NOV 2013
Love for Denmark ScandAsia.dk
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Opinion
Blue eyed fundamentalists The Benefit of the Doubt
Scandinavian* politicians truly believe they know how to make things better here in South East Asia; when I learn about their ideas for the future and see the projects they suggest implemented in our region I am baffled. Try to listen to Scandinavian politicians or officials on visit. These most innocent looking blue eyed people are in fact mere fundamentalists; in their approach they are not much different from the Mullahs in Iran. They believe that they know better and that they represent The TRUTH – beyond discussion. Therefore they can tell the governments out here what to do, how and why, but as a one-way affair. Since the representatives of the Scandinavian countries regard their beliefs as TRUTH they themselves can of course learn nothing. You don’t discuss with a Mullah, do you –waste of energy. A Minister of Trade touring Myanmar: “You can actually support the democracy by establishing good business connections”. Selling democracy in slices like salami, eat please; democracy we must have. Mind you: OUR variant of democracy. Another Minister of Trade touring Thailand see: ‘The Scandinavian Economic Model as a Goal for Thailand’. Well this minister is backed by billions of barrels of oil, which makes it easier to create nice models and finance the deficit. Lectures have been given to the Myanmar and Thai government regarding financial operations, democratic institutions, dealing with refugees, the faith of the Rohingya’s etc. In their weird mindset the leaders and officials seem to believe that they represent the best and most advanced of all worlds, therefore their edition of what is right and what is wrong is beyond discussion, they furthermore possess moral superiority. That is why their export of everything from democracy to police agents controlling appropriate sexual behavior here is good and need no further argumentation – ‘everybody can see that this is the right thing to do, can’t they?’ – Exactly this is what makes them fundamentalists; in their ethnocentric thinking they overlook the realities back home, the loneliness, the illnesses and tumors in their own societies.
Doubt. Thesis->antithesis->synthesis.
One of the main elements in European constructive thinking is: DOUBT. We have to look ourselves in the eye: Are we in accordance with facts and realities when we suggest this and propose that –for the benefit of e.g. Thailand and Myanmar. Where are the weak points, what will talk against our solution and why, what can the syntheses then be. The brand ‘Democracy’ is a good example; the Scandinavian politicians advocate ‘their’ homeland edition of democracy. But the magnificence of that model is doubtful, how for example to tell and how to deal with that in Denmark 148.000 people are members of a political party; that is less than 4% of the electorate consisting of 4.079.000 people. Most Scandinavians believe that their democracies are generally in balance and stable. Then there are some problems at the edges of society; a few mixed examples: Mr. Breivik. Riots among immigrants in Stockholm. 423.000 (minimum) people in Denmark living their lonely life on ‘Happiness pills’ such as Citalopram and Lexapro. How many problems before we accept the oriental wisdom that you must also rely on your neighbor, that nothing is stable, that everything is under change and that your life will be a misery if you believe you can control everything. That you have to live here and now, not so much for tomorrow.
The Dialogue
After14 years more or less here in Thailand I realize how much we can learn by accepting a ‘two sides of the coin’ exchange – if we can move ourselves away from prejudices and certain norms. No, I’m not a new convert; everything is yin and yang, good and bad, here too. But a dialogue would be beneficial for both parties. * I deliberately leave out the Finns. Their approach and business ventures here in South East Asia seem much more down to earth, not so much ‘knight on a white horse’ babbling, not so much ‘democratic’ smoke.
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 Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Karsten Reinholdt Jakobsen karsten@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com Printing : Lake & Foundtain Printing Co., Ltd.
Flemming Winther Nielsen is Senior Lecturer (retired) DSH. DK. M.Sc.soc. (Aalborg University). The author has working and research experience from the Sudan, Zambia, Portugal and Thailand.
Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com
Coming Events
Swedish Mass on Phuket Date: 20 and 27 November 2013 Location: The residence of the priest, Kata Once or twice a month, the Swedish priest on Phuket. Maria Eksmyr, will hold a quiet mass in her residence in Kata, Phuket. If the weather permits, a simple social gathering will take place on the roof terrace afterward. Here is a map to her residence: http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/default.aspx?di=546442
Mix Balut Date: 22 November 2013, 18:00 Location: Captain’s Pub & Restaurant, Hotel Mermaid Bangkok Mixed Balut has for many years been played by a group of Danes by invitation only. If you are interested in joining, please contact Søren Presmann via soren@ presmann.co.th latest by Sunday November 17, 2013
Weekend Trip to Thai Danish Dairy Farm Date: 23 & 24 November 2013. Start 10:00 Location: Departure from Parking behind Rembrandt Hotel Weekend tour by bus to Muak Lek, Saraburi Province, with SSS Heritage Section to visit The Thai-Danish Dairy Farm in Muak Lek, beautifully situated in the foothills of Khao Yai National Park. Stay overnight at ECO-Lodge with kids’ activities. On the way back Sunday, a visit to Knud Lyhne Rahbek’s grave will be included.
DanCham Christmas Lunch
Bus trip to IKEA
Date: 29 November 2013, 12:30 - 17:00 Location: Royal Danish Embassy, Bangkok
Date: 4 December 2013 Location: Please check the website www.svenskforeningenhuahin.se
DanCham’s Christmas Lunch is one of the most wellvisited events of the Danish community in Thailand. The ticket price of 1950 THB for members and members’ spouses include a traditional Danish Christmas buffet, snaps and an free flow of beer and soft drinks.
Svenskföreningen i Hua Hin (The Swedish Association in Hua Hin) arranged last year a successful bus trip for the members from Hua Hin to IKEA. Just in time for the Christmas shopping, the bus trip will this year take place on 4 December 2013.
4 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY
Past Events
Double birthday bash at Captain’s Pub
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ell-wishers, friends and regulars showed up in full force at the Captain’s Pub and Restaurant to mark both the Managing Director of Hotel Mermaid Jorgen Lundbaek’s birthday and the second anniversary of his Captain’s Pub at Sukhumvit Soi 29 on 12 October 2013. Lundbaek thanked his patrons for their support and a good time was had by all, with special complimentary beers and snacks as well as Happy Hour prices throughout the night. According to Lundbaek, the Captain’s Restaurant, will beginning in October 2013 highlight Brazilian cuisine but will maintain plenty of authentic Danish dishes along with international and Thai offerings.
Ladies love cool Liam in Bangkok Denmarks’ bestselling rapper and heartthrob widely seen by Danish women as the sexiest man in the kingdom gave an exclusive concert for his fans abroad in the land of smiles. By Lars Pinnerup Photos by Weerasak Wannachai
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he Danes turned up in force to show support and enjoy the musical universe of L.O.C., who has bombarded Danish airwaves with hits from the streets for over a decade. The Danish ambassador, H.E. Mikael Hemniti Winther, was seen lounging in the VIP section, Lars Lang was there and so was a whole lot of other Danes. “It was a great concert, L.O.C. was great, and the atmosphere was great, I know more or less all the people who attended the concert, so it was one big party for me,” said Anna Bay. Even a few Brits were spotted in the crowd. Stuart Bishop, who earlier in his life had lived in Denmark, also enjoyed the concert. “I do not know L.O.C.’s music that well, but I still recognized a handful of the songs he played, and have to say that he is a brilliant live performer,” Stuart Bishop told ScandAsia. L.O.C., backed up by a live band, pleased the mixed crowed with a one-and-a half-hour of the crème of his back calalogues of hit songs. 6 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
Past Events
Cinnamon Bun Day in Bangkok Photo by Thine Fritze
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group of ladies gather at Food Academy Bangkok (FAB) in Klong Toey, Bangkok to celebrate Sweden’s Cinnamon Bun Day (kanelbullens dag) on 4 October 2013. On that day, bakeries and convenience stores all over Sweden, give prominence to display of baskets of warm cinnamon buns, or kanelbullar, as these tasty swirls of pastry are called in Swedish. The bun is made of wheat flour, butter, cinnamon, cardamom and sugar. The freshly baked buns were enjoyed by all who showed up at FAB, either with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, tea or a soda. In photo, from left: Christina Hammarlund, Eini Enstedt and Eva enjoy fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon/cardamom buns prepared by FAB students.
November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 7
Past Events
EAC 129th anniversary celebrated
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AC Guys celebrate the 129th Birthday of Andersen & Co. in Bangkok. On the 1st September 1884, 129 years ago, EAC was established in Bangkok by the formation of the company Andersen & Co., which later became the cornerstone and main activity of The East Asiatic Company Ltd., when this company was established in Copenhagen in 1897. Many EAC people therefore consider the 1st September the real birthday of the EAC Group. A group of former EAC staff, now residing in Thailand, has decided to mark this day by informal get-togethers every year and 10 members of this group therefore met at restaurant Baan Khanitha in the Asiatique complex, situated on land previously owned by EAC and used as EAC’s warehouse facility. Baan Khanitha is located in the building which was the office of the EAC sawmill next door and, as can be seen on the photos, one complete wall in the restaurant has been decorated with photos from the EAC photo archive. The group had invited Khun Sappasit Foongfaungchaveng from TCC Land as a special guest for this event. Khun Sappasit was the project manager for the Asiatique project and he gave an inspired speech about the development of this impressive project – from idea to completion – and also about future plans for the Asiatique project. Of special interest to the EAC people were the plans to expand the Asiatique complex to the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, where the TCC Group has acquired a plot of land for this purpose, which is 3 times the size of the current Asiatique site. He also informed that there are plans to build a replica of the famous Thoon Kramom ship, on which Captain H.N. Andersen sailed for 8 years, first as first mate and later as master of the vessel. This ship will be permanently moored to the Asiatique pier and will contain restaurants and other F&B facilities. Participants in the event were (in the order they appear on the group photo): Knud Mohr, Leo Alexandersen, Hans Henrik Melchior, Jan Dam Pedersen, Peter Romhild, Pelle Eriksen, Nils Folke Persson, Torben Poulsen, Ole Soerup Rasmussen plus Anders Normann and Sappasit Foongfaungchaveng who are not on the group photo.
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
8 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
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Past Events
Wissen Cup Golf Tournament By Christer Holmvall
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n September 28th, 53 players made it to Thana City for the annual Wissen Cup. The skies were clear but the conditions were soggy – thus resulting in winter rules being applied (clean and place/drop). This though made for a very good scoring event. A record amount of birdies were made – over 30 in total. Kristian Wensell made 4, and Jari Turunen made 3 – and this of course was reflected in the final results. There were also 4 other players who made 2 birdies and a total of 22 different people making birdies (over 40% of those who played!!!). The guest group was won by Jack Cerva and the C group was won by Sverre Haug. The B-group was won by Christian Stenhammar on 38 points, followed by Thomas Fatzler whom also had 38 points but on a higher handicap. The last podium spot went to Erik Dahlström who is the defending season champion. The A group saw a very tight battle with two players really fighting it out. Kristian Wensell shot a gross one over par 73 but was beaten by Jari Turunen who shot a par round of 72. Both players ended up with a staggering 43 Stableford points (7 better then handicap) but Jari took the title thanks to a lower handicap. Third place at 40 points went to Ole Madsen. For further details on this seasons schedule - please visit www.zabaigolf.com Happy Swinging!!!
Viking Wheelers tackle Tour de Bangphra
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ive riders joined the Tour de Bangphra on 28 September. They were Finn Soerensen (organizer), Bent Laasholdt, Claus Gundersen, Willy Beider-Nielsen and Hans Henrik Melchior. Just before 9 am all riders were ready to start at Scandinavian Village in Bangsaen. For Hans Henrik, the main event of the ride was his “crash” just before the start while checking his bike. He hurt his knee slightly, but not enough to stop him from getting on his bicycle and joined the team for the first – and quite hilly - 25K. But then, after the first pit-stop, the pain increased and HH had to get into a car for the rest of the ride. The ride went from Bangsaen to the Bangphra Reservoir, the first 10K on roads with some lorry traffic, and thereafter on fine, scenic roads around the reservoir and across Sukhumvit road down to the beach in Bangphra. Then on quiet roads along the beach, apart from about 4K on Sukhumvit, up to Bangsaen beach and back to Scandinavian Village, where the ride ended with a team lunch. The weather was fine, and so was the spirit, and the sceneries along the route fantastic. 10 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
Past Events
Scandinavian Crayfish Party
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By Gregers Moller
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candinavian Society Siam’s Crayfish Party at the Rembrandt Hotel was this year as grand an event as ever in the 50-something history of this spectacular event. The maximum number of participants was set at 150 guests and all tickets were sold out one week ahead of the party. As the guests trickled in, they were served white wine, red wine, beer or soft drinks until the doors were opened and Chairman Robert Kronberg could welcome all from the stage. Guided by him, all the guests started clapping their hands shouting “we want crayfish!” and then the twenty waiters marched up the aisle with deep bowls filled to the brim with perfectly cooked crayfish and placed them each on every table. Amazingly, as soon as the first sets were gone, new bowls were carried in seemingly in an endless stream as long as the guests still had appetite for the little critters. For the guests less fond of crayfish, there was plenty of other delicacies on the table. Throughout the evening, every detail was watched over and all issues were handled smoothly by General Manager Eric Hallin who - although on duty seemed to enjoy the party himself, too. The party was generously sponsored by ScandMedia / ScandAsia as gold sponsor and six silver sponsors, Asian Tigers Mobility, Black Mountain, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Finnair, Husquarna and SEB Private Banking. Apart from that, several companies had sponsored gifts for a lottery, which was smoothly handled by Anne-Marie Hauslo and Christina Hammerlund. Eventually the band took over and as usual the dance floor was instantly filled with dancing Scandinavians. Personally, I had made the best decision ever to book a room at the special price offered for Crayfish party guests and could therefor not resist the temptation to retire already before midnight to enjoy a good nights sleep and not least a splendid morning with breakfast in the executive breakfast.
1. Chairman Robert Kronberg with the banner recoghnising the sponsors at the entrance to the party. 2. Fredrik Lager, SEB Private Banking, with two of his table mates. 3. Golf Captain Kristian Wensell and Thai Swedish Chamber President Jan Eriksson had a great time. 4. Lawyer Wichien Harnpraween received his official recognition as Member of the Year by the Chairman. 5. So tempting - yes, also the crayfish! 6. The Scandinavian parties are known to be fast filling up the dancefloor. Here you have Christina Hammarlund and husband Jan enjoying an old ABBA tune. 12 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
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News Brief
Finland’s Nokian Tyres rolls into Thailand
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n automotive tyre manufacturer, which has burnished its winter-tyre specialist credentials on treacherous icy roads of Nordic countries, continental Europe and Russia, wants to sell its products in the sweltering heat of tropical Thailand. The question on everyone’s mind is: How does Nokian Tyres of Finland know how to produce tyres suitable for tropical climate conditions? Manu Salmi, Nokian Tyres Vice President in charge of Procurement, in Bangkok for a recent Nokian Tyres launch, fielded the question without skipping a beat. “Nokian Tyres, the world’s leading winter-tyre manufacturer, has for years used its expertise to develop test-winning tyres for summer conditions,” Salmi said. He added that the company has been testing its summer and all-weather tyres in South Africa and Spain, where temperature in summer can reach over 40 degree Celcius. According to Salmi, Nokian Tyres’ strength lies in the uncompromising quality of its products based on cutting-edge innovation and validated by rigorous testing. Accolades from leading European car magazines followed an unbroken string of testwinning Nokian Tyres products – some 30 prizes over the past three years. Nokain Tyres came to Thailand because the
14 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
company wanted to grow and expand its distribution outside of its home turf, Salmi said. “Thailand is a new, interesting opportunity for us. We know it will take some time and a lot of effort to become a major player in a new market.” Salmi said Nokian Tyres and its Thailand authorized distributor, J9 Progress Company Limited, would work hard and try to create better services for customers in the Thai market characterized by intense competition. In Thailand, Nokian Tyres will focus on premium tyre replacement market. As a newcomer to the Thai market, Nokian Tyres is a force to reckon with. In terms of turnover, at EUR1.6 billion in 2012 on 15.7 million car, heavy agricultural/forestry and truck tyres sold, the Finnish company ranks 15th among the world’s 150 tyre manufacturers. “Even though we are not the biggest, we certainly are one of the hungriest companies in the business. We aim to double our turnover and profits every 5 years,” Salmi said. Obviously, big appetite for success is a good trait to have for any business enterprise. Salmi was quick to emphasize that Nokian Tyres’ claim to fame had always been its focus on working extremely hard to serve what customers want. “We are 110 per cent confident the quality of
Nokian Tyres will be well received by Thai motorists,” said Pekka Oey, Nokian Tyres Asia Regional Manager. Mr. Pornchai Kruayatidee, Managing Director of J9 Progress, said a total of 8 Nokian Tyres products in the passenger car, SUV and van/light truck segments would be made available to Thai motorists from September first in Bangkok and outlying areas before being rolled out to about 250 dealers in all parts of the country. “Nokian Tyres enters the Thai market in the premium replacement market based on its credentials as an innovative brand, emphasis on safety under all weather and road conditions and environmental friendliness,” said Kruayatidee. Nokian Tyres, the tyre manufacturer in the northernmost region of the world, currently operates two factories in Finland and Russia, with a combined workforce of over 4,000. State-of-theart production technology has been put in place as the result of a major upgrade with the injection of almost EUR 1 billion between 2005-2012. Nokian Tyres’ factories are certified to the common ISO9001 quality standard and to the more demanding ISO/TS 16949 automotive industry specifications. The company also has impressive environmental reputation as well. Nokian Tyres is the world’s first tyre manufacturer to introduce a manufacturing method using only purified, low-aromatic oils that do not contain cancer-causing substances. Salmi said Nokian Tyres used to have limited capacity, which explained why the company had been concentrating on the production of winter tyres, a profitable niche, in the past. “But we have expanded our capacity more than 3 folds in last seven years. So we now have a chance to provide summer tyres and tyres for hot-climate countries. So we are not anymore winter-tyre only producers.” Finnish Ambassador to Thailand Kirsti Westphalen, speaking at the same venue, said Nokian Tyres is a well-established public company in Finland. It has been one of the biggest companies in value in the Helsinki Stock Exchange. Its brand was recently estimated to be the 5th most valuable brand in Finland. “Nokian Tyres now comes ashore in Thailand as part of its global expansion. As Thailand is one of the biggest natural rubber producers in the world, somebody might say that ‘rubber now comes back home from a long trip in the north!’. I am convinced that the trip was worth it,” the ambassador said. Auto industry analysts have just lowered their automotive tyre sales forecast from 10-11 million tyres in 2013 down to 9 million. Thailand’s economic slowdown, a slump in the auto industry, a general lack of consumer confidence have combined to suppress domestic demand for replacement tyres. Nokian Tyres product range available through J9 Progress comprises, summer- and all-weather tyres for passenger car, SUV and van/small truck segments. At present, the products are available at J9 Progress service centre at 79/1 Soi Thonglor (Vibhavadi-Rangsit 22), off Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, in Chatuchak district, Bangkopk. For customer service, please call 02 513 5588 or visit the company’s website: www.nokianthailand.com.
News Brief
Growing interest for multi destination tours to Thailand
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he interest for multi destination tours is growing among Danish tourists. Especially Thailand is attracting tourists who seek more than one destination, takeoff.dk reported in October. Danish travel agency Star Tour, who offers multi destination tours, explained the growing interest for the opportunity to mix and match destinations and hotels in Thailand with the impression it leaves of having had a longer vacation than what was actually the case. “Every year more and more tourists choose a multi destination tour to Thailand. By combining e.g. Khao Lak, which has the rain forest and national park, with Krabi, which is in the middle of Thailand’s archipelago, it feels like you get double up on holiday without additional costs, compared to if you stayed two weeks at the same place,” sales manager Stig Elling explains. The most popular destinations to combine are Phuket – Khao Lak, Krabi – Khao Lak and Koh Lanta – Krabi. The big round-trip may start in Bangkok, then go up north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai or Pai, then down to Hua Hin before eventually ending the vacation with a week on a small Andaman Sea island like Koh Mook, Koh Pratong or Phuket, if there is still more appetite left for pure luxury. Thai travellers have for years had a similar habbit of combining Scandinavia with one or more destinations in Europe.
A multi destination tour can combine Bangkok by night with Koh Lanta simplicity.
November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 15
Love for Denmark
16 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
Despite being a Thai national who has never been to Denmark, Keerati Thanomsatsana loves the country and speaks Danish well. By Wachiraporn Janrut
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n the way to see a client one afternoon on the Skytrain in Bangkok, one of ScandAsia’s Danish staff members was approached by a young Thai man who sat next to him. “Hello sir. How are you? Where are you from?” asked the bubbly young Thai guy. As a nice and friendly gesture, our Danish staff told him he came from Denmark. And to his surprise, the young man started talking to him fluently in Danish. The conversation got on and when he learned that the Dane used to live in Iceland, he started talking to him in Icelandic. As odd as it sounds, he said he had never been to Scandinavia.
An impression of Denmark Keerati Thanomsatsana, known as Nat, said he first became interested in Denmark when he was in high school. Struggling with his English language subject at school, he remembered there was a group of Westerners living in a house near his home. A brave Nat decided to knock on their door and ask if they could teach him English. The westerners in the house let him in, telling him they were from Denmark working on a volunteer project in Thailand. It was the first introduction to Denmark for Nat. After some talk with the Danes, Nat wanted to know more about the country. “I started reading about Denmark. The more I learned about it the more I liked it. And then I decided I wanted to learn Danish language,” says Nat. Nat went back to the house and asked the Danes to teach him Danish. “They taught me to speak Danish, started by pronouncing all of their alphabet from A to Z. There were about 4-5 of them teaching me there. I was their only student at the house once a week,” says Nat. After almost three months, however, the lessons ended as the group of Danes had to move back to their home country. Nevertheless,
it didn’t stop Nat from learning the language. He contacted the embassy, went to the second hand book market at Chatuchak searching for Danish language learning materials. He continued to learn Danish by himself. “After they left, I learned to pronounce Danish words from some websites on the internet by myself. I enjoyed practicing though I didn’t have a chance to speak it with anyone,” says Nat.
Learning the root of Danish language Furthermore, Nat learned Icelandic language on the internet. “I wanted to understand the root of Danish language, and I learned that it came from the Old Norse language which is close to Icelandic. I was lucky the University of Iceland offered an online course teaching Icelandic for free,” says Nat. While studying his Bachelor’s degree, Nat worked part-time as a waiter at an Indian restaurant in Bangkok. There he met a group of customers who came from the University of Iceland. Well impressed by Nat’s language skills and efforts, they gave him a business card of a professor teaching Icelandic to foreigners. Nat contacted him and later received an envelope with a book and a CD from the professor. “I was very happy about that. I still have the envelope that he sent to me from Iceland,” Nat says with a big smile.
Nat’s passion and collections Apart from the envelope from Iceland, Nat collects Danish books, newspapers, magazines and things he found related to Denmark, including empty packages of Danish candies. “I collect stuff about Denmark that I can find. In my bedroom I have small Danish flags, given to me by the volunteers, hanging from my ceiling,” says Nat. “I also have a picture of an SAS plane
on my wall.” In fact, Nat used to be a trainee for SAS Airlines’ ground service at Suvarnabhumi Airport for three months when he was a student. “I took care of Scandinavian customers, gave them directions and so on. It was a short period of time but I was very happy then,” says Nat. “The job made me feel closer to Scandinavians and it made me proud of myself. If I have a chance, I will do it again.” Nat says that he loves many things about Denmark including the people, culture, Danish summer festivals, Christmas, music and the food. He even learned to cook Danish food at home by himself. “I have two Danish cook books. I cooked Frikadeller and Kold Dansk Kartoffelsalat at home before,” says Nat. “I also like Danish music. Among my favourite artists are TV2 and Kim Larsen.”
Development of Language skills Despite a shaky start in learning English, Nat graduated in Humanities, English major. Now 28, he has been working full-time at Samsung ElectroMechanics Thailand for two years teaching English to engineers there. “My English got better when I went to Uni but I still enjoyed looking for opportunities to practice my Danish language. When I travelled to places like Hua Hin I often asked random tourists where they came from. If they said they were from Denmark I would speak Danish to them. A lot of Danes I met were very friendly and happy to talk about their country. Obviously, I still approach random Westerners today,” Nat says with a smile. “That’s also how I practice. One day I hope to speak Danish fluently.”
Nat’s project and dreams At the moment, Nat is studying Master of Arts in Communicative English for Careers at Phranakhon Rajabhat University. As part of his course, he is working on a thesis focused on ‘Problems for Thais in learning and speaking Danish’. “I know it’s not English but I have convinced my professor that it’ll be useful for many people who learn Danish like me. I gather information, look into Danish words and areas that are difficult for Thais to pronounce and learn, figure out why and give recommendations to solve the problems,” says Nat. “Hopefully, it will complete next year and it should be published. I hope Thai people learning Danish will find it useful,” Nat adds. Though many differences between Thai and Danish languages make it difficult for many Thais to learn Danish, Nat believes that anyone can be good if they give it enough time and attention. Although Nat doesn’t get to speak Danish in his daily life, he practices almost every day and hopes that his Danish language skills and love for the country will be useful and bring him luck one day. “My dream is to travel to Denmark. I also wish to take my mum and dad to see the country I love. I will have my foot in this country one day,” Nat says with determination in his voice. November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 17
Irma Gustafsson speaks from her memory
When Sukhumvit was still only a gravel road By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
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an you imagine a rickshaw ride from Chatuchak to Sukhumvit Soi 13 for only 5 baht or Sukhumvit as nothing but a gravel road? That was actually how things were when Finnish-born Irma Gustafsson arrived in Bangkok for the first time in 1960. “Sukhumvit was still only a gravel road with small private houses alongside it, but gradually the skyscrapers popped up. The meat baron was the first to build a high-rise block on Sukhumvit,” Irma Gustafsson said. The picture of Sukhumvit from the ‘50s was only one among several that the Finnish woman, who still lives and works in Bangkok, created in the listeners heads. “When I wanted to make a phone call I went to a special phone booth where I placed an order for a call. If the time or credit ran out in the middle of a conversation, there was no mercy and I was cut off and had to go back in the line and wait to make a new call,” she continued. Though the transport was cheap at that time, a trip from one end of the city to another could easily take one and a half hour, and it was one bumpy ride to go by the tram, difference between 1st and 3rd class notwithstanding. “The back seats were for 3rd class and if you moved one row ahead it became 2nd class and the next row forward would be 1st class seats,” Irma Gustafsson said, laughing amused by the thought of the class distinction in the assignation of seating on public transport of the distant past.
Arrival At that time, the young Irma Gustafsson arrived in Bangkok in April 1960
how Bangkok was gradually built up from what seemed like the very starting point of urbanization.
American influence Coca Cola had already made its entrance when she arrived, but she was here before KFC, McDonalds and PizzaHut came to dominate the streets, she said. The Vietnam War influenced the development of the city in a big way. The American military’s presence and demand for rest and recreation (R&R) created the basis for the city’s oversized nightlife today. “But in 1973 they began to leave, and then everything became quiet,” she says.
Today
with her Swedish husband Gustafsson, who had had a job as flight mechanics at Scandinavian Airlines. Even a journey in an airplane to the Far East took a long time, and they had to make four stopovers to fill up the fuel tank in the airplane. She was greeted by the overwhelming sight of the April blooming of orange flowers, but it turned out that the flowers were the only thing looking pretty. “Everybody said that Bangkok was oh so beautiful, but it really
18 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
wasn’t. It was miserable and there was a foul smell everywhere,” she recounted. Despite all that, she soon grew to like the country and the culture of Thailand more and more. She missed the changing seasons in Scandinavia, but liked the heat so much, that not even when “love came to an end” and she was divorced from her husband Gustafsson in 1962, did she ever considered to move back. She had not finished her adventure, so she stayed and got to see
Today Irma Gustafsson has found other ways to communicate with her relatives at home. No longer does she have to reserve a call from a phone booth like she did in the past. No more bumpy rides in a rickshaw. Except for the advancement of the women’s rights – she does not feel much changes politically. “The bureaucratic system, where you have to know someone to make things happen is still a fact of life. Back in time, you always heard about people who by certain incidents had become rich, and that is more or less the same today,” Irma said, making a punch line with her perspective on life. “I realized that the more the world is changing, the more it remains the same”. Irma Gustafsson was invited to speak at a meeting with the Swedish priest of Bangkok on Wednesday 9 October. Except for the priest, six other Swedes showed up to hear the stories from the past. In best Swedish tradition the meeting started out with coffee, cinnamon buns and lemon pie.
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and Contact: Tlf: 090 736 1536, E-mail: scansatnetworkasia@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/ScansatAsia November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 19
Ole “Iron Fist” Laursen in disappointing loss Despite having dominated the first two rounds in a spectacular duel with American Kick-boxing world champion The Joe Ray, the Danish martial arts legend had to wave goodbye to 1 million dollars By Lars Pinenrup
P
unches, kicks and painful submissions guaranteed that the battle between the two will go down in the annuls of history as one of the best and most entertaining MMA bouts Bangkok has seen so far. The fight was the highlight of the DARE MMA event that took place in Bangkok on October 12th at Insomnia Night club. 1 million dollars in prize money was the carrot that had helped DARE create an impressive lineup of fighters from all over the world.
Two fighters representing Scandinavia The Sukhumvit nightclub was packed with martial arts lovers who, apart from the Ole Iron Fist Laursen vs. Joe Ray fight, also were entertained by 20 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
young Swedish MMA talent Kriss Persson, representing Legacy Gym and fighting under the wings of Ole Laursen. The 23-year-old Swede won the respect from the crowd when he with superior strength and technique out-fought veteran fighter Shane “Ronin” Wiggand, 39. “I knew he was a southpaw boxer, so my plan was to go for his right side consistently, and it worked,” the proud, yet humble young Swede told ScandAsia Magazine after the fight. Even when he was in submission Kriss Persson felt he had the fight under control and apart from a slight black eye there were no visible evidence to claim elsewise. Kriss Persson can now return home to Malmo, Sweden for a nice welldeserved holiday with family and friends, before the training cage at Legacy Gym, Ubon Ratchathani, again calls for him.
The marvels of The Iron Fist Ole “Iron Fist” Laursen’s name might not ring bells outside the martial arts world. But in the fighting circuits, his heart and efforts in the ring has won him much kudos and many fans. And, if you ask the ladies attending the MMA event at Club Insomnia, the ring announcer was not lying when he called Ole Laursen “the most handsome handsome fighter in the world of MMA”. It sounded like the majority of the club was on Ole Laursen’s side, when he and Joe Ray started exchanging blows in the ring set up in the middle of Club Insomnia. Throughout the three rounds, spontaneous chants were repeated by the crowd: “Ole, Ole, Ole” from all corners, except Joe Ray’s. The first two rounds had many convinced that Ole would take this one. When the bell sig-
I really had the feeling, after the first two rounds, that victory was mine, or at least within reach, but I underestimated him, and in third round I was tired and started to fade.
naled the completion of second round, Ole “Iron Fist” Laursen seemed to be thinking the same, because he put his fists victoriously in the air as he went back to his corner. And he definitely had the upper hand during those two first rounds. The exchange of blows was divided unevenly with Ole Laursen generously handing out more kicks, punches and elbows than he received from the Miami native Joe Ray.
Third one’s a harm Third round changed it all. From having victory within reach, Ole Laursen suddenly saw the scales tipping against him. When ScandAsia spoke to Ole Laursen before the fight he had revealed that he aimed at taking the fight to the ground, despite Joe Ray being heavier than him, as he felt, that Joe’s weak-
ness was his ground skills. “He is a way better stand-up fighter than ground fighter,” Ole Laursen, explained. But the strategy backfired, and throughout most of third round Ole Laursen found himself struggling to get out of Joe Rays clever submissions. The failure to get out of the submission proved fatal, as the judges gave the victory to a happy and proud American who, after being declared the winner, expressed his deepest respect for Ole Iron Fist Laursen.
What went wrong After the fight a disappointed but calm Ole Iron Fist Laursen took time to speak with ScandAsia, while his helpers were putting a fresh, clean Tshirt on him. He was simply in too much pain to
do it himself, proof that the fight truly had been a bash with no holds barred. “I really had the feeling, after the first two rounds, that victory was mine, or at least within reach, but I underestimated him, and in third round I was tired and started to fade,” an honest Ole Iron Fist Laursen explained. The fighter admitted he is off the peak of his career and did not know how much longer he would be able to cope with the brutal training regime, that is part of an MMA warriors daily routines. “We will see. One thing is for sure, it is time to look after my boys, my fighters and help them get places,” Ole Laursen proclaims with a humble smile before joining his family of fighters and trainers for one last group photo before the pack heads out into the night. November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 21
The Neilson Hays Library By Flemming Winther Nielsen
W
e are in Bangkok around 1870. Women had started to arrive in the suspicious tropical mangroves by the river, the dirty canals, the swarming mosquitoes and the occasional crocs. Only one road was available: New Road - Charoen Krung Road, running North-South from the Palace to the European Warehouses in Wat Praya Krai. Apart from New Road, all transport, including river crossing, took the form of small boats. The ladies came as wives, and, later, also as nurses and nuns. Of course they didn’t work in the modern sense of this word. Their primary responsibility is their husband’s wellbeing, when he came home tired and worn out. For the food and provisions, the kids, the house, the servants and the social reputation in the Farang settlement. A demanding and often isolated life they led. Illnesses came so often. They needed books, maybe a need to fly away for some hours but also a need to stay in touch with the culture they had left behind. The life in what was then a kraal in the swamp must have been like living on the moon for the ladies, who could not relate to any company or other business.
The twelve ladies 25th January 1869 a group of foreign ladies met in The British Church. They formed ‘The Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association’. A constitution and Byelaws were drawn up. In these it was stated that the management of the association should be in the hands of up to twelve ladies, exclusively ladies. And so it has been, ever since. Maybe that is why the library is still here after so many years, in fact, it is the longest-established foreign association in Bangkok. Enthusiasm carried the library, then and now. Subscriptions gave the financial foundation necessary. Furthermore it seems that substantial direct donations were given. After a few years the library could present books in English, German and French. The collection had its domicile mainly at the edifices of The British Church. But it grew with more and more subscribers joining and found various and more spacious premises over the years.
Jennie Neilson Hays* and her Doctor Jennie was born in 1859. She came to Siam in 1884 as a mission nurse stationed in Phetchaburi. The anecdote tells us that she and a friend heard that two missionary doctors were on their way
to Siam; they then decided who should marry whom – and so it came to pass. On 15 September 1887 she was married to 31-year-old American Missionary Doctor, later GP and hospital doctor Thomas Heyward Hays. In 1895 Jennie was elected President of The Library Association and she devoted much time and energy to the books and the extended social life around the library. She was elected 1914 for the third time and continued as president until her death in April 1920. Meanwhile, Dr. Hays gave up his missionary activities in 1891, disagreeing with the practice that patients should have their medicine for free. He opened a dispensary and later took over the British Dispensary as owner. Over time the doctor became a very wealthy man; investing in many of the ‘Danish’ Companies in Bangkok: The Paknam Railway, the Mehklong [Tachin] Railway, Siam Steam and Siam Electrical Syndicate. He was appointed Surgeon Major for the Royal Siamese Marine where A. Richelieu at that time was commodore and superintendent. But for many years Mrs. and Dr. Hayes worked together as a team, To Bangrak hospital came all their patients and they took turns; the Doctor was available the whole day and evening, Mrs. Hays took the night shift.
Cholera About hygienic conditions in Bangkok: “…….a peculiar place – you might have dinner with a man tonight and attend his funeral tomorrow”. That statement was given by Dr. Hays on an earlier occasion; sadly it also was the case in his wife’s passing. Jennie died suddenly the 26. April 1920, without any foregoing illness, presumably from cholera; she is buried at the Protestant Cemetery Charoun Krung Road, where you can find her memorial in good shape.
The house on Surawong Road, Bangkok Through Jennie’s will, the association and library 22 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
On a hardly readable marble tablet in the entrance hall we read:
could pay all debts, furthermore Dr. Hays “made a gift to the Association under the name of ‘The Neilson Hays Library’. The new building cost approximately 75.000 Ticals and was opened on 26th June 1922” (From ‘Neilson Heys Library’, p. 26). Thomas Hays died in 1924, and as the practical man he had been, he donated one quarter of his estate to the library, but in such a way that the association could only directly spend the income of the estate. Meanwhile, Dr. Hays never disputed the rights of ‘The Twelve Ladies’. The Library building is in Neo Classical architecture and it is obvious that the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship were specified here; both indoors with the lavish use of polished teak and outdoors with the most accurate combination of construction elements. You will also note
the ventilation openings. All efforts were made to make the library moisture proof and as ‘dry’ as possible in the humid climate. Walls are double and there is open space behind the bookshelves. I suppose that is why the house looks a bit ‘plump’. The building is purpose-built for its function and it is very different from some of the other big mansions of the upper classes, which Italian architects designed for on Sathorn Road. They are shells, facades not meant for any practical purpose. Here, on Surawong Road, in the library and in the garden, you see people come and go, young and old, books in their bag. Mothers accompanied by their children, on their way to ‘children’s corner’ maybe – and an ice-cream in the cafe afterwards. Both Jennie and her husband would be proud of their lasting legacy.
JENNIE NEILSON HAYS LIBRARY THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED IN 1921 BY DR. T. HEYWARD HAYS AS A MEMORIAL TO HIS WIFE JENNIE NEILSON HAYS WHO FOR XXV YEARS 1895-1920 WAS THE INSPIRATION AND MAINSTAY OF THE BANGKOK LIBRARY ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED IN 1869.
Literature: Neilson Hays Library (1989?): ‘Tenth Cycle Commemoration’ Rasmussen, A. Kann (1986): ‘Danske I Siam 1858-1942 *She was born in Demark and baptized Jenny Birgitte Nielsen. Jenny emigrated to the US with her parents when a child and the name was ‘Americanized’. Hays was added by marriage of course. ps. The adjacent gallery/café serve shows excellent art on the walls and excellent food on the plates, reasonable prices. The tranquility is for free! November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 23
Angry Birds Man Behind the Art of Mixing Birds and Juice Jyrki ‘Komu’ Komulainen rides the wave of success with Angry Birds fruit juices. He is a busy man with new ideas, destined for success in Thailand and beyond. By Teuvo Tuomi
24 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
K
omu arrives an hour late. But the wait is worth it. Komu is a generous man, with both feet firmly on the ground. Besides, he understands his limits. ‘The business has started well. I’m never on time,’ Komu laughs. Angry Birds hardly deserves an introduction. For those, who are into gaming, Angry Birds has captured the souls of the gaming world. The original concept of the game is simple. You are using a slingshot to launch wingless birds at defenseless pigs. Now, after two billion downloads, Angry Birds is one of the most successful wonders of gaming. Komu is not a gamer. Far from it. But he is an idea man, one full of energy and willingness to take risks. I remember, how he one year ago told me that he is working on something big. And he had gambled all he had to make it a success.
Obviously the gamble paid off. Komu’s company JustDrinkit cannot boast being a huge player quite yet. But the start has been surprisingly good. Angry Birds drinks were launched here in Thailand a little over three months ago. Now more than 6 million cans have been already delivered to 7-Elevens around the country.
Humble Origins Komu was born 44 years ago to a hard-working family in his native Tampere, famous for its lakes, black sausage and ice hockey. But Komu wasn’t into the same activities as other typical Tampere kids. He was successfully playing volleyball for Isku Volley, winning fame in various competitions. Later on he launched himself into a business that must be on the top ten list of any man: drinks! Komu’s sports background still shows. His resting heart rate used to be 32, and his vertical jump record is 82 centimeters. These are noteworthy factors for anyone familiar with sports. During his life Komu has clearly needed low resting heart rate, keeping him cool even during the hectic twists and turns he is facing every day. He has also knows how to take great leaps, to stay ahead of competition. Komu has had a colorful past. He originally started his career selling real estate and eventually graduated to be a salesman for alcohol drinks. He has spent almost 20 years now selling for example Finland-born long drink ‘lonkero’, which is a mixed alcohol drink, and various ciders. And he still has his own cocktail brand, Teaser. After years of selling drinks in Finland, the US and also Vietnam he settled to Thailand. That was some two years ago. He doesn’t regret his decision a bit. ‘I was ready for new challenges, when a friend of mine proposed us to try Thailand with our drinks and ideas.’
Scandinavian in Thailand. Trust is important. And people tend to trust us here.’ Obviously having the right partners also helped. Durbell is taking care of the distribution in Thailand. As a subsidiary of mighty Red Bull, they know the market better than probably anyone else. The product itself is produced by Malee, a local market leader of fruit juices. This enables JustDrinkit to focus on marketing and strategic planning. The three Angry Birds fruit juice flavors currently available are the fruit punch, starred by the most famous Angry Bird character, ‘Red’. The orange flavor is represented by ‘Chuck’, and the strawberry flavor has ‘Stella’ character printed on it. JustDrinkit is also in the process of launching a new mango flavor based on either ‘Boomerang Bird’ or ‘Hal’. Angry Birds drinks clearly represent a certain modern lifestyle, where volume and price are not everything. ‘Our brand is fun, attractive and one that attracts younger generation.’ Beer lovers may need to wait a little for a brewed flavor. But Komu is an idea man with one foot still in the adult arena. That’s why he may well have some surprises in his sleeves.
F1 Champion as new partner ‘Besides, I love it here. I make my own Bangkok. This is it,’ he states, pointing his hand at the organized chaos of his neighborhood soi.
Good distribution essential 7-Eleven is still the only chain in Thailand selling Angry Birds drinks. But they are also the biggest retail chain in Thailand with around 7,500 outlets. Every major brand wants to be there. ‘The first order alone was well over one million cans,’ Komu says matter-of-factly. Probably being from Northern Europe also helped: ‘People here like us. It’s good to be a
Komu does not like to rest on his laurels. That’s why he has just announced a partnership with former Formula One World Champion, Mika Häkkinen. ‘As fruit juices are a healthy option, we thought a (Finnish) superstar would be the perfect fit,’ Komu believes. ‘Mika’s relations with many key players, including the CEO of Hilton, helped a lot. I cannot deny it.’ With Häkkinen’s connections Komu has set his sights to some other countries outside Thailand. ‘One of Singapore’s main supermarket chains is interested in us, and in China we have already good contacts.’ As the potential grows, so does need to travel. Even an energetic man like Komu is starting to
realize that he cannot do everything alone. ‘We need more capable personnel. I don’t have time for everything anymore.’ Komu is currently working hard to get Angry Birds drinks to Super Tops, Family Mart and BigC. This means that beside an occasional round of golf, resting time is limited.
Growth targets realistic While all looks good and business is booming, Komu is also a realist. ‘We don’t need to grow too quickly. Our intention is just to do something new and different, one step at a time.’ The goal for the rest of this year is to sell 10 million new units by the end of the year. For him it’s too early to talk about other future targets. But if Angry Birds drinks can get a foothold in some of the big Asian markets, Komu may indeed have a goldmine in his hands.
Be ready to sell yourself Komu doesn’t want to talk too much about his private life. But he admits that he has a life partner in Finland. Pia or Piude - as he calls her - is essential for his success. After all these years the relationship still works. Komu gives his partner all the credit she deserves. ‘Without Piude I would not be who I am and where I am now.’ Having a peace of mind both in private and public is clearly something that Komu is proud of. Komu clearly enjoys every minute of his life right now. ‘You need to love what you do. But you also need to be flexible and ready to sell yourself, whenever needed,’ he laughs. He also has a piece of advice for all those of us, who want to try something new. ‘You should be familiar with local customs and traditions. You should also find the right cooperation partners and make people believe in your idea.’
November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 25
How to beat pre-holiday blues:
Online
Christmas Shopping By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
F
or Scandinavians living and working in this part of the world, the Christmas-New Year holiday season is perhaps the only time of the year when homesickness may become something that needs to be actively managed. This pre-holiday stress may be a non-issue for those who can choose to fly home every year to celebrate the juletid with family and loved ones in Scandinavia. But to many Vikings stranded in the Tropics either by choice or by necessity, one of the effective ways to beat this pre-holiday stress is to splurge a little on online shopping to get some impossible-to-find comfort food or familiar products from the home country.
Among Scandinavians, the Swedes appear to stand a better chance of having their cravings for homegrown delicacies satisfied all year round as long as they live in a country with an IKEA outlet. The same cannot be said about citizens from other Northern European countries. Nevertheless, apotekarnes julmust or Mor Anna’s Pepperkakor will still be a heaven-sent for a Swede. There are few things that will warm the heart of a Norwegian like brunost or julemarsipan. Nothing will put a Dane in festive mood quicker than peppernødder or risengrød. For a Finn, Fazer chocolate or Fazerin Vihreät Kuulat probably will offer the easiest way to happiness.
CC By Jon-Eric Melsaeter CC By cyclonebill, Copenhagen, Denmark
bsu (own
CC By ko
work)
26 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
CC By Johan Larsson
28 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
And common to all of the Scandinavians is the gløgg, that is sure to create the proper Christmas atmosphere. A quick survey of online shops offering Scandinavian goodies produced a long list of mostly smallsized outlets that cater to retail shoppers around the world. Among popular items, apart from candies, snacks and food items, are the latest bestselling books in Scandinavian languages, traditional Christmas decoration, CDs and DVDs featuring Scandinavian artists, and everything imaginable, including specialized cheese cutters, that one can get from any well-stocked Scandinavian supermarket. The majority of the outlets do not maintain a stock of goods they sell. They took orders from overseas customers, go pick up the goods at a local supermarket and then ship them out, adding handling fees and making some profit on top of delivery charges. Hjemve (www.hjemve.dk) of Denmark is one of the more popular sites with considerable amount of business from Scandinavian customers in Asia. Michael Nielsen, who operates Hjemve, said his online business was established 10 years ago when he returned to Denmark after having spent some years as an expat working in the Middle East and Asia. “This [time spent abroad] gave me the idea to set up a web shop, where customers, mainly Danes, could purchase items they missed from Denmark, such as food, candy, chocolates, books, among others things,” he said. Hjemve’s customers are those who live outside Europe and therefore do not visit Denmark very frequently, Michael said. “It is my impression that many customers are families with children.” The typical value of an order is approximately US$200, not including handling and delivery charges. “We do not carry any stock, so
we do not see our self as a typical web shop, but more as a personal shopping service.” “When we receive an order we purchase the items in local supermarkets. This way we can ensure that the items we ship have a long shelf life.” Hjemve ships within 3 working days upon receipt of order with payment. The shop does not guarantee a fixed delivery date as custom clearance can vary from country to country. “But as a guideline you can say that orders shipped from January – October normally take 2 – 3 weeks to arrive in Asia, for example. Parcels shipped in November – December will take a bit longer 3 – 4 weeks.” Thailand, with some 100 regular customers, is the single biggest market for us in Asia, followed by Japan and the Philippines. “During November and December holiday seasons our sales triple,” Nielsen said. The online trade in Swedish goods is brisk in the months Christmas. The web shop www.swedelink. se told ScandAsia that the turnover in the month of December will typically be three times the average turnover of any month during the rest of the year. Ms. Elsemarie Angelbratt from swedelink.se also said that Asia is clearly where the demand is highest. In terms of volume, Thailand is leading with Japan and China trailing closely behind. Icelandic people living overseas are not enough to significantly boost the sales on the online shop shopicelandic.com in the months leading up to special occasions like Christmas. According to the owner of web-shop, the sales of Icelandic specialties from the online store is spread more evenly over the year. The majority of the clients are not even Icelandic nationals, he said. Top items are items in wool and fish products which are well-known specialties of Iceland.
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November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 29
Contemporary Art Exhibition by Richard Skene at YaiYa Hua Hin
Y
aiYa Hua Hin proud to present Richard Skene’s exhibition of contemporary art, entitled “The Road of Excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom” at YaiYa Hua Hin from November 15, 2013 – December 15, 2013 with an opening reception on Friday, November 15, 2013 from 6.30 – 8.00 pm. In addition to having a Thai flavor, a common theme of Richard’s collection is the “pursuit of happiness”, which is one of the three “unalienable rights” in the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence and a key principle of Buddhism. Quintessentially members enjoy special tour of the art and explanation by the artist, Richard Skene, either at the opening reception or to arrange a specific time during the exhibition and also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine. For more information, please contact Khun Krisana Kalapagdee (66) 02 668 5022 or dos@yaiyaresort.com
Scandinavian Cottage in Pranburi LA PEROUSE Boutique Resort
I
f you are one of those holidaymakers who fancies Scandinavian cottage-style accommodation on a tropical beach resort, LA PEROUSE Boutique Resort may be worth checking out. Located at Sam Roi Yod, Pranburi in Prachuap Khiri Khan, this cosy, quiet resort in the Gulf of Thailand gives you a choice of cozy bungalows with diverse range of looks and feels. Scandinavian Cottage, built with pinewood which adds to its unique atmosphere, is ideal for a family or even a couple who like a lot of space. Other styles of bungalows range from Greek or Moroccan to American Rustic villas. LA PEROUSE is about 250 kilometres, or a three-hour drive from Bangkok. Room rates start from 1,900-3,500 Bht. For more information, call Telephone +6681 482 3610, +6681 398 8463, +6690 658 7170 or visit www.laperouseboutiqueresort.com
30 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
Catch the ‘Festive Fever’ at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
T
he Okura Prestige Bangkok is promising another fun-filled festive season with an impressive selection of dining options both at the Up & Above restaurant, at Yamazato and at Elements for all the family At Up & Above, the season’s festivities begin on Saturday 21st December with a Welcome Christmas Brunch. On 22nd December the hotel’s everpopular Sunday Brunch captures the traditional Christmas spirit with a clown in the house to entertain the entire family at Up & Above. Special Christmas lunch and dinner menus are also available at Up & Above on 24th and 25th December with optional beverage packages embracing continuous flow wines and champagne. Christmas celebrations at Elements guarantee a real sparkle. From 21st to 30th December the hotel offers a five-course festive menu that begins with a glass of champagne. Diners may also choose items from the à la carte menu at Elements on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Elements is also the stylish venue for The Okura Festive High Tea Buffet from 21st to 30th December. Yamazato presents special menus for lunch (Gozen set menu) and dinner (Kaiseki set menu and Teppanyaki) on 24th and 25th December.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day The Okura Prestige Bangkok guarantees a glitzy, sparkling and stylish farewell to 2013 as guests prepare to welcome the New Year. The hotel’s three fine dining restaurants offer tremendous variety for dinner on 31st December. At Up & Above the ‘Prestige Dinner & Dance’ sets the scene in style with live music from a five-piece band. Guests will enjoy a magnificent buffet dinner with beverage options before taking their places on the hotel’s balconies and half-moon terrace to witness the spectacular midnight displays of fireworks across the city.
For more information and reservations, please contact 02 687 9000 or fb@okurabangkok.com November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 31
Thom’s Elephants Ride the biggest animal that walks the earth, get a sore butt and top it off with a dip in the river. By Sebastian Buur and Ida Holt
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hen dealing with animals in Thailand and all over Southeast Asia, it’s important to take animal welfare into account. By all means, it’s far too easy to book an elephant ride or any other attraction involving domesticated wildlife where the animals are not doing too well, to put it mildly. So we’re happy to report that this doesn’t look to be the issue here. The elephants seem healthy and lively, and are treated well by their trainers or mahouts, as they are called. Thom’s Elephants are located a few kilometers outside Pai, easily found on scooter or even easier with the provided pick up from town. After a small feeding and hugging ceremony everybody mounts their designated elephant and heads towards the stone forest which is not a huge, majestic petrified forest, but rather an area with rocks sprinkled all over the place. Still, it’s nice scenery, with working farmers providing a cool backdrop. At one point your behind starts to feel a little sore. Don’t worry - riding a huge animal that was designed mainly for eating (200 kilos of food per day to be exact) and not for transporting smaller bi-pedaled beings around, it’s all part of the experience.
A long ride ends on a high note
Operator: Address: Website: Prices:
Thom’s Pai Elephant Camp 107 moo 2, Maehee, Pai, Maehongson 58130, Thailand www.thomelephant.com 2 hour tour with bathing in the river: 700 baht per person (1200 after August) Also offers mahout training (full day course), rafting and hot tubs
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After a while it can get a little bit redundant. The novelty wears off and the view isn’t really that diverse. Luckily, the terrain shifts in a few places, adding in some dramatic downhill to the action. These animals might come off as bulky and slow paced, but they are remarkably agile for their size. You’re never in any danger, but the tension is there, and that spices things up. Alternatively, ask if you can get off and just walk besides the elephants for a different take on the whole thing. After about one and a half hour of riding, the grand finale comes with a bang. Final leg of the two hour journey is swimming with the elephants, and that just about makes it worth all your money. The elephants simply scramble into a small river, spray water on you with their trunks and then start to throw you off. If it sounds dramatic, it’s because it is. But in a good way. Easily the highlight of the day, people kept climbing their elephants and got thrown off over and over again. At this point, you feel like you’re interacting with the elephants more than just using them as transport, and that’s a whole lot of fun. You can by a ton of different tours here, but if you just feel like riding the elephants, the two hour tour with the river in the end seems about right. It’s an experience we’re not likely to forget anytime soon, and interacting with animals the sheer size of these magnificent beasts is quite the story for when we get back home.
By
Test Team
November 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 33
Medium
Autumn roll By Sine Neuchs Thomsen Evil
This roll can be served as a vegetarian dish or as garniture on the side.
Ingredients (4 persons) • 4 big potatoes (500 grams) • 2 carrots • 1 beet root • 4 eggs • 50 gram of spinach leaves • 1 onion • 1 clove of garlic • 2 tablespoons wheat flour • salt and pepper
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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:
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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 December 2013 34 ScandAsia.Thailand • November 2013
• Turn on the oven on 200 degrees. • Peel and grate potatoes, carrots and beet root and press the liquid from the vegetable so the consistency will be drier. Mix with chopped onion and garlic. Whisk the eggs with wheat flour, salt and pepper in a separate bowl and mix with the vegetables. • Spread the mass on a paper covered baking sheet in a layer of approximately 1 cm. • Bake the “potato cake” in 15-20 minutes. • Wash the spinach leaves and leave them to drain while the baking is going on. • Take the pancake out and let it cool for a short while. Turn it upside down and place the spinach leaves in the one end. Role the pancake with the leaves inside and put it back in the oven for 10 minutes. • Cut the role in 1 cm thick slices before serving.
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