’s oldest charity organizations. For years, she has dedicated her time and efforts together with other members and donors to bring needy students a brighter future under the name of the Phuket International Women’s Foundation and Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC).

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

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Lifestyle - Charity

Please tell us about the foundation “The foundation was created by a group of ladies headed by myself. We work with the Phuket International Women’s Club which is a social club of committee members. Dr.Thirawat Jewpakanont is Director of the foundation. He’s a former student of PIWC, a graduate of the Prince of Songkla University medical school and he’s now taking his postgraduate degree at Chulalongkorn University in order to become a heart specialist.

“The foundation was offi cially registered last year on May 9, 2017. Its objective is to give opportunities to needy students by providing funds for further education so that they’ll have a better career and profession in the future.

We also look forward to cooperating with other charity organizations on the island and helping others serve the community as well. Our foundation has a clear standing point in that we will not engage in any political activity.”

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

What about the working culture in the foundation?

“We’re working closely with the Phuket International Women’s Club, founded over 25 years ago. I used to be the President and currently I hold the position of scholarship chairwoman.

“The foundation and the club work closely together.

The Phuket International Women’s Club will hold some fundraising events and the foundation will then select a candidate for scholarship, a good student and one who serves well the purpose of the donors.”

What is the greatest challenge that the charity is facing?

“There are many charity organizations here in Phuket so it’s quite tough to get people to donate and to raise funds to carry on the work of the foundation. But we’re lucky to get the support of the Phuket Hotels Association. We’re helping them select a candidate who would study in the Hotel Management and Tourism sphere. They trust us because we work transparently.”

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

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Lifestyle - Charity

“ It’s a great honor for us to have this opportunity to speak with Maggy Wigman Bildgen, the present President of Phuket International Women’s Club.

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

I WANTED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH IS WHAT THE PIWC IS DOING.

About Maggy Wigman Bildgen - President of Phuket International Women’s Club Maggy Wigman Bildgen is the present President of the Phuket International Women Club. She’s originally from Luxemburg and has been living in Phuket for 14 years.

She says, “I wanted to give something back to the community which is what the PIWC is doing. We’re supporting Thai students with a scholarship for those who are not able to pay for their studies and we’ve been doing this for almost 20 years now.

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

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Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

”

Lifestyle - Charity

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

How about upcoming events?

“The last one was in February so the next one will be roughly in a year’s time and I think we’ll probably hold it in January 2019. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. The entrance ticket will include a buffet, one free drink and entertainment.”

For those interested in helping you can easily donate through the International Women’s Foundation. Suitable candidates will be selected by the foundation to give a better life for unfortunate but worthy students.

“In my experience, they are very good but lack funds.

That’s what this foundation is set up for.”

Image Copyright Four Seasons Info Media

Donate to help needy students with Phuket International Women’s Club to the bank account below:

มูลนิธิสตรีนานาชาติ

(Phuket International Women’s Club) Bank :

Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited

Account no.

633-286811-2 (Savings account)

www.phuketindex.com

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

PHUKET AS A

DESTINATION FOR FAMILY TOURISM

with President of the Phuket Tourist Association

What is the Phuket Tourist Association’s most important role?

T

he Phuket Tourist Association has been established for over 30 years. The Association now has more than 200 companies as members. Khun Sathirapong Na Takuatoong is currently President for his second term. Before he terminates his period in office, Phuketindex was honoured to spend time interviewing him about Phuket as a destination for family tourism and the role of the Phuket Tourist Association.

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“Since we were first established, it’s been our aim to make Phuket known on the worldwide market. Therefore, international marketing has become our strength and we’re specialized in this area. It’s our job to promote Phuket to tourists at the international level. We go out to attract and persuade people to visit Phuket. We’re currently working together with the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) to organize road shows in many places. We went to Australia and China last year and we’re going to go to Russia.

We also attend international trade shows like ITB Asia in Singapore and ITB Berlin in Germany every year with support from PPAO (Or Bor Jor) to expand our market.

The Family Tourism Market

“Families are a fundamental market for the tourism industry. The growing market for family tourism in Phuket includes the Chinese. In the past Chinese tourists travelled to Thailand mostly with tour agencies but in recent years, we’ve seen a lot more free individual travelers (known as FITs) from China. The Scandinavian market is still coming to Phuket and we have an enormous yet growing number of tourists. Phuket is changing quite dramatically in terms of the number of visitors and this makes important factors in the family tourism sphere change too. But Phuket still offers an international airport which makes it easy for this market to shift away from spending in Phuket to Khao Lak, Krabi or even Lanta Island. More than that, we have a growing market from the Middle East, Russia and CIS countries such as Kazakhstan.

Lifestyle - City Focus

INTERVIEW

Family Travel Guide

What does Phuket offer to families?

“If you’re asking why families are interested in Phuket and what do we offer and what you think about first when you want to travel it should be accommodation and Phuket happens to have many hotels and resorts which comply with the demands of this market. We provide plenty of services such as Kids’ Clubs, family oriented design concepts and nanny services – and a whole lot more. These facilities and services influence families in their decision to choose Phuket as a destination.

We also off er a lot of attractions for everyone in the family such as Phuket Fantasea, Siam Niramit, the Trickeye Museum, Water Park, GoKarting and sea excursions. Not to mention, Thanyapura, golf clubs, ATV, rafting, scuba diving, zipline, mountain biking or other sporting events such as the annual Laguna Marathon; these activities can be prime choices for children and teenagers.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

Growing to be leading destination for family tourism

“To be the leader in family tourism, I think we should place our priority on safety and security. Phuket puts a focus on, and has certain measures on, safety in some levels but we still need to improve. For example road accidents are one of the areas of concern and a lot of tourists have had bad experiences in this. We need to decrease these incidents and make our roads safer. Another thing is the public transportation system. We need to support this for tourists, increase their mobility till they are able to easily travel from one place to another on their own.

That will make Phuket closer to being a leading worldwide destination. Also, our airport doesn’t reflect well, what with the growing numbers of visitors. However, we hope after the renovation of the domestic terminal is fully complete this problem will be eased. Families are likely to look for a peaceful and quiet area to stay. Phuket fortunately still has many options; areas such as in the north of Phuket; Maikhao, Bangtao or on the east coast are ideal for this.

TO BE THE

LEADER IN FAMILY TOURISM, I THINK WE SHOULD

PLACE OUR PRIORITY ON

SAFETY AND SECURITY. 40

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Suggestions for those who want to spend time with their family in Phuket

“You might plan to visit Phuket when the children have school holidays which normally will be during the end of high season and the beginning of the rainy season. The sun may be strong and you also have rainy periods but visit Phuket during the ‘green season’ and you’ll benefit from the lower cost of accommodation. You have to ask yourself what kind of experience you expect from Phuket and what you want for everyone in the family: Phuket has many things to offer for everyone!”

Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

Family travel in Phuket is rich in choices for you and your little ones. Let’s hear some suggestions from experts who work at well-known hotels in Phuket...

JIDANAN

LAKUPABKAWIN Marketing Manager Cassia Phuket

Enjoy the Phuket graffiti hunt with a cool Cassia map! At Cassia, we provide a detailed map that highlights some of the best graffiti artworks across the island.

Family activities at Cassia Phuket Cassia Phuket, new stylish hotel residences

by Banyan Tree, offers 309 uber-chic suites, each with separate bedrooms, living room, full equipped kitchen, loft hang out area with panoramic views of the lagoon, ocean, or park.

Cassia offers two swimming pools, a private area on Bangtao Beach, super cool kids’ play areas and Chill Chill Spa. One of the best options for all family members to live, laugh and love.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

PENPRAPA CHOOKLIN Associate Director, Marketing Communications Amari Phuket

Recommended activities for families traveling in Phuket There are so many activities and places for visitors to explore but the most popular activity is an island tour. Still, I’d recommend something different to add to your Phuket bucket list. First, I’d suggest a visit to the Phuket elephant sanctuary in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Here your family will see a new home for work-weary elephants; you can feed them pineapples and bananas and take photos of them as they enjoy their freedom while bathing in the lagoon. Then, you can move on to Phuket’s Old Town to take selfies against a backdrop of the colourful and impressive street art painted on the downtown walls. The last activity I’d suggest is a visit to the Sunday walking street or ‘Lard Yai’ Market, where you can enjoy the local food at the many food stalls, shop for handmade souvenirs and, to complete your evening with a memorable experience, watch the various street performances by bands and dance troupes.

Family activities at Amari Phuket At Amari Phuket, we provide many activities for families but one that shouldn’t be missed is snorkeling. Just a few minutes from your room, you can walk through the lush and green tropical forest to the jetty. The jetty is a prime panoramic spot where you can enjoy unique views of the many surrounding beaches, and it’s where you can grab a snorkel and mask to explore the colourful marine life at the end of the pier. Your family is sure to have a fun time at the jetty!

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

SASIWAN WARNDEE Sales Manager Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

Recommended activities for families traveling in Phuket I’d like to recommend a trip to Phuket’s culture learning centres such as Thalang Road, Baan Kanaan. There are many choices of activities such as batik making, a visit to a fish farm, milking/feeding farm goats, making magnets and dolls from rubber or tasting seasonal fruits such as Phuket’s famous pineapples, mangosteens and durians at a fruit farm.

Family activities at Deevana Patong Resort & Spa I’d like to suggest our interesting Cooking Class. You’ll not only learn how to cook Thai food but we also show you where to find and how to use the Thai ingredients. And we also have Thai vegetable carving classes for children above 12.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

SAOMSARAN THAYANSIL Restaurant Manager Sri panwa

Recommended activities for families traveling in Phuket I recommend a trip to the aquarium near our hotel. The Phuket Aquarium is well maintained and they have a great variety of all types of ďŹ sh found in this area. There are also very informative descriptions in both Thai and English. So I think this is an educational and fun outing that could inspire people to help protect the environment.

Family activities at Sri panwa At Sri panwa, we have lots of activities such as Thai cooking classes for the whole family to experience held in the sunset lounge with its beautiful views. Our games room is a popular spot to spend time with your family, with foosball, table tennis and more. We also provide batik art and porcelain painting classes for children.

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Lifestyle - City Focus Family Travel Guide

KLUAYMAI

TANTHAWISUT Marketing Communications Manager Impiana Hotels-Thailand

Recommended activities for families traveling in Phuket Children who love adventure shouldn’t miss a chance to visit the Hanuman World Phuket-Eco Adventure Park where they can enjoy the exciting treetop zip lines, abseiling, skywalking, and much more – all complemented by spectacular panoramic views of Phuket Town, Phi Phi Island, and the Andaman Sea.

Family activities at Impiana Resort Patong We have many kids’ facilities, a swimming pool, a kids’ breakfast corner and lots of family activities, but most of all direct access to Patong Beach! We’re a full-on beachfront resort, allowing kids to enjoy swimming and playing on the beach all day long, while parents relax and rejuvenate in the sun. It’s a perfect Sun-Sea-and-Sand combination.

Looking for a beach holiday for your family?

Impiana Resort Patong is the perfect getaway…

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Travel - Restaurant Guide

Alessandro Frau

Acqua Restaurant

Following a black-and-white theme that gifts the restaurant clean lines and a good sense of proportion, Acqua’s design fully complements an all-round satisfying dining experience. The restaurant has imaginative lighting, nowhere more so than at the bar. Trendy without being gratuitously chic, cutting edge without going over the top and spacious without being cavernous, Acqua’s décor balance practicality and aesthetics in a fine dining environment in Phuket.

Chef and Owner

Acqua Restaurant is the first of a series of restaurants designed by Alessandro Frau, as Alessandro dedication for culinary doesn’t stop to cooking but also to project and design restaurants and concepts. Chef Alessandro Frau was the Winner of Iron Chef Thailand on November 2013. Find more about Alessandro by visit www.fraualessandro.com In 2013 Acqua Restaurant was appointed as one of the Best Italian Restaurant in Phuket and Thailand from Ospitalita’ Italiana in the World.

Guide Cuisine: Italian Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: every day from 16:00 – 23:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 127 E-mail : reservations@acquarestaurant.com GPS/DD: 7.916537, 98.290996

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Recommended Dishes 45-minute slow cooked egg on a Parmesan cheese fondue, fresh black truffle and crispy pancetta powder

Sous-vide cooked octopus salad, marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and vinegar, fennel leaves, celery and taggiasche olives DOP

Pan-fried USA scallops with duck liver, chili jam and truffle pumpkin sauce

Trenette pasta with Alaskan king crab in its own jus with sliced Sardinian tuna bottarga

Wood-fired roasted suckling pig, saffron and violette potatoes, broad beans in its own sauce

Â

Where Italian dining experience meet art and passion

324/15 Prabaramee Road – Kalim Bay - Patong - Phuket Tel 076 618127 email: reservations@acquarestaurantphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com

Travel - Restaurant Guide

Korn Chumthong Director of operation

Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar

Caesar salmon salad with parmesan cheese

Sway With Me Garden Restaurant & Bar is a wonderful place for a culinary evening out in Patong. The restaurant serves contemporary western and classic Thai dishes along with modern drinks.

Tuna salad with pomelo

It’s a great venue for seafood buet theme nights every Wednesday and Saturday, at only 699 baht per person.

Lobster bisque soup

Guide Cuisine: Seafood & Modern Drink Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 18.30 - 22.30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 333 E-mail : info@sleepwithmehotel.com GPS/DD: 7.891068, 98.297887

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Recommended Dishes

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Steamed vegetables with prawns and butter

Vegetable lasagna

Seafood BBQ

Travel - Restaurant Guide

Savoey Seafood Supit Jararith Asst. Manager

Open since 1980, Savoey Seafood is considered one of the landmarks of Patong Beach. This popular and bustling restaurant not only has a wide array of fresh seafood but also offers competitive prices.

Baked lobster with butter and garlic sauce

Savoey Seafood is a large, open-plan restaurant with a seating capacity of 400 plus, but you would never know. Despite its size, with 50 staff members the service is excellent, polite and considerate.

Tom yum koong

Savoey Seafood is very popular and getting there early is recommended.

It would be a real shame if you missed the opportunity to dine at this first-class seafood restaurant during your stay on Phuket.

Stir-fried crab with spring onions, ginger and garlic

Guide Experience: Seafood and Thai cuisine Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 10:30 – 24:30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 171 – 4 E-mail: info@savoeyseafood.com GPS/DD: 7.894471, 98.295719

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Recommended Dishes

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Stir-fried crab with curry powder

Steamed fish with lime juice and chili sauce Deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce Stir-fried mussels or clams with roasted chili paste sauce Oven-barbecued fish Stir-fried mixed vegetables in oyster sauce

Travel - Chef Talk

Interview with

Chef Sumol Hirunmal Executive Sous Chef of Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

The speciality of the Baked Lobster dish is the balance of tastes in it;

S

ome life-changing inspiration happens to people through tragedy and yet some come through an ordinary, seemingly insignificant event. The latter is what happened with Chef Sumol, Executive Sous Chef at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. Phuketindex.com gets you to know Chef Sumol Hirunmal or ‘Chef Bird’ better.

Please introduce yourself

My name is Chef Sumol or you can call me Chef Bird. I’ve been a chef since 2005 and I started out as a kitchen helper at Bistro Restaurant, an Italian Restaurant on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Then I moved to JW Marriott Hotel – in fact the first JW Marriott Hotel in Thailand – then I was at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel before moving to Chicaco, USA in the position of a Thai Chef. When I came back to Thailand I was chef at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa before working here at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.

What is your inspiration?

I’m not sure if it sounds funny or not but my inspiration came to me when I was a high school student. I saw a Chinese movie showing knife skills. That was my first impression or inspiration behind being a chef. After that I was always looking for ways to become one!

Is there a special dish that you create for the restaurant?

The Marriott has a sustainable seafood program to support the local community around our hotel and that’s why I focus on Phuket lobster. The speciality of the Baked Lobster dish is the balance of tastes in it; for example it’s creamy, salty, and very tasty plus it has a good cheesy aroma. This dish is my favourite, plus we’re very proud to support our community.

Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

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Travel - Chef Talk

CHEF SUMOL HIRUNMAL

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Travel - Chef Talk Please tell us about the restaurants in the hotel

In our hotel we have total of five restaurants. The main restaurant is Loca Vore which serves breakfast, lunch with an a-la-carte menu, and an a-la-carte and buffet dinner. Sand Box Restaurant and Bar is our signature restaurant and it’s very popular among our guests. It’s where we serve casual dishes such as pizzas, burgers, pastas and seafood. Takieng is our fine-dining Thai restaurant where we serve authentic Thai food – especially local Phuket specialities. We also have a coffee shop called ‘Doppio’ which serves cakes, pastries, sandwiches and nice coffee. Finally, we have The Lounge with its snacks and drinks. It’s a very nice for place to relax.

Takieng Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Takieng is our fine-dining Thai restaurant where we serve authentic Thai food – especially local Phuket specialities.

Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Loca Vore Loca Vore which serves breakfast, lunch with an a-la-carte menu, and an a-la-carte and buffet dinner.

Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

The Lounge The Lounge with its snacks and drinks.

Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Doppio

Sand Box Restaurant and Bar Sand Box Restaurant and Bar is our signature restaurant and it’s very popular among our guests. It’s where we serve casual dishes such as pizzas, burgers, pastas and seafood.

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Doppio which serves cakes, pastries, sandwiches and nice coffee.

Image Copyright Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Travel - Signature Dish

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Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities Lunch at Big Fish Restaurant & Bar

Wedding Show 2018 at Novotel Phuket Phokeethra

There are some really chilledout and relaxing locations in Phuket and this is a great one – a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy a great lunch with the sand between your toes.

There are many exhibition and fashion shows in Phuket that you and your kids can enjoy.

Sea Turtle Conservation with Laguna Phuket This event is a great opportunity to teach your kids about how to give back and help their community.

PHUKET KIDS’ ACTIVITIES Phuket is not only about sea sand and sun; the island has lots of fun things to do – especially for kids. Our little girl Muse and her brother Fuu show you the best of Phuket…

Japanese Dinner at Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre How great would it be if you and your kids could eat and take in a show at the same time? Well, you can at Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre.

Sunday Brunch at Rivet restaurant Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch eaten usually from late morning to the early afternoon. Many of Phuket’s hotels have a Sunday brunch promotion and of course they include some hotel facility such as the pool or a spa.

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Food & Music Festival Laguna Phuket This is a kids-friendly outdoor setup featuring a food-fair, night market and music festival.

It’s a real east-meets-west experience at Laguna Grove.

Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities

WEDDING SHOW 2018 AT NOVOTEL PHUKET PHOKEETHRA There are many exhibition and fashion shows in Phuket that you and your kids can enjoy, such as this event. Wedding dresses are on display and there’s a fashion show by Bobo Studio, a Men’s Body Painting Show and live music.

And as this is an indoor event the weather is of no consequence!

Contact information: Novotel Phuket Phokeethra Tel: +66 (0) 76 397-777

SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION WITH LAGUNA PHUKET This event is a great opportunity to teach your kids about how to give back and help their community. The Laguna Phuket Annual Sea Turtle Conservation is held at The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC). The event is organized to raise funds for the ongoing sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation program of PMBC. It aims to raise awareness through the miracle of life followed by 40 nurtured sea turtles getting released in the Andaman Sea. Since 1994, Laguna Phuket has set 2,105 sea turtles free, and raised 7 million baht for PMBC’s sea turtle initiatives.

Contact information: Laguna Phuket CSR Tel: +66 (0) 76 362 315 www.phuketindex.com

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Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities

LUNCH AT BIG FISH RESTAURANT & BAR There are some really chilled-out and relaxing locations in Phuket and this is a great one – a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy a great lunch with the sand between your toes.

This casual oceanfront restaurant features some of Phuket’s freshest seafood from the Andaman Sea, as well as Thai and international favourites. It’s the perfect place to relax and pamper yourself, with service-minded and well-trained staff members.

Recommended dishes: – Crab cake – Baked pastry mixed with Thai chili oil – Grilled tiger prawns – Grilled white snapper – Soft shell crab slider – Nai Yang Salad Open time:

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Contact information: Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach Tel: +66 (0) 76 625 555

Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT RIVET RESTAURANT Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch eaten usually from late morning to the early afternoon. Many of Phuket’s hotels have a Sunday brunch promotion and of course they include some hotel facility such as the pool or a spa. Sunday brunch at Rivet restaurant it is a great example of this. Younger diners enjoy a 50% discount and are welcome to play in the family pool. Walking on water with the hotel’s inflatable water balls is also great fun.

Recommended dishes: - Maine lobsters - Imported oysters - French cheeses - Roasted spit pig - Argentinian beef - Indian food - Japanese food

Available time:

12:00 - 15:30 * Reservation is required

Contact information: Rivet restaurant, The Slate Tel: +66 (0) 76 327 006

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Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities

Recommended dishes: - Ocean blues - Perfect storm - Samurai - Maguro tataki - Kabuki chirashi sushi - White chocolate mousse - Super king tempura

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JAPANESE DINNER AT KABUKI JAPANESE CUISINE THEATRE How great would it be if you and your kids could eat and take in a show at the same time? Well, you can at Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre. Children will enjoy the amazing shows put on by professional chefs and of course there’s great service from JW Marriott’s staff members. The Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre presents Japanese cuisine with a sense of theatre, in a fun dining experience that unfolds in an upscale yet affordable environment. The popular Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre restaurant is known for its lavish and modern Japanese cuisine, with three distinctive live Teppanyaki stations as well as delectable sushi, sashimi and drink bars.

Contact information: Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Tel: +66 (0) 76 338 000

Travel - Phuket Kids’ Activities

FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL LAGUNA PHUKET

Contact information: Laguna Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 362 315

This is a kids-friendly outdoor setup featuring a food-fair, night market and music festival. It’s a real east-meetswest experience at Laguna Grove.

The event was held on 27th – 29th April with a wide range of pop-up concept food booths featuring both international and Peranakan cuisine, Phuket’s top restaurants, local vendors at Laguna Phuket resorts, a food truck dining garden, a kids’ zone, a balloon playground and a picnic area. Enjoy all of these with your children!!!

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Travel - GM Talk

An interview with

Michal Zitek Area General Manager of Angsana Laguna Phuket

M

ichal Zitek is originally from Australia. He is now Area General Manager for Angsana Laguna Phuket, one of the most renowned resorts on the island. Here’s how he got to his position and what guided him.

What motivated you to go into the hotel industry?

My original motivation to join the hotel industry actually came from when I was at high school. I had a part-time job working in events and catering and delivering different activities and experiences for guests. When I ďŹ nished high school, I had the opportunity to do some university studies or join hotel school. I was enjoying my part-time job at the time so it’s almost like the hotel industry found me. The hotel school seemed more interesting because of the experiences and opportunities that it created.

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Travel - GM Talk

Image Copyright Angsana Laguna Phuket

How is Angsana different?

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and what the better place to be than in the beautiful gardens of Angsana Laguna Phuket? One of the major differences about Angsana is the property and the grounds that we have – more than 60 acres. The landscape is beautiful.

The swimming pool is the longest in Phuket at 323 metres. It gives guests the opportunity to explore the resort by using the swimming pool as a river. The grounds allow us to apply our resort to the different needs of guests. The fact that we have these facilities as a blank canvas allow us to customize our resort, whether it be for a theme dinner, a destination wedding or even a popup food store. It’s quite often that we hold international weddings and meetings. We have versatility and the space as well as a creative team to adapt in to meet the needs of our guests.

Did you work on your degree while working in the hotel industry?

Hotel industry discovered me when I was still in high school. I was already

Image Copyright Angsana Laguna Phuket

“Focusing on excellence is something that accelerates your career faster than any studies or any program” enjoying doing a part time job while I completing my high school education as Food and Beverage Attendant and it seemed that hospitality was something that chose me more than I chose it. So it was a parallel development that I could be in hotel school in Sydney at the same time that I was working. I could learn and develop my skills at the same time.

It is not an easy job you are doing, how do you keep yourself motivated?

In the hospitality industry, I don’t think any profession is an easy job but one thing a lot of people do see and enjoy is the glamour that goes with the industry whether it be the weddings that we are providing or even just a honeymoon couple’s dinner. My motivation comes from the experiences and the memories that we can create for the guests.

What are the most challenging issues you are facing in your current job?

I think like any industry that’s focused on people our challenge is to always meet the expectations of people we are with. It could be our associates; it’s about focusing on their development to have a fully skilled team that’s capable and motivated to meet the expectations of our guests.

Our guests are also people and every single guest from any part of the world is coming to Angsana Laguna Phuket with their own individual expectations. So when it comes to challenges in the hospitality industry, I think the biggest challenge is the people.

It’s balancing the right level of associates and ensuring that we’re meeting the expectations of our guests.

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Travel - GM Talk

Image Copyright Angsana Laguna Phuket

What is the single best quality your employees can possess?

I think the single best quality of any of our associates of Angsana Laguna Phuket is our friendliness and our Thai hospitality. The fact that we are memorizing so many of our guests’ names, so when you walk through the resort grounds there’s always somebody that is going to ‘wai’, smile, and greet you.

curious and ask questions. You turn up to work. You do your job. That’s great. But you need to ask yourself what else can I do? How can I do my job better? Because if you ask questions, you identify what you don’t know. The more you learn the more chances of success you’ll have as you develop.

My second piece of advice is no matter what you are doing whether you’re a steward, whether you’re

“The thing that makes us smile here is our pride in doing our job well.” service, the absolute best quality. It’s something that takes you very far in your career.

What attracted you to work in other countries?

When I was in Sydney, the company that I worked with gave me the opportunity to transfer to New Zealand for five years. That experience of living and working overseas gave me example of what life could be like. I got to learn different cultures, different food and different people. Now when I look back that was just the beginning of my interest in exploring diff erent cultures and different countries.

At work, what puts a smile on your face?

We make our guests feel welcome. We represent the best of Thai hospitality and our guests seem to appreciate that and this reflects in how many of our guests come back year after year, some of them for more than 20 years now.

What advice would you offer to those who want to succeed in the hotel industry?

My advice to any individual who chooses to work in the hospitality industry is to be

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a food and beverage attendant, a front office attendant, a gardener, whatever you do make sure you’re doing your best. Because people will recognize that you’re doing your job to the best of your capability. When you have that expectation and when you set the standard of being the best and providing the best, this will be noticed and this will be something that accelerates your career faster than any studies or any program can do because you focus on excellence. You focus on delivering absolutely the best

In the hospitality industry, the job itself can be quite busy. There’s a lot of hard work to do and a lot of pressure but at the same we have opportunities to have fun together.

But one other thing that really puts a big smile on our faces here at Angsana Laguna Phuket is the experiences and memories that we create for our guests. Nothing is more rewarding than receiving that feedback directly from our guests whether it’s by our website forum, direct feedback, or face-to-face verbal feedback from the guests.

The thing that makes us smile here is our pride in doing our job well and having appreciation from all of our guests.