February 2015 117
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08 INSIGHT News, gossip, business and more 12 GATECRASHERS Lavish national day celebrations are the target of a small group of freeloaders
87 WHAT’S ON Exhibitions, performances, sport, and more great things to do this month 101 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures
19 GOURMET A round up of the best restaurant deals and gourmet news in Bangkok
117 DIPLOMATS Maxmilian Wechsler discovers why the Armenian Honorary Consul is a true gem
63 EXPAT WOMEN Fiction, shopping, advice, and school news
124 TRAVEL Find out what’s hot in Pattaya & Hua Hin
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BURGUNDY TASTING MENU
This month at Fiſty Five and Red Sky at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, our Chef de cuisine, Hugo Coudurier invites you to sample the fabled culinary delights of Burgundy, France. A province that’s long been famous for its awe-inspiring red wines, fertile Burgundy has now inspired our February “Burgundy tasting menu”. Chef Hugo and his team will be creating a range of signature dishes which combine a variety of seasonal ingredients into our unique take on these rich, fragrant classics, including: FOIE GRAS TERRINE Concorde grape and Meursault wine compote FRICASSÉE D’ESCARGOTS Wild mushrooms, cream and parsley
PARIS-DIJON Crème praline and roasted walnuts Set for 5 courses THB 3,255++ per person 18.00 – 22.30 hrs.
CHAROLLES VEAL STEW Smoked bacon and caramelized pearl onions BRILLAT SAVARIN FROM BURGUNDY Infused with Marc de Bourgogne
FiſtyFiveCentara RedSkyCentaraGrandCentralWorld CentaraGrand_CentralWorld
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL DINING RESERVATION centarahotelsresorts.com 02-100-6255 Email : diningcgcw@chr.co.th
Too many media spoil the truth? ONE of the most amazing phenomena of recent times has been the growing rejection of the mainstream media as the most credible source of information and news. No longer are people tied to a handful of extraordinarily influential but not always reliable TV stations and newspapers with a certain self-serving agenda; instead they’re looking at all kinds of alternative media like websites and blogs to gain a more varied and, in theory, a more balanced view of the world. It’s been a welcome development. But will it last? The Internet is now chock-full of websites claiming to act like the old-fashioned news agencies, with reporters allegedly out in the field sending back accurate information. Blogs written by people boasting a dazzling array of qualifications and experience that can’t be checked proliferate. Some of these reports find their way on to social media sites like Facebook as an authoritative source when, in fact, they are nothing more than propaganda and paid-for publicity by organizations or even governments with a particular message to sell. To varying degrees, they are often believed. And the public at large is hoodwinked by sophisticated-looking websites and so-called experts. The Age of Media Enlightenment is thus in danger of becoming The Era of Disinformation. And in a truly ironic twist, the confusion caused by this torrent of increasingly questionable information may ultimately result in people going the full circle and reverting back to the TV stations and newspapers they previously abandoned for news they can trust.
sidewalks to such an extent that pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads. Soi 11 is a terrific soi in danger of becoming a victim of its own success, attracting the wrong kind of people and their selfish actions. It would be a shame if other streets followed this unwelcome trend.
How to run a restaurant STRUGGLING restaurant owners – and Bangkok has its fair share – must be shaking their heads in amazement, and a hint of envy, at the phenomenal success of simple Thai restaurants that are banking huge profits daily. Take one such local eatery in the Asoke area of town. Open for 40 years, it occupies a couple of corner shophouses with minimum decoration or amenities apart from some ceiling fans and a rudimentary toilet. Staff comprises mainly of the same family that have owned the business since its inception all those years ago. With seating inside and lots more outside on the sidewalk, the restaurant can cater for at least 80 customers at any one time. However, as a constantly busy all-day operation, these seats are used by many different customers. So, by even the most conservative of estimates, the number of ‘bums on seats’ in a typical day at this restaurant is 400 (80 x five customers). The majority of diners are tourists and expats who have discovered its good quality food and reasonable prices, and probably pay on average 400-500 baht per person. With minimal overheads, low staff costs and no rent to pay, this extremely basic restaurant is clearly doing very well, though its astonishing profitability will offer little comfort to those restaurateurs who find it difficult to balance their books month in, month out.
The taxi and vendor menace on our streets FOR this issue The BigChilli went in search of the Bangkok streets with the best selection of restaurants and general entertainment. In the first of a two-part feature, our team has highlighted the attractions in Sukhumvit’s side streets. It was a fairly daunting challenge, trekking up and down almost two dozen sois to see for ourselves what each of them has to offer. It was also a rewarding experience that revealed the full gallery of amazing possibilities this area of the city has to offer. In the end, we selected 7 sois to be included in this article. Those featured are mini-entertainment districts in their own right just waiting to be discovered. A cloud does hang over their future, however, and it’s something that is already very apparent on Soi 11 – the taxis that hog the parking and whose drivers are known to issue threats to anyone who challenges their right to leave their vehicles on the street; and the vendors whose stalls block and dirty the
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Hotels’ room rate challenge ROOM rates in the upper echelons of Bangkok hotels are ridiculously low. In fact, they’ve barely budged from what was being achieved ten or more years ago. And today they’re even being surpassed by low quality and budget hotels in places like London where it’s virtually impossible to find a room for under 5,000 baht a night. Yet, somewhat bizarrely, more luxury properties are coming on to the market. Put simply, it doesn’t make sense. Owners of hotels are being constantly harangued by their management companies for money to carry out much needed renovations needed to attract customers. The owners respond by demanding higher returns on existing facilities in order to pay for the improvements. It’s stalemate. And while guests may be getting some really great deals these days, the quality of their stay and Bangkok’s reputation both decline.
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
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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 Bangkok tourism on the up, say experts ■ THAILAND’S tourism industry has turned the corner after a very difficult 2014, bouncing back in the fourth quarter with strong growth, according to data released exclusively at Thailand Tourism Forum 2015 by STR Global. Held at InterContinental Bangkok and now in its fourth year, a record number of delegates totalling over 500 from throughout Asia gathered to gleam insights from industry leaders on Thailand’s tourism industry at the hospitality event. STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific, Jesper Palmqvist, revealed the staggering decline for Suchad Chiaranussati most of 2014 with year-over-year (YoY) occupancy falling by -11.3%, mostly driven by Bangkok, which saw a decline YoY of -16.2%. This is against a backdrop of almost half the year at -20% and worst months where it was over 30% down. However, recovery started to emerge late Q3, and in Q4 numbers really turned around for Bangkok. After the dismal start to the year, RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) increased by +2.5% YoY in the last quarter. Occupancy in December for Bangkok was one of the highest ever recorded by STR Global since 2000 and, when comparing quarters, Q4 2014 showed the best occupancy Bangkok has seen since 2006. Moreover, RevPAR was the second best Q4 for the last decade suggesting that six to nine months is the new recovery time norm for Bangkok. Organised by AMCHAM Thailand and leading hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks, ThailandTourism Forum 2015 was opened by SC Capital Partners Founder and Chairman, Suchad Chiaranussati.
More public space on Pattaya beach ■ THAILAND’S nationwide beach clean-ups continue with Pattaya and Jomtien receiving a new zoning regulation to reduce space for beach chairs and umbrellas and offer larger space for more fun under the sun for holidaymakers. Under the new zoning regulation, Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches are now offering 10 metres of public space or empty sand every 100-metre-wide beach-chair zone, with each vendor concession separated from another by one metre. In addition, authorities have declared Wednesday as the ‘day-off’ for beach vendors who are operating businesses on Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches. Prior to Pattaya and Jomtien, similar clean-ups and zoning regulations have been introduced at beaches in Phuket, Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin) and Chon Buri (Bang Saen). Now if they could only do something about those dodgy jet ski operators…
Shop till you drop… ■ A SERIES of tradeshows hit Bangkok this month offering big savings on a variety of products. Grab yourself some bargains at the following:
Popscene on hiatus ■ BAD news, music fans. Matt Smith, aka Jimmy Livewire, the founder of Popscene Live, which over the past few years has brought in international bands such as The Cribs, Thee Oh Sees, Cold Cave and Ice Age is heading back to the UK to undertake a six-month course in barbering, with no plans to return. Here’s hoping that someone just as passionate about music follows Matt’s fine example and continues to snag all those indie acts that would otherwise bypass Bangkok en route to Singapore or Hong Kong.
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• Feb 12 – 15: Thailand Mobile Expo 2015 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Mobile phone trade fair offering handsets and accessories at reduced prices. www.thailandmobileexpo.com • Feb 12 – 15: Shopping Paradise & Beauty Parade 2015 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Clothing, leathers, beauty products, gadgets, gifts, electronics and all kinds of interesting products will be on sale here. www.mac-exhibition.com • Feb 20 – Mar 1: HomeWorks Expo 2015 at BITEC. HomeWorks and Power Buy will both offer their respective quality home products and electronic goods at reduced prices. www.homeworks.co.th • Feb 25 – Mar 1: Thai International Travel Fair at QSNCC. Travel packages and hotel deals from the kingdom’s hottest destinations. www.titf-ttaa.com • Mar 14 – 15: Thailand International Furniture Fair at IMPACT. Expect special deals on all kinds of furniture at this comprehensive trade fair. www.thailandfurniturefair.com
Expat
Entrepreneur Awards 2015 Recognising the foreign community’s contribution to the Thai economy The categories include: •Charity •Consultancy •Discount Trade •Entertainment •Fashion •F&B Drinks •F&B Food •Graphic Design •Health And Fitness
•IT/Tech •Manufacturing •Media & PR •Property •Retail •Tailoring •Travel And Hospitality •Others (TBA)
If you are an expatriate entrepreneur with a business story worth telling, or you know someone whose company deserves recognition, please let us know. Entry to the awards is free. Company or business being nominated must be expat owned or managed, and based in Thailand.
Submit your company today! Contact thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com for more info.
Feature
Freeloaders on the diplomatic circuit By MAXMILIAN WECHSLER
Lavish national day celebrations are the target of a small group of gatecrashers
M
MEMBERS of Bangkok’s diplomatic and hi-so circles are becoming increasingly concerned about a handful of people – four foreigners and one Thai – who attend national day receptions without an invitation. Three of the foreigners turn up uninvited on a regular basis while the other two appear less frequently. Their objectives apparently vary from free food to more sinister designs, such as gaining access to ambassadors for all kinds of reasons. Those who legitimately attend national day receptions, lavish events usually held in the ballrooms of five-star Bangkok hotels, are free to mingle with ambassadors, privy counselors, cabinet ministers and other Thai civilian, military or police officials, as well as prominent local and foreign business and social figures. For the uninvited with a hidden agenda, this is an ideal guest mix. Of the five gatecrashers known to me and many others, three of the foreigners
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should be of concern to guests because of their murky backgrounds, the claims they make about themselves, and their behavior. Uninvited guests tend to follow the same modus operandi; upon arrival at the hotel where the event is held, they will survey the scene before deciding whether it’s safe to bypass the registration table without registering. They reckon that embassy staff will be unlikely to run after them and ask for their invitation card, although this does sometimes happen. They know from experience that embassy personnel are reluctant to confront a foreigner wearing a suit as he might be a high-ranking diplomat. Sometimes the gatecrashers will enter alongside an invited guest they are acquainted with in order to ease their way into a reception without an invitation. They approach the invited guest in the lobby, and in some cases arrange to meet them beforehand over the phone. In fact,
an invited guest is often permitted to bring a friend. Some embassies don’t even check credentials, which makes it too easy for the gatecrashers, who know very well which country receptions are easy to enter and which are not. At events where guests are carefully screened, the gatecrashers arrive long after the event has started because the embassy staff or Special Branch (SB) officers (wearing suits), who usually provide security for diplomatic receptions, may assume that they had previously entered, or left for one reason or another and then returned. The method of stamping guests’ hands as they leave the venue, as at a Motor Show, is not suitable for a diplomatic affair. In most cases the gatecrashers find a way in. Notable exceptions include the US Independence Day, French Bastille Day celebrations, and Israel National day, all of which keep to a strict security regime.
“homeless man,” adding: “He is harmless because he is just coming for the food. When I see him at my country’s reception, I have no problem letting him eat as much as he wants.” The ambassador isn’t so benevolent with certain other gatecrashers, who he says “disturb guests during and after receptions and behave suspiciously.”
The African-American
GATECRASHERS GALLERY
W The white-haired European
Who are these gatecrashers and freeloaders? The dean of Bangkok’s uninvited guests of diplomacy is purportedly an Austrian national who claims to be a former diplomat. Aged 60-plus and distinguished in appearance, he is easily overlooked, even if his suits have seen better days. This fellow has been seen attending receptions and other events like exhibition openings for at least 20 years. He shows up like clockwork to events with a good spread of food and alcohol if he feels there is a good chance of being admitted. He usually arrives in the hotel lobby early and changes into his suit in the lavatory. Many guests have remarked that he always wears the same dark, shabby suit and dilapidated shoes. He can often be seen travelling around the city by BTS carrying a large black shoulder bag containing the suit. Regarded as “harmless” by diplomats and others in the know, he never offers a name card and shows no interest in talking to other guests unless approached; he’s too busy eating, from the beginning to the end of the event. When most of the guests have already left the ballroom, he can still be seen racing around serving himself one plateful after another. He has been evicted from receptions several times during his “career.” Sometimes before entering the ballroom he can be seen chatting with other foreign gatecrashers. One ambassador calls him a
This well-dressed man who speaks with an American accent began attending diplomatic receptions and other events about two years ago. He doesn’t eat much, probably because this would limit the amount of time he can converse with guests, which is clearly his priority. He walks from one group to another trying to initiate a conversation. He’s not shy about interrupting conversations. His targets are primarily ambassadors and other diplomats. He has the habit of calling guests after events and trying to set up a meeting. He also apparently tries to convince guests to invest in his company projects. The man’s behavior is a topic of much discussion and most diplomats are on the alert when he approaches them, telling different stories about his business activities in Thailand. His nicely designed card reads: “Director” of a certain “XXX Development Fund” with an address in a well-known area of Hong Kong. At one reception he told a guest that he had “just signed a defense contract,” and tried to impress guests at another event by identifying a communications installation on Sathorn Road. One curious diplomat called the number in Hong Kong printed on his name card. He said a rather cautious woman answered, and the following conversation ensued:
Caller: Can I talk to Mr XXX (giving his surname)? Woman: Who is calling? Caller: His friend from Thailand. Woman: (Pauses). He just left the office. Caller: This is impossible because we met in Bangkok last night. Maybe the man in Bangkok is an imposter? Is Mr XXX’s first name ZZZ? Woman: This is confidential. Caller: Really? If I know his surname, why is his first name confidential? Well, good-bye then. Perhaps it’s not surprising that the website of the company mentioned on the rear of the card says: “Apology for the inconvenience. Our website is under construction.’’ The card then says the company profile can be obtained upon request through an email address ending in com.hk.
The smooth-talking Frenchman Another gatecrasher is a well-dressed and intelligent middle-aged man who speaks English with a French accent. He looks successful and distinguished, but upon getting to know him this impression quickly fades. Sometimes he gives out a plain name card. He is not a big eater or drinker; he spends most of the time talking to anyone who will listen. He tells various stories about his financial dealings, including ownership of a hotel and involvement in the oil business. He has also claimed to be a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces. He frequently complains
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Feature about money he lost in a dodgy investment. Whatever the truth of his situation, the hard fact is that he attends almost every national day reception without an invitation and pushes himself on the guests. Recently he was seen chatting away with the wife of a prominent Thai who is associated with the monarchy. It’s not clear what his motive for attending receptions is. A website operated by a Jewish organization shows a photo of him posing with an orthodox Jew in a hotel ballroom in Bangkok.
to another, grabbing as much food as the plate can hold. He manages to eat at an incredible speed while walking around and talking to guests. His erratic behavior has attracted a lot of attention. “He acts like as a crazy man,” said one Thai businessman who has been observing him for some time. “He tries to chat up wealthy single ladies,” added the businessman. This may be another motive for coming to receptions, but clearly his first priority is the free food. The fi fth gatecrasher, a foreigner, sometimes gets an invitation but allegedly often turns up without one. He is rumored to be involved in intelligence gathering for foreign governments.
Other dodgy guests
The hungr y Thai The only regular Thai gatecrasher is a man said to be in the newspaper business who told a guest a few years ago that he has some kind of foundation. He eats from start to finish of the receptions. The only difference between him and the Austrian is that he races from one table
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and use pen or a necktie with a hidden miniature camera,” asked one annoyed guest. Despite a heavy SB presence, the man was allowed to enter the venue and carry on with his filming. He hasn’t been seen recently.
E
Over the years there have been other characters attending national day receptions without invitation to freeload or attempt to gather intelligence information by charming diplomats. One embassy in particular is said to use these occasions as a training ground for newly assigned staff. Dodgy photographers not designated by the embassies or working for the hotel will sometimes enter receptions and take photos of guests without asking. If they are approached by the guests and requested to email the photos to them, the images rarely arrive. An exception was one Russian lady who gave a name card to a guest she photographed. He contacted her and demanded she email the photos she had taken. She complied, and the photos suggest that she had been targeting certain individuals, most probably to be identified by someone. Over the past few months, a short Thai man wearing a blouse bearing the logo of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has walked around filming guests indiscriminately with a video camera. It surprised many guests because he was doing it so openly. “Why not to be more discrete
Shifting security
Embassies differ considerably in their approach to security for their national day receptions. Some call the RTP bomb squad, who will sweep the ballroom beforehand with canines. SB officers are deployed outside and inside the ballroom if the embassy requests. Some don’t for one reason or another. The SB officers carefully examine bouquets brought in by guests or by messengers on a behalf of guests who aren’t attending. Overall, they do a good job. According to one SB officer, they can evict a person from the reception only if the host tells them to do so. As mentioned, the American, Australian and Israelis are known to be very strict about requiring every guest to present an invitation at functions they host. On these occasions, our five gatecrashers stay home.
Freeloading in style YEARS ago, top Bangkok events were regularly attended by a certain Thai man known for his white suits, Cuban-heeled boots and curious hair style. Claiming to be of aristocratic stock, this man was rarely invited but never turned away by the organizers or hosts who were fully aware of his freeloading. He chose his events carefully, though, turning up only at the most prestigious occasions. As a result, he was eventually regarded as something of a ‘barometer’ of an event’s importance; if this eccentric old man didn’t attend your party, it clearly wasn’t up to scratch. Sadly, this harmless fellow hasn’t gatecrashed a party in years.
Expat
Property
Building your own home in Thailand ■ BUILDING a house in Thailand can be a daunting task. It takes time and it’s very important to work with a company which has your best interests to heart, knows what it’s doing, and has experience. Luckily for expats and Thais alike, there is a company which has been building custom homes successfully for over ten years. Kensington builders are based in Bangkok and have helped many people realise their dreams of constructing a quality home. Kensington provides a full service, including professional architectural design and property construction.
1. What does Kensington do? 2. How much does it cost? Kensington is a Thai construction company which can help you design and build your own home. They build houses of all styles and various sizes; from retirement bungalows to large luxury villas. They also have in-house English speaking Thai architects to assist with design if required.
Every home cost is different according to the architectural drawings, specifications of the house, size and materials chosen by the customer. A quotation to build is provided once all architectural drawings are completed by their architects. Or if you have architectural drawings already completed, then Kensington can provide a quotation based on those.
3. Are the prices competitive?
Yes very much so. Kensington’s prices are some of the best value in the market for the service provided, quality of work, and homes they build. It is why they are popular.
4. If I already have
architect's drawings, will Kensington still build my home?
Yes they will. Some clients prefer to have the full service with design to start with, followed by construction. Other clients already have finished architect’s drawings and require only construction. Some clients require only design. Kensington is very flexible and can do both.
5. What guarantees do they offer?
Kensington provides a works guarantee and also takes out professional building insurance at the start of construction. Kensington offers one of the most
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comprehensive building contracts in the market. It provides super legal protection to every customer.
services.” – Mr. Alan Brown (BSc, CEng, MIMechE, MCIBSE.)
“They have assisted with everything, provided a quality service and done exactly what they said they would do. I would definitely recommend them. They are very nice people and take very good care of their customers.” – Belinda Ali Khan
“I can from my personal experience recommend Kensington as an honest, reliable and highly competent contractor; with a professional management team which will cater for your every preference in constructing your house at very competitive market rates. Thanking you.” – Kingsley & Katai Pathmanathan
“Their professionalism, level of service, eagerness, quality of work and value for money are unsurpassed in my experience. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Kensington to anyone who is lucky enough to be able to avail themselves of their
“The journey of designing and building a dream house has been an exhilarating and ultimately rewarding process with the support of the Kensington team. Kensington worked with us through the details of the architectural design, and quickly won our
6. What the customers say
trust and confidence. The end result is wonderful. Kensington has been very helpful in providing ideas, and design suggestions based on their experience on previous projects. Altogether, it is a combination of their skills, quality of work, attitude and customer service, that we can recommend their services.” – Peter & Olivia Heinze So if you are looking to construct a home, Kensington is the perfect place to start. Ke n s i n g t o n Co m p a n y L i m i t e d
Te l : 0 2 6 56 7 7 2 5
w w w .th a ila n d b u ild e r s .c o m
e m a il: s a le s @ k e n .c o .th TheBigChilli
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Gourmet Restaurant news & deals | Serving Up | Recipe | Reviews
Raising the steaks Bangkok ďŹ r t e ork t e teak B rger e ta rant ha o ene offering rime ertiďŹ e ng eef at rea ona e rice age
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Catering made simple
AVAILABLE NOW FROM CENTARA GRAND AT CENTRAL PLAZA LADPRAO BANGKOK
CATERING for large events needn’t always be a headache. Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok lives up to its mouthful of a name by offering a splendid new range of veritable buffet feasts – all cooked and served in a location of your choice. Prices for outside catering start at B890 per person for Cocktail Dinner Menu; B990 per person for Thai & Western Buffet Dinner Menu; and B11,500 per table for Chinese Set Dinner Menu. All menus include free-flow soft drinks. Book before Mar 31 and you’ll receive two complimentary flower stands, theme colour set up, and free transportation charge within 5km from the hotel. 16 95 Ph a h o l y o t h i n Rd . 0 2 54 1 12 3 4 :c e n t a r a h o t e l s r e s o r t s . c o m
One for the men… EVERY THURS AT MAYA
SPECIAL deals just for men are offered every Thursday night at Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit’s popular Indian restaurant and bar, Maya, whose new ‘Men’s Night’ promotion offers three hours of free-flow beer for B499++, and snacks starting at B149++. 1 Su k h u m v i t 2 2 0 2 6 8 3 4 8 8 8 :h o l i d a y i n n . c o m
hristoph
er at
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MAR 24-28 AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK
THE executive chef of the two Michelin starred Restaurant Haerlin at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg, will fly to Bangkok next month to showcase his cuisine at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Named ‘Chef of the Year 2015’ by influential restaurant guide Gault Millau, Chef Christoph will create dishes such as Maine lobster with yellow beetroot, passion fruit and cocoa; and Rack of lamb with sage, spicy couscous, small vegetables and choron sauce. A three-course set lunch will be B2,600++; five-course set dinner, B4,900++. Add B2,500++ for wine pairing.
Japanese feast
UNTIL FEB 28 AT CITI BISTRO
JAPANESE food fans will find plenty to please them at Pathumwan Princess Hotel’s international all-day-dining restaurant this month. A special buffet line, promoted under the moniker ‘Japanese ConneXtion,’ is on offer featuring sushi, sashimi, tempura and more Japanese fare at the special price of just B990 per person. 4 4 4 M BK Ce n t e r , Ph a y a t h a i Rd . 0 2 2 16 3 7 0 0 :p p r i n c e s s . c o m
L u m p i n i , 57 W i r e l e s s Rd . 0 2 6 8 7 90 0 0 :o k u r a b a n g k o k . c o m
Rooftop picnic
AVAILABLE NOW AT THREESIXTY OUTDOOR LOUNGE
ROMANCE shouldn’t just be reserved for Valentine’s Day. Venture up to Millennium Hilton Bangkok’s new ThreeSixty outdoor lounge every Thurs-Sat and you can take advantage of a Rooftop Picnic that features a hamper filled will all kinds of gourmet goodies (think sashimi, seafood, foie gras, and desserts) priced at B1,800 per couple. Served from 5pm. 12 3 Ch a r o e n n a k o r n Rd . 0 2 4 4 2 2 0 0 0 :f a c e b o o k . c o m / Hi l t o n b a n g k o k 20
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
ac tr
e sho case
UNTIL FEB 28 AT WINE PUB
BLACK Truffle from the Drome Region of France is the flavour of the month at Pullman Bangkok King Power’s Wine Pub, whose chefs are using this prize ingredient to create dishes such as Homemade duck liver terrine with black truffle, Risotto carnaroli with black truffle, Grilled beef rib eye with black truffle, and more – starting at B800 per dish. 8 - 2 Ra n g n a m Rd . 0 2 6 8 0 9999 :p u l l m a n b a n g k o k k i n g p o w e r . c o m
ea oo
ri a s
UNTIL FEB 28 AT TABLES GRILL
r no ger at
i
FEB 24 – 28 AT THE ST. REGIS BANGKOK
EXPECT nothing less than a superlative dining experience when the executive chef of the two Michelin starred La Villa Archange Restaurant, on the outskirts of Cannes, arrives in Bangkok to showcase his signature dishes, Chef’s Table style, at Viu. Prices range from B2,100++ for a three-course set menu to B6,900++ for a nine-course menu. Add B2,000++ for wine pairing. Available for lunch and dinner. 159 Ra j a d a m r i Rd . 0 2 2 0 7 7 7 7 7 :s t r e g i s b a n g k o k . c o m
TABLES Grill at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok may be bestknown for its Australian, Japanese and US beef, but its imported seafood is also worthy of the spotlight. Visit any Friday night this month (6.30pm-10.30pm) and you can enjoy a la minute appetizers such as Diver scallop flambé, and Seafood bisque, as well as mains like Half Boston lobster, King prawns, Atlantic Sea Bass, and more imported premium fare, for B3,500++ per person. 4 94 Ra j d a m r i Rd . 0 2 2 54 12 3 4 :b a n g k o k . g r a n d . h y a t t . c o m
ra itiona n a oast
EVERY SUN AT THE HUNTSMAN PUB
YOU can’t beat a good ol’ traditional Sunday Roast. Comforting and delicious, it’s an indulgent treat that can beat back even the worst of hangovers – well, just about. The roast on offer at The Landmark Bangkok’s Huntsman Pub has long been famous for its quality and size (think Roasted Australian beef, Roasted New Zealand lamb, Honey glazed gammon ham, Roasted herb spring chicken, Smoked salmon, veggies and Yorkshire puddings) and it’s great value for money at B790++. Best of all – it’s now ‘Come 4 Pay 2.’ 13 8 Su k h u m v i t Rd . 0 2 2 54 0 4 0 4 :t h e l a n d m a r k b a n g k o k . c o m
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EVERY FRI AT HENRY J. BEAN’S BAR & GRILL
AMARI Watergate Bangkok’s Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill has launched a new Ladies’ Night promotion (every Fri from 8-10pm) featuring complimentary cocktails and mini-canapés inspired by women’s accessories. After 10pm, all drinks are offered at B99. 8 4 7 Pe t c h b u r i Rd . 0 2 6 53 90 0 0 :a m a r i . c o m
Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Buffet feasts
New on the scene
Great deals not to miss!
• Sunday Brunch at Feast: The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers’ popular Sunday brunch lives up to its host restaurant’s name by offering a splendid spread of international cuisines. Great value at B1,780 per person with free-flow juices, and B2,580 per person with freeflow beer, wine, and juice. Offer ends Mar 31. 02 266 9214 :royalorchidsheraton.com • Sunday Brunch at 204 Bistro: Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok’s all-day-dining restaurant serves up a sumptuous spread of international cuisines every Sunday (11am-3pm) together with free-flow sparkling wine for just B990++ per person. 02 694 2222 ext 1530 :swissotel.com • Late night buffet: Every Fri and Sat from 9.30pm-11pm, Sofitel So Bangkok’s Red Oven Restaurant offers an international buffet spread for the special price of B900++ (reduced from B1,300++). 02 624 0000 :sofitel-so-bangkok.com • Moët and Chandon Brunch: A la minute signature dishes and free-flow champagne are just two of the highlights of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s international Sunday Brunch at Voila! B2,200 with free soft drinks and juice; B3,750 with Chandon, wines and cocktails; B4,750 net with Moët & Chandon Champagne, wines and cocktails.Half price for kids aged 6-12. 02-126 9999 ext. 3304 :sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com • The Art of BBQ: Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11’s Australian BBQ buffet dinner at Crave Wine Bar & Restaurant features a wide range of grilled meats and seafood for B1,290++. 02 207 7000 :aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com
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22 Steps Bar
JUST opened on Wireless Road, the new Hotel Indigo Bangkok is worth seeking out for its dining and drinking venues alone. These include Metro on Wireless – a neighbourhood café, which serves Thai cuisine, elevated street fare, and international comfort food; and 22 Steps Bar and Humidor, where every Friday from 6pm-9pm free-flow wine is B599++. 0 2 2 0 7 4 999 :h o t e l i n d i g o . c o m / b a n g k o k
Mango 99
ANORMA Grand Hotel’s newly renovated all-day-dining restaurant is celebrating its reopening with a special deal – ‘All-You-CanEat International Lunch’ for just B399 with free-flow soft drinks. It’s also ‘Come 4, pay 3.’ Offer ends Feb 28. 0 2 6 55 5555 :a r n o m a . c o m
New York Style Steak & Burger
OWNED by former model Khun ‘Lina’ Naalinlat – a self-confessed ‘steak freak’ – Bangkok’s first New York Style Steak & Burger restaurant (at Park 22, Sukhumvit 22) follows the fine example set by its sisters in Shanghai and Beijing by offering prime USDA Certified Angus beef and fresh-ground burgers – all at reasonable prices. Highlights include the signature 220g Manhattan Monster burger, topped with bacon, cheese and fried egg at B450; and the 250g Striploin steak, at B1,150. American craft beers and boozy, New York-inspired cocktails add to the offerings. :f a c e b o o k . c o m / NY s t e a k n b u r g e r
Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Rembrandt starts the year with a feast
THE management and staff of The Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok welcomed 2015 in delicious fashion with New Year’s Eve Parties at both Rang Mahal Indian Restaurant and Señor Pico Mexican Restaurant.
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per person
Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
EnvyFol arrives in style
OENOPHILES were out in force for the arrival of France’s EnvyFol wine, which made its Thailand debut in a special lunch hosted by Italasia at 4 Garcons Brasserie & Patisserie, Thonglor Soi 13. Produced by the Lavau family in the southern Rhône Valley, EnvyFol is affordable and approachable while retaining the traditional refined aesthetic of rench wine. Available now at all Villa Market stores, priced B699 per bottle.
Award-winning tastes at Le Méridien Bangkok
EXQUISITE dining was the order of the day when Le Méridien Bangkok hosted an ‘Xplore New Tastes’ Chef ’s Table at Grand Atelier Restaurant, where Chef ‘X’ Attapol Thangthong, gold medal winner of the 2014 Luxembourg Culinary World Cup, cooked an exclusive eight-course dinner paired with wines.
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“A Celebration of Love” 13th – 14th February, 2015
This Valentine's Day, impress the one you love at Maya, The Authentic Indian inspired restaurant. Indulge in a romantic four-course dinner overlooking the city skyline, including a bottle of sparkling wine and a complimentary stay at Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit.
THB 4,999++ /Couple
For reservations, please call 02 683 4888
Maya, 29th Floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, 1 Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 T: 02 683 4888 : mayarestaurantandbar : mayabangkok *
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Boston lobster with black spaghetti in cream sauce
Boston lobster cooked to perfection in a Western style, with black squid ink spaghetti and cream sauce – a delightfully simple recipe from Chef Vichuda, Sous Chef of East Coast Kitchen at Executive Tower, Holiday Inn Pattaya Ingredients • 700g whole Boston lobster • 90g black spaghetti cooked • 60g asparagus cooked and cut into 1 inch pieces • 60g Eryngii mushroom sliced • 15g white onion small dice • 5g garlic finely chopped • 5g fresh dill chopped • 80ml whipping cream • 30ml white wine • 20g parmesan cheese • 20ml olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Boil the lobster for 8 minutes, remove and refresh in ice cold water. 2. Carefully cut the lobster in half. Remove the tail meat and cut into 1cm pieces (or preferred size). 3. In a medium size frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and mushroom and cook until soft.
4. Add the wine to the onions and mushroom mixture, and reduce the wine by half. 5. Add the whipping cream, reduce by half, and then add the parmesan cheese. Cook until mixed, and then add the lobster
pieces, cooked asparagus and spaghetti. 6. Continue to cook for 1 minute (or until heated through). Add the fresh dill, mix well, and season to taste. 7. Fill the lobster shells with your tasty creation and serve.
Chef in focus
ujarith Chef Vichuda Jongs 30
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CHEF Vichuda Jongsujarith graduated from Dusit Thani College in 2006 and since then has honed her skills working at well-known hotels in Pattaya and Bangkok. Passionate about her craft, Vichuda creates simple yet delicious takes on Western favourites and has so far scooped 11 awards from regional cooking competitions. Try her cuisine for yourself, while soaking up the splendid sea views, at East Coast Kitchen, in the new Executive Tower of Holiday Inn Pattaya. East Coast Kitchen, Holiday Inn Pattaya, Executive Tower, 463/68, 463/99 Pattaya Sai 1 Rd. 038 725 555 :holidayinn-pattaya.com
cut out and keep
Recipe
Steakology
AmBar's meat-focused special menu features fine cuts of beef from three continents. See page 36.
Top Paddock Lamb
Premium grass fed lamb is available now from Choice Foods Thailand. See page 48.
Dining Out Salmon - American style Hearty portions are the order of the day at the popular Roadhouse Barbecue. See page 34.
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Pan-fried lobster medallion A gourmet treat served as part of RedSky Restaurant's gourmet Valentine's dinner. See page 40.
Dining out
Wo rds H AR V E Y W H I T E
Roadhouse Barbecue
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Serving hearty American food at its best
GOOD ol’ fashioned American cuisine is hard to beat. Ribs rubbed with viscous sauces, steaks charbroiled medium-rare, chicken wings loaded with spice, burgers topped with melted cheddar. These are the hallmarks of a cuisine which, when prepared by an assiduous chef, is comforting, tasty, and decadent in all the right ways. A great feast, no matter what country you’re in. For a little over seven years, Roadhouse Barbecue (on the corners of Surawong and Rama IV Roads) has been the go-to venue in Bangkok for authentic stateside flavours, and its hearty portions and buzzing atmosphere have proved so popular, a sister venue, Roadhouse Saloon, has now been opened on Silom Soi 3 (in the lobby of GLOW Hotel Trinity Silom). This success is well-earned. Chef and owner Dana Edward Caron, a Portland, Maine, native, is truly passionate about his craft, and his commitment to creating high quality food is unwavering. Ask him about his last trip home, and the first thing he’ll tell you about, most likely, are the artisanal
vinegars he bought just so he could improve the flavour of his salad dressings; ask him about his meats, and you’ll discover he works with only the nation’s foremost food importers. Don’t miss the BBQ baby back pork ribs (B700++), a full-rack smoked with mesquite wood, or the Chargrilled lamb chops (B650++), served with house salad, a choice of dressing, grilled potatoes and country spinach. The Chicken wings (range from B140++ for six, to B420++ for 20) are also impressive, and especially memorable if you opt for Dana’s homemade ‘Suicide Sauce’ – a real tongue-zinger. Other highlights include burgers topped with a choice of cheese, a wide selection of sandwiches (the Pulled pork, at B300++, is our fave), pasta, steaks, soups, fish, an award-winning Steak chili (B270++ per bowl) and vegetarian options, as well as a small selection of desserts (try the Key Lime Pie B170++). What’s more, you can wash all of this down with one of the best selection of imported craft beers in
Ro a d h o u s e Ba r b e c u e , 94 2 / 1 Ra m a IV Rd . , Su r a w o n g s e Rd .
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Bangkok, including superior tipples such as Brewdog Punk IPA, Scotland (B270++), Baird Angry Boy Brown Ale, Japan (B335++), and Deschutes Inversion, USA (B275++). Local beers and an extensive selection of wines and spirits are also available. Set over three floors, Roadhouse sets the perfect stateside-style atmosphere thanks to a rustic blend of wooden fixtures and furnishings and the requisite Americana. Up on the third floor, there’s always a buzz thanks to a plethora of bar games – many of which can be played for free – such as pool, darts, and Shuffleboard (an addictive game which sees competitors slide weights down a long table). Live sports, meanwhile, are shown on strategically placed screens throughout the venue. Drop by for daily happy hours (4pm-7pm) when the bar’s packed with regulars and you may feel like you’re in a modern day version of smash-hit TV show Cheers. All in all, it's a great place to meet old, and make new, friends.
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Dining out
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amBar
Rooftop restaurant raises the steaks with a special menu featuring top-grade imported beef
PROVIDING a serene refuge from the relentless hubbub of Sukhumvit Road, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15’s rooftop restaurant may not boast the loftiest views in town – at eight storeys high it’s overshadowed by numerous nearby cloud-grazers – but it’s by no means dwarfed by the competition in terms of atmosphere and taste. Arranged in the manner of an upmarket lounge bar (think a mix of low-slung tables and couches, and private dining tables tucked away in leafy corners) the restaurant’s emphasis is squarely on ensuring diners have a good time. Hearty portions, boozy cocktails, the occasional live DJ – this is casual dining at its best. Chief among the highlights at this
popular restaurant is ‘Steakology,’ a meat-focused special menu which features fine cuts of beef from Australia, America, Canada, and Argentina cooked just as you like and served with all kinds of mouthwatering sides. Prices range from B800 for a Striploin steak (Argentina) to B1,800 for a Wagyu sirloin with grade 5 marbling (Australia). Lamb and fish dishes, meanwhile, start at just B750. amBar’s regular a la carte menu is also worth a look, with tasty international dishes such as Grilled chicken breast served with mashed potatoes (B550) and Salmon steak with sautéed spinach, potato wedges and dill cream sauce (B600), as well as local favourites like Phad Thai (B350), and pasta dishes and soups. Not in the mood for a meaty feast?
Fo u r Po i n t s b y Sh e r a t o n Ba n g k o k , Su k h u m v i t 15
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Check out the amBar Favourites menu, loaded with popular bar snacks such as Pigs in blankets, Crab Rangoon, and Salmon Lomi Lomi, for just B260 each. What’s more, every day from 9pm11pm, you can enjoy bite-sized snacks with two cocktails for just B300. Another popular promotion is Ladies Night, held every Saturday from 7pm-9pm, when ladies enjoy free-flow Cosmopolitans. Also look out for the occasional Weekend Pool Party, where you can slurp on signature cocktails while enjoying atmospheric beats spun by guest DJs. Bliss. amBar is open daily, 4pm-2am. Last orders for food is 10.30pm. Steakology will be available until the end of April.
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Dining out
Guest review by
Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy
DiVino
An authentic taste of Italy on Thonglor
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T was back to work for most in Bangkok so not more than 10 diners could be mustered as Roberto Ferin led us through this, the first B&B lunch of 2015. We enjoyed an excellent lunch, commencing with a selection of appetizing finger food which included a delicious helping of moist thinly sliced ham and copious draughts of Fox Creek Shadow’s Run Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (McLaren Vale, South Australia). Dining proper started with Prawn and crispy bacon on creamy borlotti beans sauce accompanied by more Sauvignon Blanc chosen by Roberto to counter the acidity of the wine. Wine spokesman Andrew MacDowell found the wine to be tart, nice to taste, but perhaps not an ideal match for the dish. The giant prawn was grilled to perfection and provided a great start according to food spokesman Ralph Bernet. This was followed by Homemade tagliatelle with artichokes, Italian sausage and ricotta (whey cheese) and Fratelli Revello Langhe Nebbiolo 2007
(Piedmont, Italy). Both the dish and the matching wine, in typical Italian style, was adjudged to be a success for all. The main dish of the day, Braised beef stew with polenta, had been prepared for us by 80-year-old Signor Ferin Senior and attracted an earnest debate about which part of the cow had been sacrificed to satisfy our appetites – varying opinions were offered – with most plumping for brisket. (My later research found that, as cattle do not have collar bones, the muscles which comprise brisket support about 60% of the body weight of standing/moving cattle, hence their size). The sacrifice was
not in vain as the beef was enjoyed by the Club, almost without exception – grits and polenta are interchangeable it seems. The accompanying wine, Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’Alba 2006, was appreciated by everyone and again came from Piedmont, Italy. There followed ‘A selection of cheeses,’ an understatement as we found three portions of Italian cheese, all different but very tasty, which we were informed would be best eaten in the designated order. Ralph, in vain, looked for melon alongside the cheese (it was actually apple) but we did find the quince relish. Finally, there remained a slice of Amaretto cake (a diVino signature dish, we learned) with Allegrini Recioto della Valpolicella Classico 2005 (Italy), which one past critic told us had ‘enough acidity to really keep this from being heavy. Amazing wine.’ We wholeheartedly agreed and were a little surprised to find that the wine had not been fortified. Still in a mood to celebrate the New Year, we therefore added a bottle of Grappa with which to finish. Siesta time apparently had intervened but we did find two damsels still remaining to receive our thanks for the excellent service we had received at the hands of Roberto and his staff. diVino Bangkok, Penny’s Balcony, Thonglor 16, Sukhumvit 55 Rd. 02 714 8723 :divinobkk.com
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Romance on a plate Valentine’s Day dining at a glance
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok: FOUR distinct dining experiences await
lovebirds here. Enjoy an international dinner buffet at Chatuchak Café (B1,500++ per person with a cocktail); a special set dinner at Don Giovanni (B4,999++ per couple including a glass of Prosecco per person); a five-course set menu at Blue Sky (B5,999++ per couple inclusive of a glass of Prosecco per person); or a Japanese special set menu at Hagi (B1,999++ per person). 16 95 Ph a h o l y o t h i n Rd . 0 2 54 1 12 3 4 :c e n t a r a h o t e l s r e s o r t s . c o m / c e n t a r a g r a n d / c g l b
Pullman Bangkok King Power: WINE Pub is offering a special five-course set dinner menu featuring Black trompette mushrooms, Panfried duck’s liver, Wagyu beef tenderloins and more. B1,990 per person, or B2,750 per person with Grand Cru wine pairing.
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Rembrandt Hotel: DELIGHT your beloved with a five-course candlelit dinner at Rang Mahal Indian Restaurant (B2,995 per couple); or with a four-course romantic dinner by the pool at Da Vinci Italian Restaurant (B2,500 per couple). 19 Su k h u m v i t So i 18 . 0 2 2 6 1 7 10 0 :r e m b r a n d t b k k . c o m
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok: ITALIAN-American
SAVOUR a “Seafood on Ice” themed dinner buffet at Fifty-Five (B8,555++ per person with free-flow Lombard Champagne); or a special six-course menu at RedSky (B14,555++ per couple with a glass of MUMM Champagne per person). Available from 6pm-10.30pm.
style restaurant Scalini will serve up a five-course romantic dinner with live music (B2,500++ per person). Alternatively head to Lapse Rooftop Pool Bar for a five-course menu with wine pairing, a bottle of Champagne Gremillet brut Cuvee, and macaroons (B12,000++ per couple for Valentine’s exquisite dinner or B15,000++ per couple for dinner and a one night’s stay at the hotel).
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Centara Grand at CentralWorld:
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Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok:
THE hotel’s rooftop restaurant Chili Hip is offering a five-course dinner under the stars for B2,400 per couple. 56 7 Ra t c h a p r a r o p Rd . 0 2 6 2 5 12 3 4 :c e n t a r a h o t e l s r e s o r t s . c o m / c w b
Conrad Bangkok:
ENJOY a five-course western degustation set menu with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose (B5,000 per couple), or an eight-course degustation menu including sparkling sake at KiSara (B5,000 per couple). 8 7 W i r e l e s s Rd . : b i t . l y / 1x Ix k d 4
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0 2 6 90 9999
Find the full round-up of Bangkok’s best Valentine’s Day dining deals at thebigchilli.com
Se cti on !
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Chef’s Table
Catering news from Thailand and the world Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants to return with new format
ONE of the most anticipated gourmet events for foodies in Asia, the third edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants will be announced on Mar 9 at Capella Hotel in Singapore. Different from previous editions of the awards, which took global votes from over 900 members of The Diners Club® World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, this year’s event will have more regional focus with results generated by 300 votes from restaurant industry leaders across Asia. Alongside the announcement in Singapore will be an awards ceremony for nine individual categories including The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Asia; The Veuve Clicquot Asia’s Best Female Chef Award; The Diners Club® Lifetime Achievement Award; Chefs’ Choice Award; One To Watch Award, sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro; Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Cacao Barry; Highest Climber Award; Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by LesConcierges; and the Individual Country Awards. Earlier in January, Vicky Lau (pictured), Executive Chef of Hong Kong’s Tate Dining Room, was recognized for her French-inspired creative Asian dishes by being named Veuve Clicquot Asia’s Best Female Chef for 2015. She will be presented with the award at the ceremony. More info and a full programme is available at :theworld50best.com/asia
Culinary Masterclasses in Singapore
Four Seasons Bangkok to become flagship Anantara
THE Four Seasons Bangkok will soon be no more. That’s right. On March 1 it will officially become the flagship for Anantara Hotels & Resorts, known as Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa. The rebrand of this prestigious hotel is the culmination of a life-long dream of William Heinecke, CEO and Chairman of Minor International, to operate a flagship property in the heart of the Thai capital. Mr Heinecke founded and launched Anantara in 2001, and since then has grown the brand to a portfolio of over 30 properties in eight countries, with a strong future pipeline of over ten hotels and resorts. The General Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa will be Ms Titiya Chooto, who is currently General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and before that was Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. 42
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TO MARK the launch of the third edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, a summit titled ‘The New Modern: 2015 and Beyond’ will be held for members of the industry and the public on March 8, 2015, at Singapore’s At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy. Bringing together some of the world’s most influential chefs, the summit will present current culinary trends, big ideas in food and issues facing chefs, restaurateurs and discerning diners. Speakers include Daniel Humm and Will Guidara (from Eleven Madison Park, USA, No.4 on The World’s 50 Best 2014), Virgilio Martinez (from Central, Peru, No.15 on The World’s 50 Best 2014) and Gaggan Anand (from Gaggan, No.3 on Asia’s 50 Best and No.17 on The World’s 50 Best 2014). Members of the public and industry will also have the chance to learn from the world’s leading chefs during a series of masterclasses on March 8 and 9. Full details of the programme and ticketing details are available at :theworlds50best.com/asia.
Food and art combine in Phuket
NEED proof that quirky culinary concepts can be successful in Thailand? Look to the example set by Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa’s Sala Layan restaurant, whose ‘Culinary Quests’ – a series of wine dinners specially created by Executive Chef Umberto Piccolini to complement selected artworks – are proving a big hit
Culinary change at Eastin Grand
EASTIN Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok has named Stefan Nietsche as its new Executive Chef. A native of Germany, Chef Stefan has worked throughout the industry in a number of positions including Commis de Cuisine at the Renaissance Hotel Leipzig, Germany, and Chef de Partie at the Santa Ponca Country Club in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. In 2007, Stefan decided to broaden his horizons and find out more about Asian culture so he came to Thailand where he became Executive Sous Chef at the Laguna Beach Resort Phuket before joining Siam@ Siam Design Hotel & Spa Bangkok as Executive Sous Chef acting as Executive Chef. Prior joining Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, Chef Stefan was Executive Chef at Chatrium Hotels & Residences in Bangkok.
with local diners. A different Quest will be held the last Friday of each month throughout 2015. Last month’s Quest was inspired by Italian musical composer Gioachino Rossini, and featured a five-course menu that drew influence from the man himself and some of his most famous compositions. For more details, 076 317 200 or : sala.layan@anantara.com
A taste of success for Chef Patrick
PATRICK Moriss, sous chef of Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort's Italian Restaurant, Gecko's, has passed through to the second round of the San Pellegrino Young Chefs Competition 2015. One of 10 finalists selected by ALMA Cooking School to represent South East Asia region, Chef Patrick will compete in 20 culinary challenges and one chef from each region will attend the Grand Final competition at Expo Milano 2015 in June. For updates, visit tinyurl.com/mo8lxyq.
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Meet the Chef What's the most important decision you have made in your professional life? Moving abroad to develop my skills. Your all-time favourite restaurant? My home where I grew up.
SERVING UP Andrea Molinari
The new Executive Chef of Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort on ingredients, myths and culinary inspiration
Most used cookbook? My own notebook featuring recipes handed down through my family.
Your newest recipe? Risotto with watermelon, goat cheese and mint. Most influential chefs? My mum and my grandmother.
Your biggest guilty pleasure? Pisarei e faso (Bread dumplings with beans – a classic dish from my father’s home region).
What’s your cooking philosophy? You are born a chef – you can’t become one. Biggest culinary myth? That water only boils at 100ºC (depends on air pressure).
What motto do you find most inspiring? Strong teamwork pays dividends.
Your favourite food? Indonesian Ayam penyat (fried chicken in spicy sambal).
Most challenging ingredient to work with? Crocodile… One thing you learned about cooking which amazed you? When I discovered sous vide.
About the chef
■ JOINING Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort just last month from the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (where he was Executive Sous Chef), Andrea Molinari, an Italian national, has over 10 years’ experience cooking in kitchens at 5-star hotels. Among them: Sheraton Hotel Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Berjaya Hills, Malaysia; and Kempinski Hotel Dalian, China. Like all good Italian chefs, Andrea is passionate about sourcing only the finest ingredients to create his food and always keeps things wonderfully simple. Try his food for yourself now at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort – well worth the trip! Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, 200 Moo 3, Klong Muang Beach, T.Nongtalay, A.Muang Krabi
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Fireplace Grill welcomes new chef
AUSTRIAN national Sebastian Reischer has joined InterContinental Bangkok’s popular steakhouse as its new Chef de Cuisine. With over 6 years’ experience working in top kitchens in London, Vienna, and Singapore, and most recently alongside renowned Chef Ian Pongthawat Chalermkittichaiat in Bangkok, the talented chef should have no trouble maintaining the high standards for which Fireplace Grill is known. The restaurant is open daily for dinner from 6:30-10:30pm. 02 656 0444 ext. 5500 :icbangkok.com
New chef, traditional tastes at Celadon
THE Sukhothai Bangkok’s elegant Thai restaurant, Celadon, has named Rossarin ‘Rin’ Sriprathum as its new head chef. With over 20 years’ experience cooking Thai food in Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Japan, Chef Rin worked as Assistant Head Chef at the renowned Siam House Restaurant in England, and was a Thai chef at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok before joining Celadon. She prides herself on offering traditional Thai dishes with original Thai tastes – so expect no unnecessary toning down of herbs and spices. Just as we like it. 02 344 8888 :sukhothai.com
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Top Paddock Lamb from Australia – premium grass-fed lamb available now
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Grilled, roasted, barbecued or fried, this top quality lamb never fails to impress
ANY restaurant worth its salt will offer premium quality lamb on its menu. Sourced from young sheep (usually aged between 6-12 months) lamb is a healthy and delicious source of protein, minerals and many B-group vitamins including niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. It is lean and low in cholesterol compared to other animal proteins and 50% of the fat in lamb is the much-better-for-you monounsaturated variety. Top Paddock Lamb from Australia is becoming known as one of the best quality lamb brands currently available in Thailand. The lamb is from southern Australia, a region that produces some of the tastiest lamb in the world. The high rainfall combined with the rich soil provides luscious pasture for the animals to graze on, which in turn gives the meat a wonderfully authentic natural flavour. Top Paddock Lamb is naturally grazed on open pastures and has no added hormones or antibiotics.
Flavours that work well with lamb are garlic, lemon, tomato, onion, anchovy, paprika, rosemary, thyme or oregano – you can use fresh or dried herbs. One of the best ways to eat lamb is a simple grill or roast. You can either grill the individual chops on the BBQ, under the grill or in a frying pan, or roast the whole rack in your oven. Lamb leg and shoulder cuts also work well cooked in the oven or on a BBQ with a lid. A simple and very quick method is to slather olive oil, salt and pepper over the meat and cook to your liking – we think medium is perfect. You can also add finely diced anchovy and lemon zest for a slightly Italian twist – the tiny pieces of fish will dissolve and mingle with the
Ch o i c e Fo o d s Th a i l a n d , 959 So i Su k h u m v i t 7 1,
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citrus, leaving a tangy salty flavour that is delicious. Choice Foods Thailand are the exclusive importers of premium Top Paddock Lamb. You can find them online at foodglorious-food.com, choicefoodsthailand.com, or visit their store in Sukhumvit Soi 71.
0 2 3 8 1 92 4 0 - 4 2 :c h o i c e f o o d s t h a i l a n d . c o m
You are What You Eat
Quality ingredients for delicious dinners and good health
Today, there is a wealth of literature about the importance of diet and nutrition, ever increasing our awareness of the quality of food we buy and eat. As a result, consumers are becoming more selective and savvy about where they buy their meat and vegetables. They are also more conscious about how animals are raised and what they are fed. You can tell you have eaten a superb meal using high quality ingredients because, aside from the satisfying, delicious taste, you get a sense of well-being. Researchers in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health show us that food quality is in fact a very important determinant in achieving and maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
Where to Buy? Living in Bangkok, it can sometimes be difficult and daunting to know where to source fresh quality imported beef and lamb. Unlike in Australia and many countries in the West, we don’t have the convenience of our local butcher where we can just pop in on the way home from work or after school pick-up. For many of us Bangkokians, our grocery shops often require forethought and planning.
The choicest cuts in town Are you looking for the best steak, burger or roast to enhance your menu and impress your guests? Look no further than Choice Foods. Our meat is better. Here are the reasons why: Choice Foods is Thailand’s leading importer and wholesaler of fine quality meats, seafood and gourmet ingredients. Our longevity in the business – over forty years – attests to our quality control and customer satisfaction in our products. By fostering a strong relationship with respected and renowned producers of premium beef and lamb in Australia, we can ensure that the meat we buy is top-notch. We are proud to represent award-winning brands such as Blackmore Wagyu, Jack’s Creek, Margaret River and
Top Paddock (see left), just to name a few. We also fly in our meats weekly chilled, not frozen.
Meat that’s free of Hormones & Antibiotics At Choice Foods, we strongly advocate healthy eating through natural, chemicalfree ingredients. Managing Director, Bob Coombes, says: “Our belief in good health and sustainability also motivates us to buy only hormone and antibiotics-free beef and lamb that were raised in natural conditions.” We also take pride in offering our wholesale and retail customers good value, which is one of the founding principles of the company. Choice Foods supplies many of Bangkok’s leading hotels and restaurants. When diners bite into a piece of tender and tasty grass fed fillet mignon or lamb
rump, they are most likely eating a piece of Choice Foods’ meat just flown in from the green pastures of sunny Victoria, Australia.
Great news for home cooks For mums, dads and other discerning diners out there, you now can buy this same quality beef and lamb at our retail shop, Food Glorious Food. Located on Sukhumvit 71, at the corner of Soi Pridi 37, it’s a short hop from Thonglor and Ekamai. Soon, Food Glorious Food will be launching its online ordering and delivery program to make it even more convenient for customers. The site will be ready late March 2015 at www.foodglorious-food.com. In the meantime please visit our shop and try one of the delicious minute steaks, grass fed Wagyu rib eye, organic lamb cutlets, homemade burgers and sausages, or other delicacies from Spain. You won’t be disappointed.
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STREETS AHEAD Exploring Bangkok’s Hottest Sois. Part 1 Sukhumvit Wining & Dining
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S u k h u mv it Soi 8
S t able Lod ge
C offee@8
SOI 8 is one of the BigChilli’s favourite streets, partly because it is a dead-end which means the traffic is light and walking without fear of being mow ed down by an impatient driver is possible. Indeed, the far end of the soi has a wonderful tranquil air that has been recognized by some shrewd entrepreneurs as a great location for several cute and surprisingly inexpensive hostels and guesthouses. A curiosity is a traditional Thai school whos e octogenarian owner and her family refuse to sell out to developers. And for a few minutes ever y weekday, the stree t fills up with young kids in their distinctly Thai scho ol uniforms. For some unfathomable reason, Soi 8 is also largely free from the dreaded taxi mafia and pave ment vendors that rule public space in Soi 11 and othe r thoroughfares. Independent restaurants prevail here; not a single establishment is part of a chain. At least for now. Most of them are located at the busy top end of the soi, which is handily right next to the Nana BTS statio n. Restaurant highlights include Via Vai (Italian), Monsoon (International) and Stable Lod ge (Scandinavian). Opening soon are Little Italy and a yet-to-be-named seafood restaurant on a site previously occupied by the legendary Le Banyan. Bars with a buzz include The Kiwi Pub (previously known as Soi 8), Det-5, a popular mus ic venue with a large outdoor dining area, and Coffee@8.
lAlmost a genuine walking street; reasonably
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SOI 11 is unquestionably Bangko k’s most popular street for expat residents and tourists looking for action in a rapidly expanding choice of venues. By day, it is rather scruffy and unsightly; a virtual parking lot for taxis, while vendors block the sidewalks. It doesn’t improve much by dark, but at least the bright ligh ts create a more attractive picture. Soi 11 is also a major thoroughfare, funneling traf fic from the main Sukhumvit to Soi 3 and Soi 21, so pedestrians are often forced to compete with heavy traf fic flow because the sidewalks are simply not acc essible. But there’s no doubting the nightly excitement and buzz on Soi 11. The revamped Q Bar and its new in-house venue, The Vault, are two of the stre et’s edgiest late-night venues; the others are Above Eleven (at Fraser Suites Sukhumvit) and Levels in the Aloft Hotel. Many of their customers warm up in the incredibly pop ular and much admired Oskar Bistro. Popular pubs-wi th-food include Mulligan’s, The Australian, Champions and the Old Ger man Beer House. Zaks is both a pub and wine bar, and also ser ves great food. Although hardly a pub, the phenomenally successful hole-in-the-wall Che ap Charlie’s nonetheless attracts a big nightly crowd, whe n it’s not raining.
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Nest possibilities. For Soi 11 has multiple dining out Coyote, and the ned ope ly Mexican, there’s the new wn’s; Spanish is ser ved long-established Charley Bro ez Pape; Italian at Pizzeria at Tapas Café; French at Ch food at Snapper; Indian at Limoncello; New Zealand sea i doori at Charcoal; and Tha Moghul Room; moder n Tan is s ger bur ed ard reg highly at Zanzibar. Specialising in a side street is the second on n soo g nin Ope . use Fireho entinean steak house on Arg branch of El Gaucho, the y lots of quirky bistros and Soi 19. There are additionall s of a popular area which, sad bars inhabiting dark cor ner nt. redevelopme ly, is apparently destined for draw in Soi 11. Venues that r the ano yet is Live music ds include Apoteka, Nest host some excellent local ban recently opened Wolff ’s. rooftop lounge bar, and the al
rnation lExciting, edgy and ver y inte the sidewalks ng ggi clo s LTaxi mafia, vendor
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La C antina
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Sukhumvit Soi 16
US S te ak ho use
B asilic
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Long Table
Ku pp a
SOI 20 is another one of those rare Sukhumvit streets where pedestrians aren ’t cannon fodder for crazed motorists, even though it does link to busy Soi 22. A recent boom in hotel construction may change all that, with taxis cruising for business or hogging available parking. Overall, though, it’s a street with considerable appeal. For years, a decent percentage of Soi 22’s customers has been down to two restaurants, Bei Otto, Bangkok’s oldest German diner and bier haus, and Chesa, the city’ s most popular Swiss eatery, run by Thomas and Rene, a partnership of remarkable longevity . Bei Otto’s German exclusivity has been recently challenged by newcomer Deutsches Eck, located some way down the street. But Chesa has the Swiss market sewn up. Bangkok’s growing love affair with Span ish cuisine is being put to the test at Taberna Jamon Jamon, while lovers of basic Italian food can dine at Basilico Pizzeria. And if you like restaurants serving Thai and Chin ese, drop by Green Garden, JeNgor or Tho ng Lee.
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SOI 16 is not immediately attached to the main Sukhumvit so its various attraction s are therefore often overlooked. Which is a shame because it is an interesting stree t with a surprisingly large number of resta urants set in a generally uncongested area . Apar t from the Foodland supermarket, Soi 16 is perhaps best known for Kuppa, an architect-designed restauran t serving inter national fare that’s hugely popular with expats, and Long Table, serv ing Thai cuisine with a creative twist. Ther e’s much more, of course, with Italian cuisi ne to be found at La Cantina, Pizzazo and It’s Time, while the US Steakhouse spec ializes in, guess what. The specialties of Balee Laos, a laidback al fresco restaurant, and Baan Thai speak for themselves. Soi 16 has a newc omer with a tantalizing name – 32 Decemb er Patisserie & Bistro, serving inter natio nal cuisine, as does Grand Café The Gree n Parrot. And if you’re a fan of Japanese , there are plenty of venues to choose from on this usually fairly tranquil street.
lSurprisingly good number of restaurants. LNot immediately connected to Sukhumvit, but not a big deal.
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S u k h u mv it S o i 5 5 (T ho ng lo r)
street names don’t reflect WHILE the majority of Bangkok’s tify (Wireless Road, the anything about the roads they iden like a 1950’s computer), the biggest offender, is strung together Well, at least figuratively. You moniker Thonglor actually works. means molten gold, and for a see, roughly translated, Thonglor the past five years as the street that has established itself over description couldn’t be this city’s most affluent neighbourhood, more apt. neurs can flourish; it’s Thonglor is where creative entrepre t exciting F&B concepts; and here you see some of the city’s mos highbrow clientele – think the street attracts an achingly hip, ped in body-hugging dresses impossibly lithe Thai women wrap ng arm in arm with gym– by top designers, no less – wanderi and rolled-up-chinos, whose toned blokes, clad in white-shirts r-glue sheen. hair points heavenward with a supe the lack of parking a real and The traffic may be terrible, forgotten when you sink kly quic are bane, but such annoyances cocktail at the Harry Potter into a couch and slurp on a boozy tuck into fish and chips while movie set-aping Iron Fairies, or up to teddy bears, eat listening to jazz at Fat Gut’z, or cozy and sip tea from children’s tea huge chunks of homemade cake, ously. cups at Mr Jone’s Orphanage. Seri
Perf ume
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iga Eat ing Roo m
Ro ast You can select from more than 300 internation al beers at Brew, sink innovative cocktails at Clou ds (both at SeenSpace Thonglor 13 – one of the city’s liveliest nightspots), savor rooftop drinks at Octave, and enjoy an Irish-tinged drinking experience at Flann O’Brien’s. And when it comes to dining, you’re really spoilt for choice. Just some of the highlights on the stree t include Roast (Inter national), Soul Food Mahanako rn (Thai), Supanniga Eating Room (Thai), Perfume (Creative international cuisine), The District Grill Room & Bar (steaks), Masala Art (Indian), Wine Republic (Thai and Inter national), Amalfi Bistro (Italian), Tribe ca Restobar (New York-inspired cuisine), Phuk et Town (Thai), and diVino (Italian). Lighter bites are available, meanwhile, at Bangers (serving gourmet hotdo gs), and Sway (which specializes in chicken wings and craft beers). Scheduled to open later this year on Thonglor 17 is The Commons, an urban marketplace devel oped by the owners of Roast which will feature a large indoor market selling everything from coffee (by Roast ) and baked goods (by Maison Jeanne Phillipe), to Isaan bites (by Soul Food Mahanakor n), Seafood and cockt ails (by Rocket Bar Group), rotisserie and pasta (by Appia ), and beer (by Brew).
contemporary indian dining
Weekday Lunch Thali 399 Baht Come 4 Pay 3
lHome to some of the city’s most exciting F&B concepts LBad traffic and lack of parking
Valid until 30th April 2015 | Available Monday to Friday From 11:30 to 14:30 | Service charge and VAT excluded Selections change daily | For reservations please call 02 258 4900 #71 Sukhumvit Soi 26 (BTS: Phromphong)
www.indusbangkok.com
Th e I r on Fai ries
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Appia
Su k h u mv it So i 3 1 Ba r om & o R ing n Din o t s A
Wond er wa ll
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SOI 31 is fast becoming one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods thanks mainly to a host of upmarket restaurants, cute coffee shops, and denizens who really care about their proper ties and the area’s general appearance (former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lives halfway down the soi). Within walking distance of Phrom Phong BTS, the soi is home to four of the city’s finest Italian restaurants – each with its own distinct character and unique take on this famous cuisine – including Bella Napoli (a longstanding pizzeria offering Italian staples at reasonable prices), Antonio’s (gourmet Italian cuisine made using timeless family recipes), Appia trattoria (owned by Chef Paolo Vitaletti, who flew out his mum to help set up the menu – think Roman family recipes with the finest ingredients); and Peppina (also owned by Chef Paolo, this time offering Neapolitan-style pizzas and Italian favourites). Don’t fancy Italian? Other restaurants on the soi include Simple (western classics cooked using organi c and locally sourced ingredients), Tiger Sleep Eat/ Suea Non Kin (Thai), 100M Wine & Bistro (roofto p dining at S31 hotel), Isao (Japanese fusion), Himali Cha Cha & Son (Indian), and the brand new Aston Dinin g Room & Bar (molecular cuisine). Coffee and desser t fans can get their caffeine and sweet fixes at Wonderwall The Kaffe Bar at Avora 31 Residence, Cherubin (a must for chocolate lovers ), Mousses & Meringues (offers over 50 types of cakes and baked goods), Caffe What If (offers baked goods , homemade savory dishes and craft beers), and Coffea s Coffee Lab & Pub (freshly brewed coffee with coffee beans sourced from Thailand’s North). The area is slim on bars, but you can enjoy a good range of innovative cocktails made with Thai spirits such as Mekhong and Sangsom mixed with local herbs and fruits at Potion – a great spot for a night out with friend s.
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Antonio
’s
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Feature known MANY of the establishments in this wellbet Van can you but ers, paint after ed soi may be nam art. Most bars Gogh’s right ear that they aren’t pedaling ty, and while that line the street are of the hostess varie d in Nana foun bars they’re nowhere near as sleazy as red with orde s drink any or Soi Cowboy, most will team beat may h whic ship, the offer of female companion That . yone ever for not it’s but a bowl of soggy nuts, 33 is famed are said, amongst the venues for which Soi urants which several salubrious spor ts bars and resta and these kind offer squeaky-clean fun for ever yone – of establishments are on the rise. erfully For top quality imported steaks and a wond ns erloi Tend for ne relaxed atmosphere make a beeli good a s offer also ch (whi se Spor ts Bar & Steakhou y hours from selection of wine – don’t miss daily happ urant, Bistro resta r siste its out k 4pm-7pm). Also chec offering 33, which is located just a shor t walk away s and wine of bistro cuisine and an extensive selection house. inted appo spirits in a casual, elegant and tastefully e choic good a is For Italian cuisine, Basilico Pizzeria Pan Pan ng tandi longs for inexpensive pizzas, while the its hear ty is a favourite choice of Thai celebs who like while, is mean food, Thai ious portions of pasta. Delic and Bao ine, Cuis Thai g Thon Oam served up daily at burgers. le e-sty anes Taiw tasty of e rang a es & Buns serv n@ Recent additions to the soi include Ocea which brings Livingstones Urban Boutique Resort, city and the of the beach club concept to the hear t and The Fat DJs; live with regularly hosts poolside parties goods. d bake e emad hom s Beagle Café, which serve
r b an gstones U in iv L @ n a O ce Reso rt B o utiq ue
S u k h u mv i t Soi 33 Pan Pan
B uns B ao &
yal O ak Th e Ro
lConstantly evolving, fun and vibrant LStill renowned for its girlie bars
Tend erloins
WHO said pub crawls aren’t possible in Bangkok? Head to this small enclave a short walk from the steps of Phrom Phong BTS and you’ll find three British-style pubs located literally several metres apart – The Robin Hood, The Dubliner, and The Royal Oak. Each has its own distinct character and loyal following of regulars, and each serves up a good selection of traditional pub grub, as well as the requisite Sunday roast. The Comedy Club Bangkok, the city’s first dedicated English language comedy venue, hosts open-mic stand up every weekend above the Royal Oak (renowned international comics regularly feature, too), and you can find superior cups of joe at Ceresia Coffee Roasters,, owned by a Venezuelan family who use only the finest coffee beans to create their brews.
ood Th e Ro bin H
S u k h u mv i t Soi 33/1
lThree expat pubs within walking distance of each other LPlans to visit for ‘just one pint’ never seem to go as planned
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Discover more hot sois in next month’s issue!
Th e D u bliner
Expat WOMEN Put your feet up and indulge
Vintage vogue: La Boutiqu’es latest collection reflects the golden age of haute couture. Page 80.
Fiction
Enjoy the latest slice of fiction from the Bangkok Women’s Writers Group Page 64
Shopping
Hot new products and stores demanding your attention Page 80
Health
Nutrition expert Judith Coulson on vital veggies and how to cook ‘em Page 82 TheBigChilli
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Fiction
Monsoon Midnights Special places in Bangkok, as experienced by the Bangkok Women’s Writer’s 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. 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 moon sails close to the streets tonight, casting a dramatic light on the potholed pavements, illuminating long crisscrossing strips of a moving stage. I am drawn to a stretch right in the heart of town where people walk down those strips of pavements all day and night, giving the performance of their lives. They move in grand formations like a corps de ballet, then fizzle down to drawn out drips of pas-de-deux, and, suddenly, making way for a solo act, a prima ballerina claiming her space with swirls and twirls of her long limbs… I find this month’s storyteller, Ann Leander, leaning against one of the lush mature trees that line this road, creating the illusion of a Paris boulevard, slightly scorched from the heat perhaps, to frame the nightly parade. This storyteller understands the patterns of this never-ending street dance very well. I melt into the shadow of the big old tree, and listen to her tale.
The Lady of Lang Suan By Ann Leander Who was she, this barefoot creature who haunted Lang Suan? He sighted her one evening in Bangkok as, loosening his tie, running a hand over his stubble, he strolled home from his office. She was gliding over the cracked flag-stones, parting
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the tide of office-workers. While others grimaced and shrank from her, he could only stand and stare – who could pity one who carried herself with such dignity? He held his breath. She passed right by him. He took to dining at a sidewalk food-shack the better to observe her without appearing voyeuristic. There, in the glow of the street-light, as the wok sizzled and the pot steamed, he could watch her pass, mesmerized by dusty skirts swaying from her hips, awed by the regal angle of her head. From his rickety table he studied her as, too quickly, she slipped by into the darkness, leaving only questions: The proud nose might be Greek perhaps, but the coffee skin, the ink-black eyes – what serendipitous ethnic combination had produced such beauty? And why was she here, so far from her origins? And how had she got here – stowed away on some rusting cargo ship? Flown on the wings of a mythical bird? In his sated state, sipping his nam tao hu, he could let his imagination race away with him. He saw her with kohl-darkened eyelids, shimmering in silks under a Maharajah’s canopy. Or strolling beside the Nile – an Egyptian Princess, magnificent in goldtrimmed muslin, hair swept high, defanged serpent encircling her arm. He could not wrench his eyes from her. But she never saw him. Her stare travelled into the beyond, unseeing, unblinking. What thoughts, he wondered, lay behind that distant gaze? And what was she searching for as she walked on hardened soles, up to the Chit-Lom intersection, down to Sarasen? Just walking, walking. How did she survive? Local people watched her. They said that by day she lay in the dust in harsh sunlight, careless of the bank-workers who side-stepped her, the elegant matrons who herded their children away. They
said she never appeared to eat or drink and certainly not to wash. So many questions remained unanswered. Where did she go for safety when the city slept? Did she creep into some rat-infested back-soi, curled up in a doorway? Did she find some condemned building awaiting the wreckers’ ball? And above all, why did the wok-fryer’s dog whine and cower as the Lady of Lang Suan approached? Sometimes at night, as he lay between dreams and insomnia, she glided into his awareness and he imagined gently kidnapping her, spiriting her past his sleeping guard. In his apartment he would run a bath for her, offer her scented soap, shampoo, a brush to untangle that matted hair. Then, averting his eyes, he would hold up a soft bathrobe for her to step into and … And then reason returned. Was he mad? What was he thinking about? Any sane person would leave to her fate on the soi. Or bundle her into a tuk-tuk and whisk her off to a psychiatric hospital. Sometimes he wondered if she understood danger, and what would happen if she stepped off the road into the path of the manic traffic that charged down the street when the ChitLom lights changed. He wondered about the annoyances of the night when the soi emptied and the only humans awake were bored guards watching TV and the drunks rolling back from the girly-bars. But it was not fear for her safety that gripped him – with her strong shoulders and robust health she could surely fend off the most amorous predator. So what then if not fear? Could it perhaps be jealousy? One evening he encountered the Lady of Lang Suan as he was nearing a flower vendor. On impulse he snatched a bloom, dropping some coins into the man’s hands. This time, instead of stepping aside to let his Lady pass, he blocked her way and offered her the pure white lily. Would he be rewarded with a smile, a kap-khun-ka even? She halted, looked at the blossom for a moment as if wondering what it was. Then she reached out filthy fingers, took the flower from him and dashed it to the ground. After some months in Bangkok, he was put on the unpopular night shift at the office. But that suited him – now he could walk to his office, enjoy the cool night air on his face, arrive refreshed instead of dripping with perspiration. He loved these streets in the darkness when the din of traffic had quietened. When the last of the bars shuttered their doors and the hardiest of the drunks were rolling homewards. When the latest of the love-pairs wove slowly home to bed, frail Thai arms about wide western waists. When rats scuttled and dogs scavenged and the earliest of vendors rattled their carts through empty streets to set up breakfast stalls on the pavements. And then he saw her – the beauty of Lang Suan, but swinging along now with an energetic gait. The searching eyes shimmered with passion that startled him. He caught his breath. He slowed to prolong her approach and wavered with indecision – what should he do? Smile? Say Sawasdee krap to see her reaction? But he got no chance. Suddenly, in an office forecourt, she crouched to pick up a stone. Then she began etching wild lines on the pavement. He drew back into a doorway to watch her mad movements. Her arm danced as she toiled, her dark skin glistened. The grate of stone on stone rasped in the quietened night. He spied from the shadow, fearful of disturbing her, struck by the fury of her strokes, the passion, the speed. He longed to stay, to wait until she’d finished, to discover what she
was scribbling so urgently. But he had to go. The phones would soon be ringing. He often gazed out on misty pink dawns but that night, as he sipped the coffee he hoped would keep him awake, he stared only downwards. The Lang Suan Lady had gone. He drained his cup with a sigh and returned to his desk where the phone was jangling again. But what was the use? Giving up the struggle to concentrate, he took the phones off their hooks, took the lift down and hurried back along the Sukhumvit road. The traffic was thickening and above his head, the first morning sky-train rattled. He reached the spot and gasped. The pavement had become an amazing sight – a carpet of frantic symbols – swirls and curls, dashes and angles, swoops and loops. All etched with a confident hand as if every stroke had a purpose. What did it all mean? Was it some alchemical prescription, some complex mathematical formula? Or just the bizarre art of a troubled mind? He took a photo with his phone. Back at his desk he tried to make sense of her, this creature – part tramp, part princess – and her mystifying skills. He phoned his friend Brad, a fanatic of the weird and inexplicable, in the Sydney office. “Send me the photo,” Brad’s voice said, the studied matterof-fact tone unable mask his interest. Excitedly, he downloaded the photo to send Brad but, when he came to view it, he froze. Nothing showed up – no writings, no scribbles, just a pristine stretch of pavement. ‘What the…’? He blinked at the screen. He phoned Sydney again. “Yeah, sure,” Brad laughed. “Been on that dodgy Thai booze, have you?” He would show Brad. He transferred all calls to his mobile phone, hurried down to street-level again and sought out the spot in front of the forecourt. But the pavement markings had faded, scuffed out by shoe-leather, washed away with the morning soaking from the gardeners’ hoses. Almost daily now, he saw the Lady of Lang Suan striding in the cool night air, but weeks passed before he spotted her at work again. Then there she was, bathed by light from a full moon, crouched in the same spot, dragging her stone across
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Fiction the same surface in the same frantic way. This time he drew closer and watched, following the precision of her strokes, amazed at her speed, her energy. She ignored him. He would have photographed the script again, but feared the flash would frighten her. That night, frustrated, alone in the office and unable to leave his desk, he Googled symbols … unexplained writings. Immediately, pages of information flashed up on the screen. His eyes skimmed them – weird stuff about desert caves, ancient scripts etched on slabs of stone, messages from beyond. And there they were, weird symbols staggeringly similar to the scratchings on the pavement. He stopped breathing. Perspiring with excitement, he zoomed in and copied the page, enlarged it to maximum and sent it to the printer. To hell with the office! He raced to the lift and hit the ground-floor button, skipped down the steps and jogged back down Sukhumvit. In the forecourt, the guard eyed him as he
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HE Bangkok Women’s Writers Group, founded in 2001, and led by Anette Pollner (who also writes the recurring ‘moon intro’ stories in this series in her famous neo psychedelic style), is where creative women from all over the world meet to workshop their writing in a supportive and inspiring environment. Many of our members are published and prize winning authors, but we are open to all women who are passionate about writing, including complete beginners. The BWWG has published a Thai English language bestseller, ‘Bangkok Blondes,’ and various pamphlets. We regularly give readings around town and have been part of international festivals and cultural exchanges. Please contact bkk_writers@yahoo.com for more information.
picked up a stone and scratched, transposing symbols from the page. What was he writing? Would they mean anything to the princess? Was this a communication of sorts? The guards watched and muttered together – did they think he was as mad as she was? Who knows – perhaps he was! He longed to be there when she came by, caught sight of his writings. But he couldn’t stay to watch. Work was calling. He was alone. Phones would be going wild. He never saw her again, his Lady of Lang Suan. With desperate charade gestures he asked everyone about her, the wok-fryer, the flower vendor, the guards on his gate. But no one could tell him anything. *** People step around him, this creature who haunts Lang Suan. This ragged human who tramps the soi, up to Chit-Lom, down to junction. Or lays in harsh sunlight with dust in his beard, careless of the suited bank workers who wrinkle their noses, the elegant matrons who shield their childrens’ eyes. Who sets the wok-fryer’s dog whimpering, straining on its chain. Who stares endlessly into the distance, eyes the colour of the Bangkok sky.
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Signs, characters and symbols are written all over the city. Messages are spelled out in modern and ancient scripts, in the local language, in the languages of the region, in languages that dominate the culture of the planet and in many other, lesser known idioms from around the world. There is writing on street signs and on billboards. There is, in fact, a lot of writing on the walls… Some messages are easily understood. Others can be worked out by the educated, or guessed at from the context. Some are absolutely vital, many are irrelevant. And there is no one in this city who can decipher them all. Some will forever be obscure, never reaching the mind that can decode them. Most of us carry our own messages with us all day. And all night. We read them while we are sitting, standing, walking right here on the street, stopping only to respond to the insistent tone of an incoming communication, spelled out in running characters before our eyes. Other, quieter messages wait inside the pages of a book or magazine, or a laptop sitting snug in a backpack. We try to decode them. According to the methods we learned. In school, at work, through life… Our minds crave meaning. But most of the messages we encounter, even in the course of one night, will forever remain obscure. As the moon wilts into twilight, I am overcome by a deep exhaustion. Enough for now of trying to make sense of all these ongoing narratives. I need to close my eyes, find a nook of precious silence, and sleep… To float through even more obscure symbolic messages deep in my dreams… The Bangkok moon will rise again next month, when Monsoon Midnights returns. Anette Pollner, leader of the BWWG
News
Education
School Report
Basketball camp a big hit
OVER 100 children, aged 6-18 years, recently participated in a week-long camp hosted by top NBA Skills Coach Anthony Porter (pictured extreme right) who shared innovative and effective basketball and physical training techniques. The camp was arranged by Bangkok-based basketball academy 4-THE-LOVE in collaboration with internationally recognized I’M Possible Training. For details of upcoming events see www.facebook.com/FTL.Basketball.
Two family events at Bangkok Prep
BANGKOK Prep will hold the 10th anniversary edition of its annual Spring Fair on Feb 7 (from 2pm-7pm). Featuring a host of attractions, such as a ferris wheel, amusement rides, games, activities, shopping lane, international food stalls and performances from the students, the fair is open to all and admission is free. What’s more, on Sat Mar 7, from 10am-12pm, the school will host a Circus Party for kids from 18 months to five years of age. Again, admission is free. Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School, Sukhumvit Soi 53 (adjacent to Thonglor BTS station. Exit 1). www.bkkprep.ac.th
Thailand Junior Team Racing Championship 2015
AMID mixed sailing conditions on the bay the second Thailand Junior Team Racing Championships were held at Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) in Pattaya on Sat and Sun Jan 10 and 11.
Bromsgrove students shine at Tournament of Champions
SIX students from Bromsgrove International School Thailand recently returned from the Tournament of Champions at Yale University, the prestigious global final of the World Scholar’s Cup. Competing against 300 of the best teenage minds in the world, the two teams enjoyed a life-changing experience. Star of the show was Thomas Savage, who placed 1st in the world for debating and 2nd in the world across the entire competition, leaving Bromsgrove firmly on the world map for academic excellence.
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Last year’s winners Bangkok Patana School were joined by teams from Bangkok Prep, Harrow Bangkok, Lycée Français International de Bangkok, and Regents International School Pattaya, who all competed in RVYC sponsored RS Quba two handed dinghies. After a hard fought battle in windy conditions, Patana – a strong contender once again – was narrowly beaten by Bangkok Prep who won the Championship. Lycée Français placed third overall, with Harrow in fourth and Regents in fi fth.
Top in the World honours for Shrewsbury
SHREWSBURY International School is celebrating a record-breaking year in academic achievements after its students secured 20 honours in the annual Cambridge International Examinations Outstanding Learners Awards – including four Top in the World awards in Art & Design and First Language Thai. In June 2014, 15-year-old Pavitchaya (Pearl) Yodwongjane achieved a Top in the World award from the Cambridge International Examinations in First Language Thai. Joining her in the school’s annual CIE Outstanding Learners Awards ceremony are Kitiya (Ja) Chiempitayanuvat and Anchalin (Praw) Bussayajirapong, winners of Top in the World honours in Art & Design. Meanwhile, Panalee (Dew) Maskati secured the top spot in the Best Across Eight Cambridge IGCSEs category as well as Top in Thailand honours in Chemistry and First Language English. Enrolled at Shrewsbury since Year 3, 16-year-old Dew is one of 14 Top in Thailand award winners at Shrewsbury.
School Report
Harrow
FROM HARROW BANGKOK TO OSAKA WITH LOVE: A MUSICAL STAR IN THE MAKING
■ NATCHAPHON Tangtulanont (SunSun) is about to embark upon an amazing musical journey as he sets out to claim first prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition in Osaka, Japan. As a 15 year old boarding student and music scholar at Harrow International School Bangkok, SunSun is honing all of his piano playing skills and musical expertise from the last 10 years of studying to make the most of this prestigious opportunity. Representing Thailand, he will be playing the piano works of Chopin, one of his two favourite composers, the second being the mighty Rachmaninov. This is the stuff that dreams, and Hollywood movies, are made of – the 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration that puts one firmly on the road to success. While these percentages might be a little drastic, it is fair to say that behind every great performance and artist is many, many hours of hard work, day after day, week after week. This is the life of a music scholar at Harrow Bangkok, too – to live, eat, sleep and breathe music every minute of every day. SunSun explains that he loves Chopin and Rachmaninov as these two composers in particular allow him to really express his own feelings in the music that he plays. The huge contrast in dynamics (loud and 70
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soft) and the many varied moods and emotions that the music demands, really appeals to SunSun, whose own hand span reaches a gigantic 10-note reach – similar to that of his hero Rachmaninov. The music is technically and emotionally demanding and SunSun gets lost in the spirit of the moment. Sat at a piano in front of an
appreciative audience, he has no awareness of time and the world around him. As a music scholar at Harrow International School Bangkok, SunSun has not only enjoyed the opportunity to learn a second instrument, the oboe, but has also broadened his skills by playing with the Senior Symphony Orchestra, singing with the Senior Chamber Choir, and performing regularly as a Chamber Musician.
The boarding experience at Harrow Bangkok has also given SunSun a great friendship base, more dedicated time for supervised academic studies in the evening, and great food (“though not quite as great as my mum’s!” he jokes). But then, that’s the beauty of weekly boarding. You have all the advantages of the pastoral and academic support that boarding life offers during the week, and then, on Friday evening, you get to go home and be with your family. SunSun is definitely a musical star in the making. As we conclude our interview at Harrow Bangkok, where SunSun is packing for his trip to Osaka, his final comment puts everything into perspective: “My dream is to become an international artist,” he says. “I want to travel around the world giving piano recitals and playing piano concertos before returning to Thailand, my home, where I would like to share my musical experiences, skills and knowledge with the next generation of young musicians as I myself will become a teacher.” For more info about Harrow Bangkok Music Scholarships Tel: 02 503 7222 ext 1226 www.harrowschool.ac.th
School Report
Insight
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD The best education involves more than just good grades, writes Gordon Espley-Jones, Principal of Traill International School ■ NEW families to Bangkok are very fortunate to have a plethora of excellent schools to choose from for their children. It’s still important, however, to filter out the one that’s most appropriate for your child. Firstly, all good schools will have accreditation from recognized agencies, such as CfBT, CIS or NEASC. Similarly, all will have long records of examination successes and alumni at prestigious universities, as well as sporting successes, both nationally and internationally. An important consideration here is whether a school
has a selective intake or not. A more valid measure of the quality of teaching is the degree to which each student has developed, called their “value-added,” irrespective of where they started. Many schools boast their examination grades, but few speak of the value-added which they have given their students. Most major universities use part of their first year to ensure that all students have caught up to the same level, irrespective of their backgrounds, and so it is not essential to follow any particular post-16 curriculum. Having said that, it
should not be surprising to know that the transition to say, a UK university, will be smoother if the student has been studying A-Levels, which are the most common entry route for UK universities. I have first-hand experience of this. One of my own children studied A-Levels and started at a UK university with very little trouble. My other two children took the IB diploma but had to catch up with a number of topics which had not been covered in the IB programme. I haven’t mentioned yet the most important consideration which is the ethos and the atmosphere in the school. Every school has a different “feel” to it and it is essential that your child feels comfortable in that environment. Try to walk around and see students both in class and at other times. Is it inclusive or are there cliques? Is there a caring or a regimented atmosphere? Different schools will have different curricula and different facilities, but when all is said and done, the most important consideration is that your child is happy in school, because until that is achieved the other issues are largely irrelevant. Traill International School, Ramkhamhaeng Soi 16. Tel: 02 718 8779 www.traillschool.ac.th
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School Report
Bromsgrove
ALPACA NATION – BRAIN BATTLES AT THE WORLD SCHOLAR’S CUP
Students at Bromsgrove International School would like to ask you some questions...
■ WHEN, if ever, is it right to pretend to be someone you’re not? Is it wrong to take drugs to alter the way we feel? What keeps people inside walls, and what keeps people out? Why do smart people make mistakes? And would you say that disinformation is to misinformation as taxis are to limos; as alpacas are to llamas; as murder is to manslaughter; as breaking is to entering; or as surveillance is to spying? Big questions like these are at the core of The World Scholar’s Cup, a global academic programme aimed at the smartest teenagers on the planet. Across five continents and dozens of countries, thousands of Secondary School students compete against each other every year for the ultimate prize: a place in the ‘Tournament of Champions’ at America’s prestigious Yale University. However, equally important is the enormous fun they have along the way. The curriculum this year explored everything from game theory and the history of espionage to abnormal psychology and neuroscience, and even the evolution of the ‘selfie’ from Van Gogh to Pope Francis and the Curiosity Rover. In teams of three, participants took the floor in dynamic debates, put pen to paper in erudite essays, and examined the depth and breadth of their knowledge in a mammoth ‘Scholar’s Challenge.’ Finally, they entered the ‘Scholar’s Bowl,’ a threehour team quiz which takes a leftfield look at the entire syllabus, challenging students to accrue as many points as they can with a gambler’s recklessness and every ounce of divergent thinking they can muster. 74
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The same format was followed in dozens of regional rounds around the world, from Houston to Perth, from Nairobi to Doha, and from Surabaya to Tokyo – including here in Thailand last March, when Bromsgrove students swept the floor with a formidable line up of Bangkok’s best and amassed an impressive medal haul. Then the massive Global Round in Singapore in June saw over two thousand of the top students from each regional round pitted against each other in fierce but fun competition. “The Bangkok round was fantastic,” says Bromsgrove student, Joon Ho Byun. “I didn’t know quite what to expect, but, by the end, I was desperate to qualify for Singapore!” Teammate, Devi Vanalia, was equally enthusiastic: “Getting through to Singapore was a dream come true – but it was scary too, because we knew how tough the competition would be in the Global Round.” Two of the debate motions in Singapore were ‘The World Scholar’s Cup is a competition for geeks’ and ‘The World Scholar’s Cup should be renamed the World Scholar’s Cult’ – and it is true that this intellectual and idiosyncratic programme, whose proud mascot is the alpaca, represents a unique community of teenagers proud of their intellectual might and cerebral idiosyncrasies. For the gifted teenager, sporting competition is commonplace, as are opportunities in the Arts – but the chance to flex their mind muscles in an arena such as this is more unusual. On an icy, autumnal afternoon in November,
the very best students from the Global Round, including 300 from the Junior Division (ages 11 to 15), arrived in sleepy Newhaven, Connecticut for the final, stellar leg of a journey which, for many of them, was a life-changing learning opportunity, and an immersive taster of university study tantalisingly close ahead. And among those 300 young Alpacas (the mascot identity participants adopt throughout the programme) were two teams from Bromsgrove International School, punching way above the weight of its small student roll and putting itself firmly on the world map of this ‘Olympics of the mind.’ In fact, 14-year-old Thomas Savage, Bromsgrove student and veteran World Scholar, brought home from Yale a glittering array of prizes, placing 1st in the world for debating and an amazing 2nd in the world across the entire competition. Thomas’ achievements are hard to beat and a tough act to follow, but this year’s competition is already underway, and Bromsgrove is fielding a squad of 24 students, in the hope that they can again forge their way to the Yale finals. Meanwhile, Thomas’ sights are set even further and higher, having visited, on a rest day in the Yale competition, the world’s highest ranking university, Boston’s MIT: “If the competition at the ‘Tournament of Champions’ was tough, I know the task of getting into MIT is almost impossible to complete – but, I’m a determined Alpaca, and I’ll definitely try my absolute best.” For more information on the World Scholar’s Cup, visit new.scholarscup.org To learn more above Bromsgrove International School, visit www.bromsgrove.ac.th
Thomas Savage, Bromsgrove student
School Report
Insight
Upcountry teacher: Expat who set up a school in Phitsanulok ■ BILINGUAL schools are spreading right across Thailand, with distant provinces now offering local students the opportunity to study in two languages. The BigChilli spoke recently to Mr Jari Eerikainen, principal and co-owner of Saint Paul Bilingual School in Phitsanulok, about his experiences as a pioneering upcountry teacher. Q. First, please tell us about your own background A. I come from Helsinki, Finland, and my wife was born in Phitsanulok. We met eight years ago in Japan, where we both studied at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. From Japan I have a BBA degree. After graduating, I got a job in a Finnish bank so we were forced to commute constantly between Finland and Thailand before we finally settled down in Thailand permanently in September 2013. The reason we chose Thailand was mainly the school project here in Phitsanulok. I do enjoy the way of life in
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Thailand and the weather wasn’t exactly an obstacle either after the cold and dark winter months in Finland. Besides working in a bank I have experience working as a teacher in Japan and as an ice hockey coach for kids in Finland.
plot of land to build a school. From then on we had only one option. As students in Japan, we also taught English to young children in tutoring schools. I think those experiences sparked a desire to have our own school.
Q. Your wife is a partner in the project – is she also a teacher? A. She is indeed a licensed teacher, who graduated from Chulalongkorn University in the early childhood education program.
Q. Who owns the school? A. The school is solely own by my wife and me. Officially my wife is owner of the land and therefore the school also.
Q. What inspired you to set up a school in Phitsanulok? A. We were thinking for a long time about opening our own business in Phitsanulok. Establishing a school has always been our dream, but in the beginning it seemed so difficult (and money consuming) that we thought of many other options first. One of those options was to move to Finland, but eventually about five years ago we were lucky to find a good
Q. How difficult was it to find the right building, the appropriate permits, and teachers? A. It has been quite a long project. We basically started from scratch. Land was originally a swamp, so it took some time before we were even able to start building the school itself. The building was relatively fast. I must say that the quality and professionalism of builders were a surprise to me. We built a one-storey building first, and at the moment we are building a new two-storey building.
The office of private education commission officers in Phitsanulok has been really helpful guiding us through the piles of papers and various documents required for licenses. Without their help it would have been really difficult to get all the paperwork completed in time. All the paperwork is in Thai, so it was my wife who had to translate and complete the documents. We have also been fortunate to find motivated staff to work with us. Most of them just walked in and asked for work. In fact, at first we had more applicants than vacancies. Thus we were in a good position to choose the most suitable people. I believe that in a small city like Phitsanulok probably the best way to make yourself known is by word of mouth. This goes for both marketing your business and looking for staff.
Q. How many pupils do you have now, and expect to have in two years’ time? A. At the moment we have altogether 120 pupils in the school. In 2-3 years’ time we are hoping to reach 180-200 pupils, which would be roughly 80-90% of our capacity. Q. Are they all Thais, or mixed Thai-western/Chinese/Indian? A. The majority of children are Thais or Thai/Chinese descendants. We don’t have any westerners, but we have a few half western/Thai children. We have also one Filipino and one Malaysian child. We are expecting or actually hoping that the number of foreigners will increase from this year as the Asian Economic Community will come in effect.
Q. What age groups do you cater for? A. In pre-kindergarten, the youngest are one year old, while the oldest in kindergarten are five years old. Q. How many teachers do you have? A. The total staff number is 21 plus my wife and myself. We have five American teachers, eleven Thai teachers and five people in administration and maintenance. My wife’s parents are also helping a lot in daily routines. Q. What curriculum do you follow? A. Officially we follow the Thai National early childhood curriculum. However, we are applying different approaches to teaching such as Reggio Emilia and Montessori concepts in our activities. We
Q. When did you open the school? A. March 1, 2014, starting with pre-kindergarten children. The kindergarten itself opened on May 19, 2014. Q. Is there a big demand for bilingual schools in Phitsanulok? A. Yes. Both English and Chinese are in great demand here. The problem with establishing a language school in Phitsanulok is the cost of teachers as average income in Phitsanulok is a lot lower than in Bangkok. The challenge is to keep operating costs low and tuition costs reasonable for parents. The market is basically nothing compared to Bangkok, but the standard of living is slowly improving here, while the need for better education is increasing. Q. Are you the only bilingual school in town? A. In Phitsanulok there are a few institutions which offer English programs. However, we are the first school to offer an English program with native teachers for younger children. There is also a bilingual Chinese language kindergarten.
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Insight
offer half day Thai learning and half day English learning. At the moment we offer only a few extra curricula activities such as swimming and ballet, but as our pupil numbers grow, we will increase these extra activities. Next semester we plan to have Mandarin Chinese classes, a football club, taekwondo and piano classes. Q. How has the school been received in Phitsanulok? A. There has been a lot of interest in the school and the authorities have been especially helpful towards our project. I believe that Thais are interested if there is a new kind of school. Since we offer a different approach to educating children, they are really interested to see what it is. Q. What’s your best experience so far? A. Definitely working with children. Even when you’re feeling tired and stressed, the children will bring a smile back to your face. Also, the whole experience of setting up and running the school has been rewarding, even if it has sometimes been difficult and stressful. Q. And the biggest challenges? A. We have had our share of difficulties
during the journey, but I would say the biggest challenge here is to keep costs of the school and tuition for parents down and still be able to offer good education, facilities, food and so on. Q. What fees do you charge? A. Pre-kindergarten is 4,000 baht/month and kindergarten is 30,000 baht/ semester. Q. Overall, how’s the school doing, and has it been an enjoyable, fulfilling experience for you and your wife? A. At the moment I feel that we are doing well. Interest and feedback have been really positive so far. We are confident that we are on the right track. For ourselves, I believe this project has made and will make us better people. It has been an experience of a lifetime for both of us. There have been some difficult things to solve and there has been many enjoyable things we have experienced. Q. Any plans to expand? A. Interest in the school has been surprisingly high and we are already building new school facilities to enable us to handle more children as the original school building is almost full. Q. Do you have any links with Bangkok schools? A. We have no official contacts
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with Bangkok schools. However, my wife has friends who are teachers and I have a few expat friends who work as teachers in Bangkok. From time to time we share our experiences and ideas, which is extremely valuable considering we are a new school. This has helped us to avoid big mistakes in the beginning. Q. Would you recommend others to also open a bilingual school in upcountr y Thailand? A. Purely from a financial standpoint, opening a school in rural Thailand might not be the most profitable business venture since it requires lot of investment, both financially and time. If someone is planning to stay in Thailand permanently then it would be worth it. Return of investment is quite low, but in the long run it should be ok. Here in the countryside people are really interested in quality language programs, especially if they are provided by native speakers, or by educated and fluent English speakers. Thais also respect education and teachers highly, so running a school will give you respect in the community and living in Thailand might become a lot easier.
Expat Women
Shopping
BAGS OF FASHION
VINTAGE VOGUE ■ INSPIRED by the elegant clothing styles worn by Parisian women in the 1950s, La Boutique’s latest collection, La Nouvelle Parisienne, reflects the Golden Age of Haute Couture through a ‘mix and match’ collection of clothes and accessories suitable for any occasion. Blending modern stylings with classic flair, highlights of the collection include the Oversized coat in minimal look, the Signature one-shoulder dress enhanced with sequins and feathers, and the Super-soft leather Star Dust shoulder purse. Available at La Boutique Flagship Store, Level 2 (Eden Zone) of CentralWorld Plaza; and La Boutique Corner, Level 1 of Siam Paragon.
■ BALLY’S Autumn Winter Collection 2014 is reaching the end of its run so don’t miss the chance to get your hands on one of the Swiss label’s fabulous handbags. Sure, there’s a great range of clothing and shoes in the collection, but for a durable accessory that’s perfect for any season the bags are the way to go. Featuring clean lines, minimal hardware, contemporary heritage signatures, and immaculate leather finishes, Bally’s bag range includes the duffle-shaped Bloom, the square-shaped Bally Dottic, and the hold-all Sommet. Available now at The Bally Flagship Store on the first floor of Gaysorn. Tel: 02 656 1037 www.gaysorn.com
Talking
Shop Hot products and stores demanding your attention SEXY CROCS ■ BRIGHT and lightweight, Crocs’ new sandals are available in a range of eye-catching colours (think Candy Pink and Ultraviolet) as well as muted tones (Black or Black Espresso, for those who prefer their footwear understated). Great to wear at the beach or on the street, the sandals are available in two styles – The Really Sexi T Strap Sandal (B1,590), or The Really Sexi Flip Sandal Light, which has a transparent strap for extra support. Yours to buy at Crocs Siam Discovery, CentralWorld, Fashion Island, Mega Bangna, and over 100 stores nationwide.
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FOREVER YOUNG ■ ONE way of boosting your health and restoring a youthful look to your skin is by loading up on veggies (read our feature on page 82), but if this sounds too much like hard work, you can always cheat a little by applying a facial cream, such as those offered by clinical skincare brand Peter Thomas Roth. Among the company’s new range of products, specially designed to beat back the effects of aging, are highlights such as the Un-Wrinkle Turbo – Line Smoothing Toning Lotion (featuring five rose stem cells blended with four rose extracts), and the Cucumber gel mask (which helps soothe and hydrate skin). Available now at all leading cosmetics stores.
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Expat Women
Health
Vital veggies – and how to cook them By Judith Coulson
Boost your health and keep diseases at bay by loading up on the following vegetables ■ EATING healthily isn’t has hard as you think. Sure, here in Thailand we’re surrounded by all kinds of delicious deep-fried foods on the street but you don’t always have to give in to temptation. If you’re looking to reach a healthier weight, control a chronic disease, or simply boost your well-being, then there’s no better place to start than with your diet – and this means adding a variety of veggies to your shopping list. According to the new “My Plate” guidelines from Harvard Medical School, half of our daily food intake should be vegetables. Preferably in as many colours as possible and mostly raw or lightly cooked. Sneaking them into your daily diet may seem like a chore, but it’s actually easy. As with every other life change, you just need to make it a conscious habit. Listed here are a few of our favourite health-boosting vegetables and details of how to cook them. Beet greens
only seven calories a cup, the green giant is waistline-friendly, too. Cooking tip: To preserve its nutritional might, lightly steam the chard and toss with vinaigrette. You can also use the leaves instead of tortillas when making soft tacos.
The edible leafy tops of beetroots are brimming with vitamin K, which helps lower the risk of type-2 diabetes. One cup provides nearly twice your daily requirement. Cooking tip: Sauté a bunch of tender beet greens with some olive oil and garlic for a healthy side dish. Or chop them and add to frittatas, soups, or pasta dishes.
microgreens to sandwiches and salads, or use as a garnish for soups.
Beetroots
Watercress
Not to be outdone by their tops, ruby red beetroots are a leading source of nitrates, which are good for your blood pressure. Plus, you get fiber and other nutrients from beets. Cooking tip: Roasting beetroots boosts their natural sweetness. Wrap each beet individually in foil and bake at 350 F until tender. Or skip the oven: Grate raw beets and add to slaws or as a topping in sandwiches.
Microgreens
Great things come in small packages. The baby versions of radishes, cabbages, kale, and broccoli can be higher in nutrients like vitamins C and E than the regular, mature plants. They range in flavours from peppery to tangy. Cooking tip: Try adding a handful of
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Often overshadowed by arugula, this peppery green can knock any dish into nutritional shape. It’s particularly rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and other antioxidants that are good for you. Cooking tip: Watercress can instantly make sandwiches and salads more lively and freshtasting. Or blend the greens into puréed soups or make a watercress pesto.
Swiss chard
Two main varieties of Swiss chard are found on store shelves: one with multicoloured stems and veins, often called rainbow chard, and another with white stems and veins. Both are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, an antioxidant duo that’s good for your eyes. At
Collard greens (Kale)
This super green vegetable contains a wealth of nutritional goodness, including notable amounts of vitamins K and C, folate, and beta-carotene. To make it easier to meet all your daily nutrient needs, aim to eat about two cups of dark, leafy greens like collards every day. Cooking tip: Quickly blanch the leaves in boiling water, then chop them and add them to wholegrain or lentil salads.
Baby kale
Packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, kale has been billed as an ultimate super food. Not everyone likes its strong flavor. Enter upand-coming baby kale. The immature kale leaves are deliciously tender and don’t require any chopping. Cooking tip: Look for baby kale packed in plastic containers alongside baby spinach in supermarkets. Use in wraps, salads, and pasta dishes.
Asparagus
Frozen peas
Spinach
Red bell pepper
With an earthysweet flavor, asparagus is a good way to load up on folate. Research suggests that this B vitamin is an ally in the battle against high blood pressure. Cooking tip: Stir-fry with other vegetables, a drop of olive oil, garlic and onion and serve as a main or side dish.
This green has healthy amounts of vitamins C, A, and K as well as manganese. Working 1.5 cups of green, leafy vegetables into your day may lower your odds of getting type 2 diabetes. Cooking tip: Sneak spinach into your daily routine by adding it to scrambled eggs and casseroles or blending it into smoothies. Chinese Spinach is easy and cheap to find in most Thai food stores.
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It’s always a good idea to stash a bag of green peas in your freezer. Each cup of peas delivers an impressive six grams of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full, so you eat less later. It’s also good for your digestion and helps lower cholesterol levels. Cooking tip: Use frozen peas in soups, dips, stir fries, and pasta dishes
You think of it as a veggie, but it’s actually a fruit. One medium pepper delivers B vitamins, beta carotene, and more than twice your daily need of vitamin C. Cooking tip: Cut the tops off peppers, cut two finger wide slices, remove the inner white membranes and seeds, and then roast with some olive oil until tender.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of nature’s rock stars. It’s a top source of natural plant chemicals shown to help lower the risk of some cancers (though many other things also affect your cancer risk). Each cup of the florets also provides plenty of vitamins C and K. Cooking tip: Steam the florets for a simple side dish. Or add them into stirfries, frittatas, and even smoothies (in the latter simply add naturally sweet things, like fruit, to mask the broccoli taste).
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 an individual Food and Lifestyle Analysis and Consulting.
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Expat Women
Advice
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Q
Can’t eat in front of my colleagues
I’M currently in the USA on an annual course for work and over the past few days I’ve struggled to eat in front of my colleagues (it feels like strong anxiety and self-consciousness). I think it may be partially due to my job being fairly stressful and demanding, and I am worried that these symptoms are manifesting in public. The last situation, just an hour ago, was bad because I basically had to excuse myself from the table almost as soon as I’d sat down. I think it’s probably been noticed and, as this company is ver y conscientious about their staff ’s welfare, I’m worried my managers will begin to ask if there is anything wrong… The trouble is, while I know it’s often better to speak to someone, this job requires that I’m firing on all cylinders at least for the duration of this course, another three weeks. I feel any omission on my part of not being up to the job would mean I’d have to leave. I do feel ok, fine in classes and meetings, although I am a little stressed and busy and lacking some confidence socially. But otherwise I guess if I can get through this then I’ll feel better for it at the other end. It was similar last year but not as bad, and when I finished the course I felt good about doing it. All meals are communal here so we eat together with about 40 other staff.
Richard, 51, from the US
A
Dear Richard,
■ It seems there is a lot at stake for you regarding that job. And you are already imagining that the slightest weakness might result in your position being discontinued. This fear in itself is already a cause for feeling pressured and could cause anxiety. And your job does indeed sound as if it is very demanding and requires a lot of you. Just dare to be honest with yourself (you are in your writing)
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nical Director ning MS is the Cli • Johanna DeKo g Center. She trained in the lin se of NCS Coun Australia. Netherlands and
and others. When asked just explain that you are aware of the high demands of the job and course, and this is causing you some stress. Also express that you, like last year, want to do a great job. Also mention what you enjoy about it and what you think you are good at. This way you are honest about your experience but you also let others know the positive side. Pretending that you are fine while you feel stress and anxiety will fuel even more anxiety and stress. Others most likely will notice. Acknowledge both your anxiety and whatever is good in your life right now. You could even explain to your colleagues that acknowledging stress can often help to reduce it. You could also respond to enquiries about your well-being by complimenting the organization on their care for staff and mention how much you appreciate being able to work for the company. But maybe there are also deeper causes for your lack of social confidence. Do you have an idea where that could come from? Are you maybe often shy around other people, particularly in groups? Are you too self-conscious? Again just dare to be who you are and keep in mind that we do not need to be liked by the whole world. Some people may enjoy interacting with you and some may not, just as you may like some people more than others. You could also prepare for engaging in public conversations by practising some phrases or have some questions in mind to start and/or keep a dialogue going. This may help particularly in new social settings. Thank you for your courage in writing to me. I am sure there are many others who struggle with the same issues in silence… - Johanna
Q
All out of love
I feel really corny for writing this but: will I ever find true love? And, if I don’t, what will my life be like? I’ve been looking for the right kind of guy for a long time, and twice before I thought I had found him. But now it’s been a while, and nobody I meet seems to be even close. I don’t know about others, but I’ve always thought I would be married by now, and that my husband would be waiting somewhere for me. Maybe he is, but I’m not sure I’ll find him. If that makes sense… It’s got so bad that I am beginning to feel jealous of my girlfriends – most of them have already settled down with their partners and are moving on to the next stage of life. I can’t help feeling that there must be something wrong with me. I don’t want to give up hope because I believe that we all need someone who completes us, but I also have to look at the ver y real possibility that I might be left behind. Or – out… In that case, how do I live?
Anita, 37, from the UK
A
Dear Anita,
■ I can understand how painful this must be. You feel you might not get the one thing that will make sense of your life, the one thing that will make you ‘complete,’ as you say. Painful, yes, and probably terrifying. And I think there are at least two different
things going on here. On the one hand you are clearly suffering from loneliness, and you are afraid of more loneliness to come, perhaps. But most of your letter is taken up with your ‘quest’ for the right guy, your future husband, and the idea that you’ve had in your mind, it seems, for a very long time, what path your life would take or even should take. You followed a pattern that you probably absorbed as a child and that many other women also absorb and make into their own. It’s partly what they long for and partly what they feel they should achieve. For some women, this seems to work (although I will remind you that the divorce rate in the UK is around 50%), but for many others, this constant comparison to the ‘baseline’ creates nothing but misery. But for you, it almost sounds a little bit as if you have been promised something you didn’t get. Whether you like it or not (and, yes, I hear loud and clear that you don’t like it), life is forcing you to reassess this pattern. I real-
• Anette Pollner of seven internatiAdv. Dipl. Couns., is one Counseling Cente onal counsellors at NCS trained in London r in Saphan Kwai. She staff counsellor and the US and worked as a at Bart’s Hospita l in London.
ly feel that it would be most useful to start there, with the pattern, something that came from external sources and that you tried and are trying to follow rather than tormenting yourself even further by wondering if there is ‘something wrong’ with you. And here is where I am probably going to disagree with you, or at least with the ideas you have been following. If there is something wrong here, I feel, it is the rigidity of this pattern. And the fact that you feel so bad about not being able to implement it. Are there other life models? Women who are not married, women whose life has taken a different shape and who feel happy? Worth looking into. And I’m afraid I also don’t agree that only a partner can complete you. In fact, I believe that only you can complete yourself. It’s your life. And it will always be your life. And while it is wonderful to have a lover and a companion on the journey, you will always be ‘just you,’ whether you are officially alone or not. But I do understand the pressure you are under, both from the outside (all those overachieving girlfriends) and the inside. Let me say this: it is actually quite likely that you will find a good partner – and the less rigid you are in your ideas, the more likely it becomes. But if you don’t, your life will just take another shape. That’s all there is to it. The shape in your head is only one of many possible life patterns, and many of them can make a happy life. I’m glad that you’re not giving up on yourself! - Anette
Contact details: ncs-counseling.com, anette.p@ncs-counseling.com, Tel: 02 279 8503 Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T ’ S O N G U I D E F O R F E B U A R Y 1 5
What’s on Art
Performance
Sport
Football
Movies & Albums
Books
Striking and bright, Boonhlue Yangsauy’s latest exhibition explores how behaviour and identity are linked. Page 88.
Mogwai
The Scottish postrockers return with more lush soundscapes Page 90
Top comedy Award-winning comedian Gina Yashere brings her gags to BKK Page 90
Rugby 10s
The Bangkok International Rugby 10s turns 10 this month Page 96Page 84 TheBigChilli 87
What’s On|Exhibitions
Art U N T IL 14 /2
Behavior = Identity
STRIKING and bright, Boonhlue Yangsauy’s portraits of anthropomorphized felines riff on well-worn stereotypes to explore how behaviour and identity are linked. Catty or cute? You decide. Number 1 Gallery, The Silom Galleria Bld., 401-402, Silom Rd., Soi 19. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. 02 630 2523 :number1gallery.com
☎
Flotsam & Jetsam
U N T IL 28/2
DEBORAH Coffey explores themes of what might remain when a personal life accompanied by its familiar possessions suddenly disappears in a natural disaster. Paintings and sculptures illustrating flotsam and jetsam populate the exhibition, while depictions of natural disasters add thought-provoking context.
Rockumentary 2005 – 2014
PROVIDING a riveting look at some of Thailand’s most sought after musicians both on and off stage, this debut solo exhibition by photographer Chaicharn “Bank” Lertnimanoradee intuitively documents how bands create their music, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into their lives. Bangkok Rooftop Gallery by Farmani, between Thonglor 14 and 16. Open Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm by appointment only. 086 380 6486 (Yvonne Liang) :farmanigallery.com
☎
Barry X Ball: Portraits and Photos
Neilson Hays Rotunda & Garden Gallery, Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd. Open Tues-Sun 9.30am-5pm (closed Mon). 02 233 1731 :neilsonhayslibrary.com
☎
U N T IL 15/3
Urban Corner
Disquiet
4 /2 31/3
WILL Klose’s third solo exhibition curated by H Gallery features the British artist’s most conceptually sophisticated paintings to date – a stylistic departure that continues to study his relationship to evolving personal history through deceptively realist narratives unfolding on suburban London streets. G 1 Contemporary by H Gallery (ground floor of Gaysorn Plaza) 999 Ploenchit Rd. Open daily 10am-8pm. 085 021 5508 :hgallerybkk.com
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U N T IL 22/2
CITY living and its effects on the psyche are examined in thought-provoking fashion in this new series of paintings by Saitle Ngaorsai, who brings to life the rat race of Bangkok through a range of faceless characters in familiar settings. DOB Hualamphong Gallery, DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Rd. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am7pm; Sun at 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon). 02 237 5592-4 :ardelgallery.com
☎
U N T IL 29 /3
AMERICAN sculptor Barry X Ball makes his Southeast Asia debut with an exhibition featuring a dual-portrait of the artist and his well-known contemporary, Matthew Barney, realized in translucent, richly-coloured Mexican onyx; and a comprehensive selection of images from the artist’s two new photo series, the Ca’ Rezzonico(Venice) and alazzo Mansi (Lucca) suites, which are based on installations of his stone sculptures in palatial Italian settings. Barry X Ball will be present at the exclusive closing party on March 19. 100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd. Open Thurs-Sun 11am-7pm. 02 684 1527 :100tonsongallery.com
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What’s On|Performance
Stage 15/2
11/3
Gina Yashere Live
Incubus
TWENTY-four years into their career, the American rockers show no signs of slowing down and promise to put on yet another high-energy performance in Bangkok. Thunderdome, Muang Thong Thani. Doors open 7pm. Tickets range B1,500-B3,500 :thaiticketmajor.com
HAILED as “one of the best comics in the world” by British newspaper The Guardian, award-winning comedian Gina Yashere (Comedy Central, Mock the Week, The Tonight Show, Live at The Apollo) will showcase her rib-tickling wit at The Comedy Club Bangkok on Feb 15. Tickets are just B500 in advance and B750 on the door (includes one free drink). Also at the club this month: WHOSE LINE? The Improv Comedy Show! (Feb 20 at 8pm. Tickets: B400 with one free drink); and Open Mic Stand-up Comedy (Feb 27 at 8pm. Tickets: B250 in advance. B350 on the door. Includes one free drink). The Comedy Club Bangkok, Sukhumvit 33/1. Above The Royal Oak. :comedyclubbangkok.com
24 /2 15/3 15/3 Mogwai
LUSH, majestic soundscapes will be the order of the day when the Scottish post-rockers perform tracks from their latest album, Rave Tapes, as well as atmospheric hits from their back catalogue. As anyone lucky enough to have seen their sold-out Bangkok gig in 2011 will attest – live music experiences don’t get much better than this (unless, of course, you’re a massive One Direction fan – see below...). Moonstar Studio, Ladprao Soi 80 (starts at 8pm) Tickets: B1,500 :thaiticketmajor.com
This Wild Life
ACOUSTIC pop-punk duo Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso are flying in from Long Beach, California, to play tracks from their first full length album, Clouded.
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Live House Studio Bangkok. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: B1,500 :facebook.com/ livehousebkk
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
IN celebration of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’s 20th anniversary on stage, the original creative team behind the production has reunited for an international tour – and this month they’re coming to Thailand. Opening on Feb 24 and running until Mar 15, the show is based on Disney’s 1991 Academy Award winning animated feature film, and is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, Bangkok. Tickets range B1,000-B4,000 :thaiticketmajor.com
One Direction
THE world’s biggest boy band is dropping by for a one-nightonly performance at the cavernous 14 /3 Rajamangala National Stadium. Insecure? Don’t know what you’re for? These lads will tell you that’s exactly What Makes You Beautiful when they croon this and more of their smash-hit singles. Tickets range B1,800-B5,500 :thaiticketmajor.com
Company 26 /2 by Stephen 28/2 Sondheim STEPHEN Sondheim’s musical comedy was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards when it debuted in 1970. Of these, it scooped six, including Best Score, Best Book and Best Musical. Telling the story of a bachelor, his three girlfriends, and four married couples, the musical is now being brought to life in Bangkok by the Music Theatre Department of Mahidol University (in English with Thai subtitles). Shows will be held at 7pm (and at 1pm on Feb 28). Music Auditorium, College of Music, Mahidol University Salaya 085 960 7235 email: companymtmu@gmail.com
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Screen
BY R O S S PAX TO N
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY
12/2
SELLING over 100 million copies, British author E. L. James’ raunchy novel about a guy who likes a bit of sadism, masochism and bondage was bound to pique the interest of Hollywood. Already whipping up a media frenzy in the west, where it’s already been released, the movie adaptation isn’t one for viewing with your grandparents, but for a kinky first date, you’re on to a winner – just be wary of the lonely looking bloke sat at the back of the cinema with a large bucket of popcorn covering his crotch!
12/2 KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
BASED on the acclaimed spy comic book by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, The Secret Service draws inspiration from classic Bond movies to offer retro-style spy action with a satirical, modern twist. Stars Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson.
19 /2
THE RIOT CLUB
5/2
BASED on the successful stage play ‘Posh,’ by Laura Wade, The Riot Club follows the antics of a fictional all-male, exclusive dining club at Oxford University, whose modus operandi – hedonistic, pompous – and sense of entitlement, may leave you wanting to punch them all in the face. Snobs.
UNBROKEN
ACTOR turned director Angelina Jolie places her humanitarian touch on the true story of Louis Zamperini, a promising Olympic runner from California, who was called into service during World War II only to be captured by the Japanese navy and sent to the notoriously cruel POW camps.
Movie screenings are subject to change. Keep up to date at majorcineplex.com
MEMORY LANE
New albums Two gallants We Are Undone (Release date: Feb 2)
Danko Jones Fire Music (Release date: Feb 6)
Diana Krall Wallflower (Release date: Feb 3)
Estelle True Romance (Release date: Feb 17)
Bob Dylan Shadows In The Night (Release date: Feb 3)
Jose Gonzalez Vestiges & Claws (Release date: Feb 17)
Mister and Mississippi We Only Part To Meet Again (Release date: Feb 2)
Idlewild Everything Ever Written (Release date: Feb 9)
TOPPING THE UK CHARTS FEB 1995
1. MN8 - I’ve Got A Little Something For You 2. Annie Lennox - No More I Love You Feb 1995 3. Alex Party - Don’t Give Me Your Life 4. Madonna - Bedtime Story 5. Perfecto Allstarz - Reach Up (Papa’s Got A Brand New Pig Bag) 6. Bon Jovi - Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night 7. M People - Open Your Heart 8. Mike & The Mechanics - Over My Shoulder 9. Jimmy Nail - Cowboy Dreams 10. Elastica - Waking Up TheBigChilli 91
What’s On|Outdoor fun
Sport
25/3 28/3
Run for Relief 2015
TAKING place at the Huay Tung Tao Reservoir in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, this charity event features a 5km run/ walk, and a 100 meter dash for kids. Prizes are offered to the top runners in each division, and all funds raised will go to help the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Burma. Join the popular “flip flop” division and honor the villagers who have to flee with only a pair of sandals on their feet. Entry is only B200. :runthailand.com
7/3
The Long Dash
1/3
City of Angels Old Timer’s Classic
NOW in its eighth year, this popular hockey tournament for veteran players (Over 35s and Over 45s) will once again see international teams slide onto the rink at Center Grand Rama IX for some hard-hitting action. For a full tournament schedule see :jogsports.com
21/2 Full Metal Dojo 4
GET your fix of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and enjoy a party too, when this popular fight series returns to Jatujak ‘JJ’ Green (a short walk from Mo Chit BTS station). Featuring DJs spinning tunes from 4.30pm, a performance by Bangkok-based glam rockers Sin Tonic, and a total of nine fights (commencing at 6.30pm), this promises to be a great night out.
Tickets: B1,500 on the door (B1,000 in advance from MBK Fight Night). :facebook.com/fullmetaldojo
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A SEVEN race triathlon series consisting of a number of Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance and Odd Format Triathlons held at Bangpoo Golf and Sport Club, Samut Prakan near Bangkok, The Tri Dash Bangkok returns next month with The Long Dash – featuring an 800m swim, 40km bike section, and 10km run. :goadventureasia.com/tridash
Aussie Rules in Phuket
THE Thailand Tigers Aussie Rules Football Club will play its first competitive game in Phuket with a match against the Malaysian Warriors. Held at the Alan Cooke Ground (Huaharn Salnai, 189/4 Moo 8 Baan Lipon, Srisoontorn Thalang), this day-long event will kick-off with an Auskick program for junior footballers before the adults take to the turf for the main game. Entry for spectators is free. Plenty of beer and food will be available pitch-side. :acgphuket.com :thailand-tigers.com
Ultra and Trail Unseen
27/2 28/2
7/3
STARTING and finishing at Wat Salak Phet School on Koh Chang, this exciting trail run will showcase the island’s natural beauty in a choice of three thigh-burning distances – 10km, 35km, and 66km. :goadventureasia.com
What’s On|Soccer
Football Focus BY PAUL HEWITT
and National Team opportunities are getting harder to come by. Suree Sukha, Kiatprawut Saiwaeo and Teerasil Dangda all took part in the farcical “Manchester City episode” of 2007-08. None made a first-team appearance at City nor did they at the clubs they were loaned to from City: Club Brugge in the case of Kiatprawut, Grasshoppers Zurich in the case of Suree and Teerasil. Now Teerasil has another European folly to add to his CV. We reported in the August 2014 issue about his one year loan move to Almeria of Spain. Thai Premier League to La Liga always looked like a giant step to make even for a player with Teerasil’s undoubted abilities. And so it was to prove when it was announced that “Mui” would be leaving Almeria on January 20th – just six months into his year-long deal. He did at least see some first team action in Spain, and started and scored in the 4-3 Copa del Rey win against Real Betis on December 5th. But Almeria were knocked out of Photo by www.stepfb.com that competition on January a player of Messi-Jay’s individual 14th by Getafe, and as one Thai observer bitterly noted online: ability be bound and tethered “Almeria have no use for by the strictures of formation Teerasil now that they are out and tactics? At Tero and in the of the cup.” Thai National team he gets all So should Messi-Jay stay the freedom on the pitch that or should he go? Any transfer he needs, and merits, in order has to be to a league that is to best exhibit his talents. stronger than the TPL but not In the past, I would always so much stronger that he will have argued in favour of Thai struggle to make it into the players moving to foreign first team. He needs to play leagues. But we now have a in a system that suits his only roll call of players who moved particular talents and, ideally, abroad for seemingly little the transfer should be a benefit. Teerathep “Leesaw” Winothai was the pin-up golden permanent one thus proving that the prospective club is boy of Thai football. That was committed to him and not until he spent a year in the reserves at Belgian club Lierse. just taking a speculative and easily reversible loan deal. He Since arriving back from Flanders he has bounced from would also be well-advised in having deep conversations with club to club – Muangthong Leesaw and Mui before making United, Bangkok Glass, BEC any trip abroad. Tero Sasana, Police United –
Messi-Jay:
Should he stay or should he go?
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SHOULD he stay or should he go? That’s the question which many fans in the Kingdom are asking of Chanathip “Messi-Jay” Songkrasin. Stay in Thailand or move abroad, that is. The hugely talented 21 year-old midfielder from Nakhon Pathom lit up the Suzuki Cup (see last month’s issue) and is understandably attracting attention from clubs across Asia and beyond: the BBC’s John Duerden noted in a column in late December that “…clubs in Europe are waking up to this young talent.” Concrete interest in signing Messi-Jay has been expressed by Gamba Osaka and Shimizu S-Pulse of the J-League, whilst Messi-Jay’s club BEC Tero Sasana have claimed that they have also been approached by
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clubs in South Korea. A move to Gamba Osaka would certainly be a good one as they are the reigning J-League champions; S-Pulse, however, finished just one place and one point outside of the relegation zone in 2014. The gap in quality between a struggling J-League side and a top TPL side is marginal, and Tero as well as the player himself may question whether a move to the latter would be a beneficial one. Proponents of a move to the Far East may argue that the youngster will gain greater tactical and positional nous by playing in either the J or K-League. Whilst it’s true that sides from Japan and Korea tend to be better organised and more tactically disciplined than their Thai counterparts, should
TPL 2015 kicks off this month!
THE new season gets underway on the weekend of the 14th and 15th of February (in actual fact, the first fixture is on Friday 13th when Saraburi FC host Chonburi). On the 14th, BEC Tero host Chiang Rai United and Army United welcome Siam Navy whilst Port FC (formally Thai Port, formally Singhtarua, now just Port or Tarua FC) travel to champions Buriram. That is, they will travel to Buriram if they are still in the TPL. At the time of writing they still have not paid the 4.275 million baht owed to former player Matias Christen. FIFA has ordered that the payment be made but Tarua are stalling. They now have until January 27th to cough up. If they don’t they will be relegated to League 1 or will even have to sit out the 2015 season – a potentially disastrous situation with regards to the club’s long-term future. On the Sunday of the opening weekend, Bangkok Glass host Sisaket F.C while Bangkok United travel to Chainat. Muangthong United begin with an away trip at TPL first-timers Nakhon Ratchasima. Title holders Buriram made the perfect start to their campaign when they saw off Bangkok Glass 1-0 in the Kor Royal Cup (TPL champions v FA Cup winners) on January 24th. The Thunder castle will once again start the season as title favourites but will hopefully be pushed more than they were last season by the likes of BEC Tero Sasana and Muangthong United. Bangkok Glass can only improve (don’t we say this every year?) on their woeful tenth-place finish of 2014, just six points above the relegation zone. Of our other Bangkok-based TPL sides, Army United and Bangkok United will surely be happy if they can repeat their mid-table finishes of 2014. And TOT, perennial favourites for the drop, will once again be looking to defy gravity. Tarua/Port may be on a survival mission whatever division they find themselves in. Osotspa must also be considered a Bangkok club for the time being. The former Saraburi squatters will probably be playing their home games at the Thephasadin Stadium, BEC Tero’s former home. In League One, Air Force and Police United will look to bounce back to the TPL at the first attempt. And Bangkok FC will be hoping that it will be third time lucky having been denied promotion to the TPL on the final day for the past two seasons. Strip AD_Destination_July14_M4.indd 1
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Expat Sport
Bangkok Rugby 10s celebrates tenth anniversary this month Games will be held at Bangkok Patana School from Feb 28 – Mar 1 first Swiss team this year. The games are highly competitive yet very social and are run over two days. Although the games start on Saturday the fun starts on Thursday evening with social events for the participants, so you may catch hordes of rugby players out and about enjoying all that Bangkok has to offer. Throughout the tournament there will be live music, food stalls, drinks, and a beer garden, as well as a kids’ area with games and activities, including a bouncy castle, ensuring a festive atmosphere and enjoyment for the whole family. The Bangkok International Rugby Tens is organized by a group of volunteers, headed by former Canada international Eddie Evans, who played for Canada in three world cups. The tournament is run to raise funds for the Nak Suu Tigers Rugby Academy, a charity which helps slum children improve their lives through the structure and guidance provided through sports and access to education.
E
EVERYONE’S favourite sporting event is coming back to town. From February 28 to March 1, over 1,700 rugby players from around the world will celebrate a weekend of sports and family fun at the Bangkok International Rugby Tens Tournament. “The Tens,” as the tournament is fondly known, is an exciting international rugby tournament, hosting 44 men’s teams, 40 children’s rugby teams and six women’s touch teams. Each year, well-known international rugby stars join the event, including this year the legendary former Springbok Captain Bobby Skinstad, former Tongan captain, now TV personality and NZ Sky Sports commentator, Willy Lose, and former Wallaby player Warrick Waugh, as well as former Springboks Breyton Paulse and world cup winner Butch James. A crew from the Rugby Asia Channel will be on hand to film the event for their viewers. Bumrungrad hospital will be onsite to provide first aid and ambulance services. The annual event brings together participants from across the globe, with teams flying in from the region, as well as Australia, New Zealand, France and South Africa with the tournament hosting its
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“We’re very proud of the Tens tournament”, Eddie says. “We have come a very long way from our first tournament ten years ago which had just 16 teams participating and was held at a dusty field in Rangsit with few spectators. We now have more teams than ever flying in and run the tournament on four pitches with a wide range of food, drinks and entertainment making it a carnival of sorts. We are pleased with this development as all the funds raised during the tournament go to support the children’s charity.” The tournament is proudly sponsored by valued sponsors Emirates, Mantra Venture Group and DoubleTree by Hilton. They have provided significant funding and services to not only >
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make the tournament a success but also greatly increase the value of the contribution to the charity. “We’d like to say a big thank you to our sponsors whose involvement directly benefits the underprivileged children of Bangkok,” says Eddie. “We’d also like to thank Bangkok Patana School for providing excellent facilities and continued support to the tournament. “We also thank Bumrungrad for taking care of our players during the event, Health Box for providing food to the Nak Suu teams, Tesco Lotus for providing water, and our new sponsors Hooters and Lighthouse, who are keen to be a part of this event. “A particular thank you goes out to ACH Management, Asia Pacific Breweries and Jardine Shipping Services who have been with the tournament for each and every one of the ten years and
Sailors have a ball
to Hamish Tom Watters for his donation to the charity. We know there will be some other companies coming on board and we look forward to welcoming them.” The Bangkok Rugby Tens invites you to come and join this rugby fest. Watch great rugby, spot the celebrities, let the kids run around, and have a drink or two while cheering on your favourite team. The Tens is held at the sports complex of Bangkok Patana School on Sukhumvit Soi 105. Entrance is free. The BigChilli has been a media partner of the Bangkok International Rugby Tens for the past ten years. www.bangkokrugby10s.net & facebook.com/bangkokrugby10s
MEMBERS and friends of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) welcomed 2015 in style with a superb New Year’s Eve party at Varuna’s stunning clubhouse. Free-flow drinks, a hog roast buffet dinner, party games and prize giveaways added to the fun. Located in a secluded cove between Pattaya and Jomtien, RVYC is a family oriented club for sailors of all abilities, from the uninitiated to serious racers. For more info see varuna.org.
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Social Last month’s best events in pictures
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Social|Last Month’s Best Events
WONDERLAND PARTY AT KOI
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KOI Lounge Bangkok welcomed 2015 in grand fashion with an action-packed New Year’s Eve party sponsored by Jägermeister and titled ‘Wonderland.’ Highlights of the event included a dance performance by Galina Fedorova, a fashion show featuring some of Bangkok’s hottest models, and DJs spinning tunes till the early hours.
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Social|Last Month’s Best Events
MULLIGANS TURNS 6
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MULLIGANS Irish Bar on Khao San Road celebrated its sixth anniversary with a night of free- ow drinks, pass around snacks, and a superb performance by the house band who belted out Thai and international hits for a well-mi ed crowd of locals, e pats and tourists.
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Social|Last Month’s Best Events
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CHIVAS REGAL IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SCOTCH whisky label Chivas Regal introduced its latest blend, Chivas Regal Extra, with a celeb-studded party at Do Not Disturb Club (Ekamai Soi 5/1). Among the big names attending the event were Pijj Bunyapana, Natarnin Khunathanard, Ingfah Damrongchaitham, Thanatep, Dr Pichuda Dabbhadatta, Kaerika Chotivichit, and Poomjai Tangsanga.
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GLITZ & GLAM AT LEVELS
LEVELS Club & Lounge (Sukhumvit Soi 11) ended 2014 on a high note and welcomed 2015 in style with a superb New Year’s Eve Party featuring special drinks deals, live dance shows, and sets from some of Bangkok’s hottest DJs.
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ENVYFOL MAKES ITS DEBUT
ENVYFOL wines from France were introduced to Bangkok oenophiles in delicious fashion at a grand wine tasting event held at The Continent Hotel’s Axis & Spin Sky Bar.
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BLOCK ROCKIN’ BEATS
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NICKY Romero, Richie Hawtin, and Blasterjaxx were just a few of the international DJs packing out the dance oors at the recent estival in Bangkok. Organized by Retox Sessions and AG Productions, in partnership with Contango and Bacardi, the event was a blast. oll on the ne t one
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THE PINTSMAN TURNS 3
REGULAR punters raised their glasses more than a few times to toast the success of The Pintsman pub on Silom Road when it celebrated its third anniversary with a big party last month. ri e giveaways and live music added to the fun.
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ROYAL CLIFF BACK ON THE SCENE
GLAMOUR, style and formal luxury came together as the Royal Cliff Hotels Group of cially reopened the oyal liff Grand Hotel in Pattaya with a spectacular Grand ‘Sea-lebration’ by the hotel’s Grand In ni Pool, where guests mingled and relaxed over delicious canap s and free- owing drinks. or more info see www.royalcliff.com.
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SAVELBERG OPENS IN STYLE
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RESTAURANT Savelberg Thailand (at the riental esidence Bangkok celebrated its of cial opening with a vibrant cocktail party attended by many celebrities, press and socialites who enjoyed tasting the restaurant’s superb rench cuisine.
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GRAND OPENING FOR MANGO TREE
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MANG Tree orldwide’s rst agship restaurant, Mango Tree n The iver, opened its doors on the banks of the hao hraya iver with a superb party attended by over VI guests. The evening was hosted by Mango Tree orldwide’s Bangkok-based and entrepreneur itaya hanphensophon, who surprised the crowd with special performances from Thailand’s best ylophone teacher and Silly B of Seed . M.
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TRI-NATIONS GARDEN PARTY
A BIG crowd enjoyed great hospitality, balmy seasonal weather and the beautiful grounds of the Sukhothai Hotel when they attended the ‘Tri-Nations’” annual garden party recently. Main sponsor of this popular event, hosted jointly by the Australian, New Zealand and South African chambers of commerce, was Vinarco, represented by Mr Vincent Swift.
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Social|Around Last Month’s town Best Events
AERIAL FLOW oPENS AT FITNESS FIRST
GYm and spa chain Fitness First launched its new yoga class, Aerial Flow, with a special event showcasing the benefits of the workout, which takes traditional yoga and gives it a spin by incorporating the use of hammocks strung at various heights – great for tackling pesky office syndrome. more info at www.fitnessfirst.co.th.
oPPo’S BIG LAUNCH
oPPo Thailand launched its fastest, lightest, and slimmest smartphones yet – the oPPo N3 and R5 – with a special event at Siam Paragon. Both phones pack impressive cameras (The N3 is particularly good, coming with a 16mP front camera along with 8 various filters and an ultra Hd mode) and have a whole host of battery-saving functions. The oPPo N3 is priced B19,990; the oPPo R5, B15,990.
CENTARA WINS BIG
MR Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, was named “Asia’s Top Influential Person in Travel Business” at the Now Travel Asia Awards, held at Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Centara properties also took top prizes in two other important categories – “Asia’s Top Heritage Hotel,” which went to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin; and “Asia’s Top Beach Hotel,” awarded to the Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas in Phuket.
SPEEdo SWImS INTO TOWN
CRC Sports, the new distributor of Speedo in Thailand, introduced the swimwear brand’s latest range of products at a press conference hosted by CRC Sports’ managing director, Tony morton, together with Harry Thind, Regional Business development director of Speedo. Speedo products GloBAl Supplies Co., ltd. marked its soft are available to buy now at opening with an exclusive VIP movie night at Supersports, Central department the Enigma Theater, Siam Paragon. Consultants Store, The Mall Group, Tokyu to the oil and gas industry, the new company department Store, and more. also offers safety training.
ExCluSIVE NIGHT WITH GloBAl SuPPlIES
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DIPLOMATS Meet the people uniting nations
Mr Arto Artinian
The Honorary Consul of Armenia talks about his responsibilities Page 118 TheBigChilli 117
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Mr Arto Artinian|Armenia
Why the Armenian Honorary Consul is a true gem
Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER Portrait photographs JARAN LAKKANAWAT
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THE government of the Republic of Armenia is fortunate indeed to have Mr Arto Artinian looking after their interests in Thailand. The Honorary Consul is remembered by many as the host of one of the best national day receptions held by any embassy last year – and being responsible for superbly designed 2014 Christmas and New Year greeting cards as well as a great website of the Consulate. More seriously, though, he plays an essential role in maintaining good relations with the Thai government and foreign diplomatic community. Last but not least, he spares no effort to assist Thais who want to visit Armenia. Mr Artinian’s approach to his Consular duties has a definite correlation to the way he runs a high-end jewellery manufacturing company in Bangkok. In this trade, everything depends on good design, precision and a sense for detail. Mr Artinian makes managing both endeavors simultaneously look easy. His splendidly decorated building on Silom Road, Soi 19, serves as both Consulate and the administrative section of his jewellery company. “A lot of people also ask me, ‘How can you manage to do all that in Thailand?’ I always say, by building good relationships, good teams and good management, and by having high expectations and standards. At my company we have built over the years this reputation for excellence in design and finished fine jewelry products. We are like a family here.” Mr Artinian switched topics to talk about Armenia. “It is a mysterious country for many people. They want to know where we came from. We have a big diaspora outside our country. The reason is that the Republic of Armenia is only part of an ancient greater Armenia which extends to the west and is currently a part of Turkey. My ancestors came from this part. My grandparents were victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide which began in 1915 during the days of the Ottoman Empire and were uprooted from their ancestral lands in western Armenia and deported,” said Mr Artinian, noting that this year is the centenary of the Armenian Genocide that left more than one and a half million Armenians dead or displaced. “I was born to Armenian parents in Damascus, and spent my childhood in Damascus in Syria. My father was a hardworking, well-established and respected jeweler. After my elementary studies, I attended an Armenian boarding school in Cyprus and spent seven years in high school there and an additional
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two years studying business administration at Cyprus College [now the European University Cyprus]. “Following my graduation I returned to Damascus and decided to continue the family’s jeweler’s legacy, so I joined my father in the business. I travelled a lot. I often went to Antwerp, where my uncle was an established diamantaire who specialized in the cutting, assessing and trading of diamonds and other gems. “It was during these travels that I first came to Thailand, in December 1992, to buy gemstones. My father had a lot of praise for Thai gems and gem cutters. When I came to Thailand I was impressed with the country, which I saw as a place where I could eventually settle down and do business. “In 1995 I moved here and started working to get established, initially trading gems with clients from the Middle East, especially Syria. In 1997 I established Artinian Co., Ltd. for manufacturing and trading of finished jewellery products. We have been a constantly growing company since day one. We started with a few workers and now we have 350 employees working in this 10-storey building and another building across the street, which is the factory.” Mr Artinian said his father helped to instill in him a love for his Armenian heritage. “My family, especially my father, always kept a very close relationship with the Armenian community. Even during the days of Soviet Armenia, my father had a very good relationship with the Armenian leadership and always promoted cooperation. “Since my high school days I have been interested in current affairs. I used to meet every Thursday for hours with our pipe-smoking physics teacher to discuss current affairs and international relations. The teacher always started the session with the question: ‘So, what happened this week in the world?’ Sometimes I was the only student in that extracurricular activity. I punctually attended all the sessions,” said Mr Artinian. Given this background, it’s not surprising that he chose to pursue diplomacy as well as business.
Consular duties Armenia and Thailand established diplomatic relations on July 7, 1992 and the Armenian Consulate was established in January 1998. “In 2005 the Armenian Prime Minister, Antranik Mar-
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Mr Arto Artinian|Armenia
Tatev Monastery
Etchmiadzin Cathedral - Armenia's First Church
Mesrop Mashdots - Inventor of the Armenian Alphabet
garian, visited Thailand to sign two agreements between our countries and also to establish the Armenian-Thai Chamber of Commerce. I was appointed President of this organization the same year, which was also the year Norair Bob Der Gevorkian, the first Armenian Consul to Thailand, sadly passed away. The position was passed on to his son, Greg Der Kevorkian, and he held it for three years until his departure from Thailand. I was offered the Honorary Consul in 2011, and I accepted,” said Mr. Artinian, who has been organizing official events for the Armenian community of Thailand since 2007. The Ambassador of The Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Armenia is His Excellency Dr Itti Ditbanjong, who resides in Moscow. Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex Yerevan
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Garni Temple
“As Honorary Consul my primary responsibility is to represent Armenia and its interests in Thailand and to build and maintain strong bilateral diplomatic, economic, cultural, agricultural and sports ties with Thailand. The Consulate organizes three or four yearly gatherings to mark important dates such as Christmas, Easter, Genocide Commemoration Day and Armenian Independence Day. In January 2015 we organized our Pan-Asian Armenian Christmas gathering in Bangkok, in collaboration with Armenian communities of Hong Kong, Singapore and Far East Asia,” said Mr Artinian. As Honorary Consul, he makes it a point to keep an active presence in the Thai business, diplomatic and civic communities, as well as the expat community in Thailand. The Consulate provides advice and guidance to Thais and expats interested in visiting Armenia, either as tourists or for business purposes. “Currently we have three people working at the Consulate. They are involved fulltime in day-to-day operations and services,” said Mr Artinian, who plans to create an Armenian gallery in the office this year, a place where people can come and gather information about the country. He also wants to do more to promote trade between Thailand and Armenia in the coming year. “We have a small Armenian community here. Any Armenian living in Thailand or travelling through can always contact the Consulate for assistance with any issue which arises. However, the Consulate doesn’t issue visas. Probably in the future
Interior of Keghart Monastry
ARTO ARTINIAN IN FOCUS Current positions Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia to the Kingdom of Thailand President of Armenian Thai Chamber of Commerce Vice President - Armenian ewellers’ Association International President and CEO Artinian Co., Ltd.
Education
Yerevan Opera House
Yerevan Cascade Museum
we will upgrade the Consulate and have that capability, but at present the main focus is the representation of Armenia in Thailand, which includes making and cementing contacts with the Thai government. “We promote Armenia in Thailand, and give advice to people travelling to Armenia, for example on the best way to travel. To obtain a visa to visit Armenia is very easy. It is done online, and we can help with information. In fact, Thai visitors, same as people from many other countries, will get a six-month or 180-day visa upon arrival. “Honorary Consuls aren’t required to submit credentials to His Majesty the King or the Crown Prince. “The letter goes straight to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MFA], which then approves the appointment. We don’t go to the MFA briefings as ambassadors do. We only have meetings with the MFA from time to time. “I travel outside Bangkok when needed, visit the Armenian community in Pattaya, as we have two Armenian restaurants there,” said Mr Artinian. He finances and supports all activities of the Consulate, which is the common practice. Most Honorary Consuls are business people who are appointed by their country. There are quite a few in Thailand but they don’t get much media attention.
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Mr Artinian described relations between Thailand and Armenia as “excellent” and gave details on agreements between the two countries, including the 2002 Joint Statement on Friendship and Partnership between and 2005 Joint Action Plan. “The amount of trade between Thailand and Armenia is very limited, but developing. Products exported from Thailand include A4 paper, rice, auto parts, frozen seafood and jewellery. From Armenia to here, it is mostly unfinished gemstones. Some Armenians have facilities here to cut and polish gems including diamonds. Some stones are sold here and some are re-exported. “We are also in the process to import the famous Armenian Brandy, which is the national product of Armenia with production skills and processes that remain one of the best kept secrets. Aged Ararat Brandy was the favourite brandy of Sir Winston Churchill and he enjoyed it regularly to complement his cigars. “We are in talks with the Thai Gems & Jewellery Traders Association to pro-
Graduate of Melkonian Educational Institute – Secondary Boarding School, Cyprus. Associate BBA at the Ioannis Gregoriou School of Business Administration, European University Cyprus
Professional Experience Arto Artinian is the founder, President and CEO of Artinian Co., Ltd. an accredited BOI company speciali ing in high-end jewellery design and manufacturing, employing more than 350 professionals in Bangkok. He is also owner and director of subsidiary companies in Dubai and Hong Kong and a Managing Partner of SAV & Co., a jewellery branding and distribution-agent company in Canada. Mr Artinian is the Vice President of International Armenian ewellers Association, and a corporate member of the Thai Gem and ewellery Traders Association. Mr Artinian is the founding Chairman of the Armenian -Thai Chamber of Commerce. The Armenian-Thai Chamber is a member of the oint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand.
Social Activities A family man, Mr Artinian is also a keen adventurer and a curious traveler, enjoying his spare time from work exploring and enjoying his experiences with his family and close friends. Current affairs, cosmopolitan cultures and personal development are his main motivations whereas on a personal level he is a seasoned wine connoisseur and gourmet enthusiast. He is the treasurer and a board member of the Cha ne des R tisseurs Baliage Thailand, as well as a Cofounding member of the Kiwanis Bangkok Club, a charity organi ation dedicated to the education and wellbeing of children. Mr Artinian is married to Mrs Sirin Artinian. They have a son, Serge, and a daughter, Ariana. TheBigChilli 121
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Mr Arto Artinian|Armenia National Gallery
Yerevan City, Capital of Armenia
ARTINIAN FINE JEWELLERY ARTO Artinian had this to say about his jewellery company “Artinian is a fine jewelry house speciali ed in creating high-end jewellery pieces, using rare and exceptional diamonds and gemstones such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires. “The House of Artinian is headed by Armenian brothers Arto and Saro Artinian, who have since 1997 built a reliable and professional reputation for tailoring bespoke jewellery collections for Royal Houses in the Gulf and Asia as well as speciali ed in creating Private Label Collections for discerning retailers.” mote mutual interests between our countries. I also represent the Armenian Jewellers Association as Vice President,” said Mr Artinian. He then listed some visits to Thailand by Armenian officials, including HE Minister of Foreign Affairs V Oskanian in March 2002, and state visits by HE Prime Minister A Margarian, in June 2005; and HE Hasmik Poghosyan, the Minister of Culture and other Armenian dignitaries who, in April 2013, presided over the transition of the Armenian city of Yerevan to Bangkok as 2013’s World Book Capital.
About Armenia “Armenia is an ancient country with rich history, culture and traditions. The Kingdom of Urartu prospered almost three thousand years ago. In the fifth century BC Greek historians called Armenia a vast country with prosperous and highly developed people. Situated along the ancient Silk Road, Armenia has always been at the trade and cultural crossroads of East and West, and the focal point where many civilizations have clashed. “Armenians have been subjected to a long list of invaders who have left their marks. Armenians have endured centuries of military and political clashes, but throughout it all have managed to build a very strong national identity and maintain ethnic integrity,” said Mr Artinian. “The Armenian language has a distinct alphabet and rich literature, something which has enabled us to maintain our national self-consciousness. Armenia was the first place where Christianity was officially adopted, in 301 AD, about ten years before the Roman Empire. Armenian architecture is renowned for its ancient monasteries and spiritual sanctuaries. Armenia can also boast of having the world’s oldest winery, according to the Wall Street Journal.
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Armenian Traditional Dance
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“Armenia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1920 to 1990. Today it is a young nation, the first non-Baltic country to secede from the Soviet Union. We became a fully independent country in September 1991. “At 5,137 meters high, mount Ararat is our national symbol. It lies painfully just beyond the border in Turkey, yet it remains very much an integral part of our identity, history, culture and national expression, folklore and traditions. “The second language in Armenia is Russian. Armenia and Russia have always been good partners and work closely together economically and militarily. The borders of Armenia are protected by the Armenian - Russian military alliance. “In January 2015 Armenia joined the new Customs Union agreement with Russia. “Armenia has a well-developed IT industry. We are good software developers. These days, foreign companies are setting up offices for developing software in Armenia. Microsoft opened a huge center in Yerevan, the biggest in the region. Samsung also set up a center for software research in Yerevan. Outside the capital, the economy is mostly agricultural,” said Mr Artinian. He then talked about one of the Armenian people’s great national pastimes: Chess. “One of the most famous chess players ever, Garry Kasparov, is Armenian. President Serzh Sargsyan introduced the policy that in every school in Armenia, kids start learning to play chess when they are seven. It is a very good idea. Chess develops the mind. “Medicine is also very developed in my country. People with heart conditions are coming to Armenia for treatment at our sanatoriums and areas with natural water, especially from Russia.”
Armenians abroad and in Thailand
“Armenia has a huge diaspora which mainly consist of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, with those who miraculously managed to survive great hardships perpetrated during the genocide migrating to the US, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and Australia. The world Armenian population today is estimated at ten million, with three million in Armenia and the rest throughout the world. “Armenians are usually business savvy and known for excellence in crafts and skills, and are very adaptive in foreign
Armenian Independence Day reception, October 2014
cultures. We have a high level of tolerance and respect for other cultures, but also place great emphasis on maintaining our national identity. Most Armenians like travelling and exploring new opportunities and are good in conducting businesses either as managers or entrepreneurs. “Many Armenians started coming to Asia around 300 years ago. At first these were mostly traders settling in India, then moving to Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Raffles Hotel in Singapore was built by three Armenian brothers. “The Armenian community in Thailand is one of the relatively newer communities of the diaspora,” Mr Artinian said. “It is a small yet dynamic community, consisting of career professionals and their families. It is primarily centered in Bangkok, with a notable presence in Pattaya. Most Armenians in Thailand are in the jewellery business either as craftsmen or traders. There are few Thais living in Armenia, perhaps 20 or 30, mostly in the services sector.”
Personal note
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“Thailand is wonderful place to be, and I feel fortunate to live here. It has a lot of good things to offer, and most importantly it has a treasure that can’t be found anywhere else. I am speaking of the people of Thailand, who are naturally good natured, modest and have a friendly spirit,” said Mr Artinian. He has been married to a Thai woman for ten years. “My most memorable day in Thailand was when I married my wife, Sirin, at Christchurch on Convent Road in Bangkok, a church I feel very close to. I will always remember the ambience and the atmosphere of that day. “I enjoy very much my family life and working with Thai people, sharing good experiences with my close friends in Thailand.” Mr Artinian can speak Thai, as well as English, Arabic, Turkish, a little Greek and French, and of course, Armenian. Asked why the Armenian Consulate in the only Consulate to organize a national day reception, Mr Artinian replied: “We Armenians love our country. We love who we are and we are proud to be Armenian. The reception is intended to promote Armenia and I want to encourage Thai people to travel there because it is a nice destination. It is different, like the old world, so it is like going back in time. “I am a keen traveler myself, and I mainly practice yoga
ARMENIA AT A GLANCE The Republic of Armenia is a landlocked country of rugged mountains located in the southern Caucasus between the Black and Caspian seas covering 29,743 s uare kilometers, most of it above 1,800 meters. Armenia borders Georgia, Iran, Turkey and A erbaijan. The population is about 3.2 million, about 1.3 million of whom live in the capital of Yerevan. Other major cities are Gyumri, Vanad or and Vagharshapat. The president is the head of state, elected for a five-year term. President Ser h Sargsyan was re-elected in 2013. The National Assembly is the top legislative body in Armenia elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The executive power is exercised by the government that consists of the prime minister and the ministers. Armenia is considered to be the first country to officially accept Christianity, in 301 AD. The country possesses small deposits of alumina, copper, gold, molybdenum and inc. The main agricultural products include dairy, fruits, fish and livestock. Major industries are diamond-processing and jewelry manufacturing, software development, consumer products such as natural fruit juices, dried organic fruits, viniculture and winemaking; and, of course, Armenia is renowned for its award-winning brandy. Additional national conventional industries include electric motors, tires, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals and mechanical instruments. ith many monuments and natural wonders including mountain caves and hot springs, Armenia is a popular tourist destination.
and I like outdoor activities such as tennis and of course skiing, which I try to do as often as possible. I have tested the Swiss slopes and the Canadian Rockies, and recently have really enjoyed a couple of trips to Niseko in Japan. I have found that skiing clears my mind completely of the daily hassles and lets me focus entirely on enjoying the slide and finding the way to get down the slope.” Mr Artinian also said he has a number of plans for Consular activities in the coming year, including the Genocide Centenary Remembrance Day in April. “We plan to launch our newly built Consulate offices in September 2015, which will include a guest area, and a gallery with Armenian books and souvenirs. Of course, we also plan to further develop and build our ties with the Royal Thai government and the great people of Thailand.”
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Hua Hin
Cha Am Pranburi And beyond...
Romantic getaway at Amari
Valentine’s with a twist ANT to do something a little different this Valentine’s Day? Don’t miss the ‘Dining in the Dark Passion Fruita Experience’ at Cellar Restaurant, Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, where you and your partner will indulge in a six-course gourmet dinner – while blindfolded. The idea is to sharpen the senses of taste, smell, touch, and sound, and this theme carries on into the accommodation (think scented rose petals on the bed, and an iPod loaded with romantic music). B2,500 per couple; B4,000 per couple with champagne breakfast; and B4,500++ per couple in an Ocean View Residence (minimum two-night stay is re uired). ☎ 025 148 112 :aleenta.com/huahin
ROMANCE isn’t just reserved for Valentine’s Day. All this month Amari Hua Hin is offering a special ‘Suite Valentine’ accommodation package featuring One-bedroom suite with daily breakfast for two, afternoon tea set with imported premium T G tea for two, romantic set dinner by the beach, 3pm check-out, and more. Rates start at B9,350++ per room per night per couple. ☎ 032 616 600 :amari.com/huahin
Thailand Classic Tournament THE fi rst event co-sanctioned between The Asian Tour and European Tour to be permanently based in Thailand, the US 2million Thailand Classic will welcome the best players from the European Tour and Asian Tour at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin. Held from Feb 12 – Feb 15, the event is part of the European Tour’s International Schedule, with pri e money earned to count towards The 2015 Race to Dubai, a year-long competition currently led by orld Number One Rory McIlroy. Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin. Tickets range B400-B1,200 :thaiticketmajor.com
Oysters and bubbly at Hilton OFFERING a superb sweeping view of Hua Hin, Hilton Hotel’s rooftop hite Lotus Sky Bar has always been a great option for a date. Adding to its pulling power this Valentine’s Day is a special promotion featuring a do en Fine de Claire Oysters served on ice with a bottle of sparkling wine – a great deal at just B1,800 per set. ☎ 032 538 999 :huahin.hilton.com
Stylish Chinese New Year celebration LIVE music, dance performances, and a spectacular Dragon Show with waterfall fi reworks are just a few of the highlights expected when Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas welcomes the Year of the Goat with a gala buffet dinner. Feb 19 at the Colonial Pool. B1,930++ per person, starts at 7pm. ☎ 032 512 021 www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ centaragrand/chbr
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Hu aH i n
N ews and Deals
Romance by the sea PUTAHRACSA Hua Hin’s Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant is a great choice for dining this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the beach while indulging in a five-course ‘Moonlight Serenade Dinner,’ and a violinist performance at your table will add the requisite romance. B2,999 per couple. ☎ 032 531 470 :putahracsa.com
Dining by candlelight ROMANCING your loved one is a doddle at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s Salas Restaurant, which is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering a special four-course gourmet set dinner priced at just B4,300 per couple (with two glasses of sparkling wine); B5,600 per couple (with one bottle of sparkling wine); or B10,400 per couple (with one bottle of Champagne). ☎ 032 708 000 :sheraton.com/huahin
THE soothing sounds of jazz will add plenty of romance to Valentine’s Day dining at Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin, which, specially for the occasion, is serving a special BBQ dinner featuring all kinds of grilled meats and seafood for just B2,500 per couple. ☎ 032 547 733 :restdetailhotel.com
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BANYAN Golf Club Hua Hin has three special events teed up this month. On Feb 17, the Power Tee Competition will feature tee times from noon followed by snacks after the game (B2,100 per person); on Feb 21, the club will host its signature 'Golf & Wine Dinner' (B4,300 per person inclusive green fee and gourmet dinner, B2,200 per person for dinner only); and capping the month, on Feb 28, is the Mondo Vino Charity Golf Tournament and wine dinner (B14,000 per team, B3,500 per person. Starts at 11am). ☎ 032 616 200 :banyanthailand.com
Sailing Club Hua Hin now open
Valentine’s jazz at Rest Detail
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Golf tournaments at Banyan
SITUATED in a beautiful location next to the Regent Cha Am Hotel, halfway between Hua Hin and Cha Am, the Sailing Club Hua Hin is now open offering instruction for boating enthusiasts young and old. The club’s state-of-the-art boathouse boasts 11 brand new Optimist dinghies and 5 Olympic Class Laser XD’s fresh out of the box from the UK. In addition, the Club has a 4.80m 40hp security boat to ensure safety at sea. Heading the team of instructors is Bai Fearn Meeyousamsen, the number two Laser Radial sailor in Thailand. Annual fees are B15,000 for the whole family, and then members can rent the boats for small additional fees of B350 for a half day in an Optimist or B600 for a Laser. To celebrate its opening, the club is also offering a whole day’s instruction for young sailors for B1,000 (includes lunch). The Club’s bar and restaurant is open for lunch until 6pm every day except Monday.
Electric Mango Steak House & Grill - expect the unexpected
THB
499
m 6pm o r f y a d y ever
cob n o b, rn o o e c c n , n i o ew ine otattoo r–wchoirtn w p e t d i ortead o d or wh bakkeed p h f t i o d iwth baglass lass of re e v r w , rsveed d by 1by 1 g e s , ak mpanpieanied e t s d lle ce,ea,cacoccom i r g oioic ram 300 g by yyoouurrcchh aauuccee s s d n d a an
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
Hu aH i n
S ocial
A Royal occasion at Andreas ON the afternoon of January 13, 2015, Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Andreas Italian Restaurant and Grill in Hua Hin. Andreas and his team proudly served Her Royal Highness some of the restaurant’s most popular specialties.
Casino Royale at Centara Grand A NIGHT of jazz and gourmet cuisine was enjoyed by over 550 guests at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin’s glamorous Casino Royale New Year’s Eve Party. Held by the hotel’s Colonial pool, the party featured performances by Natt Bunitida from The Voice Thailand, and Danish jazz legend Jakob Dinesen.
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Strip AD_Andreas_Feb15_M4.pdf
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Welcome to Andreas Italian Restaurant & Grill. We are proud to be Hua Hin's favourite place to meet friends and family for a great meal. Come and enjoy Chef Andreas' freshly made pastas, wood-fire oven baked pizzas, and charcoal broiled meats and seafoods. All foods are homemade using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients available, and we have a great selection of wines and beers. After dinner you can relax further with a delicious cocktail while listening to the latest lounge music at our rooftop terrace bar.
www.andreas-ristorante.com Email : ab@andreas-ristorante.com Phone : 09 9910 1018 Located at The Lapa HuaHin
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Accommodation
Hua Hin Where to sleep The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin ■ Located in the heart of Hua Hin right next to the beach, this luxury hotel combines comfort and convenience for the perfect escape. Each suite is well-furnished in stylish décor and each has its own private swimming pool. General facilities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, steam rooms, spa, library, and meeting functions. Rocks Restaurant serves up a wide range of international dishes and local favourites, while the beachside bar, and the cigar and whisky bar, mix up some excellent cocktails.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa ■ This imposing resort in the centre of Hua Hin is regarded as one of the best family hotels in the region. Accommodation features comfortable rooms and suites, providing guests with a living space that exhibits contemporary Thai design flair and good in-room amenities. There are also 11 Spa Suites available. The awardwinning White Lotus on the 17th floor of the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers sky-high dining at down to earth prices. 33 Naresdamri Road. Tel: 032 538 999
97/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin ■ Set within 13 hectares of landscaped gardens, the property dates back to 1923 and is one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned hotels. The luxurious colonial-era beachfront resort features 207 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, each one offering comfort and convenience. The Pool Villas include four Deluxe Spa Villas with queen sized twin bed, lounging area, bathroom with rain shower, and oversized Jacuzzi bathtub. Refined dining is available at Sala Thai, Hagi, the Railway Restaurant, and Palm Terrace. Guests can unwind in the Elephant Bar. 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin. Tel: 032 512 021-38
Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Spa ■ This resort-spa is situated at the heart of 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and faces the Gulf of Thailand. Pool villas and guest rooms are connected by a series of wooden walkways that meander between lush greenery. This is a retreat for those seeking time to relax and recharge. In The Restaurant guests can sip exotic cocktails, ice-cold beer or boutique wines while watching chefs cook and construct creative appetizers. The award-winning Earth Spa is one of the most visually striking in Thailand. 9/22 Moo 5 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi. Tel: 032 632 111 130
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Villa Maroc Resort Pranburi ■ Inspired by Morocco’s distinctive architecture, Villa Maroc combines Thai beachside living and service with some of the most luxurious furnishings from the North African Kingdom, making it a unique addition to Southeast Asia’s accommodation scene. The resort is located in Pranburi approximately 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin town. You can tuck into European, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine at Casablanca, enjoy cocktails and shisha pipes at the Sisha Bar, relax in bliss at Sherazade Hammam & Spa, and much more. 165/3 Moo 3 Paknampran, Pranburi, Tel: 032 630 771 email: rsvn@villamarocresort.com
Baan Bayan
■ This fine resort features one of Hua Hin’s finest examples of early 1900’s architectural style. The beachfront resort has been faithfully restored to its former glory by the family who once lived there. Guests staying at Baan Bayan can experience the glory of a bygone era in its colonial style structure, yet without sacrificing the modern day comforts and amenities. It has 21 rooms comprising of three suites, 10 sea view rooms and 16 rooms with views of the courtyard or tropical garden. 119 Petchkasem Road. Tel: 032 533 544
IT’S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT The great escape for golfers and families
“One Week in paradise” The resort is awesome, the service is excellent, the staff is friendly and helpful everything was perfect. We enjoyed our stay at banyan resort more than words can explain. It is a place that you must visit. We had unforgettable memories there; and didn't want our vacation to end George Al Gerdi Beirut, Lebanon
Banyan is Your Number One Lifestyle Golf and Resort Destination in Thailand Banyan is a premium resort with an 18- hole championship golf course
Resort
+66 (0)3253 8888, booking@banyanthailand.com Facebook.com/BanyanTheResortHuaHin Twitter: @banyan_thailand
Golf
+66 (0)3261 6200, reservations@banyanthailand.com Facebook.com/BanyanGolfClubHuaHin Twitter: @banyan_thailand
www.banyanthailand.com
COAST CO PATTAYA
Kok Chang
ong Amat omtien Bang Saray Sattahip Rayong
Hilton Pattaya has three great options on offer for lovebirds this Valentine’s Day. Page 134.
News & Deals
The Eastern Seaboard’s hottest dining and hotel promotions Page 134
Family brunch
Holiday Inn Pattaya’s Sunday Brunch is great value for money Page 134
Mate’s Rates Friends or family visiting Thailand? Let themknow about these deals Page 140
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N ews and Deals
Top choice for Valentine’s
New menu at Mantra FAMOUS for its impressive international Sunday Brunch, the stylish Mantra Restaurant & Bar has expanded its culinary delights with the launch of “The Chronicles of Mantra,” a new menu which will change each month and feature signature dishes from one of the restaurant’s chefs. This month sees the restaurant’s chef Sridha cooking up a wide range of Indian cuisine. Prices range from B350-B2,300++ per dish. ☎ 038 429 591 :mantra-pattaya.com
Spa treatment for couples THROUGH Mar 31, Siam Bayshore Pattaya is offering a two-hour ‘Romantic with Love’ spa deal for couples. Featuring herbal steam therapy, aromatic massage, and a floral rose milk bath, the treatment is priced 3,999 per couple. The spa is also offering 15 percent discount on all treatments over 60 minutes. Open daily 10am-8.30pm ☎ 038 428 678
HILTON Pattaya is celebrating the month of love by offering Valentine’s dinner packages at its three restaurants (all on Feb 14). Contemporary all-day-dining restaurant Edge will offer a special Valentine’s Dinner Buffet featuring a wide range of international cuisines for B1,100 per person (add B1,250 for a wine buffet); Thai restaurant Flare will serve up a four-course set dinner for B2,150 per couple (includes a glass of sparkling wine per guest); and – highly recommended – the Horizon rooftop restaurant and bar will offer a four-course set menu, featuring dishes such as Shellfish Trio and roasted moulard duck breast, at B4,750 per couple. ☎ 038 253 000 :facebook.com/PattayaHilton
Family Sunday Brunch THROUGH Mar 31, the Holiday Inn Pattaya is offering a Sunday Brunch deal at its East Coast Kitchen from noon-2pm, featuring premium dishes such as Roasted whole pork leg, Grilled seabass fillet, Grilled ham steak, imported cheeses, Homemade Italian gelato, and more. B1,000 net per person. :holidayinn-pattaya.com ☎ 038 725 555
Scented gifts STILL don’t know what to get your loved one on Valentine’s Day? Check out the new gift sets launched by Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. The sets feature scented skincare products made from natural ingredients like pure aloe vera, citrus, lemongrass, eucalyptus, cinnamon, magnolia and passion fruit. Priced at B1,790, the gift hampers include a sun-soother gel, after-sun spray mist, a body scrub, a hand cream, and a body wash. Facial skincare products are also available. :spacenvaree.com ☎ 038 714 967
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Turn sailing into a career at Royal Varuna BORED of your desk job and yearn for a life on the waves? Take your hobby to the next level by learning to teach sailing and become an instructor at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). The Royal Varuna Yacht Club will host an RYA Dinghy Instructor course on Feb 17-22, featuring intensive instruction in both theory and practice from two experienced RYA Coach Assessors from the UK. Complete the six-day course and you’ll be a certified RYA Dinghy Instructor (B24,000 per person. Participants must be over 16). More interested in driving a powerboat? The Royal Varuna Yacht Club will also host an RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course, on Feb 14-15, priced at B6,750 for members and B9,500 for non-members. For more details, contact Jordan Rumsby ☎ 090 913 9737 email: Jordan@varuna.org
Riviera Group unveils new project RIVIERA Group officially launched its latest project, The Riviera Jomtien, at a press conference last month. Located in the heart of Jomtien beach, the luxury high-rise condominium – a 3.8 billion baht project – sits on over 6 rai of land and, once completed in 2018, will feature a total of 1,043 units set over 46 storeys. Units range in size from 33sqm studios to 76sqm two bedroom units. For more info visit www.therivierajomtien.com.
Pacific Bay launched in Jomtien PROPERTY developers from Pattaya and beyond were out in force for the launch of Nova Group’s Pacific Bay project in Jomtien. The twenty-fifth development by Nova in the Eastern Seaboard region, Pacific Bay will be a 33-storey residential development comprising 481 units ranging in size from 22sqm studios up to 69.4sqm two-bedroom apartments. Prices start at B70,000 per sqm. For more info visit www.pacificbay.asia
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Word perfect: Thai lady who talks to Russians in their own language Maxmilian Wechsler meets Moscow-educated linguist ‘Joy’ who’s busy helping Russian visitors to communicate in Pattaya and Phuket
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THE Russians are coming to Thailand in huge numbers, but few can speak Thai or English so the need for translators and interpreters in their own language has never been greater. Helping to fill the void is Miss Weenarat Worawong, a Thai lady with a PhD in Russian language from a university in Moscow where she lived for many years. Known as Joy, a nickname that suits her buoyant personality, she gives assistance to Thai authorities in their dealings with Russians in the Kingdom. She also helps Russian expats and tourists who need assistance negotiating the Thai legal and bureaucratic systems. Every Russian who talked to The BigChilli said her Russian is flawless. “If you don’t see her and talk on the phone, you will assume she is a native Russian speaker, not a Thai-born woman,” said one man. “I know several Russian interpreters in Pattaya, but none of them can compare to Joy,” said another. Some Russians have even asked her what part of their country she comes from. She can also read and write the language
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perfectly as well. According to Department of Tourism figures, Russians make up the third largest group of visitors to Thailand – about 1.6 million last year. There are also thousands of Russians who reside here permanently or for part of the year. Russians favor the beach resorts of Pattaya and Phuket, and many stay in Bangkok at any one time. It should be noted that tourists from several other countries also speak Russian. Police, prosecutors, lawyers and even hospital staff are in desperate need of interpreters who can communicate with the Russians here, as many of them speak little or no English. Joy deals mostly with Russian speakers who have been involved in road accidents or victimized by criminals. She is also sometimes called upon to help in cases involving individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies in Thailand or the Russian Federation. But her most important role may be as a teacher of the Russian language in Thailand.
Background
Born in Ratchaburi in 1978, Joy received her primary education in Nakhom Pathom province. In 1996, when she was 18 years old, she made the bold move of going to Russia to further her education. “In fact, I followed the steps of my father, elder brother and younger sister, who also studied in Moscow” said Joy in English with a strong Russian accent. “It is like our family tradition. I didn’t choose Russia. It was the decision of my parents.” Her family contacts helped her obtain a scholarship from the Russian Federation, and Joy spent 14 years in Moscow, most of that time studying. “My first language was Russian; English was second,” said Joy, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Moscow State University, Faculty of Foreign Languages and then completed a doctorate in Russian and methods of teaching at People’s Friendship University of Russia.
Pattaya school students
“Before I went to Russia I heard that the weather is always bad, it is dark and always snowing and the people are not nice and polite. But when I arrived I found that, yes, it was definitely cold and sometimes tough to live in Moscow, but the Russian people were so nice and helpful. I mean the ‘real Russian’ people,’” she stressed. Four years before going back to Thailand she went to work for Thai Airways International in Moscow. “First I helped them with translation. I translated for the director of the Stockholm office, who often came to Moscow for different appointments. I helped with communication when a new route was opened between Moscow and Bangkok. I also helped at exhibitions as a presenter. I looked quite cute at that time and they wanted me to be their face in a Thai costume. But mainly they wanted me because I could speak Russian. The flight attendants can speak only English and Thai.”
Joy teaching Pattaya police officers
Joy with Russian boat accident victims
In 14 years Joy made nine trips back to Thailand. “I felt lonely at first, but later I got used to everything, so I didn’t get homesick anymore. The last three or four times I came home it was because I had important things to do here. As for my Thai language, it wasn’t a problem; I didn’t forget it. After I joined Thai Airways I could talk to flight staff. The captains would bring me Thai food and books.”
Back in Thailand
After she returned to Thailand in 2011, Joy decided she’d rather not live in Ratchaburi and stayed in Bangkok. She began looking for a situation where she could use her knowledge of the Russian language. “I knew I would work in Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket. I spent my first year back in Thailand choosing where I wanted to live. I finally decided on Pattaya because it is not far from Bangkok, so it allows me to work in both places. Pattaya is cozy and I feel sort of like I’m in Moscow because there are a lot of Russian people here. “I became involved with the police in Pattaya for the first time in 2011 when a friend who is a lawyer asked me to help with translation. She was assisting Russian tour agencies that had problems with the Tourist Police. My friend couldn’t speak any Russian, and I was happy to do it as it was my aim to be an interpreter for the Royal Thai Police (RTP). I was willing to do whatever it took to prepare myself for such a position, and I understood that I needed to learn as much as possible about the police system. After three years I think I am ready for any case. “Anyway, we were able to help the Russian tourists, and
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Joy’s students with police officers at Bali Hai Pier, Pattaya
Pattaya Mayor and others
Outside Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court Students from the Pattaya police
afterward the police chief asked for my phone number. Sometime later he called me and said: ‘Please help us with the Russian language. A tourist company has gone bankrupt and the Russian tourists are now in trouble.’ This was my first real case. “When the news spread about my work for the police, people were calling me all the time, sometimes very early in the morning. The police called me often and I was happy to help. Calls were coming from tourists as well. At that time I was so ‘new’ in Thailand that I didn’t know where different places were. One Russian tourist who called to ask for help said he was in Rawai Beach. I didn’t even know that Rawai is in Phuket, I thought it was in Pattaya,” said Joy, laughing. She also helps tourists and expats from other republics where Russian is spoken, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. “Most Thai people, including the police, assume that anyone who speaks Russian is a Russian. But some people will get really upset if they are called Russians, especially Ukrainians. I know this very well from some cases I have taken. The Thai authorities should also be aware of this and act accordingly,” said Joy.
W Criminal cases
“I have helped the police in many types of cases, from road and boating accidents to rape, robbery and murder. I helped the Economic Crime Suppression Division police in Bangkok after they arrested Russians and Ukrainians involved in credit card fraud. I also assisted the police in Nakhon Ratchasima in a court case involving two Russian ATM skimmers,” Joy said.
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The suspects, Vasily Ivanoff and Sergei Peterneff, were arrested in November 2013 with over 300 counterfeit ATM and credit cards and about 2.9 million baht in cash. A Thai accomplice, Pol Sgt Maj Nonthapan Saengsuk, was also arrested. A search of the two Russians’ hotel rooms in Bangkok turned up more cash and credit cards. Police said the gang used ‘skimmer’ devices to hack information from the victims’ credit cards and then made counterfeit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs. Joy also translated during a press conference in Bangkok presided over by Police General Wuthi Liptapallop, Deputy Director-General of the RTP, called after the arrest of Russian national Alexander Matusov, who was wanted by the Russian police. Mr Matusov, allegedly a Russian mafia leader, was arrested in Sattahip, Chonburi province, in June 2014. His gang was involved in extortion, kidnapping and scores of killings around Moscow and St Petersburg from 1995 to 2009. “The most interesting case involved a kidnapping and murder last year in Phuket. I spent 14 days there helping the police,” Joy said. Two Russians, Alexei Slabinskiy and his girlfriend Yana Strizheus, were kidnapped in early March 2014. Police dogs found the man’s decapitated and badly decomposed body in the woods. Ms Strizheus was discovered alive and alone inside a room at the Blue Garden Resort and Spa. She reportedly had self-inflicted wounds on her body following a suicide attempt made in desperation. The perpetrators were a Russian and Ukrainian man, and likely a third person. Police suspect that they escaped by boat. Investigators now say that the couple had borrowed three million baht from Alexander Novichkov, one of the kidnappers, and failed to pay him back. According to one source, Ms Strizheus did not tell the whole truth to investigators before returning to Russia in April.
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Joy often assists police at Banglamung station in Naklua near Pattaya, but also answers calls for help from all over Thailand. “I help the police when Russians are the victims or perpetrators of crimes. I don’t really know exactly how many cases I have been involved in, but it must be well over 100. I have had to slow down some because I was getting exhausted. “I am happy to help as long as I enjoy what I am doing, but helping the police is not my job I am not paid for it. I have also been helping prosecutors in Pattaya and Chonburi, again with no pay. “I have a steady income as a translator and interpreter. Together with a Russian man I have a company doing business in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket,” said Joy. “When someone needs my services, for example a Russian businessman who needs me to translate in court, he pays me an hourly fee and afterward buys my lunch. Many of our clients are Russians who were cheated by either Thais or other Russians. Disputes often arise in the property sector, which many Russian businessmen here are involved in.
Russians in Thailand
to. I guess that’s because I hold a PhD and work for free. Maybe this isn’t normal to them,” said Joy with a slight frown.
Focusing on the future
“When I first started helping the police it was very interesting for me, but later it started to wear me down. There are so many Russians here and of course some percentage of them will have problems. I can’t possibly help all of them. Therefore I began to think it was time to focus more on teaching and passing on my knowledge of the Russian language to others. So I am now teaching school children and police officers to speak Russian. “I started with young officers just out of police school. I chose two girls and one guy who were attached to the Pattaya police station. The class was at midnight because it was a relatively slow time for them. I am very happy with the result because all three can now speak some Russian and help Russians in Pattaya. They are so clever. Of course, it is not enough, but it helps. “Once I met the governor of Chonburi province, Khun Komsan Ekachai, and he told me: ‘You are only one person in a country with millions of Russian tourists. Therefore, you have to teach Russian to children.’ That’s why I met with Pattaya Mayor Khun Itthiphol Kunplome. I told him that I would like to teach children anywhere in Pattaya. He chose Pattaya city school No. 11. I have been teaching Russian to 30-40 students there since 2012. I am happy with the results. “I am also teaching at the Banglamung police station. I wanted someone to help me with translation, and I thought that the policemen were a bit too old to learn, so I decided to teach their children. They can help their fathers, or in some cases their grandfathers. I teach there an hour every Wednesday and Thursday. These kids are also very clever, and I enjoy teaching them.” Last year Joy taught some 20 staff at U-Tapao airport because many charter flights arrive there are from Russian-speaking nations. “I have been helping the police and other authorities for three years now because I know there is a great need for my language skills with so many Russians coming to Thailand. Even though I work for free and sometimes it is exhausting, I am still happy to do it. “I am grateful to the government of the Russian Federation for granting me a scholarship, and I want to repay them by helping Russian citizens in Thailand. It is my way of saying ‘thank you.’ I love Russia,” Joy declared.
“I am happy to help as long as I enjoy what I am doing, but helping the police is not my job I am not paid for it. I have also been helping prosecutors in Pattaya and Chonburi, again with no pay.”
“I have many Russian friends here, including some of the people I have helped. There are all types of Russian tourists coming here,” said Joy. “Many stay in Pattaya during the Russian winter. A lot of them can communicate only in their native language. I think they more or less trust me because they don’t have any other choice.” She adamantly denied that there is a Russian mafia in Pattaya or anywhere else in Thailand, as is often claimed in the media. “There’s a difference between Russians in Pattaya and in Phuket. Pattaya is more of a party town; they drink whisky and vodka and they get drunk. But in Phuket it is mainly families. Russians visiting Phuket aren’t going there for sex or to drink in the bars. They just come with their families and there are not so many problems involving Russians like there are in Pattaya. “The most common crime committed against Russians in Pattaya is probably robbery, and sometimes they are drugged first. Russians like walking, even at night, and that’s when they are vulnerable to Thai teenagers riding motorcycles who are looking to snatch a bag or something. There are many Russians involved in road accidents in Pattaya. This happens almost every day. Sometimes I receive requests from the hospital to translate when a Russian is injured. “In general the police appreciate my help, especially the high-ranking officers, but some in the lower ranks don’t seem
Teaching at U-Tapao
Teaching temple boys
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D ea ls and Promotion s
s ’ e t a M s rate
Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha: This newly opened serviced
residence is offering introductory rates starting at B2,499++ per night. ☎ 02 344 2500 :bit.ly/1GXmVP8
family r o s d n Frie land? i a h T g visitin now about k Let them e deals thes
Dream Hotel Bangkok:
Until Oct 31, the hotel is offering special promotional rates for Thai residents and expatriates with valid work permits. B1,900 per room per night in a Premier Room with daily buffet breakfast for two and Wi-Fi. ☎ 02 254 8500 :dreambkk.com
X2 Kui Buri: Available for booking until Feb 28 (and valid for stays until Mar 31), the hotel’s ‘WTF (Wine, Travel, Food)’ promotion offers weekday rates starting at B5,900 per night for a Deluxe Garden Villa and B7,900 per night for a Deluxe Pool Villa (add another B1,000 for a weekend stay). Package includes daily Champagne Breakfast, one four-course wine dinner, daily complimentary snacks and drinks, 30% discount on bottled wine, and more. ☎ 032 601 412 :X2LOBBY.com U Chiang Mai: Until the end of the
month, the hotel’s ‘Valentine Package’ offers rates starting at B4,899++ per night for a Superior Room and B5,899++ for a Deluxe Room. Package highlights include breakfast whenever/wherever during the stay and an aromatherapy massage for two. Must stay a minimum of two consecutive nights to qualify. ☎ 053 227 000 :uchiangmai.com
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers: Valid for bookings and stays
until Mar 31, the hotel’s special rates start at B5,499++ per night for single occupancy and B6,499++ per night for double occupancy in a Club room, inclusive of daily breakfast and complimentary access to the Club Lounge. ☎ 02 665 3165 :royalorchidsheraton.com
Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road: Available for
bookings and stays completed by June 30, the hotel is offering opening rates starting at B3,700++ per room per night, inclusive of daily breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi. ☎ 02 207 4999 :hotelindigo.com/bangkok
Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok:
Do your friends or family want to stay in Bangkok for two weeks or more? Until Mar 31, Shama is offering a 14-nights’ accommodation deal on its One Bedroom Premier rooms starting at B45,294++. ☎ 02 105 6000 :shama.com/sukhumvit
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The Okura Prestige Bangkok: Until Dec 25, 2015, the hotel’s
‘The Celebration Package’ offers rates starting at B10,500++ per night in a Premier Club or Prestige Club. Package highlights include daily international buffet breakfast (or Japanese breakfast set), a five-course set dinner for two, 2pm check-out, and more. Must book a minimum of two nights to qualify. ☎ 02 687 9000 :okurabangkok.com