The BigChilli Jan 2013

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FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT IN BANGKOK

January 2013 06 WISH LIST 2013 Changes that would make Bangkok a better place to live for all of us 08 INSIGHT News, letters, monthly planner, and more 23 EXPAT WOMEN Health, shopping, people, and advice 34 SCHOOL REPORT A round up of news from Bangkok’s best international schools 43 GOURMET A round up of all the best restaurant deals and gourmet events in Bangkok 46 CRAFT BEERS IN BANGKOK Meet the company bringing American-style craft beers to Bangkok 70 RULES OF THE ROAD Thailand’s law makers have covered far more than you could ever imagine. Here they are in full.

75 WHAT’S ON Exhibitions, performance, sport, networking – we’ve got this month’s best events all wrapped up 87 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures 105 DIPLOMATS Maxmilian Wechsler talks to H.E. Markiian Chuchuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Thailand 109 TRAVEL Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations

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

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS We hope 2013 will prove a happy, healthy and prosperous year for everybody regardless of background, politics and persuasion.

The 2013 Wish List WE asked you, the readers of The BigChilli, to give us your suggestions for changes that would make Bangkok a better place to live for all of us. After a little editing on our part, here is your Wish List.

• Ditch crazy schemes that encourage greater car ownership without a corresponding expansion in the number of roads and expressways • Outlaw unelected persons from influencing government policy • Increase the number of carriages on the Skytrain • Install fans on BTS platforms • Ban motorcycles from using the sidewalks • Make it harder for youngsters to get cosmetic surger y • Declare Wednesdays as public holidays • Fine drivers who flash their headlights and tailgate to intimidate other vehicles

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• Punish taxi and tuk-tuk drivers who blatantly overcharge passengers • Punish the scam artists who attempt to rip off tourists outside temples and other attractions • Force vehicles to stop at pedestrian crossings • Remove vendors who block the sidewalks and cycle paths • Disarm whistle-blowing security guards and car park attendants • Limit the volume on all karaoke machines and speakers in public places • Fine vehicles that queue-jump • Ban BTS passengers who use their mobiles when walking up or down the stair ways • Instruct all BTS and MRT passengers to stand on the left when using escalators, rather than in the middle • Get ever ybody riding bicycles – introduce safe cycle paths and offer bikes for rent

• Set up park and ride systems around the city • Influence the weather so we actually get a cool season this year • Arrange more live music events with top international bands • Impose huge fines on anyone who dumps garbage in canals, creeks, rivers and oceans • Insist on restaurants giving customers free water and handing them menus for expensive bottled water before they order • Return to free market policies governing the price of rice and other commodities • Outlaw monopolies that dominate the domestic business scene • Make people more aware of the intrusive nature of social media like facebook • Fine people who buy pets and then just dump them at temples – a dog’s not just for Christmas!

• Refurbish the train carriages used by the State Railways of Thailand • Increase substantially the size of airline seats and leg room in economy class • Get restaurants to give discounts to diners who give up their mobile phones for the duration of their meal – let’s get people really talking again • Discover once and for all whether climate change and global warming are for real • Order banks to stop offering credit cards with unrealistic promises to impressionable young people with limited ability to repay debts • Lower the tax and duties on wine • And finally…end poverty, exploitation and corruption For a Happier New Year!

TheBigChilli

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PUBLISHER Colin Hastings editorbigchilli@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Adam Purcell adambigchilli@gmail.com EDITOR Nina Hastings ninabigchilli@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, Johanna DeKoning, 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

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Insight

Inbox|Have your say

letters

FACEBOOK.COM/ thebigchillimagazine

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HAVE YOUR SAY! Write to us at: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

LOVE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY

WHAT A REFRESHING CHANGE ■ I READ your story about “Mango Maiden’ (BigChilli 12/12), a new book by Mai Loog, and I’d just like to say how much I’m looking forward to reading it. I say that because so many books about Bangkok have been written by men, and therefore have the same old hackneyed slant, so it will make a refreshing change to view this city through feminine eyes. Having fun here is not confined to men only. Girls like to have fun too.

Ms J.Edwards, Bangkok

■ THE cry of “help” from Mr Curt, a 27-yearold American in love with his secretary, that appeared in December in the agony column of your Expat Women is surely a very common problem in Thailand. Curt says his company “doesn’t encourage” affairs between co-workers, and also that he has a girlfriend back in the US. Your columnist Anette gives some sound advice, but in my thinking a fellow should be free to link up with whoever he wishes to, and not be bound by company ‘rules.’

Admittedly, inter-office affairs can be problematic and maybe the couple in question won’t have much to say to each other when they’re back at home together. But that’s their choice and their challenge. And nobody else’s. Anyway, I’m sure there are plenty of instances in Thailand where a worker ends up with a colleague. Just think of those huge factories with their vast dormitories, and little else to do but ‘fraternise.’

John, Pattaya

FIGHTING TALK ■ DO you know why Ultimate Fight Championships (UFC) are not staged in Thailand? After all, it’s a very popular sport everywhere else, and with Thais loving their Muay Thai, it’s gotta be a winner.

Gringo, Bangkok tourist.

Ed: It’s probably because local promoters of Muay Thai want to protect their sport, and have lobbied to have UFC kept out of Thailand.

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CRASH HELMET CONUNDRUM

■ RE: “How many more lives will be wasted by motorcyclists who refuse to wear a crash helmet?”

(BigChilli 12/12) I watch and shudder every morning in Bangkok traffic when I see whole families on the same motorbike, with only the driver – usually the father – wearing a crash helmet. It’s as if he couldn’t care less about his wife or tiny children, who go without a helmet.

So three questions: One, can’t he afford to buy more than one crash helmet? Two, does he think the roads and cars are made of soft stuff? And three, does he wear a crash helmet because the law says he should, or because he genuinely wishes to protect himself?

Neil Duncan, Sukhumvit

SHARE YOUR VIEWS AND POST CLASSIFIEDS – FOR FREE! ■ THE new BigChilli Forum is now up and running, giving you the chance to share your views about expat living and post classifieds for free. So if you have a condo to rent, a car to sell, are looking for a job, or simply want to sound off about life in Bangkok, here’s the place to do it. www.thebigchilli.com

TheBigChilli

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Experience an exquisite blend of international choices with contemporary surroundings

MRT Lumpini Station

BTS Phloen Chit Station

BTS Phloen Chit Station

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Insight

News|Local interest

SOS s

a e S r u O e v a S

Pattaya’s ‘floating islands’ of garbage getting worse ■ POLLUTION of the seas around Pattaya may be getting worse, according to reports reaching The BigChilli. Yachtsmen who regularly sail the waters off Jomtien say the huge ‘floating islands’ of garbage that have plagued the area in recent months have not only become a permanent fixture but are actually increasing in size.

The trash includes plastic bags, chunks of polystyrene, soft drink bottles, cans, rope, wood, shoes and even raw sewage and oil; there’s no telling what lurks below the waves. It is clear, however, that the dangers posed by this mountain of garbage are enormous – to both man and sea creatures.

One regular sailor who dipped his arms in the sea in order to unclog rub-

No place for scams ■ WHEN foreign ambassadors in

Thailand start issuing warnings to their nationals to be on the look-out for scams in some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, such as Phuket and Pattaya, then you know the situation is getting out of hand. Although bad news is generally not welcome here, the authorities should take urgent heed of these latest advisories from the UK and Australia – despite the fact that both countries are destined to be overtaken soon in terms of tourist arrivals by China and India. There’s no place for scams, overcharging and cheating in such important revenue-generating resorts.

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bish from his rudder later discovered all kinds of sores and irritations to both limbs. That’s how bad it gets. A visit to the doctor helped to clear up the condition, but the medicine he was given had some nasty after-effects, including hair loss.

The proprietor of a beachside restaurant has confirmed the increasing amount of rubbish now washing around in Pattaya’s seas. A worker he employs specifically to clear rubbish left on the beach simply can’t keep up with the successive waves of the stuff, so a line of plastic bags, polystyrene and other flotsam now permanently blights the area.

Organisers of yacht racing in Pattaya, including some important upcoming regattas with international participation, are now voicing their fears about their

viability and even their desirability, given the levels of pollution. “No one wants to be continually sailing through vast dumps of rubbish,” they say.

Who are the culprits for this terrible denigration? To date, no one has been caught or arrested for dumping rubbish into the rivers, inlets, creeks or directly into the sea.

Who is responsible for tackling this issue? The Royal Thai Navy, Tourism Authority of Thailand, marine industries, yacht clubs, hotels, restaurants, and every single business involved in the tourism industry.

And, of course, the government, which surely recognizes that degradation of this country’s seas will have a disastrous impact on its ability to attract visitors.

Action needs to be taken now!

What you should know about Thailand’s traffic laws ■ DID you know that taxi drivers are forbidden by law to refuse to convey passengers to their destination unless the journey presents some kind of danger to himself or the occupants?

Did you also know that vehicles are not allowed to carry a corpse, or a person with leprosy or other infectious diseases?

And were you aware that drivers cannot overtake another vehicle within 30 meters of a pedestrian crossing, junction, circle or railroad crossing?

Other no-no’s include vendors selling

their goods from the road, a limit of two passengers in the front seat of a vehicle, and cyclists riding two abreast. The law also forbids vehicles from parking on a footpath, and road racing is banned except with written permission from the traffic police.

These are just a few of the numerous laws governing the way people behave on Thailand’s roads and highways.

For a fuller listing the ‘Rules of the Road’ turn to page 70.

TheBigChilli

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Insight

News|Local interest

No to Tripadvisor restaurant review ■ NOT for the first time, this magazine

was approached recently by an acquaintance who now runs a restaurant in Indonesia with a request to send a favorable review of its food to Tripadvisor, the travel website. We declined, of course, since we haven’t been near the place and also because such a review undermines the credibility of websites that attempt to present impartial opinions. Although we know of one other person who was similarly approached, but also refused, there is the possibility that others did as bade.

Goldman Sachs’ inside advantage ■ ISN’T it just a bit worrying that the Bank of England has named a former executive of Goldman Sachs – and a Canadian to boot – as its new governor? His appointment plays straight into the hands of conspiracy theorists who believe that the bank’s grip on the global financial situation is now tighter than ever. Other ex-Goldman Sachs’ executives regularly hold key positions in the US government and the European Central Bank. And since it’s widely believed that Goldman Sachs is a shareholder in the US Federal Reserve, it’s very likely that they hold a similar stake in the Bank of England. Talk about inside information!

OBITUARY William Schillinger

■ General Manager and Resident Manager at Napa on 26 restaurant, William passed away on November 12, 2012, in his sleep.

An autopsy confirmed a massive heart attack. He was 45.

A Swiss national, William was cremated in company of close friends and his ashes were flown to Switzerland, in accordance with the wishes of his brother. A full Buddhist ceremony was held in Napa on 26.

In 2001, William was appointed GM of the Pacific City Club, Bangkok. In 2003, he accepted a job in Jordan as Director of Palaces, working directly for Queen Rania, where he was responsible for the day to day running of four Royal Palaces. Two years later he moved to Shijiazhuang, China, where he opened the World Trade Plaza Hotel, and in 2007 he moved to Phuket as the GM of the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. William returned to Bangkok in 2009 to set up Napa on 26. The restaurant continues to operate under a new manager.

READ THE BIGCHILLI FOR FREE ONLINE www.issuu.com/thebigchilli www.thebigchilli.com

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TheBigChilli

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Profile|Carl Zeytoon

81 years

Insight

in Thailand Expat Carl Zeytoon is living history As the country’s longest serving expatriate, Carl has a unique store of memories of this country, especially the Japanese occupation during the Second World War

By Colin Hastings

■ IT’S not often you can describe someone as ‘Living History’ but in the case of long-term Bangkok resident Carl Zeytoon, it’s a wholly valid term.

Incredibly, Carl arrived here as a twoyear-old in 1931– more than 81 years ago!

Over more than eight decades, he’s been witness to some of the most momentous changes and events in this country’s long past.

He’s seen sweeping social upheavals, lived through countless coups and watched Thailand progress from sleepy Asian backwater to modern state with global interests.

Perhaps uniquely among foreigners, Carl also experienced life in Bangkok under the Japanese occupying forces during the Second World War. Despite the passage of years, he has crystal-clear memories of that tumultuous period, from 1941 to 1946. It is a remarkable record of a Bangkok expatriate whose family escaped the horror of internment but nevertheless had to eke out an existence alongside ordinary citizens while in the ever-threatening shadow of the Samurai.

Almost certainly, no other foreigner still living in Thailand has such a vast personal store of memories of the Japanese occupation and its consequences on life here.

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Although today a Thai national, Carl was actually born in Calcutta, India in 1929.

His Armenian father was a trader by profession while his mother was a Eurasian beauty of mixed German, Danish and Thai-Burmese ancestry. His two older sisters, who now live in London, were born in Singapore. Zeytoon in Armenian means “Olive in the Middle East.”

On arrival here in the early 1930s, the family initially lived in an apartment in the Sriphiya Road. Their apartment was above a car showroom, where his father worked for Edgar Brothers selling luxury cars like Rileys and Rovers, along with all kinds of imported threads. Nearby was the office of the old Bangkok Times.

For his early education, Carl was packed off to Singapore, where he followed a thoroughly British curriculum.

Two days after one of his frequent return trips back home to Bangkok, on December 6, 1941, Thailand was suddenly thrust into the biggest conflict the world has ever known. Europe was already engulfed in a huge war, and now it was Asia’s turn.

Within a day of their attack on Pearl Harbour on December 7, the Japanese Imperial Forces occupied this country as part of its military conquest of Southeast Asia. Without warning, the Zeytoons were thrown out of their apartment so that the Japanese

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occupiers could requisition the vehicles in the showroom below. The family relocated across town to their grandmother’s house on Silom Road. The same land was later used to build the Narai Hotel. Immediately behind Carl’s new home was the British Club.

The Japanese occupation proved a deeply unsettling period for both the Thai people and Bangkok’s small expatriate community. The latter were interned in several locations around the city, including Thammasat University.

Fortunately for these foreign internees, their captors and administrators were Thais, so they were not subjected to the brutal treatment invariably meted out by Japanese guards.

“It would have been hell for them if the Japanese had been in charge,” believes Carl.

Indeed, the only brutality that Carl recalls seeing throughout the fiveyear occupation involved the Japanese themselves. It happened when an ordinary soldier was subjected to a severe beating from an officer who slapped his face and then hit him with a thick leather belt.

“When the humiliation was over the soldier simply bowed and said ‘thank you’ to his superior,” says Carl, still shaking his head at the memory.

During the war, Carl’s parents were able to avoid internment because they carried Persian passports. Although Carl and his sisters all carried British passports, they too enjoyed limited freedom. His education continued at the Assumption School, supplemented by private lessons.

Despite the Japanese presence, ordinary citizens went about life more or less in the same way as before the war. Bangkok remained generally calm and Carl’s father could even occasionally take the family out for a ride in his Austin saloon, using the petrol he had carefully hoarded at home.

Food was plentiful and the entertainment scene kept the Japanese happy. From their billets in the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and in Lumpini Park, the occupiers nevertheless kept a close eye on the locals. “They’d patrol the streets on horseback, looking very elegant, I have to say,” recalls Carl.

The biggest interruption was the Allied air raids that became increasingly intense as the years passed. “At times the bombing was very, very heavy,” he says.

“We were always especially nervous on moonlit nights. Our roof was once hit by shrapnel.”

Daylight air raids were carried out by the United States Air Force

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(USAF), which bombed key targets in Bangkok like bridges and train lines. Britain’s RAF took over the bombing at night.

Carl remembers being awe-struck by the sight of wave upon wave of Liberators dropping their loads. The fear factor amongst local citizens increased significantly when the newly developed giant of the skies, the B-29 Superfortress, joined the fray. To this day, he is certain Bangkok was the first city to suffer an attack by the B-29, the same aircraft type that was used to drop the Atomic bomb on Japan to end the war.

At the end of hostilities, a strange, almost unthinkable atmosphere enveloped Bangkok, with troops from both sides mixing in social situations without any apparent enmity, outwardly at least. Carl remembers one surreal occasion when he and his family dined at the popular Chom Swee Hong restaurant on New Road and he saw British soldiers, recently released prisoners of war, expatriates and still-armed Japanese soldiers all sitting down to dinner at the same time. It was, he notes, a most civilized event.

The actual Japanese surrender came while Carl and his family were holidaying in Hua Hin, even then a favourite retreat for Bangkok residents. There was no opportunity to celebrate, however, as up to 50 Japanese soldiers had hidden themselves under the stilted house the Zeytoons were staying in. It was better, they decided, to keep their joy to themselves.

In the months following the war’s end, Bangkok was full of Allied soldiers

and civilians from the victors’ intelligence services. The social life began to pick up noticeably, with the expatriate community finding all kinds of ways of giving full expression to their delight at being free again.

“I remember one foreign girl with long blond hair, the daughter of the US military attaché, driving a Jeep wearing nothing more than a yellow swim suit on her way to the Sports Club.”

But Bangkok in the later 1940s had little to offer a young man with no work experience like Carl and he was duly sent to Australia by his father. The first part of the journey was onboard an aircraft owned by Pacific Overseas Airways (Siam). This particular plane had half of its seats removed to accommodate boxes of ammunition destined for use in the Malayan Emergency.

Alone in Australia, Carl thought the best way to get to know people was by joining the Citizens Military Force, the country’s territorial army. It was a fruitful decision. He stayed with the force for four enjoyable years and made many lifelong friends. Later he worked in various businesses and quickly settled into Australia’s laid-back life.

But his time Down Under came to abrupt end in 1966 when he was summoned back to Bangkok to be with his father who had just suffered an ultimately fatal stroke.

Instead of returning to Australia, Carl believed Bangkok now had something to offer. His first job was as a bookkeeper with a small company called Jorgensen. Later he “dabbled” in real estate, including one notable success – the sale of the land now occupied

by Bangkok Patana School on Sukhumvit Soi 105.

Carl retired “ages ago” and still lives in the same house next to Saint Louis Hospital he’s occupied for the past 40 years. His routine of swimming 10 laps at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club every week day and at the Polo Club at weekends is interrupted only by overseas travel. He is a member of the Siam Society and frequently joins their field trips.

Widely known for his tremendous congeniality, witty conversation and the kind of sparkle that never fails to enchant members of the opposite sex, Carl certainly looks much younger than his 83 years. Reminding him of his vast and mostly unique experiences in Thailand prompts surprise. “It’s hard to believe I’ve been here so long. It’s all gone by so quickly. And it’s been fun,” he says, still making history after all these years.

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News|Business

Insight

Join the crowds to watch the Premier League games live with ‘Match Breaks’ New package offers tickets and hotel in the UK Manchester United

■ FEW sporting events match

the excitement, passion and adrenalin-rush of the English Premier League. And even though Thai football fans are well served with a choice of games on TV, nothing compares to actually being at the ground to watch top players like Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and David Silva in action. It’s the ultimate experience.

Now, thanks to a new travel package called ‘Match Breaks,’ fans here in Thailand can book seats for upcoming Premier League fixtures, along with accommodation at a hotel near the football ground.

Match Breaks are available through Thomas Cook Sport, the official travel partner for nine of the Barclays Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Brom.

In Thailand, the agent for Match Breaks is Travel Center Asia, a long established travel company, which can also arrange competitively priced flights to the UK. Match tickets are available only as a package that includes a minimum of one night’s stay in a three or four-star hotel located in the same city as the match.

Date

Match

Price per person

12 Jan 29 Jan 09 Feb 02 Mar 16 Mar 06 Apr 20 Apr

Manchester United v Liverpool Manchester United v Southampton Manchester United v Everton Manchester United v Norwich City Manchester United v Reading Manchester United v Manchester City Manchester United v Aston Villa

10,000 Baht 6,000 Baht 7,500 Baht 6,500 Baht 7,500 Baht 6,000 Baht 7,500 Baht

Manchester City Date

Match

Price per person

01 Jan 19 Jan 02 Feb 23 Feb 09 Mar 30 Mar 13 Apr 27 Apr 19 May

Manchester City v Stoke City Manchester City v Fulham Manchester City v Liverpool Manchester City v Chelsea Manchester City v Wigan Athletic Manchester City v Newcastle United Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion Manchester City v West Ham United Manchester City v Norwich City

4,500 Baht 5,500 Baht 7,000 Baht 7,000 Baht 4,000 Baht 5,500 Baht 5,500 Baht 5,500 Baht 4,500 Baht

Chelsea

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Arsenal

Date

Match

Price per person

Date

Match

Price per person

01 Jan 19 Jan 09 Feb 02 Mar 16 Mar 06 Apr 13 Apr 27 Apr 19 May

Chelsea v Queens Park Rangers Chelsea v Arsenal Chelsea v Wigan Athletic Chelsea v West Bromich Albion Chelsea v West Ham United Chelsea v Sunderland Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea v Swansea City Chelsea v Everton

7,500 Baht 11,000 Baht 7,000 Baht 7,000 Baht 7,500 Baht 7,000 Baht 9,000 Baht 6,500 Baht 7,500 Baht

12 Jan 30 Jan 02 Feb 23 Feb 09 Mar 30 Mar 13 Apr 27 Apr 12 May

Arsenal v Manchester City Arsenal v Liverpool Arsenal v Stoke City Arsenal v Aston Villa Arsenal v Everton Arsenal v Reading Arsenal v Norwich City Arsenal v Manchester United Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

12,000 Baht 12,000 Baht 7,000 Baht 8,500 Baht 8,500 Baht 7,000 Baht 6,500 Baht 12,000 Baht 7,000 Baht

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Business|Hospitality

MEET THE GM: MARC BEGASSAT The French General Manager of Pullman Bangkok King Power kick started his hospitality career in Paris in 1984. Since then heʼs gone on to travel the world, working with the Sofitel and Novotel brands in Asia, USA and Europe, gaining a great knowledge of hotels and their inner workings in the process. Here, he shares his views of Thailandʼs tourism industry and talks about his hotelʼs highlights Thailand has a good reputation as a tourist destination.

There are many fascinating attractions such as the temples, beaches, islands and more. The proverbial “land of smiles” still maintains its charms as a truly unique destination with deeprooted cultures, traditions and charming heritage, but many more new destinations are coming up - Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, for example - and they are working very hard to compete, so Thailand needs to keep its very good service attitude while continuing to improve.

Pullman Bangkok King Power’s main market is Asia. Hong Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan are key feeder markets as well as Russia, especially for leisure.

We are also welcoming more and more guests from all parts of the world who have passion for a creative, innovative and technology-friendly hotel such as ours.

The hotel serves as a leading venue for leisure and corporate conferences. We have 14 meeting rooms, including our unique meeting room concept ‘The Sixth,’ which was specially designed to inspire and engage through the use of the vibrant colours and inviting natural daylight. Our ‘Infinity Ballroom’ is fully equipped with sophisticated technology and high-end services.

Guests can also round off their events in the 600-seat Aksra Theater.

Our prime location offers easy access to the BTS Skytrain and expressway, and we’re just minutes away from Siam

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Square – Bangkok’s popular shopping district. Nearby, there is the famous weekend market, restaurants and bars, and we offer direct access to the King Power Duty Free Mall. Transfer to and from Suvarnabhumi airport is approximately 30 minutes and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link to Phayathai Station is within walking distance.

We have remained successful in the face of increased competition by being consistent, both in service level and provision of our services and products. Our customers or partners have recognized us as an established and secure business which is well worth their time and investment.

Bangkok is a fascinating city and has all the ingredients of a great location – food, nightlife, attractions. If I can change anything here, I would like to fix the traffic jams which make people feel stressed and frustrated, especially when they miss their appointments or are not able to get to work on time. I am a user of the BTS and MRT, and I always tell all our visitors to use these systems because they are safe, clean and make travelling to any main area of the city stress-free and easy.

After a busy week serving guests and managing my team I like to drive out of town to Khao Yai, a relaxing place where I can enjoy fresh air and the great views around my home.

Sometimes I go to beaches or an island, and a few times each year I go shopping in Hong Kong.

Pullman Bangkok King Power, 8/2 Rangnam Road.

02 680 9999 pullmanbangkokkingpower.com

☎

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Business|Legal Matters

What to do with a Bad Debt?

By Michael Doyle

Consequences of Write Off vs. Forgiveness ■ WITH many companies

struggling to get customers and clients to pay their bills, there comes a point in long term non-payment situations when they are forced to find a way to remove the debt from their books.

The most common options available is debt write off and debt forgiveness. Although these terms seem quite similar, the applicable legal consequences associated with each are very different and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Debt Forgiveness

The process for forgiving a debt is quite simple as, typically, it means the creditor and the debtor only need to execute a simple agreement.

Alternatively, the creditor can issue a notice to the debtor that the debt is forgiven and no longer payable. As it is generally in the debtor’s interest to cooperate (in order that the debt will no longer be payable) and no formal legal process is required as is commonly the case with debt write off (see below).

The downside of forgiving debt is the amount payable will still be treated as the creditor’s income for tax purposes.

For example, say a furniture company is owed 400,000 baht for the past year by an individual for furniture already provided but now seeks to remove this debt from its accounting records by forgiving the debt.

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Generally, the furniture company may forgive the debt. However, it will be required to declare the 400,000 baht forgiven as its taxable income for that year (normally corporate income tax in Thailand is 30% of annual net profit).

So although the advantage of debt forgiveness is that the process is fast and not difficult, it is many times expensive from a tax perspective.

Debt Write Off

Writing off debt is generally a much more attractive option than forgiveness because if the creditor satisfies all applicable legal requirements, the creditor is not required to include the amount of the debt as its income for tax purposes. However, the legal requirements to write off debt can be difficult for the creditor company to comply with.

For example, suppose an architect firm is owed 4.1 million baht by one of its clients, and the firm has satisfied the requirements to write off the debt. In this situation, the firm would not be required to declare the 4.1 million baht as its income.

First, in order to qualify for write off the debt must exceed 500,000 baht. Also, the creditor must also satisfy one of the below three requirements.

1. A demand for payment must have been already made and the matter has already been pursued to the extent

suitable to the case (such as by sending a request or reminder for payment or a warning notice in writing), and all such acts being expressly recorded and yet the debt remains unsettled because it appears that: (a) The debtor died or was adjudged or is evidenced to have disappeared, and has no property for settlement of the debt; or (b) The debtor dissolved its business and the debts due to other creditors with preceding preferential rights over its entire properties exceed the value thereof.

2. A civil action has been brought in court against the debtor or a petition has been entered sharing the proceeds in an action already brought against the debtor by another creditor, and in either case a court order has been issued, but the debtor has no property to settle the debt, or

3. A bankruptcy action has been brought in court against

the debtor or a petition has been entered for debt settlement in a bankruptcy action already brought against the debtor by another creditor, and in either case a compromise has been reached with the debtor and approved by the court, or the debtor has been adjudged bankrupt and the first lot of its properties has been shared out.

Many times the only way the creditor company will be able to comply with these requirements is to file a civil claim against the debtor and receive a court order for the debtor’s payment which requires the creditor to have the time and expense associated with hiring a lawyer and filing a claim.

Michael Doyle is a US lawyer and partner with the firm Seri Manop & Doyle and author of the book Doyle’s Practical Guide to Thailand Business Law 3rd Edition.

He can be reached at michael@ serimanop.com

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Insight

Business|Public Relations

Creating a successful PR event Hosting a press conference? Launching a product? Kittima Sethi, a PR consultant at Brand Now Co., Ltd, shares six tips for PR success â– COMPANIES organize

various events throughout the year as a way of interacting with their target audience, clients or the community.

These events may be income-generating events such as booths at a shopping mall. They may also be publicity events to either launch a product, introduce a product brand ambassador or reward customers. Other events may include the official opening of a company, press conferences, seminars, workshops, speaking engagements, participation in a trade show or a company’s anniversary celebration.

Regardless of what type of event the company is organizing, it is important to remember that each event reflects the company’s brand and image.

A successful event requires detailed planning, good coordination and behind-the-scenes organization. The scale of the event will determine how much time ahead companies require to begin planning.

Here are a few tips in creating a successful PR event.

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1. Identify the purpose of the event. The objective and goals of the event must be addressed as all the elements of the event will revolve around this objective. Make sure that everyone involved in the event is aware of this. Is there a theme to this event? Is this a publicity awareness event? An event to celebrate a milestone? A launch? An important announcement affecting stakeholders or consumers? What do you hope to accomplish through this event?

2. Budget. This is crucial to any event as the budget will determine the scale and size of the event. You may have a great idea for an event, but you have to be able to finance it. Identify how much money and resources are available and allow for contingency for any last minute requirements.

3. Research your audience. Make a list of who you want to invite, why you want to invite them and what impression you want them to have when they leave. These may be your existing or potential clients.

4. Determine the date, time and location. If organizing a

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publicity event, it is important to ensure that there is no conflicting event taking place during the same time, as this affects media and guest attendance. Select a venue that is suitable to the theme of the event and one that is easily accessible by public transport, has adequate parking and can accommodate the guests.

Be mindful of holidays, long weekends and other popular events taking place. If holding an outdoor event, check weather conditions and create a contingency plan, i.e. tents.

5. Prepare a check list and internal agenda. Planning any event requires close attention to details. A checklist is one of the most efficient planning tools that keep you organized and focused. This includes every detail beginning from invitations, guests lists, mood and tone of the event, backdrops, productions, light and sound, performances, venue, F&B, media, security, etc. Creating an internal agenda with time line ensures that all tasks are completed as scheduled by the delegated person in the team.

6. Back up plans. No matter how much preparation has been done, always be prepared for the unexpected and for challenges that may arise. Be flexible and have backup plans. Most importantly, review this with the team involved on the project, should the need arise to switch gears.

Even though lots of energy and efficient planning are required to make an event a real success, planning can be a lot of fun. When all preparations carefully planned and all the people involved have been thoroughly briefed, then the event should run smoothly.

Once the event has ended, conduct a follow up and evaluate the results. As in any kind of PR campaigns or projects, this will help you assess whether the objective was achieved and improve the planning process for future events.

Kittima Sethi is a PR consultant at Brand Now Co., Ltd. and if she is not busy updating her internal agenda for an event she is currently organizing, she may be reached at kittima@brandnow.asia.

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Expat WOMEN p Put your feet up and indulge

Scent of an Angel: The new Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir

by Bulgari is now available in Bangkok, and it smells heavenly. Page 30.

Shopping

Hot new products and stores demanding your attention Page 30

Health

The amazing range of benefits from Chinese medicine explained Page 38

Agony aunts

Professional counselors Anette and Johanna help readers with problems Page 40 TheBigChilli

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Expat Women

Feature|Instant Karma

Instant Karma… in just five days Full of negative thoughts and cynicism about meditation before entering a retreat, after less than a week expat Anna Bennets is a changed woman

■ WHEN I first went to section 5 at Wat Mahatat, I have to admit, I was pretty cynical. I had heard that a meditation retreat could change your life but perhaps I had seen so few examples of transformation that I wasn’t entirely sure that “life change” as a concept was possible.

The majority of people I know seemed to live their lives with a clockwork inevitability that was depressing, doomed to make the same mistakes over and over.

Certainly I had been repeating the same patterns, doing pretty much whatever I wanted my whole adult life. I wasn’t particularly happy, writes Anna Bennets.

I’d experience something like happiness but by and large those moments were fleeting, associated with altered states, or attachments to others. None of it was very solid, real or lasting.

On the other hand, living in Thailand we seem to hear a constant barrage of outrageous news stories about the monks from sex scandals to the karaoke monks, to the adulterous guy who’d had his penis chopped off by his angry wife. (She had then attached the severed member to a helium balloon with a piece of string and sent it up into the sky. He had then become a monk). I wasn’t exactly brimming over with faith in the Buddhist Monastic Body.

All these thoughts and feelings fuelled my attitude of deep cynicism towards the retreat. However, whether it was a fascination with trying new things, or a calling from

‘ The retreat was never meant to be a religious experience but somehow Buddhism has come up and grabbed me from behind. I don’t really understand these changes, but it doesn’t matter because I’ve never been happier nor more at peace in my whole life.’

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a previous life, I don’t know, but I ended up staying in section Five, Wat Mahatat for five days. I checked in on Friday evening and on Saturday I was to come back with my things, for breakfast at 7am.

I read the page-long list of rules – wear white clothing, abstain from alcohol, no food after midday, sleeping on the floor and meditating for eight hours per day.

It sounded pretty intense but I liked a challenge.

That night somehow a party ended up in my apartment. As usual I smoked and drank too much but at around 1am when someone suggested hitting the bars, I thought of that early morning start virtuously decided against it and wobbled my way to bed.

Hell Day Getting up before six on a Saturday was a rude shock. My bag was already packed so I dressed myself in white and crawled into a cab. The taxi driver seemed a bit confused but eventually deposited me in the pre dawn murk outside a low building. I walked up and down, row upon row of small, box-like quarters, amid finely hedged topiary and pink bougainvillea unable to find section five.

There was something eerie being in the dark stillness of the temple in these early hours of the morning. People were no doubt sleeping so I tried to walk gently. Out of nowhere came a vicious barking dog that nearly gave me a heart attack. A semi-clad monk peeked his head from his quarters, said something to the dog to shut it up and then gave me a look that read, “Who the hell are you?”

Something wasn’t right.

All at once I realized that not only was I in the wrong place, but also that there could be few places more wrong for a farang woman (probably looking a bit worse for wear) with a suitcase to be, than in a Thai monastery in the middle of the night!

Finally I came across a man who was sweeping up leaves and I asked him if this was Wat Mahatat. “Mai chai, Wat Po!” he said. No wonder the monks were looking at me strangely, I was in Wat Po, not Wat Mahatat. I made my way out and hailed another cab driver who thankfully knew where he was going.

When I got there nobody seemed to care that I was late. Upon arrival I was met in the meditation hall adjacent to the lobby by chanting saffron-robed monks.

“Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa.”

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The meditation hall had an impressive alter upon which sat bronze Buddha statues adorned with brightly coloured flowers. Their monks sat on the slightly elevated polished floorboards facing the alter. As the chanting finished some people dressed in white, whom I soon realized were the meditation trainees or “yogis” served the monks their food. Monks aren’t allowed to serve themselves.

Next to the mediation hall was the desk where I had registered the day before and a small office. I could hear chanting coming from a room in the back and then one of the novices who had been serving the monks breakfast ushered me out to the back room where nuns and novices all dressed in white, were finishing their chanting and starting their breakfast. I noticed that the farangs, all dressed in white, were seated at a small tiled table and I put my bag down and joined them. Unlike the nuns and the Thai novices who wore their elegant white coloured robes, the farangs wore

a white pajama-like get-up suggestive of psychiatric hospital patients and I laughed to myself as I realized I looked just like them. Welcome to ‘One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ – Thai style.

The other farangs kindly passed me a plate and the different plates of food and filled my glass with water. We all ate together and, as I was soon to find out, slept together on the floors of the small bedrooms around the back. There just didn’t seem to be enough room for everyone as all sat squeezed together. Just then I saw a moving shadow out the corner of my eye – yikes – a cockroach ran by! Certainly these wouldn’t be killed in a Buddhist temple so I guess we’d have to live with them! Nursing my hangover I wondered how the hell I was going to get through five days of this.

That day went from bad to worse. After breakfast I was shown to the room where I was to sleep along with four other girls. The room was next door to the rooms of some of the monks and the temple boys, who I later found out, are orphan boys who are taken in and raised in the temple. Our room was a shabby little box with a few flat cushions on the bare ground. I sat down to take stock. Why had I decided to do this???

The other girls in my room explained that when the bell sounded it meant it was time to go chant and then meditate. As the bell chimed we shuffled off together. We sat on the floor in the meditation hall and chanted following the monks and the words in the “Ordination Procedure and Chanting” booklet. After chanting we went down into the bowels of the building to the mediation room – a dingy little room through a narrow door below the stairs.

This was not the idea of a meditation retreat I had envisioned. I had heard of forest temples in Chiang Mai, mountain temples in Sri Lanka and even of a cave temple on the beach of Ko Phangan. Instead I was stuck in this urban temple, this dingy basement, dirty air seemingly blowing in from people’s shoes walking down the road, cockroaches crawling up the wall. Was this the way to Nirvana? I sincerely doubted it.

Have I mentioned that I was hung over?

Lunch at eleven was like a Godsend as it meant I could get out of the basement. For lunch, we went out the back again, which had become a hive of activity. Plastic containers holding stainless steel serving implements were taken from cupboards and distributed. Festive floral pink plastic sheets were put down on the floor for the nuns and novices to sit on and a varied and delicious meal was served. Usually it seemed to be some combination of rice, fish and vegetables. I noticed a pretty katoey was one of the main people preparing the food. I later found out that she is a temple boy who was then waiting for an operation to become a fullyfledged girl.

We sat at the table as one of the farangs passed around plastic covered pages with the Pali chanting we would do before eating to give thanks for the meal.

When the monks in the next room finished their chanting we began our chant and then ate. After lunch I could do nothing but retire and fall asleep on my surprising comfortable piece of floor. To my surprise, despite the humble sleeping quarters, my sleep in the temple was always deep and blissful. I was always strangely able to lie in corpse pose (on back with hands by sides) meditate for a bit, fall into a deep sleep complete with amazing dreams and wake, an hour or so later feeling completely refreshed.

However, at the end of the first day I was still sleep deprived and had to sit through my first evening’s dharma talk. This was with a young monk who seemed to love the sound of his own voice. The answers he gave us never seemed to have much relation to the question he was being asked and were inevitably accompanied by long and boring explanations that were never very clear.

Here were these farangs hanging on his every word, looking perplexed and obviously feeling it was their fault for not understanding. This wasn’t helped by these talks often being interrupted by the familiar ring of his mobile phone. He’d unwrap it from somewhere in his robe, answer it and prattle on in Thai for what seemed like forever, and all I could think about was falling asleep on my strange comfortable patch of floor, back in my box-like cell.

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Expat Women

Feature|Instant Karma

T A Moment of Clarity

The first three days seemed to flow into each other, and I constantly questioned what I was doing there – a lot of negative thoughts and feelings emerged and I found it very difficult to meditate. I thought about leaving but always stayed, probably for no other reason than not wanting to feel like a failure.

Then on around the fourth day something changed, a sense of peace set in. All my doubts and anger seemed to disappear and I started to truly live in the moment. The air when I walked outside had a magical quality – I felt like I was constantly being touched

by God. I started to warm to and feel close to the other yogis, some of whom I had at first found annoying. I took great pleasure in the chores I had to do both the feeling of doing them in the moment and the feeling that I was serving my peers. Even the cockroaches stopped bothering me, after all we are all God’s creatures, the beauty of living in the moment is boundless. This is me – mindfulness, or staying in the moment, can become a habit and it is accompanied by such complete and utter bliss.

Despite my calm state of mind and feelings of love and benevolence towards everyone (in stark contrast to the way I’d felt before) I didn’t quite realize the power of what I was experiencing in Section 5 until the day I left.

Upon entry to the temple, all yogis take the eight precepts – which are also taken in life by nuns and monks – and upon exit from the temple the yogis give the eight precepts back and take five precepts. The five precepts are easier to uphold when living outside the temple, only whilst in the temple should you uphold the eight. The monk who did this precept ritual with me was older and had the kindest eyes and a shining smile.

The power of my experience in the temple continued to confirm the power of meditation to me. They are now a regular part of my life. Despite not having any philosophical aversion to drinking or taking drugs, in an effort to stay in the moment – the only path to true happiness I suspect – I have all but given up drinking and “intoxicants.” I needn’t have worried when I was taking that precept. Since that first retreat I can’t kill insects anymore, not even a mosquito – if it’s biting me I just flick it off. The retreat was never meant to be a religious experience for me but somehow Buddhism has come up and grabbed me from behind. I don’t really understand these changes as they feel almost involuntary, but it doesn’t matter because I’ve never been happier nor more at peace in my whole life.

(This article appeared in an earlier issue of The BigChilli).

Where to meditate Young Buddhists Association of Thailand (YBAT), Bangkok Learn and practice Vipassana meditation free of charge here. The YBAT also holds a regular weekend meditation retreat together with the House of Dhamma. www.houseofdhamma.com The International Buddhist Meditation Centre (IBMC), Bangkok IBMC is a meditation division of Mahachulalongkorn Ratchawitthayalai (MCU) and offers regular talks in English on all aspects of Buddhism along with Vipassana meditation. www.mcu.ac.th/IBMC/html/course.html

I had began to happily take the five precepts they all seemed to be no-brainers – I won’t kill, I won’t steal, I won’t have sexual misconduct, I won’t lie, but when he got to the final one, “I will not take intoxicants” I was a bit uncomfortable. Drinking is a big part of Australian culture and an even bigger part of expat culture in Bangkok. I wondered if I should cross my fingers when saying that one, but thought ‘oh well, nobody’s perfect.’

The friends I had met in the temple walked me out to the temple gate. My time here had been good but not earth shattering. It had been calm; I had met some good friends. As we walked out to the street and started to exchange our good-byes the noise of the traffic was deafening after the silence of the monastery. A little unnerved I jumped in a cab and asked the taxi driver to take me home. Almost immediately upon driving off in the cab I became ravenously hungry.

This was surprising although not unusual to me. I always got hungry around this “after work” time of 5-6 o’clock. What was surprising, however, was that I had been in the temple for five days and had not experienced these feelings of hunger at 5-6pm at all, despite the fact that our last meal of the day had to be finished by midday in line with one of the eight precepts. With thunderous clarity it all became clear to me.

The hunger I was experiencing wasn’t a “true” hunger, it was a hunger fuelled by stress, fuelled by all the negative thoughts going round in my head.

Those thoughts had been hounding me for as long as I could remember, for my whole adult life, maybe even before. No wonder I had been so unhappy. I tried with all my might to bring myself back to the moment. I succeeded and everything was okay again, like it had been for those last few days, the beauty and dull significance of which, I only now realized.

I recalled all the negative thoughts I had when I entered the temple, how dingy and cramped it looked, how boring dharma talks were. I realized with painful insight that it was I who was the shabby one – my thoughts, my cynicism – not section 5. I didn’t know where all this was going to lead but one thing was certain my life was never going to be the same.

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Wat Mahathat, Bangkok The Section 5 of Wat Mahathat is famous as a meditation center providing Vipassana meditation classes in English every day.

Classes are free of charge. www.dhammathai.org/e/meditation/page6.php Wat Sanghathan, Nontaburi One of the oldest temples in Nonthaburi Province, this is home to a well-known international Buddhist meditation center. It also offers seven-day intensive meditation retreats at Wat Tham Krissanadhammaram in Nakhon Ratchasima Province near Khao Yai National Park. www.vimokkha.com Wat Luang Phor Sodh Dhammakayaram, Ratchaburi This is the official Buddhist Meditation Center and Dhamma School of Ratchaburi Province. It trains more than 20,000 participants in meditation, Dhamma, Pali and related areas every year. Meditation workshops and intensive meditation retreats in English are also available. www.dhammacenter.org/

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Expat Women

Insight|Q&A

Expat in the spotlight: Catherine Harsono

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BORN in Indonesia, Catherine Harsono is a US-educated pharmacist who works for the expatriate marketing division of Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. Passionate about song and dance since she was very young, Catherine first became interested in performing in public only after settling in Thailand 15 years ago. Since then she has made a name for herself as an accomplished singer who has participated in a number of local music groups, including Bangkok Music Society, Bangkok Opera, Orpheus Choir, Bangkok Community Theatre, NUNI Production and Theatre Works. A mother of two teenage children, Catherine says she sings “to bring cheers to my daily life.”

What’s the best thing about living in Bangkok/Thailand?

It’s an easy place to live in with lots of conveniences, plus sun, sea and mountains all within a short distance of less than three hours. I like the various nationalities (Thai and expats) living harmoniously together, sharing each other’s cultures and loves. This country is friendly and welcoming.

And the worst thing?

Pollution! It feels worse in the last few years with all the new condos and malls mushrooming in the city.

work but I don’t go hang out with them often enough. They have wonderful activities to do and explore which I have been tempted to try out, hopefully one day soon.

Are most of your friends from your home countr y? If not, what nationality do you like to mix with?

Everybody. I have friends from all over the world, and I love the diversity and multicultural lifestyle in Bangkok.

There is always something to learn from each culture (their music, language etc) and I just love learning from each of them. It’s never boring here.

What are your main hobbies?

Music and dance.

What or who was the biggest influence on your life?

My faith and friends who believe in me and walk along with me in tears and in laughs.

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Any unfulfilled ambitions or regrets?

Can’t play the piano – as a musician, it’s not a good one.

Your favourite restaurant, bar/pub, hangout joints?

Too many to list – mostly restaurants.

I love eating with friends and hanging out but I prefer quiet places where I can actually talk to my friends rather than shouting above loud music or competing against the noise.

Your favourite place for a hair cut or beauty treatment?

Hmmmmm...For hair, haven’t really found one yet just because they are quite inconsistent. I love massages though and I go to one in Soi 19 which is run by a friend of mine.

Favourite place to buy clothes?

Occasionally I find some in Central Chidlom but mostly overseas. I like the local designers but they can be quite pricey so I end up getting great sales from overseas.

Your favourite weekend destination?

The mountain for its clean air and breathtaking views. I like the sea in the evenings for sunset and mornings for sunrise and, of course, diving – what a beautiful world down there. Sadly, I haven’t been able to do this very often.

Do expat woman face bigger challenges here than expat men?

Yes. This is such a man’s world, women have to fight harder to get what they want. We are not taken seriously enough.

Apart from your family, what do you miss most about your home countr y?

Indonesian food. There isn’t any here.

What clubs and societies do you belong to?

I belong to American Women’s Club and British Women’s Group through my

What trait do you admire most in people?

Integrity, honesty, generosity, kindness and understanding.

Do you have a life motto?

Do unto others as you would like them do to you.

Photo by John Beara

Do you understand the Thai way of life and doing things?

After 15 years of living here, I have a reasonable understanding. For instance, I have become more patient than I used to be.

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“I love the diversity and multicultural lifestyle in Bangkok. There is always something to learn from each culture.

It’s never boring here.”

Can you see yourself spending the rest of your life here?

Maybe… I love the thought of perhaps living here part of the year and living somewhere else for the other part of the year.

Has Bangkok changed for the better or worse during your time here?

It has changed for the better in some areas – better English language skills and easier accessibility to places with BTS/MRT. Some of my favourite food and things are available here now so I don’t have to load my luggage when I travel.

It is worse in terms of air quality with so many new buildings. Cost of living has soared above other places, sometimes

overseas.

Do you speak, read/write Thai?

Just speak. I didn’t think I would stay here this long so I never learned how to read or write.

What’s your favourite cuisine?

Italian and Vietnamese.

Photo by Nicole Harsano Photography TheBigChilli

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Expat Women

GOLDEN EYES

Shopping|New products

■ IN celebration of its 75th anniversary, Ray-Ban has introduced a limited edition Aviator Folding Ultra sunglasses range featuring a choice of white or yellow frames dipped in 22 karat gold. Only 7,500 sets have been distributed worldwide –70 of those here in Thailand. The temple earpieces and case, bound in genuine leather, highlight the exclusivity of this frame. Two sizes are available (55 and 58).

B20,200 per pair (available at leading retailers).

CROCS GOES OLD SCHOOL ■ THE innovative Crocs has got one foot in the past with its latest range of all-weather shoes. Featuring a ’70s inspired vintage design, the new range includes The Crocs Retro Clog (B1,790), the Crocs Unisex Retro Flip Flop (B1,390), and the Retro Clog Kids (B1,390).

As you’d expect, there are plenty of colours to choose from, ranging from black and navy to Kelly green and sea blue. Available now at all Crocs stores.

Talking

Shop

SOPHISTICATED JASMINE ■ IF you’re looking to add some variety to your perfume collection then look no further than the new Mon Jasmin Noir L’Elixir by Bulgari. The boffins behind this fragrance have somehow managed to fuse several different floral scents into one bottle – at dawn it is light,

Hot products and stores demanding your attention

COLLECTION COMES TO THAILAND ■ POPULAR UK Cosmetic brand Collection has been adding colour and definition to British faces for 25 years – and now, for the first time, it’s available in Thailand. Aimed at women who like to get creative with shades and colour, the collection includes Extreme Coloured Lengthening Mascara at B269, Glam Crytals Glitter Eyeliner at B269, Primed and Ready Smoothing Makeup Primer at B429, Perfecting Minerals Foundation at B399, Cream Puff Lip Cream at B229, and Hotlights Lipgloss at B349.

Available now at Watsons and Boots stores.

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by midday it is warm and slips into notes of orange blossoms, and by evening the fragrance becomes more intense and profound.

While this may sound strange, it works well and makes the perfume more than worthy of its lofty slogan “Luxury, Seduction, Prestige.” Available now at all leading retailers.

TheBigChilli Chilli

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12/24/12 10:12:08 PM

Expat Women

Ladies’ Dinner

Another outstanding evening of great food and wine, complemented by stimulating conversation at the JW Marriott Bangkok’s Manhattan Bar ■ A GROUP of prominent expatriate ladies with an unrivalled range and diversity of experiences of living in Thailand enjoyed the latest in the BigChilli-JW Marriott Bangkok series of Gourmet Dinners at the hotel’s chic new Manhattan Bar last month.

They included acclaimed artist Elizabeth Romhild, interior designer Patricia Isaacs, Therese Beauvais of Operation Smile, event organizer Siobhan Kennedy, Kate Jackson of Stamford University, entrepreneurs Joy Menzies and Karen Hochhauser, and Martine Delogne, wife of the British Ambassador H.E. Mark Kent.

The ladies were joined by Bruno Rotschaedl, Director of Food & Beverage at the JW Marriott Bangkok, and BigChilli Publisher Colin Hastings.

JW Marriott Executive Chef Michael Hogan and his team were at their creative best to produce a superb five-course menu and a selection of the Manhattan Bar’s finest wines.

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TheBigChilli

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Ladies Night Menu:

Gazpacho chilled tomato and crab soup with hass avocado

Classic Manhattan Tiger Prawn Cocktail

Mangosteen Sorbet

Australian Wagyu Beef Tenderloin harissa, fingerling potato, lobster salad

Hazelnut and Raspberr y Bombe Alaska with Chelsea Market berries

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Expat Women

School Report|News

St Andrews on song

IN a joint campus annual collaboration, both the St Andrews Sathorn Primary choir and Sukhumvit 107 Secondary Voice Stars got together last month for an evening of merriment and song on the British Club’s back lawn. Ushering in the holiday’s spirit of joy and cheer with both classic and modern Christmas carols, the St Andrews’ students also performed their own renditions before an audience of the club’s members and parents.

The Great India Education Fair

IPN EVENT

THE 2013 edition of The Great India Education Fair will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from Feb 2-3.

Bringing together a wide range of schools, colleges and universities, the event presents all the essential information pertaining to educational opportunities in India. Open each day 10am-8pm.

For more info: www.affairs.com Jan 29 at FCCT

Southeast Asia in the spotlight at NIST

H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta, 1996 Nobel Laureate for Peace and former President of Timor-Leste, will visit the New International School of Thailand (NIST) on Tues Jan 15 for a dialogue with its secondary students on ‘Conflict, dialogue and peace in Southeast Asia.’

The event is part of the 4th ASEAN event series “Bridges – Dialogues towards a Culture of Peace” facilitated by the International Peace Foundation. More information about the series can be found at: www.peace-foundation.net NIST, 36 Soi 15 Sukhumvit Road Tel: 02 651 2065 www.nist.ac.th

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Parenting Strategies: How parents can be their child’s first teacher THE International Parenting Network’s first event of the year will see guest speaker Joanne Gray discussing practical strategies which help to encourage positive educational development in children at a young age. The discussion will touch on the importance of asking questions; developing research skills in your child; recognizing opportunities for learning in real life contexts; and more.

6.30pm-8.30pm. Free for IPN cardmembers and B550 for nonmembers (includes presentation, handouts, dinner and beverages) Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, The Penthouse, Maneeya Centre (BTS Chidlom station Exit 3). For more info and to register: www.ipnthailand.com

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Expat Women

School Report|Harrow

Harrow’s Ride for Rainbow a huge success ■ AT 5.45am on Sunday December 9, Harrow International School and St Andrews International School pupils streamed into their respective schools to board buses to Ayutthaya and the start of the 4th Ride For Rainbow.

Tension and excitement was in the air as nervous chatter permeated the cool morning. Ahead lay a 70km scenic cycle through the rice paddies of Ayutthaya, a river crossing of the Chao Phraya, and finally, arrival at Rainbow House Orphanage (CCD).

All 150 participants arrived at Wat Chai Wattanaram in Ayutthaya with a sense of nervous anticipation, before separating into two groups and heading off under the careful watch of the local police escort. The cloudy skies were welcome as the students and staff mean-

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dered around the rich green rice paddies, admiring the wildlife around.

Keeping to a steady pace, the groups ambled along to the water points, before a welcome lunch at a rural restaurant after 40km provided an opportunity for a welldeserved respite from the saddle. Lunch completed and energy levels restored, a slightly brisker pace was set to the Chao Phraya River where a ferry awaited to deliver all to the other side and the final 4km cycle to Rainbow House where a welcoming committee cheered, before a magic show enchanted the tired cyclists.

The Ride for Rainbow is an annual event organised by Harrow International School, Bangkok, to raise money for Rainbow House (www.ccdthailand.org).

Teachers, pupils and parents contribute by raising a minimum of 5,000 baht

for the Orphanage. Sponsored by Bike Zone, RSM Thailand, Spice Roads and Active Management Asia, this event raises in excess of 400,000 baht annually.

Pupils and parents organise the water points and challenge themselves to complete the 70km under their own steam.

Resilience, commitment and dedication are required in the knowing that participants are helping to make a real difference to the lives of others. Everyone is welcome to join next year – or perhaps a 30km fund raising cycle to Chaiyapruk orphanage on Saturday June 8 through the beautiful countryside around Nakorn Nayok is more to your liking?

For more information about both the Ride for Rainbow, or the Chaiyapruk Teddy Bear ride, contact Brian van den Berg at: brian_v@harrowschool.ac.th

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Expat Women

Health|Massage

The amazing range of benefits from Chinese Massage It might not be as relaxing as a traditional massage experience, but Chinese Massage more than makes up for it with its unique health boosting effects

■ UNLIKE the ancient Chinese Art of Acupuncture, which has become increasingly famous since it was first introduced to Europe in the heyday of the “Swinging Sixties,” most people know only a little, if anything at all about its sister-discipline Tui-na-liao-fa, which literally translates as Acupressure Therapy. This is more commonly known as Chinese Massage.

In fact, Tui-na-liao-fa is much more than a common massage. The term was established during the Ming Dynasty, when the emperor’s doctors decided to coin a new term to distinguish this

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form from other, less curative forms of massage (commonly known as an-mo).

Although the term itself is less than 500 years old, the foundations of Tui-na-liao-fa are as old as Chinese history.

Based on the same theoretical principles as acupuncture, the healing power of Chinese massage is sometimes viewed with the same skepticism.

Most cultures do not recognize that a massage can have other benefits besides relaxation. The word is generally used in one or two ways, neither of which have any great curative effects. Here in Thailand for example, we distinguish

between “Traditional” (Nuad Thai Boran) and “Fully-body” massages, both of which are used for relaxation.

A Chinese massage, however, is usually a less pleasant experience and is certainly more complex: Tui-na can be applied as both a clinical therapy for illness, as well as a method for improving one’s health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body and soul are viewed as a unitary system in harmony, and illness is seen as a sign of imbalance between the bipolar forces of Yin and Yang, which comprise the Life-energy Chi. The purpose of applying pressure (or needles) to certain points of the body is to stimulate these “Acu-points” (Xue Wei), in order to influence the signals, which traverse between these points and the brain, and thereby realign any imbalances in the Chi. The benefits of Chinese massage greatly outweigh any disadvantages. It is generally painless, and it bypasses any need for medications with potentially detrimental side effects, or the need for surgery or other invasive procedures.

The costs are almost minimal in comparison. An hour-long session at leading hospitals to treat a chronic muscle pain costs roughly 500 baht, whereas the western treatment would be twice as expensive. Moreover, unlike in western medicine, a number of different problems can be treated simultaneously.

Nowadays, Tui-na-liao-fa is combined with modern medicine Diagnostics; it is scientifically studied and is increasingly used as a holistic alternative by people all over the world. Tui-na-liao-fa can be used to treat many different types of illness but is most effective for backaches, shoulder/hip/pelvic inflammation, headaches, dizziness, sleeplessness, stress, tired eyes, abnormal posture in children and some urological disorders including menstruation.

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Expat Women

Ask the experts Advice|Problems solved

Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

Real Problems Real Solutions

Expat life getting you down? Don’t suffer in silence. Send in your problems and get advice from professional counsellors Anette and Johanna • 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.

New Year’s blues

I

FEEL a bit foolish writing this but – I hate the New Year. I don’t mean the New Year as in the calendar – obviously a year has to start somewhere. What I hate is all the positive messages, all the shiny facebook achievements (Family! Job! Expensive travel!) and, worst of all, the New Year’s Resolutions!

When I listen to everyone, I feel really bad about myself. Why don’t I have the perfect relationship, the fast track promotion, the five star hotel suite? Of course I can’t show it but I’m wondering where I went wrong. It seems I am the only loser here. And when I feel like that, it’s very very difficult to come up with any New Year’s Resolutions that aren’t really put-downs in disguise. ‘Do this better, stop doing that.’ I can hear myself being really strict and dismissive towards myself.

And that doesn’t make me feel any better again, and so on. Downward spiral, here we come.

Am I just a whinger who can’t be happy for others?

Florian, 37, from Germany

Anette says: ■ Dear Florian, Well, maybe there is some truth in your suspicion that you can’t be happy for all those others who seem to have the perfect life, but maybe there is also too little truth in what they tell you, and the world on their facebook posts.

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Maybe all those ‘shiny’ careers and perfect families only exist in photo albums and very selective video clips. Most people tend to show the world what they think is the best of them. We want the acknowledgement and appreciation of those around us, and we want the affirmation that we really are this good, this successful. Maybe we are afraid what would happen if we allowed a reality check – maybe we would feel like losers? Maybe some of the shiny people who make you feel so bad secretly feel like losers themselves?

You know the old joke: send a postcard (or maybe an sms) saying ‘all is discovered, run’ to a thousand people and that part of the city empties out by morning. But maybe some of your friends really are this fortunate in their lives, more fortunate than you are or perhaps ever will be. Now there’s a depressing thought, probably not at all what you wanted to hear from me. But I am a great believer in looking reality in the face, if only because you know the truth anyway, however much you may try to lie to yourself. Lying to yourself just adds another layer of discontent. And it’s hard work, particularly if you have to do it every day.

I see two questions here: What is the purpose of comparing yourself with other people? Do you see life as a competition, or as an exam that you (and others) need to pass?

Quite apart from the fact that you don’t really know the truth about them, what is the benefit in imagining their life to the detriment of living yours? These, to me, are very practical questions.

When I ask ‘what is the purpose,’ I would be very interested in your answer.

It can’t be so that you feel bad about yourself, can it? Well, and if it is, what do you get out of feeling bad about yourself?

Could it be that you don’t have to then try (set no goals for the future because you’re not going to reach them anyway?). Or is there another reason?

Or maybe there is no good reason for comparing yourself to others. Maybe

your life is unique, and there is no scale of measurement for a good life. Maybe you can live your life according to your own goals and values. Scary?

The other, even scarier question is this: what if your friends’ good news does actually confront you with areas of your life where you already secretly feel dissatisfied? Maybe even disappointed with yourself? In that case, the bad feeling you get has been sitting there for a while, and now it is emerging loud and clear.

You are coming up against your limits.

That’s a difficult experience. But very necessary. Maybe the path you’ve been taking in life needs to be adjusted. Maybe your old expectations need to be revisited.

Maybe something needs to change. But not because of others and their (largely imagined) superior achievements, but because of yourself.

Maybe you can make a different New Year’s resolution: to find out where you really are in your life, and where you really want to go, never mind everyone else.

That’s bound to be an interesting journey!

My job’s driving me crazy

I

AM so fed up with everything! I dread my job; I am unfriendly and short-tempered with my co-workers.

I feel all my life is: going to work, coming home and doing chores. I put on the TV just to have noise in order not to think. I sleep with the sound of the TV all night long. I feel angry and kind of used.

I haven’t had a holiday in several years, just one or two days off.

In our office we have several managers and other staff. I supervise the cleaners and other service staff, but whenever I want to implement rules or tasks I am not supported by my superiors. Some workers turn up late every

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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 Katya, You are not crazy but you have symptoms of a burnout. A burnout happens when we do too much for a long time and have to deal with a lot of frustration without positive input.

Your job, as you describe it, looks disorganized to me and there seems to be no firm structure in place. You seem to be the one who takes up the slack and you try to please all your superiors, but you are not even acknowledged for it. You come across in your e-mail as someone who takes responsibility. This way your colleagues will never have to change, because you solve their problems for them.

In order to start somewhere I think it would be wise to compile a more precise job-description for yourself.

You need to know what the limits of your job are and set boundaries for others.

day, but when I tell them to be on time, the response from my managers is that I am too harsh or too straightforward.

Nothing is structured, so anyone who suddenly plans a meeting does so without informing others. Three leaders of different meetings often ask me to prepare rooms, papers, meals etc. all at the same time.

I cannot deliver service to all of them at the same time and this makes them frustrated, resulting in complaints about my performance. I try to please everybody, but I cannot handle it anymore. Actually I’m angry and don’t want to see anyone.

I want to yell and break things. Am I crazy?

Katya, 44, from Russia

Next to this you could look into whether the job is just too big for one person, e.g. you might need an assistant.

Try to get an overview of the hierarchy or organizational structure of your organization.

Who is responsible for what and who is accountable to whom. It seems you supervise workers and work, but are you in a position to establish rules or guidelines, or is that somebody else’s task? Do you have the authority to be the leader of the workforce you have to lead?

But you also need to look at yourself. How come you don’t set boundaries and allow others to use you? How come you couldn’t take your holidays? It will be good to learn how to say NO in a kind but firm way and when you say NO feel good about yourself, even when others don’t feel happy with your NO. We cannot please everybody.

I think it would be wise to take a break from your work and go to a place where you can find rest, be with people who love you and have some weeks of fun. You need to look for ways to find joy again.

Wean yourself off the TV gradually and replace watching TV with exercise or doing something fun with friends.

It takes a deliberate decision to change your patterns.

I also think it might be helpful to receive some counseling or coaching so you will have support in confronting your leaders and in getting to know yourself better.

For more info: www.ncs-counseling.com Email: anette.p@ncs-counseling. com, Tel: 02 279 8503 Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

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1/2/13 9:58:32 AM

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Gourmet p Wine and restaurant news

The new-look Señor Pico Mexican Restaurant is kickstarting the year with a deal.

See page 45.

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

Page 44

Meet the chef We speak to the husband and wife team behind Bo.lan Restaurant Page 60

Dining out

Our favourite restaurants reviewed and listed Page 66 TheBigChilli

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Gourmet

Dining|News

What’s Cooking

Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news Great value lunch ALOFT BANGKOK – SUKHUMVIT 11, AVAILABLE NOW

■ CRAVE Restaurant’s new weekday lunch buffet features a wide range of Thai and international cuisines like pizzas, noodles, grilled meats, pastas, and more, with dishes prepared at live cooking stations. Available every Mon-Fri, Noon-3pm, for B279++ per person.

☎ 02 207 7080 :aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com

A taste of Scotland

Jul & Co Dinner Concert

INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK, FEB 21

BED SUPPERCLUB, JAN 26

■ SCOTTISH Chef Leslie Stronach will draw on his Scottish ancestry to deliver a seven-course meal accompanied by the full range of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskys, including Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Johnnie Walker Green Label and Johnnie Walker Platinum Label. Each guest will receive a complimentary 750ml Bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue with a signature Riedel Crystal Whisky glass presented in a luxurious leather gift set.

B9,000++ per person.

■ BED Supperclub’s special series of dinner concerts featuring a three-course gourmet meal alongside a performance

by French multi-instrumentalist duo “Jul & Co” has been a big hit with diners and clubbers alike. If you’ve yet to experience the buzz of the duo’s show, which features a unique combination of live laptop DJing with keyboards, trumpet, talk-box singing, flute playing and live drums, here’s your last chance to do so. B999++ per person.

973 Ploenchit Road

☎ 02 656 0444 :dining-experience.com

☎

Sukhumvit Soi 11 02 651 3537 : info@bedsupperclub.com

Michelin magic at Le Normandie

MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK, JAN 14 – 19

New Italian flavours BRIO, AVAILABLE NOW

■ ANANTARA Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa’s Brio Italian Restaurant has launched new ‘Antipasti & Tasting Plates’ for just B590++ per person. Available every Mon-Fri from 11.30am-2.30pm, the two-course menu features a selection of Italian delicacies followed by a trio of main-course pasta dishes.

257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road :bangkokriverdining.com

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☎ 02 476 0022

■ FRENCH Chef Michel Roux, Global Ambassador of the three Michelin Star Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, wowed diners last year with his exquisite cuisine at Le Normandie, and now he’s coming back to do it all again with a series of special lunches and dinners featuring his signature classic French food with a modern twist. B4,500++ for five-course lunch; B8,500++ for sixcourse dinner; and B11,900++ for seven-course wine dinner (Jan 18).

☎

48 Oriental Avenue 02 659 9000 :mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

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Señor Pico’s cocktail treat REMBRANDT HOTEL, EVERY MON

■ BACK on the scene after a modern makeover, the new-look Señor Pico Mexican Restaurant is kick starting the year with a deal perfect for parties. Every Monday, go as a group of six adults or more and you’ll get a complimentary pitcher of any Margarita; Kids under 12 get dishes from the children’s menu for free when accompanied by a paying adult; and you can even catch a special Spaghetti Westerns show. Every Friday night is Salsa night, a Latin-style party where diners can learn to dance with teachers Ler and Pannada. Open 5pm-1am.

Seafood Market

Deep sea delights

PATHUMWAN PRINCESS HOTEL, AVAILABLE NOW

LE MÉRIDIEN BANGKOK, AVAILABLE NOW

■ THE new nightly seafood buffet at Citi Bistro is bound to reel in fish lovers with its extensive selection of sea bass, red mullet, salmon, tiger prawns, New Zealand green shell mussels, crab, and more, all cooked just as you like and served with salad and baked breads. B1,090 per person.

■ THE extensive international lunch buffet at Latest Recipe takes on a deep sea flavour this month with a wide range of fresh seafood being added to the offerings.

Cooked and prepared just as you like, the selection includes salmon, red tilapia, sea bass, king mackerel, river prawns, baby octopus, mussels, and more. Alongside this are the buffet’s usual offerings of international and local favourites. B599++ per person for lunch buffet; B800++ for Sunday Brunch.

444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road, 02 216 3700 :pprincesshotel.com

☎

Romantic dinner for two

EASTIN HOTEL MAKKASAN BANGKOK, FEB 14

■ A THREE-Course Valentine’s Day wine dinner will be on offer at Attica Sky Lounge for B4,200 per couple. The menu kicks off with Indonesian tuna tartar cocktail paired with a glass of RosDella Casa, Vino Da Tavola, Rosato 2010, followed by Homemade watermelon soup with crab meat, Grilled Andaman tiger prawn and Australian beef tenderloin with passion fruit sauce served with mango, and strawberry and Avocado salad paired with a glass of Di Giorno Garganega Chardonnay 2011 (or Merlot Carvina Italy 2010); and Mango cheeks with honey glaze and dragon fruit paired with a glass of Pierlant Blanc de Blanc France.

☎ 02 232 8888 :lemeridienbangkokpatpong.com

1091/343 New Petchburi Road Tel: 02 651 7600 www.eastinbangkokhotel.com

Seafood favourites

CONRAD BANGKOK, EVERY FRI & SAT

■ EVERY Fri and Sat night, Caf @2 Restaurant now offers a seafood buffet featuring a wide range of local and imported seafood favourites such as Boston lobster, Blue crab, French oysters, Tiger prawns and more. On top of this, diners can enjoy Thai and Japanese dishes, as well as oven roasted prime cuts, Chinese specialties, and a wide selection of deserts. B1690++ per person.

☎

87 Wireless Road 02 690 9211 :conradhotels3.hilton.com

National Celebrations

NOVOTEL BANGKOK ON SIAM SQUARE, VARIOUS DATES

■ THE Square international buffet restaurant is a good choice for a fun family outing this month. On Jan 12 and 13, the restaurant will celebrate National Children’s Day with a special buffet loaded with kid-friendly options and a games area with fun activities, clowns and painting. B950++ for adults; B475++ for kids aged 12-16 (free for kids under 12 when with two paying adults). The restaurant will also host an Australia Day buffet on Jan 16 with a buffet featuring Stewed crocodile, Seared ostrich fillet, Lamingtons, and more. B950++ with a glass of Australian wine.

Siam Square Soi 6

☎ 02 209 8888 :novotelbkk.com TheBigChilli

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Gourmet

Feature|Beervana

Prepping for a craft beer explosion: Beervana Distributing a heady mix of American-style craft beers to bars and restaurants in Bangkok, Beervana hopes to breathe fresh life into the city’s long stagnant beer scene.

But do craft beers really have staying power in a city where lager served with ice is the norm? Adam Purcell spoke to Beervana’s founder, Aaron Grieser, to find out

W

WHEN compared to other cities, Bangkok’s beer scene has always been a bit flat. Dominated by a few key players plying a limited selection of lagers, it can’t hold its head to beer quaffing destinations like London, New York, Berlin and Brussels, where a heady mix of stouts, bitters, pale ales, and wheat beers are readily available, many on draught.

But there are encouraging signs that this is beginning to change. Bars like HOBS, BREW Beers & Ciders, and BeerVault have opened and proved that

Bangkok does indeed have a thirst for Belgian beers and international ales; each stocks its shelves with some of the world’s best bottled beers and does a cracking trade every night. Further proof that the city’s fast taking to ale can be seen with the arrival of Beervana, an importer of fine American-style craft beers whose popularity has risen faster than a stormy head in a newly poured glass of grog.

Set up a little over two months ago

by Bangkok-based Americans Aaron Grieser and Brian Bartusch, Beervana

taps into a global zeitgeist that has seen America’s craft beers pouring into drinks markets all around the world.

“American brewing culture used to be the country’s best kept secret,” says Aaron, Beervana’s Founder and Chief Beer Enthusiast. “But now the secret’s out.

And people are quickly discovering that the beer coming from little breweries on America’s West Coast just happens to be some of the best beer in the world.”

Aaron, a former transactional lawyer for an American law firm, developed a

Turning a love of beer into a business: Brian Bartusch and Aaron Grieser

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real taste for ale growing up in Eugene, Oregon, where, like many of his peers, he would spend time in his basement home brewing experimental beers.

“The city had two huge superstores devoted to home brewing. And I mean huge,” he says. “People are just so into it.

Some people were good; some people were great; some people sold their beers in local pubs; and some even went on to open their own craft breweries. One of which we’ve introduced to Thailand – Rogue.”

Aaron didn’t sell his beer in a pub, and he didn’t sell it to a brewery. But he did sell his soul to the devil to practice law (sorry, had to work a lawyer joke in somewhere). And it would be this job that brought him to Thailand nearly four years ago to a desk where the only interaction with the outside world was with opposing council – “not the friendliest people,” he laughs – and to a pub scene devoid of his favourite American craft beers. As home brewing is illegal in Thailand, he couldn’t even make his own.

“It was a dilemma,” he says. “And one that was shared by many American expats in Bangkok. But it planted an idea in my mind and I’d sit at my desk dreaming about bringing craft beers to Thailand and then, I thought, why not? So I started scribbling down ideas, came up with a name for a company, The Secret’s Out, went on an epic beer tour of the States to make friends with brewers, and then

I met Brian – and quickly discovered he was going to be a competitor.”

Brian, who originally came to Thailand to manage a boutique resort near Koh Samui, had also grown up in the States where he enjoyed crafting his own beers and, like Aaron, recognized the gap in the market for American craft beers in Thailand. Kindred spirits, the pair formed a quick friendship and, over several glasses of their much-missed beer, forged a partnership: Beervana was born.

Craft beers would be coming to Thailand.

Craft brewing traditions According to the American Brewers Association, three things distinguish a craft brewery. One, it must be small.Two, it must be independent.Three, the beers must be made with all natural ingredients. Aaron also likes to add a fourth – that is, “you have to experiment and innovate like crazy.”

“Experimentation is really what distinguishes American craft beer from European brewing traditions,” he says.

“In Europe, brewers pride themselves on not having changed for hundreds of years. While it’s great beer, it’s a lot like going to a brewing museum.

“That’s not the same in America.

Everything there is innovative. You have brewers making beers with food and really experimenting with a wide range of ingredients and brewing methods; much like wine.

“Our flagship brewery, for example, is Rogue. They’re based in Newport, Oregon, and they brew a Hazelnut Brown Ale, which is made using actual hazelnuts from Rogue’s own organic plantation.

Another Rogue beer we’ll be bringing in is called Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale, and this, believe it or not, is a smoked beer made with real bacon.

“Perhaps the strangest one I’ve tried though, from another brewery, is Rocky Mountain Oyster Beer, which is made with bulls’ testicles. We definitely won’t be bringing that one here! (It was gross, and we only bring what we think are great beers). But it just goes to show how creative the craft beer scene is.”

Craft brewers’ quirky experimentation can even be seen in the colourful, modern and often playful labels they use to decorate their bottles. Bright and bold, the labels’ images are far removed from the coats of arms and shields found on many traditional European brews.

Take Anderson Valley Brewing Company’s Imperial IPA for instance.

At first glance, the label’s image seems to depict a deer sipping water from a lake. Look closely, though, and you’ll spot the creature is actually a bear with deer antlers. Mix the word bear with deer and what do you get? Beer.

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Gourmet

Feature|Beervana

“This label typifies the playful aspect behind the whole craft industry,” explains Aaron. “The brewers are not bound by tradition, not bound by stuffy regulations, so they have the freedom to inject lots of personality into every beer they make.”

T

Bringing craft beers to Thailand “The most fun part of setting up the company was meeting all of the brewers,” says Aaron. “We spent two months going from brewery to brewery to brewery, sampling all of the best beers on the West Coast and trying to get them to sell their product to us.”

“The first problem we had is that the beers we tried are made in limited batches and regularly sell out, so getting the microbreweries to reserve bottles for us was tough. Second, dealing with microbreweries is very much like dealing with chefs. They don’t want anything to go out to the public that’s not perfect; they want the beer we sell in Thailand to taste the same as their beer that’s sold around the corner in America.”

To ensure the beer would reach Thai drinkers at optimum quality, Beervana established a ‘Cold Chain’ concept.

This sees them

transporting beers in refrigerated containers from the breweries in America to a cold storage unit in the heart of Bangkok – throughout the journey, the beer remains at eight degrees Celsius.

“Our aim is to preserve the finest brewery taste. You know, these beers are not filtered, not pasteurized. They have a short shelf life. That’s why they have maximum flavour. We preserve that. We keep the bottles cold, and this means we have some of the freshest, youngest imported beers in Bangkok.”

But, like all good things, the cold chain concept comes at a price.

“As you can imagine, the refrigeration costs are huge” says Aaron. “On top of this there is the nearly 400% tax (the same as wine), and as we keep our pricing in line with premium Belgian beers, it’s difficult to make any profit. This is why we have to focus on a volume of sales.

“We don’t want to get too big though – we aim to supply a maximum of 25-30 bars and restaurants and keep it at that. This way we can maintain

optimum levels of service and quality – and have a ball while doing it too.”

So far, signs for success look good.

Beervana’s first shipment, which arrived just over two months ago, contained 14,000 bottles, a mix of ales from Rogue and Anderson Valley, which were distributed to just over 12 bars and restaurants in Bangkok.

This month, the company will be bringing in over 20 types of beer, and distributing to nearly 25 bars and restaurants. Beervana will also bring in locally-sourced craft beers from Singapore from a brewery called Brewerkz (“one of the best beers in Southeast Asia,” according to Aaron), which will be available on draught in Roadhouse BBQ and Smith.

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Craft beers here to stay?

“One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘do Thai consumers like craft beers?’” says Aaron. “But that’s the wrong question. The real question is, ‘which craft beers do they like?’

“There’s so much variety in craft beers that there really is something for everyone.

Sweet, bitter, strong, weak – there’s really the full gamut of flavours and styles. I recently went to the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado, for example, and there were over 2,700 craft beers on tap.That’s a lot of beer, and each one was different.

“In America, 70% of new craft beer drinkers are former wine drinkers.They appreciate how, like wine, craft beer can be paired with different foods and enjoyed for its rich, complex flavours. And that’s an encouraging model if you apply it to Bangkok, where there’s been a recent wine bar boom. And craft beer is so much more accessible than wine. The Thais always seem to want to try something different, something new. All the precursors are here for a craft beer explosion.”

To start the clock ticking on Aaron’s predicted craft beer bomb, Beervana has focused heavily on promotion. Beer dinners paired with exotic cuisine have been held at WTF’s popular pop up restaurant, Opposite; beer tastings have been hosted at Brew; and a Hawaiian theme party, with free-flow beer and innovative food pairings

by Eat Me’s Chef Tim Butler, was held last month at Flow House’s inner-city beach bar.

To showcase the many beer and food pairing possibilities, Beervana plans to team up with great chefs across Bangkok to host special events such as a vegetarian pairing dinner, a barbecue and IPA pairing dinner, and a modern Thai dinner, to name a few. In October, they also plan to hold the country’s first craft beer festival, a one-day event bringing together some of the world’s best craft beers and brewers.

“We’re by no means the first people to try to bring craft beer to Bangkok,” says Aaron. “But we’ve definitely made it the furthest. And while there’s no guarantee for success, especially due to the massive overheads, we will do our very best to ensure that the company works. I, for one, hope it does, because I can’t imagine there’s any other job as fun and exciting as this. And it sure beats practicing law! ” For a full list of Beervana’s beers and the places you can buy them, visit: www.seekbeervana.com

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Dining out|Pomodoro

Clockwise from left: Red tuna tart Catalana; Chef Mario with his signature Pasta cartoccio; the signature dish in all its glory; the restaurant’s new location on Sukhumvit Soi 11

Review

Pomodoro – serving great Italian fare on Sukhumvit Soi 11

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The longtime expat favourite opens a brand new venue

POMODORO needs little introduction since it’s been around in various Bangkok locations since the mid-1990s. So fans of this perennially popular Italian restaurant chain will be pleased to know that its latest outlet is set right at the heart of the city’s most vibrant entertainment district – Sukhumvit Soi 11.

You’ll find the restaurant on the second floor of the smart glass building in front of the Ambassador Hotel, about 100m down Soi 11 on the right hand side. The first floor is occupied by Au Bon Pain. A small flight of stairs takes you up to this cosy outlet and its outdoor terrace.

At the helm of Pomodoro on Soi 11 is Mario Pira Francello, a thoroughly professional Italian chef and F&B Manager, who’s been with the Pomodoro Group since it was launched almost two decades ago.

Hailing from the island of Sardinia, Mario has infused Pomodoro’s menu with the cuisine of his homeland, especially in the use of traditional Sardinian ingredients such as bottarga (dried fish

caviar), fava bean and the twin-coloured pasta known as paglia. It’s a refreshing change from the somewhat predictable fare often seen in Bangkok’s Italian restaurants.

The menu is, in fact, remarkably comprehensive, with lots of appeal to lovers of this tasty and wonderfully exuberant European cuisine.

Pomodoro’s starters range from delicious Red tuna tart Catalana and exotic Gratin cauliflower, porcini, black truffle and parmesan cheese, to Parma ham, a variety of carpaccios and the bumper house mix of antipasto for two diners.

The salad choice is extensive while the soups include the classic Spicy seafood soup at B350.

As befits as quality Italian eatery, Pomodoro has six types of risotto, along with no less than 20 different pizzas, including the Super Mario featuring Italian sausage, roasted bacon, mozzarella, tomato and French fries. A snip at B340.

Other eye-catching main courses

Pomodoro. Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok.

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include Slow cooked lamb shank and mashed potato (B560) and the Roasted Italian sausage with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes (B280).

Chef Mario’s signature dish is the Pasta cartoccio, a delectable mixture of seafood, porcini, artichoke, bottarga, and sun-dried tomatoes, all covered by an ovenbaked pasta that is carefully rolled back to reveal the delights below in a deep dish.

Home-made ice creams, Tiramisu, New York cheesecake and Chocolate lava with vanilla ice cream round off a terrific dining experience.

Italian wines are available by the glass for under B200. The restaurant cellar stocks bottles of red and white starting at B1,240.

Given its prime location, backed by the group’s almost 18 years’ experience in serving an exciting range of modestly priced Italian dishes, this latest branch of Pomodoro under the direction of Chef Mario is a welcome addition to Sukhumvit Soi 11’s growing reputation as a mecca for good food and fun dining.

☎ 02 651 1327 :pomodorogroup.coth

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Gourmet

Dining out|Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel

There’s something to suit every taste at The Imperial Queen’s Park’s sumptuous buffet feasts, which offer a wide choice of local and international cuisines

Review

Buffet feasts at The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel

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‘Bangkok’s Biggest Brunch’ and gourmet buffets make The Imperial a great choice for an indulgent meal with friends and family

THE Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel caught the attention of gourmets and gluttons alike when it recently launched its new Sunday Brunch, enticingly titled “Bangkok’s Biggest Brunch.” In a city where most top hotels do their best to outdo each other each weekend with lashings of international gourmet food, it’s a big claim. But the promotional bumf wasn’t lying – the brunch is huge. So huge, in fact, that it’s split between three different restaurants: Parkview, Imperial China, and Kacho Japanese.

At the brunch, diners can choose from over 300 dishes from 20 countries across the world. There are special selections for kids, and even an activities corner where they can play and watch DVDs while mum and dad focus on tucking into dishes like Grilled gourmet sausages, Peking duck, Salmon teriyaki, and more. For just B2,300 per person with free-flow drinks (B1,600 for food only), it’s a great deal.

Establishing Bangkok’s Biggest Brunch was a smart move by the hotel because it quickly caught the attention of buffet fans who turned up and discovered that, like Bangkok’s most popular buffet haunts, the Imperial Queen’s Park also certainly knows how to put on a decent spread of gourmet food.

But can the same be said of the hotel’s daily dinner buffet at its allday-dining restaurant, Parkview? In short, yes.

While certainly not as extensive as the brunch, Parkview’s “Gourmet Buffet Dinner” (served 6pm-10pm) still features a “where-should-I-start-first?” selection of BBQ imported meats and seafood, popular international dishes, Thai favourites, fresh pizzas, foie gras, salads, imported seafood such as Alaskan king crab and New Zealand mussels, a selection of signature dishes from Kacho and Imperial China restaurants, and much more. This is backed up by a

The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22

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dessert corner featuring a wide range of Thai treats and international options like cakes and mousses, a chocolate fountain, and homemade ice cream, plus a great selection of cheeses.

The restaurant is large, so no matter how busy it gets you never feel like you’re fighting for space with other diners. There are no battles for food too – all of the offerings are constantly kept topped up so you can rest assured you won’t miss your favourite dish. A neat token system is in place, so whenever you order any of the cooked-to-order dishes like the BBQ meats or foie gras, you don’t have to stand around clutching your plate waiting for your order to be ready. You simply hand over your token and the food’s brought to your table. It all runs like clockwork.

Like the brunch, the dinner buffet is also great value of money: B1,500 (food only), or B2,200 with free-flow wines, beer, soft drinks and smoothies (or B1,650 for freeflow soft drinks and smoothies).

☎02 261 9000 :imperialhotels.com

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Gourmet

Dining out|Nadimos Lebanese Restaurant

Food pics, clockwise from left: Tabbouleh, Pita bread, and Hummus; Lamb and chicken kebabs; Mankush Zaatar (thyme on bread)

Review

A taste of Lebanon in Bangkok

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The Sukhumvit 24 branch of Nadimos offers delicious Lebanese specialties in a wonderful conservatory-style setting

LEBANESE cuisine is enjoying a popularity boom in Bangkok. Just ask the folks behind Nadimos: in 2007 they opened their first restaurant on Silom; in 2010 they opened another on Sukhumvit 24; and by this February, thanks to demand, they will open another two – one on Sukhumvit Soi 11 and one on Sukhumvit Soi 4. Other restaurateurs have also been quick to capitalize on the trend, with Lebanese restaurants springing up in many other areas of the city.

What’s the big attraction? Well, with its tasty grilled meats, fresh salads, and liberal use of garlic, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice, Lebanese cuisine is bursting with full, rich flavours which pleasure the palates of both Thai and Western diners.

What’s more, the cuisine’s emphasis on sharing (many dishes, like the famous Hummus, are served family-style and scooped up on freshly baked pita bread)

is similar to the Thai way of dining. In short, it has something to please everyone.

There’s plenty of evidence of this at Nadimos on Sukhumvit 24, where on any given day of the week you’re likely to see a well-mixed crowd of expats, Thais and tourists all happily tucking into many of Lebanon’s most popular dishes, both in the restaurant’s elegant conservatory-style setting and out on the leafy terrace.

At the heart of the restaurant is the open kitchen. Here experienced chefs from Lebanon do a culinary tango, hotfooting around the space to grab different herbs and spices to season meats sizzling in pans. The scent of garlic fills the air with its irresistible sweetness and mixes with the alluring fragrance of grilled lamb. ‘Mouthwatering’ doesn’t come close to describing this meaty redolence – expect your saliva faucets to be turned up full.

Expectations are rewarded with a well rounded menu that offers a good selection of salads, soups, hot and cold Mezze, grilled meats and seafood, sandwiches (lunch only), and hot breads.

Highlights include Tabbouleh (chopped parsley and tomatoes with a fresh, zesty citrus overtones. B130), Hummus (silky mashed chickpeas with sesame paste. B130), Lamb and chicken kebabs (tender skewers of charcoal grilled meat with chopped parsley and onions.

Start at B210), and Labneh (homemade Lebanese strained yoghurt. B150) Swing by on a Sunday and you can even enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ grill for just B555. Washed down with draught beers and finished with a steaming cup of Lebanese coffee, it’s a real treat, and the perfect way to cap a relaxing weekend in the city.

Nadimos Lebanese Restaurant, Sukhumvit 24. Open 11.30am-11.30pm (free delivery between 11am-3pm)

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☎ 02 261 9816-7 :nadimos.com

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Gourmet

Pics|Foodie functions

Gourmet scrapbook

Last month’s events in focus

All Italian tastes at Luce

Chivas Modern Legends ■ LEBUA Hotels and Resorts teamed up with Chivas Regal to celebrate the success of Thailand’s legendary businessmen with an exclusive cocktail party at lebua. The event was attended by American-Chinese and Hong Kong based singer cum actor Michael Wong together with Thai executives and A list celebs such as Dolchai Boonyaratevej, M.L. Kathathong Thongyai, and Vorravit Siripark, amongst others. Highlights of the night included a performance by Sybil Thomas, a live DJ show

by Hollywood-favourite Samantha Ronson, and a fireworks display.

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■ The first Luce Italian restaurant in Asia arrived in style with a wine dinner entitled ‘The Essence of Tuscany in Bangkok.’ Featuring six-courses of exquisite Italian food paired with fine wines from Frescobaldi, the event was enjoyed by a group of VIPs and media, plus guest of honour Marchese Lamberto Frescobaldi, Vice President of Marchesi de Frescobaldi and chief wine maker of the group, who had flown to Bangkok especially for the occasion. Located on the 14th floor of the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, Luce looks set to become a top choice for Italian foodies seeking a top quality dining experience.

Patak’s arrives in Thailand ■ POPULAR Indian food brand Patak’s marked its arrival in Thailand with a special launch party at the Renaissance Bangkok Hotel. Started in the UK by a family of Indian migrants who wanted a taste of home, Patak’s now sells its range of cooking sauces, curry pastes and condiments in more than 45 countries worldwide, including the UK, Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, and now in Thailand. Patak’s owner AB World Foods Asia Ltd has appointed JR F&B Co., Ltd as the exclusive importer of the product into the kingdom. Five curry pastes are now available, with more flavours coming soon.

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Thai wine showcase at the Great Hornbill Bistro Twinings Tea Boutique opens at CentralWorld ■ TWININGS’ first tea lounge outside of the UK officially opened last month at CentralWorld with an afternoon tea party attended by a large group of VIPs, media, and tea lovers. Flying in from the UK to open the store, which offers premium-grade teas in various blends from across the globe, as well as baked goods and sandwiches, was Mr. Stephen Twining, Corporate PR Director of Twinings Tea. For more info see: www.facebook.com/TwiningsThailand

■ PB Valley Khao Yai Winery invited guests from the trade and the media to a special luncheon at the Great Hornbill Bistro, Sukhumvit 39, where they got to sample the winery’s new vintage wines alongside the bistro’s most popular dishes.

The Elements of Pure Pleasure ■ THE Okura Prestige Hotel Bangkok and Fin Wines hosted a Chef ’s Table Wine Dinner featuring an exclusive gourmet meal specially prepared to pair with some of the finest vintages from the Weingut Wittmann in Rheinhessen, Germany. Entertaining guests and explaining more about the wines on the night were winery owners Gunter and Elisabeth Wittmann.

Señor Pico returns in style ■ AFTER undergoing extensive renovations, Señor Pico Mexican restaurant at the Rembrandt Hotel officially reopened to the public last month with a party showcasing the restaurant’s brand new look, tasty Mexican eats, signature cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere fuelled by a house band playing a range of Latino-tunes. Among the special guests on the night were H.E. Mr. Victor Danial Ramirez Pena, Cuban ambassador to Thailand; FedEx’s managing director, David Carden; and Vice President of Central Food Retail Company, Ross Edward Marks.

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Gourmet

Dining|BB&B

Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy The BB&B dining group caps a year of wonderful lunches with a festive treat at Enoteca Italiana Romiberg Kalterersee Classico 2011 Doc. Alois Lageder. The fare was delicious, but some were disappointed with the choice of wine. Neil Pawsey, wine spokesman, spent some time composing a suitable anagram for the title (or was it to aid his pronunciation of Italian?). The grape variety was 100% Schiava. We found it to be medium-bodied, quite mild and soft with a fruity aroma. Nicola explained that the wine was carefully chosen to complement the food (and the weather) rather than to overpower it.

Strine) and these were matched by the presentation.This was accompanied by Sud Primitivo-Merlot Igt. Feudi San Marzana 2011 which again tested Neil’s command of Italian. I thought the wine was rather young but a good match for the veal and for the excellent cheese platter that followed.

To top off a truly delicious meal, we finished with White chocolate Sicilian cannoli with coffee ice cream. To celebrate the three birthdays that our diners celebrate in the early days of December, the Club

The second pasta dish was Lamb ravioli with Pecorino cheese and basil. This was a very savoury offering, rather rich but most enjoyable. Perhaps because of its richness, I found the Romiberg Kalterersee Classico was better matched to the second pasta dish.

The highlight of the meal turned out to be Roasted veal tenderloin with goat milk sauce and goat cheese, potatoes confit. The flavours were ‘awesome’ (there seemed to be a large number of diners originating from the Antipodes hence my relapse into

sponsored a round of aged Glenfiddich Single Malt to accompany the coffee.

Particularly noteworthy, Chef Stefano and food spokesman Simon Rindlisbacher received congratulations from all sides, both for the cooking and for the accompanying commentary describing the dishes. In conclusion, we proposed the now customary round of thanks to Nicola and to the hard-working and so professional team of servers; long may the tradition of Xmas lunches at Enoteca survive.

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UR fifth consecutive visit to Enoteca to celebrate the last BB&B lunch of the year drew a record number of 29 guests (which included 18 members) – and we would have had 30 if our last guest hadn’t come down with the flu.

It was warmer than usual for the time of year so virtually all diners found their way from the garden to table early.

The amuse bouche included Marinated mackerel which went very well with Pinot Bianco 2010 Alois Lageder, a rather dry straw yellow colour wine with fruity overtones (apples and peaches).

The dining proper started with Golden onion cooked in salt and filled with braised quail accompanied by more of that Pinot Bianco. As ever, Chef Stefano turned up trumps with an innovative dish and its presentation. Noone could find fault with either.

Homemade Pansotti filled with carbonara sauce came next with

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Enoteca, 39 Sukhumvit Soi 27, Klong Toey.

Tel: 02 258 4386 www.enotecabangkok.com

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Gourmet

Chefs in focus|Bo.lan

SERVING UP: Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones

Husband-and-wife team Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones of popular Thai restaurant Bo.lan on Sukhumvit Soi 26 talk about their culinary favourites and influences, kitchen disasters and food trends Favourite local restaurant Khun Lek Southern food on Chan Rd.

Best compliment given to you We were in Bangkok for four days and we ate at Bo.lan twice.

Can non-Thais ever master Thai cuisine Of course they can, it just takes time.

Favourite ingredient Shrimp paste (gapi).

Most used cookbook Mea Krau Hua Paa.

Most influential chef Amanda Gale & David Thompson.

What next for Thai cuisine More local and indigenous ingredients.

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Favourite dish to make Chili relish (Nahm phrik gapi).

Beer or wine with Thai food Both.

What do you cook for Dylan Vegemite on toast with aged cheddar.

Patient or impatient in the kitchen Impatient.

Most overrated food/dish Massaman.

Most useful cooking utensil Pestle and mortar.

Favourite dish to eat Pork noodle soup.

Organic food – here to stay or passing fad Here to stay; the only way to go.

Worst kitchen disaster The deep fryer exploded.

Other life passions Labrador dogs, and horse riding.

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Favourite dish to eat Naam prik prik thai oorn (chilli relish of green peppercorns and pork) served with cha om and sweet pork.

What to look for in a food supplier The quality of their ingredients and willingness to deal with complaints

Favourite dish to make I love the simplicity of a Naam dok, but the flavour is so intense.

Organic food – here to stay or passing fad Stay!

Most influential chef Bo my wife and co-chef. She constantly pushes to be better.

Most overrated food/dish Phat Thai.

Favourite local restaurant Reuan Paan Ya in Mahachai.

Worst kitchen disaster Food-wise, overcooking a massive batch of black sticky rice only hours before a week-long event for thousands of people. Personally, cutting my hand cleaning the grease trap.

Favourite ingredients That’s tough.

I love to eat ‘Cha om.’

Can non-Thais ever master Thai cuisine You’re asking a white boy who cooks it for a living?

Beer or wine with Thai food Both!

Best compliment given to you An older Thai women once told us that the food reminded her of the flavours of her grandmother’s kitchen.

Patient or impatient in the kitchen I’m both depending on the situation, but during service I’ve been known to be quite vocal.

Most useful cooking utensil Mortar and pestle followed closely by common sense.

Most used cookbook Mae Krua Hua Paa.

You cook for Bo at home, or vice versa We cook for each other occasionally at home but normally we just go eat out.

What next for Thai cuisine Not sure, that’s a question for the Thai youth; hopefully they start to value it as they do western food.

Other life passions If given the time, I love to scuba dive and read.

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Dining|Recipe

cut out and keep

Gourmet

Recipe of the month Supreme Fajitas (Serves 2)

Fernando Reyes Barba, head chef of Rembrandt Hotel’s new Señor Pico Restaurant, shares his recipe for a real Mexican treat Ingredients •1/2 cup vegetable oil •1/3 cup soy sauce •1/4 cup red wine vinegar •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice •1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce •1 tablespoon Dijon mustard •50 ml. silver tequila •2 cloves garlic, minced •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper •200 grams flank steak •200 grams chicken breast boneless •150 grams shrimps •1 large onion, peeled, halved and sliced lengthwise •2-3 bell peppers of various colours, stemmed, seeded, de-ribbed, sliced lengthwise into strips •Salt •Flour tortillas

•Pico de Gallo •Refried Pinto beans

Method 1. Preheat your cast iron servers in a preheated 300 degree C oven for at least 20 minutes, to get a good sizzle when you plate the fajitas.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tequila, mustard, garlic, and ground black pepper. Place meat in a shallow glass dish. Pour marinade over the steak, chicken breast and shrimps turning meat to coat thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate for six hours.

3. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

4. Oil the grill grate. Place steak, chicken breast and shrimps on the

grill, and discard the marinade. Grill meat for five minutes per side, or to desired level of cooking.

5. In a pan with oil cook the vegetables while the meat is resting. Add a little more oil to the pan if necessary, and then add the onions and bell peppers. Let these sear for one minute before stirring, then stir every 90 seconds or so as the veggies sear.

Cook for five-six minutes total. Use salt to taste.

6. When you are ready to serve, remove the cast iron servers from the oven and quickly arrange the meat and peppers and onions on it. It will immediately start to sizzle from their fat and moisture. Serve sizzling immediately with warm tortillas and other accompaniments.

About the chef

Chef Fernando 64

HAILING from Mexico city, Chef Fernando has over 15 years’ experience working for top hotels and restaurants around the world, including the Hilton Hotel, Santa Clara, California; Black Angus Steak House, Lakewood, California; and Margarita Mexicana, The Gulf Hotel, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Prior to joining the Rembrandt Hotel, he was Mexican chef at the Intercontinental Hotel, Amman, Jordan. A real ambassador for his country’s cuisine, Chef Fernando never compromises on quality and creates his food using only the finest ingredients available. As visitors to the new Señor Pico will attest, the results are delicious.

Senor Pico, Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18 ☎ 02 261 7100 :rembrandtbkk.com

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Gourmet

Where to eat

Your ultimate dining companion

Recommended restaurants and bars Asian cuisine

China House

•Without doubt China House is

Vientiane Kitchen

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Upmarket Laos and Isaan food served in a bamboo restaurant constructed around a giant tree. Wildly popular with Japanese and Korean tourists who enjoy the beer, funky Isaan music and dance, and the chance to nibble on Laos-style eats. Although the spice level is toned down, the ingredients are from up country. Items like frog, duck’s beak and ant’s eggs are readily available should you be interested.This restaurant is always fun and a great place to take someone from out of town.

Sukhumvit Soi 36 (BTS Thonglor), Tel: 02 258 6171

Kongju

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Kongju first opened its doors as Bangkok’s first hotel-based Korean restaurant 15 years ago, and Madam Kim, the restaurant manager and master chef who’s been with the restaurant since the start, takes pride in offering cuisine just like you’d find in the best restaurants in Korea. In fact, the wide range of appetizers, main dishes, soups, rice and desserts on offer all arrive at the table looking like they’ve been beamed directly from Seoul. If you’ve never tried Korean cuisine but are looking to give it a go, you couldn’t find a better place to start.

Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road, Tel: 02 216 3700 ext. 20230, www.pprincess.com, Open: Lunch (11.30am-2pm) and Dinner (5.30pm-10pm)

Dragon Xpress

•Chinese Indian restaurant

Dragon Xpress, while being a charming place to go and eat itself, is now actually more famous for its delivery service.

The reason? Well, imagine being famished and receiving an American-style takeaway box packed with delicious Chinese Indian cuisine which you won’t find anywhere else in Bangkok. With delivery charge at just 20 baht and meals starting at 89+ baht, it’s a bargain. What’s more, orders arrive within 45 minutes – meaning the food is always piping hot. A full menu can be viewed on dragonxpress.com Dragon Xpress Restaurant and Take Away, Sukhumvit 21 www.dragonxpress.com Tel: 02 204 0588-9

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one of the city’s best hotel-based Chinese restaurants. Aside from an incongruous clump of glass out front, the design of China House is as exciting as anything done recently in the Big Mango. The food could be horrible - it’s not - and people would still flock to the restaurant.

The interior somehow manages to combine Chinese elements with a two-story central vault that is reminiscent of a medieval cathedral. Exciting stuff that’s going to be hard to beat.

The Oriental Bangkok, (BTS Saphan Taksin, then take the hotel’s shuttle boat) Tel: 02 659 9000

Shui Xin

•For Chinese food, Shui

Xin is the real deal. You’ll find no Thai-Chinese fusion, no westernization of dishes, and no greasy imitations.

What you will find is a superb selection of authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes prepared by a talented team of master chefs using only the finest ingredients. The restaurant’s menu is designed to cater to groups of diners sharing rather than individuals eating alone and the large platters served always look impressive. As with most Chinese restaurants, the most popular choice here is the Peking duck (999++ baht with pancakes), and it’s a triumph.

Novotel Bangna Bangkok Hotel, 333 Srinakarin Road, Nongbon, Pravet Tel: 02 366 0505. Open daily for lunch 11.30am to 2.30pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Peking Restaurants

•Located in the basement of the President Tower Arcade (next to the Intercontinental Bangkok), Peking Restaurants’ largest branch (they have 10 in town) continues the trend of offering a wide range of tasty Chinese food at wallet friendly prices.

The focus here is on northern Chinese specialties, with plenty of seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes to choose from, as well as countless Dim Sum selections and, of course, the famous Peking Duck (700 baht).

Peking Restaurants, President Tower Arcade, Basement (next to Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok) 971 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 02 656 1615 (Ploenchit BTS)

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Circle

International Cuisine 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

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

Jameson’s

•Offering an extensive

selection of hearty, traditional pub grub, Jameson’s is a great place to enjoy an authentic taste of the West. Burgers, fish and chips, and spicy hot wings score good marks here. For brave diners, there’s also the pub’s ‘Hot Wings Challenge.’ This offers prizes to anyone who can eat eight spicy chicken wings in under ten minutes. The spice level: a whopping 200,000 on the Scoville Scale – which is probably like dipping your tongue into malten magma. Ouch. Other draws at the pub include four pool tables, 12 widescreen TVs, and the Minus 5 Ice Bar, where you can sip vodka in a large freezer room.

Jameson’s Irish Pub and Minus 5 Ice Bar Bangkok, Holiday Inn Bangkok, 931 Silom Road, Tel: 02 266 7703-5, email: info@jamesons-bangkok.com www.jamesons-bangkok.com / www.minus5bangkok.com

•This modern, but comfort-

able-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.

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

Hanrahans

•This Irish pub and restau-

rant 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

Voilà!

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OUR key ingredients make up a good buffet dining experience – quality, variety, value and atmosphere.

Get all four right, and, Voilà!, you’re onto a winner.

This is certainly the case at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, whose signature all day dining restaurant Voilà! serves international buffet lunch and dinner to a superb ‘Cuisine on Stage’ concept – which basically means you can order most of your food from live cooking stations, including a Parisianstyle rotisserie and an artisan La Cornue stove. The amazing selection of dishes on offer ranges from fresh seafood and oysters on ice to Parisian bistro selections (soups and casseroles), flame grilled rotisserie meats, Italian pasta, fresh pizzas, Asian favourites, and decadent desserts. A cheese room boasts a wealth of premium quality cold cuts and delightfully pungent cheeses from around the world, and there are even 100 bottles of wine to choose from, including 25 choices by the glass. Spoilt for choice? You bet it.

Buffet lunch is B995; dinner is B1,450; and Sunday Brunch is B3,200 with free-flow champagne, cocktails and house wines; or B2,250 with free flow soft drinks.

Every Fri and Sat night a Seafood Buffet is just B1,999.

Sofitel Silom Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15 (between Nana and Asok BTS stations). Tel: 02 126 9999 ext. 3303. www.sofitel.com

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Mexican cuisine

Italian cuisine Fuzio

Coyote Bangkok²

•Hidden away behind the

T

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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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)

il Tartufo

•This gem of an Italian

restaurant 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

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"For A Healthy Life Style"

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Feature

Decoded|Rules of the Road

Decoded

Rules of the Road How many are you breaking?

By Maxmilian Wechsler

Thailand’s law-makers have covered far more than most drivers, motorcyclists and even cyclists can begin to imagine. Here they are in full

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OVER the years the Kingdom of Thailand has amassed thousands of legal directives for residents and visitors to follow. The most fundamental are those outlined in the Constitution, and these are joined by an endless procession of specific measures categorized as Acts, Administrative Charters, Announcements by Council for National Reform, Announcements by the Revolutionary Council, Codes, Emergency decrees, Ministerial Regulations, Royal decrees, Rules and Regulations, Treaties and so on. There are also a vast number of amendments to laws which may have been on the books for 100 years or more. For example, the Act on Navigation in Thai Waters, B.E. 2456 (1913), has undergone 15 amendments, the last being made in 1997.

Several hundred laws have been translated to English and they appear on www.ThaiLaws.com. However, one of the most

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important laws for foreigners in the country, the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979), hasn’t been translated in full from the original Thai, and some parts, and especially amendments, haven’t been translated at all. This means that foreigners who want specific information are left with little recourse but to employ a lawyer – unless they are fluent in written Thai.

I became interested in the Land Traffic Act while doing research for articles concerning automobiles and motorcycles.

Since many foreigners, residents and tourists, own or rent motor vehicles in Thailand, I wanted to compile clear translations of parts of the law that might be most relevant to foreigners, and have added the penalties for violations as well. In many cases the penalties seem low in comparison to other countries, and this may be one reason so many people show a lack of respect for traffic laws.

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5. When driving faster than vehicles in the left lane.

(Fine of 200 to 500 baht).

Some basics IN the first part of the Act it says: • Any vehicle must not scrape the road, emit gas, dust, smoke, etc. exceeding the regulations. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• Cars and motorcycles must have a horn which is audible from a distance of 60 meters.

(Fine not exceeding 200 baht).

• Cars and motorcycles cannot use flashlight, siren, whistle, faltering sound, etc., except emergency vehicles such as military, police vehicles, or when permitted by regulations.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• Cars and motorcycles can use the horn only when avoiding danger or accidents. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

“

• If a truck carries explosives, it must have sign with the name of the explosive substance and also be equipped with fire-extinguishers. (Imprisonment not exceeding one month or fine not exceeding 2,000 baht, or both).

• As for traffic lights, the Act explains that on yellow, the driver shall prepare to stop the vehicle behind the stop line. If the driver has passed the stop line when the traffic light turns yellow, he may go through. At a red light, the driver shall stop vehicle behind the stop line. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• One long whistle made by police means stop, and two short whistles means proceed.

(Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• No driver shall operate a vehicle: 1. While incompetent to drive.

2. While intoxicated by liquor or other alcoholic drinks.

3. In a manner that obstructs traffic.

4. With carelessness or recklessness which may cause danger to persons or property.

5. On a footpath without sufficient cause, except a baby carriage or a wheelchair for sick or disabled persons.

(Fine of 400 to 1,000 baht).

• No driver shall overtake another vehicle from the left side unless: 1. The vehicle to be overtaken is making a right turn or has given a signal that it is going to make a right turn.

2. The roadway is arranged with two or more traffic lines in the same direction.

(Fine of 400 to 1,000 baht)

A driver is responsible for not allowing his passengers, animals, or cargo to fall, leak, give out smell, reflect light, etc, which may cause harm or danger to the public.

Failure to do this results in a fine not exceeding 500 baht.

• Unauthorized persons cannot install or display traffic signs or signals. (Imprisonment not exceeding one month or fine not exceeding 2,000 baht, or both).

• The driver shall be careful not to hit pedestrians and should use the horn if it is necessary. The driver shall be especially careful with children, the elderly and disabled persons.

• If the road is divided into two or more traffic lanes in the same direction, the driver shall keep to the outmost left-hand side lane. If this one is a bus lane, the driver shall keep close to the bus lane except in the following situations: 1. There is an obstruction on the road.

2. The road is declared as one-way.

3. It is necessary to enter the correct lane upon approaching a junction.

4. When overtaking another vehicle.

“

• A driver is responsible for not allowing his passengers, animals, or cargo to fall, leak, give out smell, reflect light, etc, which may cause harm or danger to the public. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• The driver of a truck, passenger vehicle, motorcycle or vehicle of low speed shall keep to the curbside of the roadway as near as possible. (Fine of 400 to 1,000 baht).

• The driver shall not overtake another vehicle when: 1. Driving up a slope, bridge or curve, except where there is a traffic sign permitting to overtake.

2. Within a distance of 30 meters from a pedestrian crossing, junction, circle or railroad crossing.

3. Fog, rain or dust prevents visibility of more than 60 meters.

4. Entering congested area of a safety zone.

(Fine of 400 to 1,000 baht).

• No driver shall enter a bus lane in order to overtake another vehicle except when there is an obstacle ahead or guided by a police officer.

(Fine of 400 to 1,000 baht).

• A driver shall not stop his vehicle:

1. In a traffic lane except when stopping close to the curbside, provided there’s no bus lane.

2. On a footpath.

3. On a bridge or in a tunnel.

4. At a junction.

5. Where there is a ‘No Parking’ traffic sign.

6. The entrance or exit of a building or roadway, or in a safety zone.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

•Unless otherwise granted by this Act or other regulation, no driver shall park his vehicle: 1. On a footpath, bridge or in tunnel.

2. At a junction or within a distance of 10 meters from a junction.

3. At a crossing or within a distance of 3 meters from a crossing.

4. In an area where there is a ‘No Parking’ traffic sign.

5. Within a distance of 3 meters from a hydrant.

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Feature

Decoded|Rules of the Road

6. Within a distance of 10 meters from a traffic sign installation.

7. Within a distance of 15 meters from a railway crossing.

8. In the manner of double parking.

9. At the entrance or exit of a building or roadway or within a distance of 5 meters from the entrance of a roadway.

10. In between a safety zone and the roadway curb, or within a distance of 10 meters from either end of a safety zone.

11. In a congested area.

12. Within a distance of 15 meters before and 3 meters beyond a bus stop, and within a distance of 3 meters from a pillar-box, or in a manner that obstructs traffic.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

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• When parking and leaving a vehicle, the driver must stop the engine and apply the brake. While parking on a slope, the driver must turn the front wheels. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• The police may order the driver of an illegally parked vehicle to move on. If the driver is not on the scene or refuses to comply, the police may remove such vehicle, or lock the tires. If any damage occurs to the vehicle during this process, the police will not be held responsible unless it is intentional or gross negligence. (Imprisonment not exceeding 1 month, or fine not exceeding 2,000 baht, or both).

• If it is dark and a parked vehicle cannot be seen clearly from a distance of 150 meters, the driver must turn on parking lights.

(Fine from 200 to 500 baht).

• At a railway crossing, the driver must stop the vehicle at a distance of at least 5 meters from the railway tracks if:

1. A sign or signal is displayed to indicate an approaching train.

2. The crossing bar is closed or a traffic officer displays a sign of an approaching train.

3. The driver hears the sound of an approaching train.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• At a railway crossing, where there is no signal or crossing bar to warn an approaching train, the driver must stop the vehicle at no less than 5 meters from the railway tracks, to see if it is safe

to pass. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• While a driver who is driving an emergency vehicle to perform a duty, the driver has the right to do the following:

1. Use flashlight, siren signal or other signal which is permitted by the Director General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP).

2. Stop a car or park in no-parking area.

3. Drive exceeding the prescribed speed limit.

4. Drive past any stop traffic signals or signs, but must reduce speed as deemed proper.

5. Disregard the Act or other regulations on use of roadways or making U-turns.

• When a pedestrian, driver, rider, or animal keeper sees or hears an emergency vehicle, they must let the emergency vehicle pass first, by doing as follows:

1. Pedestrian must stop and be on edge of the roadway or on the shoulder of the road.

2. Driver must stop and park at the edge of the road way on his left side. If there is a car in the left lane, the driver must stop and park in the lane next to the bus lane. The driver must not stop or park at a junction.

3. Rider or animal keeper must control the animal to stop at the edge of the roadway but must not stop at the junction. In cases (2) and (3) the rider and animal keeper must act as quickly as possible, but with caution.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• Any person who drives a vehicle and causes damage to other persons or property, be it his fault or not, shall stop the vehicle and give appropriate assistance and immediately report to a competent officer on duty near the scene, and leave his full name, address and the vehicle registration number with the injured person.

• In the event the driver leaves the scene of the accident without reporting to a competent officer, it shall be presumed that he is the offender and the competent officer shall have the power to seize the vehicle until the case receives a final judgment or the driver is found.

If the owner of the vehicle does not present himself to the competent officer within 6 months from the day of the accident, it shall be regarded that the vehicle is connected with a criminal activity and it shall become the property of the state. (The sentence can be severe, whether imprisonment, fine, or both).

Bicycles

• A BICYCLE rider shall ride in the bicycle lane. If riding on roadway, road shoulder or bicycle lane, the rider must have: 1. A bell signal which is audible from a distance of 30 meters.

2. Good brakes which can immediately come to a full stop.

3. At least one front white light which is visibly seen from a distance of 15 meters at a level lower than the eyesight of drivers from opposite direction.

4. At least one red tail light which illuminates backward, or red material which

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reflects light. (Fine not exceeding 200 baht).

• A bicycle rider shall keep as close to the edge of the left side of roadway or bicycle lane as possible. When there is a bus lane on the left of the roadway, the bicycle rider shall ride close to the bus lane. (Fine not exceeding 200 baht).

• No cyclist shall ride:

1. Carelessly or recklessly in a way which may cause danger to persons or property.

2. Without control of handle bar.

3. Parallel with more than two bicycles except on a bicycle lane.

4. Without sitting properly on a normal saddle.

5. With a passenger, except for a three-wheeler or as deemed appropriate by a traffic officer.

6. Load or carry anything which may obstruct handling of bicycle or cause danger to persons or property.

7. Tow or be towed by another moving vehicle.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

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counting the number of passengers, it shall be regarded that two children not older than ten years of age are equal to one adult passenger. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• Driver or ticket collector of passenger vehicle shall not: 1. Smoke or talk while driving or collecting tickets.

2. Use impolite words, speak sarcastically, insult, abuse or act in an offensive manner to passengers or other persons. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• Driver of passenger vehicle must turn off engine and let all passengers out of vehicle while fueling inflammable fuel with temperature of 21C or lower. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

Taxis

• THE driver of a taxi shall not refuse to accept employment to convey passengers except when such conveyance is likely to cause danger to himself or passengers. In the event of the driver

Passenger vehicles • NO owner or driver of a passenger vehicle shall carry a corpse or person with leprosy or other infectious diseases except:

1. In the case that passenger vehicle is used solely for passengers with infectious disease, in which case it must be reported in accordance with relevant laws.

2. In the case the passenger vehicle is not for other passenger and it will be able to carry corpse with relatives or concerned people with the corpse.

(Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• Owner, driver or ticket collector of passenger vehicle shall not solicit for passengers noisily or in manner that is a nuisance to passengers, or round up, pull, hold back or force passengers or their belongings to board any passenger vehicle.

(Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• Driver of passenger vehicle must stop and drop passenger at bus stop sign or other place agreed upon. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• Driver or ticket collector of passenger vehicle shall not carry a greater number of passengers than prescribed by regulations. In

of a taxi does not wish to be employed to convey passengers, a sign shall be displayed in a manner in accordance with the law.

(Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• Owner or driver shall not solicit for passengers noisily or in manner that is a nuisance to passengers, or round up, pull, hold back or force passengers or their belongings to board any passenger vehicle. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• The driver of a taxi shall not charge a fare in excess of the amount registered on the taxi meter. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• The taxi driver shall not:

1. Smoke, play a radio or act in any manner that is a nuisance to passengers.

2. Extend a hand, arm or any part of the body out of the vehicle except in displaying turning signals.

3. Control the steering wheel with only one hand, except when necessary.

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Feature

Decoded|Rules of the Road

4. Use sound signals when entering the area of a hospital, office or educational institute; use horn sound signals to press other vehicles.

5. Overtake or dash in front of other vehicles haphazardly and dangerously.

6. Drive into another person’s house area.

7. Pick up a passenger in an area prescribed by the traffic officer with a traffic sign prohibiting picking up of passengers.

8. Use impolite words, speak sarcastically at, insult, abuse or act in such manner to the passengers or other persons.

(Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• The driver of a taxi shall convey passengers via the shortest route or a reasonable detour and shall deliver them at the place agreed upon. Driver of a taxi shall not abandon his passengers along the way in any circumstance. (Imprisonment not exceeding one month, or fine not exceeding 2,000, or both).

• The driver of a taxi shall dress in a uniform with an embroidered mark, according to regulations. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

Pedestrians

Miscellaneous • NO person shall buy or sell goods, distribute materials or solicit contributions in a roadway or in the center space of a divided roadway without sufficient cause or in a way that obstructs traffic. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• The number of passengers sitting in the front seat of a vehicle shall not exceed two. The driver must wear a seat belt and all passengers in the front seat should wear seat belts. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• No person shall place, pour or throw pieces of broken glass, nails, wire, grease, empty cans or other materials or commit any action in a way that may cause danger or damage to vehicles or persons or obstruct the traffic. (Fine not exceeding 1,000 baht).

• A vehicle to be used in a procession or for advertising or entertainment along roadways shall obtain permission from the traffic police. (Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• There shall be no vehicle race on the roadway except with written permission from the traffic police. There shall be no supporting of vehicle racing on the roadway except with written permission from the traffic police. (Imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or fine from 2,000 to 10,000 baht, or both).

Loss of license

• A PEDESTRIAN shall walk on the footpath or road shoulder. If there is neither footpath nor road shoulder, he shall walk along the edge of the way on his right. (Fine not exceeding 200 baht).

• Pedestrian shall not cross a roadway except in the pedestrian crossing, unless there is no crossing for a distance of more than 100 meters from where pedestrian wishes to cross. (Fine not exceeding 200 baht).

• IN the event a driver commits an offence under this Act, the commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, Provincial Police, Traffic Police Highways Police or person authorized by said officers shall have the power to seize and hold the driving license of the driver for a period not exceeding sixty days at a time. A driver whose license is seized may within 15 days of the seizure appeal to the RTP Director General, who shall consider the petition and give a decision within one month from the receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Director General shall be final.

Motorcycles • THE rider of a motorcycle shall sit on the saddle provided for the motorcycle rider. The passenger shall ride in the rear seat provided for the passenger, or in the side-car.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

• All motorcycle riders and passengers shall wear motorcycle helmets. This provision is not enforced for monks, novices, ascetics, persons of other religions which require wearing of a turban, or any persons under Ministerial Regulation.

(Fine not exceeding 500 baht).

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Some words for the wise AFTER driving in Bangkok and in the provinces for over three decades and being stopped by police countless times, I feel compelled to pass on some valuable advice: If you are stopped by the police, keep cool and don’t argue, even if you feel certain you haven’t broken any traffic laws. And try to smile.

With the right attitude, chances are good they will let you off with a warning, unless you are stopped for a serious offence like going through a red light.

Also, don’t try to offer money to the police to let you off - even if you think this is an accepted procedure, because you could be charged with a criminal offense as outlined in Section 144 of the Penal Code of Thailand, punishable by imprisonment up to five years, a fine up to 10,000 baht, or both. By the way, police soliciting a bribe are subject to the same punishments, under Section 143. In such a case, insist on a ticket. As the fines are pretty low, the only inconvenience is a trip to the police station to pay the fine and collect your driver’s license.

A FINAL word: get a Thai driver’s license right away if you plan on driving and always buy first class insurance. These two essentials are well worth the time and expense and will be invaluable if you are involved in a traffic accident.

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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 J A N U A R Y 1 3

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

Snoop Dogg is coming to town to headline this year’s Together Festival at BITEC. Page 77.

Indie rock

UK indie rock favourites The Vaccines to play one night gig in Bangkok Page 77

Paramore

Catch the American pop-punk trio live at Centrepoint Studio Page 77

Pattaya Open Top tennis talent is coming to Pattaya for the WTA tournament Page 78

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WHAT’S ON THE ARTS

Exhibitions JAN 24 – APR 7 100 TONSON GALLERY

HOLY PRODUCTION

100 Tonson Gallery is kick starting the year of the snake with a solo exhibition by the talented young Thai artist Prateep Suthathongthai, who explores Thai people’s faith and beliefs through a series of pictures about Thai amulets.

100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road.

Open Thurs-Sun 11am-7pm 02 684 1527 : 100tonsongallery.com

☎

UNTIL FEB 5 EAT ME RESTAURANT

SPIRAL

JAN 22 – FEB 24 ARDEL GALLERY

ALPHABET

UNTIL JAN 27 DOB HUALAMPHONG GALLERY, RAMA IV ROAD

RIM NAN PRINT EXHIBITION

MEMBERS of the Faculty of Painting Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University, join guest artists to present a series of prints created by different techniques, such as mono-print, wood-lithograph and etching. All of the works were created at Rim Nan Gallery for Historical Studies to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Silpakorn University’s Graphic Arts Department.

DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama IV Road. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon) 02 237 5592-4 : ardelgallery.com

☎

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STEVEN Simon’s latest series of sculptures capture the textured surfaces of flowers and vegetables which evoke spiral forms reminiscent of DNA structures and galaxies. Adding a touch of visual panache, the castings are complemented by photographs of reef sculptures made of hand-painted pasta.

Convent Road (next to Carmelite Monastery), Silom.

Open daily 3pm-1am 02 238 0931 : eatmerestaurant.com

☎

ITHIPOL Thangchalok, the 2008 National Artist in Visual Art (Painting), presents a series of abstract paintings composed of basic visual elements which combine to create interesting stories – just like letters of the alphabet.

99/45 Moo, Boromrachonanee Road.

Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon) 02 422 2092 : ardelgallery.com

☎

FEB 12 – MAR 17 DOB HUALAMPHONG GALLERY

MIMETIC SCENE

IMAGINATION, satire and surrealism combine to vibrant effect in the latest solo exhibition by Kiatanan Iamchan, gold medal award winner at the 55th National Exhibition of Art. His works, colourful and comical, explore modern day life in Thailand, depicting the contrasts and beliefs which make up Thai society.

DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama IV Road. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon) 02 237 5592-4 : ardelgallery.com

☎

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5 hot choices 1

2

5

JAN 12 MOONSTAR STUDIO

THE VACCINES

THE UK’s indie darlings are coming to Bangkok for a one off performance at Moonstar Studio. Expect to hear all the most popular tunes from the band’s two studio albums, What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? and Come of Age. Gates open 6pm. Support from The Rubens (Australia) and The Yers (Thailand).

Tickets: B1,400 : Thaiticketmajor.com

JAN 10 – 14 AND 17 – 21 PRIDI BANOMYONG INSTITUTE, THONGLOR

SURVIVAL GAMES

COMMISSIONED by the Wellcome Collection, a UK-based global charity, B-Floor theatre’s latest production sees the worlds of science and contemporary art collide in a story which explores humankind’s fight against ever-mutating diseases, and the survival instincts of both.

Free of charge. Performances start at 8pm. Reserve seats at email: bfloortheatre@gmail.com : bfloortheatre.com

(B2,000 on the door)

FEB 12 CENTREPOINT STUDIO

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PARAMORE LIVE IN BANGKOK

SINCE bursting on the scene in 2005 with its debut album, All We Know Is Falling, American pop-punk trio Paramore has gained a glowing reputation for its high energy live performances fuelled by tons of on stage charisma and catchy hits such as “Decode” “I Caught Myself,” and “Monster.” Catch them as they perform for one night only at Centrepoint Studio. Gates open 7pm.

Tickets: B1,800 and B2,500 : Thaiticketmajor.com

JAN 19 BITEC

TOGETHER FESTIVAL FEAT. SNOOP DOGG LAUNCHED last April by A.G. Productions and house music promoter Retox Sessions, the Together Festival offers one huge dance party experience. Over 10,000 revelers turned up last year to enjoy performances by top acts such as LMFAO, Lil’ Jon, and Afrojack, and this year’s festival looks set to be even bigger, featuring a headlining slot by Snoop Dogg (A.K.A. Snoop Lion), plus performances by French electro-pop duo Justice, and top international DJs Max Vangeli, AN21, and DJ Quintino.

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Tickets range B1,900 – B2,700 : Thaiticketmajor. com

JAN 18 – 20 AND 25 – 26 TWO LOCATIONS

6 PINOCCHIOS

ALL Soul Chamber Theatre and MT Actor Studio present a production inspired by Carlo Lorenzini’s Adventures of Pinocchio and Luigi Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author. Six superior puppets, asleep for centuries, awake from their slumber and must come to terms with their new reality – attempting to tell their tales without resorting to lying.

Jan 18 – 20 at All Soul Chamber Theatre, Sukhumvit Soi 54. Jan 25 – 26 at Thailand Guitar Society Recital Hall, Sukhumvit Soi 60.

For more info about tickets email: contact@mistrettatheatre.com

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WHAT’S ON OUTDOOR FUN

Sport JAN 27 – FEB 3 DUSIT THANI PATTAYA

PATTAYA OPEN 2013

PATTAYA’S popular WTA professional women’s tennis tournament is returning for its 22nd year with yet another exciting line up of top tennis talent. Among the stars showcasing their skills and battling for top honours at the beachside courts of Dusit Thani Pattaya this year will be Ana Ivanovic (Serbia), Maria Kirilenko (Russia), Sabine Lisicki (Germany), and Vera Zvonareva (Russia). The tournament takes place over eight days, with qualifying from Jan 27-28, main draw on Jan 28, and singles and doubles finals on Feb 3.

Tickets range B500 to B1,200 : Thaiticketmajor.com

FEB 2 KHAO YAI

JAN 13 HORSESHOE POINT PATTAYA

THE COLUMBIA TRAILMASTERS 2013

THE fourth edition of Active Management Asia’s popular Thailand Trail Running Championship kicks off with a choice of three categories – a 21.5km Off Road Half Marathon, 10km Trail Run, and 4km Fun Run/Walk for families and kids.

The race routes follow scenic trails which weave through the hills and farmlands surrounding Pattaya.

Alongside the running, the event will feature a barbecue pre-race dinner with horse shows on Jan 12, an expo village with products and services, kids’ activities, and a post-race lunch on Jan 13.

For more info and to register: : ama-events.com

THE NORTH FACE 100

DUBBED the ‘Ultra Marathon’, the second edition of The North Face 100 Thailand will take place in Amphoe Pakchong adjacent to Khao Yai National Park, 150 km north east of Bangkok. The adventurous and hilly trail leads runners through fruit plantations and past Thai temples, combining nature and sport in an adventure run. The race includes a number of distances: 100km Solo, 100km Duo, 50km Solo, 25km Run, 10km Run, with age and sex categories.

For more info and to register: : goadventureasia.com

FEB 15 – 17 BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL

BANGKOK RUGBY 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 16 at 11.30am.

Bangkok Patana School, 2/38 Soi Lasalle, Sukhumvit 105.

For more info : bangkokrugby10s.net

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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES SAT JAN 12

Arsenal v Manchester City Aston Villa v Southampton Everton v Swansea City Fulham v Wigan Athletic Manchester United v Liverpool Norwich City v Newcastle United Queens Park Rangers v Tottenham Hotspur Reading v West Bromwich Albion Stoke City v Chelsea Sunderland v West Ham United

SAT JAN 19

Chelsea v Arsenal Liverpool v Norwich City Manchester City v Fulham Newcastle United v Reading Southampton v Everton Swansea City v Stoke City Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa West Ham United v Queens Park Rangers Wigan Athletic v Sunderland

TUES JAN 29

Arsenal v Liverpool Aston Villa v Newcastle United Manchester United v Southampton Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur Queens Park Rangers v Manchester City Reading v Chelsea Stoke City v Wigan Athletic Sunderland v Swansea City

WED JAN 30

Everton v West Bromwich Albion Fulham v West Ham United

SAT FEB 2

Arsenal v Stoke City Everton v Aston Villa Fulham v Manchester United Manchester City v Liverpool Newcastle United v Chelsea Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City Reading v Sunderland West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United v Swansea City Wigan Athletic v Southampton

SAT FEB 9

Aston Villa v West Ham United Chelsea v Wigan Athletic Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion Manchester United v Everton Norwich City v Fulham Southampton v Manchester City Stoke City v Reading Sunderland v Arsenal Swansea City v Queens Park Rangers Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

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WHAT’S ON sport

Thai football focus

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

No shame in defeat for transformed Thailand

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TEARS flowed at the Suphachalasai Stadium on December 22 as Winfried Schäfer’s Thai National Team came within a whisker of winning the AFF Cup (a European Championships-style competition for South-East Asia contested biennially) for the first time in ten years. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Singapore, Thailand, thanks to that away goal, were looking for a 2-0 win in Bangkok to be sure of reclaiming the trophy. In the event, Thailand dominated the match from first minute to last, probably the most onesided match of the whole tournament, but could only come away with a 1-0 win, handing Singapore a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Quite rightly, there was an absence of criticism despite the obvious disappointment: Thailand had played some excellent football throughout the tournament and were unrecognisable from the gutless, under-prepared outfit that didn’t even make it past the first round group stage in 2010 (two draws and one defeat from their three matches). This time round they won their group and were the only side to win all three of their group games. The much-improved Philippines were beaten 2-1 in the opening game; a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggests. Myanmar were brushed aside 4-0 in the next match largely thanks to a Teerasil Dangda hat-trick, and in the third match, Vietnam – ranked as the number

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one side in Southeast Asia by FIFA – were defeated 3-1 by what was practically a Thai reserve eleven as Schäfer rested all of his key players.

Malaysia awaited the Thais in the two-legged semi-final with Thailand on home turf in the second leg. In the intense, fevered atmosphere of the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, in front of nearly 90,000 fanatical Malaysians, Thailand did wonderfully well to hold their nerve and come away with an excellent 1-1 draw. The second leg in Bangkok drew a capacity crowd to the Suphachalasai Stadium, unfortunately that only means about 20,000 fans. The much bigger Rajamangala Stadium couldn’t be used because of the ‘Race of Champions.’ Poor organisation all round. Thailand comfortably won the match 2-0 as the Malaysian Tigers of the first leg lost their bite and became cowering pussycats in a one-sided first half. The second was equally one-sided, though Thailand were helped by the dismissal of Malaysia’s Fadhli Shas on the stroke of halftime. And so onto the final with Singapore.

By now, Thailand were rightly considered favourites to win the two-legged tie: they had scored eleven goals to Singapore’s eight; conceded three to Singapore’s four and had scored in every game whereas Singapore had fired blanks in two matches. There was also that sense in the air that this was somehow ‘Thailand’s year.’ The team was playing as a cohesive, confident unit and had quality from front to back. Kawin in goal is certainly the best Asian goalkeeper in the region and maybe in all of East Asia.

Datsakorn Thonglao was controlling the midfield and Teerasil Dangda was on fire up front as the competition’s leading scorer. But in a disappointing first leg, the Elephants were given a lesson by a wellorganised, determined and highly motivated Singapore side. Thailand would have been reasonably satisfied with the score at 2-1 to Singapore as the first leg headed into injury time – that would have left the Thais

just requiring a 1-0 win in Bangkok to lift the trophy – but Baihakki Khaizan’s late late third goal swung the tie definitively in Singapore’s favour.

A packed Suphachalasai again awaited Thailand in the second leg. A 2-0 win would be enough for the home side; an away goal for Singapore would leave Thailand needing to score three just to take the match to extra time. As the game progressed, it became obvious that the Thais certainly didn’t have to worry about an away goal for the visitors. But for a few minutes at the start of the second half, Thailand ran Singapore ragged. Hope became expectation when Kirati Keawsombat gave the hosts the lead in first half injury time. A “good time to score” as they say, but, huff and puff as they might in the second half, Thailand couldn’t produce the all important second goal.

After the awful 2010 tournament, it was a case of back to the drawing board for Team Thai. This time, the War Elephants are clearly heading in the right direction under the guidance of Winnie Schäfer. He has already signaled his intention to stay at the helm for the long term. That’s crucial for stability and for the development of the squad. The next challenge is qualification for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.

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TV Turnoff

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THE TV coverage of the tournament was variable in quality. Unlike the largely invisible 2012 European Championships, fans could at least watch every game either on Channel 7 or on satellite with ESPN Star Soccer. Channel 7’s coverage was typical of the station with each broadcast commencing as the teams were taking to the field and very brief halftime and full time analysis.

As may be expected, ESPN’s coverage was slicker, more thorough and more professional, but it was let down by some woefully biased commentating in favour of Singapore and Malaysia. The main culprit was Paul Masefield (a Singapore-based former professional footballer who plied his trade in the lower levels of the English Football League and with several clubs in Singapore) and his nadir was the semi-final second leg between Thailand and Malaysia in Bangkok.

His ire was drawn by the admittedly poor performance of Korean referee Lee Min-Hu. But Masefield apparently thought he would match the referee’s incompetence with a performance of his own which plunged the depths of ineptitude. And it wasn’t just the referee in his crosshairs.

After a couple of yellows for Malaysia – both deserved – Phichitpong was booked for Thailand: “about time too,” suggested Masefield. Upon seeing

Winfried Schäfer pacing around in the VIP area – he was serving a touchline ban – Masefield snapped: “I don’t know where he thinks he’s going; he’s not allowed to move from there.”

But it was the very soft dismissal of Malaysia’s Fadhli Shas which had Masefield in apoplectic fits: “That is embarrassing! That’s a disgrace! That’s a shambles!”, he thundered before adding a not entirely coherent prediction: “You know, the second half now, there’s gonna be absolute fireworks. It’s gonna go off. That much we do know.” For the record, there weren’t “fireworks” in the second half; it didn’t “go off.”

Halftime allowed him to collect his thoughts before claiming: “I can tell you that the Thais are at the centre of ALL that’s controversial about the AFF Cup.” He then provided two examples from the past seventeen years of competition (when Thailand and Indonesia both tried to avoid winning a match in 1998 and a walk off

by Thailand in 2007) and also included the sending off in question; a controversy which surely the referee was at the centre of, not Thailand.

Further references were made to the “shambolic” sending off by Masefield and co-commentator PJ Roberts throughout the second half – seventeen references, in fact. There was also persistent use of

the term “turning point” in relation to the effect the dismissal had on the game. It was hardly a turning point as Thailand completely dominated the game and were in a match-winning position before the red card. No doubt it’s an advantage for Thailand to have an extra man, but the game in no way “turned.”

Masefield’s opinion of the referee was laid bare during the second half when the ref took too long, in the commentator’s opinion, to allow Malaysia to make a substitution. “He [the referee] needs nothing short of a lobotomy to sort himself out,” he announced. Remember, Masefield was the lead commentator; the John Motson or Martin Tyler role. It’s difficult to imagine those two suggesting a referee should have part of his brain surgically removed.

Masefield also showed himself to be ignorant of the culture of Thai nicknames: “Datsakorn’s nickname: Ko! That’s it! K-O. Ko! Ha ha ha!”; ignorant of where the match was taking place: “We are at the Suphachalasai Stadium which is at the top end of the [pause] main strip that is down in the centre of Thailand.” He also contended that the pitch was cutting up because it was wet and that the surface was “glistening.”

It hadn’t rained in Bangkok for four days leading up to the match.

Red card for you, Mr Masefield.

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WHAT’S ON SCREEN AND STEREO

Movies & music JAN 10 CRIME

GANGSTER SQUAD

IT’S 1949 and Los Angeles is controlled by Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn). With the cops and politicians in his pocket, he runs his dirty dealings in drugs, guns and prostitution without fear of ever being caught. But, unbeknownst to him, a small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders, led by Sgt. John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), have come together – and they plan to tear his world apart.

JAN 17 ACTION

JAN 24 THRILLER

THE LAST STAND

ARNOLD Schwarzenegger is back in action as Sheriff Owen, a former LAPD cop who, after being involved in a bungled operation, has resigned himself to a life of fighting what little crime takes place in the sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But when the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the hemisphere escapes prison and hurtles towards the border at 200 mph in a specially outfitted car with a hostage and a fierce army of gang members – Owen becomes the law’s last and only hope of stopping the lunatic from escaping the country for good.

NOW YOU SEE ME

A SUPER-team of the world’s greatest illusionists use their performances to pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders, showering the stolen profits on their JAN 24 audiences while staying HORROR one step ahead of the HANSEL AND GRETEL: law. Stars Jesse WITCH HUNTERS Eisenberg, Jake AFTER getting a taste for blood as Gyllenhaal, Woody children, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) Harrelson, Amanda and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have Seyfried, Michael Caine, become the ultimate vigilantes, hell Morgan Freeman, and bent on retribution. Now, unbeknownst Mark Ruffalo. to them, Hansel and Gretel have become the hunted, and must face an evil far greater than witches – their past.

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

MEMORY LANE

NEW MUSIC LOST SIRENS NEW ORDER

FEATURING the band’s signature mix of electronica and guitars, this new mini album includes eight songs which were recorded during the sessions for ‘Waiting For The Sirens Call’ and are all previously unreleased.

Includes the single ‘Hellbent.’

(Release date: Jan 14)

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(SEE BELOW) ADAM ANT

THE pop icon is making his eagerly-awaited comeback with his first album in 17 years (with a title so long we couldn’t fit it in above: “Adam Ant is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter”). Here’s hoping he can still stand and deliver.

(Release date: Jan 21)

CONDUIT FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND

WELCOME to Armeggedon, released in 2011, saw the Welsh rockers return to their hardcore roots with screamo tunes perfect for playing loud. The band’s sixth studio album, like a love letter to their fans, looks set to offer up more of the same.

(Release date: Jan 28)

TOPPING THE UK CHARTS JAN 1993

1. 2 Unlimited – No Limit 2. Snap featuring Niki Harris – Exterminate 3. West End featuring Sybil – The Love I Lost 4. Faith No More – I’m Easy / Be Aggressive 5. Arrested Development – Mr Wendal / Revolution 6. Sister Sledge – We Are Family (remix) 7. East 17– Deep 8. Duran Duran – Ordinary World 9. Usura – Open Your Mind 10. Beloved – Sweet Harmony

12/28/12 3:59:54 PM

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Entertainment|Humour

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Send your jokes to thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

Just for fun

Entertainment|Humour

Jokes IRISH VALUATION

PADDY took two stuffed dogs to the Antiques Roadshow for a valuation.

“Ooh!” said the presenter. “This is a very rare set, indeed, produced by the celebrated Johns Brothers taxidermists who operated in London at the turn of last century.

Do you have any idea what they would fetch if they were in good condition?”

“Sticks?” Paddy replied.

FIVE FROM A PRO: DARA O’BRIAIN

1. Starburst is a top-quality name for a lap-dancer. She didn’t make a penny when she was called Opal Fruits.

2. I’m Irish, my wife’s English and we live in London, but I want my children to be respectful of the two traditions that they came from. Even when we were naming our children, I wanted their names to be respectful.

My son is called Patrick Cromwell O’Briain.

3. Dettol No-Touch Anti-Bacterial Soap Dispenser.

It’s a soap dispenser that you wave your hand underneath and it squirts out the soap, thus saving you from touching the plunger. You certainly don’t want to be catching any bacteria in the microsecond before washing your f**king hands.

4. I was on the Jonathan Ross Show with a rapper whose name I keep forgetting. They’ve all got stupid names like Exhibit, Stanchion, Hedgerow or Fieldmouse. Anyway, his name was Labrinth. The make-up lady looks at me and goes, “What a terrible name to give a child.”

5. I’m very fond of Twitter. It allows 40,000 people to contact me and tell me I look like Gru from Despicable Me.

BECKHAM’S LAST CHALLENGE AS David Beckham quit LA Galaxy, he said: “I’ve had a special time playing for the club. But I want to experience one last challenge before the end of my career.”

Posh is going to teach him how to tie his shoelaces.

HTS THOUG E H OF T MONTH

1. As a child, my family lived in an anorak. It was tough growing up in the hood.

2. I’ve just made a film about a lorry driver who decorates his truck. The trailer looks fantastic.

3. I’ve started making boats in my loft. Sails are through the roof!

4. It’s a 10-minute walk from my house to the pub. Weirdly, it’s a two-hour walk from the pub to my house.

5. My favourite place to eat is at a breakfast buffet in a hotel. At home, I will have cereal or toast. At a breakfast buffet, I’m having cereal and toast as my starter. – Josh Widdicombe

JOKE OF THE MONTH

AN AUSSIE MYSTERY

APPARENTLY, a man in Australia was so drunk, he was kicked out of the pub. He decided to go to a local zoo, where he climbed into the enclosure of a five-metre saltwater crocodile and then tried to ride it. It almost defies belief. I mean, how drunk did he have to get before he was kicked out of a pub in Australia?

SECRET IDENTITY?

I JUST found a whip, mask and handcuffs in my mum’s bedroom. I can’t believe it…

She’s a superhero!

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Social p Last month’s best events in pictures

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

daniSH feStive HOSPitalitY More than 200 friends and guests of the danish-thai Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a fantastic Xmas lunch featuring the food, wine and acquavit from denmark in the beautiful grounds of the danish embassy in Bangkok.

Prominent at this popular annual event was denmark’s ambassador to thailand Mr Mikael Hemniti Winther, who entertained guests with his brilliant guitar playing.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

rOtarianS unite rotary Club of Bangkok South recently welcomed delegations from other rotary Clubs in Bangkok. Khun voranai vanijaka from Bangkok Post was the guest speaker and Sister louise from the Good Shepherd Sisters was in attendance to sell products from her charity projects.

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GOSSIP’S TALK OF THE TOWN Gossip Eat & Drinks on Thonglor 15 celebrated its grand opening with a fun party featuring an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, creative cocktails, and an eclectic mix of soulful and jazz house tunes spun by live DJs.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

Centara CeleBrateS 30 YearS Centara Hotels & resorts celebrated its 30th anniversary on 12-12-12 with a huge party back where it all began – the Centara Grand Central Plaza ladprao. a veritable who’s who of Bangkok high society arrived at the hotel’s vibhavadee Ballroom to enjoy an evening of free-flow drinks, gourmet bites, and a live performance by Koh Mr. Saxman.

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12/28/12 5:14:25 PM

Blue ManSiOn eleGanCe Johnnie Walker Blue label celebrated the arrival of the luxury “John Walker & Sons voyager� yacht in Bangkok with its biggest and most exclusive party yet. Held around the pier on rama iii, where the yacht was docked, the 1930s-inspired party featured a Blue Mansion theme, five-star food, exclusive cocktails, and a number of live performances, including a mini concert by Jennifer Kim and Koh Mr. Saxman.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

MOverS & SHaKerS Gala SPeCtaCular the Movers & Shakers charity networking group capped the year with a spectacular party at Mantra restaurant & Bar, amari Orchid Pattaya. Over 500 guests turned up to enjoy free flow drinks, a sumptuous selection of international dishes, live entertainment, and a fireworks display.

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A RED REVOLUTION Johnnie Walker Red Label added its own flavour of fun to the Big Mountain Music Festival by throwing a ‘Red Revolution Party’ at Bonanza, Khao Yai, where two special battle concerts were conducted over two nights.

STAR LIGHT AWARDS San Miguel Light and Siam Bunterng Newspaper hosted the 17th edition of the ‘Star Light Awards’ beauty contest at Ibiza Restaurant, RCA, where 50 hopefuls took to the stage in the hope of being declared the prettiest.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

funfair tHanKS at Grande Centre POint

Grande Centre Point Hotel and residence Sukhumvit terminal 21 hosted a “fun fine night thank You Party” to express thanks to travel industry professionals, including travel agents, tour operators, airline staff, and media, for their continued support. Over 200 guests arrived to enjoy the event, which had an amusement-park theme and was packed with exciting activities.

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PiCniC in tHe BallrOOM aetaS lumpini Hotel got into the spirit of Bangkok’s international dance festival by hosting an evening of contemporary dance performances by dance companies from around the globe. Held in the hotel’s turquoise room, the black-tie event helped raise money for the friends-of-the-arts foundation’s scholarship fund.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

CeleBritY date niGHt at nOvOtel SiaM

a big group of thai celebs made their way to novotel Bangkok on Siam Square on 12-12-12 to celebrate the auspicious date with a 12-course meal at lok Wah Hin Chinese restaurant. among the celebs were K. Suree ratanahiranya, farung Yuthithum, anandadvip Jayankura na ayudhaya, and Salinee Panyarachun.

Wine Cellar’S feStive taStinG Wine Cellar at S31 Hotel celebrated the end of 2012 with a festive wine tasting event attended by many wine suppliers and wine lovers who enjoyed sampling top international wines alongside a selection of tasty snacks.

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12/28/12 5:15:09 PM

SPeCtaCular SWiMSuit faSHiOn SHOW as part of the Miss tourism 2012 beauty pageant, the Pathumwan Princess Hotel hosted a poolside fashion show featuring swimsuits designed by SiSi BKK. the highlight of the evening was the Grand finale Catwalk presentation, showcasing a swimsuit created by Chatchompoo Komolsingsakul, Managing director of SiSi BKK, which was embellished with jewels and gold and worth more than 300,000 baht. the swimsuit was presented by Sasima Surasapmanee, Miss tourism thailand 2012.

HaWaiian fun at PatHuMWan PrinCeSS Management and staff of MBK plc, led by director and CeO Suvait theeravachirakul, held an ‘aloha Party’ at the poolside of Pathumwan Princess Hotel to thank the media and press for their support throughout the year.

Free-flow drinks, non-stop games, and live entertainment ensured all guests had a great time.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

Bavarian fun at Paulaner Garden The Hotel Public Relations Association –Thailand, led by its president Ms. Earth Saiswang, invited the media to the Paulaner Garden in Chaeng Wattana for the group’s ‘Annual Thank You Party,’ which was held under an Oktoberfest theme and featured lots of international eats and beers plus live music from Anton and The Funny Guys.

TAT’s day at the zoo The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) invited 20 expat families for a day out at Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo, where they enjoyed learning more about the animals and how the zoo takes care of them.

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W BanGKOK in vOGue

the recently opened W Bangkok held its first ‘W Happening’ in collaboration with W Hotels Worldwide, Glacéau vitaminwater and rock Paper Photo with an exhibition showcasing never-beforeseen images of pop-icon Madonna. the pictures, captured by celebrated photographers richard Corman and George duBose, were showcased alongside street art by alec Monopoly, and enhanced by music performed by Gene Kasadit.

nOvOtel PlatinuM’S BiG freeze novotel Bangkok Platinum celebrated its first anniversary by arranging a charity event called “freeze for the Kids,” which saw over 100 participants freeze for two minutes (hold a pose without moving, that is) as well as sell merchandise in support of accor’s Yim Kids foundation.

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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS

St andreWS CeleBratiOn entertained by bagpipes, traditional dancers and singers from Scotland, members of the St andrews Society held their annual ball with hundreds of friends from all parts of the globe in the ballroom of the dusit thani Hotel Bangkok.

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SOCIAL AROUND LAST MONTH’S TOWN BEST EVENTS

Shiseido Group Beauty Party

SHISEIDO showcased its wide variety of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products with a ‘Shiseido Group Beauty Party’ at the Hall of Fame, M Floor Siam Paragon. The event, held under a countdown theme, was attended by a large group of celebrities, including M.L.Vararom Jumbala, Sineenart Engtrakul, Prachyamon Buranasiri, Asita Vimolchaichit, Dr.Kritika Kongsompong, Wathida Jumsai Na Ayudhya, Chindapa Boonyagorn and Avasada Pokmontri. The highlight of the party was a six-look, six-style makeup demonstration by Mr.Tetsuya Okukawa, a celebrated makeup artist who caught a direct flight from Japan especially for the occasion.

Hoteliers raise cash for charity

Magnolias teams up with Bulthaup

Mr. Thanawan Chaiwatana (left), Managing Director of Magnolia Finest Corporation Ltd., developer of Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard, a luxury residence in the heart of Bangkok, welcomed Mr. Chanintr Sirisant (middle), CEO of Chanintr Living, the leading retailer of luxury home furnishings, and Mr. Mark O. Eckert (right), CEO of Bulthaup, the world-renowned German kitchen brand, during their visits at Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard’s sales gallery. Bulthaup kitchen systems will now be fitted into every unit at the property.

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MENAM Hotel Co., Ltd and its subsidiary property Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok contributed donations for the construction of the “Bhumisiri Mangkhalanusorn” building at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok organized a Charity Duet Jazz Concert this

year to lend support to raise funds for the same purpose. The concert was performed by local artistes’ Vijada Komarakul Na Nakorn and Nareekrajang Kanthamas at the hotel’s Menam Grand Ballroom. The afternoon was well-attended by fans of both the artistes as well as patrons who wished to do their part and support this noble cause.

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Diplomats p Meet the people uniting nations

H.E. Markiian Chuchuk

Ukraine’s Ambassador talks about his country’s relationship with Thailand Page 106

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Diplomats

H.E. Markiian Chuchuk|Ukraine

Building relations through trade and military cooperation Maxmilian Wechsler talks to H.E. Markiian Chuchuk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Thailand

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CONSIDERABLE credit for the positive and flourishing bilateral relations between Thailand and Ukraine can be attributed to His Excellency Mr Markiian Chuchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom.

The warmth of these relations was underlined in October when Thailand’s Defense Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukampol Suwannathat visited Ukraine, where he met President Viktor Yanukovych.

They were also evident last September when many Thai officials and foreign guests attended the Bangkok party, overseen by the ambassador and his charming wife Tetiana, to mark the 21st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

Mr Chuchuk himself is invariably described by his peers as informed, dedicated and well prepared, a man who puts his country’s interests above anything else. In a crowd, he’s easy to spot, being usually the tallest man in the room.

On the many occasions I have met the ambassador, he’s come across as modest but also strong-willed.

Not long after I sent Mr Chuchuk a list of questions for this

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interview, he arranged a meeting at the relatively small but well decorated Ukraine embassy in Bangkok. With magnificent views from the 33rd floor of All Seasons Place on Wireless Road as a backdrop, the ambassador readily and even eagerly answered my questions, and volunteered many interesting anecdotes to boot.

“I was born in 1961 in one of the most picturesque areas of western Ukraine, not far from the Carpathian Mountains, in Ivano-Frankivsk. The area is a lot like Chiang Mai, but with a slightly colder climate. My first specialty was biology and I started out as a professor at the university. Then I studied law in Kiev University. In 1990 I was elected as a member of the Ukrainian Parliament, which actually proclaimed the independence of Ukraine [from the Soviet Union] in 1991,” he said.

“I arrived in Bangkok for the first time in 2008 after being appointed as ambassador, with my term starting from August.

This is my first ambassadorial assignment. Normally we have a four-year posting, but it can vary.

“Before becoming ambassador to Thailand, I held the position of deputy director-general of the Political Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. As a government official, I also served in Russia and Georgia. I spent almost five years working for the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG).”

Asked about his duties and responsibilities as ambassador, Mr Chuchuk replied: “This question is posed to me quite often and at first glance it would seem to have a simple answer, but experience has proven it more complicated. In general, I am commissioned to represent my country’s external relations with Thailand.

“If we take as an example a big enterprise which deals with foreign trade or production, there is a huge array of issues occurring in day-to-day practice to be solved or settled. It is the same in the area of diplomacy. The role of ambassador is designed to facilitate the development of our bilateral dialogue, to make it move ahead as smoothly as possible. In practice, this is very hard work. Almost every day I have meetings with officials, businessmen and scholars.”

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Diplomatic relations

“The Kingdom of Thailand recognized the Independence of Ukraine on December 26, 1991 and diplomatic relations were established on May 6, 1992. So, this year marks the 20th anniversary.

“The Embassy of Ukraine was opened on October 22, 2002. The staff of the embassy is not large, consisting of a few diplomats and administrative staff, but we are also responsible for Lao PDR and Myanmar.

“As yet there is no Thai Embassy in Ukraine. The Thai side in Kiev is represented at the level of Honorary Consulate and the Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow covers Ukraine,” the ambassador said.

“To describe current relations between Ukraine and Thailand in the spheres of politics, trade, culture, tourism and sport, one could talk a lot, and at length, but I will try to formulate some basic points. In a nutshell, strengthening of friendly relations with the Kingdom of Thailand is an important priority of Ukraine’s foreign policy in Southeast Asia.

We recognize the role of Thailand as a regional leader and geopolitical bridge between Europe and ASEAN. “Therefore for some time now Thailand has been one of the major partners of Ukraine in the ASEAN region. I am pleased to note that there are no issues between Ukraine and Thailand which could be seen as obstacles in our relations.

“At the same time, we proceed from the fact that with its economic potential, scientific experience and geographic location, Ukraine could become an important partner for

Odessa

Thailand and a gateway to the markets of the European Union and Commonwealth of Independent States countries.

“Cooperation between the Ukraine and Thai governments is good in all areas. However, in my opinion, there’s room for improvement. At this time the trade turnover is approaching a half billion US dollars, including military purchases. Taking into account the long distance between our countries, this volume of trade is not bad at all. However, in my opinion, there is potential for much more.”

Key Ukrainian exports to Thailand are ferrous metals and metal products, aluminum, fertilizers and pesticides, wood and wooden products. Ukraine mainly imports electrical equipment, mechanical instruments, vehicles, sea products and rubber products from Thailand.

“Ukraine is one of the world’s major exporters of steel, and this is one of the main commodities we are exporting to Thailand.

Ukraine is also a very big exporter of wheat, and during the past few years we have began to export wheat to Thailand, not only for human consumption but also as feed for animals. From Thailand we import mainly machines and seafood products.

Sevastopol

ABOUT UKRAINE

Kiev

Ukraine covers an area of 603,700 square kilometres in the southeastern part of Central Europe. It has borders with 10 countries – Byelorussia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Turkey. Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe after Russia.

The population of Ukraine is about 48 million with about 2.8 million living in the capital of Kiev.

Due to its favorable climate, Ukraine is an important agricultural area, growing wheat, maize, buckwheat and other corn, vegetables and variety of fruits. The country is one of the world’s main centers of sugar production for its own consumption and for export.

The country is also rich in natural resources, including iron ore, coal, oil, gas, mineral salts and clay. It has developed a varied industry, centered mostly in and around big cities such as Kiev, Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa and Kharkov. Ukraine produces planes, ships, lorries, buses, motor vehicles, locomotives, agricultural machines, computer, electronic equipment, precision instruments chemicals and textiles and a variety of consumer goods.

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Diplomats

H.E. Markiian Chuchuk|Ukraine

“Despite the geographical distance, there are some particularly striking examples of cooperation in culture and sport. Thai sportsmen regularly take part in competitions in Ukraine, especially when it comes to Thai boxing. Moreover, in mid-October Bangkok hosted the Dance Festival, which inaugurated the Ukrainian Dance Ensemble founded by our honored academic P. Virsky. I consider the tour of the dance team in Bangkok as one of the important achievements of the embassy in the field of cultural exchange.

“As for tourism, according to our figures around 40,000 Ukrainians come to Thailand annually and there is a stable growth trend. On the other hand, only a few hundred Thai citizens visited Ukraine last year, but the numbers have been higher over the last few months thanks to the exposure from EURO 2012 [the football tournament which Ukraine hosted]. Aerosvit provides direct flights between Kiev and Bangkok, four times a week, with more added during high season,” Mr Chuchuk added.

About 100 Thais live permanently in Ukraine, noted the ambassador, and roughly the same number of Ukrainians living in Thailand.

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replied: “I cannot single out specific things that I do not like. I can say that there are things that I am missing. I miss the winter, snow, socialising with family and friends, but all this is fully compensated by the kindness and hospitality of the Thai people.

“As for my achievements, I would like to highlight two points. During my tenure we have managed to increase trade turnover between our countries by almost half. As for the second, the number of tourists from Ukraine has also doubled, despite the economic crisis in Europe. As for disappointments, there are none at all. In my four years here, I have never been faced with any extremely negative situations.”

This may be partly due to Mr Chuchuk’s adoption of aspects of the host culture. “I like to meditate on Buddhist practices. It helps me a lot to concentrate as well. Also, I use every suitable occasion to get acquainted with the country and its rich cultural and historical diversity.

“For relaxation, I am also fond of reading, about world history particularly and about great civilisations.”

Militar y cooperation “Military cooperation between Ukraine and the Kingdom is very good. Since I took up my assignment as ambassador, we have signed four agreements on military and technical cooperation.

“We have sealed agreements on the purchase of Ukrainian Armed Personnel Carriers (APCs) and battle tanks. This is a modification of a tank produced in the former Soviet Union, but for now the Russian and Ukrainian battle tanks are completely different machines. They have the same base, but after the modification they are totally different in terms of engine, gearbox and so on. Of course all tanks have similarities, whether they are Ukrainian, Russian, American or whatever,” said Mr Chuchuk.

Official visits “In recent years there have been a number of important visits between officials of our two countries. Particularly in 2004, when then president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma paid a state visit to the Kingdom of Thailand. We are hopefully awaiting a return call from the present Thai prime minister in the coming year.

“In March 2012, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, visited Ukraine. This was followed by a visit in October by Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat during which we signed an agreement on military and technical cooperation.”

Personal As with other foreign ambassadors in Thailand, Mr Chuchuk said his most memorable experience here was an opportunity to meet His Majesty the King. “Once I happened to be at a ceremony which His Majesty attended, and I could not help but be deeply impressed by his enormous moral weight and wisdom, and the deep respect he instils in the Thai society. It left an unforgettable impression.”

As for his likes and dislikes about Thailand, the ambassador

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H. E. MARKIIAN CHUCHUK IN FOCUS Born: March 11, 1961, in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk.

Education: Graduated from the Chernivtsy State University in 1983 with a degree in biology.

Marital status: Married to Tetiana Chuchuk. They have a son who recently graduated from the International School Bangkok.

Professional Career: 1983 -1990: Department of the Ivano-Frankivsk Medical Institute.

1990 -1994: People’s Deputy of Ukraine (Member of Parliament), Chief of Sub-Commission of the Permanent Commission of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine on human rights.

May 1994 -August 1998: First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Russian Federation.

August 1998 - June 2000: Counselor, Head of Division of Analysis of World Processes Development of the Department of Political Analysis and Planning of the MFA of Ukraine.

June 2000 - December 2005: Deputy Head of the UN Mission in Georgia.

February 2006 - October 2007: Deputy Director – Head of the Division of the International Relations Analysis of Political Department of the MFA of Ukraine.

October 2007 - June 2008: Deputy Director of Political Department of the MFA of Ukraine.

June 2008 – present: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Travel

p Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations

Hilton Hotels ‘Any Weekend, Anywhere’ deal offers discounts at all of its properties throughout Thailand. See page 120.

Mate’s Rates

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

Page 118

Hua Hin

Read more about the town’s best resorts and restaurants Page 112

Pattaya

A round up of hot news and deals from the Eastern Seaboard Page 120 TheBigChilli 109

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TRAVEL BANGKOK

Conrad Bangkok appoints new GM THE owners of Conrad Bangkok have appointed German national Harald Feurstein as the hotel’s new general manager. With a career that spans across three continents having worked in Europe, Africa and Asia, Feurstein brings with him extensive experience in the global hospitality industry. Prior to joining the Conrad he was with Hilton Pattaya, a 302-room upscale hotel, as the pre-opening general manager in 2010.

Bangkok

and Beyond

Laguna Shores apartment project launches in Phuket

LAGUNA Property, a developer of high quality resort residences in Phuket, has launched a new apartment project called Laguna Shores.

Located in the heart of Laguna Phuket Resort, the project offers stylish serviced one- and two-bedroom holiday apartments, starting at 3,675,000 baht, complete with a range of the resort’s lifestyle benefits.

The finished development will comprise 229 chic apartments, ranging from 40 to 88 sq.m, in a stepped U-shaped building up to six storeys high. Facilities will include a six-storey atrium lobby housing a café/restaurant, bar and gym, as well as lush gardens and swimming pool overlooking one of Laguna Phuket’s iconic tropical lagoons.

Construction of Laguna Shores is scheduled to begin in mid 2013, with completion expected in mid 2015. www.lagunaproperty.com

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asita eco resort opens in Amphawa

LOCATED just a ten minutes’ drive from Amphawa floating market, the new asita eco resort has opened offering eco-friendly yet luxury accommodation in traditional Thai houses and villas in a lush, peaceful jungle setting on the banks of a canal. Facilities include LCD TV with cable, refrigerator with mini bar, rain shower, high speed wifi, swimming pool, and more.

Sit down by the banks of the canal in the evening, and you’ll even get a free light-show – courtesy of the fireflies.

Until March, the resort is offering accommodation in a Superior or Deluxe room at B1,999 per night (includes breakfast for two).

Tel: 089 866 2168, 089 866 3168 www.asitaresort.com

Centara launches new hotel brand

Half-price rooms at Le Méridien Koh Samui

LE Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa is offering 50 percent off its usual rates to any bookings made between now and Feb 28 (valid for stays until June 30). Under the deal, rates start at B4,000++ per night and include breakfast for two.

Tel: 07 796 0888 email: rsvn.kohsamui@lemeridien.com

CENTARA Hotels & Resorts has launched a new hotel brand, COSI Hotels, designed for cost-conscious travelers who mostly do all their own bookings online. The first COSI Hotel is slated to open in 2015 and Centara plans to have at least 30 operational by 2020. Construction costs for each COSI hotel are expected to be around 1.5 million baht, and average room rates are projected to be between 1,000-1,250 baht per night.

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Resort & Spa, Pattaya

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TRAVEL

HUA HIN

Theme nights at Chay Had Sunset Grill EVERY Monday from 7pm-10pm Chay Had Sunset Grill at Hilton Hua Hin now hosts a Thai curry night featuring five of the kingdom’s most popular dishes that will appeal to the most discerning of palates. B650 per adult (B300 for kids aged 6-11). Every Wednesday a five-course wine dinner is served for B1,550 per person.

For more info: www3.hilton.com

Valentine’s experience at Anantara Hua Hin

ON Feb 14, Anantara Hua Hin will offer two different romantic dining experiences for couples. Head to Baan Thalia Restaurant and a four-course Italian candlelit dinner will be served for B1,999++ per person (includes a glass of sparkling wine).

Alternatively, head to Dine by Design where you can dine at a table for two on the beach, in the privacy of Sala Siam’s wine cellar, or in a secluded corner of the hotel’s tropical gardens, and tuck into a four-course menu of sensational seafood or exquisite Italian cuisine. B5,700++ per couple.

For more info: www.huahin.anantara.com

Crepes & Co’s grand opening

CREPES & Co. celebrated the Grand Opening of its branch in Hua Hin last month with a party attended by local business and hospitality leaders, Hua Hin socialites, as well as long time customers of its Bangkok restaurants.

Guests had a chance to sample some of the restaurant’s signature dishes and drinks in a fun atmosphere to the rhythm of world music. Owner Serge made a small informal speech to thank all guests for their presence, and he dedicated the opening to Philippe, his now deceased brother, who created the Crepes & Co. concept, and who would have been 47 years old on the day of the opening.

For more info: www.crepesnco.com

Dusit Thani introduces Monday Night Carvery THE Dusit Thani Hua Hin has introduced a Monday Night Carvery featuring a European buffet-style dinner with a choice of meaty dishes such as imported lamb, roasted spare ribs, sirloin joints, and fine hams, all served with a selection of condiments. Other selections include fresh salads, terrines, imported oysters, smoked Norwegian salmon, and much more.

For more info Tel: 032 520 009 email: dthh@dusit.com

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Weekday deal at Smor Spa Village

UNTIL April 30 Smor Spa Resort is now offering special weekday accommodation deals on all of its room types (except for weekends and Apr 12-16). Rates range from B1,900 per night for a Garden Wing room to B6,500 per night for a Two Bedroom Sea View.

All rates include breakfast.

For more info: www.planetin360.com/vt/th/bkk/smorspavillage

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TRAVEL

HUA HIN

Hua Hin Where to sleep Baan Bayan

The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin

■ This fine resort features one of Hua Hin’s finest examples of early 1900’s architectural style. The beachfront resort has been faithfully restored to its former glory by the family who once lived there. Guests staying at Baan Bayan can experience the glory of a bygone era in its colonial style structure, yet without sacrificing the modern day comforts and amenities. It has 21 rooms comprising of three suites, 10 sea view rooms and 16 rooms with views of the courtyard or tropical garden.

■ 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.

119 Petchkasem Road. Tel: 032 533 544

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

Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas

Putahracsa Hua Hin

■ 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.

■ This stylish resort skillfully marries Mediterraneaninfluenced villa accommodation with the best contemporary Thai interior design flair to create a unique experience. Putahracsa is a secluded sanctuary with 36 SilkSand rooms bordering a magnificent swimming pool and mini beach. Interiors emphasize the ‘sleek and chic’ approach to modern design. The Oceanbed Villas are truly exceptional, providing some of the highest quality accommodation and service in Hua Hin. The resort features a day spa, and superb dining opportunities at Nahb Talay and Oceanside.

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

22/65 Nahb Kaehat Road. Tel: 032 531 470

Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Spa

■ This imposing resort in the centre of Hua Hin is regarded as one of the best family hotels in the region. Accommodation features comfortable rooms and suites, providing guests with a living space that exhibits contemporary Thai design flair and good in-room amenities. There are also 11 Spa Suites available.

The award-winning White Lotus on the 17th floor of the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers sky-high dining at down to earth prices.

■ 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.

33 Naresdamri Road. Tel: 032 538 999

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

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TRAVEL

HUA HIN

Hua Hin Where to eat Oceanside Beach Club Cocktails ■ Set in the beautiful Putahracsa Hua Hin resort, this relaxing beachfront restaurant offers a great selection of international food, drinks and music. You can tuck into seafood with piquant Thai sauces or devour huge slabs of meat fresh from the grill.

The Jumbo Tiger prawns, Rock lobster, and New Zealand lamb chops score particularly good marks here. Other bonuses include a great sea view, and a long list of delightfully boozy cocktails. Open 5pm onwards.

Hua Hin Where to drink Dune Sky Bar

■ Located on the rooftop of the boutique Dune Hotel, the Dune Sky Bar offers sweeping views of Hua Hin and is a great place to drop by for boozy cocktails and tasty international eats. Recently given a New York-inspired overhaul, the bar is stylishly furnished with eco-friendly furniture, including dining chairs made of recycled plastic bottles. Chilled out beats and subdued lighting make this one of the hippest relaxed hangouts in town.

Dune Hotel Hua Hin, Tel: 032 515 051-3 email: md@dunehuahin.com

22/65 Nahb Kaehat Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470

Beach Mondo Cafe Restaurant Vino

■ After a hard week of work in Bangkok you deserve a treat!

Watch the perfect day on the beach transcend into a unique candlelit dining experience with your loved one. The restaurant offers excellent steaks and seafood plus an unrivaled choice of cocktails and outstanding wines at reasonable prices. The only non-hotel affiliated restaurant on Hua Hin’s main beach offers great value for money.

Soi Hua Hin 75/1 by the sea, Prachaubkirikhan 77110, Open Mon – Sun 10am – 10pm. www.beachcaferestaurant.com

Ciao

Mondo Vino

■ This stylish-yet-casual wine bar should be the top of any oenophile’s list of places to visit in Hua Hin. You’ll find a large range of wines from new and old worlds (with an emphasis on Italian brands), available by the glass or bottle at more than reasonable prices. Accompanying the premium wines is a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh hams, pizza, and pasta. Monthly promotions and wine tastings mean there is always something exciting going on here – simply check the website to keep up to date.

Tel: 032 531 493 www.mondovino.co.th

Sala Wine Bar and Bistro

■ For lovers of Italian cuisine, Ciao at the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa is a blessing. The charming beachfront restaurant possesses a style and ambience that few resorts can claim to have achieved. A concise one-page menu offers a carefully considered selection of dishes. The antipasti selection is highly recommended. The platter of Italian temptations is the ideal accompaniment for the fine wines from Ciao’s excellent cellar.

The restaurant serves delicious appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, thin crust pizzas, main meat and fish dishes, and irresistible desserts.

■ No visit to Hua Hin is complete without a trip up to Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, home of the award winning Monsoon Valley Wines. Here you can journey into the vineyards to learn more about New Latitude Wines, or simply head straight to the winery’s Bistro, which is housed in a beautiful sala and serves a wide range of Thai and international eats and, of course, Siam Winery’s finest wines. An onsite shop sells premium Thai wines, souvenirs and other quality grape-based products.

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, 107/1 Phetkasem Beach Road.

Tel: 032 511 881

www.huahinhillsvineyard.com

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Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Tel: 081 701 8874-5, 081 701 2222, 081 701 0444

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TRAVEL BANGKOK

• Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11:

s ’ e t a M s rate

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

Until March 31, the hotel’s “A-List Offer” features rates starting at B2,800++ per room per night (room only).

Includes free access to Bed Supperclub, Q Bar, and Bash.

Tel: 02 207 7000 www.aloftholtels.com/ bangkoksukhumvit11

• Northgate Ratchayothin Serviced Residence: Until March

31, Studio Rooms are just B1,980 per night inclusive of in-room Wifi. Quote “Studio Comfort” when booking. Tel: 02 939 7949 www.northgatebangkok.com

• Glow Trinity Silom: The hotel is marking the opening of its new Premier Wing with an “Afternoon Delight” package. Book a Premier Room for two nights or more and you’ll get a free afternoon tea set featuring sandwiches, scones, and a pot of tea for two. B2,900 per night with breakfast.

Offer ends June 30. Tel. 02 231 5050 www.glowbyzinc.com/silom • Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square:

• Grand Millennium Sukhumvit: Until Feb 17 the

hotel is offering 25% discount off its best available rates. Buffet breakfasts are also offered at half-price. Bookings are available now. Tel: 02 204 4000 email: rsvn@grandmillenniumskv.com

• Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: Until Jan 15, book

three nights and you’ll get your third night free. What’s more, you’ll even get free entry to the hotel’s chocolate buffet (once per stay). Rates start at B3,900++ per night for a Luxury room. Tel: 02 126 9900 email: h5213-re@sofitel.com

• Eastin Easy Siam Piman Bangkok: Need

Book a residential meeting of 15 room nights or more and you will receive one complimentary night at any one of the 12 Novotel Hotels and Resorts throughout Thailand. Offer ends March 31.

Tel: 02 209 8888 www.novotelbkk.com

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a room for seven nights? The ‘Long Stay’ package deal offers just that. Stay in a Deluxe Room for seven nights at B1,250 per night with breakfast, or a Family Room at B2,393 per night with breakfast. Minimum booking seven nights. Rates without breakfast are available. Offer ends May 31.

Tel: 02 917 5212 www.eastineasysiampiman.com

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TRAVEL

PATTAYA

Hilton starts the year with a deal

HILTON Hotels has launched a special ‘Any Weekend, Anywhere’ deal offering up to 25% off weekend stays at its properties throughout Thailand. Bookings must be made before Feb 14, but you can choose to stay any weekend up until Dec 31. To find out more about the deal and rooms on offer at Hilton Pattaya visit: pattaya.hilton.com

New seafood buffet at Garden Cliff

GARDEN Cliff Resort & Spa, Pattaya, has introduced a new Seafood Barbecue Buffet Dinner on the beach.

The selection includes both imported and local seafood selections, as well as a choice of many international dishes. B790 per person.

Tel: 03 825 9333, www.gardencliffpattaya.com

Cape Dara opens new Chinese restaurant

CAPE Dara Resort Pattaya has officially opened its new Chinese restaurant, Ming Xing, on its third floor. Serving authentic Cantonese Chinese cuisine with a modern touch, the restaurant has an elegantly appointed dining room which provides curved wall niches for private get togethers, and plenty of open tables for big dinners with family and friends.

Signature dishes include Deep fried prawns with mayonnaise salad, Braised superior soup, and Wok fried “Hong Kong” beef steak.

From now until March 31, Cape Dara Resort is offering a ‘Bonus Night’ deal (book three nights and you only pay for two). Nightly rates start at B3,802 for a Deluxe Room and include buffet breakfast.

256 Dara Beach, Soi Sarasin (20) Pattaya-Naklua Road Tel: 038 933888 www.capedarapattaya.com

Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya wins Southeast Asia title STAFF and management of Hard Rock

Hotel Penang, Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya recently got together for the first Ms. Hard Rock Southeast Asia Contest, held at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Malaysia.

Offering more than your usual beauty contest, the event featured a music knowledge quiz, talent performance, Roxy swimwear fashion show, and Q&A. Winning the competition, and being crowned Ms. Hard Rock Southeast Asia,

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was Ms. Hard Rock Pattaya Cattaleeya ‘Catt’ Schulze, a 20 year old Thai-German makeup artist.

The first runner up was Vichuda ‘Noon’ Kitanithinun, 22, also from Hard Rock Pattaya, and the second runner up was Amanda Lee, a 24 year-old pharmacist and Ms. Hard Rock Penang. The Facebook Voters’ Choice was Elaine Chee, representing Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

Ms. Hard Rock Southeast Asia will now act as an ambassador for the Hard Rock chain and join its events and philanthropic activities such as Founders Day, Pinktober, Imagine and other local events.

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Hilton Pattaya turns two with a donation

HILTON Pattaya marked its second anniversary by donating 66,930 baht to Human Help Network Foundation Thailand in support of their efforts in assisting underprivileged children in Thailand.

During the celebration period, the hotel organized several key activities catered to guests, including offering guests a slice of birthday cake during lunch or dinner, and offering discount vouchers for their next visit.

As well as a charity drive, over 60 executives and team members from the hotel performed a flash mob at the hotel lobby and CentralFestival Pattaya Beach to wow and thank the hotel’s guests and partners for making the milestone event a success.

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Blue Sky Group celebrates condo success

THE Blue Sky Group, a coalition of Thai owned companies with real estate operations in and around Thailand, celebrated the success of both its Grande Caribbean Condo Resort Pattaya and the Atlantis Condo Resort Pattaya with a party called ‘Into The Big Blue,’ which was held at the Mirage Grand Ballroom of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

The event was attended by Blue Sky Group customers, local executives, and many VIP guests.

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