The BigChilli Feb 2012 by The BigChilli Co., Ltd.

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FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT IN BANGKOK

February 2012 10 INSIGHT News, letters, reporters’ notebook, and more 22 FAITH IN RAITH Soccer mad Brit John Sim explains why he invested in Raith Rovers 26 JOKES Laughter’s the world’s best medicine. There’s buckets of the stuff here 28 SCHOOL REPORT A round up of news from Bangkok’s best international schools 37 GOURMET A round up of all the best restaurant deals and gourmet events in Bangkok 60 FOODLAND IN FOCUS We speak to Foodland’s managing director about the company’s rise to success 68 COVER STORY Secret Bangkok - 20 places most expats don’t know about but should 74 SELLING TROUBLE ON THE STREETS An investigation into the dangerous ‘weapons’ sold openly on Bangkok’s streets 79 TIME OFF Exhibitions, performances, sport, movies and more 91 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures 114 MOTORING We test drive the MINI Cooper S Coupe 117 TRAVEL Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations WWW.THEBIGCHILLI.COM

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When a restaurant opens next door to your home, it’s a life changing experience KHUN Lek, his wife and five children have lived in the same detached house on a leafy lane in one of Bangkok’s better residential areas for more than 40 years. The property and its location are simply ideal, and Khun Lek, a genuinely modest man, has always counted his blessings. This scene of domestic bliss was shattered recently when his next door neighbour – a pleasant and friendly fellow – bowed to the wishes of his grown-up children and allowed them to turn the family house into a pub and restaurant, while the parents moved elsewhere. Khun Lek feared the worst, and this new business arrangement a few meters from his front door did not disappoint. At first, it was the parking that bothered him and his family. In the past, there was never a problem accessing the front gate, or even parking their cars outside the house. But rather too soon, as the pub’s popularity quickly grew, cars parked outside the restaurant and turned the two-way lane outside their house into a one-way lane. There was the noise of the cars themselves, of course, plus the loud voices of customers coming and going, and the music being blasted out of giant speakers or from a live band. This continued nightly till midnight, and sometimes much later. There was always a mess too – cigarette butts by the score, empty bottles and cans, and, worst of all, drunk men urinating in Khun Lek’s front lawn. Factor in the smell of the cooking, and the odours wafting through Khun Lek’s home were not pleasant at all. Being a ‘nice’ guy, Khun Lek accepted this change in his family’s fortunes. But after several months, the pub was getting busier, noisier, dirtier and smellier than ever – and he could take it no more. At first he asked ever so politely if his neighbours could tone down their impact on his family’s life and be more respectful of their right to peace and quiet. Despite promises to do so, they never materialized. With no options left, Khun Lek took his case – a very good one – to the courts. But to his utter dismay, his case was eventually thrown out, leaving the pub to carry on regardless. The only explanation, he thought, were some unidentified ‘powerful’ figures behind the pub venture. He realized he didn’t stand a chance. To this day, the pub continues to make life a misery for Khun Lek. He’s thought of other options, including erecting his own mega speakers in the garden to compete with the neighbour’s noise, huge fans to blow back the smell of cooking, and even releasing a swarm of rodents to scare off beer-swilling customers and their girlfriends. But what he wants more than anything is a change in the law to stop selfish, thoughtless and greedy people being granted licences to open pubs and bars in essentially residential areas, and wrecking others’ lives.

WRITE

The BigChilli Company Ltd., 1/7 5th Fl. Room 504, Siboonrueng Bldg. 2, Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, TheBigChilli Bangkok 10500

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Sadly, Khun Lek’s nightmare is repeated day after day in hundreds of different ways in Bangkok. This laissez-faire attitude may amuse visitors and enrich the already rich, but for the majority of citizens, it needs to be heavily curtailed and controlled.

Globalization = Global Woes PEOPLE living on the west coast of Africa rarely get to eat the best fish from oceans on their doorstep because it is exported to countries willing and able to pay prices that are beyond the means of local consumers. Similarly, much of the best fruit from Southeast Asia now goes to wealthy buyers in Japan, Hong Kong and Shanghai. And it’s often the case that only a few people in oil-producing actually get to benefit from the sale of their national treasure. This, and much more, happens in the name of globalization, the state which bankers, financiers and politicians have sought for years to impose upon us. The examples mentioned here present just one aspect of a complex and all-embracing story, but they nonetheless underline the inequities that can and often do appear in a system that pays no respect to national borders or sovereignty. Proponents of this global economy are increasingly facing their critics. It’s manifesting in countries like oil-rich Nigeria, where rebel organizations are currently railing against the unfair sharing of revenue from the sale of oil. In Greece, people are now realizing how shortsighted its government was to sign away the country’s independence to join a club of bigger member nations who, invariably, were destined to tell the Greeks eventually how to run their economy. Indeed, throughout Europe, people are demonstrating their opposition to cuts in government spending caused by being part of a system that is creaking under the weight of so many under-performing economies. Criticism of globalization is on the increase everywhere as people come to understand how, among other things, it is indeed a global phenomenon that restricts their freedom to run their own economies in the way that suits them best, as they did in the past. How did we reach this situation? The global economy has been driven mainly by the rich nations for a variety of not necessarily altruistic reasons, so when their finances are in a mess, as they are today, the rest of the world feels the backlash. Never has that old adage “When America sneezes, the rest of the world gets a cold” been more appropriate. While it’s not practical or realistic for a country to stand entirely alone, it would be well advised to keep a distance and build as far as possible a self-sustaining economy.

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Publisher Colin Hastings colin1066@hotmail.com MANAGING Editor Adam Purcell adambigchilli@gmail.com Editor Nina Hastings ninabigchilli@gmail.com Associate Editor Narumol Trachoo aombigchilli@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Manager Rojjana Rungrattwatchai sendtorose@gmail.com Account Executive Thana Pongsaskulchoti thanabigchilli@gmail.com Accounting Manager Saranya Choeyjanya fatcatbigchilli@gmail.com Art & Production Arthawit Pundrikapa, Jaran Lakawat Photography Mini Bike Gang and WJ Contributing Writers Anette Pollner, Stella Davies, Johanna DeKoning, Lauren Emms, Maxmilian Wechsler, Paul Hewitt

Our online handle is ‘thebigchillimagazine’. Simply type this into Facebook’s search box, find the image of our magazine, then just click add.

We are now on Twitter. Find out what’s happening around town, which events to attend, parties to be seen at, and read all the juicy gossip! Follow us at ‘TheBigChilliMag’ No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The BigChilli Co., Ltd. The opinions and views of the writers are not necessarily the views of the publishers. All details are deemed correct at the time of print, the publisher, the editor, employees and contributors can not be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or amend any submitted artwork, photographs, illustrations and manuscripts. The BigChilli welcomes unsolicited contributions but assumes no responsibility for the safe-keeping or return of such materials damaged or lost in transit.

The BigChilli Company Ltd., 1/7 5th Fl. Room 504, Siboonrueng Bldg. 2, Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02 233 1774-6, 02 266 7141 Fax: 02 235 0174 e-mail: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com AD Amontre_May11.indd 1

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TheBigChilli

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INSIGHT INBOX

letters It’s your

Has anything we’ve written touched a nerve? Agree or disagree with our views? Put pen to paper or fingers to keys and get in touch: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

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GOING DIGITAL

■ WOW. I’ve just looked at your new e-magazine version of the BigChilli. It’s great. Just like the hard copy. I’ll be telling my friends overseas they can now stay in touch with Thailand and the expatriate scene here through this new channel. I like it too because it’s free!!! Well done. Claire Wells

ER LETT HE OF T TH MON

ARABIAN NIGHTS AND DAYS

ESCORT DANGER

■ I ENJOYED reading your story about “Arabian Nights and Days on Sukhumvit.’ I’ve been frequenting the area for years and love its unique atmosphere. The restaurants here serve the best Middle Eastern food in Thailand, or maybe even in South Asia, and the shopping is very interesting. The narrow lanes do get very crowded, but it’s always very friendly. I’ve never felt intimidated or threatened, which I can’t necessarily say about other parts of this lower end of Sukhumvit, especially those frequented by ladyboys. For your information and for others like me who enjoy Bangkok’s ‘Little Arabia,’ the building now under renovation between Sukhumvit 3 and 5 is apparently going to become a shopping mall like Mahboon Krong. I reckon the area’s ‘Arabisation,’ (if there’s such a word) will continue in that building. C. Haydon, Bangkok

■ THE ‘Twilight world of a Bangkok escort’ (BigChilli 01/12) was an interesting read that sent a shiver down my spine. I really just don’t get how some women can be so cold and calculating. I’m the wife of an American expatriate and my husband and I have been living in Bangkok for five years. A mutual friend of ours, Martin, recently visited us from the States and whilst here he fell in love with a Thai lady. He said he met her at a big shopping mall in the centre of town. According to him, she was very sweet, sophisticated and also had great taste in fashion. We were very happy for him. But not so long after he went back, he was discussing buying a condo on Sukhumvit Road for this lady. We told him not to send any money to her, but he trusted her completely and he did. However, after he sent the money the lady stopped answering his emails and calls, and basically disappeared. We knew little about her so couldn’t trace her. Martin was left out of pocket and heartbroken. Now, after reading your story, I can’t help but think that maybe the lady he met was an escort who reeled him in and played him for a fool. Male readers beware! Melissa C.

WRITE AND WIN! OUT TO DINNER ■ THANK you BigChilli for listing all the new restaurants and bars that have opened in Bangkok (BigChilli 01/12). It seems like the city of angels is always coming up with innovative ideas and trends in terms of F&B, and as a big foodie I find it very exciting. I feel sorry for the new restaurateurs though – with so much competition in town, it must be hard for them to make much money. I, for one, will be doing my best to support them by trying out as many of the new places on your list as possible. Who’s with me? Thonglor Janice

1,000 baht Food by Phone voucher could be yours ! Have you seen or heard something interesting/strange/weird in Bangkok that you just have to share? Have a burning issue you want to get off your chest? Have an opinion/rant/rave that you want to see in print? Write to us and you could win a 1,000 baht voucher from popular food delivery service Food by Phone! To win, simply write what we reckon to be the best letter of the month, and we’ll send you a voucher. Write to us at: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com Deadline for March issue is Feb21. For more info about Food by Phone and its partner restaurants see: www.foodbyphone.com

TheBigChilli

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INSIGHT NEWS

Urgent call to help former Bangkok Patana pupil stricken with cancer Father of Michaela Beasley killed in Surat Thani air crash in 1998 ■ A FORMER Bangkok Patana School pupil, whose father was tragically killed in an air crash in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, in 1998, is facing an uncertain future after being told the cancer she thought had been beaten last year has returned – and will require more expensive medical treatment if she is to survive. Michaela Shoebotham, nee Beasley, who lived in Thailand for 12 years, believed the cancer she had battled for a year was in remission, only to face a sudden deterioration in the her health recently as the disease returned. With the family’s finances exhausted, Michaela’s mother Anne Marie reluctantly turned to old friends, explaining that unless some financial help is forthcoming, her daughter will not be able to receive the new round of medical treatment needed to keep her alive. Michaela’s plight was brought to light through Karen Wainwright, a longtime Bangkok resident and friend of the Beasleys. Karen is now hoping that others who also knew the family, and recalled the untimely death of Phil Beasley, will come to their assistance. In an email to the BigChilli, Karen explained the situation: “Michaela is a

lovely 26-year-old woman, living in S. Africa, with a husband and two young sons. She has everything to live for. “Her dad, Phil, worked in Thailand for Castrol in the days when it was run by Bryan Baldwin, but was tragically killed in the Surat Thani air crash. After his death, Michaela’s mother worked at Bangkok Pattana School, and later the family returned to the UK. “In 2011 she was diagnosed with cancer. She bravely fought it for a year and prior to Christmas 2011 she was hoping it was in remission. However, tests were inconclusive, and more scans were required. At New Year, she was told that her cancer was not only back in full force but had spread. “She now has to start the fight all over again. Being a young, healthy woman she had not thought to take out health insurance. Although she now has insurance, it does not cover pre existing conditions such as the cancer. Last year’s medical bills came to about 50,000 UK pounds. The family has exhausted their savings to cover these bills. “Michaela now desperately needs help to fund her treatment. She is undergoing chemo, and will need a bone

marrow transplant. She, reluctantly, contacted all her friends to ask for help. Many of her friends are now involved in trying to come up with fundraising ideas. “I am sure there are many expats who will remember the Beasley family and would wish to help.” Anne Marie also spoke of her shock at learning that the cancer had returned. “After thinking we would be able to say goodbye to 2011 and Michaela would be able to start 2012 healthy, it wasn’t to be unfortunately. “The situation is urgent. Michaela was hospitalised because her white blood cell count is rock bottom which means she can’t receive chemo to kill the cancer - which means she won’t be able to have a bone marrow transplant, which means she will die.” Michaela has a blog (with information on how to donate), on http://youmeandthebigc.blogspot.com. Her story is on the left hand side of the page. She updates it daily, if she is feeling up to it. NOTE: Michaela’s father was among the 101 people killed when a Thai Airways International A310-200 crashed on its third landing attempt during in heavy rain and strong winds just outside Surat Thai airport.

TheBigChilli

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INSIGHT NEWS

Khun Prakai Chongsithipol, retires from Rotary Club of Bangkok South after 42 years

Is this Bangkok’s cheapest bed for the night? Stay near Sathorn for 180 baht a day!

■ ROTARY Club of Bangkok South held a farewell lunch for Khun Prakai Chongsithipol at il Cielo, Dusit Thani Hotel on 19 January 2012. Khun Prakai recently retired from the position of Club Administrative Officer after 42 years of dedicated service to the Club. Khun Prakai is pictured receiving a token of appreciation from the members of the Club, presented to her by the President of Rotary Club of Bangkok 2011/2012, Mark Butters.

How to visit Australian and British Prisoners in Bangkok jails ■ MOST prisoners welcome visits, particularly by expats living in Thailand. The first step is to contact the Australian or British Embassies and arrange to meet the “Prison Visit Officer” in the Consular Section of the Embassy. He/She can explain the procedure to be followed and provide you with a copy of the information handout with the addresses of the prisons in Bangkok, the visiting days and hours, and other useful information.

■ SOME areas of Bangkok are for budget travelers – Sathorn Road is not one of them. Or so you’d think. But you’d be wrong. Right in the heart of this busy commercial district, right behind Bangkok Bank’s headquarters, is a rabbit warren of lanes and alleyways, which is home to a surprisingly well appointed and comfortable serviced apartment with rates that start as low as 184 baht a day, when rented on a monthly contract!! The Sathorn Saint View has a selection of 78 guest rooms, each boasting air-con, satellite TV, fridge, microwave, pantry and balcony. The property also has a coffee shop, lobby lounge, fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool. There’s even a mini-mart and laundry. What’s more, your room is cleaned and the bed linen changed once a week. And if you rent for a minimum of six months, the rate drops by 17 baht day – and you get free Internet. Surely, at only 5,500 baht a month, that’s too good to be true? Not at all, though to be fair, this rate buys a smallish studio (24sqm) and there‘s no view to speak of. But Sathorn Saint View does cater for a better class of tourist as well, with its ‘grand executive’ rooms at 46 sqm with great views of central Bangkok for a mere 12,000 baht a month. The only extras are for electricity, water and phone calls. Tel: 02 675 8921-7

Shop till you drop ■ A SERIES of tradeshows hit Bangkok this month offering big savings on a wide variety of products. Grab yourself some bargains at the following: • Feb 14 – 19: Bangkok Shopping Fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Furniture and home décor items at unbeatable prices. www.worldfair.co.th • Feb 15 – 19: Photo Fair at BITEC. Sales on cameras and equipment, cameras, memory cards and more. For more info: www.photofairthailand.com • Feb 15 – 19: Discount Overload at IMPACT. Goods from leading brands go on sale with up to 80 percent discount. • Feb 23 – 26: Thailand International Travel Fair at QSNCC. High-quality tourism products at special prices. www.ttaa.or.th • Feb 24 – March 4: HomeWorks Expo at BITEC. HomeWorks and Power Buy will both offer their respective quality home products and electronic goods at special low prices. www.homeworks.co.th

TheBigChilli

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INSIGHT NEWS

Team Canada tops the World in charity game Bangkok’s newest ice skating facility “The Rink” opened in style with a showcase of ice hockey from Thailand and Canada’s finest ■ IN a thrilling charity hockey game held recently to raise money for Thai flood victims, Team Canada defeated the World Team 7-5. The game launched “The Rink,” a new ice skating facility located on the 7th floor of the Central Grand Rama IX shopping centre. Team Canada was composed of Canadian expats based in Thailand, plus four visiting Canadian MPs (Patrick Brown – Barrie, Andrew Saxton - North Vancouver, Brian Jean – Fort McMurray, and Blaine Calkins - Edmonton ), and ex-Trustee Justin Heran from Barrie. The World team was a collection of American, Czech, English, Finnish, German, Norwegian and Swedish players based in Thailand. It was also boosted by the top line from the Thai National Team, which won silver at the Asian Winter Games in Kazakhstan in 2011. The Canadian team fell behind 2-0 early in the game; then rallied with four straight goals to take the led 4-2. MP Brown scored on a beautiful slapshot to

tie the game at 2 and Kirk Nell tipped in a clearing pass to put the Canadians in the lead. The World team rallied to within one scoring to trail only 4-3. But the Canadians seemed to draw energy from a skirmish in front of the World net and exploded for three goals in quick succession to take a commanding 7-3 lead. The World squad added two goals late in the game to make the final score a respectable 7-5. Thomas Doucet was in goal for Canada during the first period, Simon Halverson

during the second period and Lance Parker was in net in the third. Fifteen-year-old Halverson, the son of RCMP officer Gary Halverson, was particularly brilliant during stretches of the second frame when the World team stormed the net trying to tie the score. The BNH mascots were on hand delivering good cheer as they worked the crowd. Everyone seemed to enjoy the show, especially the Canadian MPs who were presented with their own personal Flying Farang jerseys before the game. Organizer Scott Murray said, “We were on pins and needles up until game time because the Zamboni was broken, but in the end it all worked out and everyone had a good time. The Flying Farangs would like to thank Khun Noi of The Rink, Sakchai Chinanuvatana and Scott Whitcomb, without whose help we could not have staged this game.” The game raised 70,990.25 baht for the Thai Red Cross in support of flood relief.

TheBigChilli

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CUPPA CONUNDRUM

Oh why can’t they make a decent cup of tea?

T’S easy to order a cup or pot of tea in Bangkok, but it’s oddly difficult to get a decent cuppa. And that’s mostly because restaurant staff and their bosses have no idea how inveterate tea drinkers expect their favourite drink to be served. Here are the four things they should do but don’t: • Use boiling water, not the lukewarm stuff we all-too-often get. • Allow the tea to brew, or ‘mash’, so the full flavour comes through. In other words, don’t pour the tea the moment it is served. • Buy some bigger cups or mugs, and dump those miserable little things preferred by hotel and restaurant purchasing departments. And finally and most importantly : • Use good quality tea, and don’t skimp on one tea bag per giant pot. PS. In India and Sri Lanka, tea is often served with hot milk. This is an absolute no-no for tea experts.

CATTLE CLASS CLASHES

Air rage? Blame the aircraft designers

N yet another example of air rage, two passengers on a packed jumbo jet almost came to blows after one of them reclined his seat while the man behind was about to eat. It may come as no surprise to learn that the incident occurred in the aircraft’s economy class. It began when an 18-yearold man reclined his seat to sleep, which left the passenger behind with very little space to handle his meal. After a couple of requests by the passenger and crew to straighten his seat were ignored, a furious row broke out, shocking the other travelers.

Now, most of the blame for the incident has since been laid on the man who refused to adjust his seat. But he did get some sympathy from other passengers who believed he was perfectly entitled to decide on his seating arrangement as he wished. Oddly enough, no one is blaming the airline for creating this kind of situation by cramming too many seats into the area of the aircraft known by regular fliers as the ‘cattle class’ compartment, and leaving passengers with only a tiny amount of leg and elbow room. In their bid to keep down air fares, and also to maximize profits, greedy airlines are giving over less and less space to passengers. This is not only a potential flashpoint for uncomfortable and disgruntled travelers, especially on long-haul flights lasting up to 16 hours, but it is a short-sighted policy driving away customers. Instead of heading to far-off destinations a couple of times a year, as they did in the past, fed-up passengers are now travelling less frequently, perhaps only once every couple of years. Far from offering a luxury mode of travel, airlines now stand accused of providing miserable levels of comfort for the majority of their passengers.

FINAL WORDS

Life well spent?

WE’RE indebted to the Huff Post for bringing us what it says are the five things most people wish for when they near the end of their lives. 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

TheBigChilli

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Traditional and creative Italian cuisine prepared by talented chefs Huge selection of cheese, cold cuts and homemade pasta Enjoy your meal in warm and cozy surroundings More than 400 Italian wines!

Sukhumvit soi 27 North Klongtoey wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 258 4386

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Bag Snatch on Soi Sarasin

OR nine years, a European couple have always felt safe and secure living in the Soi Sarasin area of Bangkok. Even at night, thanks to good street lighting, they thought they had nothing to worry about. That all changed recently when the couple, along with some friends on holiday here, were strolling along Soi Sarasin towards the junction with Langsuan to celebrate a birthday in a nearby restaurant. At one point, the group had to step off the sidewalk to avoid an old man fast asleep on his tricycle. As they did so, a motorcycle sped past, and the passenger on the pillion seat reached out to snatch a handbag from the arm of an elderly member of the party. The motorcyclist was going extremely fast, one of the group said later. “He swerved round cars that had stopped at the red light and carried on towards Wireless. I wouldn’t swear in a court of law, but I am sure the rider was wearing an orange vest. “We did not go to the police as this experience would have further marred the last night of our friends’ holiday here, and given them another unwanted experience to remember from the Land of Smiles. “The bag contained an expensive camera lens and some personal items of sentimental value, so it could have been worse.” The lady was shaken by the incident, but not hurt. “A swift G&T helped to calm the nerves,” he added. Undeterred, the group went on to eat at Gaggan, a popular Indian restaurant on Langsuan. After telling the management about the loss, they were sent over a complimentary bottle of bubbly. “It was as if they felt responsible, which was a nice touch to try to restore faith,” said the group’s spokesman.

STREET LIFE ERS WALK

BEWA

Foreigners set up stall in Thailand

ANYONE else noticed the growing number of westerners making - or at least trying to make - a living on the streets of Bangkok by running stalls selling odds and sods? Most are males, who are on hand to help their girlfriends or wives. As one European explained it: “There’s nothing back home, so I might as well as try it here.”

Red faces when customers are called staff

GETTING IT WRONG

WHY are uniforms such a good idea in restaurants? Because they prevent customers making the mistake of approaching or calling over other diners they believe are staff. This happens more often than people realize, especially in crowded venues or restaurants with buffets when lots of people are mingling in the same area. And when genuine diners are mistaken for waiters or waitresses, it can cause embarrassment and even grief. Take it from us. At the other end of the scale, staff who make their presence far too clear and obvious are just as irritating. Yes, they’re only trying to be helpful and concerned with your wellbeing, but when the manager of a rated Bangkok restaurant visited the table of a customer and his girlfriend at the beginning of every course to inquire if the food was up to scratch, to their liking and preference, he was not only being over-attentive but a thorough pain. Perhaps a school of courteous behavior in public places and restaurants is called for.

TheBigChilli

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INSIGHT SHOPPING

Talking

Shop Hot products and stores demanding your attention

CHOCOLATE TREATS – FOR YOUR SKIN

PRIMMALAI MAKES ITS DEBUT

CALMING, soothing, energizing, invigorating – there’s something for everyone in Primmalai’s debut collection of aroma infused luxury spa products. Translated from Thai, Primmalai means ‘the great flower,’ and the company reflects this name by infusing its products with natural fragrances made from tropical flowers in Thailand, such as Phikun, Gardenia, Jasmine, Oceanic pandanus, Cananga, and Champaga. Body lotion, Hand cream, Shower gel, Body scrub and Massage oil are available. And the products don’t just smell good – their natural formula is also great for the skin. Available now at Central Chidlom or visit facebook page/Primmalai

CHOCOLATE doesn’t just taste delicious; it’s also great for the skin. The Body Shop’s new skincare collection called ‘Chocomania’ highlights this with a wide range of skin nourishing products made using cocoa beans. Other ingredients include aloe leaf, Marula nuts, coconut, shea nuts, sesame seeds, soya beans, Brazil nuts, olive, Babassu nuts, sugarcane, and honey and beeswax. Smelling almost good enough to eat – but don’t, because you’ll probably end up in hospital! – the skincare products help to give skin a good deep clean whilst moisturizing it at the same time. The collection includes a Body Scrub (B690); Shower Cream (B290); Big Soap Heart (B250); Body Lotion (B520); Body Butter (B690); and Lip Butter (B250). Available to buy now from all Body Shop stores. For more info: www.thebodyshop.co.th

SAY GOODBYE TO WRINKLY NECKS

LA Prairie’s latest women’s health and beauty product to hit the Thai market is its new Anti-Aging Neck Cream. According to company’s team of experts, the neck shows signs of aging quicker than the face and has thinner skin, so they developed their new product to help combat this. Containing a new emulsifier combination derived from olive oil with a liquid crystalline structure, the anti-aging cream works as a protective shield on the skin’s surface and at the same time adds moisture and firmness. It also stimulates the destruction of fat cells. The price of beauty doesn’t come cheap – one 50ml bottle will set you back B8,050. See the product at Central Chidlom, Lardprao, Bangna, Pinklao, Rama 2, The Mall Bangkapi, Siam Paragon and The Emporium.

TheBigChilli

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TIME FOR SPORT

REGULAR gym goers looking for a good watch that they can rinse off after a long sweaty workout should check-out the new range of rubber watches by UK watchmaker Breo. Lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and with a big digital display, the watch is available in three different styles: Roam Elite (B1,000) with a thin strap; Pulse (B1,000), which features a Time, Date and Seconds counter; and Spin (B1,200) with a thick strap. All watches are water resistant and have a battery life of two years. For more info: th-th.facebook.com/pages/Breo-Thailand

ALRICK BY PAUL SMITH

AVIATOR shades don’t get more classic than those offered in Paul Smith’s limited edition ‘Alrick’ collection. Featuring a double bridge, round metal frames, leather side shields and a removable bridge piece, the glasses have a masculine retro look which can make even the biggest dork look ‘Maverick’ cool. They are offered in three shades (black matte, black, and brown). Available now at all Niche Nation shops, Tel: 02 712 7895 www.wedo.asia.com www.paulsmithspectacles.com

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2/4/12 10:27:45 AM

My faith in Raith! INSIGHT NEWS

Soccer-mad Brit invests in Scottish football

As a lifetime fan of Scottish football team Raith Rovers, John Sim felt compelled to join a campaign to save his home club and became a major shareholder. Now this Bangkok-based senior financial figure with liquidator KPMG commutes between Thailand and Scotland to watch his favourite team in action ■ IT’S a long way from busy Sathorn Road in central Bangkok to Pratt Street in Kirkcaldy, a past-its-best town of just 48,000 mostly old people in Fife on the east side of Scotland. But for longtime British expatriate John Sim, it’s a journey well worth taking at least four times a year. For Kirkcaldy is the home of Raith Rovers, a professional soccer team currently languishing mid-table in the Scottish 1st Division – and John is not only a lifetime supporter of the club but more importantly perhaps, he’s also one of its major shareholders. Aside from a substantial financial commitment, John’s allegiance to Raith Rovers is down to the fact that he grew up

in Kirkcaldy five decades ago and has supported the club, boy and man, ever since. Compared to some of today’s megarich soccer clubs, Raith Rovers is a minnow. Its first-team squad numbers just 24 players who get the backing of a fivestrong management and coaching team. Games at Stark’s Park, its home ground with a capacity of 10,000, rarely attract crowds above 2,500 - way below its attendance record of 31,000 spectators achieved half a century ago when all of Kirkcaldy’s men folk would almost unthinkingly support their local team. Nowadays, its modern stands may be impressively clean and comfortable, but the many empty seats for home fixtures

are sad testament to soccer’s decline in this part of the UK. John, a Thailand-based executive with KPMG for the past ten years, admits that if the Rovers ever enjoyed a ‘golden’ period, it was “prior to 1960.” Amongst its few notable ex-players are Jim Baxter, in his time one of Scotland’s finest midfielders, and the legendary Alex James who distinguished himself with the formidable Arsenal team of the 1930s. The club’s recent record of achievements is frankly rather modest – winning the Scottish League Cup Winners tournament in 1995 is the pinnacle – though some staunch supporters like John prefer to remember the 1-0 half time lead against

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mighty Bayern Munich in the Olympic Stadium as the club’s real high point. So why, with not exactly much going for it, was John prepared to part with half a million pounds or so to buy into a 130year-old club that has seen better times? “It was in 2005, and the club was about to go bust. Two people controlled the Rovers from Glasgow and were planning to sell it off for housing,” recalls John. “A campaign was launched to ‘Reclaim the Rovers’ and as I want to watch my local team, I bought into the club. “It’s important to put something back in your home town,” he adds resolutely. “Besides, as a director I can get into away matches for free.” John’s investment is actually split into two parts: one is a 50% stake in the ground and clubhouse, the other is an 18% share of the entity that owns the team. As a shareholder in Raith Rovers, he’s in good company. One of his fellow board directors, and lifetime chum, is former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who also heads the Rover’s supporters club. “I remember Gordon as a kid at the ground, selling football programmes. I knew his family very well – both our fathers were Presbyterian ministers and

near neighbours. “Gordon is still the local Member of Parliament and gets to watch Raith Rovers about six times a season; he does have to show interest in Cowdenbeath, the other football club in his constituency, though.” John is the first to admit that the Rovers are finding success hard to come by these days. Only the other week the club’s hopes of a money spinning Scottish Cup run were dashed at Stark’s Park when they lost 1-2 to Greenock Morton. It was described memorably by desperately disappointed Manager John McGlynn as “a game of two halves” which had left him “gutted.” Financially, things are beginning to look up. “Now we have the stadium under our control,” says John. “In the past there were some dodgy loans associated with it. “In fact, if everything goes to plan, we should be out of bank debt by 2021. In theory, the equity value goes up as loan goes down, so I’m looking it as an investment that I can get back. “To be honest, compared to some other clubs, we’re not in bad shape.” Having a much smaller say in the running of the team leaves John somewhat fretful. “Not knowing how we pay the bills

is hard to handle. We always spend too much on new players.” There’s also disagreement within the club about future policy. “I see it differently to others,” continues John. “If it’s a question of entertainment or win, I say entertainment comes first. Managers say win at all costs.” There’s also a debate to replace the current playing surface with an artificial pitch so it can be used for games and activities besides soccer. “This would allow us to involve the local community in the club much more than at present,” he says. “There is a possible hitch, however. Although FIFA, soccer’s governing body, would say yes to the proposal, the Scottish Premier League would say no to the idea.” Rovers’ decline in recent times can be linked, of course, to Kirkcaldy’s diminishing industrial fortunes. In the past, the town was known as the linoleum capital of the world. It also boasted coal mines. Today, the supporters are old – “and getting older,” says John. Most of Rover’s playing squad has been brought in from other parts of the country; only a few players are locals. Despite having some of the cheapest admission and season ticket prices in the UK – 17 pounds and 280 pounds for an adult respectively – it’s a challenge to attract the people of Kirkcaldy to home fixtures. “The vast majority of soccer fans in Scotland these days are only interested in supporting the ‘big two’ clubs – Celtic or Rangers – and not their local teams. As if to demonstrate his affinity with the ordinary supporters, John chooses not to sit in Rovers’ directors’ box at home games. “I go to boardroom at halftime and full time, but during the game I prefer to sit with the fans. “Mind you, I do sit in the directors’ box at away games, but only to learn from other clubs’ directors.” After all said and done, was John’s investment in faraway Raith Rovers a good or bad idea? “So what if it doesn’t work out? I invested when I was single. My new Thai wife has been to a couple of games and enjoyed them, as she enjoyed Scotland as a whole. And that’s all that really matters.”

John Sim relocated to Thailand in 2001 to look after the KPMG presence in the Mekong Sub-region. He also serves as the Chief Operating Officer for KPMG in the Kingdom. His 36-year career with KPMG and its predecessor firms has taken him from the UK to Iran, the US, Singapore and Taiwan before moving to Thailand.

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BUSINESS Q&A

Bright ideas, dazzling designs

Chris Clayton talks about his new architectural design group Asetti By Natthida Prasertsan Thailandarchitects.com - Design at its best! WHEN considering the services of an architect or interior designer, it is always difficult to know where to go. One excellent starting point is to talk to Chris Clayton, Managing Director of Kensington Company Limited. Kensington was formed over seven years ago and is well known for helping many people build their dream home in Thailand. The company’s success speaks for itself with many luxury homes under its belt and one boutique hotel even winning the Conde Nast Award in May 2008. Chris continues to offer exceptional customer care and recently set up the new design group named Asetti. Many of their designs can be seen on Thailand Architects. com. Recent projects have even included an amazing Asian style casino, hotel and entertainment complex in a neighbouring country.

customer care. Arnut is a highly experienced and most creative designer; widely renowned for his attention to detail and portfolio of highly acclaimed projects. He was an integral part of the team that designed the amazing Mandarin Oriental ‘Dhara Dhevi Hotel’ in Chiang Mai and many other commercial developments, such as condominiums, schools and public facilities. There have also been successful collaborations on large scale

projects with famed international architect Chalong Phijidvijan. We caught up with Chris and asked him a few questions: NP: What was the idea in setting up a new design group? It is something I love doing. I grew up around design in England so it was always

The Design Team The Thai design team includes many well known architects such as Yos Kangvankiattichai and Arnut Suriyakhun. Yos has been designing beautiful homes all over Thailand for many years and is widely known for his varying styles and kind 24

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a part of my life. It seemed like a natural progression. Also there are so many incredibly creative Thai architects, many of whom became friends and we decided to work together. NP: What sort of property can your team design? We design all sorts of projects. The majority of our clients ask us to design their houses in Thailand. This is what we are best known for. But we also design residential developments, hotels, resorts, spas, factories and even casinos. NP: What’s the most exciting project you have completed recently? We did a James Bond style luxury home in collaboration with architect Chalong Phijidvijan. It was a ‘wow’ factor project and a joy to work on complete with waterfalls, swimming pools and numerous amazing features. Another one was a large scale casino entertainment complex with luxury hotels, shops and leisure facilities. I personally love them all and especially the luxury homes. A recent one was a fabulous conceptual home at Prime Nature in Bangkok, next door to international tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan. And there are many exciting things in the pipeline. NP: What is special about Asetti and what you guys do? We have a pool of experienced Thai architects from many different design backgrounds. All speak Thai and English. I personally involve myself in every project with regular communication with the

client. We are passionate about each and every one. One of the main benefits of working with us is the time and care we take to achieve the client’s ultimate goals. We do our very best to achieve this as quickly as possible. Design does take time and to get the very best requires working with the client closely. Our service is personal and we take pride in our work. We thoroughly enjoy moulding the designs to maximise the overall appearance, function and architecture of the project. NP: You are best known as MD of Kensington, the home construction company. How does Asetti fit in? Doing design was the next natural step. It means with homes we can provide the complete service from concept to completion. Many clients prefer working with one entity rather than several. So although Asetti is separate, I am involved in both. This provides a seamless service for the client. Design and build are natural bed fellows. However, if the client wants just design we can do this too. We offer both. NP: You recently released musical tracks on iTunes and Amazon. How do you get the time to do all of this with design, construction and music? It is funny how you find the time when you need to. The music is a hobby and something I love to do. It is strange how design and music intertwine. Both are creative and allow me to indulge my passions. I do the music when I can or when asked to help fellow artists. Most of it was done in London when I lived there. But I still release tracks occasionally.

NP: So you like living and working in Thailand? Yes very much. It’s a fabulous country and I am lucky to be here. I work with some wonderful Thai people and think of it as home. It’s a great place to live; with fabulous weather, lovely people, amazing growth, delicious food and so many things to be happy about. You can contact Chris either through www.thailandarchitects.com or through Kensington at www.thailandbuilders.com. His personal email is chris@ken.co.th

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Jokes ENTERTAINMENT HUMOUR

Got a great joke? email us at: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

CHICKEN RUN

JOKE OF THE MONTH

A CHICKEN runs into a library, goes to the main desk and says: “Book, bok, bok, book.” The librarian hands the chicken a book and it tucks it under its wing and runs out. A while later, the chicken runs back in, throws the book on the desk and says: “Book, bok, bok, bok, boook.” Again the librarian gives it a book and the chicken runs out with it. A few minutes later the chicken is back, and returns the book saying: “Boook, book, bok, bok, book.” The librarian gives the chicken a third book, but this time follows it as it runs out. The chicken runs down the street, through a park and down to the river where a frog is sitting on the bank. The chicken holds up to the frog, saying: “Book, bok, bok, book.” The frog replies: “Read-it, read-it, read-it…”

BRAGGING RIGHTS

THREE old soldiers are bragging about their ancestors. “My great-grandfather was a drummer boy at Shiloh,” declares one. “My great-grandfather went down with Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn,” says another. “Well I’m the only soldier in my family,” says the third. “But if my greatgrandfather was living today he’d be the most famous man in the world.” “What’d he do?” asks his friends. “Nothing, replies the old timer. “But today he’d be a hundred and sixty-five years old.”

HTS THOUG E H OF T MONTH

1. I can’t understand why people are saying Greece is in financial trouble. I went to see it in the West End the other night and it was packed. 2. My dad told me to never trust a tower prison guard. They tend to look down on people. 3. I got into bed and a book fell on my head. Only got my shelf to blame. 4. Science shows owls have the sharpest hearing on the planet. They have clearly never tested a man watching porn while his wife is asleep. 5. There’s no “I” in team, but there are five in individual brilliance…

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

MY wife asked me what I was doing on the computer. I said: “Looking for cheap flights.” She got all excited, which is odd, as she’s never shown an interest in darts before.

MAD SCIENTIST

I HAD a row with Dr Who last night about whether it’s possible to time travel. In the end, I knocked him into the middle of next week.

GRAMMAR LESSONS

TEACHER: “Johnny, give me a sentence starting with ‘I.’” Little Johnny replies: “I is…” Teacher interrupts: “No, Johnny. Always say ‘I am.’” Johnny replies: “Ok, I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.”

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INSIGHT SCHOOL REPORT

Jungle Picnic at KIS

FAMILIES with children aged 2 - 6 are invited for a fun-filled ‘Jungle Picnic’ at KIS International School on March 3, from 9am- 12pm. Activities include games, arts and crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Drinks and snacks will be available. A free shuttle bus will run to and from the MRT at the Thailand Cultural Centre (exit 2), and entry to the picnic is 200 baht per family. Reserve tickets via email: kim@kis.ac.th

Berkeley lends a helping hand to Harrow BERKELEY International School showed great community spirit recently by housing 200 students from Harrow who were unable to study at the school’s Don Muang campus due to flooding. For just over a month Berkeley doubled its student population and shared its facilities with Harrow students, in years 6-8, so that they could continue their studies for the remainder of the academic semester. Harrow School is now operating as usual and the staff is extremely grateful for Berkeley’s help. A short video made by Harrow’s teachers about their experience at Berkeley can be viewed on Harrow’s YouTube channel.

Bangkok Prep raises funds for ﬂood victims

THE Bangkok Prep School community raised a whopping B231,930 for Thailand’s flood victims by hosting a series of fundraising events during November and December. Through the school’s Banyan Flood Relief Project, students participated in a number of special events including a sponsored swim, bench-ball competition, Crazy Hair Day, Jumble Sale and Community Carols. Parents also offered their support by holding a record-breaking “Friends of Bangkok Prep” Bake Sale. The School’s management is delighted and grateful to the staff, students and parents for their overwhelming generosity, time and effort.

Young soccer stars impress Premier League coaches at NIST IN the first week of January, NIST hosted the city’s first Premier League Soccer Camp directed by academy coaches from Manchester City and Stoke City. Students from all over the country arrived at NIST to improve their skills and demonstrate their abilities to English Premier League Coaches. At the end of the Camp, seven lucky students were invited to have trials at the clubs. Preparations for July’s Premiership Soccer Camp are now underway, and two more Premier League teams have already confirmed attendance, one of which is Liverpool Football Club.

Rafﬂes to host open house

RAFFLES International College Bangkok is hosting an open house on campus for prospective students on March 10. Program directors will present information about the degrees the college has to offer, while alumni, current students, and faculty will be on hand to answer any questions. Special guest, Miss Thailand World 2011 Patcharida Rodkhongkha, will speak about why she chose Raffles to study Fashion Design.

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SCHOOL REPORT HARROW

By Vanessa Techapichetvanich and Varot Senapitak

Harrow students bring the “outside in” Student run company Green Inc. helps city dwellers to realize their dreams of growing their own plants, raising money for flood victims in the process A GROUP of high school students from Harrow International School Bangkok have established a non-profit company called Green Inc. An independent student-led company organised by Junior Achievement, it is fully committed to creating a better world both socially and environmentally. Through its Allin-One Planting Kit, Green Inc., has given city-dwellers a chance to reconnect with nature and helped raise environmental awareness with children. Green Inc.’s Plant-

ing Kit contains a mini pot and plate, a pack of organic soil, two types of basil seeds and a mini instructions booklet, all packaged within an ecofriendly re-usable bag. The product not only provides convenience for customers, but also reduces any built-up waste from unneeded materials. If you’ve ever wanted to plant your own herbs but lacked the material or knowledge, the Planting Kit is the perfect solution. Green Inc. is led by CEO Vanessa Techapichetvanich along with other executive officers

including Thanatcha Witchupraphaporn, Paveenrat Wongprasert, Kanokploy Vongpradit, Thanawin Olanrawathana, Varot Senapitak and Oki Pooamorn. Its mission is to bring the “outside in,” meaning they aim to help people living in the city bring elements of nature into their urban lifestyles. The group also wants to promote eco-friendly habits to young people. Since Green Inc. recognises the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the local hardships created by the recent floods, its members have decided to donate all profits of over 40,000 baht to flood victims. The journey to success was not easy. With Harrow and the Green Inc. members being severely affected by the floods, the company faced numerous challenges in progress and communication. However, due to the group’s immense teamwork and

spirit, and invaluable support from its advisors and volunteers – namely James Beere, Ubolwan Wongchotsathit and Alex Stamp - Green Inc. was able to overcome the many obstacles it faced, and achieve the success it enjoys today. It has been a great success and we are very grateful to Junior Achievement for giving

us this invaluable opportunity to gain real business experience which we can utilise at university and beyond. “Without God, we are nothing. Without the team, there is no today.” For more info about Harrow International School Bangkok see: www.harrowschool.ac.th

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LEARNING THROUGH TRAGEDY School was out but there were plenty of lessons to learn when Harrow was hit by the recent ﬂoods, writes Year 10 student Pat Yontrarak THE flooding in Thailand last year is an event that none of us will ever forget. For three agonizing months, we all experienced one of the worst floods in decades. Due to consistent heavy rainfall, 64 out of 77 provinces were affected, displacing four million families. Businesses ground to a halt, schools were forced to close and the daily lives among the Thais and foreigners alike were unexpectedly disrupted. Our school, Harrow International, was directly affected by this terrible flood. Our location here in Don Muang saw the water levels start to rise on October 20 forcing the closure of the School as both staff and students could not get to and from site safely. However, this gave me the opportunity to be part of several flood relief efforts and see firsthand the disruption, hardship and devastation that the water brought with it. I initially joined the relief efforts of the Princess Pa’s Foundation, The Thai Red Cross in Lam Lukha, Rangsit, Pathum Thani and Bang Kruay in Thonburi district. These areas were seriously affected; the locals had gone through tremendous hardships and losses over several weeks. Transport was extremely difficult and only military trucks could be used to access these flooded areas. The sight of people relying

solely on boats, hitching rides with army vehicles or wading through on foot was truly astonishing. As we made our way through the water, we picked up and dropped off many stranded passengers, at times making our truck so packed that some people were forced to hang on to the sides. As we reached our target area, we had to haul the relief bags and lunch boxes by boat into some of the communities as they were more than two meters deep in flood waters.

me some pride in my contributions to these relief efforts, and made me more determined to help the flood victims as much as I could. I was very fortunate to have taken part in some operations with The Royal Thai Navy. We distributed relief supplies to effected residents along the Thonburi riverfront and canal communities. To facilitate distribution, The Royal Thai Navy arranged motor launches as water levels were high and accompanied by very strong cur-

the chance to assist Mr. Van den Berg, Mr. Mc Donald and Mr. Chappell in distributing relief packages, daily meals and other necessary personal items to the flood victims around the area. The packages were kindly donated by many parents at Harrow School who wanted to help the local community. When the water eventually subsided, we volunteered to help

victims in various communities in Rangsit, Pathumthani and Lop Buri. Finally, despite the fact that the normal operation of our school was unexpectedly disrupted and people’s lives including ours had suddenly been changed, we never lost hope. As I have personally seen the distress and hardships of those who were affected by this

In many areas, water had remained stagnant for months giving out an unbearable stench, caused by floating raw garbage and rotting dead animals. Every trip was both physically and mentally exhausting. Each journey took about 12 hours, from 8am till 8pm. Believe it or not, some days – we did not even have time for a toilet break! However, each and every trip gave

rents. Sadly, only houses along the riverside could be reached, so we had to transfer onto inflatable dinghies to get deeper into the sois. As Don Muang District was one of the hardest hit areas of the flood, enduring long months of inundation, schools and businesses around the area were forced to close including Harrow. During this time, I and other students had

clean up some of the affected houses and businesses within our community. Scrubbing walls, floors and furniture clean of oily residue. The Lionheart Society is a Harrow School charitable organization, which also made its contributions during this natural disaster. We distributed relief goods to the villagers of Bang Pla Ma and Suphan Buri. Additionally, we sent relief bags to flood

heartbreaking disaster, I have realized that my difficulties were very insignificant in comparison. I have also learned that, during any crisis when suffering is all around, there will always be an opportunity for us to offer help. You just have to be willing to reach out, and lend a hand to those in dire need. For more info about Harrow see: www.harrowschool.ac.th

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SCHOOL REPORT BERKELEY

BRIDGING THE WORLD THROUGH EPALS Sharin Tebo, a Pre K- K12 IT Teacher at Berkeley International School, explains how she uses digital technology to connect her students with students from schools in the United States REMEMBER when you were a young student and your elementary teacher matched your class up with pen pals from a different school? Well, ePals is the 21st Century version of a typical pen pal, except technology is what makes ePals come alive! At Berkeley International School, we are integrating ePals into IT lessons and making connection to other subjects in our school curriculum.

was able to write a description detailing what kinds of collaboration I was looking for. I had no idea I would get such a resounding response from classes and teachers all over the United States! I chose to focus my efforts on matching our students with American classrooms, as one of our Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) is becoming an Effective English Communicator. This gives our students the opportunity to communicate using English to When I arrived at Berkeley, one reach across country borders of my first tasks was to create an and learn about the lives of online profile on ePals for students their age in the United our school. There, I

States. We are also ensuring our similar their ePals are to themstudents are Life Long Learners. selves. We will focus on Global Warming this year with the 4th My 3rd grade students received graders from North Carolina. their first ‘snail mail’ letters from the students in California Grade 5 has used Google at the end of September. I had Earth to zoom in on Incarnate asked their teacher specifically World Academy in Ohio, to write snail mail because United States. Our students many of my students have will be working on the ePals probably never received a letter collaborative project called in the mail from a new friend “The Way We Are” with the before. The students are working 5th grade students at Incarnate. on writing a friendly letter back They started by creating one to their ePal using Kidspiration PowerPoint slide each, which software and Microsoft Word. I combined in to a full slide We will cover a wide range of show to send to their teacher. topics this year with our ePals We received their class’s in California. PowerPoint slide show, and have continued our email Grade 4 students are exchanges using Google Docs collaborating with a for surveys on what Fall is like private Jewish school in Ohio, and here in Bangkok. outside Charlotte, Most importantly, our classes North Carolina. Using have been focusing on real-world technology, their teacher issues, as the teacher in Ohio sent me a YouTube link has been keeping her students of an introductory video up to date on the recent flood she took of her students situation here in Thailand that on the playground. When I has affected Berkeley students. showed my grade 4 students the video, they were Finally, Grades 6 and 7 so pumped and students are paired up with an enthusiastic to learn ePal from a Language Arts class more about these in Neenah, WI, just outside my students. One of the hometown of Green Bay, WI. most common These students will be using reactions I get from Inspiration software to compose our students is how their first friendly letter and I

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will send their letters back to Wisconsin using DropBox and Google Docs. All students have a packed year in IT ahead of them, yet they are connecting their lives to others across the globe, sharing experiences through the use of technology and having fun ‘meeting’ their new ePals. It is a daunting task to keep track of these many classes and projects, but it is definitely worthwhile to witness the connections being made. These students are all learning to become true Global Citizens. ABOUT BERKELEY Berkeley International School is a Pre K – 12 American International School offering a top notch international educational program using the California standards and curriculum as our base of instruction. Berkeley is determined to maintain a 50% expatriate to 50% host national ratio among the students to truly reflect our international environment. We are

now accepting applications for prek to grade 8 for the 2012-2013 academic year. Learn more about us on our website at www.berkeley. ac.th or stop by our campus on Bangna-Trad to view Berkeley International School for yourself. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sharin Tebo is a Pre K- K12 IT Teacher at Berkeley International School in Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to coming to Thailand, she spent the last 12 years teaching Spanish and serving as an Instructional Technology Support Teacher in the United States. Sharin enjoys integrating technology into her classrooms and the traditional curriculum.

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INSIGHT PROBLEMS SOLVED

Ask the experts

Real Problem s Real Solution s

Expat life getting you down? Don’t suffer in silence. Send in your problems and get advice from professional counsellors Anette and Johanna Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

• Anette Pollner Adv. Dipl. Couns., is one of seven international counsellors at NCS Counseling Center in Saphan Kwai. She trained in London and the US and worked as a staff counsellor at Bart’s Hospital in London.

Unfaithful and confused

am married and I have had an affair for six years. My girlfriend is putting a lot of pressure on me to tell my wife and leave her, but I find that I can’t. I don’t want to hurt her, but I also don’t want to hurt my girlfriend, so I end up avoiding any discussions. My girlfriend is angry, I love her but I feel so sorry for my wife. I know what I should do, but I can’t do it. What is going on? Bogdan, 42, from Bulgaria

Anette says: ■ Dear Bogdan, On the face of it this looks like you have a conflict that refuses to be resolved. A part of you wants to be with your girlfriend while the other part doesn’t want change in your life. It’s interesting that it’s your girlfriend, not you, who wants you to leave your wife. So let me ask you: Is this what your girlfriend wants, or what you want? If you don’t act, the real reason might be that you are actually quite content with the situation as it is. You can alternate between a nice family home, and having exciting dates with your girlfriend. If you act, you will lose this. You say you don’t want to hurt your wife or girlfriend, but you’re willing to hurt them in order to get what you want. The main conflict here is not between you and your women; it is inside your own mind. Which is more important to you, thinking of yourself as a ‘good person’ or living the life you want?

The price for having both women in your life is that it has become a life of deceit and lies. This has become a lot more uncomfortable, not because your situation bothers you, but because one of the parties wants to destabilize the system you work so hard to maintain. Another reason why you don’t want change is that you might then live a life you didn’t want to live in the first place, as the (faithful) husband of one woman. The price you are paying for maintaining this fragile system of having both women is to compromise on your values while hurting other people. Since you feel that any action will de-stabilize your system, you prevent and delay action. You feel that you are fighting a losing battle, and you don’t really seem to have a positive perspective for change, one that expresses your own vision. I didn’t talk to you about moral issues, because what counts here is what you think, and what you want. The lack of honesty you are struggling with is first a lack of honesty with yourself.

I’m not a wicked stepmother

Y husband has two children – a boy, 6, and a girl, 14 – whom he raised on his own, for about five years, before we got married. During this time he got by ok, organizing his work schedule so that he’d be home to take care of the kids when they got back from school, and even had time to take me on dates. And I got on brilliantly with the kids. But then things changed. My husband – then boyfriend – took on a new, more demanding job. He was too busy to continue the same routine, and he was ready to share the care of the family with a new partner. I changed my job so that I would be free to take care of the kids, we got married, and I moved in – and then my relationship with his daughter changed.

She doesn’t listen, comes home whenever she wants (sometimes with a group of friends) grabs a bottle of wine and snacks and then goes to her room. Whenever I say something or try to establish some rules she responds with harsh words. She also stole money from my purse and is taking my clothes. She is hostile towards me but very well behaved whenever her father is around. If I try to talk about it with my husband he becomes upset, believes his daughter and tells me that I am jealous. He tells me I make him choose between me and his daughter, but that is not what I want him to do. I don’t know how to address the issue with him, but to continue our family life like this is no option for me. Do you have any suggestions? Marianne, 29, from South Africa

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•Johanna DeKoning MS is the Clinical Director of NCS Counseling Center. She trained in the Netherlands and Australia.

Johanna says: ■ Dear Marianne, To enter a family unit that exists already is always hard. You are changing the balance they established together. Your stepdaughter has to share her father with another woman and accept your authority; she’s not ready for that and is rebelling. With you entering the family, the father stepped back in order to have more time for his work and you took over his task. The daughter has “lost” the time and closeness with her father and has to accept a new authority figure she isn’t prepared for. Being a teenager, she takes advantage of the whole situation. In order to break the negative pattern that has developed, you and your husband have to sit down and talk about your relationship. Tell him you love him and you would never want him to make a choice between you and his children. Ask him questions, what values,

rules and approaches he would want to have for his family. After this you can share your opinion and then decide together which way to go. It is very important for children (especially teenagers) to have firm (but loving) guidelines supported by both parents. I would also like to suggest that your husband should start to be at home to be with the kids when they return from school again, at least for the coming months. By doing this he can set the rules as their father and you can support him in it. In this way he will have to address the behaviour change in his daughter and guide her himself. If you are not able to talk about it with each other, I would suggest you to restart the communication with the help of a counselor. Do not let this continue to separate you all as a family.

Contact details: ncs-counseling.com anette.p@ncs-counseling.com Tel: 02 279 8503 Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

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Gourmet p Wine and restaurant news

FOOD LAN RISE D’S T SUCC O ESS PAGE 60

Just one of the visually exciting creations you can expect to enjoy when Chef Gaetano, owner of the two-Michelin Star Arnolfo Ristorante in Siena, Italy, comes to Bangkok. Page 40.

What’s Cooking A round up of this month’s best gourmet deals. Yummy! Page 38

Recipe

Learn how to make Homemade black ink ravioli with mussels Page 58

Dining out

Our favourite restaurants reviewed and listed Page 64 TheBigChilli

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GOURMET NEWS

What’s Cooking

Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news Hot Choice! Great value steak AMBAR, UNTIL MAY 31

■ FOUR Points by Sheraton Bangkok’s popular rooftop bar is now offering a new Steakhouse Menu which features top quality beef from the USA and Australia, with cuts of premium Black Angus grain-fed and Wagyu starting at just B650. Alongside the beef, the menu also includes salmon steak, chicken breast and a large selection of appetizers, salads and desserts. Open daily, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, Tel: 02 309 3000 www.fourpoints.com/bangkoksukhumvit15

Jojo’s new lunch deal JOJO, AVAILABLE NOW

■ THE St.Regis Bangkok’s chic Italian restaurant is now offering a weekday lunch menu offering a choice of salad, and a pizza or pasta of the day, for just B490++ per person. Available Noon – 3pm. On Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) the restaurant will offer a special gourmet menu for B5,500++ per person. The St. Regis Bangkok, 159 Rajadamri Road, Tel: 02 207 7815 email:jojo.bangkok@stregis.com stregis.com/Bangkok

Romance – Italian style LOOP ITALIAN RESTAURANT TERRACE & BAR, UNTIL FEB 29

■ YOU can enjoy all the romance of Valentine’s Day every night this month at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel’s popular al fresco Italian restaurant. Priced at B3,999 per couple, Loop’s Valentine’s Dinner Set features Oyster Rockefeller; Canadian lobster ravioli; Australian beef tenderloin with foie gras, a Chocolate delight, and two glasses of sparkling wine. Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road, Tel: 02 216 3700 ext. 20818 www.pprincess.com

Authentic taste of China THE IMPERIAL CHINA RESTAURANT, AVAILABLE NOW

■ FANS of authentic Chinese cuisine will find plenty to keep them happy at The Imperial China Restaurant. Chef Chu Hoi Hong and his culinary team have just launched a new menu which includes Stir-fried pigeon with garlic in bird’s nest, Steamed crabmeat with traditional style glutinous rice; Steamed gingko nuts and aloe vera in young coconut; and many more traditional favourites. Lunch is served 11.30am - 2pm; dinner, 6pm - 10pm. Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Tel: 02 261 9000 ext. 5058, 5059, 4140 email: dining@imperialhotels.com www.imperialhotels.com

Celebrate the week of love DA VINCI, FEB 13 - 17

■ ROMANCE is made easy this Valentine’s week at the Rembrandt Hotel’s Tuscan-inspired restaurant. A special eight-course degustation tasting menu will be on offer featuring Salted cod crocchetta with quail eggs and smoked tomato chutney; Warm tomato and saffron consommé with lobster stuffed zucchini and petit vegetables;Yellow fin tuna tartar sided with avocado cream and cress salad; Risotto of blue swimmer crab with green asparagus bisque and dill, Passion fruit Sorbet. Dinner is priced a very reasonable B2,999 per couple (including a special sweet treat to share). Served 6pm onwards. Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, 19 Sukhumvit 18 Road, Tel: 02 261 7100 ext. 7527 book via facebook. com/rembrandtbkk www.rembrandtbkk.com

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Age-based discount deal NEXT2 CAFÉ, ANGELINI, SHANG PALACE, AVAILABLE NOW

Pacific snow fish delicacies HONG TEH CHINESE RESTAURANT, UNTIL FEB 28

■ YOU can boost your omega levels and enjoy yourself at the same time at Hong Teh this month. A special menu is on offer featuring a wide range of dishes made using snow fish. Starting at B530 per dish, highlights include Steamed snow fish fillet in superior soya sauce served with sautéed Hong Kong Kale and crispy rice noodle; and Wok fried snow fish fillet with XO sauce and sautéed asparagus tips. Open daily, 11am-2pm for lunch; 6pm - 10.30pm for dinner. The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok, 171 Sukhumvit 11 Tel: 02 254 0444 ext.1562-3 Email: fbmbkk@amtel.co.th www.amtel.co.th

■ THE Shangri-La Hotel is now offering a special ‘age-based’ discount dining deal for Thai residents and expatriates with valid work permits. To qualify for the deal, visit one of the hotel’s dining venues on your birthday and you’ll enjoy a discount equivalent to your current age – so if you’re 50, you’ll get 50 per cent off the total food bill. NEXT2 Café and Angelini Restaurant and Bar both offer the deal to birthday celebrants who take along a minimum of four diners up to a maximum of 10; Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant, meanwhile, offers the deal to a minimum of six diners to a maximum of 10. Take along your passport or ID to qualify for the deal. Reservations can be made two weeks prior to the guest’s birthday. Shangri-La Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road Tel: 02 236 9952 e-mail: restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com www.BangkokRiversideDining.com

’s Day lentine

Deals!

your to treat e r e h w to know al this Valentine’s ■ Want e om e to a m loved on it thebigchilli.c is V h all t e Day? nd up of ! u o r a r fo g deals best dinin

Valentine’s Tapas and Wine

Leap year celebrations

WINE PUB, FEB 14

PARTY HOUSE ONE, FEB 29

■ THE trendy Wine Pub always has superb deals so it’s no surprise that its Valentine’s Day deal is another corker. From 6pm – 10pm a “Loves Eat Roses” tapas set is on offer featuring two glasses of Kir Royal wine and 4 tapas dishes such as Foie parfait varine, Seared shrimp, Parma ham canapé and French cheese on crispy baguette and two pastel candy roses as dessert. The price is at B555 per set.

■ SIAM@SIAM Design Hotel & Spa is celebrating February’s additional leap year day with special deals at Party House One. On Feb 29, a ‘Sense of Asian Buffet’ is priced at only B290 for the first 29 people who book their place. And, from Feb 29 – March 31, free-flow beer is available from 5pm – 9pm for only B290 for everyone. What’s more, book the hotel’s Double Value voucher for B2,900, and from Feb 29 – March 29 you get B5,800 baht value to spend at any of the hotel’s restaurants.

Pullman Bangkok King Power, 8/2 Rangnam Road, Tel: 02 680 9999 email: hotel@pullmanbangkokkingpower.com www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com

Tasty quote ■ The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you’re hungry again. - George Miller

Hard Rockstyle Romance HARD ROCK CAFE, FEB 14 – MAR 31

■ HARD Rock Cafe Bangkok is celebrating the month of love by introducing a meaty range of USDA Choice Grade Angus Steak to its menu. Cuts include Tenderloin, Rib-Eye, and New York Strip, and there’ll also be Rib Finger Skewers and Hickory BBQ Boneless Short Ribs. Visit on Valentine’s Day and you can even order a heart shaped Hot fudge brownie. Siam Square Soi 11. Open Daily 11.30am – 1am. Tel: 02 658 4090-3 Visit: www.hardrock.com/bangkok

Siam@Siam Design Hotel, 856 Rama 1 Road, Tel: 02 217 3000, 02 217 3070 email: fbrsvn@siamatsiam.com www.partyhouseone.com

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GOURMET NEWS

Japanese delights Where to enjoy sushi and sashimi this month A rare catch

UNTIL FEB 16, Shintaro Restaurant is offering special dishes made of ‘Seki Aji’ and ‘Seki Saba’ which can be caught only by single-hook fishing in the waters of the Bungo Channel. Available for both lunch and dinner, the dishes include Fried blue sprat and ‘Sea Grape’ seaweed salad with creamy sesame dressing; Assorted mackerel sashimi; and Deep fried sardine with almond and corn crumble. Prices range from B600 to B3,700.

New on the scene The Pintsman ■ WITH the punchline, “Since 9500 BC”, this new pub honors the history and world of beer in an intimate, upbeat setting that is both traditional and contemporary. The Pintsman offers an impressive range of imported beers for all tastes, from a German Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier to a Belgian Tripel Karmeliet, lagers and ales to fruit beers and ciders. Delicious gastro pub dishes, artistic wall projections, and live music nights featuring indie, soul, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll make this exciting new spot a fun place to be on any night. Open daily from 11am – 1am, Basement, Below Citi Bank, United Center 323 Silom Road, BTS Sala Daeng / MRT Silom, www.thepintsman.com Tel: 084 469 5511

Coffee Corner

Four Seasons Bangkok, 155 Rajadamri Road Tel: 02 126 8866 ext. 1239, 1240 email: dining.bangkok@fourseasons.com www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/

Japanese buffet

SUSHI, sashimi, Tempura, Teppanyaki, seaweed salad, soup, and much more is available as part of Hiiragi Restaurant’s Japanese Buffet Dinner, available from Feb 20 – 29 at only B699++ per person. Novotel Bangna Bangkok, 333 Srinakarin Road, Tel: 02 366 0505 ext.1470, 1471 www.novotel.com/asia

Sushi Mondays

THE recently renovated Benihana Japanese Steakhouse at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is now offering a special Monday Sushi deal. Available for both lunch and dinner, the Sushi set is priced B599++ per person (including a free flow of green tea, and ice cream) or B799++ per person with free flow Asahi beer and sake). Highlights include ‘Samurai,’ comprising lobster tempura, avocado, asparagus and masago, encrusted with toasted almonds and drizzled served with lemon pepper sauce; a ‘Fireball’ of spicy tuna tartar and avocado roll with Thai sriracha hot sauce; and the exotic ‘River Park,’ featuring salmon, tuna, spicy mayo and tempura flakes wrapped in ripe mango with a top of red and wasabi tobikos. Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Tel: 02 476 0022 email: riversidedining@anantara.com bangkok-riverside.anantara.com

Mogra ■ NAMED after a sweetly fragrant flower which grows in northern India, Mogra is certainly sweet and flowery. Part coffee shop, part floral design center, it has a lovely white vintage theme and is decorated with the kind of cutesy bric-a-brac you’d expect to find in a friendly old lady’s home in England. The delicious smell of baking adds to the homely feel, and there are indeed plenty of homemade cakes and pastries to be enjoyed, plus delicious savoury items like Chicken pie (B80). The food menu changes every week so there’s always something new to try. As for drinks, iced Espresso (B55) and hot Cappuccino (B45) are favourites, and the Lemonade Soda (B55) is delightfully refreshing. If the above isn’t enough to put a smile on your face, the genuinely friendly service will.The owners, two brothers, are almost as charming as their venue and will do everything possible to ensure your visit is a good one. Open only Sat - Sun, 10.30am5pm, 421 Kampangpetch Road (MRT Kampangphet), opposite the Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF), Tel: 02 272 5018 (For ﬂoral design and decoration contact Khun Pong 081 932 3697)

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GOURMET NEWS

Buffet Bonanza

New Venue

Where to get your all-you-can-eat ﬁll this month Tasty Thai

CAFÉ G is offering a Thai buffet for lunch and dinner featuring lots of local favourites plus a choice of international salads, pastas, and delightful desserts. Dinner includes a Congee Corner. B249++ per person including free flow tea, coffee and soft drinks. Lunch: 11.30am - 2.30pm; dinner, 5.30pm - 9pm. Holiday Inn Bangkok, 971 Ploenchit Road. Tel: 02 656 1555 holidayinn@ihgbangkok.com www.holidayinn.com www.dining-experience.com

Sparkling Sunday Brunch

ATELIER’S new Sunday Brunch features a wide range of Asian and western cuisines including Alaskan king crab, Tiger prawn, Salmon roe, Prime rib and a selection of French cheese cuts. B1,400 per person with free-flow sparkling wine, house wine, local beer, fruit juice, herbal drinks and soft drinks. Come 4 diners and pay just 2. Served Noon - 3.30pm. Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, 30 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road, Tel: 02 204 4161 email: fb@grandmillenniumskv.com www.grandmillenniumskv.com

Saturday seafood

ENJOY a sumptuous seafood buffet brunch every Saturday at Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel. B1,980 baht per person. Opt for a beverage package for B980 (includes free flow of wine, soft drink, and juice). Free for children under 12 when coming with two paying adults (there’s an activity corner for kids). Served Noon - 2.30pm. Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel 61 Wireless Road, Tel: 02 650 8800 ext. 4346 email:fb.bangkok@lemeridien.com lemeridien.com/plazaatheneebangkok

Bourbon Street gets a new home ■ AFTER 25 years in the same location on Sukhumvit 22, Bourbon Street Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Boutique Hotel has relocated to Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Bourbon Street remains Bangkok’s only 100% owned and operated American restaurant with the specialty of the house being famous Louisiana “Cajun/Creole” dishes. Highlights of the menu include Boiled “live” crawfish, Blackened redfish, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Blackened crab cakes and many more “New Orleans” favorites.There is a main floor and mezzanine plus a rooftop and indoor/outdoor lounge and party room. Every Tuesday night is “Mexican Night” featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet including such items as Beef & Chicken Tacos, Beef & Chicken Enchiladas, Frajitas, Burritos, Refried Beans, Mexican Fried Rice and Chili. Pizza and Thai food are also available. The restaurant is located on Ekkamai Road, less than a five minute walk from Ekkamai BTS station. For more info: Tel: 02 381 6801-3 email: info@bourbonstbkk.com www.bourbonstbkk.com

Chef in focus This month: Christian Ham ■ RECENTLY taking charge of the kitchens at D’Sens Restaurant, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Chef Christian Ham brings with him 20 years’ experience from the kitchens of some of France and Asia’s leading restaurants; from three-Michelin-Star ‘Au Crocodile’ in Strasbourg where he began his career in 1992 to his appointment as Head Chef of ‘Restaurant Atelier de Joel Robuchon’ in Hong Kong. Between these years Chef Ham was instrumental in the success of several Michelin star restaurants in Paris including Chef de Partie for the world renowned, Chef Joel Robuchon. The position required his expertise on the TV show ‘Bon Appétit Bien Sur’, airing daily on the French National Channel and the opening of Joel Robuchon restaurant in Tokyo. Chef Christian has already launched a new Spring menu at D’Sens, and diners can expect many more interesting dishes to be added with the changing of the seasons. For more info about D’Sens Tel: 02 200 9000 ext. 2499 email: dtbkfbfr@dusit.com

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Sukhumvit branch open Mon - Fri for lunch 11.30am - 2.30pm, and Dinner 5.30pm - 11.30pm Open all day Sat - Sun from 11.30am - 11.30pm. Tel : 02 259 3569. Visit: http://iltartufobangkok.com NEW BRANCH OPEN NOW! Located at the Avenue Chaengwattana. Please come and visit us. Tel: 02 574 1774

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GOURMET NEWS

Chefs on the move

Our gourmet spies track the comings and goings of chefs in Bangkok

Gaetano Trovato returns to La Scala ■ THE chef and owner of the two-Michelin Star Arnolfo Ristorante in Siena, Italy, is returning to Bangkok to cook his award-winning Tuscan cuisine at La Scala, The Sukhothai Bangkok, from Mar 6 – 10. On this visit, Chef Gaetano will be accompanied by his brother, Giovanni, who will complement each course with specially selected wines. A wine dinner night will be held on Mar 6, and set lunch and dinners will be available from Mar 7 – 10.

Trader Vic’s Michelin experiences ■ CHEF Nicolas Isnard, owner of the one-Michelin Star L’Auberge de la Charme restaurant in France, will take control of the kitchens at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa’s signature Pacific Rim restaurant from Feb 22 – 29. A special a la carte menu will be available, plus a sixcourse degustation dinner for B3,600++ per person. On Feb 25, Chef Nicolas will also host a threecourse cooking class in Trader Vic’s kitchen for B3,500++ per person. On Feb 27, he will cook a special meal aboard the resort’s Manohra Dining Cruise, priced B4,999++ per person including wines.

Tel: 02 344 8888 or email: promotions@sukhothai.com

For more info: 02 476 0022 Ext. 1416 or email: riversidedining@anantara.com

César Troisgrosat at Le Normandie ■ CÉSAR Troisgros, son of Michel Troisgros and owner of the world-renowned three-Michelin Star Maison Troisgros Restaurant, is staging his culinary debut at Le Normandie, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, from Feb 6 – 11. Prices are B5,065 for a five-course lunch; B9,420 for a seven-course dinner; and B12,830 for a Wine Dinner on Feb 11 with Domaine Ponsot from Morey Saint Denis in Burgundy. For more info Tel: 02 659 9000 ext. Le Normandie

Alfredo Russo at Rossini’s ■ TURIN native Alfredo Russo, chef and owner of the one-Michelin Star Il Dolce Stil Novo Restaurant, is returning to cook his superb Italian cuisine at Rossini’s Restaurant, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, from Feb 21 – 27. Over the past year, Chef Alfredo has worked closely with Rossini’s Chef Stefano Merlo and turned Rossini’s into one of Bangkok’s most essential dining experiences. While overseeing the restaurant’s culinary evolution he has introduced his signature dishes to the menu and created special a la carte and tasting menus. During his Feb visit he will introduce a new dinner menu and host a gourmet wine dinner. At time of writing prices were TBA. For more info Tel: 02 649 8364 or email: dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com/en/store/

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GOURMET NEWS

Gourmet scrapbook Wine functions in focus

US Premium Wines at Aldo’s ■ AMERICAN wines were the star of the show when The California Wine Company hosted a US Premium Wines Tasting Party at Aldo’s Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar, Ascott Sathorn Building. The event featured a superb choice of 30 different wines for guests to try, with selections from Hall Napa Valley, Blankiet Estate, Grgich Hills, Favia, and many more well-known vineyards.

French Tuesdays with Perrier ■ MR. Yuthachai Charanachitta (left), Director of Italthai Industrial Co., Ltd, and Mr. Anat Julintron (right), Country Business Manager of Nestle’ waters of Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., were guests of honour at the launch of the Bangkok version of the prestigious French Tuesdays event at Met Bar, Metropolitan Hotel. At the event, Italthai Food & Beverage Solutions, Thailand’s sole distributor of Perrier, provided all the VIP guests and celebrities with the newest Perrier Limited Edition by Dita von Teese.

Afterwork Cocktails and Cones goes al fresco ■ PLAZA Athénée Bangkok surprised guests with a shift of venue for its last Afterwork Cocktails and Cones Party of 2011. Instead of hosting the event as usual in its stylish Reflexions Restaurant, the hotel held the party at its peaceful poolside terrace and garden, The View. A hip, diverse crowd enjoyed soaking up the outdoor ambiance while tucking into gourmet canapés, Thai tapas, Swiss Mövenpick ice cream cones and mixologist-mixed classic and innovative cocktails.

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REVIEW TRADER VIC’S

POLYNESIAN PLEASURE AT TRADER VIC’S

Paciﬁc Rim cuisine is served in style at this delightful riverside restaurant TRADER VIC’S restaurant at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa has been wowing Bangkok diners with its French-inspired Pacific Rim cuisine for over 19 years – a stunning achievement in a city where many international restaurants often flounder and fail in a matter of months after opening. The secret of Trader Vic’s success stems partly from its sterling reputation. Ask any long-term expat about Trader Vic’s Sunday Brunch and they’ll likely go all starry-eyed and tell you how it’s one of the best in town. And they’re not wrong. Offering free flow Mai Tai cocktails

and mountains of tasty food in a tropical riverside setting for just B1,799++, the brunch is amazing. But it’s not just the brunch that warrants praise here. There’s also the fact that the restaurant looks great. Its interior, which is decorated with Polynesian masks and tiki carvings, has always been inspired, and a recent refurbishment now means it looks even better. Polynesian-rich colour palettes, textures, lighting and furnishings have all been carefully selected to whisk diners’ senses away from bustling Bangkok to the tropical trading ports of the Pacific Rim. Sip a cocktail at the newly-extended Mai Tai Bar, or from the comfort of a couch at the

new outdoor riverside lounge area, and you’ll feel like an explorer who’s discovered a gem of a bar in the middle of nowhere. While the Mai Tai Bar and Lounge Area are destinations in their own right – they even serve their own stripped down food menus featuring bar snacks and appetizers – the real dining action is inside the restaurant, where you can spy chefs creating dishes in the large open kitchen. The restaurant’s twopage food menu may not be one of the most extensive in town but the focus here is on quality over quantity, and it’s consistently good. The delicious subtley-spiced starters are impressive, especially the Ahi Poke (B280++), which features raw tuna, avocado, chopped chilli dressing and a small

string-wrapped parcel of crackers. And we really like the creative salads, especially the Goat Cheese & Beet Salad (B250++), which features an eye-popping bright-purple bed of beetroot cut in a carpaccio style. The signature Trader Vic’s Traditions section of the menu offers some excellent fish dishes, including a particularly good Macadamia Mahi Mahi (B700++), a huge slice of fish, drizzled with orange ginger sauce, on top of wasabi mashed potatoes. Main courses are dominated by meat and lobster options, many of them cooked in the restaurant’s huge woodfired Chinese oven - the only one of its kind in Bangkok. Our favourites include the BBQ Duck Breast (B500++),

which is served with a small pot of duck tea; and Indonesian Lamb Rack (B850++), which features wonderfully tender grain fed Australian lamb, Bali fried rice, and Trader Vic’s Chutney. With friendly, well-informed staff providing efficient service throughout the evening, dining at Trader Vic’s is a real joy - a great place to take visitors from out of town, and a great place to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life in Bangkok. Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, (free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS); Tel: 02 476 0022 Ext. 1416. Open Tues – Sun 6pm – 11pm; Sunday Brunch 11.30am – 3pm (closed Mon).

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REVIEW JAMESON’S

JAMESON’S COCKTAILS WITH CHARACTER Pubʼs new cocktail menu offers more unique concoctions than you can shake a swizzle stick at COCKTAILS served in many Bangkok bars often pack more punch than a bare-knuckle boxer – drink two glasses and you’re wobbling; three, and you’re out for the count. The demonic spirits swilling around your glass, smelling like industrial paint stripper, promise no heavenly high, just a hellish hangover to be endured the next day. And where’s the pleasure in that? “No pleasure at all,” says Ian Harriss,

Silver Mercedes

General Manager of Jameson’s Irish Pub on Silom Road. “Creating a good cocktail is not only about high alcohol content. It’s about achieving a balance of flavours. Cocktails should be made using only the best spirits and

ingredients. They should be a joy to drink. And that’s what my new cocktails are all about.” When it comes to cocktails, English expat Ian doesn’t mix his words. Back in the UK he spent several years working at the Southampton branch of the famous TGI Friday’s restaurant chain and he regularly created his own cocktails for the menu. One of them, the Silver Mercedes, even received the restaurant’s

With pieces of orange to chew on and orange sherbet to slurp, it’s almost like a dessert. In fact, only the fizz of the champagne reminds you it’s a drink. It’s rare that cocktails can be described as delicious, but many of Ian’s new cocktails are more than deserving of this adjective. Take his Barnamint Baileys (B280++), for example. Every first sip of this concoction is almost always followed by a

creamy, it’s a true alcoholic dessert in a glass; a real crowd pleaser. Other highlights you won’t find elsewhere include the Strawberry Shortcake (B280++), featuring pureed

alists needn’t worry about all this sweet talk. Plenty of ‘on the rocks’ cocktails are available, including unique sweet/sour mixes like the June Bug (B220++), which features Malibu, Midori and banana liqueur shaken together with June Bug pineapple juices and sweet and sour; and Uncle Vanya (B220++) which mixes vodka, blackberry brandy and sweet and sour for a fruity twist on the most popular cocktail in the USA. Strawberry Barnamint With at least two Shortcake Baileys Uncle Vanya shots of spirits in every cocktail, Ian’s concocwhoop of delight from the strawberries blended Best Cocktail Award. tions aren’t as innocent drinker who can’t believe with fresh vanilla, a Featuring Absoas they appear or taste: how much it tastes like lute Mandarin Vodka double shot of Amaretto, drink a few too fast and a chocolate dessert. A blended with orange and vanilla ice cream; the booze will creep main ingredient of this sherbet and cranberry and, Ian’s favourite, up on you like a ninja. juice, poured into house drink, besides Baileys Razzbaretto (B280++): Still, we’d pick Shinobi’s Irish Cream, crème de champagne, the Silver Chambord and Amaretto stealthy approach over a Mercedes (B320++) has menthe, and vanilla ice blended with vanilla ice pummeling from a barecream, is crushed Oreo a tangy, citrusy flavour cream. Delightful. knuckle boxer any day. cookies. Thick and reminiscent of sangria. Cocktail tradition- Wouldn’t you?

IT’S A DEAL

FREE meal for designated drivers! Visit Jameson’s as a group of four persons this month for a meal, and the designated driver in your group will get their food for free (food value up to B500. Conditions apply). Free parking is available at the Holiday Inn Silom. Daily Happy Hours 4pm – 8pm offer selected draught beers at 100 baht per pint. 20 minutes of unlimited vodka is availble daily in the adjacent Ice Bar - literally Bangkok’s coolest bar - for 500 baht. With live music most nights, numerous big screens showing sports, a pool table, darts board, and extensive international food menu, Jameson’s has all the trappings of a good expat pub – a great place to enjoy a taste of home right in the heart of Bangkok. Shops 6 – 13, 981 Silom Road (near Surasak BTS), Tel: 02 266 7703-5 email: info@jamesons-bangkok.com visit: jamesons-bangkok.com 50

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REVIEW MULLIGAN’S SUKHUMVIT

A GOOD CRAIC AT MULLIGAN’S

fish coated with a crispy batter on top of a generous serving of thick-cut chips; Chef ’s Salad (B260) comes The decision was a large glass wall running tea jars and old posters loaded with chicken and SINGAPORE based worth it, because what’s its entire length. of famous Irish brands. ham and is big enough nightclub and pub Mulligan’s Sukhumvit Point at any decorative to share; and Honey operators The Lifebrandz emerged from the dust is Lifebrandz’ third pub item on Mulligan’s walls Marinated Pork Fillets Group certainly get an A and rubble is a corker to carry the Mulligan’s or shelves, and chances (B375) brings back for effort. Opening their of an expat pub. One where draught beers name. Its flagship branch are it came from Ireland. memories of traditional latest Mulligan’s pub in flow from kegs stored in opened in Singapore There are also neat Sunday dinners and the premises which design elements which packs plenty of flavour. formerly housed Temples a temperature controlled in 2004; its second, in cold room; where 14 Pattaya in 2010. Like blend the modern with Other highlights Irish Bar, they could its sisters, Mulligan’s the traditional, such include steaks and burgers have simply moved into big screen TVs show international sports in Bangkok has been as the genuine railway cooked on the lava grill the property, given the glorious HD; where carefully developed to sleepers, threaded with – try the Grilled beef walls a lick of paint, hearty portions of inter- offer a top quality Irish spotlights, which hang Tenderloin (B580) or added new furniture, from the pub’s ceiling. Aussie inspired Speight’s and opened for business. national food are offered pub experience. at great value for money; The attention to Mulligan’s food burger (B295) – and But they didn’t: they and where customers detail is impressive. menu offers a wide signature Buffalo wings ripped the place apart can watch all the action For a start, to give the range of international (B190), which are deep and started again from of buzzing Soi 11 from pub its stamp of Irish pub grub and includes fried and sprinkled with scratch. either a groundfloor authenticity the owners all the dishes which dry spices. terrace or first floor took trips to Ireland have proven popular at All prices are net, so bar, the latter of where they went on bar Lifebrandz’ flagship pub there’s no need to use a which has its crawls, not just to sip in Singapore, plus a few calculator to figure out own smoking beer, but also to barter local favourites. how much you owe, as is balcony, pool with landlords for all Fish and Chips the case at most Bangkok table (which kinds of bric-a-brac (B340 baht) is a whale pubs and restaurants. is free to ranging from lanterns of a portion, featuring And you don’t only need play), and and cheese containers, to two big pieces of Dory to visit at Happy Hour to feel like you’re getting good value for money – most pints here sell for around B150. Daily Happy Hours 4pm – 7pm, available on selected Visit with a group draught and bottled beers. All day, every day, wine is B120 of mates, and a good per glass, and house spirits are B100. craic is guaranteed. 22/22 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (short walk from Nana BTS) Tel: 02 255 5025 www.mulliganspubs.com

Enjoy a top class Irish pub experience on Sukhumvit Soi 11

IT’S A DEAL

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PROMOTION CONCEPT CM 2

Caching the memory of superstars A new band, theme parties, and excellent promotions ensure every night’s a blast at Concept CM² SEARCHING for a top quality International live band in Bangkok? Then look no further than Concept CM² of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. Jumping on stage for their debut performances in Bangkok is “Cache Superstar.” Having thrilled audiences with their live energy in Dubai earlier in the year, the band is now bringing its Dance, Top 40, Rock, Reggae, Latin and R&B renditions to Bangkok. Each performance, inspired by original artists, is enthused with Cache Superstar’s own unique performance characteristics. Cache Superstar is Will Janssen on keyboards, Ray St. Hilaire on Drums, Jeff Monkman with his bass guitar, Manny Geromino and Adam Johnson singing up front, with Ross Swanton on guitar. Will Jansen will leave the keyboards during the live stage performances and take the microphone for an awesome series of rap vocals. Having started performing in The Kingdom of Bahrain in 2010, Cache Superstar performed throughout the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, before hitting the shores of Asia for their Asian debut performance on the stage of Concept CM². Concept CM² holds monthly parties and themed events that continuously evolve to the desires of patrons and guests. This month’s hot parties, headed by Cache Superstar, include the February 14 Sweet and Naughty Valentine’s Party, with guests getting a free Love Potion No. 9 and free condom. Experience SOS Saturdays, with naughty nurses offering guests a free shot of Oxygen to lighten the mood, on February 11 and March 10; or celebrate as the full moon rises over Bangkok for the monthly 54

Full Moon Party, complete with rave music and glow theme, and select your own pleasure of Open Bar for 1,000 baht or 650 baht two drink package, on February 25 and March 24. The celebrations culminate in the 15th Anniversary Party to be held March 16. Ladies get the pick-of-the-bunch during Ladies Night every Wednesday Night, with free entrance and two selected free drinks and Sunday Night is free entrance for all ladies. While every day of the week, all drinks are served double portion, and the daily drink promotions means everybody gets at least 30% discount on the nightly highlighted spirit.

Concept CM², having been awarded Bangkok’s Best Live Music Venue in 2009/10, is hosting Cache Superstar every night (except Sundays) with the first performance at 10.30pm. With more than 14 years leading Bangkok’s nightlife Concept CM² is the definitive place to party whilst in Bangkok. For more information and details about upcoming live performances, parties and events, check out www.CM²bkk.com or friend them at www. Facebook.com/ConceptCM² or follow them on Twitter @ ConceptCM² to keep yourself updated.

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GOURMET NEWS

Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy

European flavours at Napa on 26

The BB&B dining group starts the year in true gourmet fashion

HE 2012 dining season for Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy started in style at Napa on 26. Swelled by a number of golfers seeking refuge from the floods which have left several courses in and around Bangkok unplayable, our group of 20 diners gathered in Napa’s bar area where

we began proceedings with canapés. The slices of Chorizo from Spain and Olives stuffed with anchovies we snacked on were tasty, but more than one of the chilli-flavoured nuts would have made it difficult to appreciate the Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier (California) served to accompany this. We sat down perhaps a little too early as William Schillinger and his team were still putting the final touches to the first dish, Scallops ‘Rossini,’ but the wait was rewarded with a great serving of slices of scallop separated by foie gras. Food spokesman, Keith Hancock, absolutely commended the presentation of not only this but all the dishes which followed. The house sparkling white Opera (Spain) which came with this was a good match for the scallops, though wine spokesman, Tom Whitcraft, confessed he is not a great fan of sparkling wines. There followed Boston lobster risotto, which was just the right size; a good chunk of lobster on a bed of flavoursome risotto. The Kendall Jackson, Vintners Reserve Chardonnay 2008 was however a disappointment. On our last visit to Napa the same vintage had drawn much praise, but the wine has not improved with the passage of time and is now past its best. William’s team were doing an excellent job out of sight in the kitchen and Napa’s Beef two ways (veal cheek and slow cooked tenderloin) received praise from one and all for both taste and presentation. Tom Whitcraft had

no hesitation in declaring the Crusader Syrah 2005 which came with this by far and away the best of the wines presented to us. The cheese plate which followed contained an interesting selection of cheeses; I particularly enjoyed the Epoisse, a soft French cheese in perfect condition, namely ready to run off the plate, and the Roquefort, often considered as the “King of cheeses” with its tingly pungent taste. The dessert came next: Orange crème brulée, under a lattice of caramelised sugar. Delicious flavour and unique presentation ensured the dish was enjoyed by all. Finally a very popular single malt whisky, 10 years old Laphroaig, from Islay, was served along with coffee. It remained for us to thank William and the hardworking service team in customary style before challenging the evening rush hour traffic. 115 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Nihonmachi Second floor, Tel: 02 258 2622. Open Tues – Wed 4pm – 11.30pm, Thurs – Sun 11.30am – 11.30pm (Closed Mon).

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Recipe of the month Homemade black ink ravioli with mullet bottarga in mussels sauce

cut out and keep

GOURMET NEWS

It may require some patient preparation, but this seafood recipe by Chef Carlo Zucchi of il Tartufo Restaurant, The Avenue Chaengwattana, is healthy and delicious and more than worth the effort Ingredients Pasta: • 4oo g of white flour • 100 g of durum wheat • 35 g of squid ink • 4 eggs • Salt Filling: • 1 egg • 500 g of ricotta cheese • 0.1 dl extra virgin olive oil • 1 fresh chilli • 50 g of parsley • 50 g of garlic • 50 g mullet roe • Salt and pepper Mussels sauce: • 500 g mussels • Garlic • Parsley • 1 cup white wine • Fresh chilli • Extra virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper

Method To prepare the pastry: • Mix 4 eggs in a bowl with 35 g of squid ink. • Mix 400 g of flour, 100 g of wheat bran, 0.5 dl of extra virgin olive oil, salt and eggs until dough is smooth and compact. • Place the dough in the refrigerator covered with a cloth for an hour. To prepare the filling: • Chop 50 g of parsley, fresh chilli and 50 g of garlic. • Combine in a bowl the egg, 500 g of ricotta cheese, 0.1 dl of extra virgin olive oil, 50 g of mullet roe, the parsley, garlic, chilli, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.

• Put the filling into a pastry bag. • Get the dough from the fridge. Prepare a thin paste, cut squares, fill them with a bit of stuffing and close them. To prepare the mussels sauce: • Cook the mussels in their shells (only use mussels with open shells) over high heat with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley and 1 cup of white wine for a few minutes. • Turn off heat, let it cool. Remove the mussels from their shells. Keep a few mussels to one side for decoration, and put the rest with their sauce in a blender and mix. • Cook the ravioli in salted water and add to the mussels’ sauce. • Plate ravioli, top with grated mullet roe, and decorate with the remaining mussels and mussel sauce as is seen in the picture.

About Chef CHEF Carlo Zucchi has many years’ experience operating restaurants in his native Italy. He moved to Bangkok in March last year to work for il Tartufo Restaurant’s main branch in Sukhumvit 51 before moving three months later to open its second branch at The Avenue Chaengwattana. He specialises in northern-style Italian food made using only the healthiest seasonal ingredients. Creative presentation and bold flavours are hallmarks of his cuisine. Try his food for yourself at il Tartufo Restaurant, The Avenue Chaengwattana, 104/42 The Avenue Chaengwattana, Room B-202, Chaengwattana Road, email: chaengwattana@iltartufobangkok.com Tel: 02 574 1774, 080 804 1232 iltartufobangkok.combangkok.com Open: Dail

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GOURMET FEATURE FOODLAND IN FOCUS

Foodland:Supplying the winning recipes Providing Bangkok shoppers with top quality foodstuffs for 40 years, Foodland now has 12 supermarkets in Thailand and even owns two food processing plants here. Maxmilian Wechsler spoke to Foodland’s managing director, Edwin T. L. Lim, about the company’s rise to success

“

“THINK of food, think of Foodland!” urges a radio commercial broadcast by popular Bangkok radio stations, and it’s apparent that a great many Bangkokians have taken that message to heart. From its original operation on Ploenchit Road, Foodland Supermarket Co., Ltd. now operates 11 24-hour markets in Bangkok, one in Pattaya, employs a workforce of about 1,800, has a fleet of around 40 food delivery trucks, and offers around 20,000 items from about 1,000 suppliers. Despite fierce competition in Bangkok from big players such as Tesco Lotus, Big C, Tops and over two thousand 7-Eleven stores, Foodland is thriving and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in May. Edwin T. L. Lim, Foodland’s managing director, deserves most of the credit for the remarkable success of the company he has headed for 33 years. The Hong Kong native with Thai citizenship is one of several founders and one of few foreigners

who have succeeded in operating a successful and legitimate business in Thailand. Most fail because business ownership regulations make it difficult for them to operate here, and they are driven out of business by local competitors. In addition to its 12 stores, Foodland also operates two food processing plants in Thailand. Since 1991 one of these has produced sausages, hams, salami and dozens of other meat products under the “Butcher’s Choice” brand for Foodland and for hotels and restaurants all over Thailand. The second plant, a bakery which opened in 1992, makes cakes, croissants, cookies, breads and other goods under the “Oven Fresh” label. Both brands use European recipes. Foodland also operates a vegetable processing and packaging facility. As tourists make up a fair percentage of Foodland’s clientele, the company’s gained a global reputation for its hospitality and good service.

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Instead of enjoying the fruits of his labor by playing golf all day with VIPs, lunching in plush hotels or travelling abroad, Mr. Lim continues with the same work ethic that he began with, visiting two or three Foodland branches every day, even on weekends and holidays, and he often drops in at the state-of-the-art food processing plants as well. “I like to move around, but to tell you the truth I don’t think of it as working. I visit my stores in Bangkok to meet with customers and friends and to talk with my staff. Once a week I go to Pattaya to do the same.” So if you are shopping or eating at one of the 12 Foodlands, don’t be too surprised if a polite, Chinese gentleman approaches you and asks if you are

– in two stores at random to get their comments, which were on the whole quite favorable. Some said it was easy to find what they were looking for and that the atmosphere is relaxed. Several commented that even when the store is busy the check-out girls are quick and courteous. A couple of German and Polish tourists were very impressed with the meat products, and said they were

Foodland’s head office in Lard Prao

happy with the service and encourages suggestions. Sometimes he presents a customer with a Foodland calendar or another small gift. This kind of hospitality and attention to the customer by a chain store owner is rare and it says a lot about how Foodland got to be where it is today. “I want to know what my customers like and don’t like,” said Mr. Lim. “Sometimes I will ask them for suggestions and we try to fulfill their recommendations. It was largely due to customer suggestions that we started the processing plants, which have really contributed a lot to our success. The restaurant idea also sprang from customer feedback. Supermarket and restaurant is a good combination. “We have many regular customers who know our staff and every time they come they will ask how they’re doing – it’s like a big family. It’s the personal touches that make our business so successful.” The BigChilli approached customers – Thais and foreigners

comparable to what they were used to back home. One customer said the items are always in the same place, so she doesn’t have to waste time searching for them. When told of this comment, Mr. Lim smiled and said: “Foodland shuns the supposedly sophisticated retail tactics of some supermarkets which shift goods around often in the hope customers will pick up something else while searching for the item they really need.” Comments were also overwhelmingly positive for the inhouse restaurants called “Took Lae Dee” (“Cheap and Good”) that are a feature of all stores except the one in Patpong. Customers said the food is served fast, tastes great, and is inexpensive. Several said they regularly eat at one or more of the restaurants. A married foreign couple said they found it fascinating to watch the skilled cooks at work in the open kitchen, and they also enjoyed watching the diverse mix of people filing in and out of the store.

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FEATURE STREET GOURMET FEATURELIFE FOODLAND IN FOCUS

How it all started Born in Hong Kong in 1937, Mr. Lim arrived in Thailand in 1959 and obtained a residency permit two years later. At the time he ran an import-export operation for his own Hong Kongbased company. With three partners, he founded Foodland Supermarket Co., Ltd. on May 1, 1972. He became the managing director in 1979 and was granted Thai citizenship in 1988. “We opened our first supermarket on Ploenchit Road in May 1972, and two weeks later launched an outlet at Patpong, which was then already a well-known entertainment area with many bars,” he said. “My partners and I, including my brother Frank, didn’t have

much interest in the bar business, which was already highly competitive. We decided to opt for a food business because it is a necessity. With so many locals and foreigners going to Patpong for entertainment, we thought it could be profitable. “At that time there was only one supermarket in Bangkok, on Ploenchit Road. It was called Dairy Lane and it belonged to a Hong Kong-based company,” Mr. Lim recalled. “I shopped there often and met the general manager, K.W. Lam. He was also born in Hong Kong and since there were not so many people from Hong Kong living and working in Thailand back then, we became close friends. “My brother and I persuaded Mr. Lam, who had been working with Dairy Lane for 20 years and had a lot of experience in this type of business, to join us. He accepted and ran our supermarkets from the first day we opened until his death from cancer in 1979. “When we first opened the business I was only an investor, and I must honestly admit that at that time I knew nothing of how to run a supermarket,” Mr. Lim said. But after Mr. Lam’s death all shareholders and directors of the company wanted Mr. Lim to take over. Despite his heavy involvement in the import-export business, he accepted, and began learning everything from scratch. With determination, talent and a desire to succeed, Mr. Lim learned the trade quickly. Mr. Lim said that “when the large competitors began arriving in the early 1980s, with the Japanese being the first, they thought that their huge size and deep pockets would see local operators fall by the wayside. Fortunately, at that time we already had a regular, loyal Thai and foreign customer base.

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“Some suppliers treated the newcomers better than us and gave them better prices, making it hard for us at first because the newcomers could sell goods cheaper. Talking to the suppliers wasn’t really effective because the huge size and buying power of the mega-stores meant we couldn’t expect to get the same treatment. So we had to deal with the realities. “As it turned out, the arrival of big-time competitors in fact benefited Foodland because when they came, they advertized a lot and created more interest from new customers, and this broadened our base. When the new supermarkets opened, people went there to look around and some returned to us. “Many customers,” Mr. Lim continued, “didn’t really care if they had to pay a little more for the better quality and service

that we provided. As a result of the ‘invasion,’ we didn’t collapse or just survive, we expanded. We opened two new stores in 1979, one each in 1988 and 1989, two outlets in 1991, more stores in 2000, 2003 and in 2005. The last store opened in June 2011 at Thonglor Soi 8. The original Ploenchit store closed because the lease expired and the building was demolished to make way for a new development project.” He proudly mentioned that Foodland was the first in Thailand to introduce ready-to-cook meals in the early 1980s and had the first-ever colour advertisement in the Bangkok Post, with a full-page ad published on Saturday, June 26, 1982.

Foodland today Mr. Lim said the best-selling stores are the ones in Pattaya and on Lard Prao in Bangkok, where the head office is located. The store on Sukhumvit Soi 5 has been dubbed a “mini-United Nations,” because besides Thai clients, it is extremely popular

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On these pages: Foodland’s supermarket on Sukhumvit Soi 5

with foreign tourists and residents from Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and all over Asia. “Foodland recently invested about 60 million baht to renovate this store. A manager of a big hotel in the area came in for lunch and was surprised to see the coffee machine we imported from Germany which cost over 900,000 baht, especially because we sell a cup of coffee for only 29 baht. I want the best for my customers,” Mr. Lim said, adding: “Money comes, money goes…” “We are now getting many tourists from China and India, which amazes me. We don’t advertize much but they know us from of word of mouth. Someone returns to their home country and talks to their friends. Many people around the world know our brand. However, Thais still make up the majority of customers, at

a ratio of about 70:30. “Many younger Thais are shopping with us and buying things they would not in the past, such as frozen foods,” said Mr. Lim. “People used to say that frozen food is not as good as fresh, but if properly handled and processed, the quality matches fresh food.” He said the recent flooding had little effect on his business. “All our stores were open as usual, including at Laksi, an area that was severely flooded. Customers there came to shop by boat.’’ Mr. Lim said some employees have been with the company for 20 or even 30 years. “The exception is the cashiers, who change quite often. They are mostly young females from the provinces who come to work with us and after while they will get married or return back to their home provinces. He explained that Foodland is a member of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), a US-based organization that aims to provide its retail and wholesale members with a forum to work effectively with governments, suppliers, employees, customers and communities.

“They organize conventions every other year and I am planning to attend the next one which will be held in May in Dallas, Texas.” Normally Mr. Lim doesn’t like to talk to journalists much about his family or himself, but this time he made a brief exception. “I am happily married to a Swiss lady and we have three daughters,” he said. “To keep fit I exercise and like to play tennis. I also, on the recommendation of my doctor, drink one glass of wine daily. When I have time I like to eat out.” He also admitted something that will surprise many people: ‘‘I wouldn’t know how to use a computer and I don’t have a mobile phone either. I don’t use high-tech gadgets.” Mr. Lim said he had no plans to open more stores outside Bangkok. “Pattaya is enough. It would be easy to open a store in Chiang Mai or elsewhere, but difficult to control,” he said, adding that Foodland is a ‘family business’ and will remain so.

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GOURMET DINING OUT

Where to eat

Your ultimate dining companion

Recommended restaurants and bars International Cuisine Circle •This modern, but comfortable-feeling spot is packed into a

compact and cozy building. There are three floors, two bars, an outdoor terrace, a walk-in wine cellar, and a walk-in cigar humidor. The cuisine is modern USA with Cajun/Creole dishes and some items best described as ‘Californian.’ The blackened halibut and the shellfish bisque with prawn and crab cake garnish make a visit here worth the effort. Circle is popular with locals who drop in after work for drinks and tasty eats.

Wine Connection Deli & Bistro •Combining a wine shop, wine bar, deli and restaurant, this place

has everything a wine lover could need under one roof. There’s a choice of international wines for as little as 100 baht per glass (500 baht per bottle), a superb selection of cheeses and cold cuts, daily baked breads, scrumptious homemade desserts, and a Mediterranean inspired food menu. All served in a trendy coffee shop atmosphere, there’s nothing pretentious about what’s on offer. It’s simply hearty, tasty food that’s supposed to be enjoyed in the company of friends. Book in advance on weekends – the restaurant is invariably packed. K Village Ground Floor, Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok. Open daily 10am - midnight. Tel: 02 661 3490-2 www.wineconnection.co.th

Ruam Rudee Village, Soi Ruam Rudee (BTS Ploenchit) Tel 02 650 8047 www.circlebangkok.com

Hanrahans •This Irish pub and

restaurant is located in the middle of all the nightlife action on Soi Nana. It’s an ambitious venue with three floors, pool tables, sports TVs, free wireless Internet for customers, and a kitchen that churns out traditional pub favourites like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd’s Pie. There is a typical 50% off happy hour, plus loads of other specials. Don’t worry about the pub’s location; Hanrahans is all about good, clean fun and the atmosphere makes it a good choice for couples. Sukhumvit Soi 4, near Nana Plaza (BTS Nana or Ploenchit), Tel: 02 255 0644-5

The Queen Victoria Pub •Slump into a leather

lounger at this traditional British tavern and you can tuck into a culinary lineup that would benefit a gourmet Steakhouse: rib-eye, sirloin, T-bone steaks, spare ribs, lamb chops. Also pick from a great range of seafood specials and perennial Thai favorites. The interior is comfortable and excellent for watching live sports; an al fresco terrace is the venue for regular barbecue nights. More prudish patrons shouldn’t worry about the pub’s location on Soi 23 (near Soi Cowboy). The Queen Victoria boasts a squeaky-clean image of family-friendly fun. Sukhumvit Soi 23, opposite Soi Cowboy, (BTS Asoke), Tel: 02 661 7417

Woodstock Bar & Grill •The descendent of a

restaurant once popular at Nana Plaza, this version is much more upmarket, but the music and food remain the same. The menu contains a smattering of items popular in US pubs and restaurants. Great burgers, Mexican dishes, Stews and Argentinean steaks. The ground floor features comfy booths and a snazzy copper bar; it’s suitable for the family and smoke free until 10pm. Upstairs is more casual and devoted to serious drinking, pool, and watching sports on giant TVs. There is parking around back. Thonglor Soi 13, 300m from Soi Thonglor (BTS Thonglor) Tel: 02 715 0202 www.woodstockbkk.com

Crepes & Co •As close as any restaurant

in the city comes to being an institution, Crepes & Co’s main branch on Sukhumvit Soi 12 is packed for its all day brunch, especially on Sundays. Serves over 100 different crepes and a selection of Mediterranean specialities in a converted house with a pleasant garden. Every year it has a rotating schedule of promotions featuring Moroccan, Greek and Spanish dishes. In honour of Valentine’s Day, February is devoted to romantic dining. The restaurant is kid friendly and has toys available for their enjoyment. Sukhumvit Soi 12, 500m from Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asoke) Tel: 02 251 2895, 02 653 3990-1, www.crepes.co.th

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Japanese Cuisine

Mexican cuisine

Tsu and Nami •These are twin Japanese

restaurants on the lower level of the Marriott with stunningly contemporary interiors. Nami specializes in teppanyaki eating, where your personal chef cooks and entertains as he prepares your meal on a slab of stainless steel. Steaks and sizzling seafood are specialities.Tsu has a comprehensive menu, but is noted for its sashimi and sushi with seafood that is as wholesome and fresh as any available in Bangkok. Both places woo shoppers and office workers with set menus at lunchtime. JW Marriott Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 2 at Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Ploenchit or BTS Nana) Tel: 02 656 7700

Uomasa •This is the Japanese equivalent

of a bistro or trattoria in Europe: a humble place frequented by people who enjoy good food, good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu is extensive, and includes eye openers like raw horse tongue. You’ll find all the traditional favourites here, including several impressive platters of sashimi. At lunch it is filled with Japanese shoppers; in the evening, the tables are full with families and Japanese businessmen enjoying sake. If you are looking for a touch of the ‘real’ Japan this is where you’ll find it. Thonglor Soi 13, Nihonmura Compound (BTS Thonglor), Tel: 02 185 2700

Mori Grill •Mori Grill’s Japanese

Buffet is a big hit with diners. Offering an all-you-can eat selection of Japanese favourites, plus a choice of a la carte specials, at 670 baht for lunch and 729 baht for dinner, it’s not hard to see why. The buffet is split between three stations. Mouthwatering meats are cooked at a tepanyaki station; a large central counter is loaded with sushi and sashimi; and a salad bar offers a good selection of veggies, seaweed, cold Soba Japanese noodles, and several sweet treats. The a la carte menu offered alongside the buffet is just as sumptuous. On it you’ll find Shrimp tempura, Fried scallops Hotate Furai, Lamb Steak served with mint sauce, and much more. Chaophya Park Hotel, 247 Radchadapisek Road, Tel: 02 290 0125 ext. 7143, 7144 email: mori_grill@chaophyapark.com www.chaophyapark. com Open Lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm, dinner 6pm – 10.30pm

Coyote Bangkok²

equila, Margaritas and Mexican food are what this place is all about. The tequila collection is the largest in Thailand and over 75 different margaritas are served. The menu is diverse and not only possesses the requisite Tacos, Enchiladas, and Burritos, but also more elaborate items like Empanadas Carnitas - cornmeal pastries stuffed with spicy pork and a roasted tomato salsa. Although popular at lunch, the Coyote really howls in the evening when the after work crowd stumbles in for margaritas and a bite to eat. The best news is that there are now two branches – one located on Convent road, and one near the entrance of Sukhumvit Soi 33. Coyote on Convent: Convent Road, about 100m from Silom Road, (BTS Saladaeng) Open daily 11.00 - 01.00 Tel. 02 631 2325 www.coyoteonconvent.com Ladies Night on Wednesday, 6-8pm and Saturday 10-midnight. Coyote Sukhumvit: near the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 33 (BTS Phromphong) Open daily 11.00-01.00 Tel. 02 662 3838 www.coyotebangkok.com. Ladies Night on Thursday, 6-8pm.

Steak New York Steakhouse •This is Bangkok’s most popular

steakhouse. Elegant, but still relaxed, it’s packed every night and reservations are a must. Other things appear on the menu, but steaks are what it’s all about. Features the finest US and Australian meat that is always properly stored and aged. The wine list is extensive and features a large number of wines by the glass. Numerous cocktails are available, but do yourself a favour and try the Classic Martini. It’s the perfect prelude to a steak. This restaurant isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the tariff.

JW Marriott Bangkok at Sukhumvit Soi 2 (BTS Ploenchit or BTS Nana), Tel: 02 656 7700

Tenderloins Sports Bar & Steak House •Notable for successfully

marrying a crackling bar and an excellent grill featuring some of Bangkok’s best and most reasonably priced steaks,Tenderloins has a lot going for it.The menu is short, but features beef from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Burgers, salads and other items are also available.The wine list is compact and primarily Australian, but it has some excellent inexpensive choices.Tenderloins is a good and affordable choice for an after work drink and a good steak. Sukhumvit Soi 33(BTS Prom Pong), Tel: 02 258 4529 email: info@tenderloins33.com www.tenderloins33.com

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GOURMET DINING OUT

Italian cuisine Antonio’s •Set in one of the few remaining stand-alone

houses in mid-Sukhumvit, Antonio’s serves authentic Italian cuisine made using the finest imported ingredients. The bar, an extension of the original property, is unquestionably a highlight, as is the garden area. The food – a good selection of Italian favourites, seafood and meat dishes – is superb. Must tries include Home-made ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms, topped with a cream of black truffle sauce; and White asparagus wrapped in Parma ham, topped with a cream Gorgonzola cheese sauce. 26 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Sukhumvit Rd, Tel: 02 662 1001 email: antonioarmenio@ hotmail.com

Spasso •Spasso is a Chameleon:

It’s filled with shoppers and office-types at lunch, family diners in the early evenings, and revelers late at night when the entertainment starts. It offers set lunches and numerous Italian dinner options, including signature dishes like roasted lamb loin in herb crust. Don’t want a full meal? There’s a large selection of appetizers, pizzas and pastas. The cocktail selection is enormous and several beers are available on tap. Cigar smokers appreciate the humidor with 25 different cigars. After 10pm, except on Sunday, the live entertainment starts, often with bands from North America. Lower level of Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel at Rajdamri and Ploenchit Roads (BTS Chidlom), Tel: 02 254 1234

il Tartufo •This gem of an Italian restau-

rant is located in a wonderfully renovated house with a leafy garden on Sukhumvit 49. The restaurant prides itself on offering Italian cuisine just like you’d find in the north of Italy, and as the name suggests (il Tartufo means ‘The Truffle’) the menu features several gourmet items made using this renowned ingredient. Dine in homely comfort in the dining room, breezy garden, or air-conditioned conservatory. A large private dining room is also available on the first floor. Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok Tel: 02 259 3569, 080 062 7574 email: rsvn@iltartufobangkok.com (Parking available). Open daily from 11.30am-11.30pm

Fuzio •Hidden away behind the

garrett secret bistro bar on the top floor of the Mini dealership on Soi Ekkamai, this stylish venue is intimate and cozy and serves some delightful gourmet Italian cuisine at excellent value for money. The restaurant attracts lots of regulars who like lounging in its comfy booths while tucking into pastas, pizzas, meat and seafood dishes. Not to be missed is the Grilled Australian aged Black Angus beef fillet mignon wrapped with Italian speck ham and goose liver in Porcini mushroom sauce. Rooftop, Mini Car Showroom (Ekamai Soi 7) Tel: 02 711 6999 www.fuzio.co.th

Da Vinci •Named after

the greatest artist who ever lived, this handsome restaurant does justice to the wonderfully exciting Italian food of Leonardo da Vinci’s homeland. The sleek tables, comfy seats, traditional wooden cupboard and terra cotta flooring exude the warmth of a typical Tuscan diner. And the menu offers a superb range of Italian delicacies, ranging from cold cuts and cheeses to pastas, pizzas, meat and seafood dishes. An extensive wine list of over 100 labels is well considered and has something for every budget. Rembrandt Hotel & Towers Bangkok (4th Floor), Sukhumvit Soi 18, Tel: 02 261 7100 ext. 7527 http://rembrandtbkk.com, Open 11.30am - 2.30pm (lunch), 6pm - 11pm (dinner)

Ugolini & Calderazzo •Healthy food just

like you’d find in southern Italy is what this restaurant by the Watermark Group is all about. In fact, when creating their cuisine the restaurant’s chefs deliberately avoid using any high cholesterol ingredients to ensure that what customers put in their mouths not only tastes good, but it’s good for them too. Signature dishes include Capesante (B440++), diver scallops gratinated with parmesan cheese, herb breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil and garlic; and Agnello al Vino Rosso (B530++ baht, organic lamb tenderloins delicately braised in Chianti wine sauce scented with sage, rosemary served with sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes. 59/6 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Tel: 02 252 8108 email: info@calderazzobangkok.com www.calderazzobangkok.com

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FEATURE SECRET BANGKOK

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BANGKOK PROTESTANT CEMETERY AGALICO GARDENS & TEA ROOM

HIDDEN away on Sukhumvit 51, this delightful coffee shop has all the charm of an English countryside manor and a beautiful garden to match. When you first wander through the front door – which isn’t signposted – you may think you’ve accidentally walked into the home of a wealthy person who’s hosting a Hi-So tea party. A white-washed living room decked out with comfy couches and rattan chairs is full of well-preened patrons tucking into chocolate cakes, scones and drinking tea from fine china cups. Out in the garden, which is lush with plantlife and decorated with Balinese statues, other customers lounge on benches, read books in hidden, shady corners, and speak in hushed voices. It’s all very peaceful, and very surreal when you consider that just a short stroll up the street is busy Sukhumvit with all its honking horns and shrieking vendors. Adding to Agalico’s feeling of exclusivity is the fact it’s only open Fri – Sun (10am – 6pm). A real hidden gem. For more info Tel: 02 662 5857 www.agalico.co.th

SQUEEZED between a bus park and an abandoned tobacco factory on Charoenakorn Road 72/5, this hidden cemetery is steeped in history. Established in 1853, it has notable foreign interments such as Henry Alabaster, advisor to the King of Siam; John Fennell Belbin, Captain of the SS Bangkok, who died at his post in 1876; Hamilton King, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, who died in Bangkok in 1912; and Friedrich Schaefer, M.D., founder of and surgeon at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, who died from an infection acquired when operating in 1914. The graveyard has been kept free of weeds and clutter for the last 40 years thanks to an elderly woman who lives in a wooden house at the far end of the graveyard. Take along someone who can speak Thai to her, and if you spot her in the graveyard raking leaves, wander over and have a chat about the cemetery’s past; fascinating stuff that can’t be printed here.

CHAO MAE TUBTIM (GODDESS TUBTIM SHRINE)

TUCKED away behind the Swissotel Nailert Park Hotel, and accessed via the hotel’s underground car park, the Tubtim Shrine is a small spirit house located on the banks of a klong. Unlike other shrines you see in Bangkok, this one is full of phallic symbols of all shapes and sizes, plus small porcelain statues of children. While this may sound a little creepy, it’s all very innocent. Thai couples visit the shrine to pay respect to the goddess of fertility, who they believe resides in the Ficus tree and who will help them to conceive.

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THE BIGKNIT 49

WITH its extensive selection of natural fibers and exotic yarns in many colours, The BigKnit 49 reels in knitting enthusiasts in droves. They don’t just come to buy knitting accessories though - the shop has its own coffee shop that acts as a community center for anyone who likes knitting, which, contrary to the stereotype, is not just little old grandmas who make bad jumpers at Christmas. Men and women of all ages, beginners and pros, turn up to relax, chat, and knit here, and it’s great fun. 88 The Natural Park Building, Soi Sukhumvit 49, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 02 260 5050 www.bigknit49.com www.twitter.com/Bigknit49 www.facebook.com/bigknit Open: daily, 9am-9pm. Parking is available.

RECORDS HUNTER

TRAIN MARKET

EVERY Fri – Sun night, the old train warehouse on Kamphaengphet Road transforms into a flea market selling all sorts of retro and second hand products, ranging from clothes and home decorating items to furniture, DIY crafts and beauty accessories. Most items are displayed on the ground with shoppers peering down on what’s on offer. Look up, though, and you’ll spy lots of food and drinks stalls doing a bustling trade. Wander onto the street parallel

to Kamphaengphet Road, and the market then turns into a mini-motor-show of pastel-coloured vespas, and bikes – with and without motors. Even if you don’t find anything you want to buy at the market, just looking at the items is bound to give you a pleasant nostalgia trip. Kamphaengphet Road (200 metres from MRT Kamphaengphet) Open: Fri - Sun (6pm-midnight)

MUSIC lovers will find plenty to please them at this vinyl record store in the basement of Century Movies Plaza. The shelves are packed with hits from the ’60s to the present day, by artists of all genres. Spend an hour rifling through what’s on offer and you may even spot a rare collector’s item. Shop owner Khun Anusorn ‘Noi’ Stirarat and his business partner opened the shop three and a half years ago to fuel their passion for collecting records, and give them an opportunity to meet like minded people. As well as vinyls, they sell record players, record cleaning equipment, and, shock, horror, even CDs. Vinyl records range from B50 to B3,000 for a collection set. The store also offers online shopping. Century Movies Plaza (BTS Victory Monument), Open daily noon - 9pm, Tel: 089 818 3045 (Khun Noi) email: ahoyear@yahoo.com www.recordhunter.net or facebook page/Record Hunter

TheBigChilli

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FEATURE SECRET BANGKOK

KA TRON RESTAURANT HAJIME ROBOT RESTAURANT

MEANING ‘the first’ in Japanese, Hajime is certainly a first in Bangkok. Food here is served by giant robots which look a little bit like Samurai versions of popular ’80s robot Short Circuit. Sit at the restaurant’s service counter and you simply punch your order into a robot’s touch screen computer. The robot will then wheel off up the tracks to go and get your food. If they’re not too busy, they might even bust out some dance moves. The Terminator never did that. The vast and varied menu includes over 100 Japanese favourites like sushi, sashimi, as well as imported Wagyu, Kobe beef, scallops, tiger prawns and pork ribs. Until the end of March a Shabu buffet is on promotion at B329 and Yakiniku at B499. 3rd Floor, Monopoly Park, Rama III, Tel: 02 683 1670 Open daily, 11.30am-10.30pm (Poranee by Poranee, a Royal Thai restaurant, is located on the 2nd floor, with an extensive list of authentic Thai food ranging from B90-250.)

EVER wanted to write a postcard home saying: “last night, I went to a restaurant in Bangkok where I wore a pink helmet with a metal spike on it, stood on a stage, and caught a catapulted cooked-chicken on my head!”? Well, thanks to Ka Tron Restaurant, you can. ‘Clucking’ crazy in the most delightful of ways, Ka Tron is unlike any other restaurant in Bangkok. Specialising in ‘Flying chickens’ – that is, cooked chickens which are fired from a catapult and caught by a waiter riding a unicycle in front of what looks like a shrine devoted to chickens – Ka Tron is a great place to spend an evening with friends. Besides the “Flying chicken” (B120), which is a must order, the restaurant also serves a wide selection of Thai dishes in beef, crab, seafood, duck, frog, and ostrich categories. Most dishes are around the B120 mark, portions are generous, and the quality is good. At 8.30pm a live show ups the ante with flaming chickens being fired at the waiter in quick succession. On our visit we saw him do a sterling job of catching them with his hands, head and mouth. Diners are then invited to go on stage to don the pink helmet and attempt to catch a chicken, orange, and lime. Catch the lime, and you get your meal for free. Catch the chicken and orange, and you get a rubber chicken. Brilliant. Karaoke rooms are available for 500 baht. Ka-Tron Restaurant, Bangna-Trad Road Km1 (opposite BITEC) Tel: 02 399 5202

NINJA HOUSE HERO

SAMURAI dance performances, magic shows, and waitresses who approach tables swiftly from the shadows are the trademarks of this ninja-themed Japanese restaurant on Sukhumvit 26. Going “ninja all the way,” the restaurant has a red and black colour scheme that would make any Shinobi feel at home. As well as the entertainment, the restaurant wows its diners with a decent selection of popular Japanese dishes, imported Japanese beers, and even Ninja Cocktails (B160+). Menu highlights include Seared tuna rolled in three peppers served with assorted mushroom (B490+); Tuna, scallops and chicken liver served with Ninja sauce (B290+); and Chicken with cashew nuts (180+ baht). 74 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 02 392 6073, 02 661 2277 (after 4pm) www.heroninja.jimdo.com (English), www.ninjahero.jimdo.com (Japanese), www.ninjahero26.jimdo.com (Thai), Open daily, 5pm-midnight

TheBigChilli

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COOK CHOM

FOR just over three years Cook Chom has been serving ‘five-star-inspired’ cuisine for a fraction of the price at his eponymous street side restaurant near Thewet Pier, Krungkasem Road. With over 35 years’ experience working for top hotels in Thailand, such as the Landmark, Hilton, and Asia Hotel, Cook Chom certainly knows his onions - as well as plenty of other ingredients, of course. While his restaurant may be off the beaten track, it’s packed daily with Thai diners who flock there to sample dishes like Shell with seafood and cheese (B180), Spanish omelet (B70), and Grilled filet of snapper with saffron sauce (B90). Near Thewet Pier, Krungkasem Road, Tel: 02 628 8208, 085 904 6936 Open: Tue-Sun (Closed on Mon) 10am-6.30pm

BANGKOK PLANETARIUM AND SCIENCE MUSEUM BOMBAY BLUES

HIDDEN behind Khaosan Road, Bombay Blues is a popular choice for backpackers and trendy locals. Its menu (avg. B200 per dish) is packed with Indian favourites, but it also caters to local tastes by serving Thai-Indian fusion dishes, including a delicious Chicken chili. Quirky menu items include Chocolate chip naan and jello shots. Cocktails (B100) are also a must-try here, especially the Long island. 51 Soi Rambutri, Chaofa 3d. Opposite Chanasongkran phranakorn, Tel: 085 859 1515. Open weekdays 5pm – 2am; weekends 5pm – 3/4am

FAMILIES with young kids will thank their lucky stars when they discover the Bangkok Planetarium and Science Museum. While most of the exhibits in the Science Museum are in Thai, the large air-conditioned interactive space is a great place for youngsters to run around and burn off some energy. At B10 per ticket (B20 for adults) it’s a veritable bargain, especially as this includes access to the Planetarium and a small aquarium. Between Sukhumvit Soi 40 and 42 (a short walk from Ekkamai BTS and Bus Station). Tel: 02 392 5952 Open Tues – Sat 9am – 4pm. (Contact the Planetarium in advance to find out how to schedule a screening in English)

TALAD LOONG PERM

THIS market on Vibhavadii Soi 22 sells a wide range of top brand clothes, handbags, shoes, perfumes, cosmetics and accessories at a fraction of the usual cost. The secret? Well, many of the items are brought into Thailand by the cabin crews of various airlines who bought the products for less overseas, and are now passing down the value to their customers here. Vibhavadii Soi 22, Vibhavadi Road (behind Thai Airways headquarters), Open Mon-Sat, 9am - 3.30pm (Closed on Sun) TheBigChilli

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FEATURE SECRET BANGKOK

PIROM PLAZA (SAPHAN LEK)

SET over five floors, this huge market sells toys and cameras by the thousands. While there’s a lot of counterfeit gear here, you can still find genuine collector’s items, such as Manga models and Gundam robots, and all kinds of models and games. If you’ve got kids and you’re looking for a gift idea, you’re bound to be inspired here. Be warned, though, it’s a cramped and hot shopping experience. Near Grand de Ville Hotel, MahaChai Road. www.piromplaza.com

SPORTSWEAR FOR ONLY 150 BAHT INDIE T-SHIRTS AT GREAT VALUE

IF you love T-shirts with quirky and cool motifs, head to the fourth floor of Baiyoke Sky Tower 2 (Bangkok’s tallest building). Here you’ll many stores selling T-shirts emblazoned with the logos of hip bands, Banksy graffiti, humorous graphics, iconic movie stars, and much more. The majority of tees range in price from B150 – B180, and the more you buy, the cheaper they get. Do try before you buy as the sizing varies from store to store and, as we found when squeezing into a supposedly Large T-Shirt, can often be misleading. Also give the fabric a good rub between your fingers; if it feels too thin, it’s likely to shrink in the wash. Don’t let this put you off, though, as there are some great T-shirts to buy and some excellent bargains to be had.

IF you’re looking for sportswear at great value you should definitely visit Chula Soi 5. Located a short walk from the MBK Center, just beyond the National Stadium, this Soi is lined with a variety of shops selling football shirts, netball tops, sports socks, shorts and other sportswear at much cheaper prices than you’ll find in most department stores. While there are plenty of fake team shirts, it’s the plain sports kits in a variety of colours which draw the most custom here, especially from Thai schools and businesses which buy items in bulk to kit out their various sports teams. A single football shirt sells for B150, socks for B100, and women’s sports tops for B100 – the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. Take along your own logo and most of the shops can either stitch or screen it onto your shirt for you. A sticker screen starts at around 150 baht per shirt.

TheBigChilli

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LEARN TO FLY A JUMBO JET – ON LAND

YOU can now learn to fly a jumbo jet in Bangkok without even having to leave the ground. Opened last month on Silom Road, The Flight Experience Flight Simulator has a full cockpit layout with high-fidelity 180 degree panoramic visuals. The simulator is approved by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (ACASA) and includes instruction from working airline pilots. Rates start at B4,350 for a 30 minute scenic flight. Siboonruang Building, 1 Convent Road, Silom. Tel: 02 237 9895-6 email: Bangkok@flightexperience.co.th www.flightexperience.co.th

JAZZ HAPPENS

BICYCLES FOR SALE

IF you want to buy a bicycle but don’t know where to start, simply take a trip to Chula Soi 30 (behind Chulalongkorn University). Here you’ll find around 10 shops selling everything from tricycles, folding bikes, and fixed gear models, to mountain bikes, and even grannystyle bikes with baskets on the front. While the majority of bicycles on offer are second hand, you can still get your hands on new models. Some shops, such as Sombat Bicycles (www.sombatbicycles.com), even import the latest bicycles from Japan, including electronic models which make puffing-and-panting up hills a thing of the past. Bicycles range in price from B1,000 – B10,000.

THIS buzzing jazz bar on Pra Arthit Road is a creative hive where seasoned and amateur jazz musicians meet to swap performance tips and take part in awe-inspiring jamming sessions. Created in collaboration with Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Music, Jazz Happens provides the perfect stage for the faculty’s students to kick-start their music careers. They don’t get paid for playing here – there’s just a tip box at the front of the stage – but they get a wealth of experience. On any given night the crowd consists of a vibrant mix of students, alumni, and professors taking turns to entertain the audience. With tasty Thai food and inexpensive drinks on offer, it’s a great place to spend an entire evening. 62 Pra-Arthit Road, Tel: 02 282 9934, 084 450 0505, Open Mon-Thurs, 7pm-midnight; Fri-Sat, 7pm-12.30am; Sun, 7.30pm-11.30pm

RETRO FURNITURE AT WAT SUAN KEAW

YOU’LL find plenty of bargains on new and second hand furniture at Wat Suan Kaew temple. As part of its charity projects, the temple collects and restores furniture of all kinds, and even sells new teak wood furniture cheaper than Bangkok’s department stores. If you’re into vintage or retro furniture, a visit here is a must. Made-to-order furniture is available. Wat Suan Kaew, 1 Moo 1, Bang Lane, Nonthaburi Tel: 02 595 1444, 02 921 6466, 081 850 9796 Open TheBigChilli

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FEATURE DODGY BUSINESS

Selling trouble on the streets Ninja stars, stun guns, knives, and fake guns - just a few of the many dangerous ‘weapons’ sold openly on Bangkok’s streets. Is trade in such products really legal? And what are the consequences of their sales? Maxmilian Wechsler investigates

RETAIL outlets in tourist areas in Bangkok and resort towns are known for their unregulated, anything-goes shopping experience. But it’s not only fake products such as watches, clothing, handbags, accessories and cosmetics, as well as pirated CDs / DVDs that are sold openly on the pavements and markets. Many stalls and shops display more sinister merchandise that can seriously injure or even kill, all within easy reach of passers-by. These products include knuckle dusters, electric stun guns, frightful looking knives like the “Urban Pal,” spring-assisted knuckle knives, Samurai swords, machetes, nunchucks, crossbows, ninja throwing stars and expandable steel batons. When you ask street hawkers along Sukhumvit Road why they are selling these dangerous items or what their purpose is, most will say they are “for your protection.” Also easily available from street vendors or in specialized wholesale shops are realistic replicas of handguns, semi or fully automatic assault rifles, shotguns and other types of firearms.

These are highly detailed replicas of the originals, not only in appearance but also in weight and feel. Unless you are a weapons expert, it’s unlikely you would be able to distinguish them as fakes. And almost certainly, if someone points one of these lookalike Glock pistols or M-16 assault rifles at you, you would be praying for your life. Some replica assault rifles are fitted with grenade launchers, and you can purchase accessories like silencers or telescopic sights to make them look even more sinister. But although the replicas are tame versions of the originals, they are not harmless. Known as airsoft guns, they fire 6mm plastic or metal pellets (BBs) propelled by compressed air at a velocity that can cause serious injury, especially to the eyes. All of the dangerous items mentioned above are allegedly sold for the protection of the buyer, but it is a fact that they are increasingly being used to commit serious crimes such as robberies, assaults and murder (see sidebar).

TheBigChilli TheBig The BigChilli Big Chilli

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Brisk business on Silom and Patpong In the evenings along Silom Road between Robinson Department Store and Bangkok Christian Hospital (including Patpong Road), around 20 stalls set up to display their stocks of dangerous goods. Various models of electric stun guns are prominently displayed, but no replicas of firearms. One seller in Patpong said that foreigners are mostly interested in the electric stun guns and not so much in knuckle dusters, batons or knives. He explained that this is because he and other sellers demonstrate them to the passing tourists, who will stop and pay attention when they see the blue flash of light and hear the distinctive cracking noise. After some bargaining, this often ends in a sale. Another hawker who used to sell pirated DVDs said he recently switched to selling the weapons because there is too much competition with the DVDs. “Many foreigners are fascinated to see things like stun guns and switch-blade knives on sale openly and cheaply. They have difficulty finding these things in their own countries because there are restrictions on them. “My business is good and I can’t complain. But as the number of sellers keeps increasing business might go down, so I might have to look for new products to sell.”

A walk on Sukhumvit’s darkest side During numerous visits to Sukhumvit Road, it was found that 12 to 20 stalls sell these items on any given day between Soi 3 to 19. This is about twice as many as two years ago when a similar survey was done. The stalls are now also bigger with more items offered, with about half selling replicas of handguns, also an increase from the past. One stand also sells replica assault and sniper rifles and a variety of accessories. Most replica firearms hawkers on Sukhumvit get their merchandise from Saphan Lek and mark it up considerably. The BigChilli talked to many foreign tourists who were astonished at what is on display along Sukhumvit. They could not understand why such weapons are sold at a major tourist area in the center of Bangkok. Some tourists stop to examine the items from curiosity with no intention of buying. In fact, an observer will likely wait for a long while before seeing an actual purchase, but obviously these dangerous items do sell, or the number of vendors wouldn’t be on the increase.

Many foreigners are fascinated to see stun guns and switch-blade knives on sale openly and cheaply. They have difficulty finding these things in their own countries because there are restrictions on them

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FEATURE DODGY BUSINESS

Common crimes by uncommon means LISTED below are descriptions of some of the more interesting crimes which were reported in Thailand last year involving the use of knives, electric stun guns, and replica firearms. According to information available from police and news reports, such incidents appear to be on the increase and it can be safely assumed that many are not reported to the police or to the media. (For more descriptions of crimes visit: thebigchilli.com).

January 2011

• Police arrested a pair of Korean gangsters who were working with two known Thai criminals to rob South Korean tourists on Walking Street in Pattaya. Suspects Mr. Cho Beon Jun and Mr. Ji Un Ho were found in possession of several pieces of gold jewelry, six mobile phones, two fake passports and a stun gun. Both suspects confessed to being involved with the two Thai partners in a criminal scheme in which Ji, pretending to be a tour guide, picked up the victims in a mini-bus to take them back to their hotel. On the way, however, Ji would pull over to give a ride to the two Thai men. The driver then headed for a dark soi, where the Thais robbed the tourists after threatening them with a stun gun. Police charged the Koreans with assault, robbery, over-staying their visas, and using fake passports.

June 2011

• A lone robber dubbed “Ake” used a fake gun to rob the Thong Tanet gold shop at the Yee Teng complex in Phuket town. He escaped on a motorcycle with about 3 kilograms of gold jewelry (mostly 24 carat) worth millions of baht. Shop owner Mrs. Chantana Tarnattanasombat said that the man posed as a customer and asked to see a necklace. As she was picking it up from the display case, he pulled out the gun and jumped over the counter. Realizing that the gun was a fake, Mrs. Chantana then drew her own .38 caliber pistol and pointed it at him. However, the man quickly snatched it from her hand and used it to threaten her before making off with the gold. • A bus driver called Mr. Anan was arrested after threatening another bus driver, Mr. Lee Jansuwan, with a fake gun in front of the Bali Hai Pier bus stop in Pattaya. The pair had been arguing about servicing cutomers. The police searched Mr. Anan’s vehicle and found a plastic gun in the front console together with plastic bullets. Mr. Lee said that he didn’t know the gun was a fake and added that he Mr. Anan threatened him in front of customers and other people.

A seasoned European traveler said that Thailand is the only a country he had ever visited where you can see this sort of merchandise on the street without the police taking any action. Some weapons like knuckle dusters with four long sharp spikes or spring-assisted knuckle knives can be easily concealed. Spring-assisted knives are classified as deadly weapons and banned in some nations. Electric stun guns can kill if used on a person suffering from a heart condition. These and other similar ‘weapons’ are incredibly cheap. Knuckle dusters cost 150 - 250 baht, electric stun guns start at 500 baht and knives of different types from 200 baht. In the past, the sellers, who are usually Thai and sometimes Burmese, would stay away from the stalls and approach it only when a potential customer stopped to look over the goods. Now, however, many stand right in front of tables laden with these items, which may indicate they have less reason to fear arrest or other problems from the authorities, such as having their goods confiscated. A Thai hawker claimed that business is good, with mainly Arabs and Europeans buying things that they can’t find in their own countries. When asked if it is safe to carry knuckle dusters or other items around, he replied: “No problem, you can and if the police catch you then you can say it is for your protection. “The worst is that you might have to pay a 100 baht fine and the item will be confiscated. In that case you can come back and buy a new knuckle duster from me,” he said, giggling. One of several Burmese hawkers working in this area said he buys his knives, stun guns and other goods in Klong Thom, and told me the name of a wholesaler there. When I showed an interest in buying a replica hand gun, he suggested that instead of the plastic projectiles displayed on the table I should buy steel projectiles because they can cause more damage. He kept these under the table, selling 200 pellets packaged in a plastic box for 250 baht. He said he buys both plastic and steel pellets from the same wholesaler. Various scary looking knives like the Urban Pal and other dangerous items sold by street hawkers are also available at Bangkok department stores, but at a much higher price. For example, the same Samurai sword that sells on the street for 1,500 baht is marked up to 40,000 baht in one major department store. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that criminals would shop there, and moreover, the salesman said he is lucky to sell one item per day.

Supplying the demand Following the directions of the Burmese hawker on Sukhumvit, I located his supplier and others at Klong Thom market in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown, all well stocked with many types of knives, swords, stun guns, expandable steel batons and other dangerous toys. They also stocked large quantities of metal pellets for airsoft guns, sold for 150 baht for a pack of 200. One shop had hundreds of knives displayed on shelves, with staff packing and sorting others. One must has to wonder who all the buyers are and where they come from. No one in any of the establishments would talk about their business but they didn’t mind when photos were taken.

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About six stalls along Yaowarat Road display different types of ‘weapons,’ that include spring knives. However, in contrast to Patpong, most of the electric stun guns on display are not working because sellers fear they will be confiscated. As these hawkers are mostly connected to wholesale shops nearby, most of their customers are other street hawkers who know how the device works. However, if a passer-by is interested, the stall owner will get the fully charged stun gun within a few minutes. Not far away, at Saphan Lek market, I found five shops selling replicas of firearms of famous brands. The prices there vary from 2,500 to 8,000 baht for handguns, and 2,800 to 16,000 baht for assault rifles, depending on the accessories. One shop owner who was reticent at first about his business opened up after I bought a replica handgun, and allowed me to take photos. He said that most of the replica firearms are smuggled to Thailand from China via Burma by land or from Japan and Taiwan by sea. The best quality replicas are made in Taiwan. They use solely metal parts while Chinese guns have many parts made from plastic.

July 2011

• Police rushed to Pattaya’s Mike Shopping Mall after calls for help from residents and business owners who had spotted a drunken foreigner threatening passers-by with a large BB gun. The man was charged with public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. The BB gun was confiscated but he wasn’t charged with any weapons violations because a BB gun is not classified as a weapon.

August 2011

• An armed transvestite responsible for robbing three 7-Eleven stores in Nonthaburi on consecutive nights armed with a fake gun was finally arrested by a policeman who spotted the suspect at a Tesco Lotus Express in Bang Yai. The policeman became suspicious after noticing that the suspect was carrying a bag similar to the one used by the robber in a CCTV video circulated to police. A search of the bag revealed a fake gun and a T-shirt the suspect was wearing during the robberies. • A British national was shocked with a stun gun by a drunken Finn in a Pattaya hotel. Police who rushed to the Nuntana Garden View hotel were informed by Mr. Mark Weatherburn that he and his wife were sleeping when the Finn knocked on the door and gained entrance to the hotel room. The Finn then pulled out the stun gun and used it on the Brit’s body and wrist, causing pain and numbness. The suspect, who was still at the scene, resisted arrest and attempted to strike the victim again before he was finally subdued by police.

The man warned against using steel BBs because they can hurt a person. When I asked if I could be arrested when carrying a fake hand gun on the street, he replied: “You can carry it around provided it is not visible,” which didn’t really answer the question. Almost all the replica firearms inside the five Saphan Lek shops were packed in boxes with Chinese symbols and English letters printed on them. This was also the case with their instruction pamphlets. In some countries, the sale of airsoft guns is regulated and they cannot be sold to minors. The boxes in the shops in Saphan Lek typically had the words “For ages 18 years and up,” but this doesn’t seem to apply in Thailand. Here anyone can buy any model or quantity provided they have the cash. In one shop I saw a young man who couldn’t have been older than 15 buy a replica of an M4 fully automatic assault rifle with grenade launcher. The seller test-fired the gun inside the shop, with pellets flying out from the barrel at a high velocity, accompanied by a roaring sound. It obviously impressed the young man, who immediately paid 6,000 baht in cash for the gun. When one customer asked for an M-16 assault rifle, which none of the five shops had on display, the seller said it would cost 12,000 baht and that he could get it within an hour. He told the buyer that the reason they don’t keep this model on hand is that the “M-16 is used by the Thai Army,” without elaborating. The shops do repairs and sell accessories like silencers, telescopic sights and cartridges and protective clothing such as bullet-proof vests and gas masks. There’s also a shop at Saphan Lek which repairs airsoft firearms, and its owner appeared very busy every time I passed his shop. It should be noted that both Klong Thom and Saphan Lek markets are notorious for the selling and distribution of fake watches, electronic goods and other mostly

October 2011

• Police arrested Mr. James Stuart Dunlop, a British national, who was strolling along Walking Street in Pattaya carrying a fake gun in the waistband of his shorts. Foreign tourists who saw him panicked and fled because they were afraid he would cause trouble. Mr. Dunlop, who said he had bought the gun for 6,000 baht, was cautioned by the police and then released. The gun was confiscated.

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FEATURE DODGY BUSINESS November 2011

• A former bank security guard in Bangkok was arrested inside Kasikorn Bank, Lard Prao 71 branch, after attempting to snatch close to one million baht by using a fake gun and bomb to intimidate staff into handing over the cash. • A foreign motorcyclist who swerved in front of a Toyota pick-up was not only stopped and given an angry tongue lashing by the driver – he was also forced to stare down the barrel of a fake gun. When police arrived at the scene, the driver of the pick-up told police he was angry with the foreigner’s reckless driving and only wanted to scare him. The Police also found a real gun near the car which the driver admitted belonged to him, but said he had a license for.

December 2011

• An Austrian tourist received a punctured lung and other injuries in a brutal robbery attack by four knife-wielding youths in Phuket. Victim Rupert Wilhelmstatter, in his early 50s, was returning by motorcycle to his hotel in Patong at 1.45pm when the attack occurred. The gang members, aboard two motorcycles, approached him with one bike on each side. Mr. Wilhelmstatter said the youngest gang member, aged 13, kicked his motorcycle, causing him to crash. He then fought back from the ground but was stabbed. The gang robbed him of 200 baht. Mr. Wilhelmstatter was taken to Patong Hospital for emergency treatment and later on transferred to Bangkok Hospital in Phuket town. Police arrested the two boys aged 13 and 14 near the police station after they were identified by eyewitnesses at the scene of the crime. Questioning of the gang revealed they had been involved in at least two other recent robberies using similar methods.

smuggled merchandise. This has been going on for decades. The markets are extremely popular with Thai shoppers who flock there in large numbers, especially on weekends.

Law enforcement stumbles through a grey area The BigChilli attempted to find out what laws if any apply to the trade in replica firearms and, for lack of a better term, non-traditional or “non-lethal” weapons. When asked about the legality of selling such obviously dangerous items openly on the streets of Bangkok and other cities in Thailand, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sanya Niumpradit said the laws covering their sale are “not adequate.” “In my opinion the penalties are not nearly severe enough to prevent people from carrying and using all kinds of weapons, including real guns,” said Pol Lt-Col Sanya, who has been in the Royal Thai Police for 21 years and is currently attached to the Central Investigation Bureau. “In addition, there is confusion whether certain objects should be considered weapons. However, this problem is not confined to the law. Almost any object can be classified as a weapon. You can use a kitchen knife to cut steak or to stab a person. You can hit someone with a beer bottle or stab him with a car key. Even a pencil or toothbrush can be used to hurt someone. Therefore, it’s not surprising that some items sold by street hawkers fall in the category of weapons. It depends on the circumstances and the person carrying such objects as to whether they actually become weapons.” When asked if realistic replicas of firearms cause problems, Pol Lt-Col Sanya said: “Of course they do. There have been a number of cases in which offenders have used these things to commit serious crimes, like bank robberies. The problem is increasing and if the smuggling of these replicas doesn’t stop then the number of crimes will increase even more because the fakes will be cheaper, more easily available and affordable to the criminals. “The realistic replicas of firearms and a variety of other weapons you can purchase on the street are a cause for concern. This is something the police have been saying for years, but nothing has been done to stop it, even when these weapons are used by locals and foreigners to commit serious crimes that sometimes result in death,” concluded Pol Lt-Col Sanya. Another police officer who requested anonymity said that the selling of realistic replica firearms contributes to a number of crimes in the country, mainly in Pattaya. He said seizures of weapons like stun or fake guns are quite common but the public is unaware of it because the media is not interested. The officer also said that the only law which addresses knuckle dusters, stun guns and other “defensive weapons” is Section 371 of the Penal Code under the subhead listing Petty Offences, which stipulates: that anyone found carrying arms in a public place will be fined 100 baht and that the “court shall have the power to confiscate such arms.” This law came into effect on January 1, 1957 when 100 baht was a lot of money, but now it is a negligible amount that anyone can pay. “It won’t discourage the criminals,” said the officer. “As for the police, it is not worth the effort and paperwork involved with a case if the penalty is so low. That’s why many cases go unrecorded. “However, if you rob a bank using a replica pistol, you will be charged and punished as if it were a real firearm,” the policeman said. He added that in comparison to 2010 there has been a notable increase in crimes committed with replica guns and so-called “defensive weapons” during the second half of 2011, especially in Pattaya and in Phuket.

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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T ’ S O N G U I D E F O R F E B R U A R Y 1 2

What’s on pArt pPerformance pSport pFootball pMovies & Albums pBooks

Chart-topping electro DJ and singer Calvin Harris is coming to perform at Bed Supperclub. Page 82

Bonjour

La Fête French Festival brings a range of exciting cultural events PAGE 82

Indie rock

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart set to play at Sonic, Ekkamai PAGE 81

Rugby fun

The Bangkok Rugby 10s will be staged this month at Bangkok Patana PAGE 84 TheBigChilli 79

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WHAT’S ON THE ARTS

Exhibitions FEB 25 – APR 6 LA LANTA FINE ART

POP CULTURE

TWO different forms of media by two international artists are on view in this exhibition. British Brett Neal juxtaposes familiar images by the great masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Lichtenstein on a series of whimsical animal sculptures; Christian Develter, from Belgium, meanwhile, presents a series of Andy-Warhol inspired paintings with strong flat colours and subjects from contemporary popular culture. 245/14 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Klongtan-Nua. Open Tues – Sat 10am – 7pm. Tel: 02 204 0583 email: fon@lalanta.com

MAR 8 – APR 8 ARDEL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

BHARATA ET CETERA

THIS stunning exhibition by six photographers features a series of images they took during a group trip to India and Nepal. The images depict the society, culture and traditions of the neighboring nations, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two.

99/45 Belle Ville (moo 18) Boromrachachonanee Road, Tel: 02 422 2092 www.ardelgallery.com Open: Tues-Sat, 10.30am-7pm; Sun, 10.30am-5.30pm (Closed on Mon)

JAN 15 – MAR 4 100 TONSON GALLERY

PIXEL HORIZON

MONTRI Toemsombat’s latest collection of work reveals his most intimate thoughts yet. Heavily inspired by society’s view of homosexuality, Pixel Horizon takes viewers beyond stereotypes and presents Montri’s view of what it’s like to be a homosexual living in modern day Thailand.

100 Tonson Gallery, Ploenchit Road. Open Thurs – Sun 11am – 7pm. Tel: 02 684 1527 email: info@100tonsongallery.com

FEB 7 – MAR 4 EAT ME

ANU-STI

WARANTHORN Tachakunakorn debuts his photography collection focused on the theme of fear and its universality. The power of fear to influence individuals within a society is illustrated in a series of images which have been carefully crafted to show how fear comes from within. Eat Me restaurant is located next to the Carmelite Monastery, Convent Road (Sala Daeng Sky Train Station), Tel: 02 238 0931 Eatmerestaurant.com Open: Daily 3pm – 1am

FEB 16 – MAR 18 ARDEL’S THIRD PLACE GALLERY

LOGIYADHAMMA

SURREALIST artist and sculptor Thongchai Srisukprasert explores the volatile nature of people’s feelings and emotions, and enhances her work by incorporating elements of Thai mythology. Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Soi 10, Tel: 02 422 2092 www.ardelgallery.com Open: Tues – Sat, 10.30am – 7pm; Sun, 10.30am – 5.30pm (Closed on Mon)

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UNTIL MAR 4 ARDEL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

ALONE

IN his second solo exhibition, young emerging artist Amarin Buppasiri explores how concepts such as family love, parental care, and globalization can shape young people’s lives. 99/45 Belle Ville, (Moo 18) Boromrachachonanee Road, open Tues – Sun (Closed Mon) Tel: 02 422 2092 email: ardelgallery@gmail.com www.ardelgallery.com

DWELLING IN A SPACE

139/5 Wireless Road, Tel: 02 252 1592 email: info@galerienbangkok.com, www.galerienbangkok.com, Open: Tues-Sun (Closed on Mon)

THE ARTIST BEHIND “LADY IMAGE” REVEALS WHERE SHE GETS HER INSPIRATION WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE LADY IMAGE?

Many things contribute to the inspiration of my artwork, such as my experiences as a woman, and the way women are portrayed in movies and comic books. More often than not we are just presented with stereotypical images of women – those who stay at home and do household chores. I want to change the old image, to make it more lively and fun.

FEB 21 – MAR 25 GALERIE N

TWO cultures collide in this exhibition by Bangkok-based Korean artist Gi-ok Jeon. Inspired by her experience of moving to Thailand, she explores themes of cultural identity and alienation by juxtaposing patterned Thai fabrics with images of her mixed-race daughter, whom she paints in a traditional Korean style.

Q&A: ANCHALEE ARAYAPONGPANICH

WHO ARE THE SUBJECTS OF YOUR PAINTINGS AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THEM?

FEB 9 – MAR 11 DOB HUALAMPHONG GALLERY

TWILIGHT ROMANCE

INSPIRED by the colours of twilight, Theekawut Boonvijit’s paintings are rich in colour and form and, with their dreamlike quality, provide a fascinating insight into the artist’s subconscious mind.

DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Road, Tel: 02 237 5592-4 www.dobthailand.com, Open: Tues – Sat, 10.30am – 7pm, Sun 9.30am-5.30pm (Closed on Mon)

UNTIL MAR 4 ARDEL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

LADY IMAGE

THERE’S plenty of girl power to be found in this exhibition by emerging artist Anchalee Arayapongpanich, whose series of paintings depict a young woman who is free to express herself how she wishes. 99/45 Belle Ville, (Moo 18) Boromrachachonanee Road, open Tues – Sun (Closed Mon) Tel: 02 422 2092 email: ardelgallery@gmail.com www.ardelgallery.com

The subject of my paintings are women from my imagination, and I also use myself as a model. With my experience and imagination blended together, I create the ideal image of a strong woman. DOES YOUR WORK CARRY A PARTICULAR MESSAGE?

Thai society is more open now and women have more freedom to think and act as they wish, and also reach their true potential. I want to show that this does not make women aggressive, but that it makes them stronger, more independent and equal to men. WHERE IN BANGKOK INSPIRES YOU MOST AND WHY?

Actually, I find inspiration just right outside my door. Every character is unique and individual. It just depends on which one I will use and how. If I want to meet a lot of people like merchants or street vendors, rich and poor people, or those who wear cool clothes, I will go to Jatujak market. If I want to paint cars or motorcycles, I will go to the garage. If I want to paint pretty women, I will go to motor shows. Or if I want to draw the motorcycle taxis, I will go to their queues. But if I’m too tired, I can just stay home and watch a movie and be inspired. Everything is my inspiration. Lady Image is on exhibition now at Ardel Gallery of Modern Art. Details on left.

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WHAT’S ON PERFORMANCE

10 hot choices

By Stella Davies

1 UNTIL MAR 29 VARIOUS LOCATIONS

LA Fête FRENCH FESTIVAL

HELD over a period of nine weeks, La Fête French Festival will feature more than 20 cultural and artistic events, mostly French, but Thai as well, covering many fields of creativity, such as new circus, classical music, rock concerts, DJs, modern dance, hip-hop, visual theatre, photography, cinema, and fashion shows. Highlights this month include a set by the DJ from the trendy Parisian boutique Colette (Feb 18, in the gardens of Issaya Siamese Club); a dance performance by famous Franco-Thai duet Pichet Klunchun and Jérome Bel (Feb 20 - 21, at Sodsai Chula); a topsy-turvy exhibition by photographer Philippe Ramette (Feb 16 - Apr 29, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre); and the Fête de la Musique, featuring IAM, Thaitanium, and many other Thai groups (Feb 25, in the park of Museum Siam).

For more info and a full program see: www.lafete-bangkok.com

2 FEB 16 BED SUPPERCLUB

CALVIN HARRIS

CHART-topping electro DJ and singer Calvin Harris is sure to pack the dancefloor at Bed Supperclub when he belts out his smash-hit singles “Acceptable in the ’80s,” “The Girls,” and “Ready for the Weekend.” Starts 9pm, with support from DJ Tech 12, and Burns.

Tickets: B1,600, VIP B3,900. Available through Champion Sound. www.facebook.com/ChampionSoundBangkok Tel: 02 651 3557

FEB 23 BED SUPPERCLUB

TIGA

MONTREAL DJ and producer TIGA is one of the hottest names in electronic music. He’s remixed tunes for some of the world’s biggest artists, including Dizzee Rascal and Rihanna, and received critical acclaim for his own work - his debut album “Sexor” won the 2007 Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year. Expect to hear tunes from this album as well as from his James Murphy and Soulwax produced follow-up, Ciao. Show starts 10pm, with support from Oatawa & Kolorone. Tickets: B900 with one drink. Available at: www.facebook.com/ChampionSoundBangkok

FEB 27 SONIC, EKKAMAI

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

THE New York indie pop quartet is coming to Bangkok to perform tunes from its self-titled debut album as well as last year’s sophomore effort, Belong. Support bands include Yellow Fang and Desktop Error. Door opens at 8pm.

Tickets: Available in advance from Topman and Soda for B800, or on the door for B1,000. For more info: facebook.com/haveyouheard.live

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10 MAR 23 - 27 IMPACT ARENA

FEB 16 A.U.A AUDITORIUM RAJDAMRI

DISNEY ON ICE 2012 – “LET’S CELEBRATE!”

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER

WORLDWIDE holidays and festivals are given the Disney treatment in this magical musical on ice. See over 50 new and classic Disney characters skating, singing, and dancing their way through Mardi gras, Hawaiian luau, Valentine’s Day, and many more international celebrations. One show will be held in English on March 24 at 11am.

THIS American heavy metal group have a huge following in the States – four of their albums have charted on the US Billboard 200; their latest album, “Ritual,” peaked at number 31. Expect fast and loud metalcore music just perfect for moshing to.

Tickets: Range B600 - 2,000 from thaiticketmajor.com

Tickets: B1,200 on the door. For more info: www.indypop.wordpress.com

MAR 8 A.U.A AUDITORIUM RAJDAMRI

UNDEROATH

5 FEB 23 – 26 THE BRITISH CLUB

NUNSENSE

DAN Goggins’ delightful romp of a musical won four outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical during its 10-year run in New York. It tells the story of five nuns who are putting on a concert to raise funds to bury 52 of their colleagues – who were accidentally poisoned by the convent cook! Full of hysterical nun puns, the show will be performed in Bangkok by the Bangkok Community Theatre. Tickets: B800 from Tel: 087 936 3798 email: bctnunsense@gmail.com www.bct-th.org. Shows will be held Feb 23 – 25 at 8pm, and Feb 25 – 26 at 3pm.

GRAMMY nominated and Billboard chart-topping Christian metalcore band Underoath has sold over 1 million albums and has gained one of the largest metalcore followings worldwide. Their album “Define the Great Line” was certified Gold, and made Underoath the highest-charting Christian band since 1997. Starts 8pm; first 200 to buy tickets get a free poster.

Tickets: B1,000 & B1,200 at door. Available at AMP level 2, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall (near Asok BTS). Tel: 081 310 3457 www.indypop.wordpress.com

9 MAR 15 - 17

SIAM CITY HOTEL

HOLLYWOOD STARS & DIVAS

KAMALA Sukosol, President of Siam Hotels & Resorts, will once again join her family on stage for their popular annual charity concert. Supported by the Prachin Songnow Big Band Orchestra, and featuring dancers from Aree School of Dance Arts, as well as special guest Dolchai Boonyaratavej, the show will include performances of modern and classical music with tributes to famous artists such as Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Amy Winehouse, and Edith Piaf. All proceeds go to the Thai Red Cross Society. Tickets: Range B1,000 - 2,500 (B400 for students). Available at Siam City Hotel. Tel: 02 247 0123 www.siamhotels.com

MAR 1 BED SUPPERCLUB

PENDULUM (DJ SET)

MEMBERS of Australian drum and bass group Pendulum are swinging into Bangkok to take control of the decks for one night only at Bed Supperclub. The UK chart-toppers, who’ve released hits like “Tarantula” and “The Island,” are well known for experimenting with different genres of music, so their club night’s sure to be excitingly eclectic. Starts at 10pm, with support from Orawan & Del Orean.

Tickets: RSVP - B500 with two drinks. Regular B900 baht with 1 drink. Available at www.facebook.com/ChampionSoundBangkok

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WHAT’S ON OUTDOOR FUN

Sport Feb 11 Nong Chok

The Essilor Bangkok Eco Challenge

SLIP on your running shoes and team up with a buddy to tackle threeeight hours of trekking, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming in the beautiful surroundings of Nong Chok. This annual adventure race, now in its sixth year, is part of the popular Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series. Two divisions are on offer: Adventure level (45km), which is accessible to anyone with a minimum of fitness; and Extreme (65km), for more experienced athletes. Over 100 teams from around the world are expected to take part.

Feb 26 Starts Rama 8 Bridge, Bangkok

Thailand International Half Marathon

BANGKOK’S first standalone half marathon arrives this month offering racing through the city streets. At time of writing details were limited, but they should be posted nearer the date on www.goadventureasia.com

For more info: ama-events.com

Premier League Fixtures

Feb 16 – 19 Siam Country Club Old Course, Pattaya

Honda LPGA Thailand 2012

Sat 11 Feb

Man Utd v Liverpool Blackburn v QPR Bolton v Wigan Everton v Chelsea Fulham v Stoke Sunderland v Arsenal Swansea v Norwich Tottenham v Newcastle

ASIA’S most prominent ladies golf tournament is returning to Pattaya for the sixth time. Sixty of the world’s best female golfers, including top ranked Ai Miyazato from Japan, will compete for a hefty prize purse of 1.5 million USD.

Sun 12 Feb

Wolverhampton v West Brom Aston Villa v Man City

Sat 25 Feb

For more info: www.lpgathailand.com

Mar 15 – 17 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Stadium

World Thai Martial Arts Festival Feb 18 – 19 Bangkok Patana School

Feb 5 – 12 Pattaya

2012 PTT Pattaya Open

NOW in its 21st year, the PTT Pattaya Open, voted “Tournament of the Year” by WTA players, is returning to its beachside location in Pattaya. Former grand slam champions such as Vera Zvonareva (ranked 7th worldwide) will be competing for US $200,000. For more info: www.pentanglepromotions.com

OAKWOOD Bangkok International 10s

RUGBY teams from all over the world will arrive in Bangkok to battle for supremacy on the pitches of Patana School. Go along as a spectator and alongside all the action on the pitch, you’ll find a beer garden, food stalls, and kids’ activities. It’s a great day out for the whole family – and entry is free. Pool games begin on Feb 18 at 11.30am. Bangkok Patana School, 2/38 Soi Lasalle, Sukhumvit 105. For more info: www.bangkokrugby10s.net

MUAY Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. Highlights of the festival include a Muay Thai Exhibition, a Muay Thai performance, and a Muay Thai tournament. As with all Thai festivals, expect to find lots of tasty food and interesting handicrafts on sale. For more info: tourismthailand.org

Liverpool v Everton Chelsea v Bolton Newcastle v Wolverhampton QPR v Fulham West Brom v Sunderland Wigan v Aston Villa Man City v Blackburn

Sun 26 Feb

Arsenal v Tottenham Norwich v Man Utd Stoke v Swansea

Sat 3 March

Liverpool v Arsenal Blackburn v Aston Villa Man City v Bolton QPR v Everton Stoke v Norwich West Brom v Chelsea Wigan v Swansea

Sun 4 March

Newcastle v Sunderland Fulham v Wolverhampton Tottenham v Man Utd

Sat 10 March

Bolton v QPR Aston Villa v Fulham Chelsea v Stoke Man Utd v West Brom Sunderland v Liverpool Swansea v Man City Wolverhampton v Blackburn Everton v Tottenham

Sun 11 March

Norwich v Wigan

Mon 12 March

Arsenal v Newcastle

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WHAT’S ON sport

Football in focus

Soccer pundit Paul Hewitt examines what’s happening in the world of Thai football

e r u t Fix ce Far

THE 2011 Thai Premier League season finally, mercifully, came to an end on January 28. Incredibly, but certainly not inexplicably, it took 50 weeks to get through 34 rounds of fixtures – the first round of which took place on February 12 last year. Since then, fans have had to put up with a constant cycle of postponements and rescheduling. This embarrassingly unprofessional handling of the fixture list reached its nadir in early January when the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the FA Cup all had to be played in the space of seven days.

Three main reasons explain the chaotic congestion: 1. Worawi Makudi’s insistence at the start of the season that there should be no midweek rounds of fixtures. The FAT president was trying to play the role of fans’ friend when he came up with this gem. He stated that attendances were lower for midweek games as it was more difficult for fans to get to matches during

the working week. Perfectly true, but Worawi should have asked himself why every major, established football league in the world schedules midweek matches. Simply because it’s very difficult to fit in all the league fixtures, two cup competitions and international matches if you don’t play midweek games – as the TPL was to find out. Some midweek games were eventually played, but not enough to make a meaningful impact on the backlog.

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2. A six-week TPL mid-season break. The somewhat pointless mid-season break was originally only supposed to take up the second half of June. Then all fixtures were cancelled from the election weekend at the start of July. Fair enough, perhaps – although the Regional League did manage to stage a whole round of fixtures the day before the election. Then, all the TPL fixtures from July were cleared to make room for the FA Cup and Thailand’s World Cup Qualifier with Palestine. Bizarrely, the FA Cup third round fixtures were spread over every weekend in July, rather than playing them all on one weekend. Thus, more potential TPL match days were wasted and the postponement toll mounted. 3. Another break for the SEA Games. Just nine TPL matches were played between the middle of October and November. The FAT had been heavily criticised in 2010 for allowing the national team far too little preparation time ahead of the AFF Cup. And in 2009, Thailand’s U23s had failed to make it out of the group stage at the SEA Games in Laos. With this in mind, the FAT laid on maximum preparation time for both the U23s bound for the SEA games in Indonesia, and for the senior national team who had two World Cup Qualifiers in the middle of November. But wiping three weekends’ worth of fixtures from the schedule (the final weekend in October and the first two weekends in November) was madness as the shed load of postponed fixtures was already creaking. The TPL and FAT have used the floods as an explanation for some of the congestion in an attempt to disguise their bungling. But the facts simply don’t support these claims. TOT had to postpone a couple of games, and the League Cup Final was postponed as a precaution (it actually could have been played on time on October 15). But that was it. The flooded-out teams all played

fixtures elsewhere: Bangkok Glass at the Yamaha Stadium; Police United at Suphanburi, and groundsharers Air Force United and JW Rangsit at Ramkamhaeng University. At least the authorities have acknowledged that the situation in the 2011 season was unacceptable. TPL boss Dr Vichit Yamboonreung announced details for the 2012 season in mid-January. There will be scheduled rounds of midweek fixtures this season according to the good doctor. He even went as far as to name the weekend on which the season would start and finish! The big kick off is meant to be on the weekend of March 16/17 and will come to end on November 10 – in time for the national team to prepare for the 2012 AFF Cup. So from an 11½ month season in 2011, they’re hoping to get everything wrapped up in under eight months in 2012. FAT chance.

the season. BEC Tero Sasana, Thai Port, Police United and Army United will all be satisfied with their mid-table finishes – although Tero, at least, will be aiming higher in 2012 if rumours of a 100 million baht budget are to be believed. Thai Port would dearly love to finish in mid-table in 2012 as financial problems continue to plague the club. In Division 1, Buriram FC, Chainat and BBCU were all promoted automatically. But Buriram FC will merge with Buriram PEA meaning that there will be one spare space in the TPL. That’s expected to be taken by Songkhla FC. An agreement has been reached between Buriram and Songkhla whereby Buriram FC will sell UPS AND DOWNS AT the time of writing, with the final round their TPL licence to Songkhla. In short, it’s ‘franchise football’ where a team which of fixtures still to go, we still don’t know finished outside the promotion places in exactly who will be relegated from the Division 1 will be rewarded with a place in TPL. Khon Kaen and Siracha are both the TPL. down, but the final place will be taken by Three of the four teams relegated from one of Siam Navy, Samut Songkhram or Division 1 are from Bangkok or thereTOT. abouts. Minnows Thai Honda, RBAC and Buriram PEA won the title by a Samut Prakan Customs fall through the country mile and will go directly into the Division 1 trapdoor along with northern 2012 AFC Champions League. Chonburi giants Chiang Mai. But, of course, the finished second and will join Buriram in Songkhla situation frees up one Division 1 the Champions League if they can place. That will either be taken by Nakhon come through a one-off play-off Pathom (the club was banned from Thai match against Pohang Steelers football for two years at the end of the on February 18. If they can’t, they’ll drop into the AFC Cup. 2010 season but may return one year early if an appeal is successful) or by one of the Robbie Fowler’s Muangthong United finished relegated quartet, all of whom are keen to have relegation play-offs for Songkhla’s place. third. Their hugely Coming up the other way are disappointing season was Ratchaburi, Pattalung, Krabi and – here dealt a final blow when they I must declare an interest – my own dear lost in the FA Cup Final to Nakhon Ratchasima F.C. All four successBuriram in January. The winning fully made it through the Regional League goal of a very entertaining game ‘Champions League,’ and will ensure that came in the second half of extra time. there is far more geographical diversity in The fourth-place finish achieved by Division 1 than ever before. Bangkok Glass was probably the best See Paul’s website at www.clubwebsite.co.uk/koratfc they could have hoped for at the start of

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WHAT’S ON SCREEN AND STEREO

Movies & music FEB 9 SCI-FI

STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE (3D)

FIRE up your lightsabres and don your brown robes – Star Wars is returning to theatres in glorious 3D. This prequel may have been blasted in 1999 for its clunky script, wooden acting, and grating tomfoolery of Jar Jar Binks (whom George Lucas created simply to please the kids), but it boasts breathtaking visuals and some stunning set pieces, such as the pod race on Tattoine and lightsabre battle between Darth Maul and the Jedis. May the force be with you.

FEB 16 DRAMA FEB 23 THRILLER

FEB 23 THRILLER

Seduced by the challenge of an impossible case, the driven Dr. Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) takes the unbalanced yet beautiful Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) as his patient. Jung’s weapon is the method of his master, the renowned Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen). Both men fall under Sabina’s spell.

Mallory Kane (MMA Superstar Gina Carano) is a highly trained operative who works for a government security contractor in the most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, she is double crossed by a colleague and left for dead. Suddenly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth in order to stay alive

A DANGEROUS METHOD

HAYWIRE

THE DESCENDANTS From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning Sideways, The Descendants is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki in Hawaii.

Movie screenings are subject to change. Keep up to date at movieseer.com

ON THE STEREO BABY

TRIBES

ALTERNATIVE rock and glam rock are blended together to superb effect by this much-hyped quartet from London. Seeped in the sound of the ’90s, their songs have a touch of the Pixies, a smidgen of Pulp, and even a bit of Bowie about them. It’s sexy, grungy, and exciting stuff - music to strut your stuff to whilst pretending you’re the king of rock and roll. In short, essential listening for anyone who likes loud guitar music. Rock on.

GIVEN TO THE WILD

THE MACCABEES

MORE restrained and loaded with new electronic elements, The Maccabees’ sound enters new territories on their third album. But fear not, fans of their previous work, despite the auditory shift, the band’s trademarks are still evident in abundance: the trembling, heartfelt vocals, the exciting musical arrangements, the bubbling emotion the band so effortlessly weaves into its music. It’s the sound of the band on top form. And we love it.

MEMORY LANE

TOPPING THE UK CHARTS FEB 1992 1. Temptations – My Girl (re-issue) 2. Shanice – I Love Your Smile 3. Michael Jackson – Remember The Time / Come Together 4. Pasadenas – I’m Doing Fine Now 5. Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven 6. Opus III – It’s A Fine Day 7. Madness – It Must Be Love (re-issue) 8. Kicks Like A Mule – The Bouncer 9. Crowded House – Weather With You 10. Bryan Adams – Thought I’d Died And Gone To Heaven

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Social  Last month’s best events in pictures

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

LE BEAULIEU MAKES ITS MOVE

Chef Herve Frerard bid farewell to his restaurant’s former home on Sukhumvit Soi 19 with one last party at the premises. Friends and regular customers arrived in large numbers to enjoy everything that’s made the restaurant so popular over the years – delicious food, ﬁne wines, and excellent company. Le Beaulieu is set to re-open later this month at Athenee Tower.

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Spanish on 4 Weekend Fiesta All you can eat Tapas and Paella

Every Saturday and Sunday 495++ per person 12.00 - 19.00

Sangria Buy 1 Get 1 free 12.00 - 19.00

Spanish on 4 78 Silom Soi 4,Tel: 02 632 9955 www.spanishon4.com

Tapas Cafe Sukhunvit 1/25 Sukhumvit Soi 11 Tel. 02 651 2947 www.tapascafebangkok.com AD Spanish On 4_Dec11.indd 1

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

MULLIGANS KHAO SAN TURNS FOUR Mulligans Irish Pub on Khao San Road celebrated its fourth anniversary with a huge party featuring a body paint showcase, a bikini fashion show, live music and free-ﬂow drinks. Open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the fun never stops at this popular boozer.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEST EVENTS

LUCKY 13 AT PINTSMAN

Who said Friday 13 had to be unlucky? The brand new Pintsman pub on Silom Road certainly went against tradition when it held its grand opening on this superstitionsoaked date. And its party was a blast, featuring live bands, killer pool competitions, beer bingo challenges, and a rockabilly dress code. Read more about the pub on page 40.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

GOYPS AT DUSIT

Lufthansa joined the German Open Young Professionals Bangkok to host a New Year Reception at the Dusit Thani Bangkok. Executives of all nationalities turned up to enjoy a fun night of networking fuelled by plenty of tasty nibbles and free-ﬂow drinks.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

WINE AND GLAMOUR AT RAIN HILL

Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro celebrated its grand opening with a big party at its premises at the Rain Hill Community Mall, Sukhumvit 47. Similar to Wine Connection’s popular Deli & Bistro at K-Village, the new venture combines a wine shop, a deli and a restaurant under the same roof, and offers wines and Bistroinspired eats at excellent value for money.

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HARD ROCK’S NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR

Hard Rock Cafe Phuket celebrated New Year’s Eve with a Guitar Drop Countdown Party featuring Hard Rock’s famous ﬁreworksblazing guitar drop and a live performance by Thailand’s queen of rock, Da Endorphin.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

NOVOTEL BANGNA THANKS ITS STAFF

Mr. Scott Ong, General Manager of Novotel Bangna Bangkok, hosted a special dinner to thank his management team for all of their hard work during 2012.

CITIZEN WATCH IS A WINNER

Gadget lovers were out in force for the launch of Citizen’s new Eco-Drive Satellite Wave watch. The Japanese watchmaker unveiled the new model with a special event at the Enigma Shadow Screen, Siam Paragon. With only 990 watches available – 20 of them in Thailand – this limited edition watch features a nifty satellite link up which means it keeps perfect time wherever you go in the world.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

MULLIGAN’S OPENS ON SOI 11 The new Mulligan’s Irish Pub on Sukhumvit Soi 11 got off to a ﬂying start with a fun-packed grand opening party featuring free-ﬂow booze and free servings of the pub’s delicious Irish stew. Highlights of the pub include 12 different types of draught beer, an extensive international food menu, an outdoor terrace, and live-sports shown on a state-of-the-art HD system. Read our full review on page 52.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

SCARLETT MAKES HER DEBUT Soﬁtel Bangkok Silom’s trendy new wine bar Scarlett arrived on the scene with a grand opening party attended by many Bangkok movers and shakers. Exclusive wines, innovative cocktails, and food inspired by a two-Michelin Star chef were just a few of the highlights on this dazzling night.

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HEAWENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BURGER BONANZA

Heawen For Burger Devils in K Village Shopping Mall, Sukhumvit 26, celebrated Christmas Day in an unconventional but fun fashion by hosting a burger eating competition in the mallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner courtyard. The competition was won by Mr. Mungkorn Chaicharoenmaitree, 35, who ate seven burgers in 10 minutes. For his efforts he received 8,000 baht and a credit of 55 burgers.

AD FBP_April11.indd 1

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

A ROYAL OCCASION AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was the guest-of-honour at the wedding of Tirawan Pangsrivongse, daughter of Tirapongse and Valliya Pangsrivongse, and her groom Ben Taechaubol, son of Sadawut and Orawan Taechaubol, in the Royal Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. As many as 1,500 members of Thailand’s crème de la crème elites and distinguished guests turned up to witness the wedding.

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SOUTH AFRICAN FLAVOURS AT REMBRANDT FANS of South African food enjoyed a real treat last month when the Rembrandt Hotel hosted a South African Food and Wine Festival. Organized in collaboration with Emirates Airlines and the South African Embassy, the festival gave diners the chance to try Bunny Chow, Braai, Peri Peri, and more South African delicacies, as well as the country’s ﬁnest wines. Flying in especially for the occasion to cook the food were Chef Nicola Anne Gibbs, Chef Thuli Mabunda and Chef Vusi Mtombel from the ﬁve-star Sandton Sun hotel in Johannesburg. The festival was opened with a delicious dinner, presided over by His Excellency Mr. Douglas Gibson, the South African Ambassador to Thailand, at da Vinci restaurant.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

CATALANA’S FUN PACKED FIESTA Catalana Tapas and Wine on Sukhumvit Soi 11 was packed with revelers having a good time when it celebrated its grand opening with a Spanish style ﬁesta. On the night, Executive Chef Fernando Andrés also launched his new menu which is loaded with authentic Spanish favourites.

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BOURBON STREET HEADS TO EKKAMAI After wowing Bangkok diners with its Cajun and Creole cuisine in the same location for 25 years, it was only ﬁtting that Bourbon Street would be given a proper send off before moving from Washington Square to its new premises on Soi Ekkamai. The restaurant’s owner, Doug Harrison, was joined by friends and regular customers who sank plenty of beers at the old haunt before venturing to the new premises to toast what’s sure to be a bright new era for the restaurant.

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ZAKS OPENS IN STYLE Sukhumvit Soi 11 continued its rapid rise to ‘coolest Soi in Bangkok’ status last month with several new bars and restaurants opening for businesses, including Zaks, a trendy wine pub located in a lovely renovated house mid-way down the Soi. Operated by the same team behind The Robin Hood and Molly Malone’s pubs, Zaks serves ﬁne wines at inexpensive prices and looks set to become one of the Soi’s most popular hangouts.

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FEATURE MOTORING MINI Cooper S Coupé 4-cylinder engine Maximum output kW/hp Maximum torque/revs Nm/rpm Transmission Maximum Speed (km/h) Acceleration 0-100 km/h Tank Capacity (l) Average Consumption (km/l)

Price: 2,890,000 baht 1.6l with TwinScroll Turbo 135/184 240/1600-5000 (Overboost 260/1730-4500) 6-speed automatic transmission 224 7.1 50 14.92

MINI Coupé has star appeal

By Maxmilian Wechsler

The eagerly awaited new edition to the MINI family is finally here, with the looks and moves to steal the show on any Bangkok street

THE motoring world got its first glimpse of the new MINI Coupé in concept form at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – exactly 50 years after the original Mini was presented to the public by the famous British engineer Sir Alec Issigonis. Hinting at a brand new era for the brand, the concept car wowed almost everyone who saw it – the unusual sporty look, the promise of power, the fact it was MINI’s first-ever two seater. It was all exciting stuff, and drivers couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. The Coupé, owned by BMW, had its market premiere at the same venue two years later, in September 2011 – progressing from concept to production with only a few changes – and went on sale in the United Kingdom on October 1. Since then a flood of road test reviews by motor-

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ing experts have been published, most highly positive and filled with superlatives. “Unique, astonishing, a machinists dream,” said one. Unsurprisingly Thai MINI enthusiasts couldn’t wait to see the car for themselves. And their time came last November when the MINI Cooper S Coupé was unveiled on the first day of the 28th Thailand International Motor Expo 2011. The car began the day covered in a black shroud which was taken off in the afternoon for a group of invited guests and media. It was a visual treat for all in attendance, especially those guests who had not yet seen the car and its unusually shaped roof and its retractable rear spolier. The car’s striking design is the handywork of German-born designer Gert

Wolker Hildebrand, who was responsible for the complete design and development of the MINI brand from January 2001 until his retirement in December 2010. During a rare interview in 2009, Mr. Hildebrand disclosed the inspiration for the shape of the roof – which is the most controversial and distinctive feature of the car. He said it was provided unexpectedly by his teenage son, whom he saw wearing a baseball cap back-tofront. And that’s what the roof looks like. The BigChilli was privileged to be the first magazine in Thailand to be given the chance to road test the Cooper S Coupé and later to compare it with the less powerful and less expensive Cooper Coupé exhibited at the showroom of Millennium Auto – the sole authorized dealer in Thailand, located on Ekkamai Road, Soi 7.

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Nina Hastings from The BigChilli jumped at the chance to join the road tests and, like me, she couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of the car. Our time came a few days after the expo ended, when the same car we and thousands of others had admired on the showroom floor was ours – at least for four days. And we gave it a good spin, that’s for sure. Wherever we went, people turned to get another look. Women especially seemed smitten by the Cooper S Coupé. But the car’s not just for show. Whether doing battle on congested Bangkok streets, navigating narrow Sois or zig-zagging around potholes on flood-damaged

roads, the car performed extremely well. While waiting for traffic lights Nina and I had time to study the car’s various buttons and switches, and we discovered that everything is simple, well organized and easy to see and operate. The only things we didn’t like were the placement of the switches to open the windows - they’re on the central console instead of the doors which is not convenient. We also thought the sound system is average. The biggest thrill was from the incredible acceleration and cruising speed. When you step down hard on the pedal, the car takes off like a rocket, with 100km appearing on the speedometer in just a few seconds. The Cooper S Coupé moves,

The large speedometer showing a top speed of 260km is not there just to impress. The car is very fast – I reached 210km/h on the expressway around midnight. handles and feels like a sports car, and I felt like I could easily take on a Porsche. Every time the retractable active spoiler went up, however, it limited the rear vision, so we had to rely more on the side mirrors, which fortunately are large, nicely shaped and easy to adjust. The spoiler automatically rises when the car reaches 80km/h and it closes when the car slows to 60km/h. It is designed to optimize airflow at higher speeds, but it can be manually activated via a toggle switch inside the car at any time. The large central speedometer show-

ing a top speed of 260km is not there just to impress. The car is very fast – I reached 210km/h on the expressway around midnight. I could have easily gone faster but I wasn’t willing to take it to the limit due to the road’s poor lighting. The leg and head room are ample even for a tall foreigner and the cabin offers direct access to the 280-litre boot. You can actually load luggage from inside the car, which compensates for a lack of storage space inside the cabin. Since the car runs on 17-inch runflat tires, there’s no need for a spare, which

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FEATURE MOTORING

adds to the boot’s capacity. Some people might not like runflats, but I love them. Recently I got a puncture on a provincial road while driving a BMW and was able to make it another 120km without any problem – at reduced speed – to the nearest authorized BMW repair shop. Here the wheel was fixed without the need to buy a new and quite expensive tire. That’s when you stop complaining about runflats! The black leather seats in the Coupé we tested matched very well with the red and silver two-tone exterior. The seats are comfortable and operate manually. As a rule the MINI engineers kept the design classic, maybe as a gift of nostalgia for some older customers. Anyway, you normally wouldn’t adjust the driver’s seat often so this is not a big problem. The car is reasonably well insulated against noises. The subdued roar of the engine inside the cabin didn’t bother me and in fact I actually appreciated it as it enhanced the sports car-like feel. Nina said she thought the car would actually be noisier, considering its power. The car sits well on the road and doesn’t swerve in curves, even at high speed. The brakes are also excellent and responsive at high speed and bring you to a

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comfortable stop without sliding or going out of control. The two doors close easily but Nina and I both thought that the boot lid was pretty heavy, especially when closing it. We thoroughly enjoyed our time behind the wheel, and felt comfortable with the car’s handling. Nina was surprised by the car’s power, though, which she said would take some getting used to. “The fast acceleration made me feel like we were going to take off,” she said. “It’s a real mean machine.” While Nina liked most aspects of the car, she thought the suspension was too hard. I, on the other hand, thought the suspension was fine. Asked what she thought was the car’s main drawback, Nina said the price. The Cooper S Coupé we tested sells for 2,890,000 baht, and the Cooper Coupé for 2,320,000 baht. “The price is high for a normal working person,” she said, and as much as she enjoyed the car, she felt it was unsuitable for anyone with a lot of friends because it is a two-seater. “It’s a second car,” she said. As for myself, I rarely hit the road with more than one other person so the size is not a factor. Plus, I think there are many people in Thailand who can afford the car. The Coupé is the fi fth model – after the MINI hatch, Convertible, Clubman and the Countryman – to join the line-up since 2001, after BMW took over Mini from

Rover Group in 2000. The brand’s popularity is on the upswing around the world. According to the Popular Mechanics Website, MINI sales went up 26 percent in the US in 2011. Sompraj Bosuwan, assistant general manager of the Millennium Auto who looks after the MINI dealership, said the delivery period for a MINI is about two months from time of booking. He also explained that anyone who buys a MINI from the dealership gets free maintenance for three years or 50,000 km, whichever comes first (MINIs bought from the grey market will not be serviced at the center). While Millennium Auto has no plans to open any new MINI dealerships elsewhere in Thailand, it will soon open a new BMW showroom and service centre on Rama 3 which will also service the MINI. Currently, all models are imported from the United Kingdom with a hefty import tax levied on. Despite this, the thrill and great look of the new MINI Coupé should insure that lots of these two models in tasty colour combinations will soon be brightening Thailand’s roads.

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Travel

p Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations

Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 is offering special rates until the end of June. Page 130.

Mate’s Rates

Friends or family visiting Bangkok? Let them know about these deals! Page 130

Hua Hin

Read more about the town’s best resorts and restaurants Page 120

Pattaya

A round up of hot news and deals from the Eastern Seaboard Page 126 TheBigChilli 117

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TRAVEL BANGKOK

Bangkok

Room deal at Mercure Phuket

UNTIL the end of March, Mercure Patong Phuket is offering its Superior City View rooms at B8,700 per night (minimum two-nights’ stay). Rate includes daily buffet breakfast for two, daily buffet dinner for two, and Thai Massage for two per stay.

and Beyond

Tel: 076 302 100 www.mercurepatongphuket.com

BANGKOK BEAUTY

New spa treatments and special deals

Peninsuala’s spa package for two

The Peninsula Spa’s Special Moments Together promotion is a good option for couples this Valentine’s Day. The two-hour-twenty-minute package features a Valentines’ Royal Milk and Rose hydrotherapy bath in a private spa suite and herbal steam, and a one-hourtwenty-minute treatment with a combination of a conditioning salt exfoliation and a Holistic Body Massage. Available throughout the month, the spa package is B8,800++ per couple, including two glasses of Champagne cocktails.

Tel: 02 626 1946 email: spapbk@peninsula.com

The essence of heaven

This Valentine’s Day, Tammachart Day Spa at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is offering a special spa treatment using rose essential oil for couples. The Rose Essence Heaven package includes a one-hour Aromatic Oil Massage with the rose scent, and two free movie tickets. B2,999 per couple. Tel: 02 209 8888 ext. Tammachart Day Spa

www.novotelbkk.com

Wellness sanctuary

Until March 31, enjoy a complimentary 15 minute choice of scalp, foot or shoulder massage when booking a spa treatment from the Spa Botanica’s hot picks at The Sukhothai Bangkok. You can choose from a 60 minute Jasmine Coriander Body Scrub, a 60 minute Deluxe Skin Care Facial, a 90 minute Perfect Balance Facial, or a 90 minute Premium Anti Age Facial.

Tel: 02 344 8900 email: spabotanica@sukhothai.com www.sukhothai.com

Renaissance Koh Samui opens new private pool villas

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa has opened 33 new private pool villas with a focus on couples. Set in the most private and beautiful area of the resort, each pool villa features a 96-102 sqm living space decorated in a Contemporary-Asian style, a spacious bathroom, a private terrace, luxurious lounge chairs, and a plunge pool with Jacuzzi. In-room facilities include flat screen TV, DVD player, stereo system, and a well-stocked mini bar. Until the end of March, the resort’s Intro Romance package offers a beachfront pool villa at 19,400+++ baht per night for a minimum of two-nights’ stay. Rate includes in-room breakfast for two, roundtrip Samui Airport transfers, a candle-lit dinner with a bottle of wine, an aroma therapy massage for two persons, and more. Tel: 077 429 300 www.renaissancekohsamui.com

New GM at Le Meridien Khao Lak

STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc has appointed Dominik Stamm as the new General Manager for Le Meriden Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort. Prior to joining the hotel, Dominik was GM at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. With over 16 years’ experience working in well-established hotels around the world, he is now looking forward to putting his knowledge to good use at Le Meridien Khao Lak. www.lemeridien.com

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TRAVEL

HUA HIN

Valentine’s Day on the beach ■ THE stylish Dune Bar and Restaurant at Dune Hua Hin Hotel is offering a special three-course dinner this Valentine’s Day priced B1,300++ per person, including a free Love Blast Cocktail for couples. The menu includes Dune’s cruising crab dip with casino butter; Grilled rack of lamb with red wine sauce; Herb encrusted seabass with sun dried tomato chardonnay sauce; and Chocolate fondue, and Apple Tart with vanilla ice cream. Tel: 032 515 051-3 email: md@dunehuahin.com www.dunehuahin.com

V Villa offers accommodation package for couples ■ UNTIL the end of March, V Villa Hua Hin is offering ‘a Romeo and Juliet Romance on the Beach’ package featuring a one-night-stay in two-bedroom pool villa, an exclusive candlelit dinner either by the villa or at Villazzo Restaurant, breakfast, a 60-minute couple’s Aromatic Massage, a High Tea ritual in your villa or by the beach, and many special benefits. B20,500 (B2,950 per couple for dinner only). Tel: 032 616 039 email:info@vvillashuahin.com www.v-villashuahin.com

Hyatt launches new Sunday Brunch ■ HYATT Regency Hua Hin is now serving an elegant Sunday Brunch at its historical Thai pavilion by the sea, McFarland House. Served from 11.30am - 3pm, the all-you-can-eat brunch features an extensive selection seafood, local specialties, pastries, and desserts, plus unlimited lemonade and iced tea. B1,500 (inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine for two, homemade lemonade and iced tea); B1,300 (inclusive of homemade lemonade and iced tea), and B650 for kids aged 6-12. All diners can use the hotel’ spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. Tel: 032 521 234 email: reservations.hrhuahin@hyatt.com www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com

Hilton’s charity day out

■ THERE were plenty of smiles when a team of staff from Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa visited Bann Kok Change School in Nong Plab, Prachuabkhirikhan, to organize lunch and a series of fun games and activities. The hotel team was led by its GM, Mr Boris Blobel, who took time on the day to speak to the kids about the importance of learning, leading a good life, and being a decent Thai citizen.

www.huahin.hilton.com

Valentine’s deals at Banyan Golf Club Check out special offers at Banyan Golf Club during the month of love.

■ Feb 14: ‘the Valentine’s Sunset Dinner’ features a romantic four-course dinner under the stars, a welcome cocktail upon arrival, live music, special gift for lady and a lucky draw prize. B2,400 per couple. A Club Suite is available at B8,600 per room inclusive of breakfast for two, chocolate turn down and champagne breakfast. ■ Feb 27: Golf & Winner Dinner’ features an afternoon golf tournament (tee time at 12.30pm onwards) and a five-course wine dinner at The Terrace Restaurant. B3,950, or B2,100 for dinner only. ■ All month: ‘Je t’aime’ package offers couples a one-night-stay in either a One-bedroom pool villa or Jacucci villa at B7,499 (inclusive of breakfast for two) together with special treats in your villa including a bouquet of red roses, a romantic candlelit dinner, white couple swan towel, and a welcome drink upon arrival. For more info, Tel: 032 538 888 email: reservations@banyanthailand.com booking@banyanthailand.com www.banyanthailand.com

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TRAVEL

HUA HIN

Hua Hin Where to sleep Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Spa

The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin

■ This resort-spa is situated at the heart of 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and faces the Gulf of Thailand. Pool villas and guest rooms are connected by a series of wooden walkways that meander between lush greenery. This is a retreat for those seeking time to relax and recharge. In The Restaurant guests can sip exotic cocktails, ice-cold beer or boutique wines while watching chefs cook and construct creative appetizers. The award-winning Earth Spa is one of the most visually striking in Thailand.

■ Located in the heart of Hua Hin right next to the beach, this luxury hotel combines comfort and convenience for the perfect escape. Each suite is well-furnished in stylish décor and each has its own private swimming pool. General facilities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, steam rooms, spa, library, and meeting functions. Rocks Restaurant serves up a wide range of international dishes and local favourites, while the beachside bar, and the cigar and whisky bar, mix up some excellent cocktails.

9/22 Moo 5 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi. Tel: 032 632 111

97/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600

Villa Maroc Resort Pranburi ■ Inspired by Morocco’s distinctive architecture, Villa Maroc combines Thai beachside living and service with some of the most luxurious furnishings from the North African Kingdom, making it a unique addition to Southeast Asia’s accommodation scene. The resort is located in Pranburi approximately 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin town. You can tuck into European, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine at Casablanca, enjoy cocktails and shisha pipes at the Sisha Bar, relax in bliss at Sherazade Hammam & Spa, and much more. 165/3 Moo 3 Paknampran, Pranburi, Tel: 032 630 771 email: rsvn@villamarocresort.com

Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas

S’MOR Spa Village & Resort ■ S’MOR Spa Village & Resort is always a great choice for a relaxing holiday. Located in the center of Hua Hin yet in the peaceful area overlooking the Khao Takiab Mountain with a long beautiful beach, this al-fresco resort features six bungalows and eight bedrooms, each well-equipped with all the mod-cons you could need. The seafront bungalow offers you a choice of private outdoor Jacuzzi or indoor Jacuzzi. The resort’s spa is exclusive and distinctive with an extensive list of treatments including traditional Thai massage. For eats, the beachfront S’MOR Spa Beach Bar & Restaurant serves a wide variety of international and local cuisines. 122/64 Takiab Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 536 800

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

■ Set within 13 hectares of landscaped gardens, the property dates back to 1923 and is one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned hotels. The luxurious colonial-era beachfront resort features 207 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, each one offering comfort and convenience. The Pool Villas include four Deluxe Spa Villas with queen sized twin bed, lounging area, bathroom with rain shower, and oversized Jacuzzi bathtub. Refined dining is available at Sala Thai, Hagi, the Railway Restaurant, and Palm Terrace. Guests can unwind in the Elephant Bar or Satchmo Club.

■ Sheraton brand in Hua Hin is a delightful low-rise resort comprising of 240 luxurious rooms and suites, 56 of which have direct access to a 200-metre lagoon-style swimming pool. Stylish and elegant, they provide a generous 49 square metres of light and airy living space. Facilities at the resort include five restaurants and bars, the highlight being InAzia, the resort’s signature restaurant. Other options include Luna Lanai, a laidback beachfront bar. The Aspadeva Spa offers an extensive menu of massage and body services.

1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin. Tel: 032 512 021-38

1573 Petchkasem Road, Cha-Am. Tel: 032 708 080

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REVIEW MONDO VINO

WINES FOR EVERY BUDGET AT MONDO VINO Enjoy great value wines in cozy comfort at Hua Hinʼs ﬁrst aperitif wine bar MONDO Vino Wine Bar has been doing cracking business since it opened in late 2010. Providing wholesale wines to many of Hua Hin’s top hotels and golf courses, plus selling good bottles of wine for as little as 350 baht to thirsty expats and tourists, it’s not hard to see why – finding such value in Thailand is like finding a dropped penny in a vineyard. It’s not just the great value that’s an attraction here though. The bar has recently been given a cozy new facelift which enhances the wine drinking experience. Several comfy couches and coffee tables have been added, and the

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bar’s large wine shelf has been moved from its previous position in front of the windows to the back wall, providing more light and an open, airier feel to the premises, much like a European Bistro. Other improvements include the introduction of a new food menu focused on light Tapas style eats and tasty grilled selections, and the introduction of ‘themed’ Wine Flights. These provide three different wines for guests to try, and the themes, such as all red or white wines, same grape variety, same country of origin etc., change monthly. Another exciting

development is the introduction of a Mondo Vino membership deal called ‘Mondo Miles.’ This is basically a customer loyalty reward scheme which, among other benefits, awards one Mondo Mile for every 100 baht spent. Members can save up their miles and exchange them for gifts or experiences, starting at 25 miles for olive oil or a glass of wine with snacks, up to 10,000 miles for four bottles of Gaja reds (including two vintages of Barbaresco), or a trip around the wine region of Tuscany. Wine novices who can’t tell a red from a rose are in good hands at Mondo Vino. On hand to explain more about each bottle and suggest wines for every occasion is General Manager Niall Keddie. A professional sommelier and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certified Wine Educator with 19 years international experience, Niall certainly knows his grapes. He began his career working for leading independent retailers in the UK before studying Wine Marketing at Adelaide University, and

moving to work in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Mondo Vino last July, he was the Group Director of Wine for the Six Senses Group. “I’m passionate about wine and focused on offering the best customer service possible,” he says. “When guests come to Mondo Vino, I want them to be able to relax, not worry about what they’re spending, learn more about wines, and have great fun at the same time.” Sink into one of the leather sofas with a glass of wine in hand and you’ll soon realize that Niall is a man of his word. Whatever day you visit, you’ll always enjoy great service, excellent wines, and tasty snacks – all at excellent value for money. 22/65 Naeb Kachat Road (next to Putahracsa Resort), Hua Hin, Tel: 032 531 493 email: info@ mondovino.co.th www.mondovino.co.th (any wines bought under 1,200 baht to drink on site are subject to 150 baht service charge).

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The Veranda Lodge Huahin

113 Soi Hua Hin 67, Petch Kasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab 77110, THAILAND Tel: +66 32 533678 Fax: +66 32 533679 Website: www.verandalodge.com , Email: huahin@verandalodge.com AD Veranda Lodge_Sep11.indd 1

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TRAVEL

PATTAYA

Lunar Beach Party Returns ■ THE Lunar Dawn Beach Party returns on Feb 18 with a ‘Drum n Bass’ party at Ao Khai beach, near Laem Mae Phim in Rayong. Presented by Bamboco Productions and Conquest Recordings, in collaboration with The WetCarpet Studio and Vinni Kiniki Visual Artist, the party will be headlined by DJ Nookie (Phuzion Recordings, UK), and will also feature Amnesty (UB Radio) and 45 Thieves (Conquest Recordings). Tickets for the event are B400. Free shuttle buses will run from Victory Monument in Bangkok. For more info: facebook.com/lunardawnparty

Centara Pattaya Hotel now open

Burapa Pattaya Bike Week 2012 ■ MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts will get to lay their eyes on hundreds of choppers at the Burapa Bike Week 2012, which will be held on Feb 10 and 11 at Pattaya Sport Arena on Jomtien Beach. Marking its 15th anniversary this year, the event promises to be even more fun and entertaining with a roster of live entertainment that includes concerts by many popular Thai bands such as Fryed Brothers Band, Carabao, Lam Morrison, Job To Do, Nu Raggae man, Pink Acid, Firasah, Bannbodo, and Nuclear Strikes. For more info: www.thailandmc.com

■ THE brand new Centara Pattaya Hotel is now open and accepting bookings. Located in Central Pattaya, the hotel is only a few minutes walk to the beach and offers an extensive range of facilities such as a large swimming pool, a dedicated pool bar, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, an all-day-dining restaurant and much more. Until March 31, the hotel’s introductory rate promotion is B2,450++ per Deluxe Room (including breakfast). One-Bedroom Suites and Two-Bedroom Suites are also available. The rate is per two-persons with a maximum of two children aged under 12. Tel: 02 101 1234 ext. 1 email: reservations@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com

New sweet corner at Hilton ■ LOCATED on the hotel’s 16th floor, Hilton Pattaya’s new bakery serves up freshly-baked cakes, cookies, fruit juices, smoothies, and much more. Guests can enjoy their food and drinks while enjoying the sea view. Free wifi is available. Tel: 038 253 000 www.hilton.com

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TRAVEL

PATTAYA

Siam Bayview offers new family deal ■ SIAM Bayview Hotel, Pattaya is offering a ‘Pattaya in Style’ package featuring three-nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room with a complimentary upgrade to a Theme Suite, breakfast for two adults and two children under 12, a welcome drink, a 60-minute traditional Thai massage for two adults, free ice-cream for children during stay, a food-and-beverage voucher for B500, a late check-out, and 15% discount on additional accommodation nights. Priced B15,000++, and valid until the end of March. Tel: 038 423 877 email: siambayview@siamhotels.com www.siamhotels.com/offers-en.html

Japanese Food Festival at Kantary Bay Rayong ■ FROM March 21 - 28, the famous No.43 Italian Bistro at Kantary Bay Hotel & Serviced Apartments Rayong will hold a ‘Japanese Food Festival’ featuring many Japanese favourites together with a fine selection of beer and sake from Japan. A special a la carte menu will be offered for both lunch and dinner, and a sumptuous buffet dinner will be served on selected dates (Mar 21, 23, 24, 27 and 28) priced B490++ per adult (50% off for kids under 12).

Romantic dining at Pattaya Marriott

Tel: 038 804 844 www.kantarycollection.com

■ PATTAYA Marriott Resort & Spa is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering a special romantic set dinner for B5,999 per couple. Served in the resort’s scenic garden, the deal includes a choice of either a Thai or Western menu, and comes with a free bottle of sparkling wine. Tel: 038 412 120 email: pattayamarriott@ minornet.com www.marriott.com

Northern Soul Music Night ■ ON Feb 17, Pattaya Soul Club will hold its second Northern Soul Music Night at Dusit D2 Barracuda Boutique Hotel. DJ’s Barry ‘Bazza’ Willmore and Ricky Vaughan will return to spin all their favourite soul tunes. Entry is B400 per person, including free flow beer and wine for two hours, followed by beer at B100 per bottle and soft drinks at B50. Party kicks off at 8pm. The proceeds will go towards the Melissa Cosgrove Children Foundation (MCCF).

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TRAVEL BANGKOK

s ’ e t a M s rate

Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok: The hotel is offering

amily f r o s d Frien kok? g n a B visiting now about k Let them e deals thes

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: Until Dec 28, the

hotel is offering a special package to stay in its Deluxe room together with an exclusive dining cruise with a minimum of two-night booking. The Cruise Along the River of Kings package offers rate starting 6,630++ baht per Deluxe Room per night inclusive of internet service, daily buffet breakfast, and a special buffet dinner on Horizon Cruise (food only). Many privileges are offered when staying in Krungthep Wing. Tel: 02 206 8788 email: reservations.slbk@shangri-la.com www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

a special rate for a monthly stay in a Plaza Suite which features a spacious 52-sqm suite with separate living room, dining tableware, microwave, tea/ coffee maker, and other necessary facilities, plus a benefit of using swimming pool and fitness center. The rates start at 55,000 baht for 1-3 months stay, at 52,000 baht for 4-6 months stay, and at 49,000 baht for 7-12 month stay, including a complimentary daily buffet breakfast. Tel: 02 688 1000 ext. 243 www.ramadaplazamenamriverside.com

package offers a special rate starting 2,811++ baht for a Chic room and 3,111++ baht for an Urban room including daily semi-lunch (for two persons), two daily cocktails, free entry to Bangkok’s trendiest clubs (Bed Supperclub and Q bar) and late check-out. Booking is available now until June 30 and the promotion is valid until the end of October. Please quote APPKG5 when booking. Tel: 02 207 7000 email: reservations.aloftbkk@alofthotels.com www.aloftholtels.com/bangkoksukhumvit11

Pathumwan Princess Hotel:

Throughout the month, the hotel is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a romantic package for couples. The Precious Hearts Romance package features a one-night stay in Pathumwan Garden Suite room, an in-room three-course dinner for two (inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine), and an in-room massage service for an hour. The package is 9,999 baht per night (an extended night charge is 7,999 baht per room per night). Tel: 02 216 3700 www.pprincess.com

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square: The hotel’s best

unrestricted rate saves you budget 15% by booking online at www.novotelbkk.com. The special rate is only 2,975++ baht per room per night. No cancellation and refund. Tel: 02 209 8888 email: info@novotelbkk.com

Soﬁtel So Bangkok: Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit: Until Feb

29, the hotel is offering a special rate to stay starting at 2,400++ baht per room per night. The ‘City Breaks’ package includes complimentary breakfasts for two persons per day and a late check-out until 5pm on Sunday. Credit card required, and no refund. Tel: 02 305 6000 www.accorhotels.com

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Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11: This new chic hotel’s One Night in Bangkok’

This Bangkok’s first urban design hotel is set to open on Feb 28, featuring 238 guestrooms with themed décor on The Five Elements. During its first 80 days of opening, the hotel is offering guests a special introductory deal with a credit of USD80 per room per night to spend in the hotel’s restaurants and spa, including room upgrading. Tel: 02 624 0000 email: H6835-RE@sofitel. com www.sofitel.com.

Novotel Bangkok Platinum: Until June 30, this

newly-opened hotel on top of the Platinum Shopping Mall is offering a special introductory rate starting 3,300++ baht per room per night inclusive of breakfast for two persons. There is also the Early Bird deal starting 2,310++ baht per room per night with complimentary of two breakfasts. Tel: 02 160 7100 email: h7272@accor.com www.novotelbangkokplatinum.com

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