The Bangkok BigChilli. May 2013 by The BigChilli Co., Ltd.

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FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT IN BANGKOK

May 2013 08 INSIGHT News, letters, gossip and more 14 CRIME PAYS Compensation laws for expats 22 INSIDE JOB Bangkok Post columnist Voranai Vanijaka in profile 27 EXPAT WOMEN Health, shopping, people, and advice 34 SCHOOL REPORT A round up of news from Bangkok’s best international schools 45 GOURMET A round up of all the best restaurant deals and gourmet events in Bangkok 76 URBAN HEROES City’s firefighters in the spotlight 79 WHAT’S ON Exhibitions, performance, sport, networking – we’ve got this month’s best events all wrapped up 95 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures 111 DIPLOMATS Maxmilian Wechsler talks to H.E. Chudi Okafor about Nigeria’s phenomenal growth 117 TRAVEL Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations

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Foreigners can fill the gaps in Thailand’s labor market IT’S no secret that building sites and factories in Thailand have long been magnets for cheap labor from neighboring countries. More recently, non-Thais have also been filling jobs like maids, nannies, mechanics and gas station attendants. Now the hotel and catering industry has joined this unstoppable trend, employing people from the Philippines, Vietnam, India and Nepal to fill positions Thais no longer want, at least at the salaries offered. It’s a convenient arrangement, with foreigners happy to be paid this country’s official minimum wage, and sometimes less, because it’s more than they could expect back home. And their Thai employers are happy because it translates as lower labor costs. The government may be happy too because it helps to keep down the cost of living. It is entirely probable that some of these foreign workers are not legal, but so far no one seems to be unduly worried. It’s going to happen anyway, once the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) introduces the free flow of labor amongst its members, apparently sometime after 2015. So, until and when that occurs, many businesses requiring unskilled labor will only be able to function effectively by employing these foreign workers. Interestingly, Thailand’s booming economy and the shortage of skilled workers have pushed up salaries to the point where companies might start considering other non-Thai employees. New graduates command a minimum starting salary of 20,000 baht per month, and the rate for more experienced personnel increases rapidly thereafter. Pay of 80,000 baht is not uncommon for junior executives, 100,000 baht for middle executives, and so on. Clearly, remuneration at this level impinges on profitability and, in the case of companies operating in international markets, competiveness. There is an irony in all this. Vast pools of unemployed and highly skilled labor now languish in Europe and North America. Despite the high cost of living there, jobs in certain towns and cities are so few and far between that people are prepared to accept salaries considerably below their real worth. A recent British TV documentary about the high levels of unemployment in the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil revealed the case of a well-educated 30-year-old family man who was pleased to secure a job at a salary equivalent to 25,000 baht a month (at present UK pound to Thai baht exchange rates), even though it involved

a lengthy daily journey to the city of Cardiff. He thought he was fortunate. Solving Europe’s employment problems is not the responsibility of Thailand, of course. But it is equally true that this country’s spiraling labor costs could imperil its progress. ASEAN may be able to fill the employment gap to a certain extent, but Thailand may well have to look farther afield for more qualified and experienced workers to continue its economic development.

Conspiracy theories gain ground

WHEN the now-venerable Rolling Stone magazine apologizes to the conspiracy theorists of the world for not having taken them seriously in the past, you know it’s time for all of us to be a little more skeptical about what we’re told by governments, politicians, bankers and even the media. What turned Rolling Stone was a series of related corruption stories involving the financial sector, suggesting the world’s largest banks may be fixing the prices of almost everything. “The world is a rigged game,” it wrote. The magazine is one of a growing number of relatively small, independent media that are questioning who and what really controls this world. Their voices would have been extinguished in the past, but thanks to the Internet and possibly also a general disillusionment with mainstream media, their refusal to accept what the ‘establishment’ tells us to believe is winning support on a grand scale – and in the process making some people feel extremely uncomfortable. For instance, the US government and its police enforcers can’t be too happy at the way these alternative news sources are picking holes in their handling and portrayal of the recent tragic bombing in Boston. And it’s down to the same sources that doubts about the official explanation of 9/11 continue to be raised, along with NATO’s justification for the Iraq war and the occupation of Afghanistan, not to mention the secret objectives of organizations like the Bilderberg Group and even the Federal Reserve of America. The days when conspiracy theorists were dismissed as cranks are over. Ask the editors at Rolling Stone.

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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 Pannapas 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, Judith Coulson, Martine Olthof, 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.

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letters Insight

Inbox|Have your say

I DON’T BELIEVE SOMMELIERS

■ I READ with interest your article on food and wine pairing. Unless you’re a real authority on wine – and I don’t believe many people ever reach that dizzy height – it’s exceptionally tough to work out what’s an ideal match with the food you’ve ordered, other than by the basic rule of thumb, red for meat, white for fish. Besides, after two glasses, most of us are sufficiently sozzled not to care. Also, I rarely listen to the person in charge of suggesting wines at a restaurant. To get to that level of professionalism and knowledge takes years and a lot of investment. A trained sommelier would hardly be working in a Bangkok restaurant; he or she would be in Paris or Tokyo. Pierre L, Chiang Mai

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GOOD WINE IS LOST ON THAI FOOD ■ FRANKLY, I’m a bit

EXCELLENT WINE ADVICE ■ THANK you for the excellent article on food and wine pairing. Like most conscientious diners, I always try to get the perfect match, succeeding occasionally but failing mostly. So cheers for the advice and your 12 wine suggestions. Harold Wood, Pattaya

SYMPATHY FOR TRAFFIC COPS? ■ YOUR headline

“Who’d want to be a Bangkok traffic cop?’ implies that there are plenty of vacancies in the local constabulary because the job is too tough and not well paid. If that’s the case, why do so many young men apply to become a policeman? As I understand it, there’s always ten times more applicants than the force requires for its annual intake. I think all of us know the answer to that. Harassed motorcyclist, Bangkok

untrusting when it comes to the theories behind wine and food pairing. It’s all a matter of individual taste. Not long ago, I had a couple of bottles of French white table wine which were absolutely perfect with spicy Thai food. Your expert suggested wines like Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris to accompany Thai food. Given the ‘heat’ of Thai cuisine, I think the subtle qualities of those wines would be lost – an expensive loss, probably. Les Bray, Bangkok

STEPHFF A BIG DRAW ■ YOUR cartoonist Stephff is hilarious. His take on Songkran was brilliant. He has such a wonderfully amusing, if slight bizarre view of life. Keep up the good work, Stephff. A Big Admirer (Obviously)

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News|Local interest

Farmers Market back in action

Dutch community celebrates their new King

■ BANGKOK’S Dutch community came out in force to celebrate the swearing in of Willem-Alexander as King of the Netherlands at a spectacular garden party at the Dutch Embassy in Wireless Road. The new monarch became his country’s first King since 1890 when his 75-year-old mother Beatrix signed the abdication deed after 33 years on the throne. Bangkok partygoers watched a live TV screening of the ceremony held in Holland.

■ THE second edition of the Bangkok Farmers Market will be staged at K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, on Saturday, May 25, from 8am to 3pm. Showcasing locally grown, locally made and locally crafted organic produce from all over Thailand, last month’s inaugural Farmers Market attracted a big crowd of shoppers and browsers. In addition to fresh, baked and prepared foodstuffs, the market features homeware products, plants and flowers, eco-friendly and health items. Visitors will also get to watch cooking demonstrations, presentations about organic gardening and healthy eating, and live music. Tel: 08 8507 8694 www.bkkfm.com

Boxers wanted – experience not necessary!

■ EVER dreamed of getting into a boxing ring and slugging it out with someone as keen to dispatch you as quickly as you’d like to deck him? Well, here’s your chance. Operation Smile Thailand, a leading charity that provides reconstructive facial surgery to underprivileged children and young adults, is staging its popular annual ‘Fight Night’ and is looking for volunteer boxers. Event organiser Therese Beauvais emphasizes that experiences is not necessary as would-be boxers will get full training. Opponents are matched in terms of age, size and physical ability. Fight Night captures the atmosphere of a genuine boxing tournament, with officially-sanctioned ring, referee, time-keepers and attractive ring girls. Spotlights, music and a sell-out crowd of diners and enthusiastic boxing fans complete the picture. Contact therese@zinchospitality. com or Craig Somerville on craig@ jvkmovers.com

Top chefs the perfect ingredient for charity dinner ■ THAILAND’S leading chefs are getting together once again to cook for charity in the presence of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Now in its fi fth year, the ‘2013 Chefs Charity Fundraising Gala Dinner’ organized by Gourmet One will take place in the Royal Ballroom, Mandarin Oriental on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. A total of 26 Executive Chefs from top hotels and Thai Airways International will raise funds for the Border Patrol Police schools under the Patronage of Princess Sirindhorn as well as underprivileged children in Northern Thailand. This year Siam Winery will exclusively provide a large selection of wines and champagne imported from France, New Zealand, Austria and Chile, together with Monsoon Valley wines from the winery’s Hua Hin Hills Vineyard. These will be paired with each of the nine courses.

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News|Local interest

Want to interact with your favourite magazine? Check out our new website!

■ THE BigChilli website recently underwent a digital makeover and we’re so happy with the results that we thought we’d brag about it here. Still a work in progress, the website will just keep getting better every day – filled with more juicy pictures of Bangkok’s best parties, and more videos of events, travel, musicians, and personalities on our brand new BigChilli TV. Exciting events and promotions will be posted on the site’s What’s On pages, and we even plan to feature additional content on top of our usual features – extended Q&As, audio clips and the like. If you want to read the latest issue of The BigChilli you’ll

find our emag waiting for you on the website’s homepage. Click on the top banner and you’ll even be directed to Issuu.com, our online newsagent, where you can also read back copies for free. Best of all – we’re shifting the focus of the website to be less about us and more about you, our readers. We want to give you a platform where you can share your thoughts, comment on stories, and easily get in touch with us and other expats. The new BigChilli Forum is perfect for this, allowing you to sign in as a member and share your views and post classifieds – for free! We look forward to interacting with you. The BigChilli

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News|Compensation

Victim of a crime? You may be eligible for compensation Expats and tourists are covered under a little known Thai law, as Maxmilian Wechsler discovers

■ IT may come as a major surprise to many foreigners that Thailand has a law that provides financial compensation to victims who suffer injuries resulting from criminal offences. Compensation is also available in the case of fatalities. Applying the 2001 Compensation and Expenses for Injured Persons and the Accused Act is the responsibility of Police Colonel Naras Savestanan PhD, directorgeneral of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD) of the Ministry of Justice. Expatriates and tourists are the group most likely to be in the dark on this issue, according to Pol Col Naras. “Although the Act has been in force for 12 years, most crime victims apparently know nothing about it. My department’s research taken from crime reports found that only about 18 percent of people who have grounds for applying for compensation do so,” he explained. In reality, only about 10 percent actually receive compensation – most are refused because the injured parties wait too long to apply – and over 95 percent of these people are Thai. “The law doesn’t discriminate against foreigners, whether they’re tourists or expats working here or retired. Everyone is included. “However, the complication for many foreigners, aside from not knowing about the act, is that they are not in the country long enough for us to complete the process. Therefore, one of my priorities is to make the existence of the law known to the foreign community here.” Serious crimes, including murder, rape and robbery, committed against foreigners tarnish Thailand’s reputation

and damage the country in terms of investment and, particularly, tourism. Pol Col Naras is working with the commander of the Surat Thani provincial police in the highly publicized killing of 23-year-old British tourist Stephen Ashton at a New Year’s party in a bar in Koh Phangnga. Ashton was killed by a stray bullet during a fight involving a group of Thai men at a countdown party shortly after 4am on January I this year. “He was in the bar while other people quarreled and one of them accidentally shot and killed him. He [Ashton] had nothing to do with them. “We went to the scene in Surat Thani province to pay the compensation, but the problem is that the people who were with the deceased are just friends. They aren’t eligible to receive the compensation. It can only be given to the parents or next of kin, explained Pol Col Naras. “It may not be a lot of money, but providing compensation is a symbolic gesture to demonstrate that the Royal Thai government has a compensation law, and wishes to say we are sorry and show responsibility!” Pol Col Naras, who holds a PhD in criminology from Florida State University in the US, took up his present position last October. “This job is a big change for me. I have been in government service for 30 years − about 20 years as a policeman and almost nine years with the Department of Special Investigation. This is a very different assignment and I am finding it interesting and meaningful, and very rewarding. I am dealing with people who have experienced real loss and there are real tears. “When I go out to pay compensation,

for example to a mother whose son has been killed, it is very sad, but I am glad to take part in compensating her and helping her to heal,” he said. Compensation is paid regardless of whether or not the legal system is able to identify, apprehend, prosecute and convict those responsible for the crime. The only condition is that the person awarded compensation must not have been involved in the crime. “For example, if you are sitting and drinking together with someone and get into a fight and you stab this person, and then he shoots you, you can’t claim compensation because you played a part in the crime,” said Pol Col Naras. “The act also provides compensation for people who are wrongly accused of a crime. “When someone dies as a result of a crime we pay up to 100,000 baht. For injured persons it depends on the cost of medical care – it normally doesn’t exceed 30,000 baht. We also may pay for funerals and loss of income,” he continued. Pol Col Naras has set up a special group to monitor the cases of foreigners who have been victims of crime in Thailand and are eligible to claim compensation. Cases that receive a lot of attention from the public are more likely to be pursued further. The process of deciding on compensation can be extremely timeconsuming, making it difficult for the victim or their family to remain in the country. “In the past we couldn’t do very much for tourists who are here for only a short while. The payment has to be approved by a committee that convenes once a month. The normal length of the process is 108 days, which is too long. I told my staff to speed up the process, cut through the >>

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S Insight

News|Compensation

red tape. I would like to cut the process to 45 days, but this is still not quick enough when it comes to cases involving tourists.” Shortly after Pol Col Naras took charge he began thinking of ways his department could perform its duty more pro-actively. Recently he set up an advance fund using his personal resources to compensate the victims quickly. “If the case is urgent we can now pay out of the advance fund,” he says. This occurred for the first time when a 12-yearold ethnic Karen girl in Kamphaeng Phet province was allegedly kidnapped at the age of seven and held as a slave by a Thai couple to do domestic work. She had been physically abused repeatedly and was in very bad condition, with burn injuries caused by scalding water over 70 percent of her body. “Although she was born in Thailand, she didn’t have any identification documents and this would likely prolong the compensation process even further. So I decided to give her 30,000 baht out of the advance fund,” Pol Col Naras said. He also mentioned the case of a 16-yearold male student in Samut Prakan who found himself in the middle of a brawl between students from two rival schools. Six of his fingers were chopped off and his left arm was left paralyzed. “Because he was helping his parents to sell goods, we calculated the loss of income into the compensation.” His department is becoming more involved in the compensation process, such as visiting the crime scene and going to the victim or their family and helping them fill out the application. “The normal process had been to wait until the victims or their families came to us to file the application. I don’t think this is fair for the people. As I say to my staff, this is not a visa application.

“The people we deal with are victims of crimes. I think we should approach them and let them know their right to compensation and help them get it.” He gave the example of Suwat Panjawong, a 31-yearold reporter for the Thai Post newspaper whose throat was slashed in a robbery committed by two men on a motorcycle. “We sent people to inform him about the compensation and helped him to fill out the application. I will present it during the next meeting of the committee.

“We have two objectives. One is to be able to compensate the victims of crime swiftly. The second is to make people aware of the compensation law. If someone doesn’t make the application for one year after the crime they lose the right to compensation. “In my department there are only 134 government officials responsible for the whole country. The number of requests for compensation has increased from 400 to 500 monthly to around 800. During the last meeting, the committee approved more than 800 cases. This was a very

long meeting indeed,” said Pol Col Naras. “I have shortened the approval process. Previously it was necessary to establish that an applicant or their relative had definitely been a victim of a crime. This meant waiting for the police report, which could take six months or even a year. I think this is inappropriate and absolutely unnecessary because we know from day one if someone is a victim of a crime. What is more difficult is proving the applicant had no part in the crime themselves. Again, this used to mean waiting for the police report. “Now we have designed a form in which the police officer called to the scene of the crime can check a box saying ‘to the best of my knowledge, the victim didn’t play any part in the criminal act.’ So instead of waiting months for a complete police report, we can pay the compensation much quicker.” Pol Col Naras said these changes to expedite the process came about because of close cooperation from Royal Thai Police Chief General Adul Saengsingkaew and Police General Ek Angsananont. “The general signed a memo to police in every Thai province directing them to help the RLPD get the message about compensation to crime victims.” Asked to comment on the situation in Pattaya, where crime against foreigners is rampant, Pol Col Naras said: “We have one office in Chonburi city. Our team went to Chonburi recently and we invited almost 200 police officers from every police station in Region 2, which includes Pattaya, to come. We explained to them the urgency and necessity of making compensation to all crime victims, including foreigners, and urged them to facilitate victims in applying for compensation. “For our department to be able to ‘play an angel’ is a good thing for the image of Thailand and its police force. “As for foreign victims who can’t wait until the committee decision, my department can pay them some advance compensation, although it might not be a lot. Right now, we are concentrating on major cases, such as when a person is killed or admitted to hospital. “In the majority of cases involving foreign tourists, the compensation is mostly a symbolic gesture. What they also need is attention and justice, with competent police to assist them.

RLPD office is located at: Government Complex, Rajaburi Direkriddhi Bldg., 3/F, Chaeng Wattana Road, Laksi, Bangkok. Thai nationals can contact the call centre on 1111 ext. 77 while foreigners can call 02 141 2751

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ThailandSuperQuality|TAT

Discover the best of Thailand – online! Find out all you need to know about the kingdom’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and restaurants at www.ThailandSuperQuality.com ■ THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a brand new website showcasing the very best of what the kingdom has to offer. Called www.ThailandSuperQuality.com, the website is a one-stop shop for discerning travelers who like their vacations to have a touch of class. Think luxurious hotels and resorts, glamorous destinations, gourmet dining experiences, golf and spa retreats, and much more – all carefully selected by the TAT to provide exceptional vacations in ultimate comfort. Here Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of TAT, explains more about the website and the services and packages it offers. What is Thailand Super Quality? Thailand Super Quality is a project by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote Thailand as a place of luxurious experiences and excellent services. Our website, www.ThailandSuperQuality. com, features information about luxurious travel destinations, accommodation, restaurants, and products. What are the objectives of the project? The TAT created the “Thailand Super Quality” website to help increase revenue from tourism so that it can reach the government’s target of two trillion baht. Focus will be put on providing convenience for tourists, and we will promote luxury and premium tourism through exclusive online packages. What are the strengths of the Thailand Super Quality project? The website provides travel information particularly for people who are looking for the best things and excellent

concierge service 24 hours a day to answer enquiries both in Thai and in English, and provide information and assistance as requested.

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of TAT

services. The website features information about tourism operators of “super quality” in Thailand. The three major concepts are Super Sport and Leisure; Super Hospitality; and Super Privilege. What other ser vices are available? The TAT provides an online

How will Thailand Super Quality services help boost Thailand’s tourism revenue? Today, most people search for information online. ThailandSuperQuality. com facilitates searches for information about luxurious travel and helps attract more tourists. In addition, tourists in the luxury-premium tourism group have high purchasing power. Hence, revenue from tourism is expected to reach the government’s target of two trillion baht. Where can people find more information about Thailand Super Quality? Please follow AmazingThailand on Facebook and TourismThailand on I nstagram to get the latest information from TAT. www.ThailandSuperQuality.com

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Business|Public Relations

Lights, camera, action – fail? Want your business to look good in the media? Invest in the correct training and the right words will always be on the tip of your tongue. PR Consultant Kittima Sethi explains ■ IN today’s media savvy world, every

company wants to be featured in the press to tell their story. However, when they are faced with the media, they often find that they are either misquoted or that they were unable to deliver the message they wanted the public to hear. Remember that spoken words have power. Whatever you say during an interview will be used by several media outlets (print, online and broadcast) and bloggers. News travels quickly in this age of digital media and there is no room for making errors. This is why it is imperative to carefully choose words when speaking with media to avoid any awkward miscommunication. Make sure your statements and responses are well-crafted otherwise you risk facing the consequences and inadvertently damaging the company’s credibility and reputation. Many companies are eager to get exposure in the press but fail during interviews as they do not know what to say, and how and when to say it. This is where media training is helpful to avoid this type of situation. The key is to be prepared so that you can effectively present your message to the media to maximize this opportunity for media exposure. Media interviews go beyond just simply promoting your products or services. They educate the public about your background and your inspiration for creating your product, and also add credibility to your organization. Media training is used to train a company’s spokesperson on how to interact with the media to effectively communicate a key message, thus gaining positive coverage for the company. Media training is not limited to just large companies. It is also suited to small business owners. Media training is a great tool in helping you understand what the media is looking for and how to

handle all types of media interviews. During media training, a team of specialized trainers with backgrounds in media, PR and crisis management conduct either a half or full-day interactive workshop. It is usually provided to the senior management of the company and the spokesperson designated by the company. The spokesperson of the company must have a strong understanding of the company’s background, be the best representative of the

ethos of the company, and be qualified to comment. This spokesperson could either be the company’s CEO, senior executive or a public relations director. It is important that the spokesperson receives media training to develop skills needed to convey a consistent message. Additionally, you want to make sure that the person will be comfortable and articulate in front of the media. Media training covers a variety of communication topics. It includes both theory and hands-on practice of speaking to the media. It involves videotaped, simulated media interview sessions and role playing. Participants are provided with interview tips and strategies they can use so that they can feel comfortable, confident and in-control when speaking with a reporter. A media trainer will provide

you insights into the media so that you understand how media works. Taking part in a media interview doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. The key is in preparation. Be prepared with facts and figures. Rehearse your messages and answers so you avoid stumbling when answering. Keep the interview simple. Avoid using too much jargon or industry-specific words or you will confuse people and risk being misunderstood or not understood at all. Take the example of the BP oil spill in 2010, where a pipeline was ruptured beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, making it the largest oil spill in US history. Bad communication coupled with a lack of transparency, honesty, and insensitivity to the victims drew heavy criticism from the media and general public. CEO Tony Hayward clearly did not handle the situation well. He blamed the spill on the company that operated the drilling and said it wasn’t BP’s accident. He also misjudged the size of the spill, saying: “I think the environmental impact of this disaster is likely to be very, very modest.” During an interview, he said he wanted his “life back” and was photographed holidaying with his son on a yacht amidst the crisis. Needless to say, this portrayed both the organization and the CEO in a negative light. Media training would have enabled Tony to handle even the most challenging questions gracefully. Kittima Sethi is a PR consultant at Brand Now Co., Ltd. A former journalist, she also conducts media training and may be reached at kittima@brandnow.asia

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News|Profile

Inside Job In his twice weekly columns in the Bangkok Post, Voranai Vanijaka often goes where other political commentators don’t dare to venture, analyzing some of the nation’s most touchy subjects. Who is this brave – some would say reckless – journalist, and how does he regard the main movers behind Thailand’s political scene? The BigChilli finds out in this exclusive interview By Colin Hastings

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THAI politics are a difficult place to be, as impenetrable and hazardous as a bamboo jungle, as dark and murky as a Bangkok klong, and stubbornly divided by two sets of politicians whose ideological differences might ultimately prove to be nothing more than a preference for a certain shirt colour. That’s why we need people like Bangkok Post columnist Voranai Vanijaka – an independent voice to cut through the secrecy, the spin, the b-s, and the general opaqueness of the country’s political scene. Then explain it all to the rest of us. Since losing their traditional role as our primary source of news to the TV and more recently to the Internet, newspapers have sought ways to win back readers. Some have morphed into lifestyle magazines, while others have gone for sex and sensationalism. The more rationale ones have opted for greater analysis of the news, a behind-the-scenes look at what those in charge of the country’s fortunes are really up to. Voranai’s columns on a Sunday and his online contributions on Thursday fit nicely into this latter category. Cleverly written in a style he admits is deliberately cryptic at times in order for the column to be publishable, he focuses mainly on the current political situation but also touches on subjects once considered taboo. They’ve certainly hit a nerve with readers, judging by the number of responses he receives, as well as the debates he invariably ignites amongst expatriates with a depth of interest in domestic politics that would surprise some Thais. What many of us may think, Voranai actually expresses in words. He’s pushed the boundaries a couple of times, but so far any complaints about his opinions have been dealt with by his bosses at the Post. That’s a reasonable trade-off, one suspects, for the Post has rarely had such a popular columnist since Bernard Trink wrote about Bangkok’s red light districts in the early ’70s. And the newspaper will do its best to protect their latest star. He flies his colours brightly. Patently not a fan of Thaksin Shinwatra, he nevertheless gives credits to the former PM’s sister and current incumbent Yingluk; he’s dismissive of the political leaders Thailand has had in recent years and even ‘speculates’ that some kind of deal could be in the offing between the country’s warring parties. Other ground

covered ranges from the 2010 Bangkok stand-off and the patronage system to the importance of image, as well as sex, drugs and wildlife. He’s also been sufficiently moved – some would say reckless – to tackle the extraordinarily tricky subject of lese majeste, as we will see later. Voranai has many of the credentials needed for a newspaper political commentator. A graduate in government and history from the University of Texas in Austin, this Bangkok-born writer toyed on his return to Thailand aged 23 with the idea of joining either the Foreign Ministry or the Police Academy – his father is a former Police Major General and for many years Chairman of the Royal

claims to have no political affiliations, despite his upper middle class and presumably ‘establishment’ background, insisting that a commentator like him should be impartial. “My instinct is to absorb, study, analyze and interpret Thai politics for both Thai and farang readers. I don’t take sides; I have to be objective, unbiased. That’s how I see my role. But of course, no one is completely objective, we are human after all. But I try my best.” It wasn’t always like that, though. In his younger days, he admits he was “leftliberal, like most of my peers. But as you grow older and understand historical evolution and cultural psyche, you change. So today, if anything, I’m in the centre.” Having no declared political drum to beat has probably made it easier and more acceptable for Voranai to tackle some of the country’s most difficult and controversial topics, even those ‘don’t-go-there’ lese majeste laws protecting the Monarchy. “It’s alright to openly discuss these laws provided it’s done in a constructive way,” he believes. “Let’s face it, the laws are regularly talked about in the social media anyway. At the end of the day, and whatever you do, you can’t shut people up.” He advocates reforming the lese majeste laws, as well as other draconian laws such as those that forbid criticism of a court decision. “These (court laws) date back to the Cold War era when they served a useful purpose. But we’ve outgrown that period.” The Post doesn’t interfere in what Voranai writes. That’s entirely his choice. Recent topics have included several that would make most editors and publishers wet on the brow, such as some pretty edgy comments about the sons of Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yumbumrang, one of the country’s most powerful politicians – and not someone most of us would choose to confront. “There are certain ways to discuss things; writing between the lines is one.” Has he ever faced threats from disgruntled politicians? ”No, at least none have ever come down to me. My managers at the Bangkok Post handle that side of things very professionally,” explains Voranai, who does concede that complaints had been received from both sides of the political divide.

“My instinct is to absorb, study, analyze and interpret Thai politics for both Thai and farang readers. I don’t take sides; I have to be objective, unbiased. But of course, no one is completely objective, we are human after all.”

Bangkok Sports Club – but rejected both in favour of teaching ‘world civilisation’ at Assumption University (ABAC). After a year there, he won a scholarship to study international business at South Bank University in London, a sabbatical of sorts that also gave him an opportunity to travel and “to see the world.” Back again in Thailand, he launched his career in journalism as business reporter at the Bangkok Post from 20002001. He went on to edit BK magazine for four years, followed by a further four years running its rival publication, Guru, before taking on his present dual role of newspaper columnist and parttime lecturer in journalism and mass communication at Thammasat University. Now aged 39 and deeply immersed in Thailand’s political scene, Voranai

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He adds poignantly: “My parents are proud of me, but are fearful and tell me to be careful.” Why are Thai people so reluctant to voice their opinions? “It’s the culture of self-censorship here. Thais are polite and respectful and don’t speak out. We’re shy to challenge people and traditions. The development of ideologies, which demand people stand up for their rights, is new to Thailand. “But the country is changing. You can see that in the red and yellow shirts phenomenon. Even that lady showing her boobs on the Thailand’s Got Talent TV programme is an example of changing attitudes, though not a very good one. We still have a long way to go, however.” The political change many clamor for is far more complex. “There’s a choice of two ways – a quick change, a purge, a ‘night of the long knives,’ a force of arms. But that’s unacceptable. Or there’s a boring, long-term, evolutionary change through dialogue and education.” Although he’s never met Yingluk, she’s predictably fair game for his columns. How’s she faring as PM? “It depends on how you define her job. Yingluk’s doing a good job keeping the fragile peace, and being an ambassador for Thaksin’s camp, and to end the political divide in favor of her brother, without him getting a jail term. No one else can do that. “As for actually managing the country, that’s a different issue.” “She has a certain charm, magic. Who else can be with General Prem Tinsulanonda and Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and get them to be friendly and smiling? Neither Thaksin nor Chalerm could do that. But Yingluck can.” His columns have often referred to the shortage of good leaders in Thailand. At the risk of making his readers “foam at the mouth,” he suggests the only premier the country has had that came close to embodying true leadership was Thaksin. “Today we need a visionary leader,” he declares. “Someone who can inspire the whole nation.” Is there such a person in Thailand waiting in the wings? “Not that I know of,” he replies, shaking his head. So, would he like to see Thaksin return to run the country? “No,” he states most emphatically, saying Thaksin has become too divisive of a figure to be good for Thailand. “Thaksin is the most capable leader, but is it for a good or bad cause? He’s a leader but not a true leader. If we go by popular votes, 15 million Thais love him, 12 million hate him. He might be a good leader but ultimately he’s failed because 12 million don’t want him back. It ends right there. It’s the same with Abhisit. 15 million people don’t want to see him back. “In my humble opinion, Thaksin should simply relax and enjoy life – and stay away from politics.” Is there anything else he’d like to tell Thaksin? “Yes. I’d like to say ‘You could have played it better.’” So, in the absence of a worthy leader,

How Voranai sees the world Quotes from the Bangkok Post

In Thailand, prostitution is illegal, but not really. Casino gambling is illegal, but not really. Drug trafficking is illegal, but only when the generals want their pictures on the front pages of local dailies. -----------------------------------The rice pledging scheme is a dud. The first-time automobile buyer scheme now faces ridicule as buyers find themselves unable to pay off their car loans. And the two trillion baht loan to revamp the country’s infrastructure will take 50 years to pay off. -----------------------------------From Gen Chartchai Choonhavan to current Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and everyone in between, the only premier we have had that came close to embodying true leadership was - you may foam at the mouth now - Thaksin Shinawatra. -----------------------------------Ideally, no fugitive should be able to order the Thai government around. Realistically, that fugitive owns the Thai government, so of course he’s going to order it around. -----------------------------------Thaksin decided to listen to Chalerm, which is something no one should do. -----------------------------------In public, however, we keep up an appearance of that which is considered proper and appropriate, painting an image of beauty and decency. Should anyone attempt to ruin this image, false image though it may be, we shall censor, ban or impose three to five years imprisonment – for the sake of public decency. Hence, the abundance of prostitutes in this land. But let’s pretend they are not here, even if they stand on the footpaths of Sukhumvit during broad daylight. -----------------------------------Who were the men in black? Were they rangers employed by the late Colonel Khatiya ‘’Seh Daeng’’ Sawasdipol, with the blessing of Thaksin Shinawatra? Were they disguised soldiers of the Royal Thai Army, with the blessing of then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva? Or did someone else employ them? Where are they now?

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who’s actually running this country? “It’s run on different layers,” he responds. “The big picture is Yingluck, however much she’s taking her policies from Dubai. Then there’s the military, the old establishment, and the judges. The Democrats with 12 million supporters also have a lot of influence. On a day to day basis, it’s as always the bureaucrats, big business, MPs, local strongmen, police, and village leaders. It’s feudalistic in nature.” The gap between rich and poor in Thailand is constantly mentioned by foreign observers and critics. How does Voranai view the situation? “Yes, it’s true that income distribution here is unequal, but isn’t it also true that in the US 1% of the population have something like 95% of that country’s wealth? “Yes, it’s unacceptable that the lowest classes in Thailand are impoverished but I’d argue they live better than, say, their equivalents in places like Vietnam. Thais live as a family unit and pool their resources. Even at the lowest levels, people are happy, eat well, own mobiles and watch cable TV.” “Still, having said that, things can and should be improved. Don’t let the ‘mai pen rai’ attitude stop evolution.” No other single country has a system that Thailand should strive to emulate, he says. “I like westernstyle democracy, but it won’t work in Thailand. Our traditional cultural values are too strong. We have to mix and match strategically.” As for corruption in Thailand, Voranai goes along with the current belief that it is getting worse, but has an interesting explanation. “It’s due to the lack of political stability. Over the past six years, MPs have come and gone. They’ve invested a lot to get into power, but there’s no certainty they’ll be there long. It’s all about a return on investment. He adds: “We can never get rid of corruption completely, only minimize it.” Predictably, perhaps, Voranai is skeptical of the government’s proposal to borrow two trillion baht to be spent on a raft of mega-infrastructure projects. “It will require 50 years to pay it back,” he says. “And there are much better ways to

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Thai system is a mess, inefficient and open to corruption. “The only way to manage Bangkok is to have a real Office of the Governor. And it’s got to have power. Right now, running Bangkok and even Thailand for that matter, is a baby-sitting job, with the nanny on the mobile to her boyfriend while the kids are running around.” Through his work at one of Thailand’s leading universities, Voranai is well placed to comment on the country’s education system. Asked for his views on its effectiveness, he’s unerringly blunt: “It’s horrible. And I speak as a lecturer. “I’ve yet to find, for example, a Thai student who knows this country’s history. In Thailand we don’t teach history. We teach propaganda. Analytical skills are still very light.” What can be done to improve the education system? “It requires a cohesive effort. First, the parents and then the teachers.” He elaborates: “Kids here are sent to school not to be educated but to get to a certain university. It’s not about learning. Parents don’t care. Teachers don’t seem to care either. For them it’s about image, prestige and money. Here I speak in general, of course. There are many exceptions, just not enough.” Unlike their fired-up predecessors who did so much to change and improve the way Thailand is governed, today’s students seem apathetic and indifferent to politics. Why is that? Voranai has a simple explanation: “Life is too good. How can you argue against that?” Many of his Post readers have called for Voranai to get involved in politics. “I’ve thought about it. And my answer is yes – and no. I believe my real role in life is to educate – someone who can interpret things. “Besides, I neither have the money nor the connection for politics. So to be a successful candidate, I would have to owe favors to people with money and connections. Then those favors need to be repaid, otherwise they’ll throw you out. It’s a trap.” “I’d hate to be swallowed up by it all.”

“The only way to manage Bangkok is to have a real Office of the Governor. And it’s got to have power. Right now, running Bangkok is a baby-sitting job, with the nanny on the mobile to her boyfriend while the kids are running around.” spend such a huge amount of money. We can use this for greater purposes – to completely reform society and education.” Moreover, he doubts that the country has the moral or even industrial “capacity” to undertake such a colossal program. “Is there anyone here who can take charge? Do we have the capacity to handle it well? If not, there’ll be rampant corruption, rampant inefficiency, and it will fail.” A lack of political muscle is also seriously hampering the management of Bangkok. With so many independent and autonomous organizations, agencies and bureaucracies in charge of key city sectors like the roads, footpaths, and mass transit systems, it’s mission impossible for the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) and its Governor. The

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Expat WOMEN p Put your feet up and indulge

Struggling to find a pair of jeans that fit? Check out Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Curve ID collection. Page 32

Shopping

Hot new products and stores demanding your attention Page 32

Health

Judith Coulson reveals what you can do to trim inches off your waist Page 40

Agony aunts

Professional counselors Anette and Johanna help readers with problems Page 42 TheBigChilli

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Insight|Profile

Expat mum who gives prisoners hope

O By Alex Pithie

As a volunteer visitor to some of Thailand’s most formidable prisons, Gale Bailey is full of compassion and forgiveness for foreigners facing a life behind bars ON first glance at Gale Bailey’s CV, you’d assume there’s nothing extraordinary about this Leicester lass. As an expat wife, she’s surely living the life of Reilly in this tropical paradise, waited on hand and foot by sundry servants while hubby makes the family fortune jetting around Asia running his own business. But no. This plain speaking, utterly engaging lady who arrived here with her husband and two teenage children from the Midlands in the UK 16 years ago devotes much of her spare time to one of the most neglected sections of Thailand’s expatriate community: foreign prisoners. She’s a member of a small band of expat women living here who can reel off the names of Bangkok’s bigger prisons and their precise whereabouts, tell you the number of prisoners of international extraction these notorious hell-holes might hold at any given time, their permitted visiting times and detail the precise protocol for visits to the three prisons she knows so intimately. Along with other volunteers, she provides regular counselling and succour to young men caught straying from the straight and narrow, mostly for traffic king drugs, and now banged up possibly for life in one of Bangkok’s notoriously inhospitable prisons – including Bang kwang Prison, otherwise known as the ‘Bangkok Hilton.’ Although she takes it in her stride nowadays, her first prison visit – on the suggestion of a friend – was obviously traumatic. “We were nervous, reluctant even. But when we came out after that introduction to the horror of it all, my friend and I just looked at each other and I said: ‘We’re coming back again, aren’t we?’

“She just smiled and said: ‘Of course!’” “You can’t visit a place like that and not be moved, seeing your fellow countrymen or anyone else for that matter, living in virtual squalor, in a surreal environment dominated night and day by screaming, drug-crazed inmates and others broken by the horror of confinement, with no hope and at the very least 25 years to wait for your freedom – if you survive.” “I couldn’t just get back in the taxi and let them get on with it. Imagine if it were my kid who had made such a silly mistake. What would I do? Just leave him to get on with it? I mean I hate drugs but it’s a mistake they made, and they are thousands of miles from anyone they know.

“We saw a youngster on that first visit, in for life for smuggling pills into Thailand. I subsequently learned he was 19 years old when he got caught and got life. After I had been visiting for a while, he learned that his sentence had been commuted to 30 years. And this 25-yearold kid was actually over the moon at the news, chuffed that he was now much closer to getting out one day. “He wasn’t always so cheery though, and it was quite a struggle getting any response from him during my early visits, and he could be quite dismissive of me, even downright obnoxious. But I persevered, and with patience and the understanding you have to take to the process, he slowly came around and warmed to me eventually, despite his reluctance. “He’s been a bit of a success story all around really, because the two governments put him on the transfer list, so-tospeak, and he got flown home to Britain after nine years in jail here, and he can see out his sentence – or half of what’s left of it, and he’ll be free again soon. I visited him in prison in the UK the last time I was home and it was like old friends meeting. He was chuffed I came, and was delighted to see him looking so well.” “Prison visiting is about commitment and lots of it. We don’t get paid, we don’t get expenses and we often pay for treats for our new friends to cheer them up, or simply subsidise the little they get from elsewhere. They get vitamins and food from the embassy and our visits are officially sanctioned and registered with the British Embassy, who anoints us with the title B.E.V.V.’s, or British Embassy Volunteer Visitors.” Gale lives miles from the prison, which is way down on the banks of the >>

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Chao Praya river, a two-hour return taxi journey from her home in eastern Bangkok on Srinakarin Road, a charge she pays herself. “I don’t mind and I can’t stop visiting these poor guys just for the sake of a few quid on taxis or fruit and other small gifts. The visits are often fun and we have some laughs too. It’s all part and parcel of being a visitor. You can’t go in depressed to a situation like that and expect to cheer people up. And you certainly don’t come out depressed, because I guess you have a sense of achievement from the visit, plus the often heartfelt thanks the prisoners express too. Bit of a win-win situation really! “But on the other hand you can’t be all bubbly and optimistic telling them what fun you are having outside, while at the same time you have to encourage them to look on the bright side and consider the reality that they are or will be still young enough to have a life on the outside one day – even if is twenty years away. “Your heart goes out to them when you see the reality they face – horrible

“The prison visits can be a blessing for the dreadfully unsettled expat prisoners who have virtually no-one but us to keep them in touch with reality otherwise.” concrete cells with more than a dozen prisoners to a cell, so crowded and noisy night and day. The place floods in the rainy season and you get boiled night and day during the summer months from as early as March and April. “Then you have the chaotic and unsettling behaviour of crazed inmates addled by drugs smuggled in from the outside. That’s how the local contingent cope with the horror of it all, methamphetamine – invariably creating scenes like something from Dante’s Inferno in the sweltering heat of the flood-lit night. “Thus the prison visits can be a blessing for the dreadfully unsettled expat prisoners who have virtually no-one but us to keep them in touch with reality otherwise.”

The light at the end of the tunnel for most prisoners, which keeps them from cracking up altogether, is the understanding that after serving eight years of their sentence in Thailand, they can qualify for transfer to a prison in their homeland. In the case of British prisoners – much to Gale’s irritation – the UK government refuses to bring sentences handed down overseas to match what offenders would get at home. There’s virtually no time off for being sentenced abroad under a radically different sentencing regime. “In other countries, including our European neighbours such as Holland, crimes are reassessed and the sentence is brought into line with domestic sentencing. This means that in the case of the UK, drug offenders repatriated from Thailand to prisons in the UK might end up serving longer sentences than even murderers. “I think this really needs to be addressed as it is patently unfair.”

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Shopping|New products

JEANS FIT FOR EVERYONE

HOLLYWOOD AT HOME ■ FOR proof that TV technology is slowly and steadily starting to resemble the Sci-Fi monitors you see on Star Trek, take a gander at the new range of home cinema systems offered by techno giants Samsung. The sophisticated range includes Blu-Ray Home Theater, Air Track Speaker, and Audio Dock with Bluetooth. You can use the system to surf the web, control the TV with body movements, and even hook up your smartphones and tablets to the system via Bluetooth. Beam me up, Scotty! Check the range out at leading Samsung stores.

■ EVERY woman has a ‘perfect’ pair of jeans in her wardrobe. You know, the pair that hugs your figure just right, allowing for maximum comfort and maximum confidence. But what happens if you accidentally rip a hole in your prized pair, or, shock horror, your favourite slacks suddenly become out of fashion? Well, don’t fear, Levi’s has the problem all sewn up with a new collection of jeans called Curve ID. Like slipping on a second skin of denim, these jeans are specially made to suit every type of body shape. The design is fitted at the waist, sitting lower in the front and higher in the back to naturally enhance a woman’s curves. Three designs are available – the Slight Curve, Demi Curve and Bold Curve. Find the perfect fit at all Levi’s stores in town.

Talking

Shop Hot products and stores demanding your attention LESS IS MORE ■ CAN’T stand the Bangkok Heat? Then it’s time to strip down. By this we mean go minimalist, of course, not nude – that will just get you in trouble. A good place to start for your new ‘less is more’ look is Monrissa Couture. Their new ‘Skin on Skin’ collection has been specially crafted for women who like dressing up but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Just perfect for hot climates like Thailand’s. www.skinonskin.net www.monrissa.com

SHADES OF SPECTRUM ■ MADE with sporty types in mind, Breo’s latest sunglasses have a sleek, modern look and a water-resistant rubber finish which makes them great for wearing while swimming laps or spending sweaty days at the beach. Don’t worry if you catch a stray volleyball in the face – the Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof. The shades are available in eight colours. B2,200 per pair. Available at Sport Mall Siam Paragon and The Mall Bangkapi

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School Report KidZania now open

KIDZANIA has opened its largest indoor site in the world at Siam Paragon. Like its international branches, the Bangkok operation is a meticulously realistic, scaled down kid-sized replica of a city with streets, buildings, utilities, and vehicles providing kids, aged 4-14 years, the opportunity to experience the jobs of adults through role-playing of more than 80 different professions. The activities teach children essential life skills such as independent decision-making, teamwork, and money management. KidZania is open Mon-Fri from 10am-5pm and on weekends and public holidays from 10am-3pm and 4pm-9pm. Tickets are available from Thaiticketmajor.com www.kidzania.co.th

Bangkok Prep’s Read-a-thon a huge success

STUDENTS at Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School (Bangkok Prep) raised 432,000 Baht to support the The Always Reading Caravan

(ARC) and the Neilson Hays Library during the school’s annual read-a-thon event. Held over 30 days, the event saw the school’s students read a combined total of 5,600 books in 720 hours. The read-athon’s goal is to help students to read as much as possible and enjoy a variety of books. This activity not only promotes literacy among the students, but helps them to become community minded by actively supporting these two libraries. It is a fun way to encourage students to read and to introduce them to new genre of books and authors. For more info about the school see www.bkkprep.ac.th

Samitivej First Aid and CPR classes SAMITIVEJ Sukhumvit Hospital

is now hosting a series of First Aid and CPR classes for parents. Hosted by Anjana Sachabudhawong, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonology and Critical Care, the sessions will cover Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation with Practice Session, First Aid for fainting and head injury, Care for muscular and bone injury, and more. Sessions will be held May 7, July 2, Sept 3, and Nov 12, from 9am-12pm. B1,200 per person, including snacks and lunch. For more info contact Khun Barkha, International Marketing Division on 02 711 8499 email: inter01@samitivej.co.th

NIST students swim to success

TWO NIST students competing in the recent Thailand National Age Group Swimming Championship successfully beat off competition from over 40 swimmers to make it to the competition’s finals. The two students, Nathan Stern and Aim Ruthairatch, competed in the event at Thammasat University during April 5-8. Nathan won three gold medals and one bronze, becoming Thailand’s swimming champion for his age group, beating the Hong Kong and Burmese National Teams, and Aim came in 7th for Backstroke. This national competition started off in January 2013 with students competing across Thailand to qualify as one of the 40 fastest swimmers in the country, in each stroke, age group and event. During the Championship weekend in early April, each morning saw the semi-final round, where swimmers were cut from 40 to the eight fastest swimmers for each heat. These top eight swimmers in the country then competed in the final round.

IPN EVENT

Developing positive habits in children

ON May 28th, the International Parenting Network will feature Michael Hirsch discussing “Parenting Strategies On How You Can Help Your Child Develop Positive Habits.” During the talk, Mr Hirsch will share some strategies on how you can help your child develop positive habits and achieve their potential without the need for nagging, fighting, and other things that damage the parent-child relationship. FCCT, The Penthouse, Maneeya Centre, Ploenchit Road (BTS Chidlom). 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free for IPN cardmembers and B550 for nonmembers (includes presentation, handouts, dinner, soft drinks, juices and wine) Tel: 081 826 2399 RSVP:ipn@ipnthailand.com

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School Promotion|KIS

Preparing for the IB With its Primary Years and Middle Years IB Programmes, KIS International School equips students with all the skills they need to get the most out of their IB Diplomas ■ FOR students at international schools the end of the academic year is drawing near. Exams are looming and for the Grade 12, or Year 13 students, their final exams are about to begin, such as IB Diploma written exams which start this month. Many students in international schools choose to do the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma in their last two years of high school, because having an IB Diploma means universities all around the world will understand that they are at a high academic level and equipped with skills and understanding that will help them be successful at university. Students of course strive to do well on their exams, which make up the largest part of their final grade. Exams are the same all around the world, and they are sent to the IB for marking, so whatever school you do the IB at, in whatever country, the standard of the exams is the same. Good preparation for the exams is essential. Course material is taught over two years, and most teachers will spend a good deal of time reviewing with the students. At KIS International School students also learn study skills throughout their education and,

in addition, recently followed a seminar by Lance King, an expert in effective learning, to help prepare for their exams and the stress associated with studying. For students who have been at KIS for longer than the two years of the IB Diploma, they have the added advantage of already being in an IB programme. The IB isn’t just the Diploma, it also offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Primary Years Programme. The three provide a progressive continuum of education, helping students prepare early for success in the IB Diploma. The IB programmes don’t just teach content or knowledge. They all teach attitudes and skills as well, including a positive attitude to learning, intercultural understanding, global awareness, critical thinking skills, reflection skills and research skills. It also teaches children to understand concepts, or “the bigger picture.” Students learn to make connections between what they learn and to the world, which makes learning more meaningful, relevant, and also more engaging. The content throughout the IB at KIS is international, not “British” or “American,”

but global. Students in the MYP are being prepared in an IB system, and understand the expectations of the IB well. The MYP also covers a broad range of subjects (8 subject areas), allowing children a better understanding of different courses before making their Diploma choices. Statistics show that students who have followed the MYP prior to doing the Diploma on average have higher pass rates and higher scores than students coming into the Diploma from other programmes. They also score higher on, for example, the extended essay, which is an original research paper each Diploma student has to write.* All of this makes the IB Middle Years programme a more logical preparation for the IB Diploma than other curricula. Students at KIS have the benefit of learning in all three IB programmes, from 3 years up to 18 years old. While exams are coming up, university acceptances have already been coming in strong, with KIS students receiving offers from prestigious universities in the UK, the US, Canada and other countries (you can find a full list on the website www.kis.ac.th). What’s more, KIS students who applied for scholarships have already collectively been offered the huge amount of over 1 Million US dollars worth of scholarships. The school will be sad to see the students leave to pursue their further studies at university, but it rests assured knowing that they have been fully prepared and equipped for success both on their exams and for their life beyond high school. *The Middle Years Programme. “Preparing students for university in the 21st century”, International Baccalaureate 2010.

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School Promotion|Harrow

East meets West: A Glittering Night of Music at Harrow International School By Andrew Hammond

■ AS the sun sank from view on Thursday evening, and most of Bangkok were making their way home, a soon-to-beamazed flock of wiser folk were gathering at the campus of Harrow International School. At one edge of this spacious and impressive situation is a calm lake; and it was alongside this that an outdoor auditorium had been created for one night, a night of alfresco music and hospitality which beguiled all those lucky enough to have been there. Under the imaginative and tireless direction of HIS Bangkok Director of Music Christopher Johnson, this was a showcase

for the musicians both of Harrow Bangkok and Harrow London. Seventeen boys from the London school, with their own Music Director David Woodcock, were making a first, ground-breaking visit to Bangkok, to join forces in a concert that spectacularly delivered what was promised – a real East meets West affair. To make the mix even richer, players from the Bangkok Charity Orchestra joined the throng. The music ranged widely and well: from the stirring anthems of both countries we moved back and forth through many genres. Mozart, musicals, Thai traditional music and dance, a beautiful piece written and conducted by M.L. Usni Pramoj in memory of Princess Gulayni Vadhana; and – something of a highlight – a selection of jazz numbers written by HM The King himself featuring the talents of Nadol, Paul, Richy and Ply. Harrow Bangkok students made some fine appearances as soloists or even witty and charming comperes. The time flew past, and yet so much was included. The new

Head Master of Harrow Mr Mick Farley was clearly proud of what the students had achieved. And this wasn’t simply a concert to be enjoyed: the whole evening, the ambience, the mise en scene, all conspired to lift the heart and cheer the soul. The welcome of guests, including notable VIPS such as H.E. Mark Kent, The British Ambassador; the champagne and canapé reception, the simultaneous video-screening, the culminating firework extravaganza – even the inspired idea of specially-commissioned fans to keep us cool: all this made for an evening we must surely want to see again – and soon! www.harrowschool.ac.th

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Expat Women

Health|Nutrition You booze, you loose Excess calories – whether from alcohol, sweetened beverages, or oversized portions of food – can increase belly fat. Our bodies need calories, yet gram for gram, alcohol has around the same amount of calories as fat. Alcohol does seem to have a particular association with an increased waistline, though. In general, that’s because when you drink alcohol, your liver is too busy burning off alcohol to burn off fat, leaving you with a beer belly. Studies show that alcohol can cause you to feel hungry by affecting hormones that regulate a sense of satiety

Trans fats on the move

Battle of the bulge: Keeping belly fat at bay

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that trans fats, which are created by partially hydrogenated oil, increase the amount of fat around the belly and redistribute fat tissue to the abdomen from other parts of the body. Trans fats may be found in such foods as margarine, pastries, cookies and crackers, and fried and convenience foods.

Judith Coulson, Executive Director of BKK-Health.com, discusses the dangers of belly fat and explains the steps you can take to keep your abs toned and fat free

Diet and exercise

■ POT belly, beer belly, paunch – just a few of the terms used to describe an abundance of abdominal fat. While men are more likely than women to store fat in this region, we are by no means immune to it; ours can come with age. Before we’re 40, for example, we tend to store most of our fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. After 40 though, as oestrogen levels begin to drop, this body fat is redistributed to the abdomen. Rather than just being unsightly, belly fat can cause major health problems too. Listed here are a few of the health dangers as well as some tips on how to keep your belly firm and fat free.

The dangers of belly fat Excess accumulation of belly fat is more dangerous than excess fat around your hips and thighs. Belly fat is associated with serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Your genes can contribute to your being

overweight and help determine where you carry this extra fat, but poor lifestyle choices are likely to worsen the issue. Belly fat appears to be especially bad for the heart. Studies have linked belly fat to heart failure, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular problems. It also has been associated with osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

Trans fatty foods Eating high-fat foods is not helpful, but excess calories of any kind can increase your waistline and contribute to belly fat. Still, there is no single cause of belly fat. Genetics, diet, age, and lifestyle can all play a role. Changing dietary habits can help you fight the battle of the bulge and fight belly fat: Read labels, reduce saturated fats, increase the amount of fruits and veggies you eat, and control and reduce your portions.

Most scientific evidence suggests that a calorie-controlled diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meat, fish, eggs, and poultry is the foundation for a diet that provides all the nutrients you need while helping to whittle your waistline. Weight loss experts recommend combining this diet with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Green tea, in combination with exercise, could help you lose weight, according to the Journal of Nutrition. Researchers think substances in green tea known as catechins stimulate the body to burn calories and enhance loss of belly fat. Blueberries also show promise, albeit in rodents. In one study, rats bred to become obese were fed either a high-fat diet or a low-fat diet rich in blueberries. Rats fed a blueberry-rich diet had less abdominal fat.

Eat more fibre To trim your waistline, add whole grains to your diet. For example, choose brown or wild rice instead of white rice. Refined and other highly processed foods can

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contribute to weight gain and interfere with weight loss. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that a calorie-controlled diet rich in whole grains can trim extra fat from the waistline of obese subjects. Couscous, spaghetti, and cornflakes are made from refined grains (though whole grain options may be available). But popcorn is a whole grain food that can boost fibre. The best way to prepare popcorn is with an air-popper, which requires no oil for cooking. Read labels to see what oils have been used. All else being equal, though, whole grains are better than refined grains because they tend to be high in fibre and take longer to digest. This satisfies your hunger better and helps lower blood glucose levels and reduce fat.

Dump the junk Many fast food options are typically highfat, calorie-dense foods that are eaten in large portions – all of which contribute to over-consumption of calories, weight gain, and an increase in belly fat when eaten frequently. Many fast food restaurants don’t provide nutritional information, but studies have shown that when this is available, people tend to pick lower-calorie meals

“Green tea, in combination with exercise, could help you lose weight, according to the Journal of Nutrition.” Diet sodas have no healthy benefits compared to normal drinks – skip them all together. According to the American Heart Association, “soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the No. 1 source of added sugars in the American diet.” Added sugars mean added calories – something you want to avoid to help with weight loss and cut down on belly fat. Yet, high-fructose corn syrup has gradually replaced refined sugar as the main sweetener in soft drinks and has been blamed as a potential contributor to the obesity epidemic.

Does switching to diet sodas help? Although some research has suggested that people who drink artificially sweetened sodas as part of a calorie-restricted diet do lose weight, other studies have suggested that diet soft drinks could even lead to weight gain. For now, there’s no conclusive evidence either way.

The good news, belly fat is easier to lose than other fat depots When you lose weight, you’re much more likely to lose it in your midsection. Losing weight on a well-balanced plan will melt body fat, including belly fat. The best way to decrease your waist size is through healthy eating and regular exercise. Doing sit-ups, crunches, or other abdominal exercises will strengthen your core muscles and help you lose fat, but they don’t specifically work on belly fat. In other words, spot exercise won’t decrease belly fat. The only way to lose belly fat (or any kind of fat) is through dieting and exercise. Aerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, cycling, and tennis, are some of the best to help reduce body fat. For more info see www.bkk-health.com

CMY

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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.

From boom to bust – in business and marriage?

AM a successful business man – well, that’s how I think of myself but maybe it’s no longer true. The truth is that I have recently lost a lot of money. Not by doing anything particularly reckless; I thought I was just continuing to do what I always did. Maybe times have changed, or maybe the rule of average has just caught up with me: I was over-leveraged (as I have been before, but it all turned out well!) and I lost. The problem is, this is beginning to affect my personal finances. My wife is not interested in business, and so far she didn’t need to be. Her department is to look after our family, and our social life, and she does it very well. With a very generous budget. Our children are just starting to go to college back in the US – they are at the most expensive stage of their education. But now, things can not go on as they were. Changes will have to be made. This is not something that can be fixed with small economies here and there; we need to make a big lifestyle change I have tried to tell my wife a few times, but at the last moment I chickened out. She looks up to me as a successful man, someone who’s made it. If I tell her, what will she think of me? Will she even want to stay with me now? But I have to tell her, soon. Help? Lee, 46, from the US

Anette says: ■ Dear Lee, Your life has been shaken up, and so has your self-image. You say that it may just be the law of averages that made your risk taking finally go wrong, but at the same time you already see yourself in a different light. Are you still a successful businessman? Are you still a successful man, or even the kind of man a woman would like to be with? In other words, your identity is very much defined by your success in business. Which is now proving to be a big problem, as well as perhaps being founded on a misconception (see the ‘law of averages’ above). Your self-image was founded on being able to make a lot of money and to pull off risks that crushed others. Now you are not so sure if it wasn’t perhaps also (or maybe even mostly) a matter of luck. Which means that you are no longer the man who controls his fortune and his life. Maybe you never were. In fact, you might well be like the rest of us, taking risks to shape our lives, but unable to control the wider world around us. To put it bluntly, we are not masters of the universe, and neither are you. I think you need to address this internal crisis first and foremost. Particularly since it also seems to be the reason why you are ‘chickening out’ when you try to talk to your wife. You suddenly realise how you have presented yourself to her, and that you are going to shatter not just her illusion but also yours. After that conversation, you will no longer be the successful man in your own eyes, regardless of how she reacts. Your wife may be more resilient than you think. You may not be that larger than life hero for her. However strange this may sound, this crisis could be the foundation for a more mature relationship. So all it takes is for you to find

the courage to be more real, first with yourself and then with her (and with your children, too). Ask yourself: what is the worst aspect of losing my ‘successful businessman’ identity? What is left, of me, in me, when it is gone? When did you start to define yourself in this way? How did you see yourself before you became successful? In other words, I am asking you to find out who you really are without all the external trappings. This is a difficult journey, and you may well benefit from some professional help here in order to accelerate the process. After all, time is not on your side. What you may find is that you don’t need to be successful in order to live a good life. And you may even find that your wife can help you through this crisis – if you find the courage to talk to her.

Living a life full of fear

AM writing to you because I am very concerned. I think there is something terribly wrong with me. My body tells me things are not right; I have cramps, nausea and muscle pains. I have been to different hospitals and have had a thorough physical check-up but the doctors cannot find anything wrong with me. My blood tests came out fine, my weight and body are in balance and the ultra sound did not show any irregularities, so I should be fine, but I am not. I worry that I have a disease like cancer and that I will suffer and die soon. It is on my mind all the time. And I have made my will. I wonder why the doctors can’t find anything, because I don’t feel well. I am a housewife, and I am extremely careful with what I eat. I avoid sugar and fat, go

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â&#x20AC;˘ Johanna DeKoning MS is the Clinical Director of NCS Counseling Center. She trained in the Netherlands and Australia.

Johanna says: â&#x2013; Dear Alexia, My first question is how long have you carried this fear in your life? Did you have this as a child already or did it develop at a later age? Your letter gives me the impression that presently the issue is ruling your life and it is hard for you to get it out of your mind. Here are a few thoughts: It is hard for you to trust your own body and health. It is also hard to trust the world and the food you eat, because it could contain things that are bad for you. You have a constant fear in your life and by researching the Internet (in fact a form of self-diagnosis) you even become more afraid until you feel anxious and hyper-alert about potential dangers. All this affects you daily life and

for vegetables and a lot of fruit (but I do though these can be contaminated with chemicals), and drink mainly purified water. I swim and exercise. I have become more and more aware of illnesses that I could have. When I feel cramps or pains I research the Internet to find out what my symptoms could mean. And then I get very scared. It is hard for me to enjoy life. I feel tense and anxious. The last doctor I spoke to told me I should consider making an appointment with a Psychiatrist, but I am not a mentally sick person, so why would I do that? Can you give any insight? Alexia, 37, from Greece

happiness. You also have difficulty trusting the medical world and the results of the check-ups and tests you took. Ultimately, you have issues with trust and you have to deal with fear and anxiety. You have to decide whether you want to deal with these issues or not. Currently you are living a life of fear, and your mind is occupied of thoughts about becoming sick. You can learn how to handle this better by looking for therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy might give you some tools, but a counselor would also help to see if there could be a cause for your fear in past experiences. A psychiatrist could give you medication that will help to decrease the intruding thoughts and anxiety. Sometimes we do need it temporarily in order to be able to start the process of encountering the issues. Do you have reasons to not trust your own body? Or the human body? Could it be fear of pain or death? Could it be that you have too much time alone to concentrate on your own body instead of connecting with the world around you? Together with a counselor you can explore causes and look into coping skills. Needing therapy or some medication does not mean you are a mentally sick person, it just means that you are currently finding it hard to cope with your issues. If you can receive some help and support in order to find happiness and wellbeing again, I would want to encourage you to go for it.

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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Gourmet p Wine and restaurant news

Learn healthy Thai recipes at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok with celebrity chef Chalida Tantiphipop. Page 48.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooking A round up of this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best gourmet deals. Yummy! Page 46

Meet the chef We speak to Chef Matt Dowdell of Panorama Restaurant Page 62

Dining out

Our favourite restaurants reviewed and listed Page 74 TheBigChilli

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Dining|News

Gourmet

What’s Cooking

Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news

Poolside Barbecue

ALOFT BANGKOK, THROUGHOUT MAY

■ EVERY Thursday night this month, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 will serve up a Poolside BBQ where you can enjoy a wide variety of flame-grilled meats and get stuck into an array of molecular cocktails, beers and spirits. Sips and Snacks start at B99 at Splash pool bar from 5pm-10pm.

☎

Sukhumvit Soi 11 02 207 7080 :aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com

New dishes at Zuma AVAILABLE NOW

■ BANGKOK’S hippest Japanese restaurant has just introduced a brand new menu featuring a range of dishes that are sure to wow regulars and newcomers alike. Highlights include Pork belly salad with cabbage and sesame ponzu dressing; Barbequed pork ribs with spicy cashew nuts and spring onions; Tiger prawn skewers with sour shiso dip; and Beef tartar with crispy nori toast, fresh shiso and garlic chips with oscietra caviar. Designed for sharing, Zuma’s dishes come from three different kitchens; the main kitchen, robata counter and sushi bar. The combination of the three different cooking styles results in a mixture of tastes, temperatures and textures that create an exciting and fun dining experience. 159/99 Ratchadamri Road (beside the St. Regis Hotel) :zumarestaurant.com

Mediterranean marvels LE MERIDIEN BANGKOK, UNTIL JUN 30

■ FOR the next couple of months, Latest Recipe Restaurant is bulking up its already extensive international buffet selection with a range of Mediterranean specialties and fresh seafood. Highlights include Foie gras salad with shallot vinaigrette, Seared scallop with wild mushroom, Grilled prawns, and Rock lobster cobb with blue cheese dressing. B699++ per person for lunch buffet, and B899++ per person for Sunday Brunch. 40/5 Surawong Road

☎ 02 232 8888 :lemeridienbangkokpatpong.com

Anniversary feast by Chef Chu The Imperial China Restaurant, May 9 – Jun 9

■ AFTER notching up an impressive 10 years working as Executive Chef at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel’s popular Chinese restaurant, Chef Chu Hoi Hong is celebrating by cooking up a series of special set menus which feature his signature Cantonese dishes plus a few surprises. Go a la carte with choices such as Stir-fried Hong Kong scallop with macadamia in taro net, or take eight to 10 friends and opt for a 10-course set menu for B10,000 per table. Sukhumvit Soi 22

☎ 02 261 9000 ext. 5058, 5059 :imperialhotels.com

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The perfect paring NOVOTEL BANGKOK ON SIAM SQUARE, AVAILABLE NOW

■ THROUGHOUT May, the professional sommelier at The Square restaurant offers his own handpicked selection of wines to pair with dishes on the International buffet. Red or White, New World and Old, prices start from just B899 per bottle, or B550 person for a free-ﬂow of selected wines when enjoying the International buffet dinner. Siam Square

☎02 209 8888 :novotelbkk.com

Trader Vic’s spices up its brunch ANANTARA BANGKOK RIVERSIDE RESORT & SPA, AVAILABLE NOW

White gold at Wine Pub

PULLMAN BANGKOK KING POWER, UNTIL JUNE 30

■ ARMED with fresh white asparagus brought back from his journeys to Avoine, a small city in Loire Valley, France, French chef Cyrille Vero is now preparing a selection of sauces to go alongside this prized ingredient. Choose from Trufﬂe Vinaigrette, Hazelnuts and Tarragon Vinaigrette, Hollandaise Sauce, or Flemish Style. B900 for six pieces; B1,500 for a dozen. 8-2 Rangnam Road, Thanon Phayathai Ratchathewi 02 680 9999 :pullmanbangkokkingpower.com

☎

Buffet feast

CAFÉ DE NIMES RESTAURANT, MAY 5 – JUN 20

■ GRAND Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok’s all-day-dining restaurant is now offering 50 percent discount on its Sunday Brunch, lunch and dinner buffets to tables of between 4-10 diners. The buffet spread includes a wide range of international and local favourites, plus a good selection of fresh seafood.

☎

Sukhumvit 21 02 207 9999 :grandsukhumvithotel.com

Thai street food – hotel style CAFÉ@2, MAY AND JUN

■ WANT to tuck into top of the range street food but don’t want to get hot and sticky on the sidewalks? Then head straight to the Conrad Bangkok. In May and June, the hotel is bringing famous hawkers from Bangkok’s Chinatown to cook up delicacies such as Moo satay (Thai style pork steak), Kha moo (marinated pork stew), and Lim low ngow (noodle soup), at Café@2 Restaurant. Available every Thurs, Fri and Sat night. B1,400 per person. 87 Wireless Road

■ TRADER Vic’s Sunday Brunch has long been famous for its superb offerings of international gourmet cuisines. Now visitors to the brunch can take a culinary tour of the kingdom too, because a new Thai corner is loaded with a range of regional specialties prepared for the occasion by Iron Chef Thailand champ Chumpol Jangprai. Brunch is B1,400++ (including free ﬂow water and juices), or B2,199++ (including a selection of soft drinks, juices, cocktails, draft beer, house wines and sparkling wine) 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road

☎02 476 0022 :bangkokriverdining.com

Michelin talents at D’Sens DUSIT THANI BANGKOK, MAY 13 – 19

■ AFTER delighting diners around the world with guest stints in five-star hotels such as Raffles Hotel Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Ritz Carlton Montreal, Chef Michel del Burgo is now coming to Bangkok to showcase his Michelin star cuisine at Dusit Thani Bangkok’s flagship restaurant. Lunch will be available for B1,700++ per person for four-courses; while dinner is B2,900++ per person for five-courses (or B3,600++ per person for a seven-course feast). 946 Rama IV Road

☎ 02 200 9000 ext. 2499 :dusit.com

☎02 690 9999 :conradbangkok.com

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Gourmet

Dining|News

Singaporean noodles NOVOTEL BANGNA, UNTIL JUN 30

■ FANS of Singaporean noodles will find plenty to please them this month at Shui Xin Chinese Restaurant, Novotel Bangkok Bangna, where a special menu is now on offer featuring options such as Fried egg noodles fujian style with shredded chicken and chives; and Char Kway Theo stir fried rice noodles with prawns and cockles. Starting at just B250++ per dish, it’s a great deal. 333 Srinakarin Road, Nongbon :novotel.com/asia

☎ 02 366 0505

Celebrity cooking at Shangri-La

SALATHIP AND NEXT 2, MAY 10 - 12

■ CELEBRITY chef Chalida Thaochalee Tantiphipop, presenter of the Living in Shape TV show, will share her secret diet recipes at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok’s Salathip restaurant on May 10 and 11 (dinner presentation), and at NEXT2 on May 12 (Sunday Brunch). Signature dishes include Pomelo salad with shrimps, roasted coconut and cashew nuts; Spicy shrimp salad with Thai herb sauce; and Grilled river prawn with passion fruit sauce, among others. 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu

☎ 02 236 7777:BangkokRiversideDining.com

Dining on the river

BANYAN TREE BANGKOK, THROUGHOUT MAY

■ EVERY weekend this month, Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Apsara Dinner Cruise will take diners on a journey to Wat Arun before serving up a sumptuous Thai feast. B2,400++ per person (includes return transfers from the hotel, sunset cocktails, entry fee to Wat Arun, and dinner). Departs each day at 8pm. 21/100 South Sathorn Road :banyantree.com

☎ 02 679 1200

New tastes at The Great Hornbill THE GREAT HORNBILL BISTRO, AVAILABLE NOW

Italian seasonal treats

LOOP ITALIAN RESTAURANT, THROUGHOUT MAY

■ PATHUMWAN Princess Hotel’s popular Italian restaurant is offering a special menu this month featuring a range of traditional dishes made using seasonal ingredients. Highlights include Mediterranean mussels sautéed in white wine; Monk fish rolled in Pancetta; and Australian Wagyu beef with Porcini mushrooms.

☎

Phaya Thai Road, Pathum Wan 02 216 3700 :pprincesshotel.wordpress.com

■ SUKHUMVIT 39’s ‘mini-vineyard’ has always been a great place to drop by for a relaxing lunch or dinner. Now, thanks to the introduction of a brand new a la carte menu, it’s just become even better. Prepared with care by Chef Vayupak and his team, the menu features signature items such as Great Hornbill healthy salad; Classic vegetable quesadilla; Fettuccine Carbonara; Calzone; Pizza Pastrami E Ruccola; German Pork Knuckle; and many more.

☎

59/3 Sukhumvit 39 Road, 02 262 0030 Ext. 118 :facebook.com/TheGreatHornbill.Bistro

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"For A Healthy Life Style"

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Gourmet

Dining out|Medinii

Review

Medinii

Italian dining is taken to new heights at The Continent Hotel

ITALIAN food fans may be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a good place to satiate their appetites here in Bangkok, but, as the new Medinii restaurant at the recently opened Continent Hotel Bangkok has proved, there’s always room for one more – especially when it’s as good as this. Located on the hotel’s 35th floor, the restaurant is surrounded on two sides by floor-to-ceiling windows which boast superb views along the veins of Sukhumvit and Asok Roads right into the beating heart of Bangkok. It’s a heady, exciting panorama that’s especially breathtaking at night when the city lights highlight just how vast the metropolis is – a humbling sight that perfectly sets the scene for a superior dining experience. Blending classic Italian elements such as well-dressed tables (in the traditional black-and-white colour scheme) with more ‘desert-inspired’ touches such as

swinging benches and floor-to-ceiling panels which can be adjusted to provide private dining areas, Medinii has been specially designed to offer what the owners call ‘an evolving dining experience,’ which basically means the restaurant caters for romantic dinner dates just as good as it does for breezy business lunches or lengthy wine-fuelled outings. The menu offers a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes (think salads, soups, pastas, pizzas, meat and fish dishes) with just a dash of Asian flavour. The Spicy roasted tomato soup (B220++) is a great introduction to what’s on offer, providing a rich, buttery flavour with a pleasantly spicy after-taste. Pair this with Rucola salad (Wild rocket, sun-dried tomato, Parmigianno Reggiano cheese, Balsamico vinegar dressing. B290++) and the meeting of earthy and dairy flavours is superb. For mains, the Tasmanian wild

salmon (served with sautéed vegetables and Rosé cream sauce. B550++) and Best end of Australian lamb (two pieces served with assorted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and red wine sauce. B990++) are both good choices – generous in size and carefully cooked to allow for maximum flavour. The Hokkaido sea scallop truffle oil and ginger sauce (B390++) is also worth a try, blending the delicate scallops with soft mushrooms for a great balance of textures. If you prefer the traditional Italian staples, you’ll find a great selection of pizzas, pastas, and risottos, all starting at just B290++ per dish. And sweet lovers will be delighted with the desserts on offer – the Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream (B250++) is not to be missed. A daily lunch menu is offered at B450++ for two courses, B550++ for three courses. Every Fri and Sat the restaurant hosts live jazz from 8pm-10pm.

413 Sukhumvit Road (Near Asoke BTS & Sukhumvit MRT Interchange Stations) Open 6am-10.30am; 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm

☎ 02 686 7059 :thecontinentdining.com

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Gourmet

Dining out|The Pintsman

Review

The Pintsman – a real Inner City pub

The traditional expat boozer is given a modern makeover in the heart of Silom Road

WHILE many expat pubs in Bangkok take their inspiration from the traditional watering holes found in villages in England, and aim to recreate the same rustic aesthetic by filling their shelves with antique jars, dog-eared novels, rusty second hand instruments, and more history-infused bric-a-brac, The Pintsman takes its cue from the UK’s inner-city pubs where modernity rules supreme. Venture down the steps into the pub’s basement setting (at the United Centre, Silom Road) and you may feel like you’ve been beamed into a pub in the heart of London, Leeds or Manchester. The walls, devoid of any countryside-kitsch, are painted a minimal mix of grey and black; drinking and dining is done at well-polished mahogany tables (always a traditional Brit-pub touch); big screen TVs show a variety of sports; and a pool table and stage take up opposite corners.

Live music most nights offers a blend of international pop and rock hits; ditto the pub’s stereo playlist, which hops between Bowie and The Beatles to Travis and The Beach Boys. The bar offers all the usual local beers on draught plus imported options such as Guinness, Leffe, Kilkenny, and Weihenstephaner. Peek inside the bottle fridges and you’ll spy Fuller’s London Porter, Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, and many other ales not readily available in Bangkok. Daily Happy Hours from 2pm-8pm offer pints of local draught beer at B100; imported draught beer, at B200. Each day the pub also offers special deals on different beers (check the pub’s facebook page for details). The Pintsman is owned by Mr Anil Kumar Dogra, whose other ventures in town include After Hours (also on Silom), and M Pub, which recently opened at

B Floor, United Center Building, Silom Road

Ascott Sathorn. If you’re familiar with those places, you’ll certainly know what to expect from The Pintsman’s food menu –a wide range of international and local favourites, most served in portions big enough to share. Just a few of the highlights on offer include Chicken wings (B190), Fish and chips (B350), Lamb shank (B420), Australian Sirloin Steak 200g (B550), and German pork knuckle (B390). Of these the lamb and pork knuckle are particularly impressive – eye-popping in size yet also full of flavour. For local dishes, try the Plaa Salmon (B240), which is fresh and herby with a nice spicy kick; and the Spring rolls laab moo (spicy minced pork. B160), which make for an excellent snack alongside a pint or two. The pub is open daily from 10am till late. Daily lunch sets start at B190.

☎02 234 2874 facebook.com/thepintsman

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Gourmet

Dining out|Buffet bonanza

Review

Buffet bonanza at The Square

Enjoy delicious food and big savings at Novotel Bangkok Platinum’s popular Sunday Brunch

CHOOSING a venue for Sunday Brunch in Bangkok is like perusing a buffet loaded with all your favourite foods: there are so many good options on offer, it’s difficult to know where to start. Take a peek at what’s served up at Novotel Bangkok Platinum, though, and that choice immediately becomes much easier – because it’s one of the best value brunches in town. Held at the hotel’s trendy all-daydining restaurant, The Square, the brunch is priced just B1,099++ per person (free for kids under 12). What’s more, until the end of the month, it’s buy-one-get-onefree! So if you take a friend to dine with you, you’ll only pay B600++ per person. Family friendly, the brunch offers a mouthwatering selection of sushi and sashimi, dim sum, roasted meats, foie gras, oysters and seafood on ice, Hong Kong-style duck, pizza fresh from the

oven, meats and pasta cooked to order, cakes and crumbles, homemade ice cream, and much more. All dishes are made using top quality ingredients and the selections are kept topped up throughout the brunch so you won’t miss out on your favourite. On our visit the grilled meats were a definite highlight – the lamb and beef arrived at the table cooked perfectly and full of flavour; ditto the salmon, which was rich and buttery and as fresh as it comes. Local favourites such as Moo grob (Crispy pork) and Moo deng (Sweet pork) were also impressive, and we couldn’t get enough of the rock lobster, which we ate in customary fashion with a generous drizzling of Thai seafood sauce. Ensuring young diners enjoy the brunch experience just as much as their parents, The Square has a dedicated Kids’ Lounge Area featuring activities hosted

The Square, Novotel Bangkok Platinum. Open daily 6am-10pm. 220 Petchaburi Road, Ratchathewi,

by the hotel’s Gingerbread Man Mascot. A live acoustic band, meanwhile, provides entertainment for all in the main dining area. While the Sunday brunch brings in the biggest crowds to The Square (advance booking is highly recommended to secure a table), it’s by no means the restaurant’s only highlight. Other reasons to drop by – especially if you need to refuel after a shopping spree in the adjacent Platinum Mall – include the restaurant’s comprehensive a la carte menu (available daily), International Lunch Buffet (served every Mon-Sat from 11.45am-3pm. B799++ per person), and International Dinner Buffet (served every Wed-Sat. B300++ per person). Alongside the options listed above, the restaurant also hosts regular promotions and deals. You can keep up to date with what’s on offer at novotelbangkokplatinum.com.

☎ 02 1607123 *Food only. Deal valid until the end of May

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Gourmet

Dining out|Red Pepper

Review

Red Pepper

Seafood is given a tasty Thai kick at this contemporary and colourful restaurant

SPARE a moment or two for Red Pepper, the Thai seafood restaurant at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok. It’s definitely worth it. Located next to the thriving Señor Pico Mexican restaurant, and a few floors below the hotel’s renowned Rang Mahal and da Vinci restaurants, it’s quickly gaining a fine reputation for being somewhat different with its Thai cuisine. While most Thai restaurants at hotels in town play it safe – toning down their dishes to suit the palates of foreigners who find a cup of Yorkshire Tea too spicy for their tastes – Red Pepper is brave enough to shun such expectations and be a little different, serving food which, when it says it’s spicy, is actually spicy. Topped with the slogan “Seafood at its best,” the menu boasts a wealth of fish

and shellfish prepared just as you like, plus a choice of salads, soups, appetizers, mains, noodles and rice dishes. Vegetarian and non-seafood options are also available (including a good Stir fried chicken with cashew nuts B250++), while a ‘fresh from the seafood market’ menu offers a daily changing selection of tasty Thai favourites such as Cuttlefish, Razor clams, and Giant river prawns. Prices for the special menu start at just B395++ per dish. Picking a dish from the a la carte menu is like casting a baited hook into a wellstocked fishing lake – only impressive catches await; big in size and even bigger in flavour. Standout selections include the Sautéed rock lobster with green curry (B665++), a meaty, piquant treat whose spice levels are tamed thanks

Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18

to a well-balanced coconut milk base; Prawn salad with assorted Thai herbs (B395++), whose shaved lemongrass offers a crisp, fresh ‘there’s a spa in my mouth!’ sensation; and Whole sea bass steamed with a spicy lime juice dressing, (B495++. 500g), which is sour, spicy and sweet, and served whole with the spine and bones removed to make the task of loading your plate with its meaty succulent flakes a breeze. The menu is rounded out with desserts such as Banana fritters with vanilla ice-cream (B160++) and Flour balls in coconut milk (B125++). Wine starts at B180++ per glass, and beer at B140++ per bottle. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm; and 5pm-11pm.

☎ 02 261 7100 :rembrandtbkk.com

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Gourmet

Dining out|Bawarchi

Review

Bawarchi Chidlom

Daily deals and off-menu specials are the flavour of the month at this popular Indian restaurant

THE flagship branch of the popular Bawarchi Indian restaurant chain has always been a great place to enjoy an authentic Indian meal. The tandoori meats are succulent and tasty, and the curries, made using herbs and spices imported from Bawarchi’s very own spice factory in Delhi, are some of the best in town. Throw in the elegant décor, vibrant sights of the open kitchen, and live Indian music, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a dining experience that delights all of the senses. The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu features the traditional Mughlai cuisine of North West India alongside a good selection of famous regional dishes (think Rogan Josh, Saag Paneer, Lamb Tikka Massala, and Tandoori chicken – all great options). There’s even a range of unique Thai-Indian fusion creations like Mango chicken curry to sink your teeth into. The biggest draw at the moment though for serious Indian foodies are Bawarchi’s brand new special menus.

Changing daily, they offer a range of Indian delicacies not listed on the a la carte menu and are a must try for anyone looking to experience Royal Indian cuisine at its best. Kick-starting the week is Meaty Monday, which offers succulent selections such as Lamb chilli fry (B550++) and Prawn balchao curry (B675++). This is followed by Tomato Tuesday – offering dishes such as Tamatari paneer tikka (B375++) and Tomato garlic naan (B160++) – and Weddgi Wednesday, which is sure to delight vegetarians with its choices of Sabz-e-bahar from the Garden of Samraat Ashoka (B325++) and Silky kebab (B375++). Food takes a back seat on Thirsty Thursday, when beers are buy-one-getone-free (and also Sunday Sundaes, when the same deal applies to cocktails and martinis) but returns in style on Fishy Friday, with popular choices such as

Bawarchi Chidlom, Intercontinental Hotel (President Tower Arcade) B-level, 973 Ploenchit Road

Tandoori salmon (B1,600++) and Prawn salt and pepper (B675++). Capping the week’s special food menus is Sizzling Saturday, which lives up to its name by offering a selection of dishes served on red hot skillets, including a great Tawa Boti Masala (B575++). As you’d expect from a superior dining experience, all food is served swiftly and efficiently and always arrives at the table piping hot; curries come in brass pots and are kept warm above candles, while tandoori skewers are served above burning coals. You can wash your food down with Indian tea and beers, or complete the fine dining experience by choosing from a good selection of international wines (starts at B1,200 per bottle; B350 per glass). Open daily for lunch and dinner, Bawarchi Chidlom is located next to the Intercontinental Bangkok, a short walk from Chidlom BTS. Ample parking is available.

☎ 02 656 0102-3 :bawarchiindian.com

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Gourmet

Dining out|Hagi

Review

Hagi Japanese Restaurant

A new chef and new dishes signal an exciting new era for this longstanding favourite

THERE can’t be many hotel-based Japanese restaurants in town as carefully considered as Hagi at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok. From its elegant traditional design to its extensive selection of sushi and sashimi made using fresh fish from Tokyo, the restaurant has been delicately crafted from the floorboards up to offer a thoroughly authentic Japanese dining experience. And, best of all, it just keeps getting better. Central to the current wave of exciting new developments at the restaurant is its new Head Chef Norobu Ozeki, a Japanese-cuisine veteran with over 30 years’ international experience who joined Hagi in February from the renowned Wasabi’s Restaurant in Hawaii. With a keen eye for detail, Chef Norobu likes to create food that looks just as good as it tastes. “Part of the wow factor in any meal should always come from the presentation,” he says. “While I never

play around too much with flavours (authenticity is key, and I want diners to experience the top quality ingredients we use) I like to be creative with presentation, making what is essentially Japanese cuisine but with a fine dining twist.” To give the restaurant its ‘fine dining’ edge, Chef Norobu has introduced signature dishes such as Steam egg custard and Grilled Chilean sea bass with teriyaki sauce, and tweaked the presentation of well-known dishes like Avocado salad and Matzukaba beef to give them more gourmet flare. He’s also launched a new specials menu, served every Mon-Fri, which changes every week and features a choice of two dishes (normally made with seasonal ingredients). The restaurant’s regular a la carte menu, meanwhile, now offers over 50 authentic dishes with highlights such

Hagi (Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok). Open 11.30am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm

as Blue fin tuna ‘Maguro’ sushi (B190 for two pieces), California rolls (sushi rolls with crab meat, mayonnaise, shrimp roe and asparagus. B180), and Sashimi Mori Awase (assorted local raw fish. B320). Other standout selections include Pork Yakinuku (fried thinly sliced pork loin with onions and Yakinuku sauce. B145), Saba Teriyaki (B140), Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork loin cutlet with bread crumbs. B130), and Teppanyaki Enoki mushrooms (B100). For dessert, the Green tea ice cream served with sweetened red bean (B80) is a good choice, as is the Sliced fresh tropical fruit of the season (B80). As you can see from the above, prices at Hagi are more than reasonable. And this value gets even better on the weekends and holidays when the restaurant offers its a la carte buffet – an all-you-can-eat feast for just B765 per person. A must visit for fans of Japanese cuisine.

☎02 541 1234 ext. 4081 :centarahotelsresorts.com/cglb

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Gourmet

Chefs in focus|Matt Dowdell All-time favourite restaurant? Alinea in Chicago

Best loved food? Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on a sesame bun. (But honestly I just love sandwiches)

SERVING UP Matt Dowdell

The Chef de Cuisine of Panorama Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, talks about his favourite foods and ingredients

Favourite Bangkok restaurant? Balee Lao on Sukhumvit 16. A big menu with dishes you don’t see everywhere and consistently good, authentic Thai ﬂavours Best compliment ever given to you? “This was the best meal we’ve ever had”

Patient or impatient in the kitchen? I’m much more patient than when I was younger

Favourite dish to make? Anything that involves long slow cooking like beef cheek or oxtail. I like to take ‘cheap’ cuts and bring out their inherently ﬂavourful nature. Pates and terrines are also fun technical exercises

Favourite ingredients? I always have garlic conﬁt and yellow lemons on hand for zesting and adding a touch of nice acidity to things at the last minute

Most used cookbook? The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg

Most useful sauce? Lea & Perrins’ Worcestershire: it helps so many things taste better

Chef Matt in focus ■ RAISED in Wisconsin, USA, Chef Matt Dowdell ﬁrst discovered his passion for the hospitality industry when, as a youngster, his family would take him on skiing trips to local resorts and lodges. Falling in love with the ‘bed and breakfast’ concept, and inspired by the service and food on offer, Matt knew exactly what he wanted to be when he left school – a chef. After graduating from Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, USA, with a degree in Hospitality Management, Matt began climbing the culinary industry ladder with several kitchen jobs at top local restaurants. This culminated in him landing a position at the renowned Alinea Restaurant in Chicago. Going on to hone his skills at several other highend restaurants in Chicago, Matt then decided to take a break and visit Thailand on vacation. Impressed by what he found, especially in terms of dining, he made the decision to stay and continue his career in the kingdom. After operating a newly opened seafood bar in Bangkok, Matt was soon sought out to join Panorama Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park as Chef de Cuisine.

Biggest culinary myth? Searing meat seals and locks in juices. It does induce Maillard reaction and produce delicious ﬂavours, but, unlike low temperature cooking, it increases moisture loss Most overrated dish? Farmed salmon, in whatever form. It’s the skinless chicken breast of today. Every menu has to have it and because it’s everywhere people don’t appreciate why wild salmon is so special when it’s in season

Most useful kitchen utensil? A well shaped (sharp pointed) spoon

Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, 952 Rama IV Road. Open lunch Noon-2pm; Dinner 6pm-10.30pm (drinks till 1am) 02 632 9000 :crowneplaza.com

☎

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Gourmet

Pics|Events

Gourmet scrapbook Foodie functions in focus

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Gala Dinner ■ PREMIER Gastronomic Society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, Thailand Chapter recently held an exclusive Gala Dinner at the Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien hotel to welcome new members and award outstanding participants. After an induction ceremony, the Association’s President Joe Prasobsook Thawilvejjakul led some 70 distinguished guests and friends through the enjoyment of a pop-up dining experience.This year’s theme incorporated the notion of fun-filled travels throughout different places within the hotel through the art of cuisine superbly executed by Executive Sous Chef Thibault Chiumenti along with Chef de Cuisine Daniel Bucher. Find out more about the group at www.chaine–thailand.com

Californian coffee arrives in Thailand ■ THE Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Thailand marked its grand opening with a special event showcasing its premium coffee from California. Established in 1963, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is the oldest and largest privately-held specialty coffee and tea retailer in the United States. The company currently has more than 1,500 stores in over 27 countries. You can find its stores here in Bangkok at Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Siam Center, Interhange 21, Fashion Island, Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22, and Soi Langsuan.

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Pics|Events

Choya with a twist â&#x2013; SPANISH tapas was given a Japanese twist when Choya teamed up with K.Bo Duangporn of Bolan to present a new way of enjoying tapas with Choya Umeshu. Held at Gastonom (Sukhumvit 26), the sister restaurant of popular breakfast spot Gastro 1/6, the event featured a different cocktail and tapas pairing for each hour of the night.

Saras turns three with a feast â&#x2013; POPULAR Indian vegetarian restaurant Saras celebrated its third anniversary by throwing a lunchtime party featuring a sumptuous selection of its most popular fare. Located on Sukhumvit Soi 20, the restaurant offers over 200 dishes ranging from a cross-selection of Indian regional delicacies including Indian-Chinese as well as Thai vegetarian food.

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Dining|BB&B

Gourmet

Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy The BB&B dining group enjoys a lunch to remember in the banqueting kitchens of Amari Watergate Bangkok

NCE again (no less than the eighth time!) Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy were invited by GM Pierre Pelletier and Executive Chef Peter Kaserer to enjoy lunch at the Amari Watergate Bangkok. The 18 strong group assembled at the refurbished Lobby Bar and started with a choice of locally brewed Heineken or Tulloch NV Cuvee Brut Sparkling White. Descending into the bowels of the hotel, we found our path bedecked with flower petals ensuring no-one lost their way en-route to the banqueting kitchen. The informality of the setting and the warmth of the welcome from Peter and his staff immediately created a party atmosphere; the golfing end of the table seemed to be more boisterous than their counterparts at the kitchen end (which included no less than five members of the Swiss community). Dining commenced in earnest with Sea bass ceviche Thai style and warm crabmeat cappeletti on roast beets and pumpkins, accompanied by more of that Tulloch Sparkling White, a dry wine that proved to be a good match to the starter.This was an innovative presentation of sea bass, enjoyed by our group which was led through the

with the rest of our diners, thought the dish was very tasty and a credit to skills of the Chef and his several assistants; the sauces served with the dish were both outstanding.The wine, Monte Del Drago 2006 (Corvine 50%. Cab Sauvignon 50%) which accompanied this, was the first of three excellent Italian wines. Dessert featured Home-made vanilla ice cream on berries in red wine sauce; the matching of the Camarato Falerno del Massico 2001Â wine to the food somehow seemed not quite right but no-one could fault the ice cream and its sauce and, as is often the case at BB&B lunches, the wine was

menu by food spokesman Tom Whitcraft. There followed Light broccoli cream soup which won praise from the diners. This was served with Chablis La Roche 2010, a wine introduced by wine spokesman and veteran gourmet, Luigi Vercotti, appointed to this position of considerable responsibility as a reward for his late arrival at the lunch. We next found at our table Australian veal fillet in puff pastry coat, hot smoked sea scallop, green asparagus and veal glace. Peter found the need to confess that the oven had been set a tad too high for the roasting of the veal, but I, along

drunk with relish. As has become a tradition at Amari Watergate, we found a set of really excellent French and Italian cheeses to accompany the crackers and bread and Jock had identified a third first-rate Le Corte 2004 Chianti wine with which to complete the lunch. Overall, one must compliment Peter for his very hands on approach to the entire meal; all members of the team performed their duties capably and once again we have to thank the management for the unstinting generous reception we received. Amari Watergate Bangkok, 847 Petchburi Road 02 653 9000 :amari.com/watergate

â&#x2DC;&#x17D;

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cut out and keep

Dining|Recipe

Gourmet

Recipe of the month Panaeng jumbo tiger prawns Khun Pichet Kaewkong, Sous Chef at InAzia, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, shares his recipe for a tasty Thai classic Ingredients • 250g Jumbo tiger prawns (about 2 pcs.) • 30g Panaeng curry paste • 20g Oil for cooking • 500g Oil for frying • 15g Palm sugar • 10g Fish sauce • 2g Salt • 250g Coconut milk • For garnish: Sweet basil leaves and coconut cream. Sliced Kafﬁr lime leaves. Sliced large red chilli

‘ Method

1. Clean the tiger prawns, cut the shell along the back side and remove the dark vein. 2. Heat enough oil in a wok so the prawns can be fully immersed in the oil. Deep fry the tiger prawns for

about 3 minutes or until they change to a pink colour.

simmer in the curry sauce for another minute.

3. Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Stir in Panaeng curry paste and fry until fragrant.

6. Season with ﬁsh sauce, palm sugar and salt to taste.

4. Add some coconut milk and stir to combine with curry paste. 5. Add remaining coconut milk, bring to boil and simmer until sauce slightly thickens. Add jumbo tiger prawns and

7. Arrange tiger prawns on a serving plate and coat with the curry sauce. Drizzle with coconut cream and garnish with the sliced Kafﬁr lime leaves, red chilli and sweet basil leaves. 8. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

About the chef

wko Chef Pichet Kae 68

KHUN Pichet Kaewkong is Sous Chef at InAzia, the award-winning Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine restaurant at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Using fresh local ingredients alongside Asian herbs and spices, he cooks a wide range of dishes specially designed to delight the eyes just as much as the palate. “I love making people happy,” he says. “The most satisfying thing for me is if someone tells me that they had a great evening, and I love being able to reach people through great food and service.” Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, 1573 Petchkasem Road, Cha-Am, Petchburi

☎ 03 270 8000

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Juicy facts This month: Prawns 1. The terms shrimp and prawn originated in Great Britain. In the UK the word shrimp is used to refer to the smaller species. In the US, however, the word shrimp is used to refer to all species; the word prawn is hardly ever used. 2. Prawns can only swim in a backward motion! 3. Different species of prawn can be found all over the world, in colours such as brown, pink, royal red. 4. The term used for uncooked or raw prawns is “green.” 5. There are approximately 2,000 species of prawn known in the world. 6. The world’s largest producer of prawns is… drum roll…Thailand.

7. Pregnant prawns lay between 50,000 to 1 million eggs which hatch within a period of 24 hours. 8. There are three divisions of prawn species: Coldwater (or northern), Tropical (or southern), and Freshwater. 9. The average lifespan for prawns is one to five years. Some prawns may live as long as six-and-a-half years. (Others don’t make it that long and end up in dishes like the one on the left). 10. Wild prawns feed on seaweed and crustaceans which gives them a richer flavour and thicker shells. The ability to swim freely also makes the meat firmer

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Gourmet

Feature|Dining scene

New in town 57th Street ■ THE recently opened Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit – not to be confused with the JW Marriott – has launched 57th Street, an all-day dining restaurant offering an innovative spin on seasonal favorites using traditional home-style recipes. The venue also features an impressive buffet of local and international favourites. Under the direction of Executive Chef Nathan Chilcott, the restaurant has an opening promotion ’57 for 57’, with diners paying only 57% on lunch and dinner buffets until May 27, 2013. 57th Street is located on the hotel’s lobby level, and open daily from 6am until 11 pm. 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57 02 797 0400 :bangkokmarriott.com

☎

Café 9 ■ SET in the heart of Pratunam, Bangkok’s busy shopping district, Cafe 9 at the Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel has an extensive a la carte menu and also serves buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The newly built property is particularly convenient for shoppers, being connected to the Watergate Pavillion Fashion Mall, and offers well priced breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets for B670, B850 and B1,250 respectively. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 6.30am to 11pm with executive Chef John Ranaudo in charge of the team. 567 Rachaprarop Road, Makkasan 02 625 1234 :centarahotelsresorts.com

☎

The Coffee Club ■ THAILAND’S love affair with coffee houses continues with the opening of three more Coffee Clubs, including one at Baan Rachprasong; the others are located in Phuket and Chiang Mai. Apart from its laid-back interior design and atmosphere, Australia-based Coffee Club is known for its premium blend coffee sourced from South America, Asia and Africa, and prepared by a ‘Barista.’ Another popular feature is the all day breakfast.

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Feature|Dining scene

Hemingway’s

Greyhound Cafe ■ IN tune with the recent upgrade of its long-term home, Siam Center, perennial favorite Greyhound Café has undergone a major revamp and facelift to its overall design and menu, as well as a move from its original location on the ﬁrst ﬂoor to the third. Its new look features plants to soften the naked concrete and lots of glass to create a greenhouse effect. And it’s still great for salads, sandwiches, burgers and the iconic ‘happy toast.’ Siam Center, Ploenchit/Rama 1

■ NAMED in honor of legendary writer, explorer and adventurer Ernest Hemingway, this twostorey newcomer to Bangkok’s dining scene is located in a beautifully restored golden teak house dating back to the 1920s, with indoor and outdoor dining areas, including an atmospheric bar and tropical garden. The menu is inﬂuenced by Hemingway’s favourite foods and the places he visited in the 1920s. A remarkably peaceful venue in a busy part of the city. 1 Sukhumvit Soi 14 02 653 3900 :hemingwaysbangkok.com

☎

☎02 658 1129

Paste

The M Pub ■ ALL of the ingredients that go into the making of a classic pub are featured in The M Pub, launched last month by the Big Mango Group. Set on the ground ﬂoor of super smart the Ascott serviced apartment building, this plush venue offers international food and desserts, local and imported beers, live music and a pool table. 187 South Sathorn Road.

■ THE brainchild of Jason Bailey and Bongkoch Satongun (Bee), who together previously operated a restaurant in Australia that won the ‘Best Thai food’ awarded by the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia, Paste is a modern Thai eating house that uses the best locally sourced ingredients, goes easy on heavy seasoning, and features a fresh interpretation of classical dishes. Cocktails are a high point, and more than 60 different wines are stocked. 120/6 Sukhumvit Soi 49 (Opposite Samitivej Hospital) 02 392 4313 :pastebangkok.com

☎

☎02 676 6676

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Gourmet

Where to eat

Your ultimate dining companion

Recommended restaurants and bars American cuisine

French cuisine

Great American Rib

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Ribs, pulled pork and BBQ chicken, staples in the Southern United States, are the specialities at this casual spot. Accompaniments include cornbread, curly fries and coleslaw. Although there is an a/c dining room, most people opt for the authentic picnic tables outside, cooled by giant fans. Portions are gargantuan, the management amiable and the beer never stops flowing: an ideal spot for the entire family to spend a casual night on the town – American style. Sukhumvit Soi 36, midway between Sukhumvit Rd and Rama IV Rd (BTS Thonglor) Tel: 02 661 3801

Harvey

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Le Vendome

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The quality of Bangkok’s French restaurants has improved immensely in recent years and Le Vendome is one of the big reasons. The pleasant setting includes a garden, and private rooms for special functions. If you are looking for signal French food served with élan and presented with pizzazz, this is where you’ll find it. Although relatively expensive in the evening, the set lunches are a fantastic bargain at around Baht 500. Try them once, and you’ll be back in the evening for the Full Monty. Sukhumvit Soi 31, just past the Soi Sawasdee junction (BTS Phrom Phong – but it’s a hefty walk), Tel: 02 662 0530

Reﬂexions

•

Harvey features Californian cuisine served up in sleek, modern and decidedly posh surroundings. California is noted for its wide variety of fresh fruits and produce, and an equally wide variety of ethnic groups. The developing cuisine from this state reflects this diversity, making it a fusion lover’s delight. The menu ranges far and wide, but most dishes are memorable and well presented. This is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most popular spots. Drop-in and see what all the excitement is about.

Reflexions offers contemporary French food in modern surroundings. It’s open for casual lunches and relaxed, but mildly elegant, dinners. There is live music from 19.00 – 22.00 each evening to add ambience. Don’t expect traditional French dishes, the menu is contemporary with a great deal of emphasis placed upon presentation. The service is efficient and friendly.The entertainment and atmosphere make this a good place to spend the entire evening.

Thonglor Soi 9, 300m from Soi Thonglor (BTS Thonglor), Tel: 02 662 9911

Plaza Athenee Bangkok, Wireless Rd, 200m from Ploenchit Road (BTS Ploenchit), Tel: 02 650 8800

Bourbon Street

•

AFTER 25 years in the same location on Sukhumvit 22, Bourbon Street Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Boutique Hotel took its business last year to a brand new location on Soi Ekkamai. Bigger, brighter and better than ever, it remains Bangkok’s only 100% owned and operated American restaurant with the specialty of the house being famous Louisiana “Cajun/Creole” dishes. Highlights of the menu include Boiled “live” crawfish, Blackened redfish, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Blackened crab cakes and many more “New Orleans” favourites. In short: a must visit for fans of hearty, delicious food. Soi Ekkamai (near Ekkamai BTS station). Tel: 02 381 6801-3 email: info@bourbonstbkk.com www.bourbonstbkk.com 74

D’Sens

• This restaurant puts to

rest arguments Bangkok is a backwater restaurant town. Dusit Thani Bangkok has teamed with Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, operators of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Montpellier, France, to create D’Sens. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the restaurant is lavishly decked out in red and has beautiful views of Lumpini Park and the city. The food, as expected, is expensive, but superbly executed and presented. The wine list at 550 bottles is one of the most extensive in the city. Dusit Thani Hotel, Junction Silom and Rama IV Rds (BTS Saladaeng or MRT Silom), Tel: 02 200 9000 ext. 2449

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Italian cuisine

International cuisine Tenderloins Sports Bar & Steak House

Rossini’s

•

Great food with a prominent Italian chef at the helm. The Sheraton takes this restaurant seriously and insures the quality is always first rate. The setting is that of an elegant Italian farmhouse with an open hearth. Not the sort of place to go dressed in shorts and a T-shirt for pizza and pasta. This is a restaurant to take that special someone you are trying to impress. The menu is a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes. The latter vary with the season, the ingredients available, and the whims of the chef. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, 250 Sukhumvit Rd (BTS Asoke or MRT Sukhumvit) Tel: 02 649 8888

Biscotti • At Biscotti, great

Italian food is prepared under the watchful eye of diners and an Executive Chef from Italy – almost half the dining room is filled with a massive open kitchen. Located in the middle of Bangkok’s business and shopping action, Biscotti offers a set lunch with a buffet for appetizers and desserts plus a cook-to-order main course. In the evenings, things are more subdued and formal and you should gussy up a bit. Biscotti is noted for its excellent wine list, numerous special wine dinners and exemplary service. Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Rd (BTS – Ratchadamri), Tel: 02 250 1000

Opus

•

Set inside a wonderfully renovated villa on Pan Road, this delightful wine bar and restaurant serves top class Italian cuisine and boasts a walk-in wine cellar with over 500 different Italian labels – easily the largest selection in Bangkok. Owned and managed by Italian wine-expert Alex Morabito, formerly of Zanotti, the restaurant is classy and sophisticated yet it still retains a homely atmosphere. Chef Christian Martena, who honed his skills working at Spain’s three Michelin Star restaurant El Bulli, brings talent, creativity and experience to the kitchen, and he creates a wide range of contemporary Italian cuisine which wows all of the senses. 64 Pan Road, Silom (BTS: Surasak). Open daily 6am – midnight. Tel: 02 637 9899 email: info@wbopus.com www.wbopus.com

•

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

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.. 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

Voilà!

HE Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s 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 Parisian-style 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 Bangkok Sukhumvit, 189 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15 (between Nana and Asok BTS stations). 02 126 9999 ext. Voilà! sofitel.com

☎

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Feature

Insight|Firefighters

Urban heroes: Bangkok’s ﬁreﬁghters It’s dangerous and frightening work, but the job of tackling the city’s fires is in capable hands. Maxmilian Wechsler investigates

I Namchok Maison

IT took several months to find Namchok Maison, a Bangkok firefighter with permission to speak on record about what is surely one of the city’s most dangerous occupations. We met in the compound of Samsen fire station, where he is attached, on Khao Road behind Vachira Hospital in the Dusit district. I was instantly awed by the row of shiny firefighting trucks and other supporting vehicles on standby at the large compound, ready to be dispatched to a fire or other emergency. However, the most interesting piece of equipment at the station is a giant Mercedes-Benz truck with a ladder that has a maximum vertical extension of 90 meters and side extension of 32.5 meters, and can rotate 360 degrees. Most people probably don’t know that the Bangkok fire brigade has such equipment. Born into a farming family in Uthai Thani province, Mr Namchok studied political science at Ramkamhaeng University. In late 2007 he joined the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), a career light years from his course of study. Why?

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“As a kid, I dreamed of being a hero and helping people,” said the 30-year-old firefighter. “My dream came true. I am very happy with my job and I wouldn’t change it for anything else. I will continue until my retirement, which is many years away.” At first he was afraid when called to tackle fires, but no longer. He’s never been injured while on duty, even though he’s been in the thick of many of the worst disaster scenes. Firefighting teams from Samsen responded to the Santika club fire in Bangkok that killed 66 people and injured more than 220 in the early hours of January 1, 2009. “The fire was outside of our area, but because of the magnitude of the disaster, fire brigades from all over Bangkok were called to the scene. It was by far my worst experience as a fireman because so many people were killed and injured. It was really a horrible scene. I only hope that such a disaster never happens again in Bangkok.” Another fire he will never forget was the one at Suapa Plaza in Chinatown just a few days later. “Helicopters were used to rescue people from the rooftop. One person was killed and about 47 others injured in the blaze, which was attended by about 60 fire engines deployed from many Bangkok fire stations,” Mr Namchok said. During the disastrous floods in 2010, the Samsen station avoided inundation despite being close to the Chao Phaya River. “We were helping communities in nearby Bangplat district, which was under deep water. We delivered food, water and other necessities to the people who were stranded in their homes, ferried people who needed medical attention, and so forth.” Two of Mr Namchok’s colleagues also said they were happy with their occupation. One added: “Even if I could earn more money doing something else, I would still be a fireman because I want to help people in emergency situations.” Mr Namchok, who is not married, agreed, saying his salary is “enough for me.”

“

Mr Namchok underwent training in Cha-am, Lopburi and Bangkok. He told us: “The Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department has 35 fire stations with 1,500 to 1,600 personnel. The stations are divided into four divisions with seven to 11 stations each. Samsen fire station has about 13 operational firefighting trucks; some others are now under repair. We have 43 firemen divided into two teams, each on 24-hour shifts. “The responsibilities of all fire brigades include extinguishing fires, relieving disaster situations, making rescues, patrolling and fire prevention, among others. We also survey and map water sources in communities, maintain our vehicles and other equipment, conduct training exercises and assist citizens and public agencies in various ways.” Battling fires is “not really dangerous because we are all well trained in different firefighting and rescue techniques.” The training includes how to drive the big trucks to the scene of emergencies safely. “This is often more dangerous than fighting the fire because many drivers won’t give us the right of way despite our sirens and emergency lights. Many Thai drivers are selfish and lack good manners. We have to be very careful not to hit other vehicles,” Mr Namchok said. Once a fire or other emergency is reported, a siren blares at Samsen fire station. A fire crew departs within one or two minutes and is usually able to reach the site within eight minutes, provided it is in the area under the station’s jurisdiction. “To report an emergency, people can dial 199, which is our

As a kid, I dreamed

of being a hero and helping people. My dream came true. I am very happy with my job and I wouldn’t change it for anything else.

“

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Feature

Insight|Firefighters

centre located at Phayathai fire station,” he added. “They will contact the appropriate fire station by radio. Our radio is on around the clock. “As for fighting a fire, my team will discuss the way to go about it after arriving at the scene and surveying the situation. This doesn’t take too long. We will ask people when the fire started and if they know why it started. We will quickly examine the building that is on fire as well as surrounding locations. “As for firefighting equipment, we have everything we need − no problems in this respect. I have protective clothes and other gear like gas masks and oxygen tanks at my disposal and so do my colleagues. We don’t have any females at my station,” he added. The incidence of fires in his district and Bangkok in general has been decreasing, mainly because of greater awareness of fire hazards. “We go to see people throughout Bangkok and educate them on how to prevent fires. We go to schools, to slum communities and many other places. Sometimes people come to see us at Samsen station. Owners of buildings can undergo training in fire prevention at the station. In fact, anyone can come and will be informed,” said Mr Namchok. Another reason for the decrease in fires is that new buildings are built from less inflammable materials and are equipped with fire prevention features and equipment. “The main cause of fires is an electric short circuit; the second is the burning of incense,” said Mr Namchok, adding that fires often start in the kitchen. “Arson is rare. I can’t remember any cases that I have been involved in, although the police investigate the cause of fires, not us.”

T 78

What about the volunteer firefighters who use pick-up trucks and even motorcycles with sirens blaring and flashing lights to race to conflagrations, often breaking traffic laws and endangering other drivers and pedestrians? “They often arrive at the scene before the BMA fire brigade does because some of their volunteers and vehicles are positioned in slum communities. They also monitor the central fire radio frequency, so they know the location of the fire and race there immediately,” said Mr Namchok, who estimated there are 1,000 to 2,000 volunteer firemen in Bangkok. “Sometimes they will listen to our advice and work with us, but sometimes they just do what they like. It depends on the situation. The problem is usually with communication.” This was obviously a sensitive matter he wasn’t keen on talking about. Although lacking equipment themselves, the volunteers often help the BMA brigades to connect to distant hydrants by the use of hoses they carry in the back of their pick-ups. And they are often commended for wanting to assist people, especially in slum communities. Generally, there is good access to water hydrants in Bangkok, and no problem with pressure. “When there is a fire in the slum where hydrants are not installed, we can often get water from the canals. A major problem, though, are Bangkok’s side streets, which are often too narrow for the large fire trucks. The solution is simply to connect enough fire hoses to reach whatever length is required, says Mr Namchok. “As for fires in multi-storey buildings, we take the Mercedes Benz, which has a 90m motorized ladder. “If our ladder cannot reach the blaze we will use the building’s fireman’s lift, which has separate electricity connections. This should help to evacuate the residents and allow

Mr Namchok and his colleagues

the fire brigade to combat the fire. According to regulations, every building higher than 23 meters must have a fireman’s lift. There should also be hydrants inside the buildings. “There are three teams at the BMA who inspect new buildings and other structures before they open for fire prevention systems, like fireman’s lifts, sprinklers, hydrants, fire escapes and so on. If the building is in Samsen district, the local firemen will go there as well. “Most of the buildings in Samsen district are low-rise – unlike Sukhumvit or Silom areas, for example − but they include some important places like Chitralada Palace and the Parliament building. “We are trained to combat and extinguish fires at factories, where chemicals or other hazardous materials may be stored. Fortunately, since I have been on the job I haven’t had to respond to such a fire. The BMA can call in police helicopters if necessary to evacuate people from the roof or for other purposes.”

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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O N G U I D E F O R M A Y 1 3

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on pArt pPerformance pSport pFootball pMovies & Albums

The Phantom of the Opera i s coming to Thailand with an international touring cast! Page 83.

The Dodos

The American, folk contemporaries to play twice in one day Page 82

Trail Masters

Strap on your trainers and get in training for this fun event Page 84

Scrumdown

The Phuket Rugby 10s hits the island this month on May 24-26 Page 84 TheBigChilli

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What’s On|The Arts

Exhibitions May 10 – Jun 10

The Rooftop Gallery

Night Shift

Jun 6 – July 11

DOB Hualamphong Gallery

Beauty

ACCESSORIES, make-up, hair products and skin lotions – some women get so wound up in the materialistic side of beauty that they ‘beautify’ themselves more than necessary. In this exhibition of oil paintings, fledgling artist Suriwan Sutham explores what might happen if beauty seekers were to take their obsession too far. DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Road. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon). Tel: 02 237 5592-4 www.ardelgallery.com

Until May 25

Number 1 Gallery

Relatively Extended

THE shifting colours of the sky come into vibrant focus in the latest exhibition of oil paintings by abstract artist Kathawut. Painted in quick succession, the paintings show how, like life, the sky constantly changes. Kathuwut hopes this will inspire viewers to let go of the past, not worry about the future, and simply live life in the present.

RANGING from images of lonesome beggars on a moonlit street to restless party-goers caught in a candid moment, Night Shift features the work of nine Thai artists who each explore a different aspect of night life. There are photographic pieces capturing a range of human emotions, and even an exclusive painting by renowned Bangkok artist and designer P7. Curated by Yvonne Liang, the exhibition will open with a live mural video installation by Vinni Kiniki and Deyan Raykov (May 10, 7pm-9pm). 440/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). Open Wed-Fri Noon-7pm (and by appointment). Tel: 08 6533 0402 (Yvonne)

Until May 18

Number 1 Gallery

Graduated Emergence

FEATURING a range of paintings, photography, and mixed media installations from seven leading Thai contemporary artists (Sutee Kunavichayanont, Tawatchai Somkong, Arin Rungjang, Kornkrit Jianpinidnan, Kritsada Duchsadeevanich, Lek Kiatsirikajorn, and Piyasuk Ausap), Graduated Emergence explores the notions of memories, what they mean, and how we store them. The Silom Galleria Building (room401-402), Silom Road Tel: 02 630 3381

May 30 – Jul 7

Ardel Gallery of Modern Art

The Beauty of Life

REALIST artist Chairat Sangthong turns his attention to local customs and traditions, showing how genuine happiness can be found in the simplest of everyday interactions and tasks. Boromratchonnee Road. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon) Tel: 02 422 2092 www.ardelgallery.com

919/1 The Silom Galleria Building, Silom Road Soi 19. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. Tel: 02 630 3381 www.number1gallery.com

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11/27/12 11:15:17 AM

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What’s On|Performance

Live Music

Dear Music Lover, WE’VE seen things drastically improve over the last couple of years regarding good live international acts coming through Bangkok. Bloc Party, Thee Oh Sees, The Charlatans, Delphic, Young Knives, The Radio Dept and even Black Lips to name but a few have all graced this city with their presence recently. Promoters have taken the risk and bands just seem to want to play Thailand. After running Popscene (an alternative music events night in Bangkok) and touring Asia with The Standards for the past five years, I’ve got to know the whos and wheres of the alternative music scene pretty well. This is my round up of the events coming up over the next couple of months that you’d do well to attend. All events can be found through Facebook or Google where you’ll find all the info you need on where to buy tickets and the addresses of the venues. Where possible, get your tickets in advance. That way you’ll save a bit of money and keep this growing music scene alive.

BANGKOK • BALTIMORE’S two piece indie outﬁt Wye Oak will be live on Sunday May 12 at the very intimate Sol Space. Support comes from local bands Stereotype and Slow Reverse. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: 800 Thai Baht (Limited 150 Tickets) Check the Facebook page for details: :facebook.com/events/111465929046572/

Wye Oak

• AMERICAN, folk contemporaries The Dodos will play twice in one day on Saturday May 18 at The Siam Society. An acoustic set in the afternoon followed by an electric set later that evening plus support from local favourites Basement Tape, Bear Garden, Beforechamp and Dok Mai Baan. Doors open at 2:30pm with live music pretty much all day. Tickets: 1000 Thai Baht (advance) - 1200 Thai Baht (+ 1 drink) from :supersweetlive.com/tickets

The Dodos

• GRAMMY-winning alternative rockers Deftones will perform their pensive and pulverizing music in a one-off gig at Centrepoint Studio (Sukhumvit 105) on May 23. Gates open 8pm. Tickets: B2,000 from

:Thaiticketmajor.com

Deftones

• LASTLY, the next outing for Popscene will be San Francisco’s two piece, garage inspired, psychedelic geniuses The King Khan & BBQ Show. Support will be from The Standards and Plastic Section. June 1 at Cosmic Cafe on RCA. It’s gonna be a belter! Tickets: 400 baht on the door only (doors open 8pm).

• BONUS: Sweaty, rollicking, intimate rock and roll at Popscene Live with The Standards, The Sangsom Masacre and more local talent. Friday May 17 at Fatty’s Bar. Free entry.

The King Khan & BBQ Show

JAPAN •SUMMER SONIC 2013

Taking place in Tokyo and Osaka on August 10 and 11, this festival is massive! Metallica, Metallica, Muse, Stone Roses, Beady Eye, Two Door Cinema Club, Palma Violets, Peace, Alt-J, Jake Bugg and many, many more are on the line-up. Doors open at 9am on both sites.

Tickets: Tokyo: 1 Day ticket - 15,500 Yen - 2 day ticket - 28,000 Yen Osaka: 1 day ticket - 13,000 Yen - 2 day ticket - 23,000 Yen Check the website for more details: :summersonic.com

•FUJI ROCK 2013

Artists are still being added but so far Bjork, Hurts, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, The XX, Foals, Sparks, Tame Impala, Mumford and Sons and a load more have already been announced. July 26 – 28 way up in the mountains of the Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata. Sounds outstanding. The

Matt 82

Cure

Tickets: Early bird - 3 day ticket - 39,800 Yen - 1 day ticket - 16,800 Yen Regular - 3 day ticket - 42,800 - 1 day ticket 17,800 Yen Check the website for more details: :smash-uk.com

Smith

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HONG KONG

This

W ill D estro y You

THEATRE MAY 7 – JUNE 9

MUANGTHAI RACHADALAI THEATRE

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

• SHOEGAZE heroes This Will Destroy You (Ticket: $250 - advance, $300 - door - $150 - student) are doing their thing on May 27, both at Hidden Agenda. AD Big Chilli Half.pdf 1 12/4/55 Tickets available from :ticketﬂap.com

9:46

BROADWAY’S most famous musical is coming to Thailand with an international touring cast. With spectacular sets and more than 230 costumes by the late Maria Björnson, the musical contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous music, including “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Music of the Night.” AM Tickets range B1,500-B5,500 :Thaiticketmajor.com

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What’s On|Outdoors

Sport July 13 and 17

Rajamangala Stadium

Singha 80th Anniversary Cup

THAILAND’S Singha All Stars will take on the might of a visiting Manchester United on July 13, before trying to bang in some goals against Chelsea FC on July 17. While both games will be held at the cavernous Rajamangala Stadium, tickets are sure to sell out faster than a Mancunian derby. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets range B800-B4,000 from Thaiticketmajor.com

June 16

Khao Mai Keaw, Pattaya

June 9

The Columbia Trail Masters May 25 – June 1 2013 Chaweng Beach, THE 5th edition of the Thailand Trail Running Championship is open to all and offers a choice of four distances – 50 km, 25 km, 10km, and 3.5km fun run/ walk for all. Combining the beautiful outdoor scenery of hiking with the physical challenges of running, trail running is perfect for any athlete who likes to get out amongst nature. :ama-events.com

Koh Samui

Samui Regatta

LANDLUBBERS and sailors alike flock to this annual regatta which, alongside the final of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix, features some superb cocktail parties and lifestyle events on Chaweng Beach. For more info: :samuiregatta.com

May 24 – 26

Phuket

Phuket International Rugby 10s

THE 2013 edition of this popular tournament will be held at the Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club (located 10 minutes from Nai Yang beach near the airport). A full schedule should be available nearer the date on the tournament’s website.

Laguna Beach Resort, Phuket

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

BUDDING athletes have just one month left to get in some last minute training for this popular international triathlon, expected once again to attract over 4,000 participants from around the world. Marathon and Half Marathon runners follow the course out of Laguna and then head north through local villages, pineapple and rubber plantations. Other categories include 10.5km and 5km runs, and a 2km kids run. :goadventureasia.com

phuketrugby10s.com

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What’s On|Sport

Thai Premier League

SOCCER PUNDIT PAUL HEWITT EXAMINES WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF THAI FOOTBALL

Good start for capital’s clubs

THE majority of teams from Bangkok and the surrounding areas have made good starts to the 2013 season. At the time of writing, in late April, Muangthong United, the 2012 champions, once again lead the Thai Premier League. The Twin Qilins, though perhaps not at the peak of their form, have swept away all before them so far with the notable exception of Buriram United. United The 2011 champions won 2-1 at the SCG Stadium on April 17 and appear to be heading for a two-horse race with MTU. It’s been a different story in the AFC Champions League though. Muangthong have taken a single point from their opening four matches. Embarrassingly, they conceded four goals in each of the other three games: 4-1 and 4-0 defeats against Guangzhou Evergrande and a 4-1 defeat at Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds will spell an early exit for the men from Nonthaburi. Buriram, on the other hand, have had a much better time of it in Asia. They’ve taken five points from their opening four games and have a real chance of progressing to the knockout stages. If that happens, it will be a significant step forward for Thai football. But back to the league, and BEC Tero Sasana may not agree that a two-horse race is a given. Tero, newly of Minburi, would be in the thick of the title race were it not for a surprise 3-2 home defeat by TOT in early April. The Fire Dragons will also rue the 2-2 draw with Chonburi on the opening day of the season in which a 2-0 lead was surrendered. But with Cleiton Silva still

regularly finding the back of the net, Tero can’t be discounted from the title race but they will surely need to take points from Muangthong and Buriram if they are to break their eleven-year title drought. Tero parted company with head coach Stephane Demol at the end of April stating that his playing and coaching style didn’t match the club’s vision and ambitions. Army United are impressing in the early going too. The Greens lost their opening two games of the season, albeit by a single goal on both occasions against giants Muangthong and Chonburi, but then put together a four game winning streak; a run which included hitting 10 goals with no reply in two matches against Bangkok United and TOT. TOT themselves have had an uncharacteristically bright start to the season and are comfortably in the top half of the table. Away wins at Chiang Rai and BEC Tero are their standout results so far. And Police United have also made a reasonable start picking up two wins, three draws and one defeat in their opening six matches. Those two victories came against our two teams that haven’t made the best start to the 2013 season. We documented Bangkok Glass’s troubles in last month’s issue. Little has improved since then. They did manage to record their first victory of the season on match day six when they defeated Osotspa 3-0 at home, but the Glass Rabbits quickly reverted to type by losing their next match. BG “underachieve” so routinely that it hardly warrants the term anymore; this is just what they do now: flop around in

mid-table, lose to supposedly inferior teams whilst picking up the odd victory against one of the better sides. It’s difficult at the moment to see them finishing anywhere but mid-table again. Our other side at the wrong end of the table is Bangkok United. The ‘Bangkok Angels’ are back in the Thai Premier League for the first time since 2010 but it’s already looking like their stay will be a brief one. A single point from their opening seven games – a home draw with equally lowly Samut Songkhram – suggests the Angels will fall back to League 1. The picture in League 1 is also a positive one. Four of the current top six are Bangkok-based clubs. BBCU, Singhtarua (Thai Port), Air Force and Bangkok FC are all involved in the promotion race. Singhtarua got off to a blistering start by winning four consecutive away games (the PAT Stadium was closed for floodlight installation work) and then promptly lost their first match of the season as soon as they returned to the PAT. That defeat came against BBCU, who defy the odds by having no fans and no true home stadium yet are still mounting a promotion push. Bangkok FC were expected to be a contender and are by and large living up to their billing as Lee Tuck (see Farang Focus) continues to find the net for the Bulligans as he did in 2012. Air Force racked up an unusual four consecutive nil-nil draws in the opening seven games. However, they won the other three and are leading the chasing pack.

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Farang Focus

LEE TUCK

NAME: LEE TUCK CLUB: BANGKOK FC D AT E O F B I R T H : 3 0 J U N E 1 9 8 8 ( A G E 2 4 ) POSITION: STRIKER N AT I O N A L I T Y: E N G L I S H

A NEW SERIES IN WHICH WE LOOK AT SOME OF THE MANY FOREIGN PLAYERS PLYING THEIR TRADE HERE IN BANGKOK. FIRST UP IS LEE TUCK

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Tuck made the move to Thailand in 2010 and joined Nakhon Pathom after playing for the likes of Halifax and Farsley Celtic back in England. It was an ill-fated move however as Nakhon Pathom were banned from competing in the league for two years following severe crowd trouble in a play-off match against Sisaket FC at the end of the 2010 season. He made a fresh start at Bangkok FC where he has flourished. He finished the 2012 season as League 1’s top goalscorer with 23 strikes to his name – vital goals which undoubtedly kept his relegation-threatened side in the division. In 2013 he has picked up where he left off in 2012 and, at the time of writing, has netted five times in seven games. This year Tuck will be hoping that his goals will be in a promotion rather than a survival cause. Catch the striker in action for Bangkok FC at the Bang Mod Stadium located near King Mongkut University of Technology, Thonburi. And follow him on Twitter @LEE__TUCK Read more about him at thaileaguefootball.com/moments-in-thai-football/the-names-tucklee-tuck.html

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What’s On|Bargains Galore

Tradeshows

May 9 – 12 QSNCC

House and Condo Show

AIMED at new home hunters, this event will bring together numerous reputable real estate operators offering all kinds of properties in various locations, including ready-to-live-in houses, condominiums, commercial buildings, and resort & golf course projects, all in a variety of price ranges. Experts from leading banks and financial institutions will be on hand to offer purchase guidance and tips. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.housecondoshow.com

May 9 – 12 QSNCC

Organic and Natural Expo

THAILAND’S largest show for the organic and natural products industry. Open each day 10am8pm. www.qsncc.co.th

tourism within the kingdom. As well as deals to great destinations for diving, the event also features a good selection of packages tailored to golfers and spa enthusiasts. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.thailanddiveexpo.com

May 23 – 26 QSNCC

Shopping Paradise Fair

A SHOPAHOLIC’S dream come true, this shopping extravaganza features a wide range of products (fashion, beauty, gifts, decorative items, gadgets, electronics, and much more) all on offer at specially reduced prices. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.mac-exhibition.com

May 23 – 26 QSNCC

Thailand Mobile Expo

LOOKING to upgrade your May 11 – 19 mobile? You’ll find plenty of IMPACT options to choose from at The Biggest this big fair, which features handsets and accessories from Fair the world’s leading brands. IT’S a big claim, but this fair Alongside viewing the mobile may just live up to its moniker phones, you can explore new thanks to its huge selection of furniture, fashion, jewelry, health software in the Software Zone, check out cool new speakers products, property, supercars, and more – all offered at special and peripherals in the Hardware Zone, and learn more about prices. Open each day 10ammobile technology and trends 9pm. www.unionpan.com in the Meeting and Conference May 16 – 19 Zone. Open each day 10am-8pm. QSNCC www.thailandmobileexpo.com

Thailand Travel and Dive Expo

EXPECT travel deals and accommodation packages galore at this big exhibition specially arranged to boost

tradeshow devoted to all things food. Categories include halal food, food catering, food technology, hospitality services, retail and franchise. Open 10am-8pm. www.thailandfoodfair.com

May 25 – June 2 BITEC

Home & Décor

HEAD here and you’ll not only find great deals on furniture and home decorative items, but also on home electronic appliances, health and spa products, fashion and jewelry, and more. www.worldfair.co.th

May 30 – June 2 QSNCC

Pet Expo Thailand

ANIMAL lovers will find everything they need to pamper their pets at this popular annual expo, which, alongside stalls selling a wide range of pet-related products, includes pet shows and competitions. www.petexpothailand.net

June 5 – 7 IMPACT

Thailand Tourism Festival

PLANNING your next vacation? TTF boasts a wide range of accommodation and travel deals to destinations within Thailand and the Greater Mekong Subregion. Open each day 10am-6pm. www.thailandtravelmartplus.com

May 25 – 26 IMPACT

June 13 – 16 QSNCC

RESTAURATEURS will find plenty to please them at this

FEATURING over 30 hotels and catering services, along

THAIFEX-World of Food

Wedding Fair By Neo

with over 100 wedding-related businesses, including wedding dressmakers, jewelry makers, photo studios, and honeymoon package providers, this fair is a must visit for any couple currently planning their perfect Big Day. www.thaiweddingfair.com

June 20 – 23 QSNCC

Commart Next-Gen

GET your hands on all the latest IT gadgets, gizmos and computers from the world’s leading brands. Product auctions, gadget workshops, and live entertainment add to the offerings. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.commartthailand.com

June 15 – 23 IMPACT

Three fairs in one

BRINGING together the Bangkok Furniture Fair, Fashion and Jewelry Fair, and Bangkok Wedding Fair, this shopping extravaganza promises to offer up lots of great savings in all product categories. www.worldfair.co.th

The details: • Impact Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Banmai Subdistrict, Pakkred District, Nonthaburi. Tel: 02 833 4455 www. impact.co.th • BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok. Tel: 02 749 3939 www.bitec.co.th • Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok. Tel: 02 229 3000 www.qsncc.co.th

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Entertainment|Humour

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Send your jokes to thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com

Just for fun

Entertainment|Humour

Jokes MUM’S SURPRISE

HTS THOUG E H OF T MONTH

THREE sons left home to make their fortunes, and they all did very well for themselves. They got together recently and were discussing what they each had done to benefit their aging mother. “Well,” said the first one, “I bought Mum a huge house in Beverly Hills.” “I bought her a Mercedes and hired a fulltime driver for her,” said the second. “I’ve got you both beat,” said the third. “I bought her a miraculous parrot that can recite any Bible verse you tell it to.” A month later, the mother sent out a thank you letter to all three sons. “Gerald – the house you bought was too big. I only live in one room, but I have to clean the entire house. Milton – the car is useless because I don’t go anywhere because I’m too old. But Robert – you know exactly what I like. The chicken was delicious.”

TICKET TO RIDE

THREE Irishmen and three EnOF KE glishmen are traveling by train to MO THE NTH a football match in London. At the station, the three English each buy a ticket and watch as the three Irish buy just one ticket among them. “How are the three of you going to travel on only one ticket?” asks one of the English. “Watch and learn,” answers one of the Irish as they all board the train. The English take their respective seats but all three Irish cram into a toilet and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor arrives to collect the tickets. He knocks on the toilet door and says: “Ticket please.” The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The English are mightily impressed by this. Later, after the game, the English decide to copy the Irish on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Irish don’t buy a ticket at all! “How are you going to travel without a ticket?” asks one perplexed Englishman. “Watch and learn,” says one Paddy. When they board the train, the three Irish cram into a toilet, and soon after, the three English pile into another nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterwards, one of the Irish leaves the toilet and sneaks across to the toilet where the English are hiding. He knocks on the door and says: “Ticket please.”

1. The preacher who wrongly predicted the apocalypse had to set a new date. He admits he’s disappointed, but says it’s not the end of the world – Jimmy Carr 2. Ikea meatballs contain horse DNA. There’s a joke in there somewhere. You’ll just have to assemble it yourself. 3. I’m what you might call a “people person.” Or, in other words, a schizophrenic. 4. I got slapped by the new girl at work today. I only asked if she spits or swallows. It seemed like a reasonable question, considering we work as wine tasters. 5. I phoned the local ramblers club today, but the bloke who answered just went on and on.

MOVIE MAGIC I WAS in the cinema last night when a stunning girl came over, leaned seductively on the empty seat next to me and asked: “Is this taken?” “No,” I replied, “It’s A Good Day To Die Hard.”

ONE FROM A PRO: HARRY HILL

ON the way back from Tonga, I stopped off in Australia. I was having a private conversation over a meal and the waiter heard me say that I hate aborigines. It was a private conversation and I meant it to go no further, but the waiter picked me up on it and asked what I was saying. He said: “I thought you said that. How dare you come over here and say that!” I said: “It’s none of your business.” He said: “Take it back.” I said: “I won’t take it back, and in fact you could say I hate them. I hate aborigines.” He grabbed me by the throat and screamed in my face: “Take it back!” My friend came over and dragged the waiter off into a corner. There was a heated discussion and it turns out that it’s pronounced “aubergines.”

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Social  Last month’s best events in pictures

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Social|Last Month’s Best Events

Okura hotel popular with networking Brits AN appreciative gathering enjoyed an evening of outstanding food and wine sponsored by the Okura Prestige when the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) held its Third Thursday Networking Evening in the hotel’s luxurious Up & Above restaurant and bar. The Okura is located on Wireless Road.

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ARTISTS TOGETHER TO EXPRESS THEIR DIFFERENCES TWO of Thailand’s best known artists – Elizabeth Romhild and Sumet Jumsai na Ayudhya – welcomed guest of honour, former Prime Minister Khun Anand Panyarachun, for the opening of their joint exhibition ‘Parallel’ at La Lanta Fine Art, Sukhumvit Soi 31. By juxtaposing the artwork of two highly individual artists, the exhibition explores the differences of its creators while embracing their common features. Photographs by David Heischrek.

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Social|Last Month’s Best Events

St. David’s Ball

THE St. David’s Society of Bangkok recently held its 2013 Ball at the Ballroom of the JW Marriott, Bangkok. The Society’s members and guests enjoyed a sumptuous five-course meal and traditional entertainment from the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir, Bangkok’s Unicorn Girls, comedian Lloyd Davies and DJ Paul Jackson. The evening was made all the more special when Wales won their Six Nations game and then went on to win the tournament. For details about the Society see www.stdavidsinbangkok.com

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MULLIGANS ROCKS THAI pop-rock veterans Nuvo gave their adoring fans a rare treat when they got together after an absence of many years to play a special concert at Mulligans Irish Pub on Khao San Road.

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Siam@Siam’s big party night

SIAM@SIAM Design Hotel & Spa’s Party House One lived up to its name yet again by hosting a huge party, this time featuring a special concert by Getsunova followed by dancefloor filling sets by several of the city’s top DJs.

Novotel Bangna welcomes the New Year THE management and staff of Novotel Bangkok Bangna marked the arrival of the Thai New Year with a Songkran Day ceremony at the hotel’s Kinnaree Poolside.

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BIG LAUNCH FOR BIG EVENTS BIG Events, a new events company set up by Index Creative Village Plc in partnership with famous Thai chat show host Woody Milintachinda, celebrated its opening with a special launch party held at the Benchasiri Ballroom, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. Among the many celebrities attending the event were Chutima Durongdej, Mayura Savetsila, Moddum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kachapa Tancharoen, and Chollada Mekratri.

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Ramada says thanks RAMADA Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok Hotel thanked its business partners and regular customers for their loyal support over the past year by hosting a special party in the hotel’s Executive Lounge.

A night of jazz at Rembrandt JAZZ lovers were out in force for the launch of the new CD by Dr. Pathorn Srikaranonda, the youngest member of His Majesty the King’s Au Saw Friday Band, who has been invited to perform a mini concert at the Copenhagen Zoo to celebrate the golden anniversary of Thai elephants in Denmark. Held at the Rembrandt Hotel, where Dr. Pathorn is also resident saxophonist, the event featured a performance by Prof Pat’s Rembrandt Quintet playing a jazz suite inspired by poems of HRH Princess Maka Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand and HRH Prince Henrik of Denmark. Among the special guests on the night were Danish ambassador to Thailand, His Excellency Mikael Hemniti Winther, and his wife, Mrs. Ratanawadee Hemniti Winther. The CD, An Elephantine Ballad, is now available at the hotel’s lobby bar for B480 per copy.

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SONGKRAN FUN WITH BENMORE DIAGEO Moët Hennessy (Thailand) Ltd, the ofﬁcial importer of BenMore Four Casks Scotch Whisky, celebrated the Thai New Year by hosting a three-day festival in Chiang Mai called “Muan Gun Nah Kad – SorBorMore’s Party ‘Ying-Sook Ying-Sard.’” Held from Apr 13-15 at Kad Suan Kaew, The Shopping Park, the event featured performances by famous Thai bands such as Lula, Super Baker, Paradox, Big Ass, Slot Machine, and more.

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Hard Rock marks 22 years HARD Rock Cafe Bangkok celebrated its 22nd Anniversary in true rock and roll fashion with a special concert by Thai rock veterans Hin Lek Fai as well as Hard Rock Rising Thailand winners, The Fallen Versus Fate.

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Night of the Naga THE MYTH of MahaNaga, formerly known as MahaNaga, celebrated its grand opening on Sukhumvit Soi 29 with a night of free-flow food and signature drinks plus some great live entertainment.

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GLITZ AND GLAMOUR AT NAI LERT PARK JOHNNIE Walker Gold Label Reserve and up-and-coming fashion house Vatanika, by Vatanika Patamasingh Na Ayudhya, joined forces to throw an exclusive fashion party at Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok. During the event, which was attended by many Thai celebs, Vatanika revealed its “Vatanika Gold Reserve Edition” collection, which was inspired by “Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Celebration Edition” whisky.

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Green days at Pullman THE management and staff of Pullman Bangkok King Power, led by GM Mr Marc Begassat, celebrated the first anniversary of the hotel’s ‘Hug A Tree’ campaign, a special initiative established by Accor to help raise money for tree planting in Thailand.

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NETWORKING WITH GLAZ THE Movers and Shakers Charity networking group attracted yet another large group of executives when it hosted an event at The Glaz Bar, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel.

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SUMMERTIME WITH SMIRNOFF RCA was transformed into an island of hedonistic pleasures for Smirnoffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bringing Sea Party, which featured not only a roster of live music and DJs mixing everything from pop to dance to rock to country, but also an exclusive performance by PhraJaoJord, the collective name for renowned Bangkok party starters Montonn Jira, Joni Anwar, and Michele Waagard.

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Social|Around Last Month’s town Best Events

Ashton opens in style

ASHTON Condominium on Sukhumvit 38 celebrated its grand opening with a celeb studded party featuring a special performance by indie rockers Tattoo Colour.

BlackBerry introduces new smartphone

AIA scores a winner

AIA Thailand recently hosted a gala event to welcome Dutch soccer team PSV Eindhoven when they arrived in the kingdom to play in the “AIA Champions Cup PSV Centennial Asia Tour 2013,” in which they squared up against Thailand’s SCG Muangthong United.

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BLACKBERRY, led by Benoit Nalin, Country Director for Thailand, and Siripat Patrangul, Marketing Director for Thailand, hosted a special retail activation at Siam Paragon’s Fashion Hall to celebrate the availability of the all new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone in Thailand. Special guests at the event included Canadian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, Philip Calvert, executives from carrier partners – AIS, dtac and TrueMove – authorized retail partners, and Thai celebrities such as Paula Taylor, Pattarasaya Kruasuwansiri, Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, and many more.

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Diplomats p Meet the people uniting nations

HE Chudi Okafor

Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador talks about his countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phenomenal growth Page 112 TheBigChilli 111

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Diplomats

HE Chudi Okafor|Nigeria

Ambassador urges Thailand not to overlook Nigeria’s phenomenal growth “Our vision is for Nigeria to be one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020”

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By Maxmilian Wechsler

DESPITE the vast geographical and cultural differences, Thailand and Nigeria have much in common, having similar political views of the world and substantial economic links with huge potential growth. In doesn’t stop there either, for the two nations share many of the same natural products, rely heavily on rice for food, and boast rich mineral deposits. Both also enjoy a tropical climate. These were among the many topics covered during an interview with the Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, His Excellency Chudi Okafor, a seasoned diplomat with a deep knowledge of Southeast Asia and Thailand. Speaking in his office in the large embassy compound on Sukhumvit Soi 71, Mr Okafor, who was accompanied by two colleagues from the Nigerian diplomatic corps, was also keen to highlight his country’s phenomenal economic growth rate of more than seven percent over the past few years and its vision to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020. Returning to the theme of similarities, he said: “On the political level, our two countries see eye to eye and have very similar world views. We still have a lot to do in terms of bilateral relations, given our huge potentials particularly in enhancing and strengthening economic collaboration, but there is a solid basis for future growth. “In the area of trade, Nigeria is the largest African market and importer of Thai rice, while Thailand imports crude oil from Nigeria. We are the biggest producer of oil and natural gas in Africa and home to 34 strategic solid minerals of which gemstones are of interest to Thailand. “We share many of the same fruits, although there is more variety here. Of course, rice is also a staple food in Nigeria. There are other similarities, for example Thailand is also rich in minerals, including precious stones.” At this point the Ambassador said he was proud that when he visited the Gems & Jewelry Fair in Bangkok last year, the precious stones from Nigeria were among the best showcased. He went on: “Thailand has indicated interest in participating in Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reform, and efforts are being made to expand contacts in other sectors of the economy like

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Basic facts about Nigeria THE Federal Republic of Nigeria, with an area of 923,770 square kilometers and 853 kilometers of coastline, is Africa’s most populous country with over 167 million people. It is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The largest city is Lagos. The country is a major oil producer and shares borders with Chad Republic, Niger Republic, Cameron and Benin Republic. There are more than 250 distinct ethnic groups in Nigeria. The nation of Nigeria was established under the rule of the British, who amalgamated the North and South regions of the country in 1914. Nigeria gained independence from the British on October 1, 1960.

tourism, as well as sports and culture. As you may be aware, Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of tapioca. There are certainly a lot of opportunities for collaboration and joint venture partnerships between our two countries.” The ambassador talked briefly of his childhood and family background, saying his parents were “happily married” and that his father was in the medical profession and his mother was a housewife who was also involved in a trading business. He then turned the focus to the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Thailand and his role in furthering bilateral relations. “Thailand and Nigeria established diplomatic ties in July 1962 and since then our relationship has been excellent, with friendship and cooperation growing from strength to strength. The Thai embassy opened in the former Nigerian capital of Lagos in 1972 and has now moved to the new capital city, Abuja. We opened our embassy in Bangkok in 2000 on Sukhumvit Soi 38 and have a staff of about 25, both Nigerians and Thais. “Arrangements for official visits are ongoing by both governments to take advantage of these opportunities and promote the bilateral relationship. In 2010 former Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri visited Nigeria during our golden anniversary celebration marking 50 years of independence from British rule,” said the Ambassador.

Mr Okafor arrived in Thailand for the first time in July 2012 when he took up his official duties at the embassy. He says he immediately felt at home here as there are many similarities between the two countries. “When I wake up, it is always warm with the sun shining. Nigeria is a tropical country like Thailand and has a lot of the same vegetation and agricultural products.” As Nigeria has a wide variety of natural attractions, including hundreds of kilometers of sandy beaches, forests, mountains, rivers, plateaus and valleys, Mr Okafor hopes the country will be able to develop its tourist industry as Thailand has done. His duties here include heading the diplomatic mission, promoting and protecting Nigeria’s interests in Thailand, preparing reports for the government back home on relevant developments and ensuring the welfare of Nigerians in Thailand and other consular responsibilities. He enjoys travelling outside Bangkok, whether officially or privately. “Since beginning my term as Ambassador, I have visited Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Songkhla, Surin and Sukhothai,” said Mr Okafor, whose term as Ambassador is three years at the pleasure of his President. Following his visit to Chiang Mai in October 2012, Mr Okafor called on the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to establish a regional office in Nigeria to take advantage of opportunities in the largely untapped tourism industry there.

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HE Chudi Okafor|Nigeria

While visiting Surin province on the invitation of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) last November, Mr Okafor took part in the Isan Thai Hom Mali Rice Festival held in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday. In Bangkok, the Ambassador engages regularly with Thai government officials in order to promote bilateral relations and the welfare of Nigerians in Thailand. Mr Okafor was granted an audience with the director general of consular affairs of the MFA, Thongchai Chasaworth, last November. Other meetings have been aimed at enhancing interaction between members of parliaments of the two countries. These have included a meeting with the President of Thai Senate, Nikom Wairatpanij, late last year and with the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Yukol Limlamthong; Minister of Commerce, Boonsong Teriyapirom; Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Pithaya Pookaman; and of course the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Surapong Tovichakchaikul in March this year. Despite his busy schedule, Mr Okafor finds time to enjoy and appreciate his host country. “I don’t have any complaints [about Thailand] so far. On the contrary, I have had many memorable moments, particularly the 85th birthday celebration of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5, 2012. “It was truly an unforgettable experience for me to witness leadership by example and genuine outpouring of affection and reverence of the Thai people for His Majesty. I have strong admiration for the traditional vow of the Thai monarchy to reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the people. On a personal note, I have found that Thai people are very hospitable and accommodating to foreigners.”

Nigerians in Thailand

Mr Okafor said there are more than 2,000 Nigerian nationals living in Thailand. “We have here the Nigeria Community Association of Thailand, which is an umbrella association. Under this association are, for example, the Nigerians in

“

Thailand and Nigeria established diplomatic ties in July 1962 and since then our relationship has been excellent, with friendship and cooperation growing from strength to strength. Arrangements for official visits are ongoing.

“

Diplomats

Diaspora Organization (NIDO), a global organization with a chapter in many countries. Its members are mostly Nigerian professionals prominent in the fields of science, technology, business, medicine, engineering and so forth. “Many of these are ready to come home to make contributions to the development of Nigeria. Thailand’s chapter of NIDO was officially launched on March 23 this year. “Other associations include the Thai-Nigerian Friendship Association and the Thai-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce,” said Mr Okafor. It is hoped that the Nigeria-Thailand Business Council will soon be inaugurated to drive investment initiatives between both countries. On alleged criminal activities committed by Nigerian citizens in Thailand, including various scams and drug dealing reported in the media, the ambassador responded by noting that Nigeria is a country with 167 million hardworking people at home and abroad. He added that Nigeria does not condone criminality and that the few elements who involve themselves in criminal and fraudulent acts have to pay the price and be punished provided they are tried according to the law of the host country. The ambassador said that every country has its own share of criminals and fraudsters. During meetings he always advises

Nigerians in Thailand to shun criminality and respect the laws of Thailand. On the other side of the spectrum, the ambassador pointed with obvious pride to the awarding of the 2012 Prince Mahidol Award in the field of public health to a Nigerian, Dr (Mrs.) Uche Veronica Amazigo. Her landmark research into onchocerciasis (river blindness) has led to significant control of the disease and saved countless lives worldwide. Dr Amazigo, who is in fact the second Nigerian to win the prestigious award, was selected out of a field of 75 contestants from 34 countries. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, acting on behalf of His Majesty the King and the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation, presented the award to Dr Amazigo in January this year, along with a check for US$100,000. After the presentation, the Princess

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granted Dr Amazigo a private audience. The Nigerian scientist was also invited to a high tea reception hosted by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who warmly congratulated Dr Amazigo, with Mr Okafor on hand to extend his congratulations as well. She then visited the Ambassador’s Residence for a dinner reception attended by the Vice Minister of Health. The first time a Nigerian received the Prince Mahidol Award, also in the field of public health, was in 1999 when it was given to Professor Adetokumbo Oluwole Lucas. The professor has been awarded the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Admirable Order of Direkgunabhorn by His Majesty the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej in recognition of his service for the country’s Prince Mahidol Foundation. The honor was conferred in Bangkok by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on February 2, 2007. The Ambassador said that he is optimistic about the chances of Mahidol University and universities in Nigeria collaborating in the area of public health. “We have many programs already with various institutions in several countries, including China, South Korea, India, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore in Asia. Mr Okafor said there is a lot of local interest in the Nigerian National Day reception held in Bangkok on every October 1, partly because of the many colourful styles of dress worn by the Nigerian people. “Nigerian food is also recognized globally these days. If you go to London or the US, you can find many markets with a good variety of Nigerian foods and flavourings. “In March we had a shop at the 46th Diplomatic Red Cross Bazaar held at Siam Paragon to showcase what we have to offer. My wife, Joy, was there to represent the Embassy. This is only a small window. Nigeria has so much to show the world in terms of culture and hardwork,” Mr Okafor said. “In fact, by end of this year, given what we are doing with the Thai MFA, a lot will be put in place to do just that. We are very optimistic that the time has truly come to enhance the basis of bilateral economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.” A framed photo on the wall of the Ambassador’s office shows him with the former US President Jimmy Carter. “While I was serving in the US in Atlanta as consul-general I met with Jimmy Carter at the Carter Center,” explained Mr Okafor. “The Center is at the forefront of the promotion of democratic values and alleviation of human suffering, including the fight against the scourge of malaria.” The Ambassador added that these are values the government of Nigeria wishes to uphold and sustain. “As I have told various Thai ministers, Thailand should not look at Nigeria through the glass of any other country, but see us as we are and what we are capable of becoming given our immense potentials. This is very true in terms of economic development and growth. “Everyone talks about emerging markets today, like BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa], but I want to talk about recent predictions from global ratings about the emerging markets of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT). “Global and regional agencies are looking at these countries because they see their potential, and this definitely applies to Nigeria. This is no coincidence -- our economic growth rate over the past few years has consistently remained above seven percent. Our vision is for Nigeria to be one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2020. “In the past few months the presidents of Brazil and Indonesia have visited my country, as well as British Prime Minister David Cameron, former US President Bill Clinton and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “We are poised to achieve this because of the multi-sectoral ‘Transformation Agenda’ we have in place now. We are looking forward to contributions from countries like Thailand in the

H.E. Chudi Okafor in focus Birth place: Marital status: Hobbies:

Anambra, Southeast Nigeria. Married with four children. Reading, lawn tennis, jogging and listening to jazz.

Diplomatic Career

H.E. Chudi Okafor is a Foreign Service Officer (special grade) and current Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Thailand and to Myanmar. He is also Permanent Observer at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok. Before his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary by the President in November 2011, Ambassador Okafor was the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ambassador Okafor was appointed Nigeria’s Consul General to Atlanta, US, in 2006. He was Minister Counsellor, Economic and Trade Desk at the Embassy of Nigeria, Moscow, Russian Federation, in the late 1990s. In the early 1990s, he was Senior Counsellor at the Nigeria High Commission, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In addition, he was Head of Chancery at the Nigeria High Commission, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1980s. With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Nigeria since the early 1980s, Ambassador Okafor served with dedication and distinction in various departments, including Consular, Administration and Economic Affairs, and worked with three permanent secretaries at the senior management level, overseeing local and overseas missions administration.

Educational background

Educational credentials include a Master of Conflict Management from Georgia State University, US; a Master Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Nigeria; a Certificate in International Relations, Law and Diplomacy, Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, Nigeria and B.Sc. Political Science (Second Class Upper Division), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Negotiation experience and conferences attended

Mr Okafor has attended various conferences and meetings of the United Nations, Commonwealth and World Trade Organization in New York, Washington, Atlanta, Geneva, and other countries over the past 30 years. transformation in terms of agriculture, investment and other areas like energy and power. We are happy that some Thai companies are also taking notice of what is happening in Nigeria, and we are looking forward to a beautiful and enhanced bilateral relationship in the future,” Mr Okafor concluded.

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Travel

p Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas has launched a new private barbecue. See page 120.

Mate’s Rates

Friends or family visiting Bangkok? Let them know about these deals! Page 132

Hua Hin

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

Pattaya

A round up of hot news and deals from the Eastern Seaboard Page 128 TheBigChilli 117

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Travel|Bangkok Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival

THIS ancient local festival in Phaya Thaen Park, Yasothon Province, is associated with Thai traditional beliefs in the supernatural powers that help promote the production of rice crops for the coming planting season. During the festival, May 11-12, the locals dress up in colourful costumes and head to the park to launch home-made rockets – a noisy and vibrant spectacle which they hope will please the rain gods into providing them with plentiful rain for growing rice.

Bangkok

and Beyond

: tourismthailand.org

Gourmet gathering on Phuket

SIX top chefs from some of Phuket’s premier resorts and restaurants are joining forces for the annual “Six of the Best” charity dinner, which will be held at ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ hideaway, Paresa Resort, on May 25. Held in aid of “The Good Shepherd Sisters” charity, the event will see each chef creating one dish each for a six-course gala dinner matched with fine wine. The resorts and restaurants participating in the 2013 event are Paresa Resort, Anantara Resort, The Pullman Arcadia Resort, Taste Restaurant in Surin, Vset Restaurant, and Joes Downstairs restaurant.

New weekend getaways at Four Points

FOUR Points by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 15 has introduced new ‘Mancation’ and ‘Girls Weekend’ packages perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday bashes, or simply for just a short vacation with friends. Available to groups of a minimum of five or more rooms for two nights, the packages are B7,600++ per person (single occupancy) or B4,700++ per person for twin share. Benefits include daily buffet breakfast, happy hour drinks, a free Mancation Survival Kit or Ladies Bliss Pack, and more. : fourpointsbangkoksukhumvit.com

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WOOBA reopens on Samui

W RETREAT Koh Samui recently revealed its new look WOOBA by hosting an exclusive evening showcasing everything the bar has to offer. Featuring a stunning new “floating” DJ booth, graffiti walls by international street artist, Alec Monopoly, and custom made lighting and furniture coordinated by Thailand design company P49 Deesign, the bar was packed with revelers who enjoyed partying late into the night to the beats of special guest DJ Xeum. Open on three sides and perched on the corner of a hillside, WOOBA offers 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hillside. You can find out more about what’s on offer at : : starwoodhotels.com

Accommodation for less at Regent Phuket Cape Panwa

REGENT’S newest resort is celebrating its arrival with a special ‘Opening Offer’ which starts at B5,200 per night for a Pavilion room, B6,900 per night for a Suite, and B11,050 per night for a pool villa. All rates include daily breakfast for two, plus other benefits. The offer is valid until Oct 31. A minimum of three nights stay is required. Bookings made prior to the check-in date will receive a further 15 percent discount. The resort is 40 minutes from the International airport, 10 minutes away from Phuket Town and 30 minutes from Patong Beach. : regenthotels.com/Phuket

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Travel|Hua Hin New menus at Crêpes & Co

THE ever popular Crêpes & Co Hua Hin now offers a new three-course menu, available all day, every day, for just B299 per person. Updated regularly, the set menu currently offers choices like Crispy crepe and dip, Pasta tomato-tuna, and Crepe lemon. :crepesnco.com/

restaurants/huahin

Seafood specialties at Hotel De La Paix

SEAFOOD takes centre stage this month at Hotel De La Paix Cha Am, where a range of special promotions will be on offer featuring a wide range of deep sea bounty. Visit Motion restaurant on a Wednesday, for example, and you’ll find all kinds of seafood on ice for B2,450++ per adult; swing by the beach on a Saturday, and a seafood BBQ will be served (7pm-10pm) at B400++ per person. A full list of what’s on offer is available on the hotel’s website. :hoteldelapaixhh.com

Michelin star talent at Vie

Exclusive Pool Villa barbecue at Centara

CENTARA Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin has introduced a new private barbecue dinner option for couples staying in the resort’s Pool Villas. Available daily from 7pm-10.30pm, the barbecue dinner is B5,900++ per couple and features a tailored menu for two, two glasses of sparkling wine, private chef and butler service, special decorations, and a photo souvenir.

☎ 032 512 021-38 ext 7

:centarahotelsresorts.com

CHEF Sylvain Sendar, owner of the one Michelin Star Itinéraires restaurant in Paris, is flying to Thailand to showcase his cuisine at VIE Hotel Bangkok on May 30, and June 1 at V Villas Hua Hin. On both occasions Chef Sylvain and his sous chef, Anne, will create a six-course menu featuring highlights such as Arctic King Crab and avocado in vegetable ravioli, honey dressing and cilantro; and Charcoal roasted native “canette des Dombes” duck fillet, glazed turnips, citrus powder, aromatic herbs, Mostarda di Cremone and lemongrass condiment. Chef Sylvain’s sommelier, Sarah, will also be on hand to discuss wine pairings. B7,000 for food only; B9,000 for food and selected wine pairing. Special accommodation packages are also available at V Villas Hua Hin. ☎ 02 309 3939 ext.3705 :v-villashuahin.com

Hyatt Open Golf Tournament 2013

THE fourth edition of the annual Hyatt Open 2013 amateur golf tournament will be held at the Banyan Golf Club over the weekend of July 20-21. Organised by Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, the event is a must visit for players and spectators alike. During the tournament the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin will offer a special golf package deal starting from B20,800 for one player, and B28,800 for two players based on twin sharing basis. Price includes two nights accommodation with breakfast, a welcome dinner, two rounds of golf, an awards luncheon, and complimentary transfers between the hotel and Banyan Golf Club. ☎ 03 252 1234 :huahin.regency.hyatt.com

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Travel|Hua Hin

A taste of Chile at Baan Laksasubha WINE lovers flocked to the beachside of Baan Laksasubha Hua Hin last month to enjoy a South American BBQ night featuring free-flow wine from Mar Y Sol in Chile. Held under a ‘White Party’ theme, the event also gave guests the chance to win some great prizes, including a free wine tasting at Hua Hin Hills Wine Cellar for the ‘best-dressed.’

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Hua Hin

Dining out|Le Bistro

Review

Le Bistro French Restaurant

Expect plenty of pleasant surprises at this new gourmet hangout in Hua Hin

IF good writing avoids clichés ‘like the plague,’ then surely the same can be said of fine dining. This, at least, is what the owners of the recently opened Le Bistro French Restaurant in Hua Hin hope to prove – hitting home the point through a carefully considered one-page menu that doesn’t have a French onion soup in sight. Let’s face it, French onion soup is the equivalent of Italy’s pizza and England’s bangers and mash – a culinary cliché served simply because that’s what diners expect to find in a French restaurant. Yes, it can be delicious, but apart from the toil put in to extract fresh onions from the earth, it’s hardly ground-breaking. So what does Le Bistro offer in its place? Something exciting, something new, something unique to Hua Hin (and possibly Thailand): “Onion tart tartin, juniper (B250).” Turning what’s usually a French dessert (tart tartin is basically an upside down tart with the filling, usually fruit, exposed on top) into an onion topped appetizer, this creation still manages to be classic French cuisine while not being your typical French dish. “Our aim is to surprise our guests with just how delicious and exciting simple French food can be,” says restaurant

manager and chef Romain Alétu, who has over 20 years’ experience cooking French cuisine in his native France and, prior to moving to Hua Hin last November, in Tahiti. “So we offer dishes such as the tart tartin, which is earthy and delicious and not found elsewhere; and even our Duck leg confit cottage pie, black truffle oil takes a familiar dish and gives it a different spin, seeing us remove the leg’s fat and bone prior to cooking so the skin has a crispy texture which pairs wonderfully with a creamy mash, almost purée in consistency.” Located in the premises which formerly housed Peppino Italian Restaurant, Le Bistro is smart, stylish and welcoming. Floor to ceiling windows provide views of the outdoor terrace and street, while several black-andwhite photographs dotted around the restaurant’s white-washed walls offer windows into life in Paris – river scenes, historic buildings, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. At the back of the premises, a bar stocked with top French wines and rare cognacs is one focal point; an open kitchen with chefs hard at work another. Owned in partnership with Hua Hin Restaurant veterans Peter Kirketerp (of Mondo Vino) and Andreas Bonifacio (of La Grappa), Le Bistro’s emphasis is 214 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin

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on authenticity and quality – hence the condensed menu (two salads, six starters, two seafood dishes, four meats, four desserts, and a choice of farmhouse French cheeses and dried sausages) – and each dish is made with the finest ingredients available, many imported from France. A dining experience starts with a complimentary amuse bouche and a free basket of warm home-made breads served with butter from La Rochelle, Chef Romain’s home town near Bordeaux. Diners can then choose from highlights such as Slow cooked lamb shank, garlic cream (B490),  Pan seared scallops, creamy and crispy parsnip, chives butter (B740), and the aforementioned Duck leg confit (B450), as well as a regularly changing specials menu which has a focus on seasonal dishes such as Brittany lobster and White asparagus. As for dessert, the Little chocolate pot, Madeleine (B230) is a great way to end a meal, but we suggest you ask Chef Romain to let you sample his French toast, an off-menu special made using his grandmother’s recipe which will send your taste buds to sweet lover’s heaven. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. A lunch menu is available for B350 (includes bottled water and coffee).

☎ 080 756 2620

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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

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

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.

■ 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|Pattaya Pattaya Marriott goes green ORGANIC food is the order of the day at the Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, which has just introduced a ‘Chef’s Garden’ featuring a wide range of organic veggies grown by the hotel’s chefs for use in their cooking. Expect lots of special organic dishes to be added to the menu soon. : marriott.com

Pattaya Rugby Festival 2013

Hilton introduces special deal for meeting planners

AS PART of the Hilton Worldwide “Book More and Get More” promotion for meetings planned in Asia Pacific, Hilton Pattaya now rewards event planners with extra value-added incentives for bookings made at the hotel. Until June 30, all bookings made for 20 room nights and above will be entitled to enjoy up to six incentives ranging from welcome cocktail drinks, complimentary internet in the meeting venues to selected room upgrades. : HiltonWorldwideMeetingsAPAC.com

THE weekend of May 4 – 5 will see the thirteenth staging of the Pattaya 10’s Rugby Tournament, which is now known as the Amari Orchid Pattaya Chris Kays Memorial Tournament, to perpetuate the memory of the former Pattaya Panthers captain, who was tragically killed in the Bali bombing in October 2002. Once again the tournament will be staged at The Horseshoe Point Resort. For more info see www.pattayapanthers.com.

Pattaya Players bring the laughs

THE Pattaya Players will return next month with a performance of Divorce Sale, an uproarious comedy by Linda Stockham. The plot centers around a soon-to-be divorcee who holds a garage sale with her neighbors help. In the process, their own marriages get the comic once-over. Performances will be held at 7pm on June 14-15 at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel Pattaya. Tickets are B1,000 (includes buffet dinner starting 5.30pm). : pattayaplayers.org

Top Of The Gulf International Regatta

ATTRACTING large keelboats and multihulls, dinghies, beach catamarans, and youngsters sailing Optimists, the annual Top of the Gulf Regatta has become one of the biggest sailing events in Asia. Held May 3 – 7 on the waters off Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, this year’s event is expected to welcome more than 600 sailors in more than 300 crafts. The event is supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) and awards the international standard from International Sailing Federation or ISAF. : tourismthailand.org

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Travel

Pattaya|Insight

Is managing a racing yacht like managing a business?

At the Top of the Gulf 2013 press conference, Chairman Bill Gasson made a reference to the sport of yachting being healthy, not only for the body, but also for developing one’s management and leadership qualities. It’s an interesting observation, and very true. In my decades of racing yachts, one thing always stands out to me: the successful race yachts are the ones where you do not hear the skipper screaming and swearing at the crew. They are also the same boats who make less mistakes – complicated sail hoists and drops, gybes and abouts all happen smoothly. Why? Well, quite simply they are led better, trained better and the crews are working more effectively as teams. Does this remind you of some of the businesses you have experienced? Those companies who are not engaged with their staff at all levels, where customer service mistakes end up with screaming matches with clients.

By David Bell

In my decades of being a manager and director of companies, and being involved in teams, we have observed and learned many examples from sport. Yachting is a great example because the stakes are high, the equipment is complex and valuable. Mistakes can be costly, and dangerous. You will find in most cases, the winning boats in major regattas are much more silent than the losers, when the yachts come in close to the observer. The winning boats take time to practice, to share ideas, to get input from individuals and encourage them to find better ways of doing things under pressure! They also discuss strategies. So what makes up a good team? Well, here’s the best definition I have heard: “A great team is a group of people that is passionately engaged in working towards a common purpose.”

That description comes from one of our Crestcom leadership topics for corporate executives. It also applies in exactly the same manner as in racing a yacht competitively to windward and downwind. Always aboard my boat, the common goal is getting across the line first. That’s the ‘vision.’ Next comes the ‘strategy’: in what ways can we achieve this? How are we going to get to our goal? What course should we take? What is the wind doing and how will that affect us on this course? What about the effect of the tide on our course and speed? Sound familiar. Sure…it is the same. We could go on about many other aspects of leadership. For example, think about engagement and motivation. A recent study showed that companies that had engaged employees outperformed their competitors by 47% to 202%. Engagement...sharing new ways of doing things, not being afraid to talk about red flags, proper recognition, sitting down and reviewing where we went wrong and how we could have done better, building people’s confidence, getting people to want to do the things you want them to do! Same with racing yachts. If you can get people to want to do the things you want them to do, you will get ‘line honours.’

David Bell is a two times winner of Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in 1999 and 2001; Winner of Top of the Gulf Regatta 2012; Winner of first Samui Regatta; Club Champion in 1st Division Ocean Marina Yacht Club, in 2011 and in 2012. He is also founder and MD of Crestcom Thailand.

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Travel|Bangkok

s ’ e t a M s rate

• Northgate Ratchayothin: Until Oct 31, a

‘Stay and Save’ deal offers a studio room at B2,250 per night inclusive of breakfast for two and in-room Wifi. Tel: 02 939 7949 www.northgatebangkok.com

• Grande Centre Point Hotel & ResidenceTerminal 21: Until Oct 31, the

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

hotel’s ‘21st Carpet Package’ offers three consecutive nights’ accommodation for B12,000+. Rate includes breakfast for two, limousine airport pick up, 3pm check out, and a chance to add an extra night for B4,000+. www.centrepoint.com

• Maduzi Hotel Bangkok: Until the end of May,

the hotel’s “Bangkok Shop, Eat and Play” offers accommodation in a Studio 53 Room at B4,500 per night, and in a Corner 63 type room (with its own Jacuzzi) for B5,500 per night. Both packages include breakfast for two. A minimum reservation of two nights is required. Tel: 02 615 6400 www.maduzihotel.com/offers-en.html

• Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit: Un-

til Dec 31, the hotel’s “Get Amongst the Action” package has special rates starting at B4,999++ per night and includes daily breakfast for two, Airport transfers for two (to and from the hotel), and two tickets to the ‘Flow House Bangkok’ for thrills and spills on the FlowRider wave machine. Tel: 02 645 4999 www.radisson. com

• Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square: Valid for stays

• Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok: The ‘Indulge and Relax

• Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa: Until May 31, the hotel’s

Splash & Spice 2013 Eat Well, Sleep Well” package offers rates starting from just B6,500++ per room per night for a Deluxe room and a host gourmet benefits. Rates apply to a minimum booking of two nights and include two dining experiences. Tel: 02 476 0022 ext 1505 or email bangkokriverside@ anantara.com

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Together in Bangkok’ package includes a stay in a Deluxe Suite for a minimum of two nights at B4,450++ per night (for two adults and two kids up to the age of 12). Package includes daily breakfast, 20 percent discount on all dining bills, 20 percent discount on spa treatments, and more. Online booking only at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/Indulge-relax-together-Bangkok.asp

until July 15, 2013, the hotel’s ‘Stay 3 Pay 2’ package offers three nights for the price of two. Bookings must be made this month, only on the hotel’s website. www.novotelbkk.com

• Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok: Until May 31, the

hotel’s Splash & Spice package offers special rates for two night stays, including a special dinner set each night at Shintaro or Biscotti Restaurant, and Executive Club access for two persons. Tel: 02 126 8866. www.fourseasons. com/bangkok/offers/splash_and_ spice_package

• Glow Pratunam: From now until September 30, 2013, the “Glowing

Weekday” promotion offers special rates for stays on Mon-Thurs. A Superior Room is B2,500 per night (includes breakfast for two and free Wifi). Tel: 02 257 3999 www.glowbyzinc.com/pratunam.

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