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Feature
Thailand’s worst aviation disasters Everyone remembers an air crash, but the death toll is far lower than on this country’s roads By Maxmilian Wechsler
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F you’re frightened of flying, then you should be scared to death of taking to the road in Thailand. According to World Health Organization, some 24,000 people lose their lives annually on the kingdom’s roads, an average of about 66 per day. During the past 50 years, a mere 743 lives were lost in commercial aviation accidents and incidents. The loss in terms of plane crashes seems almost insignificant when compared to Thailand’s roads, especially when you consider the current volume of traffic at Thailand’s 11 international and 22 other airports. Last year close to 56 million passengers on 336,354 flights transited through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport alone.
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And yet the special horror that air disasters evoke in the public guarantees they won’t be forgotten or ignored, unlike the daily carnage on the roads. Since 1967, there have been 12 lethal aviation accidents in Thailand, resulting in the deaths of 657 passengers and 67 crew members, along with 19 people on the ground. The death toll excludes the four terrorists who hijacked a Garuda Indonesian flight in March 1981 and diverted it to Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport, where they were killed by commandos. This was one of four hijackings involving Thai airspace. The country’s worst air disaster was in 1991 when a Lauda Air Boeing 767-3Z9ER flight crashed, killing all 223 passengers from 18 countries, including 36 Thai nationals. There were also a
FAMOUS STORIES FROM THE PAST
number of aviation-related incidents in which there were no fatalities, but in some of these cases, there were injuries. Mechanical malfunctions and pilot error have been blamed for various aviation accidents, but in many cases, the official findings have been disputed by concerned parties. A detailed account of the relatively few breaches of Thailand’s air safety record is given below.
Fatal flights August 4, 2009 (Flight PG 266) A Bangkok Airways ATR72-212A flight carrying 68 passengers and four crew members on a domestic flight from Krabi International Airport veered off the runway and hit a not-in-use control tower building at Koh Samui Airport. The captain was killed and 10 people were seriously injured. The plane was totally destroyed and the airport was out of commission for two days.
September 16, 2007 (OG 269)
November 21, 1990 (PG 125)
A One-Two-Go McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft on a domestic flight from Don Muang International Airport crash-landed in bad weather at Phuket International Airport. The plane rose sharply over the runway, stalled, crashed into an embankment on one side of the runway and burst into flames. Five of seven crew members and 85 of the123 passengers were killed, including one who died in hospital due to burns a few days after the crash. Forty people were injured, many seriously, and the plane was completely destroyed.
A Bangkok Airways de Havilland Canada DHC-8-103 plane with five crew members and 33 passengers on a domestic flight from Don Muang to Koh Samui crashed during bad weather in the midst of a coconut plantation. Everyone on board was killed.
March 3, 2001 (TF 114) While preparing for a domestic flight from Don Muang to Chiang Mai International Airport, a Thai Airways International Boeing 737-4D7 was rocked by an explosion, followed by a fire. One flight attendant was killed and seven others were injured. The plane was completely gutted. Early reports indicated that the plane was destroyed by a bomb in an assassination attempt against then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was due to board the plane shortly. However, authorities later said no explosives were found in the wreckage.
September 16, 2007
September 9, 1988 (VN 831) May 26, 1991 (NG 004) A Lauda Air Boeing 767-3Z9ER flight that originated at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong made a stop in Bangkok on its way to Vienna. Fifteen minutes March 3, 2001
May 26, 1991
December 11, 1998 (TG 261) A Thai Airways International Airbus A310-204 with a crew of 14 and 132 passengers left Don Muang on a domestic flight to Surat Thani Airport but stalled and crashed in a rice field on its third attempt to land during bad weather with low visibility. Eleven crew members and 90 passengers lost their lives. The plane was completely destroyed.
December 11, 1998
A Tupolev TU-134A jet belonging to Hâng Không Viêt Nam (Vietnam Airlines) departed Hanoi-Noi-Bai International Airport for Don Muang. The aircraft encountered a heavy
thunderstorm not far from Don Muang and was reportedly flying too low before crashing into a rice field in Lam Lu Ka district in Pathum Thani province. The plane disintegrated upon impact, with the debris covering about 500 metres. Three of the six crew members were killed and only 11 of the 84 passengers survived. August 31, 1987 (TG 365)
after the plane departed Don Muang with 10 crew and 213 passengers, it stalled and went into an uncontrollable descent before breaking up and falling into the mountainous Phu Toei National Park in Suphan Buri province. All 223 passengers from 18 countries were killed, including 83 Austrians. Thirty-six Thai nationals lost their lives in the worst airline disaster in Thai history. An investigation concluded that the cause was the uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser on the No. 1engine, resulting in a loss of control of the aircraft.
A Thai Airways Boeing 737-2P5 plane with a crew of nine and 74 passengers on a domestic flight from Hat Yai International Airport to Phuket stalled during its descent to landing and crashed into the sea about15 kilometres from the airport. All 83 people on board died. April 15, 1985 A Thai Airways Boeing 737-200 on a domestic flight from Don Muang to Phuket crashed into a mountain while
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Feature descending. The plane was totally destroyed by the impact and fire that followed. All seven crew members and four passengers died. The aircraft apparently lost both engines.
However, a short time later cracks developed in the windshield and the crew diverted the aircraft to Chumphon Airport, where the plane landed safely. August 30, 2015 (DD 7805)
April 27, 1980 (TG 231) A Thai Airways Hawker Siddeley HS748-207 Srs. 2 left Khon Kaen Airport en route to Don Muang and flew into a thunderstorm. The aircraft crashed about 10 kilometres northeast of Bangkok killing all four crew members and 40 passengers. Nine very lucky passengers survived.
A Nok Air Boeing 737-800 on the domestic route from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Don Muang was climbing with 139 passengers and six crew members when a large bird was sucked into one engine. The plane was diverted to Surat Thani Airport, where it landed safely. August 31, 2014 (DD 7805)
December 25, 1976 (MS 864) An Egypt Air Boeing 707-366C that departed from Cairo International Airport with 44 passengers and eight crew members crashed during landing into an industrial compound about two kilometres northeast from Don Muang. Everyone on board was killed, as were 19 people on the ground. December 25, 1967 (TG 002) A Thai Airways Douglas DC-3 carrying 28 passengers and four crew members crashed during landing about 200 metres from Chiang Mai airport. Two passengers and two crew members were killed.
During a Nok Air Boeing 737-800 flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Don Muang was climbing with 139 people on board, the plane flew into a flock of birds receiving a number of bird strikes. The plane was diverted to Surat Thani where it safely landed. October 6, 2013 (DD 8610) A Nok Mini Airlines Saab 340B aircraft on a domestic flight out of Chiang Mai with three crew members and 25 passengers veered off the
runway during its landing at Udon Thani International Airport, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The pilot took the decision to hit the earthen wall on the side of the runway, bringing the plane to stop. Damage to the plane was extensive. September 8, 2013 (TG 679) A Thai Airways International Airbus A330-321 with 288 passengers and 14 crew members arriving from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport in China veered off the runway during landing at Suvarnabhumi, causing the nose gear to collapse. About a dozen passengers were slightly injured and transported to the hospital. The damage to the aircraft was substantial. August 6, 2013 (DD 7411) While accelerating on the runway prior to takeoff at Trang Airport, a Nok Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 142 passengers and crew veered off the runway and came to a stop on soft ground on the side of the runway. All passengers had to disembark on the runway.
Some non-lethal aviation mishaps August 25, 2016 (Flight DD 8826) A Nok Air de Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft left Don Muang on a domestic flight to Nan Airport with 81 passengers. While climbing out of Don Muang the inboard lefthand main tyre burst. The plane immediately returned to Don Muang where it landed safely.
August 6, 2013
May 30, 2013 (DD 8714)
June 17, 2016 (DD 7313) A Nok Air ATR-72-212A on a domestic flight from Ranong to Don Muang carrying 62 passengers and four crew was climbing out of Ranong when a bird hit the captain’s windshield. As no damage was seen by the crew at first, the plane continued in its flight.
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June 17, 2016
A Nok Air Boeing 737-800 on the domestic route from Don Muang to Chiang Rai lost its right-hand nose wheel during flight. The plane with 162 people on board experienced strong vibrations in an emergency landing but was able to come to a safe stop on the remaining left-hand nose wheel.
September 11, 2005
August 3, 2008 A Boeing 747-481D All Nippon Airways craft being cleaned at a maintenance facility at Don Muang was damaged beyond repair when a cleaning agent burst into flames in the cargo area of the plane. The plane was damaged beyond repair.
October 25, 1993
June 21, 1980
The nose wheel fell off a Sahakol Air Embraer EMB-11OP2 Bandeirante during takeoff on a test flight from Don Muang. Only the two pilots were aboard the plane, which returned for an emergency landing. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Thai Airways Hawker Siddeley HS748-243 Sr.2 with 3 crew members and 18 passengers on domestic couldn’t get airborne and overrun the runway at Chiang Rai and stopped on the banks of a stream. No one was injured, but the plane was beyond repair.
April 28, 1987
September 1, 1979
A Thai Airways Hawker Siddeley HS-748-243 Srs. 2 on a domestic flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai experienced problems when its landing gear didn’t open. The plane stopped beside the runway with all four crew members and 39 passengers safe.
While en route from Hanoi-Noi Bai International Airport to VientianeWattay Aiport, a Lao Aviation Antonov AN 26 aircraft with 68 passengers and six crew members lost its way in a storm. The plane ran out of fuel and safely made an emergency landing in a cornfield near Ban Mai village inside Thailand.
September 23, 1999
Shortly after Air Vietnam Boeing 727-121C took off from Don Muang en route to Saigon-Tan Son Nhat International Airport with 48
September 11, 2005 (VAP 326) A Phuket Air NAMC YS-11-500R aircraft on a domestic flight from Don Muang with four crew members and 24 passengers skidded off a runway while landing at Mae Sot Airport. The plane hit a fence and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair. September 23, 1999 (QF 1) While making a stopover en route from Sydney to London, a Qantas Boeing 747-438 with 410 passengers and 19 crew members overran the runway during landing at Don Muang. The plane collided with a ground radio antenna and careened about 200 metres before coming to a stop with its nose on the airport perimeter road. The plane was severely damaged and about 38 people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation. October 22, 1994 A Thai Airways International Airbus A300B4-103 was damaged beyond repair after its right wing was hit by the nose of Thai Airways MD-11. The plane was performing an engine run-up when it apparently went outof-control, overrunning the parking block at Don Muang airport.
September 5, 1973
INCIDENTS INVOLVING MILITARY AIRCRAFT
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rom 1967 to 2017 there was a number of aviation accidents and mishaps involving Thai military or police aircraft in non-combat situations. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) was involved in at least 26 of these incidents; the Royal Thai Navy in two; and the Royal Thai Police in one. These incidents resulted in the deaths of 58 flight crew members plus four ground personnel. In addition, there were even non-combat incidents involving US Air Force (USAF) aircraft, resulting in the deaths of 30 flight crew and four ground crew. The USAF deployed to combat and supporting aircraft at several Thai air bases from 1961 to 1975. Planes based in Thailand went on bombing runs over South and North Vietnam and also Laos and Cambodia in what is known as America’s “Secret War.” One Air America Dougles VC-47A operated by the Central Intelligence Agency crash-landed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield on April 29, 1975. The aircraft had taken off in Saigon while Viet Cong was taking over the city. The list of military-related aviation incidents given above is incomplete. There have been a number of crashes and other accidents involving combat aircraft and trainers and helicopters belonging to the RTFA, other branches of the Thai military and USAF aircraft. It is difficult to assess the exact number. Recently an RTAF Swedish-made Saab Jas 39 multirole fighter burst into flames after it took a nose dive during the Children’s Day air show at Hat Yai airport on January 14. The pilot, 34-year-old Group Captain Dilokrit Patawee, didn’t eject and was killed.
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Feature passengers, an explosion occurred in the galley of the aircraft, injuring two stewardess and two passengers. The plane returned immediately to Don Muang and landed safely. The blast was caused by a defective broiler in the galley and not by a bomb blast as initially suspected. The plane was repaired and returned to service. May 7, 1971 During landing at Mae Hong Son Airport, a Thai Airways Douglas DC-3 on a domestic flight gave everyone on board a scare when the main wheels of the plane struck the edge of the runway. The plane bounced, veered to the left of the runway and stopped near a concrete wall. None of the four crew members and 17 passengers was injured but the plane was declared a total loss. July 9, 1969 A Thai Airways International Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle III plane with a crew of seven and 68 passengers took off from Hong Kong and was approaching Don Muang in very bad weather when the ISL (Instrument Landing System) failed. The plane made a “heavy landing”, forcing the main gear through the wings. No one was injured, but the plane was reportedly damaged beyond repair.
Mai, three armed men with knives hijacked a Thai Airways Shorts 330200 aircraft and diverted it to Chiang Rai Airport. The hijackers negotiated with authorities and were presented with a pickup truck in which they escaped into the countryside with seven hostages. The hostages were subsequently robbed and released. Two hijackers were later captured, but there is no information on what happened to the third. June 30, 1982 An Alitalia Boeing 747-243B with 260 occupants and crew was hijacked by a Sri Lankan male after the plane left Delhi-Palam Airport in India. The plane landed at Don Muang, and the man held all passengers hostage. He threatened to blow up the aircraft and demanded US$ 300,000 and to be reunited with his wife and child who were in Italy. The hijacker released a few passengers and two escaped. All remaining passengers were set free after the man’s wife and child came aboard and the ransom was paid. He family was then flown to Sri Lanka, where the hijacker was arrested and sentenced to 20 years to life.
Palembang Airport in Jakarta and Medan-Polonia Airport in Medan. Five crew members and 48 passengers were on board. The hijackers demanded the release of 80 of their comrades held in Indonesian jails, US$ 1.5 million and a plane to take the prisoners to an unspecified destination. They forced the plane to land in Penang, Malaysia, where one hysterical woman was released. The plane took off again and entered Thai airspace, finally landing at Don Muang. After three days about 20 Indonesian Kopassandha (now Kopassus) commandos received permission from the Thai government to storm the plane. Four hijackers were killed by the Indonesian commandos while Royal Thai Air Force commandos secured the tarmac to make sure none of the hijackers escaped. One pilot and an Indonesian commando died later at Bhumibol hospital in Bangkok, and two passengers, one an American, were injured during the siege and were treated in hospital. All other passengers and crew made it through the harrowing ordeal safely. The leader
Four hijackings October 6, 1981
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wo Myanmar nationals commandeered a Myanmar Airways Fokker F-28 during a flight from Myeik Airport in Myanmar to Yangon. The hijackers carried two explosive devices and made political demands. The plane landed at what was then called U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Rayong province, where the hijackers were arrested by Thai police and all 85 passengers were released unharmed. Januar y 18, 1983 During a domestic flight from Phitsanulok Airport to Chiang
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March 28, 1981
March 28, 1981 (GA 206) Five heavily armed Indonesia men belonged to the Islamic extremist group known as Komando Jihad hijacked Garuda Indonesia Airways Mc Donnell Dougles DC-9-32 plane during an internal flight between
of the hijackers, Imran bin Muhammad Zein, was captured, brought back to Indonesia and sentenced to death by a court in Jakarta.
Sources: Aviation Safety Network, AeroInside, Plane Crash Info, The Aviation Herald, and B3A Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives
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Cover story
How Banyan is developing from top Hua Hin golf course to a healthy active lifestyle destination
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or a man who makes a living around the golf course, Tjeert Kwant doesn’t take his swing too seriously. “It’s probably about time I learned to play a half-decent round, jokes the CEO of Banyan Thailand. “I spoke to John, our in-house golf pro, the other day and he’s promised to help me at least stay on the fairway.” Located on the fringes of the kingdom’s eastern coastline only moments from the heart of Hua Hin, the resort community is home to one of Thailand’s most celebrated golf courses. The par-72 facility, designed by legendary links architect Pirapon Namatra - winner of multiple “Best Golf Experience in Asia-Pacific” accolades - consistently ranks in Thailand’s top three. Nowadays, however, Banyan Thailand’s array of upscale residential, leisure, and – increasingly – villa rental and active lifestyle offerings boast a reputation on par with the championship course. Indeed, the addition of a long-term lease component and recent efforts to diversify leisure activities is part of Banyan’s wider vision to broaden its appeal beyond the green and transition it into a holistic lifestyle destination. “Even prior to the pandemic, we identified this great opportunity to support the wellbeing of our residents and guests by developing a healthy
and active lifestyle concept,” he explains. “It’s something I’ve personally been doing for many years.” A real estate veteran of almost two decades, the Dutch native cut his teeth in the nascent property markets of eastern and central Europe in the early 2000s. When the markets overheated towards the end of the decade, Kwant and his family relocated to Bangkok, beckoned by the local culture, high-quality education and healthcare institutes, and the city’s strategic location at the heart of the region. Eight years on, he made the 200-kilometre switch to Hua Hin to spearhead operations at Banyan Thailand. “It was already a great project when I arrived, but what really attracted me was the huge potential to create a destination,” Kwant says. There are only a few true destination resorts in Thailand, including Laguna on Phuket and Toscana Valley in Khao Yai, where you have this mix of quality leisure, lifestyle and residential.” Throughout Kwant’s tenure the number of permanent community members has steadily increased. Each of the bespoke villas at the Banyan Residences is designed to personal specifications and homeowners can select their preferred plots, with properties ranging from THB14 million to ultraluxury options around the THB80 million. They
Another factor behind the recent Hua Hin renaissance is the proliferation of highquality leisure activities such as windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing since restrictions on international travel encouraged tourists to holiday closer to home.
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Tjeert Kwant, CEO of Banyan Thailand TheBigChilli
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Cover story also have the privilege to become a member of Banyan Golf Club and enjoy onsite services including residential management, 24/7 security and housekeeping. any of the owners traditionally hail from Western Europe, but in recent years domestic investor interest has surged, led by an uptick in Bangkokians searching for a second home within easy reach. So, when Banyan temporarily shut part of the hotel component for renovation prior to the global pandemic outbreak, Kwant used the opportunity to replace it with a long-term rental segment, capitalising on the Covid-induced demand. Although the pandemic has inevitably accelerated this trend, he also credits shifting perceptions of Hua Hin. “It has changed exponentially from a sleepy beach town into a vibrant destination with many exciting activities for families and the younger generation,” Kwant says. I think it was often viewed as a retirement destination, but Covid in a way has done a lot to change that image. For instance, some highly influential, yet skeptical,
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bloggers, who probably wouldn’t have come if it weren’t for the border closure and the town’s proximity to Bangkok, visited last year and absolutely loved it, which goes to show how much it has to offer now.” Heartened by the heightened demand for Bangkokfriendly holiday homes, newfound target demographic and absence of foreign buyers and guests, Banyan tweaked its marketing strategy in mid-2020 to focus primarily on the Thai capital. As Kwant describes it, “being from the Netherlands, having Bangkok on your doorstep is the equivalent of a neighbouring target market the size of Belgium.” Another factor behind the recent Hua Hin renaissance, according to Kwant, is the emergence of high-quality leisure activities — both on land and at sea. Water sports, such as windsurfing, sailing and water-skiing, have long been popular on the eastern coast, but have proliferated since restrictions on international travel encouraged tourists to holiday closer to home. The opening in 2015 of world-class leisure complex True Arena,
Hua Hin has changed exponentially from a sleepy beach town into a vibrant destination with many exciting activities for families and the younger generation.
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which has already hosted major events including the WTA and ATP pro tennis circuits, in addition to featuring state-of-the-art basketball, futsal, volleyball and athletics facilities, meanwhile, has cemented Hua Hin’s reputation as a serious sports hub. want is eager to build on this momentum and the coastal city’s moment in the sun to weave the latest plans for Banyan into the wider destination’s DNA. “Since joining, we have been integrating a healthy active lifestyle concept within the community, which is something very close to my heart, and now we have the chance to formalise it,” he says. “There’s between 800 and 900 rai of land still vacant at Banyan and we are currently working with experts in various fields like health, wellness and hospitality to create a master plan for it.” The concept, which features five core pillars - active, health, wellness, social and nature - is already well represented by the golf course and other onsite leisure activities, while the initial physical component, Be
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Well Medical Centre, launched in January 2020. The primary care clinic, located onsite, is in fact the first general practitioner centre in Thailand and recently partnered with the renowned Bumrungrad Health Network to provide patients with world-class cardiology treatments. Plans, meanwhile, are afoot to add a wellness centre in the near future. “It’s a no-brainer, really, that this concept works in Hua Hin,” Kwant says, “It’s a perfect fit with everything else that is currently going on here.” Finally, the social aspect of the active lifestyle initiative is represented by the Banyan Privilege Club. In addition to receiving a slew of onsite benefits and discounts from local partners, such as Chiva-Som, an array of five-star hotels, Vana Nava Water Jungle and True Arena, Banyan hosts a series of exclusive events for the almost 1,000 members, which aim to foster a close-knit community and encourage members, including frequent golfers, Banyan residents and visitors to Be Well Medical Centre to socialise with like-minded people. A handful of well-known celebrities has recently joined the growing group too such as Thai movie star Vithaya (Pu) Pansringarm of The Last Executioner and Only God Forgives fame and world-renowned tennis coach, Sly Black, who has coached huge stars on the women’s circuit including Sloane Stephens and Cori “Coco” Gauff. These have to date included a barbecue with live music and cocktail party held at the Residences since the initiative launched last October with the inaugural ‘Banyan Privilege Club Golf Classic event. Kwant hopes to host another theme event just as soon as Thailand overcomes the latest Covid setback. Next time around, however, he aims to have knocked a few strokes off his handicap.
The primary care clinic, located onsite, is in fact the first general practitioner centre in Thailand and recently partnered with the renowned Bumrungrad Health Network to provide patients with world-class cardiology treatments.
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CLASS OF 2021 BREAK THE 500-OFFERS BARRIER TO UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE WORLD
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500+ University offers so far
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5 Oxbridge offers
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1:5 students with an offer to Top 10 ranked university
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200 Top 100 ranked university offers, 32 Top 10 offers
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US: 135 offers including 3 Ivy League, 1 Stanford
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UK: 291 offers including 163 Russell Group
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Thailand: 57 offers, including 15 Medical Programmes
1922 Charoen Krung Road Wat Prayakrai, Bang Kholaem Bangkok 10120 Thailand
Tel: +662 675-1888 Fax: +662 675-3606 Email: enquiries@shrewsbury.ac.th Website: www.shrewsbury.ac.th/riverside
Cover Story The brilliant Class of 2021 at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside are celebrating 500* offers from leading universities across the World. So far they have received 196 offers from World's top 100 universities**, and 32 offers from the Top 10 universities, including Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and University College London.
163 offers from all 24 Russell Group universities are included in this year's offer list; a phenomenal effort in what has been another trying year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and a disrupted exam season.
decided medicine was the career for me as I began to understand that medicine is a profession that will allow me to make a real difference in society. The Higher Education advisors were tremendously helpful, as they arranged seminars, assisted with my portfolio and ensured I was always on the right track."
Shrewsbury's award-winning team of higher education specialists, which now includes Ms Angela Dunham a US specialist with a wealth of experience in the industry - ensures every application is supported meticulously. The team advocates strongly for all applicants to find university courses that best match their individual needs and ambitions. Their role in the process is integral and ensures the school's reputation as the highest achieving in the region, year after year.
"Shrewsbury structures the support programme around students from as early as Year 10, so we can track their progress and meet their needs more intricately," explains Ms Rachael Walker, Shrewsbury's Associate Director of Higher Education. We focus on each individual student and tailor a programme that will yield the best result. It sounds simple and straightforward, but it takes a lot of hard work from all parties!" Some of Shrewsbury's outstanding students with Top 10 University Offers
Supported by two full-time US college specialists, Shrewsbury students continue to look closely at US universities every year, and this is reflected in a staggering 135 offers, including three offers to the Ivy League's Brown, Cornell and University of Pennsylvania. For the third year running, there is also an offer from the World's second-ranked institution, Stanford University.
The phenomenal success rate of students accepted to Medical School in Thailand and abroad is something Shrewsbury is deeply proud of. The 16 offers are headed by Prompt, who accepted his offer and will pack his bags for the famed Gonville and Caius College at Cambridge University later this year.
"I became increasingly fascinated by the workings of the human body as I progressed through each year level," Prompt explains. "It was in Year 10 that I
Heads of School Pimnara (Fin) Boondoungprasert and Wasinee (Dow) Siriboonlamom
Head of School, Fin - who was offered places at no less than five top 30 universities - says the process is excellent and allowed her to research the universities that matched passions she discovered while at Shrewsbury. "UC Berkeley has a unique program that integrates business into molecular biology, introducing undergrads to the biotech field while still encouraging a focus on social issues like sustainability and 1
accessible health care. So, I immediately realized that this might be the challenge that was meant for me," she explained.
explores the application process in detail and guides students on writing effective personal statements and essays that help them stand out.
Her fellow Head of School, Dow, agrees. "My love for a large variety of subjects, particularly my passion for Biology and History, was what drove me to apply for Human Sciences at University College, London (UCL). What drew me in was the interdisciplinary nature of it and the flexibility that this course at UCL would offer me. Shrewsbury has helped me gain the confidence in choosing a course I know that I will enjoy and not worry about not knowing what this path may ultimately hold career-wise. I am thankful for all of the support and encouragement I have received.”
Principal Mr Chris Seal concludes, "The Class of 2021 have shown tremendous resilience and strength of character, during the unsettling and challenging times that COVID-19 has brought them. I commend the work of all our staff, particularly the challenging task of our incredible Higher Education team. We are continually impressed by every student cohort that passes through the Shrewsbury gates and looks forward to seeing the next chapter of their lives unfold at university through our strong alumni network."
It is this encouragement and ability to engage universities, even in a virtual setting, regarding topics that interested her that helped one of Shrewsbury’s Sixth Form entrants, Mia, settle on her choice of university. "Attending a virtual college information course offered by Shrewsbury was what sold me on Boston University - the more I learnt about their excellent psychology program, the more confident I became that the school would be the right fit for me. I am so thankful to the school's wonderful college advisors for supporting and advising me throughout the whole process," she enthused.
* Data correct as of 20th May 2021. A number of offers and applications are pending. ** Rankings based on the QS World University rankings 2021.
Want to know what it takes to replicate these fantastic achievements? Contact our admissions team for more information here.
In a globally unprecedented situation, COVID-19 has caused upheaval with examinations; at times causing uncertainty and tension. Due to the pandemic, a somewhat strange and challenging end to their school career was inevitable. However, just like the Class of 2020, Shrewsbury has made sure that this year’s graduating students have gained the recognition earned during their school career.
The university offers may be flowing in, but the work does not stop just yet. Over the following weeks, graduating students will take part in a specially created, online, pre-university enrichment programme, which will draw on the insights of Shrewsbury alumni - another critical resource that current students can lean on throughout their later years at the school. For next year's graduating Class of 2022, the application process has already begun, with the school's unique "Jumpstart!" programme. Delivered online in the context of school closure, Jumpstart! 2
News
Phuket Sandbox – Would you, Could you, Should you?
Much is at stake and not just for the local economy. The Phuket Sandbox is being touted as a model for reopening Thailand’s tourism industry. Roughly 85% of Phuket's population relies in some form on tourism income. If you thought Phuket was quiet in 2020 without international visitors, you should see it now, devoid of all domestic tourists. Depleted and hungry doesn’t even begin to describe it. On a recent weekend the local #onephuket community rallied to a call to action from 5 Star Marine, a luxury speedboat tour operator, turned humanitarian aid champion, to help pack 5,000 Life Bag food parcels. In the past 14 days, they have delivered 46,800 meals to those in need in Phuket. Now that the Phuket Sandbox has been approved, it opens options for those of us living in Thailand as well as Thai residents returning from overseas summer trips, or even as a meeting point for those of us unable to leave Thailand, yet desperate for family reunions. Would you, could you, should you? That’s the question many have pondered as they look at the documentation required for the Phuket Sandbox.
What is the “Phuket Tourism Sandbox?” Starting this month, Phuket is waiving quarantine requirements for foreign arrivals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 under the new scheme, enabling returning Thai residents to be free to enjoy the island instead of spending 14 days in a locked hotel quarantine in Bangkok.
#Phuket1July How will it work? As far as I can see, everyone is still working out the finer details! Expect this to be an ever-developing story, as we know plans do change in Thailand. Phuket Sandbox at a glance • International arrivals must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a registered MoPH vaccine, or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). • All arrivals are required to stay in certified accommodation registered with Amazing Thailand 3
Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus certification.
Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, El Al, British Airways, and Air France.
• Travellers wishing to visit other Thai destinations must stay in Phuket for 14 nights before continuing their travel.
Yet unconfirmed, but it may be possible to transfer in Bangkok.
• The first seven-night reservation must be at one hotel, on day eight after a negative PCR test you can move to another hotel. • All ‘SHA Plus’ hotel bookings must be fully prepaid for the first fourteen nights, unless you plan to stay in Phuket under fourteen nights. • Travellers are allowed to engage in tourism activities but are advised to strictly follow the DMHTTA precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Hand-washing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – contact tracing application (Thai Chana and Mor Chana).
An island vaccinated The plan is to have 70% of the island population vaccinated before opening. Those in tourism rushed to be vaccinated, while initially the wider population felt left out. The vaccine offered in Phuket has mostly been the Chinese SinoVac, with its lower 51% efficacy rate. The advantage is that it is available and the two jabs are administered three weeks apart. Without tourism, decimated businesses are closed, many permanently, or are working with skeleton staff. Many employees returned to the provinces are not here to receive the vaccine. Phuket News on June 21st reported that as of June 18, of the targeted 466,587 people 75% had received at least one jab. These vaccination numbers are ahead of elsewhere in Thailand.
Who will come? It looks like the administrative hurdles for the Phuket Sandbox entry could be off putting to many tourists. For instance, I don’t see many families arriving with unvaccinated kids. So to answer the question posed would you, could you, should you look at the Phuket Sandbox as Thailand returnees or for family reunions? My simple answer is yes, if you have the budget for it. I would however suggest the following: Tips for choosing your Phuket Sandbox SHA+ hotel • Do your research - look at recent Trip Advisor, Google, and hotel booking site reviews. Older reviews are irrelevant.
• Join relevant Facebook Groups such as: Phuket Sandbox Better Thailand by I Asia Thailand
WHO IS FLYING DIRECT TO PHUKET? Seven airlines are resuming direct flights to and from Phuket in early July - Thai Airways, Emirates,
• What are your Phuket Sandbox requirements? Are you a returnee who needs to work remotely? Do you want a holiday after your overseas trip, or are you looking for a fabulous family reunion holiday? A warning, Phuket is not how you remember it. 4
However, the island now shows its natural beauty after years of over-tourism, it is golden. Nightlife is, how should I put it, subdued. Many restaurants remain closed, and many rental cars were taken off the island, things have changed and it will take time to gear up for tourism again.
• Choose your location carefully! If you are looking for an 'away from it all' experience and see amazing Phuket as it hasn't been seen for over thirty years, stay up north close to the airport. Or choose Kata and Karon beaches, just be aware much is closed. If you want a choice of restaurants, spas, and activities, choose areas popular with expats such as Rawai, Nai Harn, Bang Tao, Surin, and Kamala.
• Choose a hotel that has (mostly) remained open. You shouldn’t expect all services to be fully functioning after an extended period with minimal staff. Choose a hotel with a backup generator; we lost power on several occasions here in Phuket.
working spaces. Some families have rented a second room as a workspace.
I hope I have provided some insight into Phuket Sandbox and how it could apply to your family. It is a wise decision to choose to return to Thailand through Phuket whilst Bangkok still requires 14-day hotel quarantine. The worst that can happen, you’ll have a 14-day hotel quarantine in Phuket.
For me it is still too early to suggest a family reunion in Phuket. We will watch, wait and hope that this will be possible in the European winter.
Whatever you choose, you will support Phuket as it reopens its doors. Phuketians will be very grateful to you. They will cheer you for leading the way and bringing hope to their island. The chances are, that you will be walking on a glorious beach in Phuket after July 1st, saying it was definitely worth it.
• Look at hotels with privately owned residences. They had generated income through management fees even without tourist baht, and have generally maintained their standards.
I do hope so, and when I meet you on the beach, I will be the first to say 'nice to meet you. Welcome (back) to Thailand!'
• Check out the hotel's recent updates on social media. Ask questions that are important to you AND ring the hotel front desk or concierge team directly, not reservations who sometimes are remotely situated.
Little Wandering Wren is an TAT award winning travel writer who has been based in Phuket since December 2020. For more on her writing about the Phuket Sandbox and more, please visit her website www.littlewanderingwren.com
• If budget allows, book a private villa for space and options in case a subsequent lockdown may be required. You will want your own air con after sharing air with the rest of the plane!
• Your contingency planning would ensure a room with a great view, just in case of worst case scenario and a Phuket lockdown occurs. The authorities have stated that should the COVID cases on the island reach 90, they will.
• If you plan to work, ask questions about adequate desk space and especially comfy chairs for all day. Most hotel rooms were not set up as remote 5
Feature
Head to a national park to discover beautiful alternative to the beach
As Thailand slowly starts to welcome back visitors, they will be greeted by natural grandeur as well as amazing peace and quiet. They will find themselves brushing through the lush, dew-dropped tropical vegetation in the mornings, enveloped by a miasma of never-smelt-before aromas, as well as living side-by-side with the varied local wildlife. And the chance to collect stunning photos to be shared on Instagram around the world.
I decided to visit Khao Yai National Park, a United Nations World Heritage site, as it’s relatively close to Bangkok, where I live. In fact, wherever you are in Thailand a park is never far away. A quick visit to the website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will point you in the right direction.
People visit Thailand for any number of reasons; the great weather and beaches; the temples and culture; the nightlife; the fantastic food, and a myriad other attractions. This also applies to non-Thais who live here, but with travel options likely to remain limited for a while, visitors and locals who have been double-jabbed might be looking for other ways to spend their time rather than simply lazing on the beaches or taking in the temples.
On my short trip to Khao Yai I stayed inside the park to get the full benefit of the experience, sleeping and waking up with the animals, birds, and the sounds they make. One of the campsites inside the park, Lam Ta Khong Campsite, has just reopened after being closed because of Covid restrictions. Also available are more comfortable, but still basic, bungalows or lodges, where I stayed overnight (zone 1 Kong Kaeow, near the Visitor Centre) as I really didn’t fancy a snake crawling into my tent to spend the night with me. It is best to book in advance by contacting the Visitor Centre.
We are now 20 years into our new millennium, and people the world over are more aware than ever of the need to preserve the flora and fauna of our planet, and to take care of the forests and jungles. We need to do this for our own enjoyment, and for that of our children, grandchildren, and the generations to come.
If you decide to stay outside the park, the nearby Pak Chong area offers everything from two to five-star accommodation. I recommend the budget-friendly Baan Saranya Lodge, with a cosy little restaurant and bar, where you can chat about your day’s adventures.
Khao Yai is the ideal getaway, not far from Bangkok By Robin Westley Martin
Residents and tourists cannot go wrong by getting back to nature in one of Thailand’s wonderful national parks. And the third largest of these parks, Khao Yai, is only a two-hour drive from the concrete spires and traffic jams of Bangkok. Thailand’s first commissioned park, it opened to the public in 1962, and remains the most popular with visitors. Thailand now boasts 127 national parks, including marine retreats that are home to enigmatic whale sharks and multi-hued fish making their way through coral reefs, dense tracts of rainforest, humid jungles and mangrove forests, blossomcovered hills, mountains and valleys, winding cave systems, bird sanctuaries, and hundreds of waterfalls.
Khao Yai covers an area of 2,168 square km, and features five vegetation zones at different levels of elevation, from thick evergreen rainforest canopies to semi-evergeen rainforest, mixed deciduous forest on the northern slopes (400-600m); and hillside evergreen forest (over 1,000m). Before logging was banned, deforestation had created a savannah, much of which has now been reclaimed by secondary forest growth. After I arriving and parking my backpack in my little bungalow room I headed back to the Visitor Centre, which everyone has to do, to learn about what is available for you on your mini adventure. There are 6
several hiking trails, some you can choose to go on yourself, and some longer ones that you should definitely take with a ranger or guide. A few years ago even a ranger was lost in the park, never to be seen again.
Khao Yai is home to many different animal and bird species. It’s relatively easy to run into elephants, as well other mammals such as barking or sambar deer, gibbons, porcupines, and civets. More elusive species that can be seen from time to time include tigers, sun bears, Asian black bears, gaur, otters, and jackals. Many lizards and other reptiles live there, but there are no crocodiles, you might be pleased to learn. Over the last decade or so, remote cameras have discovered that the tiger population in the park is starting to slowly grow, and cubs have been caught on camera with their families. It is still very rare for a day visitor to catch sight of them, though. But who knows … you might be one of the lucky few. The nickname of a birdwatcher is a ‘twitcher’ (not the same as the social media app, twitter), and twitchers are in bird paradise in this park. Around 445 bird species have been logged in Khao Yai, and it has one of the largest populations of hornbills in Thailand. Great Hornbills and Oriental-pied Hornbills fly over and around the park offices almost daily. A Rufoustailed Robin is a rare sighting in Thailand, and has only been reported in Khao Yai. Other rare species can be seen daily. Jungle fowl like wild chickens are very common and are found near to accommodations, and beyond. Other relatively common ground dwelling birds like green-legged partridge and Siamese Fireback are common throughout the park. The best time for a twitcher to visit Khao Yai is during the drier months, and from March to April, when the big bird migration to Thailand really gets underway.
You have to remember that Khao Yai is not a zoo, the animals are wild, living in their own habitat, and they roam or fly where they will in search of food or water. As such you are never guaranteed to see just that particular animal you were hoping to see.
The staff at the Visitor Centre are very helpful, and they suggested that I take a shorter trail by myself, and a longer one with a guide or ranger, who would be more likely to take me to the right place at the right time, to see the animals I wanted to see. I am glad I took them at their word.
The one-kilometre hiking trail I followed from near the Visitor Centre was just right to get me acclimatized to the surroundings, and I even saw a troop of monkeys, plenty of birds, and a large green snake coiled around a tree branch, which I carefully skirted my way around.
The next day I went on a longer hike with a ranger and several other hardy adventurers. Hiking in Khao Yai is always going to be interesting, but it is not a walk in the park. Be prepared to sweat a bit as you climb to higher elevations, and make sure you have enough water to drink. But it is all worth it when you come across a stag drinking from a clear blue pool, or a family of wild elephants feeding from the green trees and other vegetation. Khao Yai is bursting with waterfalls, something I love, and always like to linger by. The most popular falls are Haew Narok, the largest in the park and located near the southern entrance, and Haew Suwat in the eastern section, made popular by the movie ‘The Beach’ (yes, they filmed many scenes here, not on an island). Swimming is not allowed at any of the waterfalls in the park. Other sights include the Nam Pak Chi observation tower, which is accessed from an easy half-mile walk from the main road, along a path that 7
begins a short one-mile drive north of the Visitor Center.
Although I had a great time staying in the park, I did feel like I deserved a bit of pampering, and I checked in to the nearby Baan Saranya Lodge, not at all expensive, and I had the comfort of an air-conditioned room, hot showers … and a nice little bar!
While in the park I chatted to a few tourists who could not stop talking about the mini-tour they had taken, just outside the park, where they had seen a massive swarm of up to two million bats flying out of their caves into the night sky. They had told me that the cheapest guys offering the tour were ‘Greenleaf, and that they had an English-language website. I booked a tour from my mobile phone right there and then, while I was still in my basic bungalow in the park.
Moving on we drove down a dirt track and parked in a field with a few other trucks containing tourists from higher-end guesthouses and travel agencies. We talked to other members of the group for a bit, listening to our guide talk about the history of the cave and the lives of the bats that call it home, while we waited for them to make their big appearance. The obviously wellrehearsed monologue of the guide was making me start to think that this tour was maybe a tad over-hyped.
And then we saw them! First, they trickled out a few at a time, but quickly they formed into a thick black ribbon, erupting from the cave mouth, swirling and snaking around the sky above us. It was mesmerizing; two million bats moving as one gyrating column. The bats come out just before sunset and take about two hours to fully exit the cave, though there’s really only about half an hour of prime viewing time before it gets too dark to take photos or see what’s going on. But for a good half-hour you don’t want to miss a second. You will be staring up at the sky the whole time, and it is a sight you will never forget. Two million bats! Unbelievable! I think that my bat experience was the perfect way to end my short trip to Khao Yai. I feel disappointed in myself that I have not taken the time to visit it before – a mistake now rectified. I will be heading there again for sure as there is still so much yet to see. Maybe I’ll bump into some of you guys who have read this piece. Hope so!
After a very satisfying hot shower in my new accommodation I had a simple Thai meal and a nice cold beer. Despite the bad name bats have gained (particularly since their apparent association with Covid-19) I was still looking forward to my encounter with them. I headed over to Greenleaf at about 1.00 pm, where my tour was due to start from, and hung around with a couple of people, chatting while we downed a cold one. When the tour rolled out at 3.00 pm our Greenleaf group was joined by another two truckloads of tourists. Our first experience was along the side of the road, where our guide spotted a weird-looking spider and a long black snake, which he told us was non-poisonous. When we made our first real stop, a local natural spring, the guide said there was not enough time to go for a swim, but a couple of girls jumped in anyway. 8
Meet the Chef
Chef Pakpilai Chainman, Head chef at Sirimahannop the heritage
Questions: Chef’s short description Chef Pakpilai Chainman, Head Chef at Sirimahannop
Chef Pakpilai Chainman is the highly skilled chef, funny, friendly and easy-going. Chef Som (as she is better known) demonstrates the authentic charm and elegance of Thai culture and cuisine. Chef Som started out as Commis at Thien Dong, the Vietnamese restaurant at Dusit Thani. She was then appointed by the popular Ku De Ta restaurant in Bangkok, where she created the menu of contemporary Asian cuisine. Having moved into the hotel dining sector, she worked at some of Thailand’s most impressive international properties, including The St. Regis Bangkok and, more recently, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Now, still only 36, she brings her immense talent to Sirimahannop, which is docked on the banks on Bangkok’s “River of Kings”.
Full Name & Position Pakpilai Chianman, Head Chef at Sirimahannop The Heritage
Why cooking as a career? I want to cook as good as my mom and I want to cook for her just like she cooks for me.
Two biggest influences on your career? My mother who I found to be a finest chef.
Secondly, Itthi Nitayaporn who is my role model and great teacher. He is very detail-oriented and supportive. He always inspire me to do something that I don’t dare to.
9
Have you ever created an entirely new dish? Best early kitchen experience? Goji kitchen + Bar, though it’s not early but sure was a big lesson. On a busy day, we cooked breakfast for more than 2000 persons and buffet dinner for more than 500 persons.
“Gulf of Thailand spicy eggplant curry” I have created my own curry paste recipe with herbs and spices. You can try this dish at Sirimahannop ;)
Greatest achievement to date? Part of the opening team for Sirimahannop.
Worst experience? Honestly nothing. There is always some challenge working in the kitchen, but I always feel proud of myself when I get through them.
Who would you like to cook for? My mother, as she always cook for me ever since I was little.
Best meal you’ve ever had? Eating at this local Southern shack in Krabi with my best-friend. It was just simple and delicious. I believe good memories are always consist of good company & good food.
Utensils you can’t do without? Can’t imagine cooking without a knife.
Music you listen to while cooking? What’s your cooking philosophy?
Alternative rock. It drives my energy
I want to cook better every day. The world is moving and I need to move with it.
What’s your favorite dish to cook for yourself? Something spicy!
What’s your signature dish? Green beef curry with my secret ingredients.
Favorite dish cooked by someone else? Tom Yum Goong, extra spicy please!!!
Favourite cookbook? “150 recipes from Scandinavian”
Which restaurant above all others would you like to work for? Any restaurant with a unique concept of food. Stories behind each dish should be told.
Most difficult ingredient to cook with? Game meat (อาหารป่ า), it is popular in Scandinavian but I am not too familiar with it.
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? Can’t imagine myself without a chef Jacket.
How do you keep in touch with the latest food trends?
What’s next for you? Cooking is still my next best thing.
I follow famous chefs on social media channels. To have open mind is the start. 10
NEWS
Sail into the sunset with 137 Pillars spirit motor yacht
boat. The pristine waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving, with inviting sandy beaches perfect for swimming and relaxing. Sail through sparkling lagoons and see the majestic limestone cliffs and overhanging rock formations. Canoes can be rented from local suppliers to sail into interior lagoons to see spectacular tropical rainforest.
Mai Ton and Racha Islands Just south of Phuket, the Racha Islands with secluded coves, clear waters and powdery beaches are a haven for fishing aficionados. This area often attracts larger marine life such as giant barracudas, reef sharks, manta rays and occasionally a whale.
137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts have added a luxurious new offering to their collection with the launch of 137 Pillars Spirit, their sleek Azimut 55 flybridge motor yacht, based out of Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket.
To find the best spots it is recommended to hire a fishing guide. Vibrant and diverse marine life congregate round the hard coral reef and granite boulders, with underwater visibility up to 30 meters in good conditions. The water is crystal clear for swimming and snorkelling with plenty of areas to visit. Along the way lies the secluded private Island of Mai Ton with white beaches away from the main tourist thoroughfares which can be accessed for a fee.
137 Pillars Spirit can accommodate up to 12 people for a chartered half or full day cruise with optional catering, or explore further afield on overnight excursions and onboard staycations.
Krabi or the Phi Phi Islands
On-Board Staycations
The yacht can accommodate up to six people overnight with two double cabins and one twin. The master cabin has its own en-suite. Join Captain Boonchom and his experienced crew from Asia Marine for an enjoyable and memorable cruise.
While scheduled options include the following, personalized itineraries can be arranged in accordance with guests’ specific requirements. Catering showcases delicious Thai cuisine with a vegetarian menu option and a choice of beverage packages.
Extend your trip into the Andaman Sea and Krabi where you visit the amazing ‘Hong’ islands along the way and visit white sandy beaches only accessible by sea. Alternatively, cruise to the beautiful Phi Phi archipelago; a cluster of islands that house some of the bay’s most spectacular sights. This area is famous for its clear turquoise waters. Visit Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Railay and Maya Bay which became famous in the 1998 movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio.
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Some of the smaller islands off the coast of Phuket offer unique sights and are easily accessible by 11
Meet The Chef
Chef Lijo George
exacting conditions to prepare high quality Mediterranean cuisine.
“This was a very fast learning curve for me,” he says. “I had gained valuable practical experience in India, and now I was working to produce a full menu using raw ingredients sourced locally and overseas, accommodating dietary requirements, helping to cater for large and prestigious events, and also learning restaurant management.”
Chef Lijo George at Blue by Alain Ducasse, IconSiam, Bangkok
Joining the opening team of Blue by Alain Ducasse in 2019, and proudly celebrating alongside his colleagues when the restaurant achieved its first Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Thailand for 2021, executive sous chef Lijo George is now an eight-year veteran of the Alain Ducasse Group.
Born in Kerala in Southern India, Chef Lijo completed his studies in culinary and hospitality management in 2008 and began his professional career working in hotels and restaurants in his home state before in 2010 moving to Dubai to work for French chef Yannick Alleno.
Early in 2013, Alain Ducasse recruited Chef Lijo as his chef de partie at IDAM, the Alain Ducasse restaurant on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. The restaurant serves Contemporary French Mediterranean cuisine with elements of Arabic cooking, and has picture-perfect views of Doha’s Corniche and skyline.
“This is a very prestigious restaurant indeed,” says Lijo. “I was again in a position to learn much, as I worked closely with the head chef and sous chef, developing new dishes and menus, and handling banquets, often being given full independence to do so.” Two years later, Chef Lijo moved with Alain Ducasse to Hong Kong, where he worked at the one-Michelinstar Spoon by Alain Ducasse, in the InterContinental Hong Kong, for 18 months, and then joined the preopening team for RecH by Alain Ducasse, when the restaurant transitioned from Spoon at the beginning of 2017.
As chef de commis at Alleno’s 101 Dining, One&Only The Palm, a beachfront resort on Dubai’s Palm Island, Lijo quickly gained experience working in the most 12
Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Numerous celebrities and high profile guests have of course dined at the restaurants over the years.
If you hadn’t become a professional chef working for renowned restaurants what would you have been?
Rech, which specialised in imported French seafood, won a Michelin star just nine months after opening. “That was a very special moment,” says Lijo.
A farmer! I love the thought of growing something from the beginning, cultivating and caring for until it reaches its full potential, seeing the progress and working towards a quality product by working with Mother Nature.
Who is your greatest role model in cooking and why? The completion of the massive IconSiam development on the riverside at the Thonburi bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, looking across the water to the towers of the city centre, presented a fresh opportunity for the development of the Alain Ducasse Group, and Blue by Alain Ducasse opened in late 2019 with Lijo as executive sous chef in the pre-opening team and continuing through the grim period of the pandemic.
Romain Meder. He is French, and has worked for many years alongside Alain Ducasse. I cooked with him from 2013 to 2014. His dedication to his craft was all-inspiring, and it helped craft a vision for my future self.
Who or what inspired you to become a professional chef? At Blue, Lijo is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the kitchen as per the exacting Alain Ducasse standards, and works closely with the executive chef in developing and preparing the Contemporary French fine dining menus.
“We have 21 kitchen staff, including the pastry and bakery team, and I have responsibility for their management, training and assessments,” says Lijo. “Moving to Bangkok was a big challenge for me, and of course the pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for everyone. But we were immensely motivated when we received our Michelin star in late 2020, and of course we all look forward to getting back to business as normal.”
Of course, Chef Alain Ducasse. His philosophy inspired me in the beginning of my career. Put basically, he believes that nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration: it is nature that dictates the rhythm of the kitchen, of the farmers, breeders and fishermen. Conscious of his responsibility to the preservation of natural resources, he works only with seasonal produce, produced naturally or fished durably.
Have you ever cooked for royalty, international celebrities or other high profile people?
Yes, royalty includes Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, sister of the Emir of Qatar, and 13
What are the three mandatory qualifications of a great chef?
1. Attention to detail. 2.Team player. 3. Creativity.
What’s your best dish currently?
That's a difficult question to answer. I would say every dish I make gets better and better. The one that comes to mind at the moment is a dish made of scallops and black garlic.
What makes a dish outstanding?
Quality produce and focused flavours.
14
EXPAT LADIES
Spreading the benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine
The awareness of holistic health and wellness has become prevalent in people’s lives in recent years, even more so with the advent of Covid. It is not however a new trend; nurturing good health was a way of life in ancient India where Ayurvedic wellness was practiced thousands of years ago.
followed her studies with a Diet and Nutrition course on line from London.
Talking with Dr. Arora about her work, one is immediately taken by her enthusiasm and dedication to her craft. She says it has been her life’s mission and passion since early age. Dr. Arora, who was born and has lived in Thailand most of her life, spent her formative years studying in India at the Himalayan foothills. When asked what compelled her to take this path in life, she discloses how she was inspired by observing her grandmother heal herself from numerous inflammations, the body having had rejected medicines given by her doctors. She knew then what she wanted to do with her life, “It is my Path,” says Dr. Arora with a smile.
Dr. Arora started her career in Thailand consulting at the Suchada Marva Healing Center in Bangkok, at a time of little awareness of Ayurvedic healing. Much of her work was freelancing, giving talks at hospitals and spas all over the country – “spreading the knowledge,” she says. In 2010 she set up her own wellness center after the launch of her book the previous year, ‘A New Age Manual for the New Mothers - Postnatal and Beyond.’
Still widely used in India today, Ayurvedic medicine has changed and refined over the years and is now available outside of India, including in Thailand. Meet Dr. Dimple Arora, an Ayurvedic medicine and wellness practitioner. Educated and trained in Pune, India, in advanced Ayurvedic medicine at the Internal Academy of Ayurveda, earning the degree of Master of Ayurvedic Medicine (MDAM), Dr. Arora
The book that propelled her to fame was the product of meeting new mothers at BAMBI (Bangkok Mothers and Babies International) who had urged her to compile a guide for raising a child naturally. The book was a great success and was translated into Thai to reach a wider readership. The proceeds of the book sales 15
benefitted women and children, empowering the mothers to take charge of their lives. Dr. Arora avers that the book was her ‘launch pad’ to become a professional consultant.
wide range of Super Food supplement products can be ordered and purchased on line. Always innovative, seeking ways to transmit and teach the values of holistic healing, Dr. Arora launched in late 2019 a program she calls ‘Ayurveda Prevention Power’ offered twice a year, a course that she had distilled to make it engaging, and teaches people to look after themselves. The course also offers a healing kitchen workshop, a favorite which she seems to value most. Dr. Arora’s wellness center known as ‘Golden Awareness Wellness & Urban Ayurveda’ located in Sukhumvit Soi 39 offers treatments, consultation, natural food supplements, workshops and retreats, is a welcome presence of the new age (and ancient) approach to staying healthy and fit. How does she advertise? It is mostly by word of mouth and also via social media. When asked what her plans for the future are, Dr. Arora says that she would like to become a trainer in her field and set up an academy in Bangkok like the one she had attended in Pune. She has a network of teachers ready, but the time has to be right. Dr. Arora wants to make it a niche program, focus on her goals and not waste time and energy on peripheral issues. Her message is, “Getting the knowledge out and let the people come and learn.” www. Goldenawareness.com Tel 66-81-8400640
It was interesting to learn from Dr. Arora the numerous benefits of Ayurvedic medicine such as improving blood plasma, diffusing common infections and more. Her long research of Ayurvedic healing culminated in Dr. Arora’s production of her own line of what she calls ‘super food supplements.’ This process evolved gradually after treating and healing her elderly mother-in-law’s chronic conditions holistically. The super foods supplements are created at a special kitchen set up at her home. “It is a niche business,” she explains, one that adheres to primary sources in nature, emphasized by Dr. Arora’s motto “upgrade to purity.” The 16
EXPAT LADIES
“Don’t just be good, become the best” By Agneta de Bekassy So says Anna Frummerin, a wellness expert from Sweden who was recently named Winner of the Advanced Toastmasters Southeast Asia competition. It’s yet another award for Anna who has a long list of credits in a successful career - Health Pedagogic, Personal Trainer, Certified Executive and Life Coach, Action Learning Team Coach, and MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience working in the corporate sector. Born in Stockholm, Anna decided at a very young age to leave her homeland and explore the world. She first went to Italy, a country that caught her imagination. With her blond hair, confidence, great sense of humor and endless charm, there’s no doubt Anna proved rather popular to Italian men. But it was a fellow Swede who stole her heart, not one of many adoring Italian males. That man was Anders Frummerin, whom she had worked with in the same company in Sweden after finishing her studies. She tells how she first laid eyes on Anders at an awards ceremony: tall, extremely good looking with thick hair and blue eyes. He was delivering a speech that really impressed her. They met later at a private party and fell madly in love. It was meant to be, says Anna.
She tells how she first laid eyes on Anders at an awards ceremony: tall, extremely good looking with thick hair and blue eyes. He was delivering a speech that really impressed her. They met later at a private party and fell madly in love. It was meant to be, says Anna. Since 2016 the couple and their two children have resided in downtown Bangkok. As a young girl, Anna lived in northern Sweden, and then moved to Gävle for her university studies. Immediately after graduation she headed to Stockholm to begin a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
But it was a fellow Swede who stole her heart, not one of many adoring Italian males. That man was Anders Frummerin, whom she had worked with in the same company in Sweden after finishing her studies.
As far back as she can recall, Anna displayed great interest in people’s health, or perhaps more appropriately, their lack of good health. As proof of that interest, she went on to earn a degree in the new field of wellness.
Beginning her career as a sales representative, she eventually became responsible for five countries marketing various different portfolios as product manager. “It was a hectic time and I often felt guilty as I did not have as much time for my family as I had wished. 17
Thankfully my family did not blame me for being so dedicated to my work.” The chance to live a less stressful life came in 2016 when her husband was offered a job in Bangkok. The family did not hesitate to leave Sweden for a new adventure in Asia, but the children were, at the beginning, not too thrilled. Anna saw a possibility to take a break, to reflect on her life and relax. The first years in Bangkok were spent concentrating on her own wellbeing. But it didn’t take long before she started to study to become a PT (Personal Trainer). She wanted to get in shape, but coaching was her real passion, so when she heard about ICF (International Coaching Federation), the world’s biggest coaching organization, she decided to study the subject and eventually became an Executive and Life Coach. In March 2018, Anna won the highest credentials in exam. Today Anna coaches and organizes workshops and training session, but she has already taken the next step in her career. Earlier this year, Anna won The Advanced Toastmasters Club Completion Southeast Asia 2021 award.
to chartered status to be recognized as official Toastmasters Clubs. Meetings concentrate on Public speaking, Communication, Leadership, and Confidence. In Thailand there are currently about 30 clubs, with another four of five planned. The first Toastmasters club Anna visited in Bangkok didn’t feel right for her. The clubs are all different. A friend suggested Anna try another, The Advanced Toastmasters Club. Here she immediately felt that she belonged. This club is located at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit soi 20 and there is another one at The Tawana Bangkok on Surawong. The people she met were likeminded from all over the world and the atmosphere very warm and welcoming. Anybody can become a member of a Toastmaster club – business professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers, parents, graduates and housewives. The aim is the same: to become a confident speaker. Anna says that becoming a member of The Advanced Toastmasters Club has enriched her life. “The best thing I have done in my entire life (except giving birth to two wonderful children).” She has become a confident speaker and she has learned how to think on her feet, getting out of her comfort box. “I have participated in Public Speaking Contests, winning three and second in one.” Anna won the first prize in The Advanced Toastmasters Club Southeast Asia, the highest level you can reach in Thailand, on June 30th, the Swedish Mother’s Day. “To deliver a speech in public and to keep your audience’s attention is not easy. You are not allowed to have a cheat sheet. Speeches for the competitions are about six minutes long and to remember everything and perform in a confident and professional way is hard and takes nerves,” she says.
When most of us hear the word toastmaster, we think of weddings and other formal events, but Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley with its main office located in Englewood, Colorado, USA. Throughout its history, Toastmasters has involved more than four million people in 145 countries, teaching them to learn public speaking and leadership skills, and to become a confident and professional speaker. Every club operates as a separate entity, but has to follow a set of requirements leading
“I practiced so many times Anna confesses, but I would never have been able to win without my mentor, Mr. Arnie Aniel. He has been with me the whole way, inspiring me, listening to me, and encouraging me.” “It’s the teamwork that is so important and having someone who stands up for you and tells you honestly what you are doing wrong and what you have to improve, while praising you when you do something good is really important.” Nowadays Anna tells people to give Toastmasters a chance. She insists it can change one’s life for the better. “It’s never too late” 18
Anna’s winning speech was a very personal and honest speech about her and her husband’s relationship. How they fell in love, how later they became like strangers to each other, how they looked for help and how they found the way back to each other.
Anna realized that it wasn’t her husband she wanted to fight, but herself. She had turned into a person she didn’t want to be and she learned how to change her mind, understanding herself, acceptance and trust. Today she and her husband don’t fight, but support each other.
“We have become a winning team and we know today that we can overcome problems, find solutions and accept each other’s differences, seeing it like something valuable.”
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