MAR 2013
Denmark on speed dial from Hua Hin ScandAsia.dk
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Opinion
Mixed Marriages a Risky Business
M Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Thailand ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Thailand. We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia.
Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Assistant Editor: Wachiraporn Janrut wachiraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com
y Thai wife and I participated last month in the wedding celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City of my good Danish friend and his Vietnamese fiancé. It was a beautiful wedding with a generous mix of Chinese-Vietnamese and Western-Danish traditions, sprinkled throughout with the great sense of humour that my friend is gifted with. In the morning, we went to her father’s house to ask for his permission for our friend to marry his daughter. The ceremony was simple and still exotic and the father – supposedly with her mothers acceptance – gave the marriage his blessing. At the dinner party in the evening, we were several foreigners - mostly Danish male friends of the groom. Looking around I noticed that we were all - except one bachelor - married to various nationalities of Asian women. I happened to know that for most of them, this was not their first marriage. The bride and groom, whose marriage we were celebrating, had also both been married before. So, mixed marriages are risky business? Well, you could say that any marriage is risky business. But a few years ago an analysis from Denmark showed that the divorce rate for mixed marriages was close to double that of marriages between a Danish-Danish couple. The analysis showed that of 10.000 marriages entered in 2000, eight years later 1.800 of the Danish-Danish couples had ended in a divorce. In comparison, 3.250 of the mixed marriages had ended in a divorce. I am quite sure you could question how this analysis was done and if the difference is indeed that significant. I wonder also if other socio-demographic factors were considered. Like differences in age. But beyond that I have no doubt that mixed couples face a number of additional challenges that make them more prone to failure. Language and cultural differences being the two most obvious. But let’s focus instead on the marriages that did survive the dreaded “seven year itch” and the mixed couples that did remain married. This was indeed the case with most of the mixed marriage couples we were gathered around the dinner tables that night. Maybe beyond the struggle of overcoming misunderstandings and forgiving disappointments there is a deeper affection. But now we are into the department of beliefs. So what if some marriages are more risky to enter than other marriages? Love is risky! Knowing that the road ahead may be bumpy should never stop anyone from setting out to travel it.
Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Lake & Foundtain Printing Co., Ltd.
Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com
Gregers Moller is the Editor-in-Chief of ScandAsia and the founder of the Scand-Media Group. He has lived in Thailand since 1988.
Coming Events
Mondo Vino Annual Charity Golf Tournament
100% Shark Exhibition Date: 21 February - 22 March 2013 Location: WTF Gallery and Café, Sukhumvit soi 51 The exhibition features photography and information about shark. Four artists including 2012 World Press Award winner Paul Hilton, animal activist and underwater photographer Jirayu Ekkul, new graduate Sipakom Kungsapichat and one anonymous artist disclose the truth behind shark fin soup and highlight the health risks and environmental impacts of consumption through shocking images and VDO installations. For more information, contact 02 662 6246
Date: 16 March 2013 Location: Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin Fee: THB 12,000 per team THB 3,000 per individual player
Organised by Mondo Vino, the annual charity golf tournament will take place at Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin. Shotgun start is at 11.00a.m. and wine dinner at the club house will follow at 5.30p.m. There will be great golf prizes as well as Lucky Draws on the day. The payment for entry fee should be made within March 11. The price is inclusive of Green fees, caddy & cart, tournament apparel Prosecco Gold refreshment during tournament & prize-giving wine dinner. The format is Texas Scramble (team of four players) – amateur golfers only. If you are interested, contact 084 950 5437 or 081 844 7308 or e-mail: peter@mondovino.co.th
Dinner with Danish Chef Thomas Rode Andersen
Date: 28 and 30 March 2013 Location: Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket, Phang-nga
Danish Michelin Star chef Thomas Rode Andersen will host his two signature dinners on 28 and 30 March 2013 at Six Senses Yao Noi. After the dinners will be a sunset cocktail party hosted by the resort, where guests can meet the chef. Chef Thomas is one of Denmark’s leading chefs and Head Chef & Managing Director of Restaurant Kong Hans Kælder, set in one of Copenhagen’s oldest medieval buildings. The establishment has been awarded a Michelin Star. Chef Thomas will work closely with Six Senses executive chef Anthony Reynolds and his team. They will use locally sourced Thai ingredients, herbs and vegetables from the resort’s organic gardens and freshest locally caught seafood. For more information, contact 076 418 500
IB Diploma Visual Arts Graduating Exhibition Date: 29 March – 2 April 2013 Location: Multipurpose Hall, NIST International School This event will showcase over 350 individual pieces of art created by the school’s 20 IB Diploma Visual Arts students. The exhibition is open to the public from Friday 29 March from 7.30a.m. to 6.00p.m. until Tuesday 2 April at the Multipurpose Hall. The exhibition is the culmination of two years of work by this group of talented Year 13 NIST artists. Each artist has taken an individual and creative journey to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas about themselves and the world around them. They used a wide variety of media, ranging from photography and painting to digital media and sculpture. The exhibition will also showcase their ‘Investigation Workbook’. This artist journal contains their investigation into the work of other artists and styles from across times and cultures, combined with the planning process that led to their final artworks. For more information, contact 02 651 2065 or visit www.nist.ac.th
TCC Invitational: The Ambassador’s Cup 2013 Date: 6 April 2013 Location: President Country Club, Bangkok Fee: THB 13,000 for a team of four players/ THB 3,500 for each individual player Organised by the Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce, the golf tournament will be held at President Country Club in Bangkok. There will be many great prizes and trophies such as nearest to the line, nearest to the pin from the bunker, nearest pin, birdie Vikings, and most bogies. The sponsor activities will start at 10.00a.m. and shotgun start at 12.30p.m. Dinner and prize presentation will follow at 6.00p.m. Fee is inclusive of green fee, caddie, Viking dinner, and Ambassador’s cup polo-shirt by Fenix Golf. The format is ‘Stableford by team’. Best 3 of 4 scores counts. Best average score per team wins. For more information, contact 02 574 5077 or visit www.thaifin.or.th
4 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY
Past Events
Danish networking in Hua Hin By Rose Jensen
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n 18 January 2013, 83 Danes attended the networking evening at the Danishowned restaurant “Snoopy” in Hua Hin. Owners Hans Madsen and Chef Gert Rask provided a fantastic buffet and made everyone feel very welcome. The evening’s guest speaker was Claus Padkaer, presenting different services that Bangkok Hospital in both Hua Hin and Bangkok can offer. The session was informative and many questions were raised by the eager audience afterwards. Additionally, Kristian Bonnichsen told the guests about the new initiative to form a small golf club for Danes – for gentlemen only. Jorgen Kragh from www.scandparkhuahin.com also got to introduce his new exciting house project.
Annual All Chambers Young Professionals Networking – Rooftop Extravaganza By Anders Holm Nielsen Photos by Chaianan Moontreephakdee
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n Friday, 15 February 2013, the Imperial Queens Park Hotel was the place to be for young professionals in Thailand. The rooftop bar of The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel was the venue for one of the biggest networking events of the year. The Annual All Chambers Young Professionals Rooftop Extravaganza, as it was called, is a recurring event that launched in 2012 at Centara Grand. This year’s event gathered over 800 young and young at heart professionals. The organisers kept their promise as there was no short supply of foods and drinks. Large buffets had been set up with a variety of finger foods while there was a minimum of waiting at the bars. Plenty of food and drinks paired with a location that provided a full view of Bangkok made for a great night with exchanging of business cards and cheers. At the entrance guests were encouraged to leave their business cards in order to participate in the lucky draws. The sponsored prizes included vouchers for spa treatments and buffets, two economy tickets to either Kuala Lumpur or Saigon from Lufthansa, an iPod Nano from Bumrungrad International Hospital, a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet from In Square and much more. The entry was 200 THB per person and the proceeds went to Thai underprivileged schools.
6 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Past Events
TNCC: Annual Seafood under the Stars By Kristine Hasle Photos by Saksit Sukhasvasti Na Ayudhya
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lmost 200 people joined the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, Seafood under the Stars on 6 February 2013. The good atmosphere in the Norwegian Ambassador’s garden, the excellent food prepared by Norwegian chef Katsutoshi Ishibashi and Kim Chua Group and soft jazz from the Thai Navy Band made perfect frames for the chamber’s biggest event of the year. The members brought their business associates, colleagues and friends. There were representatives from many industries including the environmental sector, the renewable energy sector, the oil and gas sector, the marine sector, the ICT sector and the tourism sector. This shows the diversity of Norwegian industry. Kim Chua group and Norwegian Chef Katsutoshi Ishibashi served delectable seafood flown from Norway. The salmon was served in Norwegian, Thai and Japanese style. The event was sponsored by Norwegian Seafood Council and Jotun.
Norwegian Embassy’s Annual Information Meetings
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n 21 – 25 January 2013, the Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok held its Annual Information Meetings in four different areas including Cha-Am, Udon Thani, Phuket and Pattaya. The purpose of the meetings was to give the Embassy a possibility to meet Norwegians in the area and to present its consular staff.
8 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Past Events
Mikael and Ratanawadee Hemniti Winther @ Riding the Bike By Gregers Moller
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peaking about his passion for motorcycle riding in Thailand – and elsewhere – at an afternoon get-together arranged by Scandinavian Society Siam, Mikael and Ratanawadee Hemniti Winther, the Danish Ambassador to Thailand and his wife arrived on motorbike. While pictures of His Excellency on his bike are not unusual in the media, seeing Mrs. Ratanawadee riding behind him is rather unique. The afternoon was short-named “Riding the Bike” and arranged by Flemming Winther Nielsen, board member of the Scandinavian Society Siam in charge of the Heritage Section. A short introduction and welcome was given by Robert Kronberg, Chairman of the SSS. Notice the helmets. Much of the discussion during the afternoon was about that: The promotion of helmet usage as a way to save more lives. This is what Mrs. Winther is working with as the Thailand Representative of Asia Injury Prevention Foundation. The event ended with a special treat in the restaurant of Admiral’s Pub, where Khun Na had created 25 magnificent Biker Burgers for the event. You don’t need to be a biker to appreciate that – and if you think it looks good in this photo, then you may want to know that you can also order this on any other day of the year!
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8/29/11 1:57 PM March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 9
Past Events
DanCham Networking By Rose Jensen
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ven though January tends to be a slow month when it comes to networking, the Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce’s first Networking event in 2013 had a successful turn out with roughly 90 attendants. The event took place on 17 January 2013 at Admiral’s Restaurant & Pub at the newly build roof top bar on 11th floor. The chamber was the first chamber to organize networking at this spot. This event was sponsored by EABC and the venue itself. The guests were welcomed by Mr. Peter Romhild, President of DanCham. Shortly afterwards, John Svengren, Executive Director of EABC introduced the guests to EABC. A delicious buffet with various choices of finger food and free flow of beer, wine and soft drinks were available.
Networking by Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce By Anders Holm Nielsen
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n Thursday, 7 February 2013, the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce held their monthly networking event at the Huntsman’s Pub located in the basement of Landmark Hotel. About 40 people gathered at the pub after work for a cosy night – business cards in one hand and a pint in the other. At arrival the traditional Swedish kjötbullar were available as a snack setting the mood and preparing for the pyttipanna that many chose to have. The event was sponsored by Securitas. The next networking will take place on March 7. 10 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Past Events
Many Winners at Ammundsen Cup 2013 By Christer Holmvall
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he Ammundsen Cup on 19 January 2013 took place at Kiarti Thanee Golf Club just outside Bangkok. This is one of the most popular tournaments and it showed with the amount of participating players. A total of 66 players came to play a very tough golf course. In the A, B and C groups only a total of 2 players played handicap or better. Only 12 birdies were made on the total 264 par 3’s played. In the December tournament, 64 players combined to play 256 par 3s and made 17 birdies. Water seemed to be strategically placed out on the course and scoring was generally low. Dinner and Prize Ceremony was held at the Admirals Pub and Tetra Pak was the gracious sponsor for this wonderfully popular event. A wonderful dinner buffet was put on which included both Scandinavian and Thai delicacies as well as some nice wines, beer and Aalborg. The A group was won by none other than the popular Kristian Wensell followed by Roby Janssens. The B Group was won by Mikael Olsson by 9 strokes over the runner up Erik Dahlström. The C group was won by Helena Ahola and the most game played was the gracious Monica Hollertz with 126 strokes (good value for her money). The winner of guest group was Erik Westman (our gracious sponsor) who also had 3 birdies and won the longest drive. Next tournament is Finnish Golf Day at Royal Golf & Country Club - so make sure to mark your calendars for it.
International Baccalaureate
- an alternative to the Danish ‘Studentereksamen’ • internationally recognized • gives admission to universities all over the world • taught in English You can stay at Nyborg Gymnasium’s boarding school.
Contact us for more information about the programme and the boarding school.
Deadline for applications: 15th of March
Nyborg Gymnasium & Kostskole Skolebakken 13, DK-5800 Nyborg, tlf +45 65 31 02 17 post@nyborg-gym.dk, www.nyborg-gym.dk
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 11
News Brief
Thai Princess to visit Svalbard
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he Thai Princess, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will soon experience an extreme change of climate. In March she is to visit the most northern part of Europe. Svalbard is a part of Norway and is located 400 miles from the mainland, inside the Arctic Circle. She is the daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The Thai embassy in Oslo has confirmed the visit and says that the princess will be arriving March 12. The itinerary is not yet in place. Svalbard is home to 110 Thais and has the most Northern Thai restaurant in the world. The visit will undoubtedly be big news to the inhabiting Thais as the Princess is extremely popular. She is known as “Phra Thep”, meaning “Princess angel”.
Swedish Ambassador greets Thai Tap Water Prize winners
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n 19 February 2013, Swedish Ambassador Klas Molin attended the ‘Thai Tap Junior Water Prize 2013’ at the Royal Exhibition Centre BITEC Bangna. Together with the management from the Institute for Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology and management from Thai Tap Water, the ambassador walked around and watched the results of all the 17 finalist teams. Managing director of Thai Tap Water, Mr Sompoch Sriphoom, then announced the winners. The prize this year went to three students from Mahidol Wittayanusorn School. Their work was called: ‘A Novel Bioadsorption Instrument for Removal Heavy Metals in Wastewater’. The winners will represent Thailand in the final of the international competition ‘Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2013’ to be held in Stockholm in September.
Norwegian Seamen’s Church maps conditions of Thai-Norwegian children By Anders Holm Nielsen
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n Thailand, a project called “Focus on Thai-Norwegian Children” is trying to map the conditions of the children with a Norwegian father and a Thai mother. It was the priest in the Norwegian church in Pattaya, Jan Olav Johannessen, who took the initiative. He applied with the Department of Children and Family for 1.8 million NOK for a two year project that would look into the conditions of the ThaiNorwegian children. Through his work in Pattaya, Jan met many families who had it tough because the Norwegian father had a substance abuse, mental issues or both. The initiative came because he believed that the Norwegian society has a responsibility for these children. After a longer processing, the department granted the project 700.000 NOK. The church itself has also put in 200.000 NOK in the project. The church hired Astrid Veum Mydland to oversee the project. The past years she has lived in Thailand doing social work for the Lutheran church. She speaks Thai and is familiar with cultural and social challenges in the country. The organisers of the project “Focus on Thai-Norwegian children” are asking for help in collecting data and have sent out questionnaires. They are looking for Norwegians living in Thailand who have children with a Thai. The questionnaire can be answered anonymously and will only take five minutes to complete. In order to participate in the survey, all you need to do is to write your name, confirm that you wish to assist and send it to this email: thainorskebarn@sjomannskirken.no 12 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Should there be a Danish Church in Thailand? By Gregers Moller
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News Brief
anish Seamen’s Church and Church Abroad are investigating if a Danish Church could or should be established in Thailand. Currently, a member of the Executive Board of the Church, Preben K. Mogensen, is in Thailand to investigate the possibilities. “It started out with a request from the Danish Embassy if we were able to help with some of the social work,” says Preben K. Mogensen. “This is very much about listening to people and that is something we do far better than the embassy. We have time for it and people can trust that whatever they tell a priest we do not pass on to others – including the embassy,” he adds. Preben Mogensen has had a meeting with Robert Kronberg, the Chairman of Scandinavian Society Siam to see if there would be support from the SSS for establishing a Danish church in Thailand – and where this association would suggest it should be located. “I have told Preben Mogensen that I believe the best location would be in Bangkok where most of the resident Danes working here are located,” says Robert Kronberg, adding that this is also convenient between the two other options, Pattaya and Hua Hin. “I believe that if you pick any of these other locations, you will not be considered the Danish Church in Thailand but in that city only,” Robert Kronberg adds. In Bangkok, the Swedish priest Lovisa Moller has also had meetings with her Danish colleague. Preben K. Mogensen will also go to Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket to meet with people in the Danish community there to listen to their input and advice. To give the Church council the best basis for making a wise decision on the issue, all Danes are encouraged to fill in the questionnaire on the following link – either to show their support of the initiative or their disapproval of the idea. https://www.survey-xact.dk/LinkCollector?key=XGJHCPGECJ95 Preben K. Mogensen would be grateful if as many Danes as possible also share the link with friends in Thailand so as to give the Church the most informed basis of making its decision. He will be in Thailand until 6 March 2013 and can be reached also on a local mobile phone number 08 88 78 1987 or e-mail: kortnum.pm@gmail.com
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 13
News Brief
Swedish proposition: Export the elderly to Thailand
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new controversial idea from Sweden brings export and import of services to a whole new level. The elderly in Sweden are an increasing group that requires much and expensive care. At the same time, recruiting manpower for the needed services is becoming a challenge. A study group in the Swedish town Nora that discussed health care needs in the future suggested that instead of importing labour, it might be easier and cheaper to simply export the elderly. The idea is quite simple. While there are more and more elderly, wages are high in Sweden and there is a shortage of labour in this sector. In Thailand the services are cheap and the country is already popular among the elderly Swedes. The thought is to offer retired Swedes help in relocating to Thailand and then paying for the services they might require which would then be handled by Thai workers. “It was a study group we had on health care needs in the future. We know that the number of elderly is increasing and that recruitment needs are
14 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
great. This is a way to solve the problems we face. Not this year, but maybe in five or ten years,” says Swedish politician David Stansvik who submitted the proposal. It would be essential that there is no compromise in the quality of services. There is also the question of exploiting cheap labour to consider so the Thai workers would be offered salaries above average. “We have no objection to the proposal under consideration, and I have no objection to the proposal to purchase labour abroad, says Eva Thuresson, Chairman of the moderate party in Nora. David Stansvik gives no straight answer on whether he himself would be willing to use the offer if it becomes reality. “I think it is an issue that we are discussing with their relatives. In the proposal that I put there is an economic space for having a relative contribution to greet their loved ones if they want to choose such a care.” However, it is still just and idea and nothing is yet in the works.
Surf House Phuket opens on Kata beach By Joakim Persson
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News Brief
ith Finnish Raya Group as initiator and among the investors Surf House Phuket was launched in December 2012. The Opening Bash then followed on 26 January 2013, showcasing flowboarding by international board riders as well as the rest the venue has to offer. Surf House Phuket brings to visitors an interesting array of leisure activities such as surfing or bodyboarding on the FlowRider, lounging in a relaxed atmosphere enjoying the Surf House signature cocktails, dining as well as a stylish retail with the surf brands Quiksilver and Roxy. “What we want to achieve is to make Surf House Phuket a playground for people from different age groups. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t riding the waves. There’s always something for everyone to experience at Surf House Phuket,” General Manager Joe Ang said to ScandAsia. Supported with a modern and fully equipped bar and kitchen, Surf House Phuket is set to host up to 200 guests at one time. Visitors can expect creative offers of signature cocktails concocted by professional mixologists as well as contemporary Thai cuisines and tapas. Visitors and residents can also look forward to unforgettable party nights in 2013, according to Joe, where DJ’s will entertain. The FlowRider (patented technology from the U.S) is the centerpiece of Surf House Phuket, where the Double FlowRider surf machine pumps water at the speed of 30km/ hour over a vinyl surface. Riders can choose to ride the wave standing up on a ‘flowboard’ or either drop-knee or lie down using a ‘bodyboard’. With dedicated instructors guiding the riders every hour, the FlowRider offers a fun surf experience that most people can master (the basics) and enjoy within an hour. Flowboarding as a sport has exploded into the Asia Pacific market in the last two years with regional competitions and world championships held annually. Surf House Phuket is poised to welcome regional riders and also host top level competitions for the sport in the coming years. The feedback so far has been amazing. They have many repeat visitors and most of them are impressed with the standard of instructions provided on the wave as well as the quality of the food, says Joe. Compared with the popular wakeboarding sport, flowboarding incorporates elements of surfing, bodyboarding, skateboarding, skimboarding, snowboarding. Surf House Phuket aims to serve the local community by promoting the sport to the local children and grooming talented individuals.
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 15
Denmark on speed d
Young and dynamic office climate
How Danish telemarketing company Alpine Saleforce has boosted its business by moving to the heart of Thailand’s popular royal beach resort By Wachiraporn Janrut Photos by Phansa
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anish telemarketing company Alpine Saleforce Ltd. has moved its operations to a new office building in the centre of Hua Hin on Petchkasem road soi 28. Inside the new building is a spacious, modern and well-decorated office with contemporary paintings, a large reception, a meeting room, a kitchen and a pool table on the ground floor. Walk up the steps and you will hear upbeat music, laughter, clapping, cheering and staff speaking in Danish. A cafeteria is set in a small garden at the back of the building, where a Danish chef prepares lots of Danish favourites. If it wasn’t for Hua Hin’s tropical climate, you might think that you stood somewhere in Denmark. “We have 35 Danes and a few Thai staff working for us now. At the end of March this year, I hope the number will be 50 and by the end of this year, I hope we will have 60 Danes working here,” says Rasmus Moller, Founder & CEO of Alpine Saleforce.
Rasmus Moller – competitive by nature Rasmus Moller is from Aalborg in Denmark. Before setting up his company in Hua Hin in 2010, the Dane had travelled to Thailand many times and even lived here for a short period 12 years ago, when he was a professional Thai boxing fighter. “I’ve always loved Thailand. I like the people, the food and the weather 16 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
but I didn’t make enough money as a boxer,” says Rasmus. Rasmus then decided to move back to Denmark to start a career in sales and marketing at a large telemarketing company in Copenhagen. Within two years, he became a partner of that company in 2004. “I enjoyed the job as I could speak with a lot of people and offered them good services. I could also decide my own salary from the commission. It was a very competitive environment and I’m a competitive person so it fitted me very well,” says Rasmus. In September 2010, however, Rasmus decided to move his entire department to Thailand. Alpine Saleforce Ltd. was then established with five staff in Kao Takiab in Hua Hin. Starting up a business in a foreign country is a big challenge for anyone, and one of the biggest challenges Rasmus faced was getting his company BOI promoted. But after dealing with piles of documents and undergoing a lengthy application process, Alpine Saleforce successfully had the BOI registration in 2011. “My company is allowed up to 100 work permits. Without BOI, I couldn’t have this kind of operation. I’m very happy to have achieved the BOI,” says Rasmus.
Alpine Saleforce Ltd. Alpine Saleforce Ltd. currently serves two clients in Denmark; an electricity company and one of the biggest telecommunication and internet service
providers in Scandinavia. The company is on contracts to supply new Danish customers to the two clients. “I think what we are doing now is the beginning of a new industry in Thailand. For this business, you don’t need to be in your own country. Through the advanced IP system, we can service customers without having to be at home in cold Denmark. It’s a good benefit for our employees,” says Rasmus.
The company’s greatest asset Rasmus says that Hua Hin is a good place to be for his type of business. In the beginning he was looking at Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket but in the end he decided to set up an office here because of its developed infrastructure, location – two hours from Bangkok – and the fact the seaside resort is pleasant and not polluted. “I did not set up an office here to keep the cost low. The benefits are more for my employees. In this kind of business, my greatest asset is my staff. If they are happy, they perform well and it’s good for the company,” says Rasmus. To provide good services to its customers in Denmark, the operation hours of Alpine Saleforce are the same as in Denmark, which means the company’s office hours in Hua Hin run from 2.30p.m. to 11.00p.m. Despite irregular working hours, Rasmus says the company aims to
dial – from Hua Hin
Rasmus training staff at the new office
support its staff to have a healthy lifestyle. Recently, he hired a person to be fully in charge of organising trips and recreational activities for staff to do together outside office hours. “We have an Alpine football team. We take trips to the jungle together and we also have a couple of guys who enter Thai boxing fights,” says Rasmus. As part of the benefits to its employees, the company also hired an experienced Danish chef to cook both Danish and Thai food for its staff.
The company’s success factors According to Rasmus, the company’s vision is to be the world’s leading telemarketing company. So far, it has proved to make quick progress. From five staff in a small office in Kao Takiab in 2010, the company has rapidly grown to include 35 Danish telemarketers today. Rasmus believes that the company’s success comes from its strong partnership with its clients, which derived from the company’s ability to develop its staff to perform at their full potential and thus achieve the clients’ targets with top quality customer service. “I’m very proud of the team we have here. They have very good potential and they are very nice people,” says Rasmus.
Motivation Motivating staff to perform in a
highly competitive and stressful environment is not simple. For Rasmus, money is just a short-term motivation. “If you want high performance, you need to make people see something else rather than money. They need some meaning and greater goals than just money,” says Rasmus. On top of training, good facilities and benefits for its staff, the company offers a career plan for ambitious young Danes. There are opportunities for anyone with outstanding performance to become a partner in the business. “It’s a very clear career plan. Not everyone can do it but the opportunity is there. In the meantime, they’ll earn good money. It’s a win-win situation,” says Rasmus. “I enjoy seeing the individual growth of each and every staff member, and I do everything I can to help them reach their full potential,” he adds.
Denmark and Thailand.
Expanding Danish community in Hua Hin Staff at Alpine Saleforce is between 22 to 57 years old. Some of them have brought wives and kids to Thailand with them, and Rasmus hopes to create a small community for his staff’s families. But since most of them are below 35, the office is filled with a dynamic energy. “A lot of Nordic people in Hua Hin are older people but we bring in some young blood here, which I believe is good for the community as well. They make good money and are bad at saving. They spend a lot of money at local businesses here. In one year I think we put in the town
over 50 million baht and this number will keep growing,” says Rasmus. Although Rasmus keeps the organisation flat and goes out with his staff a lot outside work, he has made some rules for them to follow such as obeying Thai laws of course, wearing smart outfits/long trousers and shirt to work, and never drink and drive. “I want my staff to behave. They have to always remember they are guests in Thailand. Back in Denmark, I didn’t interfere with my staff’s personal lives but here they represent my company. Everything they do reflects on my company. I’m aware that I’m a guest here and I want to have a good footprint in Thailand,” says Rasmus.
Staff enjoying themselves at the cafeteria in a garden behind the office building
Expansion Following the company’s rapid success, Rasmus says he is also looking to expand into a new market and to have a Thai partner. “Maybe I will try to partner with one of the telecommunication companies here. I have a good knowledge from working in the telecommunication business in Denmark,” he says. To keep up with the expansion, the company is now recruiting more Danish telemarketers both from March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 17
Dotcom bust to dotcom boom Meet the Icelandic website developer who made a digital comeback in Thailand. By Wachiraporn Janrut
T
hordur Adalsteinsson is among very few Icelanders in Thailand. What brought him here? Not the hot weather nor the spicy food – but a chance to start a business creating top quality websites for companies all around the world. Thordur certainly has experience: When the internet was exploding in popularity in 1995, he was among the brave men tapping the business opportunities. He started a company, Icon Media Lab, with his partners in Denmark. “There was a lot of internet hype and it was expensive to have a homepage at the time. And our company grew to be quite big,” says Thordur.
How it all began Leaving Iceland aged 21 to study Arts and Graphic Design in Denmark, Thordur is fluent in Danish and well integrated with the Danish culture. After school he worked at an advertising agency and later learned to create website designs. And Icon Media Lab Company was established following the hype. From five staff in
18 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
1995, the company grew to include over 200 staff in 2002. It expanded to serve a large number of clients in Scandinavia. However, the heyday came to an end for Thordur in 2002 when the dotcom collapse hit the internet industry badly, leaving thousands of people unemployed. According to Thordur, prices collapsed “big time.” The company could not market a homepage for a million baht like before as the price came down to just about 100,000 baht. “My company also collapsed. I lost everything at the time. I went bankrupt and had to sell my apartments and two boats,” says Thordur
costly to produce in Denmark. And we got an idea we wanted to come to Southeast Asia,” says Thordur. Area Digital was then established in 2007 in Chiang Mai with a team of three Scandinavian friends. Instead of outsourcing Thais, Indians, Asians from Denmark, they came to outsource these talents in Asia. Nevertheless, the three partners continued to serve clients in Denmark, Sweden and Iceland. “We can still deliver the services and quality designs like when we were in Scandinavia but at the Asian prices. That’s what established our edge and brought us up again,” says Thordur.
A new start in Asia
Soon after setting up their office in Chiang Mai in 2007, Area Digital decided to temporarily relocate their operations to Bangkok because the air pollution in Chiang Mai caused by a yearly crop burning became unbearable to Thordur and his team. “The fire took us here. We were planning to go back but we met a lot of interesting people in Bangkok and decided to move our base here permanently,” says Thordur.
With extensive experience in the industry, Thordur and his Swedish friends whom he worked with in Denmark met in Chiang Mai in 2007 to discuss possible business opportunities. We needed to rethink the price concept, he says. “We still wanted to produce quality web designs and graphic designs but we couldn’t compete with the price. It was and still is so
Moving to Bangkok
Since 2008, Area Digital has been located at BB Building in Asoke, one of the central business districts in Bangkok.
Competitive services Specialising in providing homepages and content management system (CMS), Area Digital offers graphic designs, web designs, and online branding/marketing consultancy services. Thordur says that for a homepage to be successful on the internet, it needs to be maintained and updated on a regular basis, and thus most Scandinavian clients request for CMS. The system also provides security that there is very small chance for a website to be hacked. The company can also create websites which require advanced systems such as API Connection – the communication between two systems. With the API connection, for example, a hotel booking website can link users’ requests to the booking system of participating hotels instantly. According to Thordur, prices depend on complexity, different demands in designs and functionalities. The company’s prices are considered very competitive in Scandinavia. However, they are considered expensive for many Thai-Thai companies. “We have clients in Thailand but they are western-owned companies. Thai-Thai companies tend to have different understandings in regard to designs and price,” says Thordur.
Client Profiles Apart from clients in Scandinavia, the company has expanded to include high profile clients in the region such as Medeguide, Sunway Healthcare and one of the biggest companies in Malaysia, Sime Darby. “We target high-profile clients but we also serve small clients who want quality websites and are OK with our prices and most of them are westerners,” says Thordur. Sime Darby is one of the largest companies listed on Bursa Malaysia and, according to its website, has a market capitalisation of RM57.63 billion (USD19.13 billion). Area Digital has created a website for Sime Darby healthcare and its colleges. “We deliver outstanding Scandinavian graphic designs and outstanding programming capabilities. Our quality is at such level that we have
We deliver outstanding Scandinavian graphic designs and outstanding programming capabilities. Our quality is at such level that we have attracted clients like Sime Darby, one of the biggest companies in Malaysia.
attracted clients like Sime Darby,” says Thordur. According to Thordur, Area Digital also provides consultancy services to Sime Darby. The company also serves a number of Scandinavian companies in Thailand such as Hyde and Seek – a stylish gastro bar owned by two Swedish brothers – an Icelandicowned travel agency called Oriental and a Danish-owned travel website called Visit Beyond which features six destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, and the Philippines.
Business expansion After the economic collapsed in Iceland in 2008, Thordur says that he lost all of his clients there and the company has changed its focus to the markets in Denmark and Sweden. And since markets in Asia are now growing very fast, Area Digital also aims to expand its client base to more countries in the region. “It’s clearly happening in Asia. We are looking for sales representatives and opportunities to set up offices in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong,” says Thordur. Even though Thordur visits Sime Darby and Sunway healthcare frequently in Malaysia, he says it’d be
valuable to have an office in KL where his clients could just walk into and have a cup of coffee and discussion together. “In this ever more digital climate, we want to offer a personal touch that clients can come in to shake our hands and talk to us on a personal level,” says Thordur.
The future Though most of Area Digital’s clients are western-owned companies, Thordur says that he can see changes in the perception of website quality in Asia. “Awareness is growing in Asia in regards to quality web designs and programming including CMS and security,” says Thordur. When asked about his views on the future of the internet and web design industry, the experienced Icelander reckons that the desktop computer is going to be disappearing. “Right now it has been evolving a lot. Everything is going to come down to iPhone, Android phones, Tablets and so forth. So now it is about creating a website that is responsive,” says Thordur. “Responsive design is the hype now. At the moment, most of our clients request for the website designs that are responsive to different
media platforms,” he adds. Thordur says that he also wants to create more awareness about Green hosting because traditional hosting methods require lots of energy, generate a lot of heat, and have a detrimental impact on the environment. “Now we are working on a partnership with GreenQloud, the Icelandic company which offers a public compute cloud and data storage services that are hosted at renewable energy-powered facilities. We see a great opportunity in utilizing Iceland’s abundant 100 per cent renewable geothermal and hydro energy infrastructure, naturally cool climate and strategic location as a means to clean up IT and greatly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. We, therefore, offer our clients a choice to host their websites on this truly green and 100 per cent renewable energy server,” he says. The company is looking to expand in Asia and hope to raise awareness of Green hosting and its effects on global warming among Asian companies. “I’m excited about the expansion and I have great hopes for it. However, if this doesn’t work with Area Digital, I’d become a captain sailing a boat,” he says with a smile.
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 19
Aava Resort & Spa named one of the best hotels in the world Praised for its unique Scandinavian and Thai fusion design and superb location on an unspoiled beach in Khanom, Aava Resort and Spa was voted one of the best hotels in the world by TATLER Travel Guide 2013. By Wachiraporn Janrut
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innish entrepreneurs Atte Savisalo and Kati Hakkinen received a great Christmas present in December last year when their Aava Resort & Spa was voted one of the 101 Best Hotels in the World in the globally acclaimed ‘TATLER Travel Guide 2013’. “After we heard about it, it was difficult to keep it a secret. The Guide was published just before Christmas and it was our best Christmas present ever,” says Kati Hakkinen with excitement.
Making the grade Located in Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat province in Southern Thailand, Aava Resort & Spa was one of the five hotels and resorts in Thailand included in the top list of the 2013 TATLER Travel Guide. Focusing on glamorous lives and lifestyles, TATLER has been around for more than three centuries, making it one of the oldest magazines in the world. The magazine publishes various supplements including the world renowned Travel and Restaurant Guides. Being voted as one of the best hotels in the TATLER Travel Guide was a proud moment for the Finnish couple.
For reservations, contact +66 824199617 or visit www.aavaresort.com 20 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
“We are proud of ourselves and our staff. This is the biggest achievement in our career in the hotel business. And the fact that no other Finnish-owned hotel has ever received a similar recognition makes it even more special to us,” said the Finnish couple. In the review, Aava was praised for its unique design - Scandinavian and Thai fusion - and its location on white powdered 9km stretches of the stunning and deserted Nadan beach in Khanom where you only have the odd fisherman for company. “I love seeing genuine smiles from locals here. It’s something that is very rare in touristy places,” says Kati.
Khanom – pristine destination Virtually unheard of by most people, Khanom is a tranquil, pristine and unspoiled destination with an authentic backdrop of Thai provincial life. There are also many beautiful waterfalls in the hills, huge limestone mountains pocketed with mossy caves, pods of pink dolphins in the sea, and a vast national park with the oldest evergreen forest in the world. “Khanom is what today’s holidaymakers are looking for – naturally beautiful beaches, authentic Thai atmosphere,
no hustle of street/beach vendors, and stunning nature on your doorstep. They are looking for new destinations and somewhere neighbours or colleagues have not yet been,” says Atte Savisalo. Despite it quiet location on the placid Na Dan beach, the resort is just an hour and a half drive from the two major airports: Surathani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat. There are several daily flights from Bangkok to the two provinces. Transfers between the resort and the two airports, plus Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi can also be arranged.
Unique design Designed by Finland’s leading interior designer Mr. Vertti Kivi, Aava Resort & Spa consists of 28 bungalows, two restaurants and a spa. Mr. Kivi won ‘Interior Architect 2011’ award for his work for Aava. The award was given by Finnish Designers association ‘ORNAMO’. “Since the beginning, we had a plan to build something that will be seen, something unique and different,” says Kati. On top of its design and destination, Aava Resort & Spa was also praised for its facilities for children and incredible food at its fine dining restaurant ‘Aalto’.
Delectable food The resort’s beachfront Aalto restaurant offers Euro-Asian fusion dishes and an extensive wine selection in a stylish and romantic ambience. Although seafood is popular, Kati says that most of the visitors tend to go for classic steaks. Since November last year, the menu has been extended after a visit of the Guest Chef Petri from Finland. The restaurant is recognized as serving the best international cuisine in Khanom. The resort also has another restaurant ‘Aava Pizzeria & Bakery’, offering traditional wood fire oven pizzas, freshly baked breads and pastries.
Wellness activities Since there are more tourists looking for wellness activities on their holidays, Aava Resort & Spa offers a weekly wellness schedule to healthconscious guests, featuring various classes such as Anapanasati meditation, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Stretching and Pyanayama (breathing exercises). The latest addition to the wellness schedule is Kids Muay Thai which has been well received by families with young boys. Wellness Coordinator Khun Chack teaches daily. The individual wellness
holiday packages can also be created catering to specific needs of customers. However, Kati says that the resort doesn’t offer detox and weight loss programs as it focuses mainly on overall health and wellbeing. In September this year, American yoga guru Gabriel Azoulay will visit the resort to host a special yoga retreat. For more information about Mr. Azoulay, visit www.gabrielazoulay.com.
Expansion Since its grand opening in September 2010, the resort has been growing fast in popularity. According to Kati, the biggest clientele are Danes and Thais, followed by Finns, Swedes, Britons, Italians and Germans. “We had nine nationalities at our Christmas dinner. During Christmas, New Year holidays and in February, we had more booking requests than what we could accommodate,” says Kati. “We’ve noticed that we need more room capacity and we would like to expand. The resort has always been our own project but this year we plan to look for investors.” Though the high season is from December to March, Kati says that the best time to travel to Khanom is from March to October because the weather is fantastic and prices are lower.
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 21
A whiff of Norway
22 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
on a boat trip The Norwegian Church in Pattaya recently gathered almost 50 people for a boat trip to Koh Phai, the pristine island two hours from Pattaya.
Phai was on the itinerary and the turn up was big. Almost 50 people had packed swimwear and sun lotion to get away from the city. Some were couples who set up camp permanently in Pattaya, some were larger groups of longtime vacationers and some came alone. When the ship was boarded, chatting was instant. Some had catching up to do and news from home was discussed in the corners. Fittingly, the Norwegian flag had been raised at the bow.
By Anders Holm Nielsen
Chat, swim, relax and eat
E
very morning on Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, a large number of farangs from all over the world board small ferries that sail them to the surrounding islands. This morning, Sunday, February 10, a large group of Norwegians had assembled on the pier, signaling their countrymen by waving the red, blue and white flag. The reason for the large gathering was the Norwegian Church in Pattaya. Aside from the traditional church events, they host a wide variety of activities such as golf tournaments, walks in the jungle and concerts. This particular morning a trip to the desolate island of Koh
Shortly after departure there was a quick briefing on the events of the day. The “tour guide” on the trip to Koh Pai was Jan Olav Johannessen. He is the daily leader and priest at the Norwegian Church in Pattaya. About three and a half years ago he and his wife Tone, who also works at the church, moved from Norway to settle in Pattaya. He is the coordinator of the Church’s activities that not only involves a bundle of social events but also charitable work such as sick calls and visits to the local foster home. However, today it was all play. The plan was simple. Chat, swim, relax and eat. After a while in Thailand, the local cuisine might start to wear on you, so when the food was ready it was a delight to many passengers.
Scalloped potatoes and ham were on the menu and after filling their stomachs with a piece of home it was time to invade the island. The desolate island only had a few other visitors this day and there was plenty of elbow space to tend to the tan. The tanning was done in brought along mattresses and chairs were available for lounging while open tents were put up to provide shade. A beach like this would be hard to find in Norway. After a tough day of doing nothing other than relaxing, the ship set course for the Pattaya shore once again and cake, fruit and coffee were supplied to regain strength.
The Norwegian stronghold At the moment an estimated 6300 Norwegians are in Thailand on a long term visa. The stronghold of the Norwegian expats is in Pattaya, where the Norwegian Church is a large ambassador for the country. Jan Olav Johannessen explains that there are many different reasons why some chose to relocate to Thailand. Some want to escape the cold climate back home, some elderly come because the pension lasts longer here while others marry a Thai. Whatever the reason it is hard not to long for at least some parts of home, thus the church and
its activities are in big demand. Whether you have decided to leave Norway permanently for a warmer climate or simply for a holiday, a whiff of home is often required and there is no better place to find it than at the Norwegian Church in Pattaya. If you require food from home, Nordic culture, chatting in a familiar language or simply advice on where to buy “snus” this is the place to go. Travelling alone was retired Randi Lauglo from Trondheim. She appreciates the hard work of the church and other than the boat trip she also joined the Christmas celebration where near 160 Nordics enjoyed the holiday with good company and Norwegian food. She has been on boat trips with the church on previous occasions but especially enjoyed this one. “It’s very interesting that the island is deserted. I have been on many other islands in the area but there are always too many tourists,” she says. At around 5 o’clock the ferry once again anchored at Bali Hai Pier and after a day of lounging in the sun, sandals were yet again planted on mainland and the Norwegians headed for their homes. Many of them will soon see each other again as the church already has a number of events lined up in near future.
March 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 23
Powerful women Agneta Bekassy de Bekas writes about her friend Annika Jonasson and her impact on the lives of less fortunate people in Bangkok’s Klong Toey slum. By Agneta Bekassy de Bekas
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ravelling to Thailand for the first time on a vacation with my husband in 1989, I fell in love with the country and its people. We wanted to return and later decided to settle down in Bangkok. We moved here several years ago with our adopted Thai daughter, Venessa. Despite living here for many years, I never thought about visiting a slum until recently, when my Swedish friend Annika Jonasson suggested me to come along with her to see a different side of Bangkok. Together with another friend, American photographer Daniel Herron, we went with Annika to Klong Toey slum, where she rents a room in the area for 3,500 baht a month. Here she has given single mothers with children and disabled women an opportunity to work together and earn extra income. In fact, Annika has done a lot to help the less privileged women and their families. For many years, she has made it possible for kids in the area to attend schools. She has
Beautiful hangers made in the slums. 24 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
also contributed to building houses, finding sponsorship as well as giving English lessons to the kids there by herself among many other things she has done. A few years ago, Annika also started a wonderful project “Hang on”, where women bring simple hangers to decorate together. Here they wrap these hangers with beautiful fabrics and make rainbows of colours and patterns on them. The hangers from the project are sold in both Thailand and Sweden. Every hanger has a nice label, created by a disabled young man living close to the room where the women meet, work, discuss and pack. I believe that the sale of these hangers could improve a lot if the freight cost to Europe was less expensive. Today the hangers are travelling with friends and family in their luggage, but it would be like a dream come true for them to find a logistics company who would ship the hangers around Europe for free. It’s 450 baht or 100 sek for a set of three adult hangers or a set of four children hangers. These hangers
would make a nice present and so many people would also benefit from it. To me, it was quite an emotional experience walking with Annika through the slum. Everywhere she went, she was greeted with a smile and she took her time to talk to everybody. She sometimes stopped at some houses where she walked inside and sat down for a few minutes for an encouraging talk. Even in such poverty you can see these people have their own sense of pride. When you leave the slum and Annika’s “friends” there, you realise how good your own life is and you want to help those who are less fortunate. If you are an organization, corporation, or even an individual and would like to support Annika’s great cause, please contact her on her Facebook or her blog for more information. You might be surprised how you can make a difference in their lives!
Before
After
Annika’s blog: www.50iBkk.blogspot
Glowfish
– innovative offices provider - opens in Bangkok
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lowfish, an innovative new serviced office and co-working concept, has recently opened in Bangkok. Located in the commercial hub of Asoke, the company offers virtual offices, co-working spaces, serviced offices and meeting rooms catering to everyone from small business operators and entrepreneurs to multinational and regional companies seeking a cost-effective base in Bangkok. The company is poised to make a local and regional splash with entrepreneurs in search of smart, flexible workspaces that offer a ready-made business network and like-minded community while cutting operating costs. Mr. Wim Somers, Group Director of Marketing of Heritage Estates, the owner and operator of Glowfish, said the difference between Glowfish and other serviced offices was not just a more contemporary and stylish approach, but state-of-the-art communication technology, business support services, ready-made business network, and a full programme of seminars and social events. “Most importantly, Glowfish counts on the bottom line,” Mr. Somers said. “We offer great value for money by doing away with unjustified extra expenses.” Mr. Somers said that with the AEC expected to be formed as early as 2015, Bangkok was expected to assume a new regional role as the AEC’s key gateway city, and Glowfish has been created in preparation for that development. The Glowfish’s office is a 10-minute walk from the Asoke BTS Skytrain/ MRT intersection.
Estates Group Director of Marketing, Wim Somers
For more information, contact 02 664 0896 or visit www.glowfishoffices.com
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
voted one of the top 25 hotels in Thailand
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For reservations, contact 02 649 888 or visit www.luxurycollection.com/bangkok
26 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
n the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2013, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok was voted as one of the top 25 hotels in Thailand. Based on the reviews and opinions of millions of travelers, the annual Travelers’ Choice Award is in its eleventh year and is the highest honor a hotel can receive from the TripAdvisor community, writes the press release. “TripAdvisor awards are one of the greatest complements we can receive because they are voted for by those with genuine firsthand experience of the hotel and services - our valued guests,” said Mr. Richard Chapman, General Manager of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is a renowned hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district. With a direct pedestrian sky bridge link from the hotel to BTS Asok Skytrain and MRT Sukhumvit subway stations, guests are moments from attractions such as Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Terminal 21, Bangkok’s new shopping experience, is located opposite the hotel. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit boasts its luxurious accommodation complemented by exceptional service, award-winning Thai and Italian restaurants, a chic nightclub, and Bangkok’s premier live jazz venue, The Living Room which also hosts the Sunday Jazzy Brunch, an extraordinary gourmet feast of international cuisine that makes the weekend memorable for the whole family. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center, a tranquil spa, and a glorious swimming pool set in a tropical garden that was recently voted 4th in the Top 10 “Hotels with a Fantastic Pool” by users of TripAdvisor.
March promotion at
Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
T
hroughout March 2013, Rembrandt Hotel is offering various promotions at its restaurants and bar. The newly renovated and stylish Mexican restaurant, Señor Pico, presents weekly theme night promotions. Every Monday, a special vintage Western movie will be screened at 8.00p.m. Tuesday is for ladies to enjoy complimentary free flow of El Hacienda Margarita and El Hacienda Sangria when order any dishes from 7.00p.m. to 9.00p.m. Every Thursday is Mexican Mayhem night where customers can experience 3 choices of tacos and tequila tasting for THB 899 net per person. Those who love to dance are suggested to join salsa dance night on Friday where the Cuban house band, Fascination, performs live music until late. The restaurant is open daily from 5.00p.m. to 1.00a.m. The renowned Indian restaurant, Rang Mahal, offers the Thali Lunch Set for ladies coming in a group of six and more. Priced at THB 395 net per person, the offer is from 11.30a.m. to 2.30p.m. everyday, except Sunday. On Sunday 31 March, Rang Mahal offers Easter Brunch featuring an Indian and international buffet with a full choice of dessert for THB 850 net per person, and half price for kids under 12. Featuring live jazz music, Lobby bar offers happy hours from 5.00p.m. to 7.00p.m. with buy 1 get on 1 free promotion on local beer, pouring spirits and house wine. From 15-17 March, guests can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish food for THB 199 net per dish and drink for THB 199 per bottle. Rembrandt hotel is conveniently located on Sukhumvit soi 18, a short walk from Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT stations.
For more information, call 02 261 7100 or visit www.rembrandtbkk.com
Sunday lunch offers at
Vijitt resort Phuket
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ocated on Rawai beach in the laid back south of Phuket, Vijitt Resort Phuket is a romantic retreat with beautiful natural scenery all around. The landscape grounds at the hotel are with tall palms and expansive lawns gently sloping towards the gorgeous view of Friendship beach. Inspired by local design and materials, the resort offers various styles of beachfront villas including deluxe villas, deluxe pool villas, prime pool villas, two-bedroom pool villas and Vijitt pool villas. Facilities include Rotunda kids club, the V Spa, restaurants and a beach bar. Guests can also enjoy activities such as a visit to Coral island, beach marine walk, botanical walk, and natural rubber tapping experience. Recently, the resort has introduced Sunday Lunch offers at its Savouy restaurant every Sunday from 12.00p.m. to 3.00p.m. for guests to enjoy delectable food during their stays. At Sunday lunch, there will be a variety of good food such as fresh seafood, sushi, salad, pasta, foie gras, BBQ meat & seafood station, Western & Thai hot dishes, choices of desserts including homemade ice cream. Sunday lunch offers are priced at THB 1,099 net per person including free flow soft drink, THB 1,399 net per person including a bottle of wine per couple, and THB 3,099 net per person including a bottle of Champagne per couple. For children from 4 to 12 years old, it’s half price and for children under 4, it’s free of charge.
For more information, contact 076 363600 or visit www.vijittresort.com 28 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Medium
Danish Meatloaf (Forloren hare) By Anders Holm Nielsen
Evil
I
t hardly gets more Danish than this. The Nordic version of meatloaf is the signature dish of any grandmother who’s trying to fatten up a skinny grandchild. Take a break from your diet and gorge on pork, veal potatoes and gravy.
Ingredients: • 500 g minced veal and pork • 2 Eggs • 50 g bread crumbs • 2onions,blended • 50 g wheat flour • Salt • Pepper • Half a decilitre whipped cream, 38% • Half a decilitre sparkling water •125 g bacon, sliced For frying • 2 decilitres whole milk • 2 decilitres pork broth Gravy • 1 decilitre cream, 18% • 2 tsp corn starch • Salt • Pepper • 1 tbsp Currant Jelly Accessories • 1000 g potatoes, peeled weight
Are you done?
W
hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt. Name:
___________________________________________________
Age: ________________________
Mobile:
___________________
Address:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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Email:
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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 April 2013 30 ScandAsia.Thailand • March 2013
Directions Stir meat with salt and mix in eggs and cream, then add onions, flour and breadcrumbs and finally sparkling water. When mixed together, form it and wrap it in bacon. Give the “hare” 15 minutes at 225 degrees. Reduce heat to 160 degrees and pour the milk and broth by. Leave in the oven for about half an hour at 160 degrees until the stuffing is cooked.
Sauce Take all the roux from the pan and sift it into a pot. Warm it up and smooth with cornstarch stirred into cream. Warm the sauce and season with salt, pepper and jelly.
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