April 2015 10
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08 INSIGHT News, gossip, business and more 10 COVER STORY Premium cocktails and live entertainment just two of the highlights at Vault
85 WHAT’S ON Exhibitions, performances, sport, and more great things to do this month 103 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures
21 GOURMET A round up of the best restaurant deals and gourmet news in Bangkok
119 DIPLOMATS The Australian Ambassador talks about his country’s rich relationship with Thailand
59 EXPAT WOMEN Shopping, advice, profiles, and school news
125 TRAVEL Find out what’s hot in Hua Hin & Pattaya
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GET THE DINNER YOU DESERVE From the rooop at Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel, glittering views of Bangkok will be spread before you as you settle into one of Bangkok’s most alluring nightlife destinations. You and friends can sit, sip and sample delicacies from the imaginative cocktail list and equally temping pan-Asian menu. Let the stars continue on their courses as you enjoy yours, complemented by some good old-fashioned service and an atmosphere of nighttime glamour.
567 Ratchaprarop Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cwb E : cwb@chr.co.th T : +66 (0) 2 625 1234
Let’s have some of SRT’s land for the people THE State Railways of Thailand (SRT) is said to be the country’s biggest property owner, with huge tracts of land in Bangkok and alongside much of its nationwide rail system. It is nonetheless debt-ridden and the government is anxious for the SRT to start paying its way by making better use of its prodigious land bank, including a large plot near Makkasan in central Bangkok, which is currently covered in trees and shrubs. As such it is a rare and welcome expanse of greenery. Some people have suggested that this particular plot should be turned into a public park, a much needed amenity in this increasingly grey and congested city of ours. It’s a wonderful idea, but with no chance of succeeding because of those debts mentioned earlier. Instead, because of its high inner city value, it will no doubt become another area of high-rise monstrosities with nowhere for its citizens to relax and enjoy their leisure time. However, the SRT has plenty more under-utilised and cheaper land, including plots on both sides of the Airport Link, which could be easily transformed into parks and recreational facilities. As a government agency, the SRT’s assets are in a sense owned by the people and, in certain circumstances, can be made available for the benefit of the people. It happened in the case of Benjakiti Park, which was previously owned by the Tobacco Monopoly, and at Benjasiri Park, previously occupied by the Meteorological Department, both government agencies, so there are precedents. Meanwhile, the hard-pressed citizens of Bangkok are still waiting for the Governor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, to come good on his promise – made to this magazine a couple of years ago – of more parks and public spaces. We live in hope.
The pain of LM investors THE lives of as many as 100 expatriates in Thailand were badly and irreversibly affected by the collapse of the LM Investment Management (LMIM) Group two years ago. Those who invested all or most of their savings into the doomed fund are now suffering more than others who wisely entrusted smaller amounts to LM. Older expats with visions of a safe and generous pension for the rest of their time on this earth uppermost in their decision-making were deliberately targeted by the fund’s agents, or independent financial advisors (IFAs), so their plight is even worse; it’s all but impossible for this group of senior ‘victims’ to find new sources of income. But everybody caught up in this notorious scam deserves sympathy. They have little recourse and apparently few friends in Australia, from where LM’s founder, New Zealander Peter Drake, was based and currently faces no criminal charges for running a Ponzi scheme. Greedy and unscrupulous IFAs have seen their reputations deeply tarnished, and rightly so, though none have expressed
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regret and many continue to run illegal businesses in Thailand. After a slow start, the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun to name and shame the IFAs operating without proper licences. These appear on the SEC website. In the end, whose investment advice can be trusted? Precious few, it seems. Not even a major British bank (see page 8), whose ‘specialist’ gave one Bangkok expat such woeful advice that his entire investment of £100,000 shrunk to nothing in the space of only five years. To make matters worse, this same fellow was encouraged by another IFA, one of the major pushers of LM in Thailand, to invest a smaller amount in the fund – just one year before its collapse.
Beauty and the beastly tourists THE ‘negative’ side of tourism has reached Thailand’s glorious deep South, where every day dozens of boats anchor offshore and disgorge hundreds, even thousands of sightseers on to Koh Phi Phi’s fabulous Hat Maya. For the purists and romantics, this is a terrible development; beaches like this are so rare and beautiful, their peace and tranquility should not be disturbed by hordes of litter-dropping tourists and fuel-spilling boats. Trouble is, everybody wants a slice of paradise. It can’t be rationed out. And Thailand just loves visitors, and their money. Not that many years ago, beaches like Patong on Phuket were also pristine and rarely visited. That’s no longer the case, of course, but you can’t have it both ways – unspoiled attractions and an open house to all-comers. It is often argued that the only solution is for the authorities to restrict visiting hours and the number of visitors. Sadly, that’s also unlikely to happen, because of the profits tour operators and others have become accustomed to over the past few years. Besides, zoning is not one of Thailand’s strong points.
Colour blind CHECK the colour of your car against the official description on the windscreen licence. Sharp-eyed police are on the look-out for any infringements, even when they are completely innocent. At a recent checkpoint in central Bangkok, a lady driver was pulled over by a cop who noticed that her vehicle licence stated that her almost brand new car was white – but actually had a black roof. This, he said, was illegal and he promptly confiscated her driving licence in lieu of a 500 baht fine. Until that moment, the lady had been completely unaware not only of the incorrect description, but also the black roof. You have to admire Thai traffic police for their dedication to duty.
PUBLISHER Colin Hastings editorbigchilli@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Adam Purcell adambigchilli@gmail.com EDITOR Nina Hastings ninabigchilli@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Chutinanta Boonyamarn nanbigchilli@gmail.com SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Rojjana Rungrattwatchai sendtorose@gmail.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Thana Pongsaskulchoti thanabigchilli@gmail.com Sakuna Nupinrum nokbigchilli@gmail.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER Saranya Choeyjanya fatcatbigchilli@gmail.com ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Janjira Silapapairson janbigchilli@gmail.com ART & PRODUCTION Arthawit Pundrikapa, Jaran Lakawat PHOTOGRAPHY Mini Bike Gang, WJ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anette Pollner, Johanna DeKoning, Judith Coulson, Maxmilian Wechsler, Paul Hewitt, Alexander Holt, Anade Chaovanapricha Veerawan Thieanwattananon
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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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Expat
News Former Bangkok resident now UK Green party leader
Free runner almost runs out of luck ■ TWO young Americans are keeping their heads down, thankfully, after their crazy stunt to leap over a series of shophouses on Sukhumvit went badly wrong. On the last leap across the gap between buildings, one of the lads caught his foot on the gutter and lost his grip on the roof and tumbled earthwards. Luckily for him, his fall was broken by a small fire exit balcony, though he ended up with a badly fractured arm. Their stunt, known as free running or ‘parkour,’ has become a popular but highly dangerous activity amongst young men in mostly western urban settings. It is not known whether the buildings’ owners or the police are taking action against the pair, though it is understood that their fathers have told them to stop their dare-devil antics. In another part of town, it’s been reported that a Korean tourist recently fell to his death from the upper floors of a hotel. According to the hotel management, the man was trying to take a ‘selfie’ when he accidentally slipped over the rail.
■ THE latest ex-Bangkok expat to achieve fame of sorts is Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Australian-born Bennett lived for four years in Thailand where she worked for Australian Volunteers International in the Office of the National Commission of Women’s Affairs, before moving to the Bangkok Post newspaper, where she was chief foreign sub-editor. Bennett, 49, recently earned some unwanted media exposure when she gave two ‘car crash’ interviews to Andrew Neil and Nick Ferrari on the Greens’ policies. She even admitted that the interview with Ferrari was “absolutely excruciating.” It was also termed one of the worst political interviews ever by some publications. Among her policies is the abolition of the British monarchy. Arguably the country’s most famous recent ex-resident is Timothy Geithner, who attended the International School of Bangkok (ISB) in the late 1970s and went on to become the United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. Before that, Geithner was president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 2003 to 2009. Now aged 53, he currently serves as president of Warburg Pincus, a Wall Street private equity firm.
How even major banks can make your money disappear
Big mango investment query
■ IF you think your hard-earned savings are safe in the hands of a major British bank, think again. The experience of a Bangkok expat who entrusted £100,000 of his money to this bank, one of the world’s biggest (he prefers not to name the bank, but it was recently embroiled in a major scandal over money laundering) won’t instill confidence in its operations. For several years, the man in question had kept the money in an account run by this bank in the Channel Islands. Out of the blue he was contacted by letter asking him whether he’d like a better return on his money. If so, a financial advisor would be in Bangkok shortly to discuss the matter with him. He agreed. As a result of that meeting, the expat put £100,000 into medium risk investments as directed by the bank’s advisor, plus an additional £20,000 into a low-yield account that was guaranteed never to be less than his original investment. Five years later, and after much extremely complicated and largely
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unintelligible literature from the bank, the man discovered that his £100,000 had shrunk to just about zero. The explanation, which came without a hint of an apology, was that the financial markets at that time during the 2000s were in turmoil and his investment had been gobbled up. Meanwhile, the bank also informed him that his £20,000 investment was now worth, after five years, an impressive £20,000 and 20 pence! Exasperated, the expat sought out his advisor who, it transpired, worked part-time for the bank. His day time job was prison guard in the Channel Islands, and another part-time job was night club bouncer. The fellow now rues the fact that had he invested his money into a couple of listed Bangkok hospitals over the same period, he’d have doubled his money.
■ THOSE characters who pop up regularly in Bangkok with their amazing investment schemes and promises of huge returns don’t give up easily. The latest involves locally grown mangos and offers an income of between 14-18% per annum, which is certainly way, way above what banks are paying at the moment. The prospectus says that demand for the fruit increases every year and goes on to claim that yields from its unspecified Hua Hin plantations are much higher than its competitors, thanks to a patented sub surface irrigation technology, backed up by a sixyear research project at Maejo University in Chiang Mai. Wow. It sounds almost too good to be true.
Talking point
• IS your Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) on the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand’s ‘Investor Alert’ as an unlicensed securities and derivatives business? Check it out here: http://bit.ly/1IyF2gM
Nightlife
New!
Vault Speakeasy Club Premium cocktails and live entertainment just two of the highlights at this distinctive new venue on Sukhumvit Soi 11
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AKING over what was once the main room of the former QBar, where international DJs played house and techno to packed crowds every night, Vault has some pretty big shoes to fill. But fill them it does, adding buff and shine and a whole new sole – actually, make that soul – to become one of the city’s hottest new nightspots. Distinctive, exclusive, upmarket – Vault has been painstakingly developed to offer the finest things in life to people who appreciate quality. Premium wines, spirits and whisky all come as standard, drinks are enjoyed from the comfort of oversized Chesterfield couches, and entry to Vault is only granted to those who dress appropriately for the occasion (no singlets or flip flops here).
High quality at great prices: All House pours are premium spirits, and New York measures (45ml) give you more bang for your baht
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The cocktail list features all the classics plus a few unique concoctions created by Vault’s resident mixologist, Pil Lee, who learned her trade working at top cocktail bars in Singapore. Flipping lids off bottles with the dexterity of a ninja, she also displays the talent of a wizard as she blends spirits and liqueurs with other ingredients (even smoked bacon, in the case of the Smokey Bacon Old Fashioned Fashioned. B590) to create exciting blends that are boozy yet balanced, and the perfect accompaniment to the live entertainment (also try the Lemongrass Daiquiri. B280). The wine list, meanwhile, spans all countries of the globe, with wines by the glass starting at a very reasonable B250.
Every night there’s a performance to excite the senses at Vault. R&B, soul, jazz, and modern classics are all performed live by local and international artists from 10pm, while later in the night a DJ takes over to play cutting-edge beats. Until June, you can catch performances by American soul diva Donyale Renee, a Houston, Texas, native who has performed with artists such as Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson, and whose dulcet tones add a wonderfully hypnotic quality to classic Pop, R&B, Jazz, and Hip Hop hits. Her rendition of Nina Simone’s My Baby Just Cares is a joy to behold, ditto her takes on Tina Turner and Celine Dion favourites. Inspired by New York’s speakeasy bars of the 1920s, as well as the opulent architecture of banks from the same era, Vault exudes an air of class that’s evident as soon as you enter via its exposed-brick tunnel. Framed photographs of jazz greats line the walls, mood lighting spills from table lamps, and faux safety deposit boxes, painted gold, whisper of wealth and almost beg to be raided. Factor in the kind of swift and courteous service normally reserved for A-listers, and you really will feel like a star. Entry to Vault is B300 incl. one free drink (alternatively apply for club membership via Vault’s website). Visit on a Tuesday for Haute Couture-Fashion Night, Wednesday for Swing & Whiskey Night (featuring roackabilly band Trix ‘O’ Treat), Friday for Soul Sister, and Sunday for Lady Sings The Blues jazz night. Women shouldn’t miss Privileged Ladies Night, held every Thursday, featuring free-flow cocktails for all girls from 9pm-midnight. And if you’re looking to host an exclusive birthday party, Vault is just the ticket.
The Vault, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11. Open daily 9pm-2am.
☎ 082 308 3246 vault-bangkok.com
Expat
Business
Suffering from LM
By Special Correspondent
Two years have passed since the infamous Australian-based fund went into administration, stripping thousands of investors of their savings and pensions, including at least a hundred expatriates here in Thailand. Five victims of this notorious scam talk about their introduction to the fund by Bangkok IFAs and how their lives have been blighted by the LM calamity
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THE catastrophic collapse of the LM Investment Management (LMIM) Group run by Peter Drake, a New Zealander based in Australia, has caused massive financial hardship to dozens of expatriate investors based in Thailand. Many of those affected by what turned out to be a huge scam are in their sixties and were already enjoying their retirement when news of LMIM’s demise was announced. Some have been left destitute, while others are now trying to find new ways of earning a living. The funds collapsed in March 2013 despite an audited valuation some months earlier of an estimated AUS$3 billion, plus allegedly AUS$400 million in cash. Expat victims maintain they were persuaded to invest in LMIM
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by unregulated and therefore illegal International Financial Advisers (IFAs), who touted the funds as “safe as a bank” and coming under “stringent Australian Regulatory Rules”(ASIC), as well as a “low risk” investments for ordinary nonprofessional investors. A group called the LM Investor Thai Group (LMITG) comprising some 60 expatriates is now lobbying the British and Australian governments with a view to class actions and recovery against those responsible for their losses. The LMITG Group alone lost in the region of £8.5 million. The total loss to expat investors worldwide is estimated at £500 million. Meanwhile, the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC), which
was heralded as part of the “stringent Australian financial regime,” recently took action against Peter Drake but has since decided not to press criminal charges. PERSONAL EXPERIENCES CASE #1 I AM a 70+ British citizen based in Bangkok who officially retired in 2009. As a way of responsibly managing my family’s retirement savings, I was looking for a safe and secure way to invest our money with the goal to provide financial security throughout my retirement years in Thailand. In 2011 and 2012 I invested in the
LMIM group in Queensland via an international financial service insurance group located in the Isle of Man called Friends Provident Int. PLC (FPI), which were accepting LMIM on their platforms. As such I understood they had done 100% due diligence. I invested my savings in the total sum of £250,000 which is now totally lost as LMIM group went into receivership as of March 2013. Having approached FPI they claim no responsibility and still have the audacity to charge me 1.25% per quarter on my original investment even though the value today is zero! I visited Australia twice last year at my own cost to investigate what happened to this LM Fund. I met Senior Directors of the LMIM Company, the receivers and many Australian journalists, along with forensic investigators, all of whom claim LMIM was a typical Ponzi scheme. I also believe that a few of the directors, with some of the large advisers were involved in insider dealings. As most of the assets in the audited accounts of these LMIM Group of companies were highly over valued by the LMIM Directors this left the Receivers no option but to sell at no more than 25% of the reputed values in the company’s audited accounts. I personally visited some of the so-called property developments and found they were just vacant plots of land. The principal Director and sole shareholder of these groups was a New Zealand national, ex-insurance salesman who even took a personal loan of $26 million, of which he now claims he can’t repay. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) are doing nothing! We are left to wonder, “Where did the money GO?” Our group of 50-plus expats have lost most of their life savings via ‘financial advisors’ operating in Thailand. We have since discovered these advisors are not registered by the Thai SEC! Personally I am now in the position in which I will need to sell our family home as my finances and been substantially affected by LMIM scheme and we are no longer financially secure and I need the money to take care of my family.
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CASE #2 I AM a semi-retired British subject, 65, married to a very supportive Thai wife;
we have a three-year old daughter. I was advised by a local Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) to move my UK self-invested personal pension offshore and to invest it into LM Managed Performance Fund which was part of the portfolio of LM Investment Management (LMIM). I recently found out that my IFA is operating in Thailand without a licence, which is illegal. When LMIM collapsed in 2013 my entire pension of £110,000 was lost, with zero hope of recovery. I have no other income and am desperately trying to earn money through online sales and also by living on hand-outs from my family. I have recently had to sell my family car to realise income to be able to survive. My meagre old age pension starts on my 65th birthday.
“It seems to me that any due diligence done by Royal London 360, my HK trustees, Generali or my financial advisor wasn’t diligent enough. All of them made a nice income from my investment whilst I have lost nearly half a million pounds. And the response of the Australian government has been very disappointing.” CASE #3 ABOUT ten years ago I decided to sell my business in London and move to Bangkok. My plan was to invest in a business such as a hotel. I bought a condo and started my research. In the meantime I entrusted a large part of my life savings to an International Financial Advisor, who suggested putting £200,000 into LM Managed Performance fund. I was assured it was as safe as houses. Furthermore, as it was based in Australia, it was protected due to their stringent
regulations. It was also suggested I move my UK private pension to a QROPS. This was arranged via trustees based in Hong Kong with a policy with Royal London 360. A further £30,000 was put into LM Managed Performance fund. I started getting cold feet about LM, worrying that I had too many eggs in one basket. My advisor kept reassuring me but I decided to take £100,000 out. It took much longer than expected to get my hands on ‘my’ money. I complained to my advisor and when I finally received it was wondering if I should take out the rest. He persuaded me to leave it and I even rolled over the annual interest a short time before the collapse. Again I was told it was perfectly safe. I’ve since read that an advisor in Hong Kong had been warning his clients about LM. If he realised that the fund was toxic, why didn’t others? Incompetence or greed? Apparently LM paid advisors handsome commissions. The £100,000 I removed was also not safe as my advisor put me heavily into gold which then plummeted. This was done without seeking my prior approval. Another of my funds, Axiom, also went belly-up. Meanwhile I was/am paying high fees for the service. Royal London 360 apparently continues to take a fee based on the original sum invested in LM. It seems to me that any due diligence done by Royal London 360, my HK trustees, Generali (in the case of Axiom) or my financial advisor wasn’t diligent enough. All of them made a nice income from my investment whilst I have lost nearly half a million pounds. And the response of the Australian government has been very disappointing. I’m shortly to celebrate my 60th birthday. Sometimes I feel like a prisoner in my condo with very little income to enjoy life. It’s certainly not what I expected for my twilight years. CASE #4 I AM a 54 year old British expat based in Thailand for over 23 years. I have a Thai wife and two teenage sons, the elder now at university in the UK and the younger one still at international school in Bangkok.
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I was first introduced to LM Investment Management by a British ‘Independent Financial Advisor” in Bangkok. He advised me that the LM Currency Protected Australian Income Fund (CPAIF) was an investment suitable for someone as risk averse as myself. He told me that investing in LMIM was just like putting money in the bank – very safe, and backed by commercial mortgages. The funds were regulated twice under Australian rules, where financial regulation was very strict. In the belief this was all true and his advice was in my best interest I invested £200,000 or most of my life savings. Since that time I have found the whole premise for my investment to be based on a tissue of lies and what amounts to a heavily veiled Ponzi scheme which targeted not only unsuspecting expat investors, but also vulnerable and aging retirees and pensioners. In fact, I have now observed the whole financial industry to be thoroughly dishonest, inherently corrupt and here in Thailand it is effectively unregulated. The way local IFAs managed to get away with it is scandalous. While some commission is to be expected, we eventually found out the IFAs were getting about 3% per annum up front. No wonder they were still conning investors into the LM MPF Fund even
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four years after the LMIF fund was in trouble and not making redemptions. They knew about it, but out of sheer greed kept chasing the excessive commissions at the expense of the investors’ savings and pensions. Many of those IFAs are still here in Thailand and looking for new marks. As they schmooze around the expat networking events they create an illusion of respectability but are essentially parasites, living off the commissions and fees for putting investments into any old fund that’s paying good commissions. Many don’t know anything about finance or have any qualifications for it. It’s astounding to see the number of victims who think their IFA is a mate, and haven’t worked out yet that the IFA is actually the bottom feeder in a chain of conmen who all will get a slice of the investors’ money. CASE #5 I AM an Australian citizen resident in Thailand for a number of years. I was looking for a secure investment to provide for my daughter’s future education in Australia. I took the advice of a local Independent Financial Adviser to transfer funds I had invested in a secure investment into LM Managed
Performance Fund (MPF). He convinced me that the investment was secure because it was in the Australia real estate sector and the Australia Financial markets are well regulated. I closed the investment and transferred the US$150,000 to MPF in June 2012. The investment was for a three-year term. In 2013 I learnt that MPF was collapsing and I contacted the IFA asking about the situation. He agreed there were some issues but the assets were strong. Subsequently I learned that I had lost the total amount I had been banking on for my daughter’s education. The so-called assets backing the investment were grossly overvalued despite repeated audits from supposedly reputable companies. I also learnt that the IFA was most likely unlicensed and was receiving a large bonus for bringing my funds to MPF. As for the supposedly well regulated financial environment in Australia this is clearly a myth. A number of major banks have been exposed with corrupt financial advisers costing thousands of victims their pensions. ASIC has also proved unable to bring any justice even to the failed audit companies that agree with vastly inflated asset value. The principle of MPF managed to give himself a $26 million pay day before the collapse and has kept this sum.
Expat
Business
Questions that all IFAs need to answer
If an investment looks too good to be true, it generally is. So, how do you protect yourself from the kind of investment scams that have bedeviled Thailand’s expatriate community in the past few years?
WHILE there are many sound professionals and highly credible firms operating within the investment and financial services industry, fly-bynight Independent Financial Advisers (IFA) continue to damage the sector’s reputation and increase the risk of investors not getting the best returns on their investments, or even losing all of their capital in a worse-case scenario. As such, potential investors should ask an adviser as many questions as possible to ascertain that the adviser has the right mix of knowledge, ethics and interpersonal skills to manage the investments. If an IFA does not like being asked questions, they are probably not the right person to care for someone else’s money. Be wary of insider tips, “once-in-alifetime” and “never to be repeated” investment opportunities. Such recommendations should be taken with a pinch of salt. Products which offer higher returns are likely to have a relatively high risk, with that risk increasingly significantly as projected returns rise. So if an adviser suggests such a product, ask for more detail on risk. If they say the investment is safe or sound with little or no risk, it’s probably better to look elsewhere for advice. Also, avoid unsolicited emails and any ‘cold calls’ from unknown sources. Get more detail on the background of the IFA, their experience and the products and services they are selling.
• Who were their previous employers? • What related qualifications do they have and have they kept any qualifications and licenses up to date? • Where do they see themselves, and the company they work for, being in five years’ time? • For evidence of a company registration in Thailand.
Also, ask the adviser what savings and investments they have. If these are significantly different from what they are recommending, ask them to explain why. There are many sound reasons why an IFA may not invest in the same products due to their age, investment horizon or risk appetite, but they should have no qualms or problems in explaining why. Also find out what their current clients think about them by asking for testimonials.
Fees and commissions
Ask these questions:
Normally, an IFA makes money via direct commissions, fees or a combination of the two. This can change depending on the specific product in question, so any adviser should be happy to explain in detail how they earn an income from your investments if they have nothing to hide. Ask for precise commission percentages and fee levels, as well as when they receive payments. Typically there can be an initial commission (on both the policy and the funds), trail commission (throughout the life of the policy) or underlying fund-based commission based on the value of the investment held within the policy. Unscrupulous advisers have been known to take all of these commissions, without telling the hapless investor. These questions will help you better understand if the adviser’s motivation is to make money for you or for you to make money for him or her:
• How many years have they worked in the industry?
• Who manages the funds and why select this fund manager?
• Do they have a Thai work permit (you may ask to see this)? If not, why not?
• What qualifications does the above fund manager have?
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• Are there any penalty fees for exiting the product/fund at any time?
• Does their company have any interest in the funds recommended? It is relatively easy to set up an offshore fund, thus allowing an IFA to take a lion’s share of the management fees. So it is important to determine the IFA’s involvement as this can create a conflict of interest which is often undeclared. • How are the funds valued? If they are not quoted on a recognised stock
exchange on a regular basis, ask why not and be very wary. • How are you protected if the product provider/fund enters into financial difficulties and what are the processes for claiming compensation? • What gross commission is paid by the product/fund, both initial and trail?
Once your adviser has satisfactorily answered the above questions, you can start to weigh up the pros and cons of the proposed investments. Interestingly, most IFAs in the UK now outsource the important job of managing clients’ funds to qualified professionals; this is called Discretionary Fund Management (DFM). This a highly regulated, low cost and flexible form of investment that is now widely regarded as the future of the industry. It is now available in Thailand, so investors might may want to ask an IFA if they can provide this service. From Charles Ponzi to Bernard Madoff, the one common theme of every investment con is the offer of high returns, often in the form of income, to lure in the naive investor. Remember, if you are offered a high “guaranteed” yield on your investment, you should look elsewhere for advice. This article was submitted by South East Asia Capital (www.seac.asia) and edited by The BigChilli
Demystify the complexities
of Indian spices and ingredients with the choicest preparations in a modern setting. We are now introducing new dishes. From traditional Indian dishes such as Bharawan Tandoori Aloo and Dum Ka Murgh to spicy dishes such as Chicken Chettinad and Mahi Pudina Tikka. Maya takes you to the exploratory journey through Indian cuisine at its finest by offering food from regions of India in a unique atmosphere.
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Maya, 29 Floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 T: 02 683 4888 : mayarestaurantandbar : mayabangkok Strip AD_Holiday Inn 22_Apr15.indd 1
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Expat
Business
Man in the Middle Irishman Phil J.McDade talks about a decade of putting business buyers and sellers together ■ BUSINESSES in Bangkok come and go at a staggering rate. While some close for good, most simply exchange ownership, with both parties believing they’ve got a good deal. Making these often complex exchanges happen are business brokers like Philip J. McDade, a soft spoken Irishman who’s been in this game for 20 years and now enjoys a unique understanding of the market and many of the movers and shakers behind it. Hundreds of small and medium businesses with names that are very familiar to Thailand’s expatriate community have passed through Phil’s company, Thai Sunshine Business Advisors (TSBA), which he set up eleven years ago. At any one time, he has dozens of companies-for-sale on his books. The majority are bars and restaurants, but TSBA’s client list also includes a wide range of non-catering or entertainment businesses, along with property and condos. Before coming to Thailand, Phil, 61, had considerable sales experience in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, eventually becoming a consultant trainer and mentor to resort and property developers across the region. Q. Who are your major clients and what kind of businesses do you mostly handle? A. Our clients are mostly expats, both new to Thailand or already living here, who would like to start something new. We get some Thai clients but they are mostly selling a business or are landlords with properties for lease. Q. Any businesses you won’t handle? A. We will list any business that is genuinely for sale by the owner. I don’t
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remember ever turning away any business listing. Q. What’s the strangest or weirdest business you’ve been asked to sell? A. I was once asked to sell the lease on what I can only class as the most disgusting and unhygienic food restaurant I have ever been in and, yes, we sold it. It was turned into a nightclub for a few years. Recently the owners expressed an interest in selling it. Q. Do you have any limits on the size or price of a deal? A. We do not normally list anything that is less than a million baht. We put the same effort into finding buyers for a ten million baht business sale as we do into a one million baht sale. Q. Are your potential buyers people who have specified a particular type of business? A. Yes we do have such clients. If we do not have one listed, we will go out to source a business they require. Q. Do you operate overseas? A. No, only in Thailand. Q. Are most of the people you deal with honorable and ethical?
A. Most people are quite ethical. However we do get some potential buyers who after viewing several listings just disappear and do not answer emails or phone calls. We’ve also potential business buyers who go back to clients that we have introduced and try to do a private deal with them. We have to be alert in these matters. Q. After ten years in this business, you must be able to track the health of the local economy. So, how are we doing now compared to a year ago – and how do you see things in 12 months’ time? A. We have had lean times regarding sales due to the political situation here in Thailand, and we’ve even had clients who until the middle of last year said they’d wait until the situation here was better before investing in a business. Things have picked up since then, however, and people seem to have more confidence to purchase and invest. I think that the future will be good for TSBA and all businesses here in Thailand. Q. Do you advise what people should buy, and how much they should pay? A. We try to advise buyers that not all businesses are suitable for them and we try to guide them on what we think
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would work both businesswise and budget wise. Businesses that we sell are valued on turnover and profit, assets and inventory. Location plays a part in valuation as well. Q. Many of your clients seem to be bars and restaurants for sale. Are these tough businesses to be involved in? A. Yes we do have many bars, restaurants, small boutique hotels, but we also have businesses in various industries like food processing plants, advertising businesses, import/export trading companies, resorts and we even have a marine engineering company for sale. The bar business can be tough for many reasons. That said, there are many people that do very well and can command a high price on a business sale. Q. Have you found that recently arrived foreigners often get carried away with Bangkok’s exotic charms, and buy a business like a go-go bar without really considering the implications? A. I have experienced this fact but have been successful in resales and getting people moved on. Q. In your experience, what kind of business is best for a foreign owner to make money? A. If a buyer has had experience in a certain business like, for example coffee shops or bakeries, and this is what they purchase then generally they make money and can resell for a good price in the future. Bars and restaurants are the same – if the buyer has had experience then this generally helps them to be successful. There are always exceptions and if they need to resell quickly then we will list the business and advise them accordingly. Q. Do you help to arrange financing and legal transfer of a business? A. We have in the past arranged vendor financing for buyers to help close a sale, but we do not arrange loans or mortgages. We also have a legal team who help with the transfer of a business, provide company set up, visa and work permit applications and other legal matters required by buyers wishing to live here in Thailand. Q. Tell us some winners and losers in businesses that you’ve handled. A. We have had many winners but for reasons of confidentiality cannot name them. We’ve also had a few losers over the years, mostly due to inexperience. Sometimes even politics have closed businesses that might well have gone on to make money and survive. Q. What are your normal fees? A. We charge different fees for different services. We have a fee for a business sale and a lower fee for a real estate sale. Occasionally we will negotiate with the seller on a high valued item such as a resort or large hotel. Q. Is yours a tough business to be in? A. It can be tough, especially during the times when we had large demonstrations here in Bangkok. However, like everyone else we have bounced back again and hope to continue on to a bright and prosperous future. www.tsba.info
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Expat
Humour What the hell is improv? THERE are many people who are unfamiliar with improv comedy, confusing it with stand-up comedy. This may be, in part, due to the famous television show An Evening At The Improv, which was stand-up comedy, and not improv. Stand-up comedy is where one person ‘stands up’ to a microphone and delivers a series of humour statements, called ‘jokes.’ Improv, on the other hand, is a group thing and is basically making stuff up on the spot. Improv was made most famous by the television program Whose Line Is It Anyway? Basically, improv is sketch comedy (Think Monty Python, Mr. Show, Little Britain) without a script. Why you need to see it Besides it being hilarious…ok, well, that is it actually. That is the reason. It is hilarious. But there is more. You are part of the fun! Your role The improvisers ask the audience for a suggestion for a scene, and the audience (that would be you, if you go) shouts out some random ideas. It goes like this: “What is something you would borrow from a neighbour?” the improvisers ask you, the audience.
How to be funny – without a script Comedian Drew McCreadie explains the improv experience
To your surprise, you yell out something. You are immediately filled with shame for yelling out whatever idiotic thing you yelled out. You start questioning why you would yell out such a lame idea. But then, right before your very eyes, the improvisers turn your stupid idea into something magical! Something hilarious. After the show, people come up to you and ask you, “Are you the guy who yelled out that brilliant suggestion?” At first you are shy, “Well, I guess,” you say humbly. But then you notice there is a group of people surrounding
you, each looking at you with anticipation. “Tell us about the moment the idea came to you. How did you think up a suggestion that was so hilarious?” You shrug. “I don’t know…it just kinda, you know, popped into my head.” The crowd begins to clap, slowly at first, but with building speed and volume. “Think up something else,” a woman from the back of the ever-increasing crowd shouts out. “Yes!” the crowd joins in. “Think of something for us. Something you would find in a kitchen!” Someone hands you a free beer.
This month at the Comedy Club Bangkok • Stand-up comedy with awardwinning Australian comic Ro Campbell. Fri April 10 at 8pm. B350 in advance. B500 at the door. Includes a drink and drinks specials.
• WHOSE LINE? The Improv Comedy Show. Led by a multi award-winning improviser and featuring the best on Bangkok’s improv comedy community. Fri April 24 at 8pm. B400 with a free drink.
The Comedy Club Bangkok, Sukhumvit 33/1 above The Royal Oak Pub (Phrom Phong BTS) www.comedyclubbangkok.com 20
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You pause. You didn’t expect this, but you like it. “A frying pan,” you say confidently. The crowd erupts in cheers. An old lady faints and falls over. For a split second you get a flash of her underwear. You feel shame again. One tough biker-dude is so impressed he begins to cry, weeping openly, tears running down his face and across the tattooed names of those he has killed. “What is something you would give your uncle for his birthday?” a teenaged girl cries out. She looks at you with innocent wonder. “Dirty socks!” you reply at machine-gun speed. “Cool!” the girl giggles and jumps up and down, spinning aimlessly. “Where would you go on a vacation?” a nerdy guy asks, stuttering on the word ‘go’ a few times. “Hawaii,” you blurt out. “I knew it!” the nerd exclaims, and makes note of it in his moleskin notepad. It goes on like this for a half hour or so, until the bartender informs everyone that there is no more beer. Suddenly everyone disappears and you are alone. The Comedy Club Bangkok has improv every second week. Check out the website for the show schedule. www. ComedyClubBangkok.com.
• Stand-up comedy open mic (hosted by local favourite Tristan Botly). Fri April 17 at 8pm. B250 in advance. B350 at the door. Includes a drink and drinks specials.
Gourmet
Restaurant news & deals | Serving Up | Recipe | Reviews
Food for business J'aime's new business lunch is great value for money. Page 22
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Dim Sum lunch deal AVAILABLE NOW AT GINGER
LOCATED on the 24th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Ginger boasts a cracking view – the perfect accompaniment to the restaurant’s latest deal: an all-youcan-eat dim sum lunch buffet, available every Mon-Sat (from 11.30am-3pm), priced B799++ per person. Choose from over 30 steamed, fried or baked dim sum dishes such as Crab meat and shrimp dumplings, Scallop and shrimp dumplings, and Shrimps wrapped in seaweed. A daily rotating menu of Crispy sushi with spicy fish, Stir-fried rice or noodles, Cantonese fish or meat specialties, and desserts, adds to the experience. 999/99 Rama 1 Rd. Pathumwan ☎ 02 100 6255 :bit.ly/1xNWoFx
Sébastien Sanjou at Park Society APR 24-26 AT SOFITEL SO BANGKOK
THE head chef of the Michelin starred Le Relais des Moines restaurant in France is coming to town to showcase his cuisine for three days at Sofitel So Bangkok’s excellent Park Society. A five-course signature menu will be available from 6pm onwards for B4,500++ per person. What’s more, on April 25 Chef Sébastien will host a cooking class where you can learn to make two of his award-winning dishes (10amNoon. B2,400++ per person). 2 North Sathorn Rd. ☎ 02 624 0000 :sofitel-so-bangkok.com
Asian Curries Festival
APR 17-26 AT DEE LITE RESTAURANT, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SUKHUMVIT BANGKOK
A CELEBRATION of all things curry, Dee Lite Restaurant’s latest food festival will feature popular meat, fish and vegetarian dishes from 10 Asian curries, available for buffet dinner (6pm-11pm) at B850 per person. Highlights include Pork curry from Myanmar, Yellow fish curry from Cambodia, and Vegetarian tikka masala from India. Tables of six or more receive 15 percent discount.
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18/1 Sukhumvit 26 02 649 6666 :sukhumvitbangkok.doubletree.com
Carme Ruscalleda at Scalini
APR 23-25 AT HILTON SUKHUMVIT BANGKOK
SPANISH Chef Carme Ruscalleda, owner and manager of the highly successful Sant Pau restaurants in Sant Pol de Mar (near Barcelona – with three Michelin stars) and Tokyo (with two Michelin stars), as well as head chef of the renowned Moments restaurant in Barcelona’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, will cook up her creative Catalan cuisine at Scalini for three nights. A five-course wine dinner will be available priced B8,990 per person. The event is sponsored by Thai Airways International. 11 Sukhumvit Soi 24 ☎ 02 649 6666 :bit.ly/1yHYCo1
Business lunch at J’aime
AVAILABLE NOW AT J’AIME BY JEAN-MICHEL LORAIN
MIXING business with pleasure is easy at this superb restaurant at U Sathorn Bangkok. Its Michelin star links (Jean-Michel Lorain is owner and chef of the three Michelin starred La Côte Saint Jacques restaurant in Joigny, France) shine through in the taste of each artistically plated dish. And the new three-course lunch menu – featuring highlights such as Smoked salmon and guacamole bonbons with mango vinaigrette; Breast of Challandais duck served with potato gratin Dauphinoise and red fruit declination; and Pistachio crème brûlée – is great value at B1,500 per person (available daily 12pm-2.30pm). 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn ☎02 119 4899 :jaime-bangkok.com 22
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Semi-Buffet Dinner EVERY WED & THUR AT ATELIER, GRAND MILLENNIUM SUKHUMVIT
FEATURING a buffet selection of appetizers and desserts, and an a la carte menu of international mains, Atelier’s new semi-buffet concept starts at B450++ per person (includes coffee and tea). Highlights of the a la carte selection include Baked Boston lobster Shimeji mushroom ragout; Australian Angus tenderloin; and Grilled Australian lamb chops. Available every Wed-Thurs from 6pm-10.30pm. 30 Sukhumvit 21 ☎ 02 204 4000 bit.ly/1sZydfQ
Sunday brunch special THROUGHOUT APRIL AT CITI BISTRO
PATHUMWAN Princess Hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant is a great spot for a family Sunday brunch this month. Not only is the sumptuous spread of international cuisines priced
a reasonable B1,499 per person – there’s also a ‘Come 4 and Pay For Only 3” deal. Price includes soft drinks. Served every Sunday 11.30am-3.30pm.
Long Sunday lunch
EVERY SUN AT SIAM KEMPINSKI HOTEL BANGKOK
444 MBK Center, Phayathai Rd. 02 216 3700 pprincess.com
A WHOLE five hours of feasting awaits at Brasserie Europa’s popular Sunday Brunch, now held from the new time of 12pm-5pm. The sumptuous spread includes all kinds of international cuisines, many cooked fresh to order at live cooking stations. A Kids’ Club and live music add to the fun. B3,150++ per person with free-flow Champagne and cocktails; B2,200++ with free-flow juices and sodas; and B1,200++ for kids aged 6-12. 991/9 Rama I Road Pathumwan ☎ 02 162 9000 kempinski.com
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Coconut Terrace back with a brand new menu
Wine and cheese by the river
APR 17 AT ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS
SAMBAL Bar & Grill’s monthly wine and cheese night by the river offers a great excuse to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Simply sit back, relax, and indulge in free-flow wines and a selection of gourmet cheese and tapas for the reasonable price of B599++ per person. 6.30pm-8.30pm. Our tip: arrive early to get the best seats. 2 Charoen Krung Rd. ☎ 02 266 9214 royalorchidsheraton.com 24
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RAMADA Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside’s al fresco poolside restaurant is now back on the scene with a brand new menu featuring fresh seafood baskets, family-style platters and hearty servings of international cuisine just perfect for sharing. Try the Texas BBQ pork spareribs with French fries (B350++) or Slow oven baked salmon (B420++). A special set menu, featuring Caesar salad, Spicy lobster soup, Thai massaman lamb shank served with garlic fried rice, and Seasonal fresh fruits, is priced B990++. Open Daily 6.30pm-10.30pm. 2074 Charoenkrung Rd. ☎ 02 688 1000 ramadaplazamenamriverside.com
Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Pala Pizza Romana opens in Silom
BUILDING on the huge success of its eatery in Asok (near the entrance of the MRT station), Pala Pizza Romana opened its second branch to much fanfare in Silom Road, last month. Offering freeflow drinks, all-you-can-eat servings of Pala’s signature Pizza al taglio, as well as a wide range of pastas and canapés, the grand opening party was packed with foodies having a good time. Special guests on the day included Paolo Parisi and Mr Volpetti from Italy, the former to showcase his famous snow-white eggs, the latter to present his exquisite five years and 10 years aged Il Bitto, a cheese considered to be the white gold of the Valtellina. The Silom branch of Pala is located at CP Tower. Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Pizza starts at B45 per slice. Pasta, salads, cheese and cold cuts are available.
Piccini Wine Dinner
DON Giovanni Restaurant at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao delighted oenophiles and foodies alike with its Piccini Wine Dinner. Not only did guests get to sample the Italian vineyard’s finest labels – such as Piccini Vito Blanco Chardonnay 2013, Piccini Pinot Grigio I.G.T 2012, and Piccini Chianti Riserva DOCG 2010 – they also got to indulge in a unique five-course menu of gourmet Italian cuisine (think Pan fried Alaskan scallops wrapped in Parma ham with roasted foie gras truffle reduction; and Lemon prawns risotto) specially prepared for the occasion by Chef Stefano Zaninelli.
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Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Arnorma signs new restaurant deal
ARNOMA Grand Bangkok, led by Chairperson Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, signed a contract with Mr. Ng Kwong Fung, Managing Director of Ah Yat Abalone Group Limited, to open a second Ah Yat Abalone Forum Seafood Restaurant in Bangkok in July 2015. The signing ceremony was preceded by a “Degustation lunch” of some of Ah Yat Abalone’s specialties, and ended with an auspicious Lion Dance performance.
Great Earth launches culinary emporium GREAT Earth International, a leading food service and HORECA supplier of the world’s finest culinary products, launched the Great Earth Experience Center in Soi Ruamrudee. The first of its kind in Bangkok, the Center features an amazing array of gourmet products and premium beverages sourced from all around the world. Set over four floors, the center also includes the Eurocave flagship showroom (featuring wine storage solutions), and The Great Earth Academy (the largest barista training center in Asia). For more info see www.great-earth.net.
Premium sake at Anantara
BALMY weather and splendid river views set the scene for a great night of tasting and dining when Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort and Spa, in partnership with Bangkok Beer and Beverage Co., Ltd, presented premium sakes from Japan. Held to coincide with the Japanese Spring Festival, the event featured sakes from three major breweries – Bijofu from Hamakawa Shoten Co., Ltd, Kirizan from Kirinzan Brewery Co., Ltd, and Yuki No Bosha from Saiya Shuzouten Co., Ltd – and was capped in tasty fashion with a sixcourse dinner, specially prepared by the chefs at Benihana restaurant to pair with the sakes.
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Beef and Guinness Pie
Hearty, comforting, delicious! Enjoy a taste of Ireland at home by following this simple recipe provided by Chef Wat of Flann O’Brien’s
Ingredients • 200g Strip loin • 5g Chopped onion • 5g Minced garlic • 2g Mixed herbs (Bay leaf, thyme, rosemary) • 60ml Guinness • 10g Tomato paste • 80g Diced Potato • 80g Diced Carrot • 50g Plain flour •1 Egg • Butter • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method Cut the steak into 2.5 cm cubes. Marinade them in Guinness beer overnight. The next day, brown the beef with the onion and garlic for about five minutes then add tomato paste and fry gently. Add the stock and herbs, season with salt and ground black pepper, stir frequently and bring to a simmer. After the sauce has thickened, add Guinness beer and vegetables (diced potato and carrot). Preheat the oven to 150C. Start making
the pastry by crumbling the flour, egg and a little bit of butter until it is the texture of breadcrumbs. Add some cold water and knead well. To assemble the pie, place the stew in a ramekin, roll out the pastry and cut out a disk about 2.5 cm larger than the ramekin. Press down the edges to seal. Put in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the pastry becomes golden and fluffy like a ball. Serve hot with paprika potato wedges.
Chef in focus
ilyut Chef Sahatsanat Sitn 30
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CHEF Sahatsanat Sitnilyut (Chef Wat) has spent the past 20 years immersing himself in classical European cuisine and has been developing and refining his skills throughout. He has been working at Flann O’Brien’s Irish Pub for eight years since the first branch opened at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, and he is now overseeing all 4 branches as Irish Group Chef Manager under IMPACT Exhibition Management Co.,Ltd. He really gets involved in Irish food. To him, Irish food has its own unique characteristics and a long, rich cultural heritage.
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Flann O’Brien’s Irish Pub: Flann O’Brien’s at IMPACT 02 833 4228; Asiatique The River Front (Warehouse 10) 02 108 4005; Silom 02 632 7515; and Thonglor 02 392 2897 flann-obriens.com and Facebook.com/FlannobriensIrishPub
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cut out and keep
Recipe
Dining out
Guest review by
Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy
La Bottega di Luca Homely Italian cuisine from a chef who really knows his stuff
T
HIS year we were welcomed back to La Bottega di Luca with a total of 17 diners including some old friends from the past and one visitor from B&B Shanghai. The weather, noticeably warmer of late, pushed us into the air-conditioned cool of the restaurant where proprietor Luca and Chef Manuelo were at hand as we started with Follador Prosecco Rosé Treviso (Veneto), which most found refreshing and ‘dry with nice acidity on a citrus finish.’ Served in family style, first up was Burrata DOP dairy cheese from Puglia, which came with 24 months aged Parma ham and marinated cherry tomatoes paired with Fassona beef tartare with artichoke and parmesan cheese. Both were excellent and matched well to Terlano Terlaner 2013 (South-Tyrol), a blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon. Relatively inexpensive and a nice wine, I thought, though our wine spokesman of the day, Ben Bootle, rather niggardly awarded it only 7/10. Next came the Pasta: traditional Piedmont Plin ravioli, filled with veal and savoy cabbage and Risotto di Luca, risotto with black truffle cheese topped with cured Italian bacon. Following instructions, Manuelo had prepared small portions that left several of us wanting more,
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especially of the excellent risotto which food spokesman, Jock Tulloch, highly commended. Alongside, we quaffed Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, which was perhaps the best wine of the day, though still only earning 7.5/10 from Ben. This was a complex ruby-red Sangiovese-based Chianti which one was advised to decant at least an hour before to fully appreciate the full array of flavours. Australian Wagyu beef, Marble 5 “Tomahawk” giant steak Fiorentinastyle followed. Tasty and cooked near to perfection ( Jock thought a few more minutes on the grill was needed), the servings did not fully satisfy the appetites of some and most wished we had been given
larger helpings of potatoes and vegetables to accompany this. The beef came with another Italian wine, Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT 2010 (Tuscany). One external critic described this as “having a full palate of sour black cherries and a backbone of cedar and tobacco, well balanced with freshness and good acidity. Present tannins waiting to mellow and would save this for another couple of years,” and it was not as well received as the Chianti. Indeed, it caused Ben to pledge his continuing loyalty to Aussie Cab Sauv rather than Tuscan Sangiovese. La Bottega reserve of regional Italian cheese served with homemade jam prompted another round of the perennial debate on which should be served first, cheese or dessert. No winners were found, but the cheese buffs were more than happy with the offering. Finally Felsina Vin Santo 2003 (Tuscany) arrived with Traditional Zabaglione (fluffy was Jock’s description). The wine is 55% Malvasia, 25% Trebbiano and 20% Sangiovese that has spent seven years in small, traditional casks. I enjoyed this (and Zabaglione) but it was not to everyone’s taste with some dissenters over the wine. Overall, Luca and Manuelo have once again shown they know their stuff and we had no hesitation in thanking the excellent, very professional team of servers and chefs for their efforts. La Bottega di Luca, TERRACE Building 2nd floor, 49 Sukhumvit Soi 49 ☎ 02 204 1731 :labottega.name
Feature
Words MEGHAN CORCORAN Photographs JARAN LAKKANAWAT
STREETS AHEAD B a rB a li Bis t ro
Mango
Mango
Exploring Bangkok’s Hottest Sois. Part 3 Wine & Dine in S tyle
Esc a p ad e
Apple
B u rger s
P h ra Ath it Ro a d
☛TAKE the pulse of Bangkok and the beats will lead you
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B u rger s
of straight to the boutique bohemian entertainment spaces road the line that bars and Phra Athit Road. The restaurants centur y are easily identified by the large wooden shutters and a has ss busine each as matter ’t doesn old shop fronts. Size ! punch a pack they do man and style all its own Phra Athit Road is a thriving music, bar and restaurant Phraya scene. Nestled between Khao San Road and the Chao n Sume the of River it’s a hidden Bangkok gem. Walk north es cuisin l ationa intern Fort and you’ll discover live music and s. phere atmos tic authen and served in venues with truly unique in rs Burge ade Escap open to him Asked what attracted Fort, the area, Chef Van says: ‘Because of the river and the nt.’ differe hing somet it’s here… y histor of sense there’s a real ular partic in er custom female one that say to on He goes thank made a point of returning to Escapade to specifically ed chang had rant him because her experience in their restau mSukhu about just not her holiday significantly. “Bangkok is vit Road,” she said.
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ry G ood S to hotel Chef Van and Escapade Burgers’ co-owner Karn met at upon rant restau their open to management school. They decided d realise they when a, Canad to trip ion returning from a post-graduat and Van r. burge great a for desire their that nowhere could satisfy with gourKarn describe their burgers as having a “street-side look “emotional the have to you want they d, allowe forks No met details.” long queue the feeling of street food in your hands.” Take one look at they clear it’s and snaking out of their door every night of the week (start rs burge et gourm are killing it in terms of atmosphere, quality at B230), shakes (B80) and cocktails (B350). ound in Pie and Mint from the café Bean & Us have a family backgr they ore, Singap to trip recent a by d Inspire ts. Organic Soy milk produc with and ,” people ous consci health for trend r “wanted to start anothe established a true entrepreneurial spirit and youthful creativity they have ts. quality café with excellent Soy products and heavenly desser waffles their as y Bean & Us is the most decadent way to be health . middle the in uffy fl and e are sublime – crispy golden on the outsid e delicat and h smoot as is Tea Stand out beverages like the Thai Milk
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as Thai silk. ’s To the left of Santichaiprakarn Park you find Sheepshank the of banks the on d Nestle era. ng shippi rial homage to the indust s ceiling high with yard repair boat ntury mid-ce ted river, it’s a renova In block. and unique lighting created from and old winch and pulley s or that short, a restaurant you will want to share with your friend special someone again and again. Executive Chef ‘Joke’ and his Bangkok bor n and raised bus iness par tners have strong roots in the area. Joke met his wife across the street and was creating his vision for the design of the restau rant long before the premises was available for development. “Ideally we want people to appreciate the working feel and austerity of the shipyard, balanced with the warmth and cosiness of the food,” he says. The menu boasts an entour age of mouthwatering deligh ts such as grilled paneer and vegetable s, smoked trout, crab, duck, octopus, seafood paella and pastas. The Sizzling razor clams with Pancetta (B2 90) are juicy and the accompanying sauce balances homely Italian flavo urs with some Thai heat. The Oxtail tor tell ini (B390), meanwhile, is a large dumpling style handmade pasta filled with slow cooked beef goodness – and each por tion is just like a hug from your nanna. The experimental fus ion mixes gourmet elegance with satisfying com for t food. A Harley Davidson and a dru m kit take centre stage at Com me Bar, a music venue with a vintage feel and a relaxed atmospher e. The bar tables spill onto the street giving a sense of openness allowing the atmosphere of the street in and the music to float out. The menu is fres h authentic Thai, the ser vice is swift, and the drinks flow fast. If you are looking for a date night with a Bohemian vibe , or a great dinner with family and friends, hea d to Good Story. Vintage velv et couches and chill out spaces give Good Sto ry a cosy atmosphere. Cockta ils range from B160-B180, the lesser known cocktails can be heavy on the syr up so stick to the classics and you can’t go wrong (and they make a fan tastic Mojito). The menu is traditional Tha i, and while a couple of dish es are a little oily, standouts like the Soft shell pepper crab (which has a del icate pepper tempura batter) and the Deep frie d sea bass (moist fleshy chu nks with crispy skin layered with red cur ry spices) do not disappoint.
C om me B a r
S h ee p s han k
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DE LICATE ZZ A
It alian Rest au rant
Baan Bua Sa-ard
The Restaurant at Riva Surya Bangkok Hotel , Babble and Rum, is a beautiful tranquil spot on the river to enjoy cocktails and watch the cruise boats as they amble by. The lounge area boasts loads of chill out spaces enjoy ed primarily by an affluent Thai crowd. Enjoy a cognac or whisky at the newly renovated bar, at the upstairs balco ny, or in the comfort of the luxe black leather booths inside . Generous spare ribs (B590) with thick cut chips are served in a woolly mammoth portion and the meat just falls off the bone. The smoked salmon (B280) is consi stent and fresh with beautiful light citrus dressing. Also don’t miss the Crab cakes (B290), three large portions, crunchy and crispy on the outside and loaded with fresh crab and mayo on the inside.
afe Mister Pas C
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d Bistro of to p B a r an Ro rn ko a n ra J ha m-J un Ph
Jaz z Happens
ere is warm and Ricky’s Restaurant, whose atmosph dary with its Chinese welcoming, presents a visual quan er, Mrs Raynu, explains: décor and Mexican menu. The own Chinese.” Fair enough. “my brother-in-law designed, he like a menu for anytime has Open from 8am-10pm, Ricky’s ensive all-day preh com a of the day or night, including ettes, English bagu de ema breakfast menu – think hom t and over a dozen toas on s bean , akes muf fins, bagels, panc and feta, ham and different styles of omelettes (spinach at after a big night cheese, potato and blue cheese). Gre offers Baked potatoes, out. The lunch menu, meanwhile, itional pasta dishes. Homemade tortilla wraps, and trad y,” says Mrs Raynu. happ “I love to cook, it makes me rent countries, diffe from rs “It’s good to talk to custome t Mrs Raynu’s Wha .” iland Tha of but I have never been out city it certainly makes up Mexican cuisine lacks in authenti burrito has a good kick for in taste. Her handmade tortilla ato salsa. For tunately of chilli as does the homemade tom Margaritas (B170) Beer you can wash down the heat with le prices. (B90) and wine (B80), all at reasonab de Roti Mataba inclu t Other highlights on Phra Athi especially the ies, curr the (dingy and old it may be, but s (a music bar pen Hap Jazz t), Chicken Masaman, are grea ents of Silpakor n Unifeaturing performances by the stud Italian eatery specialversity), Mr Pas (a tiny four-table arket Thai restaurant); ising in pasta), Hemlock (an upm ftop Bar and Bistro and Jham-Jun Phranakor n Roo g good looking (a trendy rooftop hangout where youn Thais go to see and to be seen). and
of bars l Vibrant atmosphere. Good choice ance of each other. dist restaurants all within walking gest taking a taxi sug (we s link T L No BTS or MR ion) from National Stadium BTS stat
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Discover more hot sois in next month’s issue!
Lobster Angelhair
Just one of the highlights available at Wine Republic, Soi Thonglor. See page 42.
Curries with a twist
Maya's brand new menu of boldly flavoured curries is simply delicious. See page 38.
Dining Out Seafood Platter
Coconut Terrace returns with a brand new menu perfect for sharing. See page 24.
Mamma Mia!
Homemade Italian food just like mamma used to make – in Hua Hin. See page 128.
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Dining out
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Maya
Indian restaurant’s brand new menu of boldly flavoured curries and succulent tandoori meats is simply delicious!
INDIAN restaurant Maya doesn’t do ordinary. Sitting pretty on a cantilevered structure on the 29th floor of Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit (Sukhumvit Soi 22), the venue is practically floating – a design marvel taken full advantage of by floor-toceiling windows offering stunning views. Factor in the food – creative, exciting, delicious – and trendy décor – akin to a modern lounge bar – and there’s no wonder Maya’s considered one of the city's finest Indian restaurants. This lofty reputation looks set to be cemented further this month thanks to the introduction of a brand new Chef’s Inspiration Menu featuring traditional Mughlai cuisine (think creamy, boldly flavoured curries, ground and whole spices galore, and generously marinated meats tandoori grilled to perfection), which, true to form, is given a modern, inspired spin through creative presentation and the
use of less typical ingredients. The brainchild of Executive Sous Chef Hardip Bhatia, who hails from Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, the new menu features highlights such as Bharwan Tandoori Aloo (Potato shells stuffed with lightly spiced cottage cheese and nuts, skewered and crisped in the tandoor. B340); Paneer Cannelloni (Stuffed paneer kebab with spring vegetables, served with apple berry chutney. B380); and Murgh Gilafi Seekh Kebab (Delicate minced chicken blended with aromatic spices, skewered and coated with bell peppers and fresh coriander. B420). Another delicious dish, perfect for sharing, is the Lahsooni Jhinga (Four tiger prawns marinated in garlic, roasted Indian spices and yogurt. B900). For curries don’t miss the Peshawari Murgh Tikka (Boneless chicken marinated in Kashmiri chilies, mustard
Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit Soi 22
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oil and fenugreek. B380); Nali Rogan Josh (Kashmiri-style whole lamb shank cooked overnight in fennel and ginger curry. B525); and the Dum Ka Murgh (Chicken cooked in almond & poppy seeds gravy flavored with saffron, mint and brown onions. B400). For dessert, Dark Chocolate and Rasmalai Terrine (Rich dark chocolate mousse infused with sweetened cottage cheese. B200) is a must try, blending traditional Indian and European puddings to lip-smacking effect. With a long list of creative cocktails, a reasonably priced wine list (bottles start at just B1,200), friendly service, and a DJ spinning atmospheric beats every night, Maya is also a great place to simply drop by for a drink. Catch a whiff of the irresistible aromas coming from the kitchen, though, and you’ll soon be placing an order.
☎ 02 683 4888 :holidayinn.com/hisukhumvit
Dining out
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Party House One
Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa’s signature bar serves up great fun every day of the week
BOLD and striking, Siam@Siam’s artsy New York-loft inspired bar is a real riot of colours. Canvases painted with floral images and Picasso-style portraits line the walls and ceiling; bottles of spirits are illuminated red, blue and green at the bar; and then there’s the cocktails – flamboyant, fruity and boozy concoctions like the Berry Crush Martini and Blue Affairs (all priced at just B230++), works of art in a glass created by a team of talented mixologists. Live bands take to the stage every night from 7.30pm-11pm to belt out a genre-hopping blend of swing, jazz, blues, and lounge songs. Highlights include Danny California & Band playing jazz on Wednesdays, Chris Shining Star performing soul on Thursdays, Jennifer & Charlie performing party-starting glam rock on Fridays, and Gabriel Lynch & Band playing a laid-back acoustic set on Saturdays. On Sundays and Mondays,
from 8pm-10.30pm, Mr Max Duo also takes to the stage for his atmospheric renditions of acoustic pop. Music isn’t the only highlight here, of course. Party House One’s food menu is also a reason to visit, and features a large selection of international and local favourites, many of which are immediately familiar but served here with extra flair, such as the Laarb@Siam – a vibrant blend of tuna, salmon and octopus carpaccio, drizzled with sesame vinaigrette and Japanese Shimeji mushrooms (B220++). Other good options include the delicious Massaman lamb, a tender lamb shank curry blended with Thai sweet potatoes, roasted peanuts and cashew nuts (a hearty portion big enough for two to share at B590++); and the succulent Panseared Alaska snow fish, which comes with braised cabbage ‘Ala flamande,’ lardon and kaffir lime tarragon sauce
865 Rama 1 Road, Opposite to the National Stadium (a short walk from the BTS station).
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(B550++). For desserts, Siam@Siam Ka lor (B150++), featuring deep-fried rice flour stuffed with sweet bean purée served with homemade chocolate, black sesame ice cream, is a great way to end a meal. Alongside the a la carte menu, Party House One also offers a themed international dinner buffet every Saturday (this rotates between Tex-Mex, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian themes. Call ahead to see what's on offer). A bargain at just B950 per person (a come-4-pay-3 deal is also available). What’s more, show your business card to the staff on Wednesday-Friday nights and you’ll receive the ‘Special of the Night’ deal, including a bottle of Scotch Whisky for B2,990 with free mixers all night long on Wednesday; a free-flow cocktail buffet at B599 per person on Thursday; and free-flow Chang draught beer at B499 per person on Friday. Let the party begin!
☎ 02 217 3000 :siamatsiam.com
Dining out
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Wine Republic
International eats at great value for money on Thonglor
FOR over four years now this trendy bistro on Thonglor has been delighting diners with its extensive selection of international wines, boozy and innovative cocktails, as well as international eats at great value for money. Grab a table on the outdoor terrace and you’re sure to enjoy some superb people watching – all gym-toned blokes and lithe women dressed to the nines – and it’s a lovely spot to while away an evening with a glass of wine or two (start at B200++ per glass, B950++ per bottle). Alternatively head inside to lap up the bistro ambience – think dark walls and furniture, subdued lighting, and a large bar displaying all kinds of spirits, whisky and beers – where tightly packed tables, and a large central counter flanked by stools, ensures there’s always a bubbly atmosphere. And that’s just on the ground floor. Venture upstairs and you’ll find the
perfect spot for a date: a more spacious layout with tables set far enough apart to offer privacy, and subdued lighting spilling from naked lightbulbs in wire frames. Very New York chic. In line with Wine Republic’s bistromeets-restaurant concept, the food menu spans the globe and offers up a tantalizing range of appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, risotto, steaks, seafood and desserts, all of which are reasonably priced. You can tuck into decent salad selections such as Foie gras rocket raspberry balsamic (a delightful treat with an earthy finish. B380++); thin-crust oven pizzas like the Wine Republic House Pizza (featuring salami, Italian sausage, bell pepper, black olive, sliced chillis and generous sprinkles of mozzarella. B320++); and succulent steaks such as New York Striploin (served with mashed potatoes, gravy and sautéed
137 Corner Thonglor 10, Wattana
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spinach. B380++). But if you want to go all out and really indulge, the signature Lobster Angelhair (B1,050++), which is served on top of the lobster’s shell, is highly recommended. When it comes to washing down your meal, like the restaurant’s name suggests, there are plenty of great wines on offer – including renowned labels from Australia, France, Italy, Spain USA, Argentina and Chile. But we suggest you also check out the creative cocktails, including highlights such as the Gordon Roug (a fruity concoction which blends vodka, Pimm’s No 1, white wine, vanilla syrup, lime and a handful of chopped fruits. B280++) or the Funky Monkey (a refreshing creation that mixes vodka, rum, cream de banana, vanilla and lime. B280++). All in all, a great night out.
☎ 02 714 7599 : facebook.com/rpb.wine
Gourmet Special!
Ice, Ice, Baby! Where to get your
Fix of creamy frozen goodness in Bangkok THAILAND’S soaring temperatures offer the perfect excuse for savoring the most delicious way of cooling down. Scooped into a tub, artfully wedged on top of a cone, or piled high in a glass – whichever way you like it – ice cream is happiness in frozen form. Foregoing some of the more obvious choices – the ubiquitous Swenson’s and Dairy Queen, for example – we suggest here just a few of the places you can enjoy some creamy frozen goodness. Have we missed your favourite? Let us know at thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
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Nitrogenie
AT a temperature of -321 degrees F (-196 degrees C), liquid nitrogen will flash freeze any food it touches. As it boils away it gives off a dense nitrogen fog that gives whoever’s using it the appearance of a Hogwarts wizard. And that’s the magic behind Nitrogenie. Using high quality cream and eggs, and large vats of liquid nitrogen, the boffins at popular Australian brand Nitrogenie’s first branch in Thailand (at Central Embassy) create ice cream that’s wonderfully smooth and in flavours that taste just like the desserts they’re based on. Highlights include Lemon Meringue Pie (topped with meringue toasted to a finish with a blow torch); Caramelly Popcorn (a real taste of the ‘cinema’); and Triple Choc Brownie (rich and creamy and delicious). All flavours are served in a tub priced B180 each. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are also available.
Central Embassy (4/F). 1031 Ploenchit Rd. Open daily 10am-10pm www.facebook.com/nitrogeniethailand www.nitrogenie.com
Cold Stone Creamery
ONE of America’s leading ice-cream brands, Cold Stone Creamery specializes in everything from ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes. Founders Donald and Susan Sutherland discovered their true calling in 1988 when, "driven by a passion to serve the world’s best ice cream,” they opened the first Cold Stone Creamery in Tempe, Arizona. Now, more than 1,450 stores later, with branches all around the world, it’s fair to say people have warmed up to their cool idea. All of Cold Stone Creamery’s branches prepare ice creams in the same way. That is, by folding ice creams and ingredients with two spades on a frozen granite stone. You can opt to enjoy ice creams either in a tub, or within one of Cold Stone’s delightfully crispy waffles. All kinds of creative flavours are on offer, including signature highlights such as Chocolate Devotion (chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips, brownie and fudge); Founders Favourite (sweet cream ice cream, pecans, brownie, fudge and caramel); and Cheesecake Fantasy (cheesecake ice cream Graham Cracker pie crust, blueberries and strawberries). Tubs range in price from B129-B249. For a waffle bowl add B25. Cold Stone Creamery has 12 stores in Bangkok, including a flagship branch at CentralWorld (6/F). www.coldstone.co.th TheBigChilli
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New Zealand Natural
IMPORTED from New Zealand, a country famous for its preserved natural environment and unpolluted pastures, New Zealand Natural ice cream is made with fresh dairy cream and the best quality ingredients available. Every year without fail it wins Gold Awards from the New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers Association for flavours such as Chocolate Ecstasy, Cookies & Cream and Strawberry Surprise – all of which have gone on to delight ice cream fans around the world. Catering to health conscious consumers, New Zealand Natural’s ice cream is low fat. The company also offers 97% fat-free Yoghurts, 99% fat-free Sorbet, and ‘Zilch,’ a new range of low fat ice cream with no sugar added and no gluten – a slimmer’s dream come true. New Zealand Natural currently operates three stores in Thailand (located in CentralWorld Bangkok; Market Village Hua Hin; and Central Festival Pattaya) where customers can enjoy the company’s ice creams alongside a selection of smoothies, milkshakes, coffee, tea, waffles, pastries, and more sweet treats. Its ice creams are also available to buy at leading supermarkets throughout the kingdom. Alongside the aforementioned flavours, other tasty highlights currently available include Hokey Pokey, Berryfruit Sorbet, Mango Sorbet, Forest Berry Frozen Yoghurt and, of course, Vanilla Classic. Mini cups start at just B99; pints (473ml) at B299 – a veritable bargain for ice cream of this quality. Also don’t miss the Banana Split Sundae – priced just B99 for one scoop, B169 for two scoops, and B229 for three scoops. CentralWorld Bangkok Tel: 02 907 4811-2 www.newzealandnatural.com www.facebook.com/nznthai
Emack & Bolio’s
TIRED of cheap ice cream with fake flavours and weird colours, and expensive ice cream that was overpriced and boring, serial entrepreneur Benjamin Leiner decided to bring his favourite American ice cream – Emack & Bolio’s – to Thailand. No gimmicks, not a fad, just great quality ice cream which has been winning awards since it was established in 1975. After two years of work getting 22 flavours approved by the Thai FDA, Benjamin opened his first Emack & Bolio’s store (the brand’s first international branch) last April in Nichada Thani, and another branch soon followed at CentralWorld Bangkok (6/F). Last month, he opened his third branch at Central Plaza Ladprao. Emack & Bolio’s offers ice cream in a wide range of tantalizing and unique flavours – Deep Purple Cow (black raspberry with white and dark choc chips), anyone? – as well as frozen yoghurts, smoothies, and signature Ice Cream Pizzas (think creamy vanilla Sundae on a rich brownie crust topped with hot fudge sauce. B1,200). Opt to enjoy your ice cream in a tub (price ranges from B99 for a kiddie’s scoop, to B250 for three scoops) or in one of Emack & Bolio’s signature marshmallow topped cones (B70 extra). www.emackandboliosthai.com
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Creamery Boutique Ice Creams
Gourmet Special!
CREAMERY Boutique Ice Creams (U-Center, behind Chulalongkorn University) is the pet project of Ian Lee and Jerry Chompunuch Jomsangawong, a couple who love ice cream almost as much as they love each other. Jerry, a former trainee pastry chef at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, where Ian was once also part of the management team, uses her rich experience to create small batches of premium quality ice creams in original recipes packed full of flavour. The big draw here, especially with Chula students, is the Cookie topped with ice cream, served in a hot pan (B89-B399, depending on size and flavour). Don’t miss the other creative options, though, including ice cream flavours such as Brit Pop (bacon and egg), Berry Cheesecake (mixed berry, cream cheese, and crackers), Zombie Food (passion fruit with jelly), and Bread Toast (butter, sugar and toast). Prices range B49 for one scoop, to B355 for eight scoops. Ice cream cakes are also available starting at B450.
Gelate
WITH branches in Asiatique, Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and CentralWorld, Italian-inspired Gelate is always a handy option for shopaholics looking for a tasty way to cool down. Owned by Khun Tae, who learned his trade at Carpigiani Gelato Uni-
U Center Chula Soi 42, Pathumwan, Silom
Stickhouse
versity, Bologna, Italy, and opened his first store at CentralWorld in 2004, Gelate offers a wide range of gelato made using fresh, premium ingredients. Highlights include Nutty Hazelnut, Mint Choc Chips, Chips and Dolce Caramello. Prices for tubs range from B55 for one scoop, to B200 for five scoops. Waffles and cones are also available, plus a selection of ‘Chunky Sauces’ (Toblerone, Nutella, Mixed Berries, and Wild Strawberry). www.gelateicecream.com 48
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POPULAR Italian ice cream brand Stickhouse specializes in, you’ve guessed it, gelato served on a stick. Visit its branches in Bangkok (Siam Paragon; Terminal 21; Tha Maharaj Riverfront; and Em Quartier District) and you’ll find all kinds of delicious flavours waiting to be sampled, all made using simple, all-natural ingredients. Highlights include Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Mango, and Chocolate.. Sticks range in price from B89-B129, and you can even upgrade – adding pure milk, white or dark chocolate from Italy (B15-B25) and a choice of toppings (also range in price B15-B25). Siam Paragon (G/F). Tel: 02 610 7682 www.facebook.com/stickhouse.th
A modern eatery with an authentic Mexican cuisine | Dinner : 17.00 - 01.00hrs | EL Brunch : 12.00 - 15.00 hrs
Cream & Fudge
LAUNCHED in Bangkok 10 years ago by entrepreneur Fred Mouawad, Cream & Fudge has since gone on to expand its operations in Thailand, India, Indonesia and Malaysia. So it’s obviously doing something right. And this is evident as soon as you bite down on its premium ice cream – smooth and creamy and full of flavour. All ice cream is hand folded on a frozen marble stone with a choice of mix-ins of nuts, fruits, candies and fudge. In addition to allowing customers to create their own combinations, Cream & Fudge also has a menu of signature creations such as Mocha Fudge Temptation and Oreo Peanut Butter.. Prices range from B115 for a Kid’s Sundae, to B179 for a Customary Creation (two scoops plus two toppings). Siam Paragon (3/F South Colonnade, in front of TRUE); 6/F CentralWorld; G/F Esplanade; G/F The Mall Bangkae
Tongue Fun Ice Cream
Kanemochi Ice Cream
FOUNDED by two dessert lovers who are passionate about ice cream and mochi, a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome (a short-grain japonica glutinous rice), Kanemochi basically fuses these two elements to create soft, round tasty bundles of ice-cold joy. Popular flavours include Thai Tea, Cookies & Cream, Choco Brownie, Vanilla, and Strawberry Sorbet. Four pieces are B98; six pieces B147; and eight pieces B195 (buy eight and you’ll also get one free). Combo sets are also available, pairing each mochi with a scoop of ice cream and one topping (B79-B138). Siam Paragon (3/F South Colonnade, next to Coffee World)
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WHO said ice cream’s just for kids? Head to Tongue Fun at Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and you can sample alcohol infused flavours such as Red Bull Vodka and Thai Beer – alongside alcohol-free creations such as Chocobana, Chocolate Brownie, Strawberry, and Lime. Adding to the, erm, Tongue Fun, the ice cream’s signature set is served in a Hot Pot, complete with liquid nitrogen fog (six scoops for B168). Prices range B25-B30 per scoop, depending on flavours. A Mini Hot Pot Set (with five mini scoops) is also available for B86. Terminal 21 (5/F) Food Hall Pier21.Open daily 10am-10pm
Melt Me IceDEA
ICE cream flavours tend to be based solely on desserts. But not at IceDEA. Here you’ll find innovative creations such as US Steak Ice Cream, and Tonkatsu Ice Cream. But, fear not – they're all still sweet treats. The US Steak Ice Cream (B159 per set) comes in three choices: Medium Rare Steak, made from chocolate brownie ice-cream; Well Done Steak, made from hazelnut chocolate ice cream; and Banana Fillet Steak, made from banana ice cream. The Tonkatsu set (B145), meanwhile, features breaded, deep-fried ice cream (a choice of three flavours: Japanese melon, Vanilla or Brownie), chocolate sauce, fresh fruits and cashew nuts. Other unique flavours include Wasabi, Khao Tom Mud (sticky rice with banana and black beans wrapped in banana leaf) and Global Warming, a milky concoction designed to reflect the ‘melting’ world we live in. Deep. Prices range B49 for one scoop in a tub, to B98 for two scoops. Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (4/F,), 939 Rama1 Rd., Tel: 089 834 4058.www.icedea.com. BTS National Stadium. Open daily 10am-7pm.
SPECIALISING in healthy gelato, Melt Me is the brainchild of a Thai couple who live by the motto that “happiness can melt in the mouth.” After taking a trip to Hokkaido to learn more about the chocolate and gelato making processes, they returned adamant that they would create all-natural ice creams with zero percent fat but maximum flavour – and some delicious chocolates, too. And so Melt Me was born. The couple now operates seven branches in Thailand, and offers a decent selection of sorbets (try Raspberry and Lime), chocolate infused flavours, and also a few creamy ones (think Mascarpone Cheese and Peanut Butter). B139 for two scoops, two toppings and a waffle basket. Thonglor; CentralWorld; Siam Center; Future park Rangsit; Central Ladprao, Central Plaza Salaya; and Mega Bangna www.melt-me.com
DIY Soft Serve Twister
DIY Soft Serve Twister’s ice creams may melt fast in Bangkok’s heat, but their soft and creamy texture, and low fat content (94 percent fat free), make them worth the potentially sticky-hand risk. Over 18 colourful flavours are on offer, including the signature Twister Berry and Twister Fruity. B85 per flavour (cup or cone), or B95 for two flavours. 4/F Siam Square One 52
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Have we missed your favourite? Let us know at thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
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Chef’s Table
Catering news from Thailand and the world Checking out Gallo consumer wine trends
E. & J. Gallo Winery, the world’s largest family-owned winery, recently reported the results of its first Gallo Consumer Wine Trends Survey to learn about Americans’ wine drinking attitudes and behaviors. The survey posed a series of questions to 1,001 frequent wine drinkers in the U.S., which resulted in a better understanding of exactly where, when and how Americans are enjoying wine. Vice president of marketing and third-generation Gallo family member Stephanie Gallo explained: “As a whole, the survey told us that Americans are enjoying wine more often than before by bringing it into dining, entertaining and casual experiences while eager to experiment with flavors and formats. “As a result, many successful wineries focus on catering to customers’ tastes rather than asking them to accept what’s traditional.” The differences between younger wine drinkers and seniors are especially interesting. Here’s a summary of the results: Everyone is a wine critic: Younger drinkers in particular are turning to social media to talk about and discover new wines. More than half participate in conversations about wine on social media. Every wine drinker can now be both critic and influencer. They are also using the internet for wine knowledge, with nearly half respecting bloggers’ opinions.
• 66 percent mix wine with fruit or fruit juice • 51 percent make a wine cocktail • 48 percent mix wine with other cocktail mixers like club soda • 46 percent drink wine over ice • 27 percent occasionally even drink wine in a cup with a straw Though there were many notable differences between the younger and older age groups, the survey also revealed key thoughts and behaviors shared by almost all frequent wine drinkers. Of these, the most noticeable common ground was convenience. They’re all buying premium and value box wine, Tetra Paks, screw tops and 187-milliliter bottles. Box wine is more relevant than ever, with 58 percent of wine drinkers indicating that they have bought it. Sweet and bubbly are in style: Moscato and sparkling wines are particularly popular among the younger set. Frequent wine drinkers under 40 are more than twice as likely to purchase Moscato when compared with 26 other popular varietals as well as when compared with older wine drinkers. These younger drinkers also reject the notion that sparkling wines are just for special occasions. Many reported that they are popping bottles for everyday moments. Wine drinkers are mixing it up: Younger drinkers are seemingly unbound by traditions that have often governed wine. Of those surveyed:
What is on the inside counts: • While two-thirds of American wine drinkers admit to buying a wine based on its label, 76 percent say that taste is the most important factor that makes them buy more. • The varieties that continue to enjoy the greatest popularity are merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot grigio. For more information visit GalloWineTrends.com
Beatles-themed hotel for sale
LIVERPOOL’S famous Hard Days Night Hotel is on the
market for £11m. The 110-bedroom hotel, named after the Beatles album and song of the same name, opened in 2008. It is owned by property firm Concord Estates. The hotel features a grand central staircase, stretching from the basement to the top floor, along which are numerous Beatles-themed images, reports the Caterer magazine. Hard Days Night general manager Mike Dewey said: “The hotel was created as a unique blend of high quality hotel facilities with a subtle ‘twist’ to cleverly portray the incredible story of the Beatles. “Its unrivalled location surrounded by Liverpool’s popular tourist destinations means that it is a top choice for visitors, with the additional commercial appeal as a business, event and wedding venue.” 54
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THAIFEX: World of Food Asia to return next month
WITH four halls covering a total area of 70,000sqm, THAIFEX-World of Food Asia will return to Bangkok’s Impact Arena next month with no less than 1,500 international exhibitors featuring unique food and beverage products from all around the world.
Gaggan named best restaurant in Asia
Held from May 20-24, and with more than 35,000 trade visitors expected, the event will also feature industry related conferences as well as a series of cooking demonstrations and competitions. Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani www.thailandfoodfair.com
THAILAND continues to be a strong presence in Asia’s dining scene with five establishments honoured at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 awards in Singapore. Gaggan in Bangkok secured the No.1 spot, earning it the coveted dual titles of The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Asia and The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Thailand. Thailand is also represented by 2014 winner Nahm (No.7), Eat Me (No.25), Bo.lan (No.37) and Issaya Siamese Club (No.39). Chef Gaggan Anand opened his eponymous Bangkok restaurant (on Soi Langsuan) in 2010 with a vision to reinvigorate Indian cuisine by incorporating modernist cooking techniques. His passion, energy and creativity are evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the colonial-style setting to the molecular twists added to traditional Indian dishes. Now in its third year, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, announced the 2015 list of winners at an awards ceremony at Capella Hotel, Singapore. www.eatatgaggan.com www.theworlds50best.com/asia
Truffle dinner at Opposite Mess Hall
CHEFS Jess Barnes, Tim Butler and crew cooked up a superb six-course menu when Theodoré International, in conjunction with Plantin truffles, hosted ‘The Truffle Experience’ at Opposite Mess Hall. The menu featured highlights such as Scotch duck egg with cecina, truffled potato confit maple gastrique; and Kangaroo tail dumpling, crispy kale, corn and truffle, all paired with fine Italian wines supplied by Wine Garage and Wine Gallery. For details of upcoming events see www.oppositebangkok.com.
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Meet the Chef Most creative dish you’ve ever cooked? My signature fish with green curry – a deconstructed take on the traditional Thai green curry.
SERVING UP Zra Jirarath
Most influential chefs? Many chefs have inspired me. From classical to modern cooking techniques, over time I’ve tried to learn as much as possible. Your favourite dish to cook? Moules Marinières (Mussels cooked in white wine sauce).
The Chef de cuisine of ASTON Dining Room & Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 31, on his favourite food, chefs, and ingredients
Your favourite cooking utensils? My stock pot and pressure cooker are the true workhorses of my kitchen. Your favourite ingredient? Crab is the most delicious creature ever. Especially big mud crab.
The best advice you’ve ever received? Great dishes don’t necessarily have to be expensive or fancy; there’s real beauty in simple ingredients cooked well. Most used cookbook? Modernist Cuisine, Vol 6: Kitchen Manual. What’s your cooking philosophy? That good food starts with fresh produce. Thailand has an abundance of seasonal ingredients, so it’s a great place to be a chef.
Most challenging ingredient to work with? Wine. I suggest wine pairings on my menu so I have to match them with my food wisely.
What motto do you find most inspiring? “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci Have you cooked for any VIPs? Thai celebrities, Hollywood movie stars, politicians, ambassadors, and even members of the Royal family.
About the chef
Your favourite dish? A traditional British-style Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings.
■ WITH his creative approach to cooking (think molecular gastronomy with a focus on fine ingredients) Zra Jirarath is one of the city’s brightest young talents. Creating dishes in front of diners in his kitchen-cumlaboratory at the ASTON Dining Room & Bar, he’s a culinary rock star of sorts – passionate about his craft and eager to please and entertain. Tuck into a flavorsome dish such as Wagyu beef two ways (Ribeye and Cheek), borne from his experience at Le Cordon Bleu, where he specialized in French cooking, and you’ll quickly get the gist – this is food as art, and thankfully it tastes just as good as it looks. ASTON Dining Room & Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 31
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☎ 08 4551 5559 astonbkk.com
Expat WOMEN ď ° Put your feet up and indulge
Firework Fashion: New Thai fashion label KONTRAS has arrived in style! Page 64.
Feature
Australian photographer Rani Anders talks about her new book Page 62
Shopping
Hot new products and stores demanding your attention Page 64
Health
Judith Coulson discusses how parents can be good role models for their kids Page 78 TheBigChilli
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Expat Women
Profile
Dr Donna Robinson Expat lady who mastered the Thai language to open her own Bangkok clinic
W
HEN Dr Donna Robinson first arrived in Bangkok as a 30-year-old, it hadn’t yet hit her that she was leaving her job as a doctor and her home in England behind. She had already worked overseas, both in Hong Kong and in New Zealand, but coming to Thailand in 1990 was a big challenge and it took some time for her to fully appreciate the move. Within the first 12 months, however, she discovered a group of expat ladies and found employment with United Nations during the next few years in the kingdom. Being simply a housewife was not something for this driven lady. Dr Donna soon mastered the Thai language, both written and spoken. Even though it takes her a bit longer to read Thai, she actually passed the entire medical license again in Thai – a multiple choice exam written entirely in Thai! The process to getting a Thai medical license is similar to obtaining a British medical exam, with the preclinical examination, then the clinical with written papers, and finally having a practical test with medical cases. Dr Donna is one of a very few non-Thai doctors who have obtained this medical license, and each year she undergoes training both in the UK and in Thailand. For the past six years she has run her own clinic, MedConsult, in central Bangkok. Asked if it is difficult, Dr Donna says that since there are so many regulations in place for certified clinics, it is quite clear what you can and cannot do. “There are also systems for medical waste disposal and sharp objects in Bangkok. At the clinic we work with several outside laboratories who are excellent to cooperate with,” says Dr Donna, who adds that all medical tests are emailed back to the clinic on the same day so that patients can be given
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elderly, setting up The MedConsult Foundation which runs several projects such as helping HIV positive children in Cambodia to access medical care, helping children at the Thai-Burmese border and sending medicines to the Mae Tao clinic. For these projects she collects unused medication at her clinic and also sells used books where all the proceeds go directly to those in need. On a personal level, Dr Donna and her husband, Ian Martin, have had what she describes as a good life in Bangkok. They have two wonderful teenage children who have had a good education at Bangkok Patana School. Whenever time allows, she joins the Thursday Bangkok Hash Harriers which is great for people who work, with runs arranged somewhere that’s easy to get to within the city by 6.30pm. “I also the care and reassurance they need. “As in any business, cash flow is a problem and can be very stressful, and sometimes small administrative things can cause problems as well. This is why we are trying to introduce more and more systems so that we can avoid human error as much as possible. An example is our recently launched online booking and on-line scheduling for the rooms we have here used by our physiotherapist and counselors. “Another thing is the intense competition in medical services in Bangkok, so we have developed a niche with certain hotel visits, tourists often come to our clinic, and we do a lot of travel vaccinations and home visits. Of course we also offer popular treatments like botox and fillers. Thailand seems to be leading this trend together with countries like Brazil and Korea.” Dr Donna was trained at Harley Street in England as a Botox clinician. She is also involved in medical issues for the underprivileged children and
try to join the bike hash which is just amazing. We meet two hours outside of Bangkok and cycle through pineapple plantations and green fields, and of course meeting friends for a drink is always a good option to wind down after a stressful day!” For more information about MedConsult visit www.medconsultasia.com
Expat Women
Q&A
Life through a lens: Rani Anders The talented photographer behind Spirits Within, a fascinating study of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, talks about her inspiration and the joys of publishing her first book
A
USSIE expat Rani sure is a character. When we invited her to The BigChilli office to take her photo for this interview she only had one stipulation: “I don’t do standard!” Hence the picture of her lunging in a precarious position nine-storeys above ground. Her work, too, is far from ordinary. She’s passionate about detail and a selfconfessed perfectionist, so it’s no wonder that her debut photobook, Spirits Within, a labour of love five years in the making, is a striking work of art. Focusing on the body piercing rituals of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, her work sheds light on this oft misunderstood culture. Fascinating, beguiling, and often bizarre – why, after all, would someone choose to walk around with a bike wheel stuck in their cheek? – the images show how ‘spirits within’ can have the power to drive people to perform extraordinary feats. What inspired you to create Spirits Within? A passion for photography led to discovering a world of teaching, and for me, the natural next step was to travel the world. Whilst working and traveling abroad for fi fteen years, I met many interesting and inspiring individuals who contributed to my decision to take on a project that I feel has true meaning and value. That was to create Spirits Within. You’re a self-confessed perfectionist. How does this translate into your work? I would say that I find it difficult to allow others to manage my work for me. I like to have complete control of
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my own work. Attention to detail is also something that seems to get the better of me. This is what I struggle with the most. The fact that I look at every minor detail means I sometimes become my own worst enemy. This can be a burden. I came to realise that I must learn to let go if I want to get anything done. Obviously the work I present is not only for me; it’s for many others. Therefore I want them to be just as happy as I am when they look at my work. What is the biggest challenge you faced when producing the book? Producing a book was not as easy as I thought it would be. I invested a lot of my own time researching particular printers, paper and understanding the difference between digital and offset printing, something I highly recommend to anyone that is looking at producing their own photo book. Making these enquiries gave me the confidence to make that final decision to complete my work.
Part of the proceeds of the book will go towards Phayathai Babies Home. Why did you choose this particular charity? After meeting and spending time with with Mr Apichat, a psychologist who has been running the establishment for the past fi fteen years, and meeting the children themselves, feeling their electrifying energy and love for life, I decided that I wanted to donate some of the proceeds of this book directly to Phayathai Babies Home. Can we expect you to release more photo books in the near future? Yes. I am currently working towards the next book. Let’s just say, without giving too much away, lots of film will be used and lots of time will be consumed in trying to capture that perfect moment that represents how individuals choose to live and interact within their own environment. For more info about Spirits Within see: www.raniandersphotography.com
Bawarchi Chidlom President Tower Arcade ( Intercontinental Bangkok B - Level, 973, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : +66 2656 0102 - 3
Bawarchi Sathorn
Indian - Thai Chambers of Commerce, 13 Sathorn Soi 1,Thungmahamek, Sathorn Road, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : +66 2677 6249
Bawarchi Sukhumvit 4 Bawarchi Sukhumvit 11 Bawarchi Myanmar 20/11 Sukhumvit Soi 4, Khlongtoey, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : + 66 2656 7357
(F/ 1-3 Ambassador Hotel) Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : +66 2253 2394
No . 37 Level 1 , La Pyayt Wun Plaza , Alan Pya Pagoda Road ,Dagon Township, Yangon , Myanmar Tel : 09253500002 / 03
Expat Women
Shopping
STEP INTO SUMMER ■ FOUNDED in 1911, Italian brand Superga started out making tennis shoes but has since diversified to offer a wide range of sleek trainers made using top quality materials. Perfect for hitting the street or the beach, the brand’s latest collection of vulcanized sneakers are bright and comfy and well-priced to boot. Available to buy now at Superga shops in major department stores in Bangkok. www.facebook.com/SUPERGATHAILAND
ICE CREAM NAILS FIREWORK FASHION ■ NEW Thai fashion label KONTRAS has arrived in style with an eponymous Spring/ Summer 2015 collection inspired by the flash and sound of fireworks – think colours such as maroon, flash gold, basic black and cobalt indigo – interpreted through upbeat street-wear perfect for every occasion. The collection is available now at Fifth Season (on the third floor of Siam Square One).
■ INSPIRED by the pastel colours of ice cream, Ciaté London’s new set of nail lacquers is just perfect for a summer manicure. Bottling five hues that almost sound good enough to eat – Double bubble-gum, Pistaci-ooh-lala, Make it butter fudge, Wham bam strawberry jam, and Love you berry much – the collection of miniature polishes also features simple 3D nail decals, a bit like adding nuts and chocolate drops to your favourite frozen scoop. Just don’t bite your nails! (For real ice cream in Bangkok check out page 44). Available now at Sephora stores in Thailand. www.sephora.co.th
Talking
Shop Hot products and stores demanding your attention
FRESH OPENS IN BANGKOK
■ BUILDING on its presence in China, Hong Kong, and Korea, luxury beauty brand Fresh will this month open its first freestanding store in Thailand, in the brand new EmQuartier Shopping Mall on Sukhumvit. Similar to the brand’s flagship store in New York City, the Bangkok branch will give customers an opportunity to learn all about the cult American
brand’s premium skin care, hair care and body care products at the ‘Kitchen Table,’ explore fragrance layering techniques at the ‘Sensoria Bar,’ and create customized gift sets at the ‘Gift Bar.’ www.fresh.com
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News
Education
School Report
Real Madrid Football Clinic kicks off this month
FOR the first time ever in Thailand, top Spanish football club Real Madrid will conduct a 5-day training clinic in Bangkok. Organized by FRM Indochina Management together with Harrow International School Bangkok and Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, the event will be held from April 20-24 at the school and is open for kids aged 7-18 years. The clinic will allow children to experience and learn the individual techniques and team tactics as how all the youth trains at the Real Madrid youth academy under guidance and instructions of the Real Madrid coaches & local assistant coaches. The fee is USD450 per child. Register online at www.frmbkk.com.
Soccer for a cause: Esperança Football Camp
BARCELONA Gaudi Restaurant (Sukhumvit 23), in conjunction with Spanish NGO Playonside, is arranging a Football Camp and Tournament for Burmese refugees in Mae Sot, in the northwest of Thailand. Held April 10-12, the volunteer project aims to use the power of football to both educate and empower these refugees. If you’d like to volunteer, or donate money or football gear to the cause, contact Jordi Casanovas on 086 346 4266 (coachjordi@gmail.com). www.playonside.com
Harrow development well underway
HARROW International School Bangkok last month invited media to view the progress of HBuild – a major building and development project being implemented over five years (2013-2018). Already completed, during phase one of the project, is the school’s multi-purpose athletics centre. This will be joined over the next few years by new boarding houses, a library, a sixth form centre, an early years centre, creative and performing arts centre, and more state-of-the-art facilities. As part of the project, the school is also renovating and improving its existing facilities and buildings. Full details can be found at: bit.ly/1BIr4nS
Shrewsbury’s Family Golf Day returns
THE 2015 edition of Shrewsbury International School’s popular Family Golf Day will be held at Lotus Valley Golf Resort on Sunday May 3. Teams of two are invited to enter the golf challenge to enjoy the 18-hole course Texas Scramble style competition, plus a buffet dinner and a prize giving ceremony with lots of prizes. The competition is open to all. B2,500 per person (excludes caddy and golf cart charges). www.shrewsbury.ac.th
Sunday art classes available at Paron
THE eponymous Paron School of Art (between Ekamai Soi 11 and 13, above Happiness Cafe), led by acclaimed Central Saint Martins scholar Paron Mead, is now offering Sunday drop-in art classes for 7-12 year old budding artists. New techniques are introduced each week, allowing young artists to create work in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpting, and craft–based practice. Sessions are held 10am-Noon for 7-10 year olds, and 2pm-4pm for 9-12 year olds. B800 per session, or B5,900 for eight sessions. Prices include all materials and a snack. www.facebook.com/ParonSchoolofArt
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School Report
Harrow
SUPER SCIENCE SUCCESS AT HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
Excellent laboratories and innovative teaching methods prepare students for further studies in medicine and engineering at the world’s finest universities ■ “SCIENCE is not only a discipline of reason but also one of romance and passion” – Stephen Hawking. Perhaps creativity, not a term normally associated with Science, is a quality that should be added to this list in a world increasingly dependent on scientific innovations to satisfy society’s demand for new, more innovative products. Science at Harrow International School Bangkok attracts many of our stronger students who recognise the values of the skills they are acquiring, their transferability of these skills and, ultimately, their own marketability in a competitive job market. All this, in conjunction with excellent laboratories which include very sophisticated datalogging facilities, has consistently
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proved to be the main attraction for the majority of our students when choosing their elective subjects. Their studies are underpinned by a strong element of discovery and experiential learning which encourages students to formulate critical questions and interpret data analytically to arrive at well-reasoned and logical conclusions. Their success is evidenced by the very large numbers of students that progress to study Science or Sciencerelated courses at prestigious universities around the world – from Oxford and Cambridge to Stanford and Yale to Sydney and Monash, Harrow Bangkok is well represented and we continue to celebrate their success and their achievements.
To encourage and prepare students, we have a large, very active Engineering Society and an equally impressive Medics group who meet weekly to work on aspects of their chosen careers. From last year’s cohort we have seven students studying Medicine in Australia, the UK or Thailand, an amazing success rate which is typical of what we enjoy as a school. Another graduate is about to begin her studies of Medicine later this year also in the UK. The support she has received from us throughout her undergraduate course is something of which we are particularly proud and typifies our commitment to our students beyond their graduation. Physics (CIE) continues to achieve high standards, with a Top in the World award at IGCSE and Top in Thailand awards at AS and A2 level. Above all, students enjoy studying Science here and this is what makes teaching our subjects so rewarding. – Owen Gray, Head of Science Faculty and Senior Sixth Form Tutor www.harrowschool.ac.th
School Report
Traill
TRAILL LEADS THE WAY IN NAN – PART 2
School’s exchange programme continues to enlighten teachers and students alike ■ IN the March edition of The BigChilli, I described the setting up of a Community Project between Traill International School and the Baan San Charoen School Hill Tribe School in Nan Province. This month, I am delighted to be able to bring you further news as the project has developed. A week’s exchange visit between two Kindergarten teachers took place, and Traill welcomed into its Year 6 Class two students from the school in Nan. Traill staff planned learning activities that enabled children in both schools to share a similar experience, and allowed the Nan School to see how we approach Early Years teaching in a British International School. Jira and Salin (from Nan), who joined the Year 6 Class, said of their visit: “We were delighted to have been given an opportunity at this time. We were very impressed with all of the teachers who taught us. Our classmates gave us such a warm welcome. We will use the knowledge and experience we have gained, and will adapt them to good use for the benefit of our learning.” Kru Wan wrote to us on her return to Nan thanking us for our generosity towards Baan San Charoen School. She said: “Although our school is located in a distant area, you have put an enormous effort into visiting us. You have also given myself and our students an opportunity to exchange knowledge of how lessons are implemented and taught at Traill International School. I would like to adapt the experience and apply it to use with our students here at
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Baan San Charoen School.” On his return to Traill, Mr Mike Mallon described his incredible week at the school in Nan. “It was an exhilarating experience, like no other! The children gained an insight into a different style of learning, and found they really enjoyed it. It gave me an opportunity to reflect upon our lives and the lives of others in different cultures.” We have learned so much from welcoming our guests for the week into the Traill School Family, and for all of us involved – both KG teachers, the two students from Nan, and our Year 6 Class – it has truly been an unforgettable educational experience. – By Jane Griffiths, Vice Principal www.traillschool.ac.th
School Report
Berkeley
MUSIC MATTERS AT BERKELEY
Inspiration and opportunities aplenty await young musicians at this excellent international school ■ WHAT could be more rewarding than spending your working life sharing your greatest passion with others? I feel very lucky every day because I have the wonderful job of being Music Director at Berkeley International School. In the time I have been at Berkeley it has become clear to me that the students and school community have a genuine love of music.
To quote Bill Clinton, former President of the United States of America, “Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and, by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.” Music has been an important part of
life at Berkeley since the day it opened. All students study music from Pre-K through to the end of middle school. In high school, it is one of the most popular elective choices which shows just how much our students enjoy their music. As we are a relatively small school I teach most of the students and I love that I get to see them all grow and develop as musicians. It also means that younger students can be inspired by and learn from our older students very easily. There were some wonderful moments recently when the high school students performed for grade 1. The younger students were incredibly excited and loved
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seeing their older friends come and play for them. We also invited the kindergarten to watch the middle school string orchestra. It really is fantastic to give students the opportunities to hear more and do more. When parents ask me how to choose a school for their child I will often advise them to look at the arts and sports programmes at a school. It is through these programmes that students get to learn about themselves and develop their creativity, leadership skills and resilience. I make a real effort to encourage a lifelong love of music for all my students – I don’t expect them all to become professional musicians but I do want them to leave Berkeley with the skills and enthusiasm to keep music a part of their life. The aim is to do this through a wide range of musical experiences, such as staging musicals, playing in rock bands, singing in choirs, playing ukulele, playing in string orchestra, learning how to use music technology, taking part in competitions and festivals and attending professional concerts. A Berkeley duet recently finished second in a major battle of the bands contest showing our talent and dedication to be the best. Music at Berkeley is thriving and every child in the school is involved. As the school grows so too will the music provision to make sure we cater for the needs of our growing community. In recent years we have seen significant investment with new instruments and resources for all levels, and in 2016 our exciting new auditorium is due to open. I can’t wait to do our first concerts in our very own purpose built venue, and I’m excited about what the future holds. I hope you will be able to come and visit us soon! – Tessa Augustyniak, Music Director of Berkeley International School. www.berkeley.ac.th
School Report
Insight
Meet the Head: Valerie Thomas-Peter The Head of School at Bangkok Prep on work, inspiration and international success I enjoyed school myself but didn’t initially think of teaching as a career. As a student at University, however, I helped out in a school on a voluntary basis and found that this was something that I not only enjoyed but was also a means by which I could contribute to the community. I worked with a child who had been in a traumatic situation and who hadn’t spoken to an adult for two years. When working together he trusted me enough to speak with me and this event inspired me to become a teacher. I have enjoyed each of the headships that I have held – each one for different reasons. In the UAE I managed the phenomenal growth of the school, from 400 – 1,200 students during a three year period and of this I was extremely proud. In my most recent posting at a school in Malaysia, the highlight of my six year tenure was receiving an ‘Outstanding’ Grade 1 during the British Schools Overseas inspection (OfSTED). Upon my arrival in Malaysia the Secondary School had been rated ‘Satisfactory’ Grade 3 and the steps that I took and the strategies that I put in place with the staff raised the quality of education on offer quite significantly. This gave me an enormous sense of pride in the teamwork that took place. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was in the UAE. Two weeks before it was due to open I took over the headship of a brand new school in Dubai. Four hundred children were due to start at the school but the building had not yet been completed, not enough resources had been ordered for the school, and more worryingly the full complement of necessary teachers had not been appointed. I thrive on challenge however and immediately focused on solving all of the issues. We opened on time, in
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functioning rooms and had a full staff on board within a couple of weeks…and all of the students stayed with the school. One of my most difficult professional decisions was the decision to leave a secure Headship in the UK to work internationally. I have never regretted this, however, as internationalism adds a whole new dimension to teaching and I have been in schools which are genuinely focused on educating tomorrow’s leaders. As Heads of School we make important decisions every day which affect our students, parents and staff. The key is making decisions in an ethical and transparent manner.
I was part of the team of visitor Heads from FOBISIA who assessed Bangkok Prep for entry to the Federation four years ago. I was impressed by the school’s name and reputation but what also attracted me was the school’s emphasis on community spirit and its aspiration to be the best mid-sized school in Thailand. I was also impressed by the supportive nature of the Board and the good relationship between the school leadership team and the License Holder. Bangkok Prep is certainly growing but has managed to retain its community feel. Many parents choose to send their children here because
they value the sense of unity that comes with being part of such a closely bound community. The relationship between the teachers and students is also impressive, with the teachers forging close relationships with the students, knowing them as individuals and planning work to meet their particular needs. As the school has grown so has its academic reputation. We have a carefully designed curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England but is tailored to suit our individual context, which allows children to make excellent academic progress in a very supportive environment. The school certainly has some big plans. Our success has resulted in a high demand for places at the school and the Board has now decided to open a purpose built second campus which will be devoted to our Secondary School aged students. This will allow us to offer more places to both primary and secondary aged students. The new campus is being designed as we speak and will feature ‘state of the art’ facilities which have been carefully planned to enhance learning. Our challenge is to retain the unique sense of community that Bangkok Prep currently has in abundance! My school is a huge part of my life and education is my passion but I also enjoy creative activities and am a dab hand at face painting and cake decorating. I read a lot, enjoy listening to music and thoroughly enjoy travelling. My first grandchild is due in the summer so I have recently taken up knitting again, after a gap of some 20 years, and am enjoying making a ‘teddy bear onesie’ for baby Thomas-Peter when she arrives in July! Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School, 23 Sukhumvit 53 ☎02 260 7890 :bkkprep.ac.th
Expat Women
Advice Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
Problems solved
fer in silence. Send in your problems suf n’t Do ? wn do you g tin get life t pa Ex nsellors Anette and Johanna and get advice from professional cou
Q
Daughter’s hair pulling cause for concer n
I am ver y concerned about my child. She is 14 years old She pulls her and pulling her hair like crazy. rows. I tell her eyeb her even and eyelashes out, star ts it again. to stop, but without thinking she reading a book or She often pulls her hair while watching TV. when we had This all star ted three years ago Bangkok. to y ntr cou to move from our home k and she gko Ban in g bein After four months of any more. it ce noti ’t didn I ool, was settled in sch n. But lately she has star ted agai ut this. It seems abo do to t wha w kno I do not her hair again, the more I tell her she’s pulling not want to do the more frustrated she gets. I become her watchdog. or should I let Can I do anything as a mother it go? out hair, She has to face her own face with am afraid she will eyebrows and eyelashes, but I become the odd one in class. Do you have any suggestions?
important to 1) In the case of your daughter it is this. We call this do her es figure out (with her) what mak ted when star hter daug r You ‘identifying the triggers.’ new changes e ther Are ges. chan she had to deal with big some the pressures of coming into her life presently? For rs, it happens when school tests can be a trigger. For othe are engrossed in an they feel very tired. Or while they hing TV. On the other activity, like reading a book or watc hter does not think daug hand, do you know of times your rows? eyeb or s about pulling out her eyelashe how it makes her hter daug your You also need to ask s. What does she ashe eyel her on ng feel when she is pulli xing or something ‘get out of it’? Is it punishment or rela of this behaviour or is different? Does she want to get rid give up? If she likes it, it something she would not want to habit. then it will be very hard to break the es certain activities etim 2) Breaking the pattern: som again. Could over and over make us do the same thing or watching ing read is she how you think of a change in estion sugg tical prac A ? tion posi TV? Another chair or s es when she’ reading would be to ask her to put on glov her hair out when or watching TV. She simply can’t pull od of time the habit she’s wearing gloves and after a peri may change all by itself. your daughter I 3) Here is some practical advice for ces (try treating her sour us have collected for you from vario to her problem): tion solu the in like an adult and involve her
Angela, 37, from Belgium
A
Dear Angela,
■ I understand your concern
and indeed your child needs some help. Eyelash pulling isn’t quite as widespread as hair pulling (trichotillomania), but it still happens a lot. Eyelash and eyebrow and/or absent-mindhair pullers either consciously pull compulsion and ful pain edly rip away their hair. It is a (OCD). rder Diso ive called an Obsessive Compuls 76
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h as possible. Try to • Stay away from mirrors as muc the mirror. avoid eye contact with yourself in n or meditation. • Practice some form of relaxatio thinly on your • Spread Vaseline or olive oil very ning and after lunch. mor eyelashes and eyebrows in the ecting the light from refl of This has the added attraction used by the stars! trick e-up mak a your face and is in fact out. It makes the hair too slippery to pull es, creams and glov like rs, nge fi your • Keep things on oils or false nails. (as much as possi• Avoid nicotine, caffeine, alcohol ble!) and sugar. honest conversaI hope you can have a friendly and just want to help you her tell and tion with your daughter I would advise the her and see her flourish. Otherwise rist. assistance of a counselor or psychiat . All the best Johanna
Q
Family torn apart by abuse
I have a really difficult problem in my family that is hard to talk about. But I really need some advice, so here goes: A few months ago, my brother’s daughter, our niece, came to our house and told my wife and myself that her father had done terrible things to her when she was younger. She also said that she had confronted her father (my brother) and that he had not reacted well, but she wanted us to know. I always had a good relationship with my niece and have no reason to doubt her truthfulness, but my brother denies the whole thing. He says that his daughter is seeking attention by wrongfully accusing him and points to the fact that she hasn’t taken him to court which, in his view, is proof that she is making it up. He says that she is out to destroy his family and his relationship with me. His wife hasn’t said much which we find worr ying. To be honest, I wish my niece had never said anything to me. But then, if what she says is true… I’ve known my brother all my life and we’ve always been ver y close. I never noticed anything wrong in his relationship with my niece. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to take sides, but there seems to be no other option except withdrawing from my brother’s family altogether. The family is already part destroyed. What is the right thing to do here?
Cooper, 53, from Australia
A
Dear Cooper,
■ This is indeed a terrible dilemma, and a terrible situation for the whole family to be in. Whatever the outcome, things will never be the same again. Your main problem, apart from feeling shock and maybe compassion, is that you don’t know the truth. Your niece and your brother, however, both do. In a way, you and your wife can not resolve this issue unless it is resolved by the main agents. And by the way I am glad to hear that your wife is supporting you in this extremely difficult situation. Let me just briefly summarise what the current thinking about childhood/adolescent abuse is because this may have changed during your life time. In cases of childhood abuse, current practice among psychologists is to always believe the victim. This is the result of many decades of experience that show how high the threshold is for victims to break the silence and dare to
tell what happened to them. If the case ever went to court, of course, different standards would apply. But false accusations are extremely rare. Victims stand to lose a lot. On the other hand, you probably feel much closer to your brother who shared your childhood and therefore you quite likely feel more trust towards him. You may feel that you know him so well that you think you can guarantee that he would never do something like this. But the (very painful) truth is that you don’t know. Many terrible things happen in families, and they often happen in absolute secrecy. My advice to you would be: seek professional help from a counselor to explore your feelings and your options. This is probably not something you can resolve yourself. I would suggest you do that immediately, before talking to your niece or your brother again. The situation is so sensitive that an innocent move on your side could cause great damage. Your niece seems to trust you and your wife, and that gives me some hope. Ultimately, it will be very difficult not to ‘take sides,’ in other words, to believe one of them over the other and the statistics are not on your brother’s side. Unlike a divorce, this is not a separation between two adults, however painful. If your niece and/or brother are open to it, you could ask your counselor for a family session where things might be approached with sensitivity and professional skills. But this seems unlikely. Childhood abuse survivors very rarely take the perpetrators to court. But it is important to bear in mind that your brother may have committed a crime. I’m sorry that I can’t give you an easier piece of advice but I urge you to seek professional help as soon as possible. I feel a lot of compassion for you – you are losing a lot. But maybe your niece has already lost much more much earlier in her life. My heart goes out to you and your family. Anette
• Johanna DeKoning MS is the Clinical Director of NCS Counseling Center. She trained in the Netherlands and Australia.
• 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.
Contact details: ncs-counseling.com, anette.p@ncs-counseling.co m, Tel: 02 279 8503 Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail. com
TheBigChilli
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Expat Women
Health
How to be a good role model for your kids Positive parenting is key to raising happy and healthy children ■ KIDS learn how to feel about their bodies and health from what their parents say and do. They are likely to imitate your actions. The most powerful way to teach your kids healthy food and lifestyle habits, then, is by acting in a positive way – and by adhering to healthy emotional and physical behaviors which they can model. Setting a good example will help them to become happy, smart and healthy adults. Here are just some of the ways you can lead by example. Avoid criticizing yourself Criticizing the way you look sends the message that self-esteem should be based
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on how your jeans fit, how much you weigh, or how many wrinkles you have. Kids, especially girls, can be influenced by what they hear their mothers say. It can make them not like what they see in the mirror, reduce self-esteem and can lead to a poor body image. It can also lead to unhealthy eating habits like yo-yo dieting or increase the risk of dangerous eating disorders. Regularly show your kids how happy you are with your abilities, your improvement in certain fields, such as your ability to run 10km or finish a job successfully.
By Judith Coulson
Emotional eating
If you use food to feel better when you’re sad or disappointed, you could be passing unhealthy messages to your kids. You’re showing them that food is the way to feel better about life or yourself. Instead, work on other ways to get an emotional boost when you’re low. Let them see you talking to friends, engaging in a hobby, reading a book or playing sports. They’ll pick up on healthy and unhealthy habits alike. Same goes for rewarding yourself or your kids with sweets or other junk food choices. Unhealthy habits are easily copied. Reward yourself or your kids for a successful
managed task with quality family time, a movie, taking time to play a game together or visit a favorite entertainment venue.
Switch off your mobile
You can’t tell your kids not to text, chat or play games at the table if you don’t let go of your phone too. What you do sends a stronger message than what you say. Set family rules about the use of electronics and everyone, including you, needs to stick to them. If kids spend too much time in front of screens they can often have problems sleeping, which, in turn, can lead to poor school performance. But kids who eat dinner with the family, in an electronic free environment, where family communication has a place, tend to have lower emotional and physical health issues in the long run.
Curb your drinking
If you come home after a bad day at work and say, “I need a drink,” you’re showing your child that alcohol is a good way to relieve stress and feel better about life or yourself. The same goes for relying on tons of coffee for energy. Instead, find healthier ways to get stress relief or get energized. Try exercise,
meditation, family games or a creative hobby and get the whole family involved. These are all are good ways to relax or recharge. Don’t make everything a competition Pointing out to your child that other kids (neighbours, classmates, siblings) are more athletic, active, or better in school is rarely a good motivator. Instead, try positive reinforcement. Praise your children for any kind of special efforts they make. Help them to focus on the fun of being active, improving a skill or making healthier food choices. Help your child find an activity they are passionate about and help them practice. These activities might not be what you would prefer your child to be doing, but remember, it’s not your life, don’t project your unfulfilled dreams on to your children. Let them make their own choices and mistakes.
Stop bickering
If you and your spouse constantly snipe at each other, or call each other names and use swear words in front of your children, your kids are learning that it’s ok to act and talk that way. Emotional stress caused by bickering parents has a negative effect on kids in many different ways (difficulties concentrating in school, and misbehaving
to seek attention being the most common). Constant cortisol pushes can also lead to weight management problems. If arguments need to be had, and we all know they can’t be avoided sometimes, try to have them in a separate room, in a calm voice, and in a positive, constructive way.
Explain your mistakes
If you find yourself behaving in a negative way around your kids, don’t ignore it and hope they didn’t notice. Point out your mistake and apologize. Use it as a teachable moment. Get your kids involved by asking them to help you stop. They’ll probably be more than happy to point it out if you do it again and you’ll all be more aware. Studies suggest that families are more likely to find success if they support each other in their emotional and physical health choices. Wish you and your family a great Songkran break. Judith Coulson is a Medical Nutritionist & Lifestyle Coach, specialized in drug free disease prevention and health promotion, for individuals and executive teams. Contact Judith@coulson-holding. com for individual Food and Lifestyle Analysis and Consulting.
Social NETBALLERS CELEBRATE AT ZAKS
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DRESSED to impress and with cocktails in hand, netballers from the Aspire Netball League recently enjoyed a night of celebrations at Zaks Wine Pub on Sukhumvit Soi 11. On the night, prizes were awarded to both the round one team winners as well as the ‘Best & Fairest’ players on court from each division. TheBigChilli
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GLAM & GOURMET FAIR
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FOLLOWING two sold out evening events with over 200 guests, WP&E Club last month launched its latest concept, Glam & Gourmet, at the large and lovely Bistro 33 (Sukhumvit 33). This ladies-only private networking fair, arranged to tie in with the celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together over 25 entrepreneurial women to showcase their services and products – ranging from Zumba demonstrations and medical consultations, to jewellery making and food tasting – all provided for free. More info at: www.facebook.com/GirlsNightOutBkk
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BRITISH WOMEN’S GROUP AGM
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THE British Women’s Group in Bangkok hosted the 2015 edition of its Annual General Meeting at the Swissôtel Nai Lert L ert Park Hotel. Marking the end of her h er two-year tenure as Chairman, Sara Martin officially welcomed the club’s new Chairman, Gina Christie, and Deb Farrar as her Vice. The event was capped with a delicious set lunch.
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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T ’ S O N G U I D E F O R A P R I L 1 5
What’s on
Art Performance Sport Football Movies & Albums Books
American singersongwriter Katy Perry will perform in Bangkok on May 14. Page 86.
DJ Hardwell
The Together Festival returns next month with more international DJs Page 86
Soccer 7s
The Phuket Songkran Soccer 7s kicks off at Thanyapura on Apr 11 Page 87
The Script
The Irish pop-rock band will bring its live show to Bangkok on May 8 Page 87Page 84 TheBigChilli 85
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April
What’s On ART
STAGE
SPORT
20 great things to see and do in Bangkok & beyond... • Pathumthani International Triathlon May 10
Pathum Thani
• Top Of The Gulf Regatta
and photography (by fourteen of the kingdom’s leading artists), specially commissioned as part of her 60th birthday celebrations. Boromrachachonnanee Rd.
ardelgallery.com
☎ 02 422 2092
ARRANGED to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the foundation of Pathum Thani Province, this special event is expected to attract international athletes from all over the world. Individual triathlon, Team relay triathlon, and Individual duathlon categories are all available. goadventureasia.com
April 30 – May 4
• Bizarre Land April 9 – May 30
Ardel’s Third Place Gallery
PHOTOGRAPHER Charit Pusiri examines shocking occurrences in everyday life – the negligence of safety, the widespread existence of pornography, violence shown on TV – and criticizes society’s apparent indifference to what’s going on.
Ocean Marina Pattaya, Jomtien Beach
ATTRACTING large keelboats and multihulls, dinghies, beach catamarans, and youngsters sailing Optimists, this year’s Top of the Gulf Regatta is expected to welcome more than 700 sailors in more than 250 crafts. topofthegulfregatta.com
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• Bangkok Comedy
• Phang Nga Triathlon
Various dates
April 26
The Comedy Club Bangkok
Tambon Kok-Gloy, Amphoe Tha-Nun
RIB-tickling performances by award-winning Australian comic Ro Campbell and local stand-up favourite Tristan Botly are just two of the highlights at Bangkok’s first dedicated comedy venue this month. Full details on page 20. comedyclubbangkok.com
MIX athletics with sightseeing at this popular annual event, which immerses competitors in the natural beauty of Phang Nga Province (southern Thailand). Don’t miss a trip to the Ao Phang Nga National Park – simply stunning. goadventureasia.com
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May 8 & 9
• Truthful Energy Through April 19
Chamchuri Art Gallery
Thonglor Soi 10 02 422 2092 ardelgallery.com
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• Together Festival
KOREAN artist Young Ji Kim captures the “pure-heartedness, positivity, dynamism, and confidence of a group of highly diverse individuals” in colourful and abstract fashion.
Chulalongkorn University, Chamchuri Building 8, Phayathai Rd. on.fb.me/1G9BoLQ
• Our Beloved Princess Through April 19
Ardel Gallery of Modern Art
LEARN all about the life of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn though this unique series of paintings, sculptures
BITEC Bangna
KICKING off on May 8 with award-winning DJ HARDWELL on the decks, this year’s Together Festival will also feature Steve Aoki, W&W, dyro, Vinai and more top names from the international dance music scene. Don’t forget your glowsticks! Two day pass is B3,100 per person (or B6,000 for VIP) amiando.com/iahtogether2015
• Preserve Hua Hin Green Run May 17
Hin Lek Fai Hill, Hua Hin
FEATURING a half marathon, mini marathon, walk and fun run, this charity event will help raise funds for maintaining the mangrove forest near Wat Khao Krai Lart. amazingfield.net
Open men’s, Open women’s and Masters O’35 categories at the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Center. An evening party for players and spectators will add to the fun. thai7s.com
• Katy Perry May 14
Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
CATCH the American singer-songwriter performing her chart-topping – and dance inducing – singles such as I Kissed A Girl, Firework, and Roar, as well as songs from her fourth studio album, Prism. Tickets range B2,000 – B6,500 thaiticketmajor.com
• Laguna Phuket
and poet Chen Yu makes her Bangkok exhibition debut with a series of abstract paintings inspired by moist flower petals and the work of late American painter Georgia O’Keefe.
album, In a World Like This, with past hits such as Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) no doubt belted out for good measure.
• Essential Eames
• Jack and the Beanstalk
Through May 31
May 23 & 24, 30 & 31
TCDC Bangkok
DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok
245/14 Sukhumvit Soi 31 lalanta.com
☎ 02 204 0583
• The Script May 8
Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
AFTER back-to-back sold out shows in Dublin and London, the Irish pop-rock band is set to make its Thailand debut to another packed house of adoring fans. Expect to hear catchy tracks from latest album, No Sound Without Silence, as well as rocktinged earworms from its back catalogue. Tickets range B1,000 – B3,000 thaiticketmajor.com
HERMAN Miller’s “Essential Eames: Icons of 20th Century Design” exhibition captures the spirit and philosophy behind the most famous couple in design, Charles and Ray Eames, and explores how ideas and creations can become immortal and remain influential in contemporary life. Gallery 2. 5/F, The Emporium Shopping Complex. 02 664 8448 tcdc.or.th
International Marathon
• Thanyapura
June 7
Gran Fondo
Laguna Phuket Resort
April 19
• Faces
OVER 6,000 participants from over 50 countries are expected to take part in the tenth edition of this grueling annual run. Five options are on offer: marathon, half marathon, 10.5km run, 5km walk, and 2km kids run. phuketmarathon.com
Thanyapura Phuket
April 7 – May 17
THANYAPURA Phuket is celebrating the opening of its new Cycling Academy by hosting a Gran Fondo event. Saddle up for the full distance of 120km, or opt for the shorter (yet still testing) 40km route. goadventureasia.com
DOB Hualamphong Gallery
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FACIAL expressions captured in vibrant fashion make up this new series of paintings by Vittaya Sudprasert, who captures a wide range of emotions in fluid, sweeping brushstrokes. DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Rd. 02 237 5592-4 ardelgallery.com
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• Backstreet Boys Live
• Songkran Soccer 7s
Tickets range B1,800 – B5,500 thaiticketmajor.com
May 6
April 11
• Bloom
Thanyapura Phuket
April 25 – May 28
CATCH expat teams from around the region competing in
La Lanta Fine Art
CHINESE contemporary artist
Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
THE best-selling boy band in pop history (over 130 million records worldwide!) is hitting the stage in support of its latest
DESIGNED for children aged 4-9, Bangkok Community Theatre’s wonderfully inventive version of the classic fairy tale involves the audience in the action throughout (kids can go in costume to add to the fun). Performances will be held twice daily – 1.30pm and 4pm. Limited tickets so book early.
Sukhumvit Soi 26. Tickets: B220 per person. bangkokcommunitytheatre.com
• Copy-Paste Through May 9
Sombatpermpoon Gallery
FEATURING the work of seven local artists, this daring exhibition gives Thailand’s education system a good ol’ caning, suggesting that students are taught simply to follow instructions and memorize textbooks rather than to think critically for themselves.
☎
12 Sukhumvit Soi 1 02 254 6040 sombatpermpoongallery.com
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Screen MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
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JUDGING by the high-octane trailers released online, writer-director George Miller’s fourth Mad Max movie looks set to ramp up the series’ signature on-road action by at least 1,000 percent. Tom Hardy replaces Mel Gibson in the iconic title role, and Charlize Theron stars as Furiosa, a feisty rebel who must cross the villain-packed desert to reach her childhood homeland.
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THE AGE OF ADALINE
AFTER miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary life, her secret known by only one confidante: her now-elderly daughter Flemming (Ellen Burstyn). But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) rekindles her passion for life and romance, leading to a decision that will change her life forever.
CHILD 44
ENGLISH author Tom Rob Smith’s politically charged thriller about a disgraced Soviet police agent investigating gruesome child murders makes its big-screen debut this month. With the brilliant Tom Hardy in the lead role, supported by Noomi Rapace and Gary Oldman, edge-of-your-seat viewing has never been so appealing.
30/4 AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON
MARVEL’S superhero ensemble returns for another action-packed adventure, this time kick-started by an overzealous Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) who tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program with disastrous consequences – giving rise to the indomitable android Ultron (James Spader). The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), all return.
Movie screenings are subject to change. Keep up to date at majorcineplex.com
MEMORY LANE
New albums
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Brian Wilson No Pier Pressure (Release Date: April 7)
Alabama Shakes Sound & Colour (Release Date: April 21)
Matt & Kim New Glow (Release Date: April 7)
Tom DeLonge To The Stars (Release Date: April 21)
East India Youth Culture Of Volume (Release Date: April 7)
Mumford & Sons Wilder Mind (Release Date: May 4)
Blur The Magic Whip (Release Date: April 27)
Best Coast California Nights (Release Date: May 5)
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TOPPING THE UK CHARTS APRIL 1975
1. Tammy Wynette – Stand By Your Man 2. Mud – Oh Boy 3. Minnie Riperton – Loving You 4. Susan Cadogan – Hurt So Good 5. Gladys Knight & The Pips – The Way We Were - Try To Remember 6. Tammy Jones – Let Me Try Again 7. Disco Tex & Sex-O-Lettes – I Wanna Dance Wit Choo 8. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – The Night 9. 10CC – Life Is A Minestrone 10. Carpenters – Only TheBigChilli Yesterday 88
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In the spotlight
Words MO CHAOVANAPRICHA Photography JARAN LAKKANAWAT
Dirty garage rock that’s as loud as it is infectious
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SANGSOM, Thailand’s most famous – or should that be infamous – brand of hard liquor, lends its name to perhaps the most well-known expat band on the rise in the Bangkok live music scene. “Everyone has a SangSom story to tell,” says the band’s founder and frontman Niall Murray, when
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BigChilli meets the band for a beer and a chat at Craft, Sukhumvit 23. Anyone who’s had a boozy bucket or two on Khao San Road can attest to that – but ‘massacre?’ Niall smiles wryly. “That’s what it [Sangsom] does to your brain.” Could he sound any more rock and roll?
Don’t think that the band’s simply out to butcher your grey matter, though. Like the pints of superior beers the band swigs during our meeting, their product, their sound, is the result of constant practice, endless tweaking, and unadulterated passion for their craft. Lyrically solid,
Pictured, from left to right: John Bailey, Niall Murray, and Ulysses Garcia
sonically tight, The Sangsom Massacre is the discerning listener’s rock band of choice. And, yeah, it still knows how to party. Loud. The Sangsom Massacre’s road to the present, since forming in early 2013, has been one wild ride. Gig after boozy gig, regional tours, line-up changes – its history is as colourful as neon-flanked Soi Cowboy pictured above. Today, however, Scottish expat Niall says the band is finally the way he first envisaged it. Once a four-piece, now a trio, alongside Niall, The Sangsom Massacre is made up of New Zealander John Bailey on bass, and Philipino Ulysses Garcia on drums. Ulysses, whose idol is Foo Fighters’ frontman and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, is something of a drumming prodigy. While Niall and John both have rich experience playing in bands (Niall with groups he formed in Scotland, and John most notably with well-known Australian thrash metal band Exit Wounds), Ulysses says that, while he did play guitar and bass in high school, he has minimal band experience. What’s more, he says he never formally learned the drums and that his talent for pounding a rhythm simply comes from his ability to ‘feel the music.’ “This guy is f***ing great!” says Niall, nodding at Ulysses. “I don’t know how he does it.” Ulysses shrugs. “I don’t know either,” he says. “I feel like I can hear the drums separate to every other instrument. I just know what to do. It’s a real buzz.” The band’s bassist John, a Thailand resident for seven years, knows all about an onstage buzz. As a former ‘screamer’ for the aforementioned Exit Wounds, he toured Australia five times whipping up mosh pit frenzies with his trademark growls – “some of the best times of my life,” he says – and with his former Bang-
kok-based band, The Fallen Versus Fate, in 2013 he won the Hard Rock Café’s Battle of the Bands Bangkok. Now, with The Sangsom Massacre, he’s relishing the opportunity to explore another genre of music, and he’s taking great pleasure from the songwriting process. “The songwriting process for us is like surfing,” he says. “If you don’t catch the wave, the moment could be lost forever.” He gets out his smartphone, and shows us several recorded snippets of inspiration. Niall’s phone is also loaded with rhythms and melodies recorded on the fly, ideas which are later shaped into the band’s brand of dirty garage rock, in the practice room – and sometimes on stage. “Niall’s ability to improvise and think on the spot is amazing,” says John. “Creating music for us is really organic and, yeah, exciting.”
As The Sangsom Massacre’s founder, frontman and lead guitarist, Niall, of course, is the cornerstone of the band. His efforts to keep the band alive after founder members quit (no malice, they just had to head back home through the revolving doors of expat life) speaks volumes of his passion. Spin the band’s debut EP, The Verses of Vice, released last November, and that passion grabs you by the ears – exhilarating stuff. Niall’s odyssey in rock music began
at an early age when his sister’s husband took him to see bands like The Fall. He grew up writing his own music, and can now seemingly pluck riffs and melodies out of thin air, but not all of his musical talent comes naturally. “Singing is a hard one,” he admits. “You have to find your own voice, and then take care of your voice.” (Good advice to keep in mind, aspiring singers). Anything else he finds difficult? “Being an English band in Bangkok isn’t always easy,” he says. John explains: “Aside from the language and cultural barriers, rock and roll’s just not considered as cool here as it is in western countries. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll…it’s all considered a bit dirty.” Despite such obstacles, the band’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past year. Frequent performances in Bangkok bars and pubs have been backed up by increasingly ambitious gigs overseas (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Indonesia, and Bali), and festivals are now on the radar (including this month a concert for Songkran in Chiang Mai). What about the future? While the band describes its sound as ‘dirty garage rock,’ don’t be surprised if its new material leans more towards mainstream, melodic, beat-heavy rock inspired by bands such as Joy Division and New Order. “Those bands have both had a big influence on our music,” says Niall, the others nodding in agreement. “We’ve been working really hard on perfecting our sound recently, experimenting with dark lyrics and upbeat melodies. And I think we’ve finally nailed it.” The Verses of Vice is available to download at: bit.ly/1CQGkmS Find out about upcoming gigs at: www.facebook.com/sangsommassacre
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Football Focus BY PAUL HEWITT
Too pricey league?
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LAST month we briefly looked at the ever increasing price of TPL replica shirts, and noted that several clubs are now charging over 1,000 baht for an adult shirt (not including optional player’s name, squad number and TPL arm patches). This month, the investigation has been opened up to include match day ticket prices as well as the price of a replica shirt. The main conclusion to be drawn is that dual pricing, that practice much loathed by foreigners in Thailand, also affects away fans in the TPL. Of the ten clubs we have looked at – BEC Tero Sasana, Chonburi, Muangthong United, Buriram United, Army United, Bangkok Glass, Port F.C, Bangkok United, Nakhon Ratchasima and Osotspa F.C,
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with one exception, all charge away fans at least as much as their most expensive home tickets and in three cases away fans are charged more than the most expensive home tickets. BEC Tero, Port and Osotspa are the offending three which charge more for away fans than home fans. Home fans at Tero pay 100, 120 or 150 baht whilst away fans are charged 180 baht. But a replica shirt is good value at 590 baht. Osotspa charge home fans 80 baht and 120 baht for travelling fans. The replica shirt price was unavailable. Tickets for home fans at the PAT Stadium are 100 baht for all parts of the ground yet away fans have to pay 150 baht. Replica shirts are 790 baht. One expects to find the
highest prices at affluent TPL giants Muangthong United, and one is not disappointed. Match day ticket prices start at 120 baht for home fans rising to 150 and 200 baht depending on the zone. Away fans are charged 200 baht, and those replica shirts are, of course, 1,090 baht. Surprise early leaders of the TPL Army United charge 130 to 200 baht for home fans; away fans pay 200 baht. Replica shirts are 690 or 790 baht depending on size. Buriram United have always offered their fans good value for money. Replica shirts are just 540 baht. Match day ticket prices are 120 and 150 baht for home fans, though few of the Thunder Castle faithful will pay these prices as members of the ‘fanclub’ get
50 percent off. Away fans are charged 150 baht. Bangkok Glass’s match day prices start at a reasonable 80 baht with prices rising to 120 and 150 baht. Away fans pay 150 baht and shirts are 1,090 baht. Away fans often bemoan the match day experience at Bangkok United’s Thai-Japanese Stadium and most would say it’s hardly worth the 150 baht they have to pay. Home fans pay 100, 120 or 150 baht. Shirts identical to those the players wear are 1,090 baht though the club does offer a cheaper replica without all the arm patches and sponsors for 690 baht. Promotion has prompted Nakhon Ratchasima to raise prices from 50, 80 and 100 baht in 2014 to 60, 120 and 150 baht
this season; away fans pay 150 baht. That said, 60 baht is the cheapest starting price for match day tickets in the TPL – Sisaket also start at 60 baht. Chonburi is our one exception to the rule; home fans can pay more than away fans. Tickets for Sharks supporters are a hefty 100, 170 and 200 baht whilst away fans pay 150 baht. Shirts are 1,090 baht. It’s true that many TPL match day regulars will have season tickets. These represent good value for money and often come with a free shirt and other merchandise thrown in. But average attendances have plateaued and even gone down in some cases recently. The clubs need to do more to breathe life back into the boom which started in 2009 by attracting more fans. But it’s the newcomers to the TPL that will be paying match day prices and there’s every chance they will be put off by the annual hikes in the price of tickets.
Lower League Round-Up EVERY so often it’s nice to take a break from the TPL and League 1 (which themselves are taking a break from March 11th to April 4th) and have a look at what’s happening in the country’s third tier, the Regional League. Despite the Regional League having six geographic divisions covering all of Thailand, no fewer than three of the divisions contain teams from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The Bangkok division is mainly composed of teams associated with universities and colleges. Leading the way at the time of writing are Customs United followed by Rangsit FC. BCC-Tero (Bangkok Christian College) are third and Assumption United are in fourth. RBAC are currently propping up the table. Samut Prakan FC and Rayong FC are first and second in the Central-East division, and in the Central-West division Samut Sakhon are top followed by newcomers from Suphanburi province, Seemok FC. Chiang Rai City, Loei City and Yala United top the North, Northeast and Southern divisions respectively. If you want to get to the real grassroots of Thai football and plunge beneath even the Regional League (of course you do) then look no further than the Khor (ข) Royal Cup – often known as the ‘B’ Cup in English. This competition marks the top of the Thai non-league pyramid. Thirty largely amateur teams will take part in a tournament which starts with a group stage and then proceeds to knockout rounds. The two eventual finalists will both have the right to enter the Regional League next year if they choose to and if their facilities are up to standard. The tournament gets underway on March 30th. The group stage and early knockout rounds will be played on the many pitches of the Nong Chok football training centre. The semi-finals will be played at the Thephasadin Stadium and the final at the Suphachalasai National Stadium. (Thanks to @Natdive, @BKKFootballBlog, Army fan Paul, Port fan Dominick and Chonburi fan Dale for their help in compiling the ticket and shirt prices. All figures stated are as accurate as possible but prices may have changed since going to press or since the clubs concerned last updated their websites.)
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Expat Sport
Words VEERAWAN THIEANWATTANANON Photos JARAN LAKKANAWAT
Beach volleyball for all Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the BKK Beach Volleyball Social Group has a weekly game to suit
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IT’S social, competitive, addictive, and it gives you the opportunity to leap around on sand – what’s not to love about beach volleyball? If you’re looking to take your interest of the sport beyond the occasional game every time you visit the beach, or you’re an advanced player hoping to play a regular game in Bangkok, check out the BKK Beach Volleyball Social Group. Several nights of the week the group hosts games on the dedicated sand court at Arsenal Soccer School (17/1 Soi Pridi Banomyong 21, Sukhumvit 71 Road, Phra Khanong) with sessions for beginners and advanced players. So even if you’ve never ‘set’ or ‘spiked’ a ball, or have no idea what these terms mean (the first is setting up the ball up for a teammate to hit, the second basically hitting it as hard as possible after a set) you can still turn up for a game and have a great time (although we do suggest you brush up on some of the rules first). Organised over the past four years by Canadian expat Martin Grand, and co-organized by American expat Clinton Grider, the weekly games attract a diverse crowd of expats and locals who all play in the spirit of friendly competition. “There’s a real social element to the group, too” says Martin, a seasoned volleyball player who’s more than happy to help newcomers learn the ins and outs of the sport. “After games we often go for a drink or a bite to eat. So more than just good fun and exercise, it’s also a great way to make new friends.”
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The group hosts games four times a week, including: 1. Wednesday Night Sand Volleyball (all levels) at 7.15pm-9.15pm (limited to 14 players) 2. Weekend Sand Volleyball (all levels) on Saturday at 4pm-6pm (limited to 14 players) 3. Weekend 4s Sand Volleyball (Intermediate+) on Saturday at 6.15pm-8.15pm (limited to 10 players) 4. Beach 4s Advanced Level Volleyball on Sunday from 4pm-6pm (limited to 10 players). Word of warning: If you sign up for Beach 4s Advanced Level you must really know your stuff, including being able to consistently pass, set, hit, and block – and not be afraid of a hard hit ball. “The Advanced Level games are more serious and reserved for experienced players only,” explains Martin. “We want everyone to have a great time so it’s important to sign up for a level which suits you best. Everyone improves over time, and sharpening your serve, perfecting your set, and honing your spike is all part of the fun.” The court fee is B800 per hour without lights, B1,000 per hour with lights, and the cost is split evenly between players. Sign up to play today at
meetup.com/BKK-Beach-Volleyball
Feature
Mahidol unveils Thailand’s premier music hall
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By Maxmilian Wechsler
THE 2015 program of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) presented in the glorious new Prince Mahidol Hall is set to raise the bar for musical performance in Thailand. Located on Mahidol University’s Salaya campus in Nakhom Pathom province, Prince Mahidol Hall is world class in terms of both acoustics and aesthetic appeal. Designed by the Thai firm Architects 49, the concept of the 2,016-seat hall incorporates traditional Thai architectural features derived from the natural world. “From the air the building can be seen to take the shape of the kan-phai flower, the floral emblem of Mahidol University,” says the TPO website (www.thailandphil.com). “The pattern on its roof resembles the skeletal framework of a human body, symbolizing the advancement of medical knowledge which inspired the birth of the university.” The architectural marvel just a short distance from Bangkok is a fitting home for a relatively new philharmonic orchestra that is fast gaining a reputation for excellence.
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TPO will celebrate its 10th anniversary in June. The orchestra has presented more than 450 performances, mostly classical works, and recorded more than 10 CDs since its inauguration concert on June 23, 2005. Highly regarded conductors who have led TPO include Gudni Emilson, Claude Villaret and Alkis Batas. Guest soloists from around the world such as Eri Nakagawa (piano), Jens Lindemann (trumpet), Boris Brovtsyn (violin), Christina Bojin (flute) and Tomáš Strašil (cello) have also delighted Thai audiences. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, representing His Majesty the King, presided over the grand opening of Prince Mahidol Hall on April 17, 2014. The BigChilli visited Mahidol’s College of Music and Prince Mahidol Hall and spoke to some people who are making Prince Mahidol Hall a world class music venue in Southeast Asia.
Dean Associated Professor Doctor Sugree Charoensook
“WE started planning the construction of the Prince Mahidol Hall in 2007,” said Dr Sugree Charoensook, the Dean of the College of Music. “At first the auditorium was intended to be mainly a place to hold commencement exercises, handing out diplomas and so forth. But I finally persuaded the former university president that what Thailand really needed was a concert hall with good acoustics. He helped me push for a first-rate concert hall and construction went ahead. “We poured a lot of money into building this hall, altogether about 1.5 billion baht. Two-thirds of the budget came from the government and the rest from the Mahidol University system. The soft opening of Prince Mahidol Hall was in January 2014 and the official opening was in April 2014.”
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“At the College of Music the quality of education comes first. Students come here not only to learn how to play their instruments, but also to learn what will become their profession.”
Almost all other halls in Thailand, including the one at the Thailand Cultural Centre, were built as multi-purpose venues, whereas the purpose of Prince Mahidol Hall is specifically for the enjoyment of music, although it can also be used for theatre, ballet and other events. “We started something brand new and positive for the Thai society,” said Dr Sugree. “There are many places to hold meetings in Thailand, including first class hotels, but there is no place else like this.” Dr Sugree said concert audiences are mainly made up of well-educated people who appreciate the arts. He lamented the educational standards in Thailand that fail to nurture an appreciation of culture and the arts. “However, at the College of Music the quality of education comes first. Students come here not only to learn how to play their instruments but also to learn what will become their profession.” The dean said that most Thai students don’t decide on a profession until after finishing high school (mathayom), but that’s not a good strategy for those who want to be accomplished musicians. “In our school we try to press children and their parents to make a decision earlier, so that they can become world class. “We also run campuses at three shopping centers in Bangkok offering musical instruction for children as young as three. These are at Siam Paragon, Seacon Srinakharin and Seacon Bangkae. We have been working for 20 years to achieve high quality musical training at an early age,” said Dr Sugree. “Every potential student must first of all be able to sing. Then he or she must learn to play piano. After that they can select what instrument they want to learn to play. They must play piano to feel the music, to set their minds, ears and bodies to music.
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“We have a wide variety of instruments and styles to choose from, ranging from folk to classical to jazz, as well as Thai and even oriental music. We offer many options. We aren’t saying that this instrument is better to learn than another, because any instrument they select can earn them a living if they are good enough. If they are quality musicians, they can play anywhere in the world. “Some youngsters stop playing when they are 15 or 16 – this may be the fault of their teachers or maybe they just lose interest. They might discover they are not really cut out to be a musician. Some kids, after trying to learn to play, will say, ‘Why should I work so hard for so little money?’ They want to be a world class guitarist without putting in the effort or having the talent. “This is the advantage of our pre-college program. The kids who come here have to pass auditions, which means that we know they are talented and can be good musicians. About 90 percent of them will stay with it; the rest select other professions later on. “As far as classical music, the aim of every student here is to play for the TPO. The orchestra also plays ‘new music.’ Over the past ten years, more than 350 pieces performed by TPO have been new in terms of sound, arrangement and/or composition. For example, we will take traditional Thai or folk music and arrange it for a symphonic orchestra. “It is a priority for the TPO that we meet international standards. We want to make our own recordings. One of our goals is also to make music for movies. If we could record for Hollywood films in the future, this would be very good for Thailand. We are still lagging behind China, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, but we are trying to put Thailand on the classical music map. To achieve this, every day we play music, train and bring in new people.
“We have world class musicians coming here every week. There are many Thai and foreign music lovers living here who never come to our performances. If they come and listen to the TPO, they will say, ‘Why didn’t I know about this before?’ “My main job is to ensure quality, because then people will come. Some radio stations in Thailand play our music but mostly they don’t. Some people complain that Salaya is too far or they are waiting for a free ticket. I want to tell them how lucky they are to be able to come here and listen to our symphony orchestra! “We are the only orchestra in Thailand that has a season program. The whole college is working for the TPO. We need everyone to work together. With many foreigners the quality is going up, but we have many good Thai musicians as well. We train them from when they are young. Later they join the orchestra as trainees and finally they become full-time musicians. By the time they have gone through the process they are professionals. “We have music teachers here from about 20 nations, and about forty percent of our orchestra is comprised of foreigners. We have about 100 musicians in the TPO, and they also teach in the college. Most professional orchestras abroad are sponsored by a city or country; we are the only philharmonic orchestra in the world that belongs to a Music College. Here the students and the teachers play together, and this instills quality in our program.”
Ekachai Chainuvati, TPO General Manager
EKACHAI Chainuvati showed The BigChilli around Prince Mahidol Hall and gave some background on the organization of the orchestra. “The TPO is the only orchestra in Thailand made up entirely of professional musicians. They live from their salary. Ninety-nine percent of all foreign musicians here are lecturers at the Music College. “Last year we spent 67 million baht for the whole season for the orchestra. Most of our financial support comes from private donors such as Khunying Patama Leeswadrakul, Chairman of the TPO Board of Directors. She is our major donor. We also have support from former Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong. “The ticket price doesn’t cover everything. Tickets are only 300 or 500 baht. Mahidol students pay only 100 baht and Mahidol Music College students pay nothing, they just have to show their IDs. So we depend on contributions from private sources, not from public organizations. The government also gives us about 30 million baht each year because the TPO is still a part of the College of Music. “The TPO finds foreign players through the good work of Dr Sugree. He has so many friends all over the world, including the directors of many orchestras. Last year we had general auditions, and musicians from Spain, Poland, Singapore and other countries flew here to try out. “At present the orchestra has musicians from 15 countries, including Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. The goal of Dr Sugree is to integrate foreign musicians with Thai students, who are like apprentices. They teach them and then they play together in the same orchestra. This has never happened in Thailand before. We call other orchestras in Thailand ‘telephone orchestras’ – meaning that you set the
date and telephone to find the people to play. But we have the musicians here for the whole season. “The TPO is not only about the music, it is also an effort of Dr Sugree to show the world that even though this art has western origins, we Thais, with the help of foreign musicians, can do it. His goal is to put the TPO on the symphonic map of Southeast Asia and beyond.”
Sittichai Pengcharoen – Concertmaster
MR SITTICHAI is a Thai violinist and the second most important person in the orchestra after the conductor. “I sit in the centre of the orchestra, next to the conductor. I organize all string players. I have been playing with the orchestra since its beginning in 2005. When I was young I used to play Thai string instruments and finally selected the violin. I have had many violins but the one I play now is an Italian-made instrument, around 100 years old. There are some shops in Bangkok where you can buy violins but if you are looking for a very good violin you have to go abroad. “One of my roles is to prepare each member of the orchestra before the conductor arrives, like tuning up. To tune the orchestra takes only two minutes. At the beginning of the concert, I will stand up and tune my instrument to certain melodies and everyone will follow me. My most important responsibility is to make them play together. I sit in the first row, so even the conductor can’t make it then I can still run the orchestra. “We practice every day and play concerts every Friday and Saturday. Every player has to practice every day, of course. Everyone in the orchestra began studying and playing music from a young age and they are all good enough to play in a professional orchestra. “I started to play and learn music in Bangkok when I was 13 years old. I studied and played in school orchestras abroad, including in the United States, Belgium and in Germany. Some schools and universities in Thailand have their own orchestras, but they are mainly chamber orchestras consisting of 15 to 20 players, mostly string and some wind players. These ensembles usually travel around. “Most of our teachers are from abroad. About 60 percent of the musicians in the TPO are Thai and the rest foreigners. I believe that this orchestra has a good future and things are going very well at present.”
Máris Árents MÁRIS Árents is a native of Latvia whose job is double bass instructor and principal of the orchestra’s double bass section. He leads the section and gives advice to other double bass players. He is widely respected. “I was born in Riga, capital of Latvia. I spent 30 years playing for the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra before coming here in 2002. At that time there was nothing here. Ten years ago we had only one building and now you see what we have. All this is through the efforts of Dr Sugree.
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Feature CONDUCTOR CHRISTOPH POPPEN PROFESSOR Christoph Poppen is a wellknown German conductor who directed the TPO on January 9 in its first official performance in the newly constructed Prince Mahidol Hall. “I was born in Germany and conduct all over the world,” he said. “I have been chief conductor with various orchestras but now I am working a lot as guest conductor. This means four days of rehearsals and intense work. Everybody must be prepared. The musicians must know their scores before they come to the rehearsals and we talk about all the details. What we played on January 9 was challenging because there were many different pieces on the program. It is a lot of work and the orchestra did very well. “I have to say that this is a really fantastic achievement here. This concert hall is tremendous. I really like the acoustics and the shape of the hall. There are many cities and countries in Europe that would envy Bangkok. In Munich, which is certainly a musical city, they have been fighting for a new concert hall for decades and still don’t have it. I wonder if they will ever get it and if so, if it will be this quality. “The engineer who did the acoustics for this hall is from Munich. Two companies are global leaders in acoustic research – one in New York and the other in Munich. The company in charge of this hall also did the new festival hall in Salzburg and the new concert hall in Berlin. This hall is the greatest, and the audiences are fantastic! “My last chief position in Germany was with the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. After Thailand I will be conducting in Italy.” His hectic 2015 schedule can be viewed at www.christoph-poppen.com. “Everybody knows that Thailand started a bit later in developing classical music than some other countries in Asia, but I am deeply impressed at how fast the development has gone ahead. I am very high on this symphonic orchestra and it is really a great joy to work with these musicians. The country, Mahidol University and Dr Sugree can be very proud. What he has built up during these years is really admirable and I am sure that with the new hall, the orchestra will develop much further in coming years and attract even more great musicians and also guest orchestras to play here. “This orchestra has a very good mixture of Thai musicians and foreigners. Be aware that in Germany you will not find a single orchestra with only Germans. I don’t know the percentage, but I suppose the percentage of foreign musicians in Germany is at least 50 percent. I don’t think these days the ambition should be to create a pure national orchestra with only local musicians, because music is something very international and we can learn from each other. Everybody can contribute from the experiences she or he brings from their home country. Many of the foreign musicians I have talked to played in three or four other countries before coming here. “I have a very large range of composers and compositions I like. I was born with classical music, starting with recordings of Bach. The classical world of Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert and Hayden is sort of my origin, but I think there is not a period that didn’t give birth to composers who I like very much. I conduct a lot of contemporary music as well. “Sometimes it is not possible to memorize all musical scores in a performance because of a lack of time, complexity and so on, but I try to memorize as much as possible. Everybody can sign the last tune of the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, but there are many tricky places in the symphony. I conducted it in Vienna for a New Year’s Concert two years ago and it was not easy. “Being a conductor is a strange profession because, of course, nobody is perfect and there are so many things that we can always do better. There’s not a day that we are not sitting at our desk and studying the scores and thinking also about the people. “For me, what is fascinating about this profession is communicating the music with the audience and also the social communication with the musicians. They are all human beings, not machines, with different nationalities and mentalities, so it is a challenge to find the way to work with them so that they achieve their best.” 100
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“I am sure it would be very difficult to find anything like this Music College in Europe, or maybe even around the world. It’s so big and has such good equipment and facilities for students. Everything here is world class.” Mr Árents said the decision to come to Thailand wasn’t easy. “I left a good job and a good quality orchestra and came here. But I wanted to do something different. On my first day here I asked Dr Sugree: ‘What do you expect from me, what is my job exactly?’ His answer was very interesting. He said: ‘In Thailand we have 64 million people. You need to find eight of them who can play double bass for the orchestra.’ At that time we didn’t have an orchestra. The TPO is a very new orchestra; we are only in our 10th season. “After five years of performing you start to feel like a musician. It can’t be done in one, two or three years. We are in the beginning stage and progressing well. We have good soloists and a lot of good conductors are coming here. “I am very happy with my achievements here. I see that more than half of my students are now playing in the orchestra. I started from the first day teaching them how to hold their instruments, and now they are professional musicians. “This is a big secret, but not every star musician can actually play in an orchestra. Famous musicians like David Oistrakh and Miša Majski are great soloists, but I don’t know if they can play in an orchestra. This is more of a team job; to be together, to find each other and to know each other. It is very complicated. “The orchestra has to play more classical music because maybe the Thai audience is not ready for contemporary music. We have made some recordings, mainly compositions of His Majesty the King and Thai music because this is what the Thai people will buy.”
M Inga Causa
INGA Causa is also from Latvia, and played in the same orchestra as Máris. They arrived here around the same time. She is the leader of the second violin group. “The violinists are divided into two sections. We have two voices; the second violin group usually plays a little bit lower voice to support the first violin. “It is hard job to play professionally, but it also brings a lot of joy. It is my dream job, to play in the symphonic orchestra. I never wanted to be a soloist. I started to play professionally in an orchestra when I was 17 years old. I played four to five years in the Latvian National Opera Orchestra and then moved to the Latvian National Symphonic Orchestra, where I worked for 15 years. I came here by invitation of Dr Sugree. He organized a memorial concert in January 2002 to commemorate the 9/11 tragedy in America. A couple of musicians from different countries including myself came here for this performance.
“I teach every day but I don’t actually practice every day because I don’t have time. But I play with students when I teach, so there’s no day when I am not playing. The lessons are usually one-on-one but they are not private classes. The students pay tuition and the school pays our salary. Every musician must sign a contract with the TPO for one year. As for the school, this is a different organization, so we can get a longer contract. “I have been here for 11 years and I would like to stay. I came for the first time on a six-month contract to escape from cold Latvia and get a taste of the tropics. I have extended my contract again and again and I still don’t want to go back. During my two years here I lost my job with the Latvian Philharmonic because they couldn’t wait for me. “I have good ear for music but not for language. It is not easy for me to learn Thai. I am an experienced musician but you learn every day. I love to play classical music and also pop music. Back in Latvia I used to play with pop musicians.”
Malgorzata Loboda VIOLINIST Malgorzata comes from the small Polish town of Zary and studied in Wroclaw. “I started to play violin when I was five years old. It was my idea, not my parents’. I left Poland when I was 18 to study in Maastricht in the Netherlands, where most of my family is. I was a soloist. I didn’t play in an orchestra until I was older. “Actually, I am fresh from my studies. I recently played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney and then came here. Why did I come here? It is a funny story. “I came here with my backpack. I was travelling through Asia, and was in Bali when someone called me about doing a chamber music concert in Bangkok last September. So I came to Bangkok, and then I met a member of the orchestra from Poland. He told me about the TPO and said that there would be an audition. So it wasn’t planned, but here I am. I started the job in November 2014. I like it here very much and would like to stay a long time. “I bought my violin in Poland from a fantastic violin maker who is well known in Poland. It is hand-made and my baby. The violin is insured. Of course, I will never sell it. “I haven’t played much in orchestras. This is only the second one, and the one before was a chamber orchestra, which is a completely different category. It was a small group of musicians. The TPO is a big group with many players. There are about 2832 violinists in the orchestra. I play the first violin. I am number two violinist in the orchestra. “We have to practice every day. I teach Thai students here as well. Music is very universal so they understand me very well, and if they don’t I just show them by playing. “It is a nice environment here, very beautiful. It is a lovely place to work and I plan to stay for a long time. But I miss my parents.”
Jan Špaˇcek
JAN was born in Prague, Czech Republic 26 years ago. He plays contrabass, or double bass. ‘‘I started to learn to play my instrument when I was about 11. Double bass is the biggest string instrument. It was my
parents who directed me to play. My mother is a professional violin teacher and my father has some musical background and plays piano. “When I was young, I played piano and cymbal a little, and when I was 11, my mother asked me if I wanted to play double bass because it is an interesting instrument. She also knew that she needed a double bass in her folk music group.” He smiles at the memory. “Before coming here I played in the Prague Symphonic Orchestra. The double bass I am playing I borrowed from the TPO. It is a German instrument bought for the orchestra.” Asked how he ended up in Thailand, Jan replied: “You can see from the program of the TPO that there is quite a big connection to the Czech Republic as several solo players are Czech. My brother Peter and I were invited by Dr Sugree to come and play here. He asked one of the chief conductors in Poland to find some players. A friend of Dr Sugree who is a soloist from the Czech Republic is a professor of Peter. We arrived here together in late October 2014. “We also teach Thai students. Thais have a big potential because of their nature. If you take, for example, Japanese musicians, they tend to be very precise but not that musical. Thai people feel the music. I feel they are more warm-hearted than people in other Asian countries. That’s a good thing. We have some good material to work with and our students are very interested to learn. “Of course, in general the level of musicianship is not as high as we are used to in Europe. In Europe there is a very long tradition. The Prague Conservatoire was founded in 1808, more than 200 years ago. Dr Sugree has built this school from nothing in just 20 years. The way they are doing things here is the right way. You can’t become a world class musician overnight, but if you work hard, you will eventually become one. “I like it here. It is challenging work and the foreigners are helping the TPO to improve. In my opinion, this mix is very important because you blend not only cultures but also qualities, knowledge and experience. This blend helps to create a great orchestra.”
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JAN’S younger brother Petr agreed that Thai musicianship in general is not as high as in Europe, but said he’d seen a few students with really big potential. “I started to play when I was five years old. I have played the cello for 16 years. I brought my own from the Czech Republic. It wasn’t so difficult to bring it here, but because of its size I had to pay for an extra seat on the plane. It is safer to have it next to me than sending it by cargo because it could suffer damage during handling. “This particular cello was made by a violin-maker in Prague and it is quite expensive. I don’t know really how difficult it is to purchase a good cello in Thailand. As for the strings, I can buy them here but they don’t have all the types I like, so I order them from abroad or I ask my parents to send them to me. I can also play clarinet and piano. “Like other foreign musicians, I came here to play and to teach. My brother and I have one-year contracts. I still haven’t finished my studies in the Czech Republic, but being here is a good way to get experience and improve myself.” Like his brother, Petr is enjoying his stay in Thailand, and he appreciates the “huge applause” after each concert. www.thailandphil.com TheBigChilli 101
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Last month’s best events in pictures
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MONDO TERRACE OPENS WITH FLAIR
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MORE than 300 guests attended the launch of Mondo Terrace at the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok hotel. Guests were welcomed by the hotel’s General Manager, David Ecija; Khun Pornseak Pharksuwan, Diageo Reserve Channel Director; and Khun Chennarong Bhumichitr, Diageo Reserve Senior Brand Ambassador. The event, sponsored by Diageo, featured innovative cocktails made by world-class mixologists. The company organises the annual Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year Competition.
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SIZZLING SALSA AT SEﾃ前R PICO
SEﾃ前R Pico, at The Rembrandt Hotel, held a special edition of its popular salsa night, featuring a party-starting performance by Danae Portuondo from Cuba and salsa demonstrations by international dancers. Fuelling the night was a special menu of all-you-can-eat Mexican favourites, laid on for the special price of just B599++.
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LUMINOUS NIGHT AT CENTARA WATERGATE
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CENTARA Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok celebrated its re-launch with ‘Luminous Night,’ a fashion-focused party at the hotel’s rooftop Chili Hip restaurant and Walk bar. Chilli infused cocktails, models strutting their stuff in clothes by Club 21, and electro beats spun by DJ Ono from MET107 all added to the fun.
FESTIVAL OF INDIA IN THAILAND
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BRINGING together contemporary and dynamic productions by exciting and innovative artistes, the 2015 edition of this vibrant festival introduced audiences to the ever-evolving India of the twenty-first century. Among the many highlights were a performance by the Daksha Sheth Dance Company; an Indian Fun Fair with the Rajasthan Josh folk dance group; and a literary program featuring five top contemporary Indian writers.
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LIFESTYLE GARDEN PARTY
THE British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) hosted a Lifestyle Garden Party in the gardens of the British Embassy in Bangkok. The event featured an evening of British music, cars, motorcycles plus complimentary food and drink.
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CAMPARI SHOWCASE
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COCKTAIL fans were out in force for the launch of Campari Night at R Bar, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, where special guest Oliver Stuart, Campari’s Brand Ambassador, created a wide range of colourful concoctions made using the popular spirit. Campari Classic Cocktails are now available at the bar as ‘cocktails of the month.’
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BABETTE’S THE STEAKHOUSE ARRIVES IN STYLE
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THERE was plenty of glitz and glamour on display at the grand opening of Babette’s The Steakhouse, Hotel Muse Bangkok (Soi Langsuan), where dance performances, free-flow drinks, superior canapés, and a Great Gatsby theme ensured the celebstudded crowd had a great time.
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SOIRÉE ART DE VIVRE
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BANGKOK celebrities, media, VIP guests and senior representatives of Accor Hospitality and Sofitel Luxury Hotels recently enjoyed a memorable “Soirée Art de Vivre” to celebrate Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s third anniversary. The glamorous party also marked the official grand opening of the hotel’s new art-inspired lobby, which hosted its first exhibition by renowned French photographer Charles Maze. Specially for the occasion, the hotel’s Le Grand Ballroom was transformed into a Parisian-inspired venue complete with elegant French black and gold decorations, a three-metre-high glittering Eiffel Tower, and a luxurious Moët & Chandon Champagne Tower.
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AZIMUT SAILS INTO TOWN
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ITALIAN luxury yacht brand Azimut was officially launched in Thailand with an exclusive party at Canapaya Residences. Hosted by MGC-Marine, a subsidiary of Master Group Corporation (Asia) Ltd., the sole authorized importer and distributor of Azimut Yachts in Thailand, the party was attended by many Thai celebrities and featured cruises, with music by popular Bangkok DJs, aboard three new yachts. Azimut yachts range from 50-86 feet in length and start at 50 million baht.
ST. PATRICK’S FUN AT THE PINTSMAN
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THE Pintsman (Silom Rd.) celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in customary fashion with a night of special drinks deals and live entertainment.
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AZIMUT SAILS INTO TOWN
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ITALIAN luxury yacht brand Azimut was officially launched in Thailand with an exclusive party at Canapaya Residences. Hosted by MGC-Marine, a subsidiary of Master Group Corporation (Asia) Ltd., the sole authorized importer and distributor of Azimut Yachts in Thailand, the party was attended by many Thai celebrities and featured cruises, with music by popular Bangkok DJs, aboard three new yachts. Azimut yachts range from 50-86 feet in length and start at 50 million baht.
ST. PATRICK’S FUN AT THE PINTSMAN
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THE Pintsman (Silom Rd.) celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in customary fashion with a night of special drinks deals and live entertainment.
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NETWORKING FOR EXECUTIVES
FIFTY executives gathered to learn more about citizenship by investment at a special dinner arranged by Harvey Law Group at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel. At the event, Range Developments also introduced potential investors to its Park Hyatt St. Kitts, a luxury ďŹ ve star resort located on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Kitts & Nevis.
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CHARITY TRIP TO CHAIYAPHUM
RSM Advisory (Thailand) Limited (RSMAT) teamed up with Rotary Club Bangkok South (RCBS) to sponsor a clean drinking water system at The Beaumont Partnership Ruam Pattana School, which caters for disadvantaged children in Chaiyaphum. Mark Butters, Executive Director of RSMAT, and a past president of RCBS, travelled with Mike Doyle, President of RCBS for 2014/2015, John Quarmby, also a Past President of RCBS, and a group of RSMAT staff to inaugurate the system. The Beaumont Partnership Foundation, which operates the school, was founded in 2010 by Tim Beaumont and the partners of Beaumont Partnership, a Bangkok-based design practice. The directors of the Foundation include Tim Beaumont; Mick Farley, the Principal of Harrow International School; and Dr Mechai Viravaidya.
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INDIGO’S BIG LAUNCH
HOTEL Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road celebrated its grand opening with a vibrant display of lights and sound which put the spotlight on the colourful Wireless Road neighbourhood. Highlighting everything the hotel and the area has to offer, the event featured specially crafted Discovery Boards that encouraged people to explore food, art and culture in Wireless Road. The highlight of the event was a performance by Thai celebrity singer Natt Buntita, who treated guests to the traditional tunes of HM The King.
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Social|Around town
DUSIT THANI LAUNCHES IN KRABI
DUSIT International and MBK Hotel and Resort announced the launch of the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort. The signing ceremony, held at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok, was jointly presided over by Khun Chanin Donavanik, Dusit International’s Managing Director and CEO, and Khun Suvait Theeravachirakul, MBK Group’s Director and CEO. The resort, located on a secluded stretch of Klong Muang Beach, will boast a fresh, modern Thai design that capitalizes on the surrounding tropical landscape. The resort is slated to be open on July 1.
CAMPARI ACADEMY FINALS
BAR owners, mixologists and industry experts were out in force for the final round of the Campari Academy Thailand awards, held at the Met Bar of the Metropolitan by COMO, Bangkok. Four finalists, whittled down from a pool of 100 of the nation’s best bartenders, wowed the crowd with their classic campari cocktails. Winning the title on the night, and walking away with a B10,000 cash prize and a year’s contract as Campari’s bartender, was Supharat Thongmeesuk. The event was organized by Independent Wine & Spirit (Thailand), importer and distributor of the Italian aperitif in Thailand.
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BEAUTY HALL UNVEILS BRAND NEW LOOK
THE management of the newlook Beauty Hall at Emporium Department Store invited four editors from leading magazines in Thailand to unveil the most spectacular looks straight from international runways. The event was also graced by A-list celebs who gathered to celebrate the ravishing makeover of the venue.
STARBUCKS LAUNCHES MOBILE APP
STARBUCKS Coffee Thailand held a press conference to introduce “Starbucks Thailand,” a new mobile app that allows customers to conveniently pay for purchases at any of the 215 Starbucks stores across Thailand. In addition, the mobile app allows users to earn stars with the My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program, find a nearby store, explore Starbucks’ portfolio of whole bean coffees and stay up-to-date on Starbucks food and drinks news.
TAT INTRODUCES NEW ONLINE CONTEST
THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched its latest online contest, called “One and Only,” at a press conference held at The Peninsula Bangkok. Held as part of TAT’S “Discover Thainess” campaign, the contest invites Thai and foreign travelers to upload videos of their journeys (think traditional Thai dancing, Thai cooking classes, flower garland making etc.) in a bid to win travel packages worth one million baht. One and Only is sponsored by Thai Airways International and The Peninsula Bangkok.
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DIPLOMATS p Meet the people uniting nations
His Excellency Paul Robilliard Australia's Ambassador talks about his country's close relationship with Thailand Page 120
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Diplomats
His Excellency Paul Robilliard|Australia Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER Portrait photographs JARAN LAKKANAWAT
Moving with the times Australia’s Ambassador talks about his country’s close relationship with Thailand – and the new Embassy in Bangkok
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AUSTRALIA and Thailand have maintained an especially close partnership since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1952, cooperating in areas of mutual interest including investment and trade, defense, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, migration and tourism. The fact that the Australian embassy in Bangkok is the country’s fourth largest out of almost 90 posts worldwide is testament to how important the land “Down Under” considers the Land of Smiles. So too is Canberra’s choice of ambassador to the Kingdom. In just a few short months here His Excellency Paul Robilliard has made his presence felt, thanks in part to his robust stature and personality. The Tasmanian-bred diplomat has been among the most active ambassadors in town since his arrival in Bangkok to begin his term in October 2014, and he has spared no energy to make an important bilateral relationship even stronger. In a recent interview with The BigChilli the ambassador repeatedly stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges in the areas of tourism and education, and vowed to strengthen these ties even further. Mr Robilliard talked freely on a number of subjects, including the Australian Embassy’s relocation from Sathorn Road to a new site on Wireless Road.
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The ambassador grew up in a small country town in Tasmania, a place called Huonville, which he described as ‘‘a picturesque centre of apple production.” He went to school there and in the Tasmanian capital Hobart. He then studied at the Australian National University in Canberra, graduating in the mid-1970s. He taught politics at the university for a couple of years and then in 1980 joined the Department of Foreign Affairs, now called the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade after the amalgamation of the two departments. “The first time I came to Thailand would have been in the very early 1980s,” said Mr Robilliard. “At that time when one travelled from Australia to the Middle East or Europe, Bangkok was the usual stopping off place. I came here on my way to the Middle East. My first postings abroad were in Beirut and Damascus, with language training in Cairo. “Before I came to Thailand to serve as ambassador, I was the First Assistant Secretary of our South and West Asia division, which has geographic responsibility for Australia’s relations with India and other countries of the sub-continent and Afghanistan,”
tralian and local, permanent and contract staff. My understanding is that Bangkok is our fourth largest embassy in the world. I previously worked at the largest embassy, which is in Jakarta.” The ambassador then outlined some of the main objectives he hopes to accomplish during his term. “I very much want to develop and expand the overall bilateral relationship. I think that there’s still work to be done on both sides to ensure that we understand the potential of each country and what each country has to offer. “We want people in Thailand to understand that Australia is a sophisticated, developed economy, that we are not just exporting agricultural products and resources. We also have a lot of potential for partnerships in high-tech and other areas. Similarly, we want people in Australia, and Australian businesses, to understand that the Thai economy is also very developed. Thailand is different from much of the rest of Southeast Asia in terms of its economic development and economic potential. There’s a lot of opportunity for strengthening the trade relationship in particular.
Ambassador with the Thai National Police Chief
Mr Robilliard on a visit to Phuket
said the ambassador, who can speak Arabic and some French and German. He added that the length of an ambassador’s term is normally three or four years. “That’s a matter for the department and ultimately for the government to decide.” In any case, he will be here to preside over the opening of the new Australian embassy now under construction on Wireless Road near the Japanese embassy. “We will move there most probably in the last quarter of 2016, sometime around September or October. The reason the embassy is moving concerns the issue of ‘setback,’ which is the distance between the building and the road. The current building is considered to be too close to the road. “I know the current embassy is quite a famous landmark in Bangkok and made quite an impression when it was opened in 1979. It is a striking building and many people have very good memories of the embassy. The new building will be in a different style but hopefully people will appreciate it also as a significant piece of architecture here in Bangkok. It will provide us with facilities for our very large staff and also operate as regional hub for our embassies around Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. “Presently, we have close to 250 embassy staff – that’s Aus-
“I would like to see in both Australia and Thailand a greater recognition of the importance of our relationship. I think that sometimes the significance is underestimated, especially in the media. I want to look at ways to improve trade and investment, but also people-to-people exchanges, especially in the field of education. I want to expand opportunities for tourism in both directions, and certainly we would like to see more Thais visiting Australia as tourists.” Mr Robilliard said that typically when a new ambassador is appointed he or she goes through a consultation period in Australia before leaving for their post. He spent time in Canberra with key government agencies and departments, getting briefings and discussing issues. He also travelled around Australia. “Before taking up my post in Thailand, I visited Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. In fact, the only capital I wasn’t able to get to was Darwin. We have a very extensive preparatory process in order to ensure that when you arrive you have a good understanding of issues. “I spoke to my immediate predecessor, James Wise, and to other former ambassadors. There have been a number of very distinguished ambassadors and I was glad for the opportunity to talk to them.”
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His Excellency Paul Robilliard|Australia
Duties and responsibilities “Obviously, my primary responsibility is to provide leadership at the embassy, to the staff and various departments and agencies that are represented at the embassy, and to lead the embassy’s engagement with the Thai government and the Thai people. Another very important responsibility is to ensure that proper, efficient consular services are provided for the many Australians who live in Thailand and visit Thailand. Overall, I am charged with ensuring that the relationship between Australia and Thailand is pursued effectively, efficiently and as positively as possible.” The embassy includes many Australian government agencies in Thailand which are headquartered at the embassy. “For example, our Immigration Department is at the embassy. They are responsible for issuing visas to people wishing to travel to Australia. Associated with them is the Customs and Border Protection Service. They engage very closely with their Thai counterparts on people smuggling and customs-related issues. “The Australian Federal Police also have a significant presence
here. They work very closely with the Royal Thai Police on a range of transnational crime issues. Narcotic trafficking is especially challenging for both countries and we work very closely in that field. Our police forces work very closely together. It is obviously an area where I can’t give too many details because of the sensitivity involved, but we have had a lot of success cooperating on a number of very important cases,” Mr Robilliard said. “The Australian Department of Defence has representation here, and the Defence Attaché and his staff have offices at the embassy. The military relationship between Thailand and Australia goes back a long time, to the Korean and Vietnam wars. Our military also cooperated in Timor-Leste [East Timor] before its independence. “The Australian Department of Agriculture is also represented here, again working with their Thai counterparts on a range of issues. There are a number of other Australian agencies here as well. One of the most important is Austrade, the Australian Trade Commission. They have a very large staff here which concentrates on developing commerce between our two countries. “Since I became ambassador, most of my focus has been on the embassy, on getting to know the personnel and their roles and responsibilities, to understand the various areas of activity the embassy is engaged in and, of course, to get to know ministers, officials and business people here in Bangkok,” said Mr Robilliard. He therefore hasn’t had a lot of time to travel around the country yet, but did go to Khao Lak for a memorial ceremony on the 10th anniversary of the tsunami. “It was, obviously, a very moving occasion. I was also in Phuket a few weeks ago, in part at least to attend the opening of the new Australian Honorary Consulate there. “As I have been able to settle myself in Bangkok, I now have the opportunity to travel more around Thailand. I want to visit as many places as possible.”
Bilateral Relations
Traveller's delight: There's plenty to see and do in Australia
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“Thailand and Australia have a very long historical relationship and a diplomatic relationship going back 63 years – we celebrated the 60th anniversary in 2012. It is a relationship that has
Stunning coastline
developed very positively and I think there is a lot of potential to make it even better and I am looking forward to working on that potential during my time here as ambassador,” Mr Robilliard said. “Of course, trade is a very important element of our relationship. Thailand is Australia’s ninth largest trading partner and this has developed significantly during the 10 years of TAFTA (Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement). Australia is typically among Thailand’s top 10 trading partners, and interestingly, Thailand is the 16th largest source of foreign direct investment stock in Australia. This has grown substantially in the last few years and the investment is in very positive and constructive areas. “Australia’s main exports to Thailand in 2013-2014 were educational products, crude petroleum, gold, aluminum and coal. Thailand’s key exports to Australia were passenger vehicles, heating equipment and iron, steel and aluminum structures. It is a very broad-based trading relationship, and as I said, one which has potential for further expansion.” The ambassador said that in a sense tourism could be considered the most important trade area. “Last year 873,000 Australians visited Thailand. This was a slight drop from 2013, as was seen with other countries as well. Between September
COOPERATION AT A GLANCE HE Paul Robilliard hosted a reception to celebrate Australia Day (26 January) on January 27 at the Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The event was attended by Thai and foreign diplomats, top business people and other distinguished guests. Every guest received a brochure with an introduction from the ambassador, followed by information on bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Australia. Here are some excerpts: • We look increasingly to ministerial and high-level exchanges between our governments in 2015. We share many strategic interests with Thailand, and we work with Thailand in important regional and other multilateral forums. We will continue to support Thailand’s political and constitutional reforms process in 2015. • We work closely with the Thai authorities to address barriers to trade between our countries and to encourage broader trade liberalization. • The Australian government’s regional assistance programs help Thailand respond to transboundary health threats, improve regional water management, safeguard human security, and promote economic integration. • The Australia-Asia Program to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Thailand is working with the Royal Thai Police and Ministry of Justice to strengthen Thailand’s criminal justice response to human trafficking, particularly in the fishing industry. • Over 22,000 Thais are currently studying in Australia, and the Australian Government will support 160 Australian students to study and undertake work placements in Thailand in 2015 under the New Colombo Plan. • Our Infrastructure Office in Bangkok works closely with the Thai DCA, Marine Department and Airports of Thailand in 2015. Projects include
Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) in Northern Territory
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2013 and September 2014, there were about 76,000 Thai visitors to Australia. This is quite a significant number too, although more than ten times as many Australians came to Thailand as Thais went to Australia. I’d really like to see more Thais taking the opportunity to visit Australia. Hopefully with the Australian dollar going down in value over the past few months, this may encourage more Thais to visit.
regional workshops on ‘best practices’ in aviation and maritime security, assisting with Thailand’s national security framework and working with Airports of Thailand to develop supervisor selection and training processes. • Australia’s Department of Agriculture works to deepen the agricultural relationship between Australia and Thailand. The complementary nature of Thai and Australian produce makes agricultural trade ultimately beneficial to both countries. • Thailand is Australia’s ninth largest trading partner. Bilateral trade has grown substantially since the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement’s launch in 2005. • Australia supports training for more than 100 Royal Thai Armed Forces members each year, ranging from short single service courses to scholarships providing tertiary study. Australian and Thai military units also jointly participate in a range of exercises and other training activities. Major activities in 2014 included Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, in which the Royal Thai Air Force deployed the Gripen aircraft (the first time it had done so outside Thailand), and Exercise Chapel Gold in Thailand which focused on counter-insurgency operations. • The Australian Federal Police (AFP) works with Thai enforcement agencies on investigations, prosecutions, extraditions and other criminal matters. In the past year, the AFP and Thai agencies cooperated on over 20 major operations against transnational and organized crime, including child abuse and drug trafficking. • The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service undertake enforcement activities with the Thai Customs Department, the Thai Marine Police and other agencies to counter common threats. TheBigChilli 123
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His Excellency Paul Robilliard|Australia “Educational links are another very important part of our relationship and they are growing. There are now about 22,000 Thai students studying in Australia and we would like to see more. Thai students typically have a very positive experience in Australia. This year, under the New Colombo Plan, the Australian government will support about 160 Australian students to study and take part in a work placement program in Thailand.” Mr Robilliard noted that the Australian government’s international merit-based scholarship program – Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships – is open for Thai citizens from all fields of study. Applications are taken April to the end of June each year. There are four types of scholarships and fellowships: postgraduate scholarships for masters PhD students; postgraduate research fellowships; vocational training scholarships; and executive fellowships for professional development. For 2015, 19 Thais were awarded with the Endeavour scholarships. Since the program started in 2007 about 155 awardees have been from Thailand. “One of the things I have been very keen to do since I arrived is to try to get more Thais awarded scholarships and fellowships. We have been involved in a dialogue with Thai government, bureaucracy and institutions to encourage people to apply and to make sure the applications are high quality, as this is a global program.” Asked about the number of Australians residing in Thailand, Mr Robilliard replied: “This is always a rather difficult figure because while we encourage Australians to register with the embassy, they don’t always do so. But we think there are approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Australians residing in Thailand at any given time. It might be higher, and the figure fluctuates.”
Relaxation and hobbies
HE MR PAUL ROBILLIARD IN FOCUS PAUL Robilliard is a senior career officer with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Before his posting to Thailand as ambassador he was First Assistant Secretary, South and West Asia Division. Prior to this, he served twice as Head of the United Nations Security Council Taskforce (July – October 2013 and November 2012 – May 13) and served in between as Senior Adviser, International, in the Prime Minister’s Office (May–July 2013). Mr Robilliard has served overseas as: Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta (2009–2012); Consul-General at the Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu (2001–2004); Ambassador to Syria and Lebanon (1992–1995) and had an earlier posting in Singapore (1986 –1989). In Canberra, Mr Robilliard has served as: First Assistant Secretary, South and West Asia, Middle East and Africa Division (April – November 2012); Assistant Secretary, Afghanistan and Iraq Branch (2008); Head of Iraq Taskforce (2006 – 2008); Assistant Secretary, North East Asia Branch (2004 – 2006); Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary and Media Branch (1999 – 2001); Assistant Secretary, International Organizations Branch (1998 – 1999); and Director, Executive Liaison Section (1996 – 1998). Mr Robilliard holds a Bachelor of Arts with honors from the Australian National University in Canberra. He is married to Mrs Hanan Robilliard and has two daughters, Christine and Emma.
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As for his free time, Mr Robilliard responds: “I do a lot of reading. I have always been a big reader. I spend a lot of time listening to music. Recently I went to a very nice performance by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, with a wonderful Korean-German violinist. I have been very pleased with the quality of the orchestras here, like the Bangkok Symphonic Orchestra, Bangkok Sinfonietta and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. The Prince Mahidol Hall is a very beautiful concert hall too. The only problem is finding the time to go and it is quite a drive to get there. “I also enjoy the cinema and I very much enjoy, when I have the time, watching DVDs in the evenings. I have listed sit-down pursuits, but I also enjoy walking a lot. Bangkok is good for that because it is relatively easy to get around,” Mr Robilliard said.
Final word “It is really a great honor and pleasure to be the Australian ambassador to Thailand. It is an important relationship and I am very aware that there have been a number of extremely senior distinguished Australians who have served in the position. Similarly, there have been many very distinguished Thai officials serving as ambassador to Australia. This is a reflection of the importance placed on our relationship in both countries." “I very much look forward to spending three or four years engaging with Thai ministers and officials, with the public and private sectors, business people and, of course, ordinary Thais, in further developing this relationship and improving it.”
HUA HIN
Cha Am • Pranburi • And beyond...
Fabulous feasts await this month at Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin. Page 126.
News & deals
Hua Hin’s hottest promotions and deals await inside Page 126
Dining out
Enjoy Italian cuisine just like mamma used to make Page 128
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Fabulous feasts at Rest Detail LOOKING for a great place to dine during the Songkran festival? Check out Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin’s Rest Scene Restaurant. From Apr 10-14, the restaurant will serve up a selection of tempting feasts, including Charcoal Steak Night on Apr 10 (prices start at B450 per gram), Saturday BBQ Jazz Night on Apr 11 (B1,290 per person), Hua Hin Seafood Market on Apr 12 (prices start at B90 per gram), Splash Night Buffet on Apr 13 (B1,000 per person), and Charcoal Steak Night on Apr 14 (prices start at B450 per gram). ☎ 032 547 733 restdetailhotel.com
Special rates at Amari IN celebration of Thai New Year, Amari Hua Hin is offering a special package available throughout the month with rates for two consecutive nights starting at B3,200++ per night. The package includes daily breakfast for two, Thai set dinner for two, complimentary tickets to the 4D Art Museum and more. What’s more, on Apr 13 the resort’s Mosaic Restaurant will host a ‘Songkran Special Buffet Dinner’ featuring culinary delights from all four regions of the Kingdom. B999 per person, B450 for kids aged between 6-12, and children under six dine for free. ☎ 032 616 600 amari.com/huahin
Luxury for less in Kui Buri UNTIL Oct 31 the luxury X2 Kui Buri resort is offering a ‘Kui Buri Escape’ promotion with rates ranging from B4,588++ per night for a Deluxe Garden Villa to B5,947++ per night for a Deluxe Pool Villa, inclusive of daily Champagne breakfast, lunch and dinner (Thai or western set). ☎ 032 601 412 X2LOBBY.com
Songkran celebrations at Centara SONGKRAN may be renowned for its high octane water fights, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy the more traditional side of Thai New Year. Visit Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas on Apr 13 and you can experience merit making in the morning and a grand buffet feast in the evening. Alongside traditional Thai dance performances, the dinner will feature dishes from all five regions of Thailand. B1,900++ per person. ☎ 032 512 021 centarahotelsresorts.com/chbr
Golf tournaments at Banyan
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TWO events await golfers at Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin this month. Teeing off the fun, on Apr 12, is the Banyan Masters 2015 Tournament (B3,200 for non-members; B1,500 for members; B1,000 for after-tournament dinner only); and don’t miss the club’s Power Tee Competition (on Apr 22 priced B2,100 per person inclusive of green fee and snacks after the game). 032 616 200 banyanthailand.com
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Mamma Mia!
Homemade Italian food just like mamma used to make – in the heart of Hua Hin
THAT the best food is cooked with love may be a cliché, and a philosophy that’s wielded with reckless abandon by chefs who don’t know their onions from their elbows, visit this delightful beachside restaurant in the heart of Hua Hin and you’ll discover that, alongside hearty cuisine cooked with premium produce, the biggest ingredient to Mamma Mia’s success actually is passion. Established in 1996, the restaurant is the brainchild of Italian expat Claudio Ceriani, a gregarious entrepreneur who since arriving in Thailand 28 years ago has also operated restaurants in Pattaya and Cha-Am, and who, throughout all his culinary adventures, has always adhered to two guiding philosophies – to offer the best representation of northern Italian cuisine that he can, and to treat his guests as though they are visiting his home. “At Mamma Mia we offer traditional mamma-style cooking,” he says. “We
may not be professional cooks with backgrounds in five star hotels, but we are passionate about creating delicious homemade food using family recipes – and we pride ourselves on great presentation, too.” Bread and pasta are all made fresh daily, ingredients are sourced from local markets as well as the nation’s foremost importers, and Claudio has carefully constructed his menu to offer a decent selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pastas, risotto, wood fired pizzas, fish and meat dishes without going overboard. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. Highlights for starters include the Snails a’ la’ Bourgogne (B360), cooked in garlic butter for a wonderfully rich taste; Fresh crab meat, fresh avocado and diced tomato in vinaigrette dressing (B330); and Light fried shrimps, prawns, calamari rings and tentacles served with tartare sauce and
8/4 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin. Open daily 11.30am-2pm; and 5.30pm-10pm. Parking available.
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mixed green salad (B490) – just perfect for sharing. For mains, don’t miss the Grilled lamb loin in black truffle sauce with diced roast potato, sage and rosemary (B690). Also worth a try is the Slices of slow-cooked pork loin covered with a mayonnaise, tuna and anchovies fillet sauce (B310), a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines flavours of the land and sea to delicious effect. The steaks – premium Australian beef – are top notch too. Mama Mia’s menu is rounded out with a small selection of desserts (try the Tiramisu. B260), delicious ice creams, and a good choice of Italian wines (start at B200 by the glass), Italian craft beers, spirits, and grappa. Opt to enjoy your meal in the restaurant’s air-conditioned dining room, or out on the second-floor terrace with splendid views of the sea. Mamma Mia! It’s good.
☎ 032 512 250 : Claudio.mammamia@gmail.com
Electric Mango Steak House & Grill - expect the unexpected
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Electric Mango Steakhouse offers superior quality dining with prime meat from Australia and America. We grill all our meat great care and attention to ensure the best flavor. We offer great wines from around the world to accompany your dining experience, selected by Thailand best Sommelier. Thai food is represented as well, and we put heart, honor and effort into giving ‘ you value for money when visiting us at Hua Hin Soi 112. Feel free to bring the young ones, we have indoor and outdoor playground where they can enjoy before and after dinner. It’s all about happiness! Reservation please call: 085 7867 539 or event@electricmango.club
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Dusit Sprinter: Travel to and from Hua Hin in style
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Enjoy five-star comfort aboard Dusit Thani Hua Hin’s all-new shuttle bus TRAVEL to Hua Hin from Bangkok has never been so convenient and comfortable thanks to the all-new Dusit Sprinter. Launched by the luxury Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel just last month, this thirteen seat Mercedes-Benz has extralarge seats providing oodles of leg room and snug armchair-style comfort, an air con unit which can actually handle the hot season, and a few five-star touches too – think complimentary drinking water, magazine, and free Wi-Fi. What’s more, all passengers receive full insurance coverage. Priced at just B660 per person per trip (either to Hua Hin from Bangkok, or to Bangkok from Hua Hin), and half-price
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for children, this new service is great value for money, and a real time-saver, too. The bus departs from Dusit Thani Hua Hin for Bangkok daily at 11.15am; and from Dusit Thani Bangkok (Silom Road) to Hua Hin daily at 3pm.
About the resort
Dusit Thani Hua Hin, 1349 Petchkasem Rd. Cha-Am, Petchburi
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Overlooking an idyllic beach and surrounded by lush greenery, Dusit Thani Hua Hin provides the ultimate resort experience in a historic destination steeped in Thai royal heritage. Dusit Thani Hua Hin combines classic Thai design with modern amenities, offering guests a serene and lavish getaway that echoes Hua Hin’s past as a summer retreat for the Thai royal family. In addition to the natural beauty that surrounds it, the hotel contains an ornamental lake, lily pond, tropical gardens and two magnificent swimming pools. This self-contained oasis also provides a range of recreational facilities, including water-sports venues, tennis and squash courts, and a fitness centre. Opportunities for dining and entertainment abound, and winding down is made simple thanks to the tranquil Devarana Spa. For best available room rates, and details of special promotions, visit www.dusit.com/dthh.
☎ 03 252 0009 :dusit.com/dthh
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•Since 1996 •Fine Dining •Crispy Pizza •Delicious Ice Cream
Come and join us for lunch or dinner in our fully air-conditioned restaurant. Enjoy a romantic dinner with splendid ocean views on our beautiful rooftop terrace.
8/4 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin. Open Daily 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm - 10.30pm Reservation 032-512-250, 08-1852-2136 and 08-7103-9439 E-mail : Claudio.mammamia@gmail.com Strip AD_Mammamia_Mar15.indd 1
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Chay Had opens at Hilton HILTON Hua Hin Resort & Spa celebrated the grand opening of its new beachfront restaurant and lounge, Chay Had, with a party highlighting everything the restaurant has to offer – a sophisticated interpretation of the East meet West style of informal eating and drinking with attention to detail and quality ingredients, adding a new and exciting dimension to Thai fusion cuisine.
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Biggles Big Band in concert AMSTERDAM’S Biggles Big Band drew a huge crowd when it performed at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin. During the concert the band performed hits from the golden era of big band jazz (think Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Tommy Dorsey) as well as the songs of Frank Sinatra.
The Barai turns eight THE management of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin celebrated the eighth anniversary of The Barai Spa by hosting “The Barai Musical Journey Concert.” The event featured performances by Swedish composers C-M Carlsson and Wojtek Goral, who created The Barai’s Musical Journey CD, an instrumental album which was also launched at the party.
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Hua Hin Hills Harvest Festival OENOPHILES flocked to Hua Hin Hills Vineyard for the Harvest Festival 2015, where they enjoyed a day of grape picking, learning about winemaking, and a delicious dinner specially created to pair with the vineyard’s Monsoon Valley wines at The Sala Wine Bar and Bistro.
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COAST CO PATTAYA
Kok Chang • Wong Amat • Jomtien • Bang Saray • Sattahip • Rayong
Thailand’s ‘King of Dance,’ J Jetrin, will perform live at Amari Pattaya on May 2. Page 136.
News & Deals
The Eastern Seaboard’s hottest dining and hotel promotions Page 136
Meet the GM
The General Manager of Centara Grand Mirage shares a few secrets Page 138
Mate’s Rates Friends or family visiting Thailand? Let themknow about these deals Page 140
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Top Of The Gulf 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 on the waters off Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, on Apr 30 – May 4, this year’s event is expected to welcome more than 700 sailors in more than 250 crafts. The event is supported by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) and awards the international standard from International Sailing Federation or ISAF. :topofthegulfregatta.com
U Pattaya a great spot for a wedding PLANNING the perfect wedding can be a daunting and stressful experience. Enlist the services of the professional planning team at U Pattaya, though, and you’re left to focus on what really matters – having the best day of your life. The resort’s just released three new package deals priced B35,000 for an engagement ceremony, B70,000 for a western-style wedding ceremony, and B90,000 for a Thai-style ceremony. All ceremonies are conducted in a tranquil and elegant location right next to the beach. Bliss. ☎ 033 046 100 :upattaya.com
Special rates at Holiday Inn HOLIDAY Inn Pattaya is offering a tantalizing accommodation package right through until Jan 31. Called “Rejuvenating Escapes,” the deal offers accommodation for two, breakfast and dinner, and starts this month at B5,000++ for a Deluxe Room. ☎ 038 725 555 :holidayinn-pattaya.com
J Jetrin Live in Concert THAILAND’S ‘King of Dance,’ who penned the popular earworm ‘Jep Pai Jep Ma,’ will take to the stage to perform live at Amari Pattaya on May 2. Tickets are B1,200 per person and include unlimited draught beers, house wines, soft drinks and whisky. Book before Apr 15 to get the early-bird price of B900 per person. ☎ 038 418 418 :amari.com
A taste of Tuscany at Kantary Bay ITALIAN food fans take note. An Italian guest chef will take control of the kitchens at No.43 Italian Bistro, Kantary Bay Hotel, on May 20-25 to create a special a la carte menu of Tuscan specialties. The promotion will be kick-started in sumptuous fashion on May 20 with a buffet loaded with the chef’s signature dishes (6pm. B650 per person; half price for kids under 12). ☎ 038 804 844 :kantarycollection.com
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MEET THE GM: ANDRE BRULHART
As General Manager of the expansive Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Swiss national Andre has one of the most enviable jobs in the trade. Here he shares his story and a few words of wisdom I first came to Asia 31 years ago by chance. I was studying at hotel management school near my home in Switzerland and had to find a hotel to do my internship. My father came home with the directory of the leading hotels of the world, and the first page I opened on was Hong Kong. I thought this would be a good destination for an internship, so that’s how it started. I went from Hong Kong to Honolulu to Jakarta to Bali to Vietnam, and eventually I ended up here. I’ve been in Thailand now for 19 years. My passion for the hospitality industr y comes from my family. When I was young I was good at two things: Playing the piano, and working in my family’s restaurant. The restaurant had a little café, a dining room, and a banqueting hall where we used to host weddings and events, so I always knew that I liked hospitality. I didn’t actively pursue it as a career, though, until after 10 years at music school when I realised that, if I really wanted to survive, I would have to pursue a more stable line of work. And that’s when I went to hotel school. I have one motto I adhere to and that’s: “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm” (by Ralph Waldo Emerson). In this business you are married to the hotel, so you must be passionate about it. You must have a team who think the same too. Running a successful hotel is all about teamwork. I feel ver y lucky to be working at this property. Truth be told, out of all of the resorts I have worked at this is my favourite. There is something special about this resort. As Thailand’s first themed-hotel, we really stand apart from the competition. Our Lost World theme wows guests as soon as they enter our striking lobby. Some people think that we’re simply a family hotel but we attract all kinds of customers. Our MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and
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One of my favourite aspects of the resort is that it has been specially designed in a way that you never actually feel it has 550 rooms and can accommodate up to 1,300 guests. In our gardens there are numerous secluded nooks and crannies where people can relax in privacy, and swim and sunbathe without being disturbed by children.
Exhibitions) trade is very strong – we have a very large ballroom (1,000 sq m) and can cater for events big and small. This year we’ve already catered for three large Indian weddings, and our New Year’s celebration, held in the gardens for 1,400 people, was spectacular.
GM in focus ANDRE began his career with Centara Hotels & Resorts in 2005, taking on the position of Resident Manager at Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok (now Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok). In 2008 he was promoted to be General Manager at Centara Karon Resort Phuket (CKR), and in 2010 moved to Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (CMBR) in the same position. In 2013 he was then promoted to be Area General Manager, also overseeing Centara Grand Modus Resort & Spa Pattaya (CGMP), and later in the same year was transferred to be General Manager at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok (CGLB). He returned to CMBR around 7 months ago. Andre has over 30 years of experience in the hotel industry and prior to joining Centara Hotels & Resorts worked for leading hotels in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong and USA. :centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cmbr
We celebrated our fifth anniversar y last November and we have many exciting plans going forward. We recently added Monsoon Island, a new water splash area next to the poolside (which is supposed to be for kids but the adults love it just as much). We’re currently extending what used to be our poolside restaurant into a beach club, and we’re also converting one of our restaurants into an evening lounge area. We always have exciting projects coming up here, and this is what keeps our guests coming back. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced here is attracting more people from outside the resort to come and use our dining facilities. We have five excellent restaurants, including a wonderful Asian-themed buffet restaurant, a steakhouse overlooking the sea, and an Italian restaurant run by one of the most charismatic Italian chefs in Pattaya (we’ve even named the restaurant after him – Alberto’s), so there’s plenty for people to enjoy here. My advice for aspiring GMs: Be prepared to work. Hard. And you have to know the basics. Hotel management schools do not create general managers. They help people to become general managers – so don’t leave thinking you know it all. Once you’re at the top, you then have to keep learning more if you want to stay there. What’s more, if you don’t like what you’re doing from the first day of entering this business then you shouldn’t waste your time. You really need to love it.
Tr a vel
D ea ls and Promotion s The Sukosol: Until Oct 31, the hotel’s
s ’ e t a M s rate
‘Family Package’ offers a three-night stay in its Family Room for B16,200++. Package includes daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two children, club lounge access, Wi-Fi access, late checkout at 3pm and more. ☎ 02 247 0123 ext. 1103-1108 thesukosol.com
i Tara Resort & Spa:
Until May 15, the hotel is offering weekday rates ranging from B3,000++ per night for a Seaview Deluxe to B6,000++ per night for a Beach Front Villa (weekend rates range from B3,400++ per night for a Seaview Deluxe to B6,700++ per night for a Beach Front Villa), inclusive of breakfast. ☎ 032 478 301 itararesort.com
family r o s d n Frie land? i a h T g visitin now about k Let them e deals thes
Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa: Valid for
stays between Apr 10-19, the hotel’s ‘Songkran Package’ offers rates ranging from B4,500 per night for a Deluxe Premier River View Room to B10,000 per night for the Anantara River Front Suite, inclusive of gourmet breakfast buffet and free internet. ☎ 02 476 0022 ext. 1503-1506 bangkok-riverside.anantara.com
Grand Mercure Phuket Patong: For bookings until Jun 30 and stays
until Oct 31, the ‘Thai Resident Escape’ deal starts at 2,999 per night for a Superior Room and B4,999 per night for a Deluxe Pool Access Room, inclusive of breakfast and free Wi-Fi. ☎ 076 231 999 grandmercurephuketpatong.com
Looking for a venue to get wet and wild this Songkran? Between Apr 10-19, the hotel’s ‘Special Songkran Promotion’ offers rates starting at B2,558 per night, inclusive of breakfast for one. Guests staying on Apr 13 will get free access to the Songkran Pool Party at amBar. Valid working permit is required to qualify for the deal. ☎ 02 309 3077-8 fourpointsbangkoksukhumvit.com
Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld: Until Jul 31,
the hotel’s ‘Simply is the best’ package offers rates starting at B4,400++ per night for one person or B4,800++ per night for two persons in a Deluxe World Room, inclusive of breakfast and room upgrades (subject to availability). ☎ 02 100 6262 centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw
Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa: Available now, the ‘Great Mates
Escape – First Mates’ package offers four-nights’ accommodation with rates ranging from B78,000 for four persons in a Two Bedroom Pool Residence to B156,900 for eight persons in a Four Bedroom Beach Front Villa. Package highlights include daily gourmet breakfast, private sundowner cocktails with a private bartender, round-trip airport transfers and more. ☎ 02 514 8112 aleenta.com/phuket
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The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok: Looking for a
place to stay during Songkran and beyond? The hotel’s ‘Let’s celebrate Songkran’ package offers 50% off regular room rates, meaning rates start at just B4,000++ per night for a Deluxe Room (room only) and B4,500++ per night inclusive of international breakfast buffet. Promotion ends Oct 31. ☎ 02 207 8000 westin.com/bangkok
Final Word
Fiction
Monsoon Midnights Special places in Bangkok, as experienced by the Bangkok Women’s Writers Group Dear reader, Welcome to ‘Monsoon Midnights,’ a short story by the Bangkok Women’s Writers Group. The storytellers of the BWWG come from all over the world but they all have a special place in this city, somewhere surprising, obscure and unexpected, as yet undiscovered. Follow us to these hidden places right here, month after month. The first volume of Monsoon Midnights (18 stories by 12 authors with beautiful illustrations by the BigChilli graphics team) is available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tj8fJr.
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NIGHTFALL OVER BANGKOK There are some very high places in Bangkok. Places where you can look out and see the city like an interactive map spread out beneath you. The city is vast, but most of its residents live in a much more confined space. Although we have millions of our own kind around us, whoever we may be, birds, ants, dogs or humans, although we encounter thousands of fellow beings every day and every night in the streets, the malls, the trains, the boats and around our local food stall, most of us live our daily lives in the context of a small tribe, a village at most. And, just as we did in the village, we mostly speak to those we know, meet up with those we are already somehow connected to. New additions to our social circle follow the traditional rules of introductions and associate membership of the tribe. Unlike the neurons in our brain, we try to avoid accidental collisions that can create completely new combinations. The homes, the gathering places I can see in the light of a hazy moonset are invisibly connected through social networks of all kinds whose members rarely interact with outsiders. If you are not part of our circles, you are little more than decoration, a moving and occasionally speaking background figure in the closed casting calls of our lives. There are places, however, where the worlds do meet, where creatures of all kinds cross over from one microcosm to another. Many of these places are in constant flux, abandoned during certain parts of the day, then reassembling as if governed by a secret rhythm, the circulation of urban energy. One such place draws me tonight. It’s still night although the moon has gone almost down the drain of the horizon, but this night is getting old. It’s just about ready to strip off its sweaty sleep shirt and slip into its flip flops. And so is the place I’m going to. Slowly, in a few seemingly random spots at first, but then faster and all over the place, tables and canvas covers pop up, and soon big boxes are dragged in, carts are drawn, trucks and vans burp
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out more crates and buckets. A cloche of aromas rises, feathering out into the Bangkok air. Even from up here, I can now just proceed by the sense of smell. Most of all, the odour of earth. Open earth, right here in the city, but not the carefully nurtured earth of a park or garden. There are no flowers growing here although you can buy them, later, cut off in bunches laid out on the trestles. The open earth is churned up by wheels and sticks and feet, by dragging heavy objects and throwing garbage out until it is all churned under again to fertilize the ground. The earth smells wet and old. Maybe she’s going to throw off her sweaty sleep shirt, too? Closer still and the smell enfolds me like a well worn shawl. Onions, galangal, basil, lemon grass and ginger spice plumes out to carry a subtler aroma of bitter melon, dragon tongue and tamarind just ripped from field and bush just a few hours ago, with overtones of fish sauce and seeping blood. And, yes, there’s an ever more insistent note of Durian coming through. M. S. Khan, this month’s storyteller, waves to me from behind a big stack of boxes that send the signature of the kitchen into the early morning air (for dawn, although not yet visible behind the sun shades of the night, is surely not a long way off). She is an avid observer of social minutiae and the many traditions, rules, twists and quirks of the many microsocieties cohabitating in this small space for a few hours every day. ‘Don’t look now’, she says, ‘but over there… a kitchen drama of epic proportions is about to unfold…’
Schadenfreude By M. S. Khan
KLONG Toei market was warming up. It was still dark around the edges, and Mrs Sharp navigated the stalls with practiced ease, grunting only slightly at the exertion. It was early yet. The day before had been pleasant, rain-washed and clear. But that was Bangkok for you, one good day in a year full of heat rashes. It was hot and it was only going to get hotter.
Mrs Sharp always said she felt the heat in her bones. Of course, she felt it far more strongly on her skin, where it settled in a sheen of rude perspiration and splotchy red spots. But she had to keep reminding herself of her bones whenever she needed a nudge in the right direction. After all, had Mr Sharp taken her advice and asked to be transferred home, she would be home now, and feeling the effects of a hard winter. The heat was easier on the bones. And not feeling that cold-winter-in-the bones pain was a feeling too. It was, in fact, a consummation devoutly to be wished. The Sharps had another one of those tedious company todos to attend tonight. A horrid little pot-luck party, full of John’s colleagues who talked of nothing but work; their vapid spouses; and bad wine. Mrs Sharp would compliment the hostess on her remarkable cunning, hosting a party where she didn’t need to cook or buy anything. Mrs Sharp was trying to decide between a much-loved, much-requested octopus dish of her own design (that she claimed was her grandmother’s), or a pomelo salad she had adapted from a recipe off the internet. (In public, it was her habit to say that this recipe had come to her the very first time she bit into a slice of pomelo). This time of early morning gave rise to a surprising nostalgia for Mrs Sharp. She remembered the day, years and years ago, when she had first learned she’d have to move to Bangkok. Her friends at the club had smiled brightly. They had flashed hard teeth and warned her about how it would be for John. Everyone had warned her. “The women,” they had said, “they don’t care about wedding rings or children. They don’t even care about beer bellies and wrinkles. Guard your man, Elisa.” Well, what did they know, those friends? Under the influence of the morning’s rude perspiration and smug with her bargains, she decided to give up on her quandary, the fruit seller, and settle for a good look at the fish. Mrs Sharp had been working on collecting the most impressive recipes in book form. She had a stack of printed paper, all collated and perforated for her three ring binder. Nothing as lowly as a book, she referred to it as The Compendium. She ambled to the fishmonger. The fish, dead and unmoving, stared fixedly back at her. Its open mouth gave it an idiotic look. What could one expect from a beast stupid enough to be dead before sunup? But perhaps she was too ungenerous: after all, it was lucky enough to be resting on a bed of ice. There was a certain cleverness to that, surely. “Do you have octopus?” called a familiar voice right next to Mrs Sharp. She had been so engrossed in contemplating the relative merits of piscine intelligence that she had failed to notice the advent of That Woman. Not for the first time, Mrs Sharp felt the pangs of anger at her small, petty social circle; at her husband for damning her to this life, away from home, unable to make a career. Mrs Sharp tried to turn subtly away and to pull her hat brim down lower to better cover her face. She tried to be as unobtrusive as possible, but subterfuge was hard when one was burdened with crinkling plastic bags and the collected weight of one’s lifetime. “OCTOPUS! OC-TO-PUS!” That Woman apparently believed she could compensate for her linguistic failures with an exponential rise in volume. So it always was with that grasping sort, thought Mrs Sharp, so brassy, so loud.
There was a word for what she was feeling, but she couldn’t remember it just now. It was one of those long, German ones. John would know. It had been Christmas Eve last year when one of the women in her building had started smiling extra widely at Mrs Sharp. And it wasn’t just any woman, it was one of the residents’ mother-in-law, a woman with a prodigious potbelly and a great fondness for paring white sneakers with bright saris. Mrs Sharp was a woman of sharp instincts. She had never trusted people who smiled too much, and too warmly. Especially people who smiled warmly despite the number of times Mrs Sharp had lodged complaints about their grandchildren to the building management. Being a mother herself, Mrs Sharp understood about children. She understood that children were loud and often obnoxious, but they had their place in the world. As far as Mrs Sharp was concerned their place was somewhere far removed from herself. It was not in her pool, not in her corridor. In hindsight, Mrs Sharp knew why the sneaker-sari woman had smiled so much and so warmly at her that day in December. Her smiles were probably spiced with that thing as well, that German affliction. Her friends at the club had warned Mrs Sharp about Thai women. (They too were probably thinking German thoughts at the time, come to think of it). And for years, Mrs Sharp had expended prodigious energy keeping tabs on every Thai woman in John’s office. There was Khun Jao, with her heavy jowls and shapeless frocks. She was a woman of indeterminate age when Mrs Sharp had first arrived, and she hadn’t aged a day. At a guess, she was somewhere between old and very old. And there was Khun Bee, young, horse-faced, and built like a wire drawn tight. She was married to a man twenty-five years older.
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Final Word
Fiction There were days Mrs Sharp saw Khun Bee and felt a pang of “SHITAKE MUSHROOMS AND LEMONS? WHERE CAN I FIND LEMONS? No, no! NOT LIMES! LEMONS! YELLOW? resentment. I was young once too, she wanted to rage. I too had a body I used to enjoy. And slyly, she thought, when I’d wake up Why is it so hard to find LEMONS?” smelling of a man, I’d smell of a man my own age. You poor girl, Mrs Sharp froze. Her heart pounded in her chest. What she had thought and she had felt that German thing then too. did that mean? It couldn’t be… oh no! John was an idiot, but he Mrs Sharp should have expected it. She had known her couldn’t be that stupid, could he? Well, of course, he was. Witness, John was a man who delighted in the unexpected. She should the incident with the gin and the public cuddling of his mistress have known not to worry about Thai women. in full view of his colleagues’ mothers. Just when she thought he On Christmas, the day after the sari-sneaker mother-in-law’s couldn’t be more of a trial, he went out and proved her wrong. warmest smile that Mrs Sharp found out. That day, the dotty It was one thing to move mother-in-law had cornered Mrs his wife and family away from home. Sharp in the elevator and told HE Bangkok Women’s Writers Group, founded in It was slightly worse to thrust his her at length about the time she 2001, and led by Anette Pollner (who also writes wife into a life as a stay at home saw “that Sir John of yours.” Both the recurring ‘moon intro’ stories in this series mother, and to keep her there when Mr and Mrs Sharp had vainly in her famous neo psychedelic style), is where creative the children had gone. It was even tried to explain that John was women from all over the world meet to workshop their worse to then find himself another plain Mr Sharp, but to no avail. It writing in a supportive and inspiring environment. woman—and not even a local girl, was a universal law apparently: Many of our members are published and prize winning that one could have written off as mothers-in-law were a law unto authors, but we are open to all women who are par for the course. But now! Now he themselves. She had seen John passionate about writing, including complete beginners. had gone and done it! and had thought it was so nice The BWWG’s first publication (before ‘Monsoon For years now, the that men nowadays didn’t feel shy Midnights the short story collection,’ available now company women had lauded Mrs holding their daughters close in on Amazon) was a Thai English language bestseller, Sharp on her cooking. She had built public. Mrs Sharp felt that it was ‘Bangkok Blondes,’ and various pamphlets. We regularly dreams around the day in which useless to tell the woman that she give readings around town and have been part of her Compendium would bring and John had no daughters. international festivals and cultural exchanges. Please her public adoration and universal It was a full month before contact bkk_writers@yahoo.com for more information. respect. But John couldn’t let her Mrs Sharp discovered who This month’s storyteller is M. S. Khan, who was have anything of his own. All those the publically-cuddled alleged born in Pakistan. Since she left her birthplace, she has years of iron willed resistance to daughter was. It was the tiny, flatlived in eight other cities. She has degrees in history bribery and social snubs wasted! He chested Regina Daws—a woman and communications in culture studies. M. S. Khan had given That Woman his wife’s of no breeding, with a deplorable has written for research institutes, news sites and for piece de resistance – her famous fondness for velour tracksuits. She a university journal. Since moving to Bangkok, she octopus recipe! was another building resident, feels incredibly privileged to have fallen in with the And in that blinding and wife of a young accountant in Bangkok Women Writers’ Group. It has been through moment of intense humiliation John’s office: a vain peacock and the tremendous support of the writers here that she’s and hate, as realization crystalized apparently, also a cuckold. broken away from her background in journalistic around Mrs Sharp, Regina Daws Her transaction completed writing, and statistical research to take a stab at fiction. turned and saw her. The sun had while Mrs Sharp ruminated, risen and Mrs Sharp could see Regina Daws had started asking better. She could see the soft patina of ash crusted around her questions of the fishmonger. life. And she could see that Regina Daws’ eyes had a look. Of “Where can I find shiitake mushrooms? SHI-TAKE? Do you course her smile was smug and her expression triumphant. know? SHIIIII-TAKE?” She was speaking louder and slower, What a moment to remember the word, that German word Mrs perhaps intending to wear down the woman’s persistent Sharp had been looking for came to her: schadenfreude. ignorance of English by sheer force of will. The small things in life are the big things in life. Those that have travelled here, thousands of miles by plane from other continents, hundreds of miles by non air bus from the provinces, a dozen city blocks by tuk tuk and tired feet, end up simply exchanging a small village circle for another small tribe where the drama of the universal kitchen unfolds. But who knows… After all, they ARE all here. Who knows what really swims below the surface. The octopus once swam in deep waters off the shore…. I’ve stayed too long. The sun is sweating out from behind the clouds, cooking the smells to a frenzy. I have to go. But I know that the monsoon moon will be rise again, illuminating things large and small, next month when Monsoon Midnight returns with a brand new story. Anette Pollner, leader of the BWWG
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The first volume of Monsoon Midnights (18 stories by 12 authors with beautiful illustrations by the BigChilli graphics team) is available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tj8fJr. TheBigChilli
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