Bangkok Trader – Volume 6, Issue 3 – February 2012

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE NO. 3

Escaping Bangkok: Khao Yai

FEBRUARY 2012

You are cordially invited to join us to celebrate our 5th anniversary of Bangkok Trader.

We’re having our annual blowout at Zanzibar at Sukhumvit Soi 11 on Friday, November 25th, from 6:30-9pm, with lots of food and drink, a DJ, dancers, and all of you there!

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BANGKOK TRADER Volume 6, Issue No. 3 FEBRUARY 2012

Published by Siam Gazette Co., Ltd. Publisher and Managing Director: Kaewta Verstein kaewta@thebangkoktrader.com Executive Assistant to the Managing Director: Pla Jaiyen Tel. 02 655 0941 pla@thebangkoktrader.com Sales & Marketing: Alan S. Verstein Tel. 081 761 9302 alan@thebangkoktrader.com Business Development Manager: Andy Hyde Tel. 080 814 9080 andy@bangkokbusinessbrief.com Creative Director: Reid Nixon reid@thebangkoktrader.com Ad Traffic: Joke Chaymanee thailandmagazine@gmail.com Delivery: Cha Lormnak

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Ground Floor, Vanissa Bldg, 29 Soi Chidlom Bangkok 10330, Thailand Tel. 02 655 0940 Fax 02 655 0941 Cover photo of a resident of Khao Yai provided by Dave Stamboulis, who can be contacted at pedallerdave@hotmail.com

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Escaping Bangkok

Soothing the city blues in Khao Yai

By Dave Stamboulis Despite being just an hour or two from Bangkok, not so many locals make it up to Khao Yai or truly experience just what a magical place it is. To most Bangkokians, Khao Yai represents one of the nearest spots to Bangkok to go relax in a boutique resort, play some golf, or take in a music festival. In fact, the area is probably better known for its steakhouses and cowboy-themed attractions than it is for being a national park. Yet Khao Yai is truly one of Asia’s premier parks and a treasure trove of wildlife and natural beauty.

Khao Yai has a rather colorful history. Originally used as a settlement by the Ban Tha Dan people, whose old temple ruins can be seen today, the area then became a haven for criminals and fugitives, due to its dense forest cover and distance from Bangkok. Eventually, the ruffians were cleared from the area, and years later, Khao Yai became Thailand’s first national park in 1962.

During the early 1990s, the park was closed to the public because of intense deforestation taking place around it caused by development greed, but it was reopened after more stringent conservation regulations were set in place. In 2005, Khao Yai became a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it has become a model for other national parks in Thailand.

Taking up an immense 2,100 square meters of grassland and forest, Khao Yai is home to over 3,000 plant species, over 300 different types of birds, including the majestic Great Pied Hornbill, plus a major wildlife corridor that includes gibbons, wild elephants, gaur, sambar, macaques, Asiatic black bears, leopard cats, and the occasional rare tiger, as well as a fearsome population of leeches that make their presence extremely well known during the rainy season. The park also has over 50 kilometers of hiking trails, wildlife observation towers, and a collection of beautiful waterfalls, including the famed Haew Suwat, which cascades over a 20-meter cliff into a large pool below and was made popular by the film The Beach.

While Khao Yai is close to Bangkok, the layout of it isn’t exactly conducive to those without their own transport. The park gate, which is the furthest point that public transport will deliver visitors, is still 15 kilometers shy of the visitors’ center, where most of the trails start from and where the campground and canteen facilities are located. Additionally, except on some of the shorter trails, guides are mandatory for trekking, due to the presence of wildlife and the need for skilled jungle navigation, so for small parties or individuals, it probably makes better sense to visit on a tour.

I booked a trip with Greenleaf Tours, a rather basic backpacker’s outfit that sits along the main road into the park. While its rooms and food are nothing to write home about, the agency boasts some excellent guides, one of whom is known as ‘The Birdman,’ a keen birder and avid photographer who loves going into the jungle probably even more than he loves guiding. Birdman has been leading trips in Khao Yai for more than a decade, and he knows the park inside out. The guides come equipped with binoculars and telescopes, long zoom lenses, and pairs of very well-trained eyes, and they are happy to point out the different types of bulbuls, broadbills, and other abundant birdlife. Out for the day with them, visitors are fairly assured of seeing the giant hornbills whooshing out of the trees, perhaps a few wild elephants, some white-handed gibbons, plenty of crab-eating macaques, and possibly something rarer, like a sloth bear or leopard cat. The guides can also point out small stick insects, scorpions, and snakes that lie hidden along jungle paths, which you’d most likely never spot on your own. Additionally, the tours also provide leech socks to keep the dreaded bloodsuckers at bay.

After a morning spent on the road viewing macaques and hornbills and then several hours in the jungle trekking and looking for forest dwellers, we had lunch at the Nong Pak Chi observation tower, which looks out upon a large

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salt lick where elephants, deer, and other animals come to graze. We then drove to the Haew Suwat waterfall, where we could cool off and wash away the grit from jungle walking. Before returning home, we stopped to watch the sunset colors and mist descending on the magical forest spread out above the grasslands. It may not be far from Bangkok, but Khao Yai is as rejuvenating as a five-star spa treatment… and at a fraction of the price.

Travel Tips Khao Yai is accessible via train from Bangkok to Pak Chong station. From Pak Chong, public songthaew run along the park road to the gate, but further transport to park headquarters must be arranged in advance.

The park headquarters manages several campgrounds, as well as rent tents and bedding; they also have maps and can assist with obtaining trekking guides. Tel. 044-297-406 or 044-297-297.

For guided trips, Greenleaf Tours and Guesthouse is at Km7.5 of the park road. Tel. 044-365-073 or 044-365-024.

Foreigners pay 400 baht to enter Khao Yai; however, if you have a Thai driver’s license or work permit, you pay the Thai price of 40 baht.

Dave Stamboulis is a freelance photographer and travel writer based in Bangkok. He is the author of Odysseus’ Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal Book of the Year award from the Society of American Travel Writers.

He can be contacted at pedallerdave@hotmail.com.

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Battlefield Bangkok For the love of the game

By Shei Sanchez If you build it, they will come. This isn’t about a cornfield that brings bygone baseball players back to life, though the similarities are uncanny. Substitute the corn for pieces or counters. People – let’s call them ‘gamers’ – move them on a surface with marks and pictures on them. Let’s call that a ‘board.’ These moves are based on a set of rules that can range from extraordinarily simple to amazingly complex. Other times, cards are involved and roles are played. On special occasions, the board has three-dimensional figures and pieces on it, recreating a miniature world anyone is invited in. There are several goals to this field, but the essential modicum of achievement is to learn while having fun.

And if you are ready and willing, you can build some new friendships as well.

This field is called Battlefield Bangkok, an amply spacious locale for those who are into their game. They revel in it. The idea of opening this store came from a startling realization during a trip to a major bookstore in Bangkok. One intrepid gamer noticed a board game area and asked the bookstore staff about their games. To his horror, no one there knew anything about board games. Why sell something you don’t know anything about? From this emerged a leading board game and hobby store run ‘by gamers and for gamers.’ And thus, the area for the proverbial battle of wits was born.

Battlefield Bangkok, already in its third year of operation, opened on the inkling that there is a market outlet of dedicated and would-be gamers that exists.

There was no special scheme or design to get people rolling in. Its founders knew there was a demand that will, without a doubt, respond to the call of board games. So they built it. They told others. The gamers came… droves of them. Through sheer word of mouth, the battlefield grew.

They did nothing in the manner of conventional print advertisements. Nowadays, their marketing has been mainly through the internet and through friends

and their friends and their friends’ friends. One can clearly see how its popularity augmented in biblical proportions. This social arena has blossomed in online forums, in events or tournaments, and through the ever-ubiquitous Facebook, which boasts a plethora of posts by active users and gamers. For those who are in search of an old pastime or new board games, they can just do a quick Google search and Battlefield’s website comes up. Remarkably, this low-cost and low-key promotion strategy has precipitated to a mega-boom of gamers and loyal patrons.

Expecting to cater to the expat community of teachers and families, Battlefield was astonished that their first year brought a high percentage of Thai patrons.

With a 90% Thai customer base in the beginning, the numbers began to shift to a more balanced ratio of 60% Thais to 40% foreigners. In fact, Battlefield was surprised to see a staggering wave of Thai customers who show their avid interest in board games. They continue to come and want to learn more.

There are tables for groups to try out oodles of demo games like Small World and Nightfall. These demos are stacked on two sets of shelves for convenient access. Currently, their most popularly played are Dominion, Power Grid, Ticket to Ride, and Agricola. More games, wrapped and unopened, line the farright wall and are available for purchase. They range from family games to war games, from cooperative to competitive. For those who want a more intense session, there is a separate room available.

It may seem a bit intimidating for fledgling- and non- gamers to come here.

In actuality, it’s the polar opposite. Teachers come here with students, and sometimes with their own friends, to just play and hang out. Parents bring their children and play with them. Like teachers, university students come to decompress from a long day. Other customers are the dedicated gamers, setting

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up appointments and groups to play a variety of games, such as role-playing games. Still, others come to contribute and participate in bringing a miniature board game to life. With miniatures, patrons come with friends and partners to paint figures and pieces, in preparation for playing the actual game. And, of course, some come to chill and chat, as well.

language, and in social interactions. With games, students can learn the rules together and figure out how to play in a more relaxed, open environment. Chris emphasizes what many teachers here in Thailand are aware of – Thai students love to play games. Hence, board games are an extremely useful, educational tool. Students learn more and reinforce their skills without even realizing it.

It goes without saying that Battlefield Bangkok isn’t just about fun. Learning is part of the grand equation, too. It’s a different level of learning, in which development happens in a multitude of levels. Not only do players play, but they also learn how to think and organize their ideas, as well as interact and collaborate with each other. For non-English speakers, vast improvements in speaking, listening, and social skills arise. A passionate and self-proclaimed happy customer named Chris laments at how computer games takes away that kind of social interaction and collaboration necessary for children’s development. With board games, children exercise their brains differently. They also move more than just their fingers on a joystick or keyboard.

Nat, one of the forces behind this game and hobby outfit, explained the concept of Ten Days in Africa. In this game, the players learn about the geography and culture of Africa. The mission is to use a map and create an itinerary.

Through various activities, players learn how to work as a team as they travel across different countries of the continent.

Because players can communicate with others, conversation and negotiation skills are strengthened as well. “It’s not a sit-by-myself kind of thing,” Chris adds. Certainly, Battlefield promotes this powerful idea that teachers and parents alike understand – that learning should be participatory, hands-on, and, of course, enjoyable. Unfortunately, there are still classrooms in Thailand that underchallenge and understimulate students. The lessons aren’t realistic and don’t encourage creativity nor elicit authentic responses. With board games, the situation is more direct. They light sparks in students’ minds, in which active rather than passive thinking occurs. Just as important, board games incorporate diverse themes that can come to life. For instance, games can be based on history, culture, geography, language, fantasy, and sci-fi. Hence, the players/learners are immersed in that world, digesting limitless aspects of it.

It’s promising to see that more and more teachers are involved. Battlefield Bangkok works with an after-school club in Samui. There, a modest group of about fifteen children come together to assemble a miniature game. They put the models together, paint them, and then play. Through this club, children and teachers are collaborating and developing their skills in craft, the English

Role-playing games’ widespread demand among Thai customers was an additional surprise. This is attributed to the lack of role-playing games (or RPGs) in the Thai language. Therefore, whoever is running the game must have a strong command of English. Interestingly, those who are not as strong and fluent can pick up the game fairly well and later conduct it in Thai. Interestingly, those Thai patrons who come to play RPGs have dramatically improved in their English language skills. Along with this linguistic advancement is the confidence building. Nat spoke of one gamer who was unbelievably shy, but has now made an almost 180-degree turn.

It is beyond doubt that Battlefield Bangkok has contributed to a rebirth of what board games should be. The enduring sense of community and cooperation and, of course, diversion, is what keeps this field’s customers coming. Are you game?

Battlefield Bangkok – Sukhumvit 101/1. Getting here via BTS SkyTrain is easy. Just get off the Punnawithi stop and walk down Sukhumvit 101/1. Opposite Wachiratham Sathit Soi 8 is a tall, light orange building. Enter the field on the second floor. It’ll be hard to leave.

Shei Sanchez is a full-time educator, some-time writer, gastro-fiend, and budding gardener. She teaches at a university in Bangkok and can be contacted at orangesimple@gmail.com.

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Jim Thompson – The Unsolved Mystery

The man, the mystery, the house… the book

By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

Every guidebook and tour operator lists Jim Thompson’s Thai House and Museum, located ������������������������������������������������������� on Soi Kasemsan 2 in ������������������������������������� downtown Bangkok������������������ , opposite ���������������� the National Stadium on Rama I Road, as a must-visit attraction. Touted as the Thai ‘Silk King’ and as an American adventurer, Jim Thompson’s life is probably the most misunderstood among the famous expatriates that made Thailand their home. Most likely, this is due to his mysterious disappearance, at the age of 61, in the Malaysian Jungle surrounding the Cameron Highlands retreat, where he went to spend a few days with some close friends in 1967.

Three years after Thompson’s disappearance, while people still hoped he might be found or he might just return home, a close acquaintance of his, William Warren, wrote a book about his early life in Thailand and the theories that followed his disappearance. In 1998, Warren updated Thompson’s biography and Archipelago Press published a second edition of Jim Thompson – The Unsolved Mystery. The book has been well-received, having been reprinted several times since then, and it has also been translated into Japanese and French.

William Warren was born in Georgia in the United States, but settled in Bangkok, where he lectured at Chulalongkorn University for 30 years. He wrote over fifty books and published many articles about art, culture, architecture, and landscape gardening in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

I tend to believe that the success of Warren’s most famous book rests not only in the topic it deals with, but also in the writer’s elegant style. In Jim Thompson – The Unsolved Mystery, William Warren writes an unbiased account of who

Thompson was, where he came from, the circumstances that got him involved in the silk industry, his love for local and regional art, his friendly personality, and his famous dinner parties.

At the same time, Warren’s book debunks many of the misconceptions that both Thais and foreigners have had about Jim Thompson. Some of the major ‘corrections’ made are: the fact that he did not own Thai Silk, but was only a minor shareholder (the majority of the shares were owned by Thai nationals!); that he didn’t not invent Thai silk, but rather revived it (although, in the late 1940s, Thai weavers were unable to make a living from their silk and the ‘art of weaving’ was dying); that Thai Silk made him a millionaire, when, in fact, Thompson received a salary from Thai Silk, which he spent, almost entirely, on antiques (though he died a millionaire as a result of a family inheritance back in the States!); and that he was a homosexual (Thompson had several romantic connections with women both in Thailand and the U.S., but never remarried).

Once these issues are addressed, William Warren discusses more sensitive problems, such as Thompson’s work as an OSS (Office of Strategic Services) agent; his alleged collaboration with the CIA; his connections to the former Thai Prime Minister Pridi Banomyong, the Communist insurgency in the northeast, and the dissident nationalists from Vietnam and Lao; and the Fine Art Department’s accusations of stealing Thailand’s national treasures (Thompson was an avid collector, among others, of Buddhist art).

‘The Episode of the Five White Heads,’ which took place in 1962 affected Jim Thompson profoundly, eventually resulting in his decision not to collect Thai

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Buddhist art anymore and concentrate on Chinese porcelain instead. Thompson bought from his art dealer five very beautifully carved Buddha heads, which he knew were most likely stolen from a cave in the north of Thailand he himself had tried to reach, but couldn’t. The Fine Art Department threatened him with legal action if he did not hand over the Buddha heads, and after a visit by the Thai police, Thompson gave them the five statues, though he never received compensation for them.

This episode is important, not only for the fact that the Thai government treated him like a thief (when he had already bequeathed all his possessions in Thailand to the Thai people through a will that, upon his death, left his house and art collection in the care of the Siam Society), but also because it severed his relation with the Siam Society, which did not intervene in his favor. Subsequently, Thompson wrote another will, leaving all his possessions to a nephew, but unfortunately, he misplaced it, causing even more controversy when the Siam Society claimed to be his legal benefactor. The will was eventually found, and a foundation was established to deal with his inheritance in Thailand.

If, in the first part of Jim Thompson – The Unsolved Mystery, William Warren deals with Thompson’s life as the “King of Thai Silk” (a title the author doesn’t really favor), the second part is dedicated to the many theories that have tried to explain his sudden and mysterious disappearance. From the large variety of possibilities, Warren concludes that four explanations have the most chance of being close to what actually happened: 1) Thompson was kidnapped for ransom by gangs from Malaysia; 2) he committed suicide for alleged personal reasons and made sure his body could not be found; 3) he went off or was

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kidnapped for political purposes (the theory is too complicated and sensitive to be summarized in a one-sentence explanation); or 4) he had some sort of accident in the jungle.

But, and this is a big but, because his body was never found, because no ransom was claimed, and because all tips the family and the police received regarding his whereabouts reached a dead end, all four theories cannot be supported by even the “smallest shred of evidence, even circumstantial.” Thus, they remain exactly what they are – theories.

“Thompson was a legend, and legends, as an American official observed not long after the disappearance, tend to breed further legends when they are involved in any sort of mystery.” Because of this, apart from Warren’s book, there have been at least two other books inspired by Thompson’s mystery. One of them is a French thriller by Gerard de Villers, S.A.S. Gold of the River Kwai (1968), a James Bond-type of book, loosely inspired by Thompson’s life. The other, with more scholarly pretentions, is Edward Roy De Souza’s book entitled …Solved! The Mysterious Disappearance of Jim Thompson, the Legendary Silk King. It’s needless to say that neither of these books shed any light into Thompson’s disappearance. (Jim Thompson is also the name of an American writer of crime fiction, who lived between 1906-1977. They are not related.)

Seven year after his disappearance, Thompson was legally declared dead in 1974 by both Thai and American authorities. His Thailand estate and art collection is managed by the Jim Thompson Foundation (www.jimthompsonhouse.com).

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The Jim Thompson House is open every day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the last guided tour at 5:00 (the guided tours around the house are compulsory). Admission for adults is 100 baht and for students, 50 baht. The nearest BTS SkyTrain station is National Stadium.

Through February 29th, Jim Thompson Art Center (located in the same compound) presents Primitive, a solo exhibition by Bangkok-born Apichatpong Weerasethakul, an internationally renowned independent filmmaker and artist.

Also, nearby, William Warren Library, located on the fourth floor of Henry B. Thompson Building (6 Soi Kasemsan 2), provides lending services to the general public. The library is operated by the Foundation and focuses on Asian arts, textiles, and culture. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the annual registration fee is only 500 baht. The library also hosts regular lectures and workshops. For more information on both the art center and the library, visit www.thejimthompsonartcenter.org/web.

Voicu Mihnea Simandan has been a member of the Bangkok Writers’ Guild since 2008. He can be contacted at mihnea_voicu@yahoo.com.

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T.I.T.

Teaching In Thailand

By James Fortzman Teaching English in Thailand can be one of the most rewarding and deeply fulfilling experiences of your life. But, like everything in Thailand, nothing is clear-cut. One resource might recommend that you do X, while another says that X is wrong and you should do Y instead. To compound matters, almost everything you are likely to read online about getting work as an English teacher in Thailand is an advert for a particular service or course, thinly veiled as an informative article. What you are about to read should set the record straight once and for all. However, before you even lift a mouse or pick up a phone, there is one overarching, yet simple, concept to understand and master before you do anything… …the smile.

Thailand isn’t called the Land of Smiles for nothing. When dealing with any Thai person, it’s absolutely vital to master the habit of smiling. A genuine, warm smile is the key to successful relationships, working or otherwise. It shows that you are friendly and personable; two things that Thais value very highly. Make it a habit to smile genuinely, as much as possible, with every Thai person you meet, and they will usually reciprocate right away. This solves most of the problems that many foreigners complain about in Thailand, such as getting cheated on with prices, miscommunications, and the odd case of rudeness on the part of Thais. A warm smile goes a long way on the road to getting treated like a Thai person. It shows you understand (at least a little) about their culture and social norms, unlike most of the tourists that are only here for a week. Now that the basics are out of the way, it’s time to find you a job.

Getting the job.

Getting a job in Thailand mainly rests on your education and credentials. The quality of position, as well as potential income, varies drastically according to this. If you have absolutely no qualifications beyond a high school diploma, things will be little tricky for you, but it’s still possible to make it work. One option is to get a job teaching in more rural areas, or closer to Bangkok for significantly lower pay. You could also join a teacher’s agency and let them find some substitution work for you; when someone calls in sick, you go in and save the day. This can be a lot of fun since there is no real expectation of you picking up where the last teacher left off in most cases. You are often free to play games with the students or just create an impromptu lesson about the topic they’re learning and get them to ask a lot of questions. Both of these approaches will allow you to get some experience, which you can then use as leverage for a better job in six months to a year.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, things will be a lot easier, and you will most likely get a job relatively quickly. Having a TEFL or CELTA certification along with a degree is great, and this is the ideal situation to be in. You will most likely get a job very easily in no time at all. You could even try for a much higher-paying job at an international school. If you have a teaching degree, things are looking mighty rosy, indeed; you can have your pick of the best jobs in Thailand, commanding exponentially more money than the average teacher makes and with prestigious jobs in the best universities as a real option for you.

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Of course, like any industry, salaries vary drastically. For a poor rural school, a salary as low as 15,000 baht is not unheard of. However, if you manage to get a position at a private university, the salaries offered range from 40,000 to 100,000 baht, depending on the level of your qualifications.

Good sites to search for job postings are ajarn.com and Dave’s ESL Café.

Most teaching positions in Thailand are advertised online, with the Bangkok Post being a distant second place. Send your CV to the email address listed in the ad, and include a recent, passport-style headshot photo. Your hair should be short (for guys), and you should be wearing a shirt and tie (just like you will be expected to dress for the job). Good grooming here is a must.

Also include copies of all your qualifications and keep the originals handy for the interview process.

After a few interviews, you will likely get a few offers. Choose the school that you feel will be the best. Go with your gut, but also consider the distance, staff, hours, pay, students, and overall vibe. There’s no use spending all your money on public transport to get to a miserable school on the outskirts of Bangkok when there’s a fantastic school near you with better pay. Once you sign a contract (if they even produce one), they will then initiate the process of applying for a work permit. This will allow you to legally work and live in Thailand and is a must to have.

Another option is to visit teaching agencies. These agencies can be a blessing since they handle almost everything for you, from organizing your work permit to teaching you about Thai culture, answering any questions you might have, and helping you with teaching techniques. Most importantly, however, they will help you get a job. These agencies usually have relationships with a few different schools and place the teachers on their books in positions they feel will work well. Important to note is that you would be signing a contract with the agency and not with the school itself. Then, once they find you a position, they take a small percentage of your salary as payment each month.

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Depending on the agency and how much they charge, this could be a worthwhile situation for you or not; only you can decide that.

Doing the job.

While Thai people, in general, are amazing souls, Thai students on the whole are even more so. They are way more eager to learn than your average Western students and a lot more polite too. Don’t be shocked if your students actually do what you command and ask your permission for things – teachers are highly respected members of Thai society. Every school, class, and student is different, but some things remain universal when it comes to teaching effectively: • Speak loudly. Classrooms are usually large, and you need to make sure the students in the back can hear you. Keep in mind that it’s tough for them to understand what you are saying at the best of times, so this becomes even more important in a classroom.

• Speak slowly. As a rule of thumb, speak about half the speed you would usually speak with friends. This will allow the students’ developing ears to hear every word you say and have a much better chance of understanding you.

• Be animated. Standing at the front of the class and just blabbing all lesson about grammar rules is the fastest way to lose a Thai class’s interest.

Instead, you need to mimic Jim Carrey’s character from The Mask as much as possible. You need to act out certain words, make stupid faces, jump around, sing, dance, scream, whisper, act like a monkey, and anything else that will better help illustrate the subject you are teaching in non-verbal ways. This applies to classes with students as old as 18.

These tips will keep them hooked onto your every word, looking forward to your lessons, learning a lot, and, in some cases, even falling in love with you. Yes, this does happen, so expect it. But, of course, extreme professionalism needs to be exercised in these cases.

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The Thai way.

While all of the above is vital, an equally important element to working in Thailand is about demonstrating respect. This involves your appearance, as well as how you conduct yourself. Be polite and humble as much as possible, and making a joke every once in a while goes a long way too (assuming it’s in good taste). Another good rule to follow is to always ‘wai’ and smile to a more senior staff member. A full ‘wai’ is not always necessary, however; the quicker, more informal version, the simple head nod will often suffice. If you don’t know what a wai is, it’s the hands-held-in-a-prayer, position-close-to-the-nose greeting that you’ve, no doubt, seen countless times. Both of these are standard practice when it comes to greeting one another, so use it. You will get a feel for when each is appropriate soon enough. Practice makes perfect!

By far, the single biggest challenge the uninitiated teacher faces is handling the politics and culture in their office. Fully expect to be the last person to hear about events at the school, changes in dress code for specific days (it could be the head teacher’s birthday or a special Thai event of some sort), or cancelled classes. Go with the flow is the key concept to keep in mind here. Try to bring

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a gift for the teachers in your office at least twice a month, although once a week would be better. The gift’s price isn’t important; it’s the thought that truly counts. Desserts and snacks are always much appreciated and create a great opportunity to socialize with your Thai coworkers as well. Take full advantage of the opportunity.

Under no circumstances should you ever arrive at your school unshaven, unshowered, have a shirt that needs ironing, or smelling anything less than stellar. You appearance is a reflection of your self-image, and nowhere is this more important than in the Thai school system. You will get more respect from your colleagues, the parents, as well as the students, in general.

That’s it! Follow the above advice, and teaching in Thailand will be one of the best periods of your life. Times that you will never forget.

James Fortzman is a traveller, writer, musician, serial life experimenter, and watcher of YouTube. Contact him at wildingp@gmail.com

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02-651-4364. We also do visa’s for Australia and NZ. (K) VIDEO IS THE FUTURE of the internet. Whether you need to promote your business, educate, inform, or entertain, if you don’t yet have a professionally produced video for your website, we can help. Visit www.sitca.com, or for a free consultation with no obligation write info@sitca.com. (K) AMERICAN ENGLISH TEACHER – Private and group classes available for children. 300BHT hourly for group classes, 600BHT hourly for private one-on-one class.

Speech, conversation and pronunciation specialized. Located near asok BTS. Email at brianestradaifa@yahoo.com or call 0844632123 (K)

TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, LSAT, or Conversational/Business English. Experienced, professional and one who is already teaching at one of Bangkok’s most exclusive prep companies.

Degree in Computational Physics from Harvey Mudd College, one of the top engineering schools in the US. 1000 THB/hr.

I’m not the cheapest, for a reason. Bad grammar and irregular THE COVENT GARDEN BAR COMPLEX located at Soi 16, accents are nearly impossible to undo, sound like a native Walking Street, Pattaya has some available space for you to set up businesses. We have 5 available spaces, suitable for a Beer instead. Contact me at private.tutor.bangkok@gmail.com (B) Bar, Sheesha/Beer Bar and/or Take-out counter. There are also FULLY FURNISHED studio/room with free high speed 4 spaces suitable for a Night Club or an Ago go Club. I like to internet (in Ploenchit townhouse) for rent. Baht 6,800- 8,800. invite people to visit the complex and decide if you wish to expand Size 23/35 sqm. A few minutes walking from BTS Ploenchit your business. For inquiries call Joseph 088-737-8013 or email and close to big embassies and expressway. near all well- joseph_euperio@yahoo.ca (L) known offices, shopping malls / super markets / fitness centers: AllSeasons Place, Fruits court, Central Chitlom / SALE SUKH 24 – 3b 3b ff low fl. 174m 10.5 mill. Rent sale Sukh World, Foodland, Gaysorn, Silom Complex, Siam Paragon, 26 2b 2b. 75m low fl. FF 22,000.00 - 5.2mill. Cell: 0850731972. (A) Lumpini Park. To view room, please contact Ms Penny Chan. CURTAINS, WALLPAPER, blinds, shades & interior painting Tel 081-926-9198 come first, serve first! (J) – sales and installation, in English, free in-home consultation, SUPALAI PREMIER PLACE – 29th Floor 2Bed/2bath 73sqm - Best quality furniture, decoration and equipment.Property: 73 sqm. Modern quality fully furnished, 2 Bedroom condo on top floor on same level as Fitness Rooms, swimming pool and sunbathing areas. It is on the expensive top floor front of the building facing west overlooking Asoke 21 and with a parking place. Baht 5.75M Contact 081 375 2005 www.propertybangkokthailand.com (B)

measurement, and quotations. Showroom on Soi 23 in Sukhumvit, free parking. Condos, single-family, commercial. Reasonable prices, fast service and professional installation. Interior decorator with 10 years experience. www.PKCurtains.com. E-mail: Ron@ PKCurtains.com or 0807706741 (mobile). Liven up your home or business, add some color and pizzazz. (K)

STAFF WANTED – Looking for a staff, required:can speak good Thai and medium level of Japanese or English, main work: NEED MOTIVATION to work out? See results as quickly and taranslation and reserching etc., Salary: min.10000bhat-. Office is efficiently as possible? Want to achieve your goals? Want to get located in Sukhumvit. Contact email: kuroki@earth-1.org (B) fit, healthy and stronger? Manage your weight? Stay focused and have more energy? Want individual attention and direction GOLF - Brand New Prokennex Golf Putters - Left or right handed, during your workouts? Personal Training is offered for all ability ex promotional items, never used and retail at Central for approx. levels. For more information please contact TK: (M) 0817315427, Bt3,800. For sale at Bt750 Each. Photographs available.

0846968922 or Email: tkpt77@gmail.com. (A) Contact Andy, 0808149080, anhyde@gmail.com (B)

BANGKOK TRADER

LUXURY CONDO AT PATTAYA Naklua soi 12 , sea view, Wong Amat beachdesigner finish, fully furnished, 2BR, 3Bath rooms, direct besch access, many swimPools, waterfalls,gim, sauna,jacuzzi.

See: http://2-thai.com/thailand_pattaya_ condo/2808.html , 082 8162899 Mikhail, customss0@gmail.com (B) LEARN TO COOK THAI, fun, affordable, convenient, educational. Don’t be a lost farang in the market anymore, save money by cooking Thai. 12 four hour courses, only 1,250B/course. Price includes market tour, making coconut milk, sticky rice, curry pastes, 5 meals, recipe book, free coffee, tea, water. Located on Soi 23 in Sukhumvit. Western managed, taught by English-speaking Thai chef. www.BangkokThaiCookingAcademy.com Email: Ron@BangkokThaiCookingAcademy. com or 0807706741 Fruit carving classes also available. (K)

FEBRUARY 2012 - 19

AMERICAN FEMALE ENGLISH TEACHER - Private English lessons for all ages. Experience with ages 3-59 years old. TESOL certified, communication degree from the University of Washington, pharmaceutical & medical supply manager from USA. Professional resume’/ CV assistance.

Speech, conversation, phonics, pronunciation specialized.

Experienced English, math & science teacher for government, private and professional language schools in Bangkok.

Meet at home or in public place. 300-500 BHT per hour. E-mail reneeeverest@ gmail.com, call 084 608 9045 (A)

CONDO FOR SALE (By owner) on Sukhumvit Rd, and Rama 4 Rd only 5 mins walk to BTS Phrakanong, 1B/R, 1B/ TH, Pantry, Living Rm fully decorated, Wall adjacent fr oth rooms, Clean, nice, private, prime location, Facilities: Swimming pool, Sauna, Library, Children room, Fitness, Parking lot, Sale Baht 3.45 million (Cheap 20TH CENTURY HISTORY books for sale & Good) by owner (08 4433 2272) (A) in excellent condition and reasonablypriced at 40 percent of full price once LUXURY CONDO at Pattaya for sale in read in virtually new condition. There are high standing building on Wong Amat about 50 books with some well-read older Beach, best location in Pattaya. 163 sqm books all less than 200 baht each. There fully furnished 3bed 3bath European is also a wide selection of historic discs kitchen. Every room has balcony with of all sorts from 1888 onwards to 1960. stunning views on the sea and the islands.

Please contact me to view the collection Direct beach access. Infinity swimming pool Jacuzzi sauna fitness centre tennis at nigelinseychelles@gmail.com (A) squash snooker communal gardens HOT SALE! Condo Penthouse Suk. restaurant minimart covered car park 53 Thonglor area. 257sqm 3br. 4 ba, 3 laundry 24H security Price 14,5 mio Baht balconies, kicthen, maid’s room. Really Phone 0811535117 (Thai-English) (K) nice decoration, 100% condition. Fully STERLING SILVER CIGARETTE box furnished with electric appliances. Well 11x9x3cm hallmarked by royal jeweler maintenance Condo, Good neighbours. Mappin & Webb. Approximately 70 years Peaceful area. please see pictures at www. old. Baht 3,500 ono. Rare antique book chosenmarketing.com/habitat . Full facilities. “Bangkok Siam” published 1928 by Royal Negotiable price! Please call 0891062240 State Railways of Siam. Superb condition. or email to 2purelife@gmail.com (B) Baht 4,500 ono. Classic used man’s watch CHITLOM @ 66,000/sqm: Think leasehold for affordable luxe. Grade A, 88-sq-m, 1-bedroom at President Place Condo at InterCon/Holiday Inn Ratchaprasong compound; with 1 parking, full facilities and 5-star hotel support, reduced to 5.8M bht. 22 years more for this leasehold condo. Rain, shine or flood, simply stroll to CentralWorld, Gaysorn or to BTS Chitlom -- all within 2-5 minutes walk on elevated linked skywalk.

Call Pat at 668-38289035 (B)

by Phillip Charriol. Mother of pearl face with small diamonds on numerals. Baht 9,000 ono. Please email me for picture(s) or appointment to view/buy (Silom) <martinrowleya@yahoo.com> (K)

THE NICHE CONDO SUKHUMVIT 49, 43 sqm, 4th floor, Fully furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room & kitchen. Free shuttle service to Prompong & Thonglor BTS. Fitness with swimming pool and sauna. Rent B.16,000 / month with a 1 year contract. Contact Vickie HAIR & BEAUTY SALON For Sale South 089 897 0017 (L) Pattaya. Great location in City Walk Pattaya (next to Royal Garden plaza) on beach front. CONDO FOR RENT - Pattaya, 7 work stations, 2 massage tables, good beachfront jomtien, Dong tan beach, clientele base. Two 5 star hotels nearby. studio 48m2, fully furnished, european Free parking. No licence required, no key kitchen, sea view, big balcony, 9th floor, money, profitable business, accounts 24 hours security, big swimming pool, available. 30,000 baht/month rent, only available for short and long term rent.

980,000 baht. Relocating hence sale price. Please, call 087 6117 001 or e-mail Call 080-0959002 (B) dst_zg_po@yahoo.com (J)

CONDO FOR RENT @ LUMPINI CONDOTOWN – Bodindecha – Ramkhamhaeng, 43/1 RamKhamhaeng Rd., 1 bedroom 28.28sqm 8th floor with an air-conditioner, a wardrobe, Refrigerator, Bed (5ft), dining table, 2 chairs, two screen door, small shoe shelf. nonsmoker desired, rent 5,800B/M, (If long stay, discount). Contact e-mail:bblbbl@ livedoor.com (name: Toshi) (K) STUDIO FOR RENT – easy access to BTS National Stadium, fully furnished, air con, telephone, cable TV, hot shower, refrigerator. parking and laundry service available. 30,000 Baht per month (includes water and electricity). Contact Pariya on 081-8474736. (K) CONDO FOR SALE / RENT – Pattaya. New 45sqm studio (building just completed).

Located Cozy Beach Pratumnak Hill in prestigious area of Pattaya. 200m to beach. Close to shops, bars, restuarants.

Fully Furnished, A/c, kitchen, Oven hob, microwave. Balcony overlooking swimming pool. Includes sauna, pool bar, restuarant, gym, library, rooftop garden, concierge facilities, 24hr security, cctv, underground parking. TV, internet, telephone. Price only 2.5m Baht or 12,000b month rent. Contact Nick 0800959002, email nickgreen3@hotmail.com Visit: www.emerald-palace.com (K) TEAM BUILDING cooking parties are a fun way to promote staff and manager bonding, better communications, and improve camaraderie. Cooking together requires team effort; eating together is fun. We can cook Thai or Western— it’s “up to you.” Available day or night, 7 days a week. Classes and activities are in a quaint Thai home, located on Soi23, Sukhumvit, near BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit stations. www.

BangkokThaiCookingAcademy.com.

E-mail:Ron@BangkokThaiCooking Academy.com or 0807706741 (K) DREAM BUNGALOW – land 272 sqm, house 120 sqm, 2 bedroom, big bathroom with Jacuzzi, 1 small room, marble floors, teakwood doors and kitchen, outside thai kitchen, design ceiling with spotlights, superblock walls, water well with filter system, small garden house (app. 4,5 sqm), Carport (app. 16,5 sqm), Garden, government water, Telefone, ADSL-Internet, 1,3 km from sea and golf (Phoenix Golf) 10 km from South Pattaya (Ban Amphur). Price: 2.199.000 Baht Tel 0806419742 Mail: andithai@gmail.com (A) FOR SALE - 228 sqm 3br condo near park and BTS – Located Crystal Garden in Soi 4 near Park entrance. Great view, large balcony. Asking: THB 13.5M. (Negotianable). More info contact: 081-8180796 or email siamtc@ji-net. com (J)

20 - FEBRUARY 2012

BANGKOK TRADER

MARKETPLACE BE PART OF OUR NEW WEIGHT Loss Challenge at Sukhumvit! 12 weeks program to lose weight. Group to support.

Personalized coaching. Meal Plan. Fun ! Call Monthita: 0879 072 575 wlcbkk@ gmail.com Part time job We are looking for people who want to be their own boss. Training provided. International business. www.wfhweb.com/arob (B)

LARRYS RESTAURANT SOI 22 Sukhumvit , has one of bangkoks best burgers, the Tijuana Burger. Go to bangkok burger blog.com. Larrys has American cusine with BBQ RIBS from 299.00 friday nights and Larrys famous Rueban sandwich at 275.00. Also with zorbas Greek restaurant next door. The Greek Pita bread Burger is a delight at 250 baht.

Open for Breakfast from 630am and lunch FLOOD SALE - Urgent resale NEW Ideo and dinner. telephone 026634563 (L) Verve Sukhumvit Onut BTS, 2 BR condo.

Asking original price 6,400,0000 THB. No FITNESS ACCESSORIES for sale. I have Commission. Unit 2702 at IDEO Verve. TRX, kettle bells, club bells, lebert buddy Ideo Verve 2br, 57.60 sqm, 27th floor, system, undulation rope and resistant facing southeast. Unfurnished, Brand bands for sale in a special rate for more New building, This is a beautiful condo in information please contact TK: 0817315427 an excellent location. Call 086 797 3712 or email tkpt77@gmail.com or visit http:// Brian (L) www.bangkokkettlebells.com (A) PHUKET LUXURY POOL VILLA (NAI HARN) – 3-4 bedroom, 3 en-suite, private pool in extensive gardens, fully furnished, pool table & western kitchen. Maid, pool and garden service supplied. Short walk to restaurants & shopping. Contact: Johny, 0878-237371, www.villa-sophia-phuket.com (K) CHEAP SHAVING, shaving products ,top quality shave brushes 150 baht, Old Spice shaving lather 100 baht a tube. After shave lotions at 200 baht, these products are unobtainable in Thailand and are a one off,only very limited quantity . Pattaya area 0832931821 jb4446@hotmail.com.

Reduction for two or more (L) HOUSE FOR SALE! between Bang Saray and Sattahip, 55 twah, close to Sukhumvit Road, 2 bedr. 1 air, 2 bathr. 2 kitchen, large terrace and carport, own well and water tank, phone line and cable TV. 1,39 Mio. THB. 0898681718 engl. 0850745196 thai. (L) HOT SALE: Doser coffee-grinder, brand: MACAP, from Italy, type: M4, C83, 625USD. Waring Xtreme high-power blender, from USA, type: MX1050XTS, 663 USD. David mobile 0905490286 (B)

MICROSOFT X-BOX-360 GAME Gears of War 3, new and original (only 999 THB), Sharp KSH740 big rice cooker NEW!!! (only 799 THB), street vendor car, new wheels, new color (only 1299 THB), German books (good price), please call 087-9088268 (Khun Mario). (B) CR-V FOR SALE; 2000 CR-V, Original Owner, 125,000 road kilometers; sell for B360,000; Exellent Conditon. Call Peter 086049-4406 (B) 2 YONEX BADMINTION racquets for sale, little use, very good condition.

B760 plus model , large head and full strings, developed in Japan light steel shaft and racquet covers for both.

500 baht for both ph 0828128226. (L)

FOR SALE: Horse riding saddle with reins and bit and riding helmet. All purpose EXCLUSIVE CONDO in chiangmai 1 saddle all leather in good condition. bed 1bath and kitchen, best panoramic Contact K.Jazz 02-271-0987 ext.333. (K) mountain view, no opposit room, good environment and quiet, pool and sounar, LEARN MUSIC in just 7-15 days workshop 84sqm, wifi, 5 min to city near international in your place . convention center only 3.6M .silpaphat@ guitar, keyboard, dance, experienced gmail.com 083-424-9090 sek (L) teacher. instruments sale and rent, online facilaity contact +0885015795, STUCK WITH YOUR VISA and tired of the international +88017-501-61-501. email v-runs ? ED + Retirement (over 50) visa sanismusicschool@yahoo.com (B) delivered by special service in Bangkok.

Legal, reliable & cost effective. Also newly RARE & OUT OF PRINT BOOKS (bold established language lessons for companies caps). U.S. Aniquarian will buy and sell. and/or private students by native teachers.

1-George Staunton. An Authentic Account Contact Gary at aglenn6@gmail.com for Of An Embassy From The King Of Great in-depth info. in both. Thanks in advance. (J) Britain To The Emperor Of China. (caps) London: 1797, 2 Volumes. 50,000B 20TH CENTURY history books and 2-Riley. Birds Of Siam And Malay. (caps) biographies in excellent once read Wash.: 1938, 581 pp. 1600B. Many other condition and reasonably-priced for sale. titles re Thailand and Southeast Asia. guide price is 40 p.c. of shop price. please 083-80-79610. (A) contact N.Barrett nigelinseychelles@ DELUX-CONDO for sale @ Sukhumvit gmail.com 0871053664 (B) Soi 13, three Min. to Nana BTS. 36 sqm.

FOR SALE Fender completely furnished with all electric GUITAR appliances, washer-dryer kitchen etc. Stratocaster bought in Austria 5 years Large pool & Gym. Like new. Baht ago, off white color, very good condition 3.400.000 sold by owner. Tel: 084-7264- for only 14,500 Baht. Please e-mail music4all@yahoo.com (K) 469. Email: paragon00@gmx.de (B)

BANGKOK TRADER

NOBLE ORA - Nice 1 bed for rent (Thonglor) – one of the best unit located at area thonglor. Luxury condo fully furnished, modern design, 1 bed, 79 sqm, 15 floor, facilities are swimming pool, fitness, security. Surrounded by many amenities, playground, j avenue, villa market, au bon pain. close to BTS Thonglor. Rental price: 45000 B/Month. for more details call kay: 081-825 4363 or visit our website: www. rentcondoinbangkok.com (A)

FEBRUARY 2012 - 21

THE MET SATHORN 4 RENT 198 Sq.m.

3 Bed 4 Bath with maid quarter high floor.

Rental 110,000 THB. More info. Please contact Jenny 085 071 8396 or visit www.bangkokcondoonline.com (K)

IF YOU ARE BASED in Bangkok and a member of the transgender community we would like to invite you to join The Katoey Connection. This is a non-profit group for socializing. Visit us at: http://members. go-tranz.net/group/TheKatoeyConnection GROUP HEALTH Insurance Scheme *Note: This is not a sex or dating group. already up & running. Last year’s rates It is only for meeting new people in our apply until 1st June this year. Still room community. (B) for individuals & families to join. Excellent EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER – rates, not age related. Eligible age up to Looking for two days of work per week.

69 & no medical history required. giles@ CONDO FOR SALE - Supalai City Home expatmoneymatters.com 0899 862 315 (B) She is a good cook. She speaks fair English. Please call her direct number at Sukhumvit - 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room / dining room, separate kitchen. 68 HAVE A WIDE SELECTION 1200 081 286 3134 (J) square meters. Low rise bldg - 5th Floor vintage films pre-1960 era worldwide MOBILE PHONE. Nokia. Sim card plus. corner unit. Three A/C units, hot water, for sale as well as a large selection 2.500 baht minutes available. True move extra elect outlets. Kitchen cabinets, of 20th century books reasonably network. Asking price 2000baht. Call smoke alarms, sprinklers, new paint, priced in newish condition. Contact 0891539116 (B) curtain rods. Built 2008. 100 meters nigelinseychelles@gmail.com (L) SHIPPING CONTAINER going to the from Udomsuk BTS. Never flooded.

Photos at: http://bangkok.craigslist.co.th/ CONDOS AND HOUSES on prime/ best UK mid-March 2012. Have plenty of reo/2719154159.html. Contact 089-923- locations for rent in Bangkok areas on space for anything legal. Please give resonable price include free service. More me as much notice as possible. Tele 2615 or 081-754-6885. (B) # 081 490 6275. (L) details contact 08 3 7017059 CONDO OR HOME too hot? Then install or pavillion@gmail.com (L) solar window film and reduce the heat, cut ONE NEAR NEW Rocking Bassinet annoying glare, block uv rays, save 30% 81 SQ METER, two bedroom, 5/17 fl. 1km ideal for putting baby to sleep in very on your aircon bill, increase safety, and from BTS On Nut at Sukhumvit 50. Newly good condtion, 1000 baht. 2 baby make your home a more comfortable place renovated with Index furniture. Quite rockers with pillows, 300 baht each. to live. We are Thailand’s leading installer location and nice open view on balcony. Portable cot very good condition without of Solar Window Tinting Films. European 24 hr camera and security, swimming mattress can see assembly, 1000baht run so we fully understand your needs. Call pool and gym. High-End condo with Ph 0828128226 (L) Steve for a free quotation on 08-6083-9140 quality neighbours Photos: http://bangkok. or visit www.solarkool.biz (B) craigslist.co.th/apa/2740072335.html -- IMMO DE BANGKOK CO.,LTD – Real estate Agency. Welcome to posted by owner.

Tel 089-202-4866 (A) DESIGNERS OWN HOUSE for sale in Immodebangkok. If you want to sell, rent Bangkoks green, flood free peninsula PRIVATE ENGLISH teacher or buy condominium, we can help you “Bangkachao”. 2-story house 192 sqm, Experienced, professional and reliable. to reach your objective. just visit to our 100 twl land, built 2008. Minimalist All ages and all levels welcome. Native website: www.immodebangkok.com or Scandinavian style 2 bed, 3 WC, front speaker from UK. Contact Emma for call us. Khun Kay: +66 081- 825 4363 (A) / back garden, solar heated water in all further details 0860878173 or e-mail CONDO FOR RENT: Park Lane Jomtien taps, double walls, CCTV. Only 30-40 emz_798@hotmail.com. (L) Resort, Pattaya 35 Sqm studio room at 1st min. to Asoke / Sukhumvit, it’s truly an undiscovered oasis in city. See www. SUPER-CHARGE YOURSELF ! See floor closely private swiming pool, Fully bomancreative.com/house - 10,7 mill baht yourself as a more elegant communicator! furnished 1 bed and living room. Contact: by owner. Call 08 3859 3336. (B) Does NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Phen. Call 087-8308044 or Email: piccy_ audit@hotmail.com (B) A FURNISHED ROOM with Free HS ring a bell? No matter if you studied it from Internet (in Ploenchit Townhouse) for rent books or already attended life seminars SANDEE THAI LANGUAGE School – - Bht8,800. It’s located in heart of city. or not, you still desire practicing it, don’t Price 18,000 THB. Get 1-year ED Visa. @ Size 25 sqm. 5 mins walking from BTS you? Luckily NLP has helped millions of RCA, Bangkok. Tel:084 388-2832. www. skytrain station & close to embassies people achieve greater success, increase sandee.ac.th (B) &expressway, easy to go anywhere you confidence, relationships and overcome TOWNHOUSE Sukhumvit Soi 15 fully wish in Bangkok near all famous shopping fears! Now join 4-Free www.Meetup.com/ modernized & furnished. 5bed 6bath malls / supermarkets / fitness. To view the NLP-Bangkok . Check out the monthly 7aircon modern kitchen, gated subsoi room please call to make an appointment NLP practicing meetings. (A) opposite NIST main entrance. THB 42500 a day earlier. Penny: Tel 0894998356 per month Phone Bua 0879172056 (B) (1030–1230 am). e-mail to pashaporns@ INVESTMENT Opportunity Sukhumvit: New, unfurnished, double-unit condo for BRAND NEW CONDO for rent: perfect yahoo.com, benz_ps@hotmail.com (B) sale situated on the 3rd floor in a prime location - green, Bangkok, easily in and out PHUKET: BUNGALOW for rent/sale corner site. Each unit has a large room, of town. Modern, urban chic, fully furnished – area Thalang/Paklok/Palm Garden. kitchen, bathroom and balcony, with good incl. all electricals, glass balcony, 30 sqm, 3 bedrooms,2 bathrom,2 aircon, warm quality fittings throughout. This condo 1-bedroom, bath tub, 15/F. Enjoy 2 roof-top water, unfurnitured, quiet residentail area, presents a good letting opportunity as 1 pools and gyms. Directly at BTS Udom Suk! monthly Baht 10.000 negotlated/choice. unit or 2, and is a 10 min. walk from Bang BITEC exhibition center within view. Free sale price Baht 2,3 Mio, under market Na BTS with easy expressway access. parking, in-building shopping on 2 floors. value possible. mobil 0816063525 Orasa / Price 1.8 million baht. maxineping@ THB 15,000/month, minimum 6 months.

Dieter. Email: boyorasa@hotmail.com (A) hotmail.com or 0896626274 (B) Contact Mark on 089-067-5300. (A)

22 - FEBRUARY 2012

BANGKOK TRADER

MARKETPLACE JUST OVER 6 RAI Land for building in Pak Chong on the edge of Khao Yai. Thai owner needs funds for resort development, hence 420k baht per rai. 6 and a bit for the price of 6. Adjoining land recently sold for 500k baht per rai. gilescullingford@ hotmail.com 0899 862 315 (B) SUPREME ELEGANCE, 2 bedroom apartment, 178sqm, 2 parkings, bright and airy with balconies at sitting and master bedroom, one ensuite and one guest bathroom. 3M filter windows, low rise with nice neighborhood, accessible with BRT, supermarket closed by and only 8 minutes to Silom by taxi. One kitchen and working area, built in closets and blinds. Outdoor swimming pool, gym and sauna in the building. Contact Holman at 0843265266, direct sale. (J)

SUPALAI PARK (Phaholothin 21) Condo for rent – 60m2, 1bed/1bath, high floor, balcony, fully furnished, pool/ gym, convenient location (near Central lad prao, MRT, Ratchayothin major cineplex). ready to move in. cleaning/ laundry service available. special price for only 18,000baht per month. plese contact 085 480 4618 Pete (J) MORNING WALK PRAYER – Christians of any nationality/sex/age/denomination are invited to join morning walk prayer ministry which will first start once a month as flw. Day: First Sat. of each month (cancel if rain). Time: 7.00-8.00 a.m.

Venue: Lumpini Park (exact meeting point to be advised). Dress: Sport or casualwear. Please register your name at: w.newt@yahoo.com (I) I AM A QUALIFIED and respectable business negotiating Consultant, with excellent credentials and references, travelling regularly between BKK and India, Middle East, Australia and Europe, I can professionally represent you or your company on any PC business matter within any of the above areas please contact: Dr. John on jas@rainconsult. com. Or 00447855546299 for further information. (A)

MAZDA 2, New Modell 2010, 28.07.2010, Foreigner name, color: sparklinggold, Typ: Sedan, 1.498 ccm, 103 PS, Automatic, allow-wheels, sport antenna, sport exhaust, First class insurance till 28.07.2010, all inspection done (Mazda) , AIRBAG, ABS, Window rain protector 4 x, Back drive sensor, Film, elct. Windows 4 x, elec. Mirror 2 x, Underground and much more, approx. 14.600 km, only 499.999 NEED A QUIZ? Professionally prepared Baht Tel: 0806419742 Mail: andithai@ with additional themed and novelty rounds. gmail.com (A) Suitable for weekly or one off special events. Contact David. Tel: 0800451580 PRIVATE TEACHER: Experienced, or e-mail ddickinson_uk@yahoo.co.uk (A) professional and one who is already teaching at one of Bangkok’s most exclusive REPLACE YOUR ENERGY HUNGRY prep companies. TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, bulbs with Eco-LED bulbs and save Money GRE, LSAT, or Conversational/Business – Make the switch from Flourescent, English. Degree in Computational Halogen and Incandescent lighting to Physics from Harvey Mudd College, one low energy and very long lasting LED of the top engineering schools in the US. equivalents and start to save from Day1.

1000 THB/hr. I’m not the cheapest, for With energy saving of up to 90% and a a reason. Bad grammar and irregular lifespan of up to 25 times longer LED is accents are nearly impossible to undo, the way to go. Contact us for catalogues sound like a native instead. Contact me at and prices today. Call 0841609683 email info@eco-LEDthai.com (J) private.tutor.bangkok@gmail.com (I)

BUSINESS/FINANCIAL consultants, estate planners, will writers & paralegals are required to join our organization. Full/ Part-Time vacancies are available. (If you don’t have the qualifications, then you may attend our seminars and be certified).

Franchises/Agencies are available. For further information and to send your resume/CV to: legalalliance777@gmail. com Mobile No. (087) 9915655 (A) LAZY BOY Leather Rocker/Recliner Chair For Sale – Model: Dream Time.

Color: Cognac. 18 months new with 10 year warranty in excellent condition.

Asking 25,000 thai baht. Call Greg 089-762-2731 (A) GERMAN BOOKS for children (ages 1 6) for sale. My daughter has outgrown all of her German picture and story books as well as some Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles and simple board-games. She would like to create some space on her bookshelf by selling her collection at a very reasonable price (50 - 100 Baht per book). If you are interested, please contact us at: standtt@ truemail.co.th (B) THE ALCOVE THONGLOR, New 1 bed for rent – In brand new condo for rent at The Alcove Thonglor 10 an urban exclusive living lifestyle in Thonglor area, 1 Bedroom, 40 sq.m., 8th floor, Fully furnished. Facilities include 25-meters long swimming pool with panoramic city view, fitness with sauna & steam room.

For rent at 30,000 baht/month. If you need more info, please contact me K. Kay: 081-825 4363 or visit our website: www. immodebangkok.com (A) INTERNET HELP NEEDED – Can I get help from fellow expats in Bangkok? I ‘ve been turned down for an Adsense account six times. I’m told it is because I live in Thailand. Please help me get traffic levels up so they won’t deny me again. Sign on to WWW.OldSchoolTriathlon.com - look around, “like” something, maybe write a comment so I get extra traffic at just the right time. Thanks (J)

BANGKOK TRADER

BEAUTIFUL LAND OF 20.5 RAI at Huay Yai Gin. Complete with new chanotes and company. High ground fully fenced with four wells, various trees. Ideal for large private residence mansion or village development with concrete road and electricity. Quick access to 331 link road to Bangkok and Rayong, only 15 minutes to heart of Pattaya. Only 29,000,000 for quick sale. Possible part exchange for house. All offers concidered. email carolandcarl@hotmail.com or 038030049 or mobile 0811578760 (J) ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES SMEs registered in Thailand looking to Certified Public Accountant for prepare and submit,The Financial statement and tax return to Thai Government agencies. Please contact K.Yuth at yandkconsult@gmail.com. (B) CONDO FOR SALE - 4.9 MTHB (Rental option available), Central Bangkok. Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom. A short walk from the Ploenchit BTS, located near the British Embassy.

34th floor with fantastic views of Bangkok. 101m2, Swimming, Fitness, Minimart & Laundry onsite. Contact Jaz on + 66 860486823 or e-mail: jazsidhu67@hotmail.com (B) MOVING – sell many items, best of small library, classic antiques art work everything musical just cool stuff. call anytime 0878103763 (A) WANT TO BUY OLD THAI HOUSE – Dream of living in Jim Thompson-style antique house! Will to renovate. Will consider all areas, inc.outside of Bangkok. Please send full details: photos, location and price to Peter – grumbler6@gmail.com (I) LEARN ITALIAN LANGUAGE with Mr Angelo 12 years in Thailand, can speak thai, good price. anywhere, office, home, bar, up to you. call me here: 0806079635, e-mail:srikrsna108@yahoo.it , ciao (J) FRAGRANT CONDOMINIUM for sale – 115 sq m, 2 bedrms, 2 bathrms, 1 living, 1 dining, I kitchen (fitted), 2 balconies, fully furnished and includes all electrical appliances. Condo is just 5 years old. The building is low rise – just 8 floors and this unit on the 6th floor. Opening Price: Baht 7 million (negotiable); Transfer fee: to be shared by buyer and seller. For more information call Kittima at 0818262399 or Kittima@ns.co.th (B) 1 BED 1 BATH in Omni Tower Sukhumvit Soi 4 well furnished incl 42” flat screen TV 27,000 Baht per month 1 year lease. gilescullingford@hotmail.com 0899 862 315 (B)

FEBRUARY 2012 - 23

ITALIAN PIZZERIA RESTAURANT Enoteca for sell 3,8 MB included company, excellent sell and good customer, Silom Rd 300mt from Patpong Market. Fully equiped.

3+3 years. contract. Rental 37.100 b/ month. Total 120sqm 15 tables. 30 seats.

Call Luciano 084 3361713 or e-mail: bflgqn@yahoo.it (I) CHINESE LANGUAGE – Miss Cherry, Chinese native speaker, graduate from Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, has been exchange student study in Thailand last year and now work in Bangkok, can speak, write and read Thai,of course English too! Teach all levels Chines for private person, company staff and institution at home, office, shopping center. Good price. Contact Tele: 0861161799, email: charryqin@ msn.com (H)

ITALIAN PIANIST and keyboards player and singer performing standard Italian and International songs etc. leaving in Bkk. since 2000. I used to play at the Italian Restaurants - Hotels in Bangkok.

I’m willing anytime. Inquiring Kind contact Sergio on 0813641830 (L) M.A.P MANSION for rent the convenience place in the center of Aree area that next to BTS Aree station just 300 meters. The studio in space 32 square meters included full furnitures and safety security 24 hours.

We staring price at 5000 bath per month.

Please feel free to call us at 02 6151149 or 02 2784480 (J) HAIR & BEAUTY SALON for sale South Pattaya. Great Location in City Walk Pattaya (next to Royal Garden plaza) on beach front. 7 work stations, 2 massage tables, Good clientele base.

Two 5 star Hotels nearby. Free parking.

No Licence required. No Key money.

Profitable Business. Accounts available.

30,000 baht/month rent. Only 780,000 baht. Relocating hence sale price. Call 080-0959002 (B)

A MUSIC/LANGUAGE teacher for your kids – I’m a Year 10 music scholar from an international school in BKK. I need a part-time job to teach your children to play flute and/or music theory, or even English or Thai languages. If you are interested please contact: 081-804-1252. (A) LUXURY CONDO AT PATTAYA for rent or for sale in high standing building LUXURY CONDO AT PATTAYA for on Wong Amat Beach, best location in rent or for sale in high standing building Pattaya 163 sqm fully furnished 3 bed 3 on Wong Amat Beach, best location in bath European kitchen Every room has Pattaya 163 sqm fully furnished 3 bed 3 large balcony with stunning views on the bath European kitchen Every room has sea and the islands Direct beach access large balcony with stunning views on the Infinity swimming pool jacuzzi sauna sea and the islands Direct beach access fitness center tennis squash snooker Infinity swimming pool jacuzzi sauna sauna communal gardens restaurant fitness center tennis squash snooker minimart covered car park 24H security. sauna communal gardens restaurant 54000/month, 14,5 mil. Baht. 0903943933 minimart covered car park 24H security.

(Thai phone number) (B) 54000/month, 14,5 mil. Baht. 0903943933 CONDO FOR RENT Lumpini Ville Pracha (Thai phone number)) (B) Uthit (Huay Kwang - Rachada) Tower ONE-ON-ONE ENGLISH tuition in the E2, 6th floor (35.6 sq.meters). Living comfort and convenience of your home. All room, 1 bedroom, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom, ages and all levels welcome. All aspects 1 balcony, parking. Furnished. 6th floor. of the language covered--grammar, Rent 9,000 baht/month. Contact : 083 833 vocabulary, usage, comprehension, and 44 49 (Thai - English) (L) speaking. Native speaker from California and graduate of San Francisco State NEW STAFF – 4-5 Reception, Waiter University. 10+ years of experience and Waitress, Bell Boy, Maid, Cleaner. offering private lessons in Bangkok. Store. Reception preper good English.

Professional and reliable. Reasonable Aria to work is Laungsuan and ratchada. rates. Let’s work together to improve your siamlilyqueen@gmail.com (I) English and make it more effective. David CONDO SALE 50 % below Area Price – 02-259-5655 #304 (early morning/late 124 sqm - 2 Bed / 2 Bath / Study Room, night) or bangtowndjs@hotmail.com (J) only THB 6’500’000, La Maison, Foreigner Quota, 4 A/C + Parking. Sukhumvit Soi 22, MORE THAN 1,000 LIST of businesses Fully Furnished, www.stefan.asia for more - for sale, very useful in tele-sales and details, Call: Stefan 084 1113977 (H) marketing. The contact list comprises golf clubs, banks, shopping malls, fitness BAR FOR SALE. Open-fronted popular clubs, restaurants, travel company, hotel and profitable Beer Bar in Sukhumvit Soi and more. With complete details like name 22. Attached ‘farang take-out’ servicing of the owner, GM, Manager, phone, e-mail other bars in the area. Excellent location in and address. The contact list is in English busy Plaza. Great returns, low overheads for 6,000 Baht only. Please contact K. – 650,000 Baht including stock and assets.

Rain cotto.en@gmail.com (L) Phone 0886 203 025. (L)

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MARKETPLACE PRIVATE CONDOMINIUM for sale is in Thonglor six bedroom 642 sq m/ THB 59,968.85 / sq m. Contact unchulee 089 771 3621 (J) 93 SQM DUPLEX AT SOI 13 SUKHUMVIT two bedroom two bathrooms spare toilet flat t v very nice condo big pool new fur for only 40000 bath monthly for a year contract please call 0802736716 080268100 (A)

NICE AND COZY house in garden home village for sale/ rent (Paholyotin Rd.Km.23 , 10 Min. drive to Don Muang Air Port). Nicely and fully furnished,2 Bed rooms ,sitting room, dining area, 4 air cons., kitchen with buid-in cabinetowen, refrigerator & Amway water treatment system ,balcony, maid quarters, car parking plus garden, peaceful atmosphere and safe environment. Contact Sirinthip Tel 089-1234205 ,083-7025758 or E mail :rairatkr@ hotmail.com (J)

STUDIO AT THE MARKLAND PATTAYA 46 SQM hi flour seavew for rent studio at naklua for rent one year contract only 121 SQM AT SUKHUMVIT SOI 18 two bedrooms big kic and 9000 bath a month please call 087 800 9370 or 080268100 (A) dining flat t v very nice soi for rent only 33000 bath a month TREADMILL 4 SALE; priced to sell, like new, mod. 5020, for a year contract please call 0878009370 (A) 3.5 hp with over 6 years left on warranty of motor, bought new for 34,000 baht, sacrifice for 20,000 baht for quick sale, owner has all the paperwork. tele. 089-2033471 or 02-928-2033. richard or porntepa (J) CONDO FOR RENT/SALE – Family Park Condominium offers studio/1/2 bedroom units for rent starting from 7,000B/month and 800,000B for sale. Locate in Ladprao 48, cosy and convenient, only 10 min to MRT. More info (both Thai and English) please contact sale3@akandorealestate.com T.029298599 (K) ENGLISH NOW. English instruction at all levels English at home.

Early English classes for kids English conversation Examination preparation English at work Business English basic to advanced Specific purpose English eg Hotel English. Basic office English.

Classes where you are. Over 10 years experience in Bangkok.

Nowenglish27@yahoo.com. (K) SPANISH TRANSLATIONS AND INTERPRETATION – Spanish native speaker offers translation and interpretation services. Websites, contracts, official letters, manuals etc. Both for private companies and official institutions. Thai translations and Accounting also offered. Call 0870470590 or email: Spanish_Consultant@yahoo.es (I) CENTER-CONDOTEL in South-Pattaya, 14 TH Floor, TukcomView, 50 SQM, fully Furnished, Ready to move in, Price: 2.350.000 Baht Phone: 0896020642 Email: manfredgauff@ yahoo.com (L) FOR SALE CONTACT LIST - More than 1,000 list of businesses in Bangkok, with complete details like names of the owner, gm, manager, phone and mobile numbers, e-mail and address.

The list contains Shopping Center, Tour Companies, Hotels, Golf Clubs, Amusement Parks, Restaurants, Clinics, Spas and Massages etc. The list is in English and for 5,000 Baht only, very useful in Tele-Marketing. Please contact: iggybkk.th@ gmail.com (K)

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 2012? stop smoking! fed up with your addiction? want your freedom back? Experienced clinical hypnotherapist helps you quit without cravings! I am an ex-smoker so I know what it’s all about. 100% money-back guarantee. Call 088-2270553 (Tom) for a free consultation, or visit www.hypno-therapy.net - This is the best time to make changes happen. Call now! (L)

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 2012? lose weight! had enough of those extra pounds? Want to control your eating? Experienced clinical hypnotherapist helps you make those changes! It really is possible! Call 088-2270553 (Tom) for a free consultation, or visit www.hypno-therapy.net - This is the best time to make changes happen. Call now! (L) BEAUTIFUL CONDO FOR SALE by owner casa viva condo - ekamai soi 12 Total area 366 SQM, 18 floor, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Living & Dinning area, maids room, spacious kitchen Newly renovated and fully furnished in modern. Great view from every side in the condo.. Asking price THB 19,500,000 for information or viewing please contact 082-4448499 or email to: siamtc@ji-net.com (l) MODERN CONDO for rent near BTS- great price 81 Sqm, 2 B/R & 2 Bath. Newly renovated & F/F in modern and bright style ( LCD & washing machine), 7 mins. Walk distance to Ploenchit BTS. Only THB 26,500 per month. More info contact: 082-4448499 or email siamtc@ji-net.com (L) COMPLETE SET DIVE GEAR, excellent condition, well cared for. BCD (Dive Rite), Mares-Reg & Mares-Alt, Mission gauges, Mission-wrist compass, Seacsub mask, snorkel, Cressi-fins (9-10), Cressi-full wet (80kg-m), ProBlue-shorty,booties (9)-2pr, gloves (m), Fusilier knife Sun Night-light, mini-light, dive marker, Oceanic dive bag. Bangkok (Rachadamri).. Steve.0874538018. (K) X-BANKERS: money loan consolidators, only over 1.0 mb., good credit, bad credit, no credit, everyone welcome. call 081-447-1478 (Mr.Niphon) (H)

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The Project Management of Prosperity

By Michelle LaBrosse and Kristen LaBrosse

How do you know when you are truly wealthy? Your perception of prosperity will most likely change throughout your life. At the age of 5, being prosperous is having your favorite toys within reach, being able to eat ice cream after dinner, and being allowed to stay up an extra hour later than usual. At 16, it’s the ability to drive your family’s old, beat-up car… by yourself! In your early 20s, you most likely felt wealthy if you could successfully pay off your student loan payments, while still having the reserves to keep a small apartment and money to hang out with friends. In your 30s, it usually means getting a nicer home for your changing needs, being able to afford a nicer car and a couple of vacations a year. Your 40s is marked by how you can provide for your family’s education and your own retirement. In your 50s, it may become more about how much time you can take off and still live the lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed. In your 60s, it’s about how far you can stretch your dollar and scale back on the need to work to support yourself while helping your children launch their own families. Prosperity viewpoints are age-dependent.

to begin your journey to that goal. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time! Go ahead and dive in right away to begin making your goal a reality.

As we become more established in life, the concept of wealth and prosperity morph into the next phase that we wish to achieve, so that we are ever-chasing a more prosperous life. This mentality can serve us well if we take smart action to reach our next goals. Here at Cheetah we call this path to prosperity ‘GROW’ – Goals, Run, Organize, and Wow.

Wow. When is the last time you did something to impress no one else but yourself? Perhaps you made a very fancy meal for one or ran a mile further than you’ve ever run before, just so you knew you could do it.

Goals. If you are like most people, you made goals for yourself for the new year. Of these goals, how many are measurable? What are the dates by which you wish to accomplish these goals? What are your specific plans to reach them? If you haven’t answered these questions, then your chances of accomplishing the goals you’ve set are slim. When setting goals, either New Year’s resolutions or later in the year, make them measurable, and make yourself accountable, in order to ensure success.

Run. Once you have made a goal, do not sit back and wait for the ‘perfect time’

If the hesitation of running toward your goal comes from your perceived lack of skills, make getting those skills your first goal. You owe it to yourself to make sure you are equipped to tackle any goals you set.

Organize. One of the biggest reasons that people don’t reach their goals is because they lose sight of the goal due to the clutter in their lives. When you can’t clearly see the steps to take next to ultimately attain success, you can quickly get lost in the white noise of life and let your goal fall to the wayside.

Start small. Organize your office, your paperwork, your bills, and your calendar. Then go big and organize the milestones that have been accomplished to reach your goal, as well as the steps that you still need to take.

Make sure the goals you are setting will be sure to wow you. This means that you are reaching for something that is challenging for you and that by accomplishing it, you are bettering yourself. If you set goals to wow others, you may find that your stamina and dedication wane before you’ve reached your destination.

To get started on the right foot, take a look at last year and ask yourself what accomplishments you made that really impressed you. What was the path you took to reach these goals? Once you’ve figured it out, give yourself a pat on the back and develop a plan to enhance your goal-completing machine this coming year.

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Lastly, remember that becoming prosperous is a project, just like any project you have ever undertaken. The path to prosperity requires commitment, competency, and a well-developed plan.

Check out Cheetah PHAST, a great new quarterly magazine at www.cheetahphast.com Michelle LaBrosse, PMP®, is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with a penchant for making success easy, fun and fast. She is the founder of Cheetah Learning, the author of the Cheetah Success Series, and a prolific blogger whose mission is to bring Project Management to the masses.

*Ask for more details.

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BANGKOK TRADER

Climate Change Skeptic

What if we create a better world and it’s all for nothing?

By Alex Mavro

If you are one of those who believes that facts are a socialist diversion or perhaps even a liberal conspiracy, then read no further. On the other hand, if you have observed a change in weather patterns in the years since your childhood, join the club. Its membership encompasses a growing number of concerned citizens everywhere.

There is no shortage of evidence in support of the reality of climate change.

Indeed, few people contest the trend. The argument begins when critics claim that man’s activities have exacerbated climate change. Dyed‑in‑the wool capitalists insist that man’s impact on the world is insignificant and could not possibly change a planet that has been in existence for one-third as long as the entire universe.

Rather than debate the magnitude of man’s impact on the planet, a more helpful response is to agree (for the sake of argument) that man potentially does have some impact, and that being the case, man can decide what that impact should be.

If we hermetically sealed you into your living room at home and called that the world, anyone could see that you would soon run out of air and water; you would run out of room to live, due to the accumulated garbage; and your resources (food, books, paper) would run out in no time.

The earth is a comparable finite island of habitability. Why is it so hard to extrapolate from the living room to the earth? Why is it hard to see that if you start a fire in your living room fireplace, the temperature will increase, and that the same thing can happen to the earth?

The upshot is that little things add up; little things mean a lot... especially the little things done by the 25% of the world’s population that controls 75% of the income.

You and I and all our readers are part of that 25%. So what can we do to lighten our load on the planet, and indirectly to help defend against climate change?

Here are three starting points: First, adjust your lighting habits. Begin with the bulbs in your home or workplace, which should ideally be light-emitting diode (LED) or the less-desirable compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). LED is to be preferred: It consumes, by far, the least electricity, which means it has the most beneficial environmental impact.

LED lighting lasts longer, has less material mass, and creates less landfill waste than any other type of lighting. In addition, being directional, it is more light-efficient than the alternatives. CFL is a distant second, not least because of its mercury content, which makes its waste hazardous.

In addition to the hardware upgrade, take care to light only your work area: no need to illuminate all the hallways that nobody is using. Motion sensors that control lighting can pay for themselves in a short period of time.

Second, use water responsibly. If you must carry water bottles (how did humanity manage without them for 10,000 years?!), make them refillable. And fill them from fountains or bulk water sources, not from plastic bottles that will wind up in the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch.

When you take the family to a restaurant to eat, do not let the staff fill your water glasses after you have quenched your thirst. If six diners leave the table with their glasses full, over 100 liters of water per day goes to waste in the average restaurant. I routinely turn my water glass upside-down when I want no more water.

Using water for personal care is another area where individual actions can have a positive environmental impact. Men should not leave the water running while shaving; turn it on as needed to rinse the razor. Ditto for both men and women while shampooing; turn the water off while lathering your hair or applying other products.

For general bathing, the most parsimonious method is the Thai way, scooping water as needed. This may be impractical in modern bathrooms. But being conscious of the water we are using as we shower is often enough to save several liters per session. Baths, of course, should be infrequent – unless you live in Japan, or in Finland. Try to shower for one minute less than normal: Experts estimate that a conventional shower consumes up to 20 liters of water per minute.

Third, to conserve petrol, everyone knows it’s important to keep your car tuned. But how many of us think in terms of using use our brakes less?

How does using our brakes less minimize petrol consumption? Because if you make up your mind that you will not use your brakes as a substitute for poor judgment, you will accelerate less. And acceleration is what consumes the most petrol.

Even better, keep away from the car completely. Try to telecommute as much as possible. Even if you can only do so two days a week, that could represent significant fuel savings in a city like Bangkok. Whenever possible, use public transport – the BTS, MRT, BRT, or even the bus (if you can figure it out).

There you have three very simple areas where individuals can begin to help lessen their impact on the environment and, ultimately, on the forces that govern climate. These actions may not seem like much, but when multiplied by a billion conscious consumers, it is possible to create a better world – whether climate change is caused by man… or not!

Alex is Chief of Operations at the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration Center for Sustainability Management. Reach him at alex.mavro@sasin.edu.

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BANGKOK TRADER

Local Lit

Soon publishing a story that could be yours!

By Shei Sanchez

You are in a bookstore, say Asia Books, and come across the section called Asian Literature. There you find on the top two shelves titles like Bangkok Vanishing, The Wind Up Girl, I am Eri, Private Dancer. Your gaze falls upon names that have a ring of familiarity to them – John Burdett, Colin Cotterill, Christopher G. Moore, Stephen Leather. These fiction writers have produced many a story on life in Thailand and, at times, a dark, Bangkokian dystopia. You realize that you find this genre in airports as well. Nothing like a tale of suspense in the sordid streets of Silom to enjoy during a long flight.

What is it about Bangkok that impels expat writers (and predominantly of the male kind) to purge themselves of their experiences onto a published page?

Almost all of the literature centers on a theme of bars, nightlife, and unsurprisingly, Thai women. Somewhere in the plot is a Western-Thai romance between a foreign man and a working girl. That this pulp bar genre still remains so popular, it begins to scream the words ‘cultish fever.’ Take Christopher G. Moore, for example. A prolific Canadian writer with over 20 novels under his belt, Moore has mined this genre of crime fiction, particularly with his Vincent Calvino series. Indeed, they have proven to be quite successful – some of his work has been translated in a dozen languages.

This writing fever among expats and even some local Thais alike can stem from the lure that is Bangkok. It’s as if there is a potent elixir that finds itself gulped and digested in those who live and breathe here. Somewhere in this magic is the vibrance and vitality of Thai culture that many Westerners find fascinating and enchanting enough to inspire works in both fiction and nonfiction.

With over sixty stores across the nation, Asia Books has been a major publisher and distributor of expat literature. It offers up-and-coming writers with this story fever in them to have their voices heard. Perhaps it is this willingness to welcome budding authors on Thailand, coupled with a local market that supports it, that makes the process of print publication relatively approachable.

Nevertheless, there has been a fundamental shift in the sales and distribution of local literature on Thailand and Southeast Asia. George Gensbichler, owner and director of Bangkok Book House (www.bangkokbooks.com), believes that the future lies in e-books. Through electronic publishing and distribution, authors can more easily (and more affordably) find an avenue for their stories. Mr. Gensbichler sends out news releases with titles that far outnumber what you can find in bookstores. Currently, his business has about 300 e-books and 110 in print. He foresees the rise in e-publishing as print sales diminish. He bases this on the 40% in sales that Bangkok Books has had from e-books, and the numbers continue to rocket.

Ten years ago he successfully opened his own bookstore that included a modest selection. But lately, the trend of independent stores with local voices is on a downturn. Mr. Gensbichler admits that the challenge to stay competitive in the print market is getting harder, especially since the number of smaller, self-sufficient shops are fewer and farther between. Meanwhile the existence of major stores continue to push these independents out. Hence, he reasserts that in order to survive and thrive, e-books are the key future of local publishing. It is a much bigger market with e-books, he notes.

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You have a story idea on Bangkok, say life as a teacher turned entrepreneur.

You write your manuscript and pitch it to a major publisher and distributor in Thailand. If you are lucky, you may be asked to print at least 300 copies. Since printing costs money, you hope that you can at least break even with sales. For e-books, the cost is much, much less. Through Bangkok Book House, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free.

The only thing you pay for are extra services, which include editing or printing.

When you welcome those creative waters to flow while your life in the Land of Smiles and Spice continue to beguile and inspire you, think of how your voice can reach that particular audience. Think of paperbacks that line the shelves in airports and bookstores. What would catch a glimpse? What story would your local eye tell?

Shei Sanchez is a full-time teacher and a freelance writer, and for the moment, she is a newbie at blogging. Contact her at orangesimple@gmail.com.

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Noodle Intoxication

By Dave Stamboulis

While one can find the ubiquitous kuay tiaow noodle soups on every corner in Bangkok, I have always been more enamored by the bizarrely named ‘drunken noodles.’ That’s right, pad kee mao, as it is known in Thai, is a bit harder to find than your standard pork and fish ball noodle soup fare, and is a bit of a mystery, as well, as to its inebriated origins.

dish, along with the abundant spices. Evidently, the cook didn’t need to think about what to put into the pot at that hour of the night, he just tossed in a bit of this and a bit of that, and presto, drunkard’s noodles! And the real noodle aficionados have even argued that pad kee mao is an ideal dish to be served alongside of alcohol, perhaps something akin to Spanish tapas!

While it is agreed upon that the dish isn’t actually Thai (it actually comes from ethnic Chinese based in northern Thailand and Laos), there are a dozen guesses as to why the ‘noodles’ became attached with the ‘drunken’ moniker, and no, it has nothing to do with the common foreign misconception that the dish is made with alcohol. One theory holds that pad kee mao is so spicy that the person eating it must be smashed enough to withstand the heat emanating from the dish. A more prudent argument bets that in order to withstand the spice, the diner needs to drink a lot. Yet another says that due to the spices, drunken noodles are actually a great cure for a hangover. Indeed, pad kee mao can often be found at street-side stalls late at night after hours, making it one of the top choices for revelers staggering out of night clubs looking for something to ease the alcohol blues. The teetotaler might argue that it is actually the noodle dish itself that makes you drunk, nothing to do with the alcohol, but rather the exquisite taste (yet whether or not the high is induced from the chilies or the taste is but another bone of contention).

At any rate, pad kee mao is a delicious dish, made from broad rice noodles that are stir-fried along with meat, fish, or tofu; bean sprouts; and plenty of chilies and basil. Vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce are also often thrown into the mix, leading to a sensory overload of flavors, maybe just enough to get intoxicated by!

Yet another opinion holds that it wasn’t the patron who was drunk, but rather the chef, attesting to the wide array of vegetables and meats thrown into the

While pad kee mao itself is easy enough to find, to experience a taste of a real drunkard’s connoisseur, head over to the Saochingchao District of Bangkok to pay a visit to Jay Fai. Stuck in one of Bangkok’s last timeless neighborhoods, where skyscrapers and designer malls don’t exist, Jay Fai is a small shophouse eatery, a no-frills affair with tables flowing out into the street. It looks exactly like the other few simple noodle joints that sandwich it on either side, although a glance at the menu will soon make you realize it isn’t, not to mention leaving your mouth slightly agape.

Pad kee mao normally sells for 25-35 baht a plate in Bangkok, whereas at simple Jay Fai, it goes for 280 baht! The auntie who has been running the kitchen for a zillion years says that the high costs are due to the incredibly fresh

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seafood she uses in all of her dishes. Not only do your drunken noodles come with shrimp, but they also come with giant monster prawns, the likes of which are probably going for around 400 baht a kilo in Bangkok, and of a size which you might need a dagger to eat. Auntie also throws in shitake mushrooms, red pepper, and taro into the mix.

Jay Fai is also renowned for its rad na, which is a close cousin of pad kee mao, made with a gravy that is thicker and nowhere near as spicy as the drunkard’s noodles. It also is served with giant prawns, as well as squid and scallops.

Come around 6 p.m. and you will be treated to the sight of Mercedes Benzes and BMWs lining up to get into a street-side hole in the wall. Bangkok’s upper crust can be found here, coming for their drunken noodle fix, along with crab meat omelets that run 800 baht, as well as abalone, which you probably cannot afford unless you have won the lottery, or are perhaps so drunk from the noodles that you just don’t care!

Jay Fai – 327 Mahachai Rd, 02-223-9384, Sunday-Friday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Dave Stamboulis is a freelance photographer and travel writer based in Bangkok. He is the author of Odysseus’ Last Stand, which received the Silver Medal Book of the Year award from the Society of American Travel Writers. He can be contacted at pedallerdave@hotmail.com.

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Cornelages

By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

Some time ago, Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok held a very unique exhibition with the title “The World in Our Hands,” by Dutch visual artist Cornelis Hoek.

Under the term ‘cornelages,’ obviously a blending of the artist’s first name and the word ‘collage,’ the Rotunda and the Garden Café Galleries presented to the Bangkok art aficionados an exhibition of paper-cut collages.

The 75-year-old Cornelis Hoek is a talented artist, who has been involved in the arts industry for all his life. No matter if he is known as a concert singer, a weaver, a theatre maker, an impresario, or an art collector, he definitely stands out in the bunch of expats who have chosen to live in Chiang Rai. Hoek arrived in the Land of Smiles in 1999 and has been here ever since.

His house accommodates one of the greatest private libraries on art in the Kingdom, alongside an exquisite European and Asian art collection. When Hoek moved abroad, he brought his own ‘culture’ with him by containers!

“Without my books and music, I could hardly live in Thailand. Thais never engage in private discussion in response to my art. They also never critique my work, probably from fear of losing face,” he says.

together, building imaginative cities and villages. Maybe I wanted to become an architect. As I became a resident of Thailand, bit-by-bit, my ‘old’ obsession returned. I started cutting houses out of the magazines again….”

Cornelis Hoek had started working on his cornelages in 2009, when, in order to collect the materials for his future work, he went on a magazine shopping spree. He bought hundreds of magazines for this purpose, which must have made the publishers quite happy. However, little did they know that their publications were bought not for a weekend’s read, but to create art that would far outlast their normal shelf life.

After a painstaking process of choosing and cutting out the needed pictures, Hoek separated everything according to themes and started the real artistic act of putting the cut-outs together. Using only scissors, glue, white paper and an artist’s eye, Hoek created a world of urban utopia, which has travelled for display in several major art galleries from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Nan, Bangkok, Pattaya and even abroad in the Netherlands.

His Cornelage exhibits allowed me to understand that contemporary art doesn’t have to be for connoisseurs only. It can also be admired and understood by anyone who takes the time to visit the venues where it’s exhibited. To be more exact, Hoek’s ‘cornelages’ are collages that revolve around an urban theme.

His exhibits show the artist’s talent in putting together collages using magazine cutouts of houses, people, buildings, eyes, cars, etc. Although abstract in nature, the repetitive patterns of his cornelages create a strong visual urban identity.

Collecting the photos of houses must have been rather an amazing process.

The artist used everything and anything: blue, green, and red roofs; modern and ancient architecture; village and city houses; farmhouses and skyscrapers… and all of various sizes. Cutting them into the right shape was probably the hardest part, while creating the collages was, for Hoek, the most inspiring and pleasant activity. “Making cornelages is a way for me to show how we, all people of all nations, belong together, regardless of color, race, or age. Connecting our houses in all possible combinations is a symbol of fraternity, of participation, of sharing life together,” Hoek attests.

Speaking of the symbolism of the many houses in his work, Hoek recalls, “As a young boy, as far as I can remember, I was always obsessed by the thought of creating houses. I drew them on paper, cut them, folded them, and put them

Surrounded by Hoek’s work, on a round table in the middle of the Rotunda Gallery, there were also exhibited handmade books by Thai children who received the impact of AIDS/HIV. The content of the books belonged to no other than

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BANGKOK TRADER

Cornelis himself and consisted of mini collages. The collages in the booklets gravitate around various themes such as “A Colorful World,” “Two is a Couple,” “People of the World,” “The Art of Living,” etc. He has made 74 collage-books so far and has already sold over 60 of them. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the sales of these books went straight to the AIDS Access Foundation (www.aidsaccess.com).

Depending on their size and complexity, the price of the cornelages is between 500 and 60,000 baht, which make the exhibits a good investment for the future. Also, for those wishing to decorate the walls of their houses or offices, I can recommend any of Hoek’s carefully assembled collages.

Some of the artists that influenced Hoek’s life as an artist are Callas and Domingo; Bach, Mozart and Mahler; Wittgenstein and Schopenhauer; Vermeer and Francis Bacon; Thomas Mann, Thomas Bernhard, Rilke, Rose Aulander, Glenn Gould, Argerich Martha, along with many other. But, when it comes to the art scene in Chiang Rai, Hoek isn’t that optimistic: “At art receptions, you can meet interesting people, most of whom are art lovers. But, in the performing arts field, the scene is very disappointing. There is no passion in the music or the dance arts. It nearly never touches the heart. I am an excellent voice teacher, but can rarely find an ambitious Thai student who wants to learn the art.”

A writer’s entreaty: Thailand is a place favored by many foreign artists who have either decided to settle down here or are just passing through. We, the residents (Thai and foreign, alike), are privileged for the opportunities offered to us to experience their work. So, I urge of all you Bangkokians out there, make time and visit one of the many art venues that litter the capital.

Voicu Mihnea Simandan is a Romanian writer in Thailand since 2002. He can be contacted via his website at www.simandan.com.

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Forecasting Thailand’s Economic Growth in 2012

By Dean Outerson

After a disastrous year for the Thai economy, forecasts for Thailand’s 2012 GDP growth are currently hovering between 4.7% and 5%, figures described by some as ‘conservative’ and others as ‘optimistic.’ Both sides agree that any growth will depend heavily on the successful implementation of the

economic stimulus packages proURGENT! British posed by the government, restoraexpats see Page 20 tion of investor confidence, and NOW! the absence of any serious global economic or monetary shocks or nomic stimulus package and a further domestic disasters.

350 billion baht (US$11 billion) investment in water management Skeptics of the government’s plans initiatives to prevent future floods, to right Thailand’s economic ship in the face of Thailand’s current question the wisdom of the 120 debt. The government’s recent Story continues on Page 20. billion baht (US$3.7 billion) eco-

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