GET THE DINNER YOU DESERVE From the rooop at Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel, glittering views of Bangkok will be spread before you as you settle into one of Bangkok’s most alluring nightlife destinations. You and friends can sit, sip and sample delicacies from the imaginative cocktail list and equally temping pan-Asian menu. Let the stars continue on their courses as you enjoy yours, complemented by some good old-fashioned service and an atmosphere of nighttime glamour.
567 Ratchaprarop Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cwb E : cwb@chr.co.th T : +66 (0) 2 625 1234
Strip AD_Operation Smile_Jan15_M4.indd 1
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Expat
News
New law to deter beggars – but will it work? By Maxmilian Wechsler
■ GOVERNMENT after government has tried without much success to find a solution to the problem of beggars on the streets of Bangkok and other cities in Thailand. The last attempt, a series of coordinated nationwide crackdowns earlier this year, netted over 1,100 beggars, including more than 400 foreigners. But many of them are back on the streets. The current government is now trying something different, replacing the old law with the Control of Begging Act, which, among other features, distinguishes between beggars and buskers. It is not clear when it will get final approval, however. Under the new regulations, Thai beggars caught on the streets will receive occupational training so they can provide for themselves. Those who are unable to work because of disabilities will be sent to social welfare centers. Foreign beggars will be deported back to their countries. Meanwhile, buskers will be required to obtain permission from the local administrative districts and issued a license before being allowed to perform on the street. So far the proposed law has received a mostly cool response from the media and public. The Bangkok Post said in an April 29 editorial: • “Already there’s talk of using force and introducing new red-tape bother for
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some of society’s worst-off people. It is troubling that the plans announced make no mention of dealing at last with gangs who exploit and boss the unfortunate beggars. • “The current plan calls for sweeping beggars from the streets, deporting the non-Thais and sending the others to designated occupational training. Busking will be ‘allowed’ as long as the performers obtain the correct papers from officials who can easily withhold them for any reason, or for no reason. • “One must hope that the ministry [Social Development and Human Security Ministry] and others will think carefully before putting heavy restrictions on the poorest, most vulnerable people in society.” Strangely, the same sense of urgency isn’t directed towards other illegal activities committed daily, such as vendors occupying public footpaths and selling counterfeit products, sex toys and drugs. Many of these involved are foreigners, most notably from Myanmar. Then there are the mobile bars that violate a slew of laws by selling alcohol along Sukhumvit Road. No action is taken against them either! Meanwhile, it appears that some beggars are already prepared for the new laws. One man on Silom has now taken up playing harmonica so that he can be classified as a busker, while a woman
with a baby who usually sits on a pedestrian bridge outside Pantip Plaza now also sells necklaces and rings which technically makes her a vendor. Tourists and expats are often surprised to learn that many of the beggars on the streets are from Cambodia or Myanmar, and many disagree with the periodic government crackdowns. “In a megacity like Bangkok with 8.5 million people, a few beggars and buskers shouldn’t be a problem,” commented one expat. Ironically, westerners sometimes turn to begging when their money has run out or has been lost in a scam. They don’t usually last long as the police quickly move them along. A senior police officer who didn’t want to be named said that it’s natural for people to feel pity and compassion for the beggars, especially the disabled, but he added: ‘Don’t give them money because many are under the control of gangs and human traffickers. Most of them have to give the money they collect to someone. The new laws should especially protect children who are victims of these gangs. “As for the bands playing on the street, generally speaking I don’t think they are controlled by gangs, but it is hard to be sure.” While officers from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are responsible for policing the city’s pavements and making sure vendors and hawkers are in compliance with regulations, they have no authority to arrest anyone, including foreign beggars. This is the duty of the police. But at the end of the day, even after they’ve been arrested, many beggars return to the streets or are replaced by others. “What we can do is just tell them to go away,” said one BMA officer. “They know our limitations and they come back when we leave. It is like a game. Sometimes the police don’t want to arrest them because it is a waste of their time. They are busy with other, more serious crimes.”
Expat
Travel
Away Koh Kood Experience a real slice of paradise at this lovely four-star retreat in ‘The Maldives of Thailand’
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SLAND escapes don’t get much better than Koh Kood. Located 82km off the coast of Trat province on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, this beautiful island is often referred to as ‘The Maldives of Thailand’ due to its stunning natural scenery and picture postcard beaches. The fourth largest island in the kingdom, it has nevertheless remained quiet and private and as such has become the destination of choice for discerning travellers looking for a real slice of paradise. One of the island’s most popular resort’s, Away Koh Kood, located on Klongchao beach on the island’s west
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coast, is the epitome of a homely island hideaway – think deluxe bungalow villas with private terraces and sea views from almost every room, a selection of superb restaurants and bars, a private sandy beachfront, and a wellequipped dive and activity centre offering adventurous trips every day of the week. Located over 16 rai (6.5 acres) of lovingly maintained land, the four-star hideaway has been carefully constructed to blend into the tropical surroundings. Its newest Duplex Bungalows (wonderful two-floor accommodations housing a maximum of four adults), for example, have been made entirely from sustainable local materials, as has the new poolside terrace, located right by the beachfront, where guests can sunbathe and sip cocktails while admiring the resort’s tropical flora. Besides the cozy bungalows, other highlights
at the resort include the beachfront Castaway Pub, a 30-seater bar offering international drinks and snacks, and equipped with a darts board, snooker table, foosball, and karaoke set up; Escape Restaurant, serving international, fusion and Thai cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Yan Spa, offering a long list of natural treatments and signature therapies specially designed to reinvigorate, refresh, and relax. Bliss. Full details about the resort and its best available rates can be found at www.AwayResorts.com. Away Koh Kod, 43/8 Moo.2 Baan Klongchao, Koh Kood, Trat Tel: 08 7136 4036 www.AwayResorts.com www.facebook.com/AwayResort
Expat
Travel
MEET THE GM: ZAKI BAZ
The General Manager of The Continent Hotel Bangkok has over 17 years’ experience managing 4 and 5 star hotels in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Here he talks about what first attracted him to the industry, the challenges he’s faced, and the joys of landing his first GM position at the age of 26 Making a wrong decision, however, well…that’s when things can turn tough. Fortunately, logical decision making always keeps things simple. The main challenge faced by any hotel, whether it is locally, regionally or internationally, is to maintain relevance. It is essential that the hotel, regardless of its type or rating, continues to deliver experiences that resonate with its target demographic. However, this challenge also represents an opportunity. Managers must take it upon themselves to encourage their teams to consistently revolutionize existing services and experiences, to ensure that they are able to meet and exceed industry trends and benchmarks. The best advice I’ve ever received is: Always assume you don’t have all the information. My guiding philosophy is to strive for perfection and success. This means emphasizing attention to detail while motivating my teams in order to achieve seamless operations. I have always been passionate about hospitality as my Uncle Khaled Saad, whom I admired on a personal and professional level, owned hotels. I began my career at a ver y early age as a receptionist, when I was still in college. From the first day I was attracted to the diversity, the pace of the business, the flexibility and the team spirit. Having the chance to travel the world and work abroad was also an added benefit. My first big break in the industr y came at the age of 23, when I was offered a VP sales & Marketing position in the Middle East. My second big break was in Bangkok, when I had the opportunity to open and manage the President Palace Hotel.
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There have been many highlights in my career so far, and I’m very proud that I became a general manager at such a young age – just 26 (at Imm Hotels & Spa). The biggest personal highlight is probably The Continent Hotel, which, since I joined in October 2012, has achieved great results. But what I’m most proud of is the individual success stories of the staff I have managed since I first became a general manager nine years ago.
When I first started my career, I had a dream of becoming a GM. I always let the management know that I wanted to grow. My advice to anyone else who wants to be a GM is to go for your dream. Steve Jobs once said that you have to “live” in the moment, “love” what you do, “learn” for the rest of your life, and “leave a legacy” of what you believe in. Keep in mind that it’s important that people around you feel good about your ambitions too.
My favourite aspects of The Continent Hotel, besides its elegant and classy design, are its Medinii restaurant and Axis & Spin bar – both great venues for wining and dining any day of the week.
When I’m not busy running the hotel I’m a voracious reader; I even read during my lunch break.
Decisions in my role are never tough. They are either right or wrong.
The Continent Hotel Bangkok, 413 Sukhumvit Road (near Asoke BTS & Sukhumvit MRT Interchange Stations) Tel: 02 686 7000 www.thecontinenthotel.com
Tasty, tempting and totally new
The latest Blue Sky menu The latest signature dish from Blue Sky, atop Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, is now sitting pretty, as a part of a brand-new menu. Piquillo peppers, tomato and avocado are lightly layered one on top of the other, along with piquant sardines rillette and olive oil, ready to be scooped out with crisp bread wafers. Try this flavour-filled appetiser from our award-winning Head Chef Uthen along with one of our many refreshing white wines from our extensive new selection.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESERVATION PLEASE CONTACT KHUN YING (F&B RESERVATION COORDINATOR) T: 02 541 1234 EXT. 4151 | E: FB_OFFICE@CHR.CO.TH
Pipper Standard will be known globally – our products will be sold in all of the AEC countries, plus greater China and the United States.
Our pineapple fermentation process makes us unique: • Powerful natural cleaning Cleaning comparable to chemical products – an issue historically with natural products is that for something like laundry detergent, they do not clean very well. Our proprietary pineapple fermentation process allows us to clean comparably with chemical products. • Hypoallergenic certified To our knowledge, Pipper Standard® is the only laundry detergent and fabric softener brand which is third-party hypoallergenic certified. • No known allergens There is an allergen patch test approved by the US FDA which specifies an extensive list of potential allergens. We do not use any of these in our ingredients. Pipper Standard®’s trademark is registered or pending registration in 46 countries with four global patent applications protecting the technology. Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from, and how did you go about getting it? It is not easy to raise capital for a new idea; venture capital is extremely difficult to find. However, I have spent much of my career as an investment professional, including investing into start-up
companies, and based on that track record and 20 years of relationships, we have raised capital. Capital for us comes from Thai investors, such as Khun Sawasdi Horrungruang, global investors based in Europe, and Singapore-based investors. They have invested in our company as impact investors: looking not just for return on capital, but also for the positive impact we hope to have on society and the environment. Why choose Thailand as your base? After the Asian financial crisis in 1997, I was with a firm based in New York that invested into Thailand. From that investment,
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Feature Words ADAM PURCELL
Getting married without a hitch – in Thailand
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ON May 23, 2014, I decided to pop the question. Literally. With an engagement ring ensconced inside an inflated orange balloon – “The Question?” scrawled in black ink on its rubber surface – I got down on one knee and asked my girlfriend of seven years, a Thai national, if she would spend the rest of her life with me. I then jabbed the balloon with a pin – and watched it slowly deflate. pfffffffffft. Hardly the impact I wanted, but fortunately the flatulent flapping didn’t render my question a stinker. My girlfriend said YES. And so began our exciting quest to get married – something we first wanted to do in England, but then ended up doing in Thailand for two reasons: 1. The legal process here is simpler and quicker (it’s also cheaper – not that I’m a miser!); and 2. Marriage certificates issued here are legally recognized in the UK, which meant we could still have a ceremony in England, albeit not a traditional one (more on that later), and without any red tape. As an added bonus, this meant we could celebrate our marriage twice – once in England, once in Thailand – and both sets of families could witness it. Result! If only I’d known all this one year earlier. You see, back in May 2014, my knowledge of nuptials was limited to what I’d gleaned from tacky TV shows and cheesy Hollywood rom-coms; I’d thought that getting hitched back in England would have been as simple as saying “I do.” Turns out I’d quickly
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Brits engaged to Thais take note. Registering a marriage is surprisingly easy in the Land of Smiles – and a much better option than the UK, where the ogre of bureaucracy bites hard. Arm yourself with the following info and you can go from single to married in just three days…
have to divorce myself from that asinine idea. “I think this may be more complex than you suspect,” wrote Ruth Evans, deputy registrar of Whitby registry office (in my hometown) in response to an email I’d sent in June 2014 requesting how I could get married there. “As neither of you live in this country you would be required to set up a residency before you could give your Notices of Marriage. This involves arriving in the district in which you intend giving notice, the following seven days as residents [sic] then your notices could be given on the ninth day. Evidence in the form of travel tickets, hotel or accommodation receipts etc. would be required alongside proof of nationality and second proof of ID. “As your fiancée is a Thai national you would have to give notice at a designated register office. These include offices in Hull, Leeds and Middlesbrough. It may be that further documentation is required, you would have to check with any of the designated offices. “Your notices are then put on public display for 15 clear days and on the 16th day – assuming there are no legal objections and that the paperwork is in good order – your authorities to get married can be issued. Only when we have these can you be married.”
Gourmet
Restaurant news & deals | Serving Up | Recipe | Reviews
New on the scene Restaurant and food truck openings in Bangkok (including Crab & Claw, pictured above) Page 34
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Strip AD_L'Entrecote_June15.pdf
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5/27/15
JOIN US THIS RAMADAN AT MAYA FOR THE PERFECT IFTAR EXPERIENCE. Maya brings you an array of specialties to break the fast and enjoy the holy month of Ramadan. Enjoy some of the specialties created by our chefs like Iftar set menu includes the following delicacies. Iftar Set at THB 1000 ++ 18th June- 17th July, 2015
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 Strip AD_Holiday Inn_June15.indd 1
5/22/15 9:44 AM
FRENCH CUISINE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN… AT J’AIME BY JEAN-MICHEL LORAIN Featuring a menu conceived and created by Michelin Star recipient Jean-Michel Lorain with the kitchen being run under the watchful and exacting eye of Amerigo Sesti and Maître d’ Marine Lorain, Jean-Michel’s daughter. J’AIME brings a new element to meals by combining the very best in both innovative and classic French cuisine with the comfortable and cosseting service of the shared Asian table, giving families and friends the chance to sample a number of the delightful dishes on offer. J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain at U Sathorn Bangkok 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn, Bangkok Tel. +662 119 4899 or email to reserve@jaime-bangkok.com www.jaime-bangkok.com
AD JML-May-Big Chilli M3.indd 1
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Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Monsoon Valley celebrates Gold Medal achievement THE management of Siam Winery Co., Ltd., an importer of fine international wines and producer of award-winning Thai wines such as Monsoon Valley, celebrated the success of its Monsoon Valley Colombard 2014, which received a Gold Medal at Decanter World Wine Awards 2015, by hosting a special five-course wine dinner held at the State Room of Lebua at State Tower Hotel in Bangkok. First introduced in 2002 and born from grapes cultivated at the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard in Prachuab Khiri Khan Province, Monsoon Valley has now garnered more than 40 medals in seven international wine competitions. More info about the wines can be found at www.monsoonvalleywine.com.
Greyhound Café’s spicy launch party GREYHOUND Café celebrated the launch of its latest branch, located on the second floor of The EmQuartier shopping mall, with a grand opening event showcasing the restaurant’s popular international and Thai cuisine. Together with Citibank, the restaurant also introduced its latest campaign, ‘Spicy Hokkaido,’ which gives diners the chance to win an exclusive trip for two to Club Med Sahoro in Hokkaido, Gift vouchers from ShaSa Resort & Residences Samui for four persons, dining vouchers worth B50,000, and more great prizes. As part of the promotion, Greyhound Café is offering a special selection of dishes made using ingredients flown in from Hokkaido. The promotion ends on June 30. 36
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Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Kiwi master class at Kai CELEBRATING top quality food from land and sea, New Zealand Food Connection visited Bangkok in May bringing along New Zealand Masterchef winner Nadia Lim to create some delicious healthy dishes, using NZ produce, at Kai New Zealand on Sathorn Soi 12. It’s little surprise that lamb and seafood took centre stage along with NZ’s famous wine, but cheese, apples, fish and beef also featured New ealand Ambassador to Thailand, Reuben Levermore, also attended the event and even got involved in some food prep – helping to create delicious New Zealand lamb cutlets with salsa verde and apple, and Tom yam soup with New Zealand Greenshell mussels. For more info about the restaurant visit: kai-bangkok.com.
The Great Kabab Factory unveils new set menus NG O foodies floc ed to he Great abab Factory last month to enjoy a sneak preview of the restaurant’s new three-course Weekend Brunch menu (B800 for non-vegetarian; B700 for vegetarian), as well as dishes from its two new set dinner options – the sumptuous “A Royal Feast” (B1,300 for non-vegetarian; B1,200 for vegetarian) and the slightly smaller but just as tasty “A Regal Culinary Journey” (B950 for non-vegetarian; B850 for vegetarian). Don’t miss the restaurant’s signature Galouti abab, made of finely minced lamb with a melt-in-your-mouth touch. Delicious! The Great Kabab Factory is located at the Majestic Grande Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 2 (www.facebook.com/TGKFThailand). 38
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Chidlom
Sathorn
Sukhumvit Soi 11
Sukhumvit Soi 4
Bawarchi Chidlom Bawarchi Sathorn President Tower Arcade ( Intercontinental Bangkok B - Level, 973, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : +66 2656 0102 - 3
Gurgaon
Bhubaneswar
Chandigarh
Bawarchi Sukhumvit 4 Bawarchi Sukhumvit 11 Bawarchi Myanmar
Indian - Thai Chambers of Commerce, 20/11 Sukhumvit Soi 4, 13 Sathorn Soi 1,Thungmahamek, Khlongtoey, Bangkok, Thailand Sathorn Road, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : + 66 2656 7357 Tel : +66 2677 6249
(F/ 1-3 Ambassador Hotel) Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok, Thailand Tel : +66 2253 2394
No . 37 Level 1 , La Pyayt Wun Plaza , Alan Pya Pagoda Road ,Dagon Township, Yangon , Myanmar Tel : 09253500002 / 03
Yangon
Dining out
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Bawarchi Chidlom
Indian cuisine is served in style at Bawarchi’s flagship branch
THE flagship branch of the popular Bawarchi Indian restaurant chain is well known for its gourmet renditions of traditional Mughlai cuisine – that is, flavour-packed meats and seafood cooked to succulent perfection in a red hot tandoor oven, and rich, aromatic curries loaded with herbs and spices imported from Bawarchi’s very own spice factory in Delhi. Unlike Bawarchi’s other branches in town, which are designed for quick and tasty meals in bustling surrounds, the brand’s flagship branch is all about fine dining – think well-dressed tables; efficient, courteous service by knowledgeable staff decked in crisp black shirts; an extensive wine list (starts at B1,200 per bottle; B350 per glass), and an increased selection of dishes made with premium ingredients (yet still at
great value for money) coming from an open kitchen run by a team of seasoned Indian chefs. The extensive menu is packed with dishes to please all tastes, and starts with meaty grilled highlights such as the deliciously tender Salmon tikka (B1,600), which delights with every spice-infused bite, Seekh kebab (B475), rolls of minced lamb mixed with ginger and green chillies, and spiced with cumin and royal saffron; and Murgh malai kebab (B380), featuring large chunks of skewered chicken marinated with Indian herbs and cheese – creamy, rich, and utterly irresistible. Don’t eat meat? Try the Bharwaan aloo (B375), potatoes stuffed with nuts and cheese. Delicious. Curries run the full gamut from spicy to buttery with vegetarian, lamb, chicken and seafood options all on offer. Our
Bawarchi Chidlom, I nte rcontine ntal H ote l ( P re s ide nt T owe r A rcade ) B- le ve l, 9 7 3 P loe nchit R oad
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favourites include the Lamb Rogan Josh (B550), Jhinga masala (B750), Dal makhani (B245), and the restaurant’s signature Chicken tikka masala (B475). Teamed with Garlic nan (B180), Lacha paratha (a multi-layered whole wheat flatbread. B145), or a portion of Kesri chawal (saffron flavoured basmati rice. B300), the results are delectable. Also recommended is Bawarchi’s signature Hyderabadi biryani (B595), a spicy, fragrant and colourful rice dish that features a generous serving of tender mutton. But make sure you leave room for dessert – including popular choices such as Gulab jamun (B210), deep fried milk dumplings soaked in cardamom spiced sugar syrup, Kulfi (B210), Indian-style ice-cream, and Rasmalaii (B210), juicy cottage cheese dumplings soaked in clotted cream. 0 2 6 5 6 0 10 2 - 3 :b awarchiindian. com
Dining out
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Axis & Spin
The Continent Hotel's top floor bar and restaurant is one of Asok's best kept dining secrets
A SHORT walk from Asok BTS station sits one of the best value rooftop dining experiences in town. Steaks, ribs, gourmet salads, a superb view, and a long list of classic and creative cocktails – Axis & Spin has it all. With a DJ spinning chilled out tunes every night from 8pm, it also has a cracking atmosphere – the perfect starting point for a night on the town. Set over two-floors connected by a spiral staircase, Axis & Spin started life as simply a trendy bar serving a small selection of dishes from The Continent Hotel's popular Italian restaurant, Medinii. But at the beginning of this year the venue was retooled to have a greater emphasis on food, and it now has its own menu featuring European and American comfort food, plus a selection of pastas and pizzas given an Asian twist. And it's well worth discovering. Sink into a couch on Axis & Spin's lounge-inspired first floor, admiring the view through floor-to-ceiling windows, or grab a high table on the second floor,
which is air-conditioned yet open to the elements at the front, and kick-start your meal with a tongue-zinging starter like the Spicy Norwegian salmon salad (B320++), which sees the diced fish served atop an upturned glass. Tip this over to expose the leaves, and then mix the lot with the accompanying (not for the faint hearted!) seafood sauce. Continuing in the same spicy vein, opt for Axis & Spin's signature Black ink spaghetti with meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce (B370++). Flavour-packed and moreish, this is fusion cuisine at its best – and a good option for sharing if you want to leave room for other dishes on the menu. There are plenty of hearty highlights to sink your teeth into, too, including the Classic slow-grilled BBQ pork spare ribs with French fries, which comes served on a chopping board and boasts wonderfully tender meat drizzled with a sweet and slightly spicy barbecue sauce (B350++); the Grilled Australian
413 Sukhumvit R d ( ne ar A s ok BT S & Sukhumvit MR T s tations )
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grain fed beef tenderloin, cooked to perfection and served with pan seared foie gras, seasonal mixed vegetables, homemade wedges and jus (B1,150++); and Norwegian salmon baked with honey mi-so sauce (B520++). Other popular options include Fish and chips with tartar sauce served with mixed salad (B320++); Black mussels in white wine garlic sauce served with homemade garlic bread (B370++); and Wagyu beef burger on charcoal bun (B390++). Continuing the great value at Axis & Spin is a daily 'Sky Dining' promotion (4pm-close), which offers a choice of main course and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, for just B999++ per person. What's more, every Wednesday night is ladies' night, with free drinks for the girls from 8.30pm-Midnight. Cocktails at Axis & Spin start at just B280++, beers at B230++, and wines at B350++ per glass.
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Méjico
Market-to-table Mexican food goes down a treat at this popular restaurant and bar
LOCATED on the second floor of trendy drinking and dining destination Groove@CentralWorld, Méjico is the first international branch of a chain based in Sydney, Australia, which prides itself on offering modern Mexican cuisine made using seasonal produce and the freshest ingredients available. Taking the utilitarian trappings of contemporary design – think polished concrete floor, dark wood panels and beams – and blending them with more vibrant elements, such as furniture with pink frames, and feature walls adorned with red and black stripes, Méjico is one of the hippest venues in town for munching on tacos and nachos and more Mexican favourites – many of which have been given an exciting contemporary spin. Divided between the ‘Raw bar’ (ceviche, carpaccio), ‘Small plates’ (chips, dips, salads and snacks), ‘Tacos,’ ‘Big plates,’ and ‘Desserts,’ the restaurant’s menu is focused on bold, fresh flavours, and everything is served atop large black slates which wonderfully enhance the
vibrant colours of the cuisine. In charge of the restaurant’s open kitchen is new head chef Dayna Valtierra Ayala, a native of Mexico City whose career includes stints working at popular Spanish and Mexican restaurants at home and abroad and, most recently, at Opposite Mess Hall in Bangkok, where, in a departure from Mexican cuisine, she worked alongside chef Jess Barnes creating inventive plates inspired by cuisine from Asia and beyond. At Méjico, Chef Dayna has returned to her culinary roots and, judging by her flavour-packed traditional and creative dishes, she’s loving every minute of it. Her signature Guacamole (B235++) comes with the perfect blend of avocado, serrano chilli, lime juice and chopped onion (you can even opt to mash it at the table, with your own pestle and mortar, if you wish) and tastes just great when scooped on top of the accompanying banana chips. Chilli-lime calamari rings (B185++) arrive nestled amongst chopped chillis, garlic, potato and Tajín, a tangy, spicy seasoning made with chilli,
Mé j ico, 2 nd F loor of G roove @ Ce ntralW orld. O p e n daily 11am- Midnig ht.
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salt and dehydrated lime juice (punchy flavours and great texture), and the Braised Pork Taco (two per serving. B185++) delights with its wonderfully soft meat and flavours of star anise, tomato, chilli, and the culinary firepower of ginger scallion oil. Other highlights include Achiote chicken (285++), a colourful and flavoursome dish that features chicken breast slow-roasted Yucatán style and seared in a ginger, honey and lemon achiote paste, served with mango salsa, cous cous and candied almonds; and the signature Beef short rib (B695++), braised for six hours and served with smoky chipotle BBQ sauce and pickled onion. For dessert, the signature Churros fondue (B185++) is a real treat, featuring Mexican cinnamon-spiced doughnuts, seasonal fruit, and a heated pot of melted chocolate and caramel. Thirsty? Opt to team your meal with one of Méjico’s 100 percent agave tequilas (over 170 on offer!), or one of the restaurant’s lip-smacking margartitas (start at B250++) – a real fiesta in a glass.
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Roll up, roll up, for the hottest event in town! The American Independence Day Picnic returns to KIS on Saturday July 4 with American food, live music, craft beers &
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Cook off! Best of all: Anyone can enter! Think you can cook the best American-style chilli in Thailand? Grab a pan, buy your ingredients, and get involved!
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The American Independence Day Picnic and BigChilli Cook-Off
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FUN day out for the whole family is guaranteed at the annual American Independence Day Picnic. Held Saturday July 4 at KIS International School, the event will feature laugh-out-loud activities such as tug of war, egg toss, and pie eating contests, as well as live music, and a hunger-busting range of American food and drinks. A highlight of the event for foodies is the BigChilli Cook Off – a competition to find Bangkok’s best American-style chilli. Now in its eighth year, the event is organized by the I-Day committee which, having judged and cooked in Chili Appreciation Society international events, certainly knows its stuff. The event is open to anyone who believes they have the best chilli in Bangkok. What makes the event so fun is the People’s Choice Awards going to the chilli receiving the most votes from the public. But if you’re a serious chilli head looking to secure the votes of the official (and independent) judges, and want to trump the sterling efforts cooked up by last year’s winners, BBQ Sandwich King, US Taxman, and Roadhouse Barbecue, you may want to consider the following judging criteria: 1. Aroma: Your chilli should smell gooooood. 2. Consistency: A good balance of meat and gravy. The meat should be tender, but not mushy. 3. Colour: The Chilli should look good and the colour should range from reddish to reddish brown. Shades of “gray, black, pink, or camouflage” are unappealing, as is excess grease. 4. Taste: Judges believe that an excellent tasting chilli will always stand out. 5. Aftertaste: Chilli should leave a pleasant taste. A chilli pepper “afterbite” is permitted, but the degree of heat is a matter of personal preference. Think you have the recipe and cooking skills to take part? Contact Dana Edward Caron, “Head Chilli Head,” at 081 837 6855 or email: dana@roadhousebarbecue.com. Entry to the Cook-Off is a B500 donation. For more info about the American Independence Day Picnic see www.amchamthailand.com
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DISCOVER: FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE UNTIL time machines are invented a trip to Bophut Beach is your best chance of experiencing what Koh Samui was like before the introduction of mass tourism. Tucked between Maenam and Chaweng in the north of the island, Bophut is home to the Fisherman’s Village, a small community which earns its crust from fishing and the sale of handmade clothes, furniture and footwear. Many of the residents ply their wares from the shade of Chinese-style wooden shop houses; don’t be afraid to venture inside to peruse what’s on offer. West of the village and things start to become more modern – think boutique shops, trendy coffee shops, French and Italian restaurants – but the architectural style remains the same. Well worth exploring.
SEE: WAT PHRA YAI (BIG BUDDHA)
SEE: HIN TA – HIN YAI (GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER ROCKS) ROCKS shaped like human genitalia were always going to become a big tourist attraction – think of the photo opportunities! – so it’s no surprise
that this is the case at Hin Ta and Hin Yai, or Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, which don’t leave much to the imagination. Located between Lamai (the second most popular beach after Chaweng) and Hua Thanon, the site also has stalls selling coconut caramel, a local delicacy that’s well worth a try.
TASTE: KOH SAMUI’S RUM
HAVE A BREAK: LAD KOH VIEWPOINT ONE of the most popular and accessible viewpoints on the island is located on the main coastal road between Chaweng and Lamai. Take a short walk from the car park and you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the Gulf of Thailand – and a great excuse to buy some of the coconut ice cream peddled by the nearby vendors.
MANY resorts and restaurants on Samui stock the locally produced Magic Alambic Rum, but the only place you can buy a bottle for yourself is at the distillery. Tucked away in a little peaceful world of its own, down in Ban Thale in the southern coast of Samui, this small distillery brews five flavours of rum – natural (sugar cane), lemon, orange, pineapple, and coconut – all made using locally grown, high quality sugar cane. Tours are often conducted during the sugar cane season, but if you miss these don’t worry – you can still visit the distillery to enjoy rum and snacks at its small onsite bar. Magic Alambic Rum Distillery. 44/5 Moo 3, T.numuang, Koh Samui.
HOME to a giant 12 metre-high golden Buddha statue, Koh Samui’s most famous landmark is worth the trip for the views of the surrounding beaches alone. You’ll also get an insight into local culture, as Thais flock to the temple daily to make merit. Built in 1972, the temple is located on Koh Phan, a small island connected to Samui by a short causeway three kilometres north of Samui International Airport. At the entrance of the temple you’ll find many vendors selling snacks and refreshments, souvenirs, and items for making merit (fresh fruits, incense, flowers). Wander up the staircase to the statue, though, and things are much more serene. Just don’t forget to take your camera! The temple is open daily, including evenings. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
CREATE: CERAMIC OWNED by ceramic artist Khun Khanchai Wirattanakul, Cera Ceramic Studio is a veritable treasure trove of high quality ceramics, ranging from porcelains with an antique finish, to modern, symmetrical pieces inspired by nature. There’s also a wide selection of plates, ashtrays, cups, mugs, and bowls, all fired at 1,250 degrees within the onsite kilns for a rich, earthy finish. Want to take home a unique gift? Roll up your sleeves and join one of the daily workshops – great value at just B3,000. Cera Ceramic Studio. 68/25 Moo 5, Tambon Mae Nam Koh Samui. Tel: 077 247 805 www.cera-thailand.com TheBigChilli
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Travel
DRINKS SUMPTUOUS brunches, regular pool parties, creative cocktails concocted by resident mixologists – for a superior drinking experience on Samui head straight for one of the following beach clubs.
Beach Republic LOCATED at the northern end of Lamai Beach, this chic and modern holiday resort boasts 39 spacious suites, stunning private pool penthouses and private pool villas. Another big draw is its beachfront Ocean Club, where patrons who look like they’ve walked straight out of a Summer Season fashion shoot sip cocktails from the comfort of sun loungers and private cabanas while DJs spin atmospheric beats. The Sunday Sessions, a lavish Sunday brunch featuring all kinds of international gourmet cuisines, at B1,590++ per adult and B799++ for kids under 12, is a must visit, as is the T.G.I.M (Thank God It’s Monday) promotion, which offers three hours of free-flow bubbly, beer, wine and spirits for just B999++ per person. Access to the Ocean Club for non-residents is B1,000 per person (this fee is waived if you spend more than B1,000 on food or drink). 176/34 Moo 4, Tambon Maret. Tel: 077 458 100 www.beachrepublic.com
KC Beach Club & Pool Villas Koh Samui THIS popular resort and club is located in the heart of all the action on Chaweng Beach, and the carefully crafted setup has everything you need for a great day or night out – live music, signature cocktails, Thai and international food, and regular
Nikki Beach Koh Samui
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OVERLOOKING the waters of Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui’s version of the world-renowned Nikki Beach brand lives up to its reputation by serving exquisite food and superior cocktails, as well as hosting regular parties featuring top international DJs. Best of all, there’s a resort too, so when you’ve had your fill of celeb-style treatment on the sands you can venture back to your own private villa and to enjoy a bottle of champagne on the balcony. Other highlights at the club include regular movie screenings, seafood barbecues, and a sumptuous Sunday brunch. Full details can be found on the resort’s website.
theme parties. Lie back on a lounger, get cosy on a beach cabana, or float in the free-form swimming pool while listening to the cool club tunes from the resident DJ. Partied too much? Book into one of the resort’s stylish rooms and villas, recharge your batteries, and you’ll soon be raring to go again.
96/3 Moo, Lipa Noi. Tel: 077 914 500 www.nikkibeachthailand.com
11/9 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Rd. Tel: 077 915 155 www.kcbeachclub.com
Sala Samui Resort & Spa THIS popular resort is located in Choeng Mon, a tranquil beach on the north-western tip of the island. Its 69 spacious villas and suites flank 80-metres of white, sandy beachfront, and accommodation options range from the Deluxe Balcony rooms (each balcony has a full-size daybed overlooking the garden courtyard) to the luxurious Two Bedroom Presidential Pool Villa Suite (featuring a common living room with daybed, a 30sqm private swimming pool, and two large bedrooms, each with its own private open-air bathroom). Other resort facilities include a spa, two restaurants, a beach bar, and the beachfront wine cellar. 10/9 Moo 5, Baan Plai Lam. Tel: 077 245 888 www.salaresorts.com/samui
Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa Koh Samui
OZO Chaweng Samui LOCATED overlooking the Gulf of Thailand a short stroll from all the action of Chaweng Beach, and just 15 minutes by car from the airport, OZO Chaweng Samui is a wonderfully simple yet lovingly operated hotel offering everything you need for a relaxing (or adventurepacked) vacation. The resort has 208 rooms (including beach view and beach access rooms) two swimming pools, a fitness center, a pool and beach bar, and a great onsite restaurant serving a wide range of popular local and international dishes (the grilled seafood, steaks and burgers are great). Until July 31 you can take advantage of the ‘OZO Hot Deal Package,’ a 4-night stay in a Sleep Room for B13,510++ (includes a round-trip airport transfer, daily breakfast, one set dinner menu, and more benefits). Chaweng Beach Koh Samui District. Tel: 077 915 200 www. ozohotels.com/chaweng-samui
EXQUISITE tropical gardens and an East-meetsWest theme designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley are just two of the highlights at this delightful resort in Bophut Bay. Located near the entrance of the Fisherman’s Village (see page 63), the resort features a choice of eight room types, ranging from Premier Garden View Room and Deluxe Sea View Room to Anantara Beachfront Pool Suite (which has its own spacious outdoor deck for sunbathing and dining). Other highlights include the Anantara Spa, yoga and cooking classes, and the popular Full Moon restaurant. Until December 31, the hotel’s ‘Anantara Bophut Short Breaks Special’ offers rates starting at B5,670 per night inclusive of daily breakfast
for two, free room upgrade (subject to availability), 4pm check out, and more. Must stay a minimum of two nights to qualify. 99/9 Bophut Bay. Tel: 077 428 300-9 www.samui.anantara.com
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Travel
Grand Mercure Phuket Patong The perfect family getaway in the heart of Phuket’s liveliest beach
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HUKET’S Patong beach may be best known for its lively nightlife, but there’s still serenity to be found among the hubbub. Just pay a visit to Grand Mercure Phuket Patong. Located within walking distance of the beach and the area’s main bars and restaurants, the resort represents a new generation of retreats in Patong that blend cultural heritage, natural beauty and modern conveniences to stunning – and, most importantly, tranquil – effect. Perfect for young travellers, families or simply friends looking at spending some quality time together, the resort comprises 314 rooms including 252 Superior, 38 Deluxe Pool Access, 10 Suites, and 10 One-bedroom and four Two-bedroom pool villas.
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Each room is equipped with a 40” LCD TV, a sofa, mini bar, safety box, bathroom with a choice of bathtub or walk in rain shower, coffee and tea making facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and pool views throughout. Connecting room options are available upon request, as are laundry and babysitting services. The Deluxe Pool Access rooms, Suites and Pool Villas, meanwhile, also include facilities such as private sundeck, Media Hub port “to stay connected,” and express check-in and Grand Club privileges throughout your entire stay. Other facilities at the resort include three lagoon pools, a Kid’s Club and pool, fitness centre (with best-in-its-class cardiovascular and weight training equipment), excursion and tour centre, and the Ryn Spa.
A grand culinar y adventure As you’d expect from any resort worth its salt, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong boasts a good signature restaurant (called Bubbles) and serves food around the clock. Breakfast, a thoroughly lavish affair, features a sumptuous spread of freshly baked breads and pastries, Belgium waffles and other European specialties alongside freshly brewed coffee and healthy juices. Lunch and dinner then sees the introduction of an a la carte menu offering everything from Mediterranean starters and Oriental kebabs, to Asian specialties and more traditional Thai recipes like Pad Thai (Fried noodles), Spicy Tom Yam Goong
(Prawns in spicy soup), and Mee Hoon Gaeng Poo (Crab meat in yellow coconut curry) – a Phuket favourite! Don’t fancy a big feast? Head to the resort’s Chou Chou Deli Shop, which sells Choux-like signature favorites such as the Mango or Green Tea eclairs as well as a superb selection of colourful cakes, tarts, chocolate and macaroons. Parisian-style sandwiches and paninis are also available. Coming back from a long day at the beach, a stopover at Craft Beer Lounge is a must. Boasting the largest selection of beers on the island, Craft stocks more than 100 labels from over 30 countries (among them: Scandinavia, Japan,
America, and Australia). With so many great options on offer, the only problem is knowing where to start.
Getting there From the airport, follow Patong beach signs and drive South on the 402 road for about 15km until you reach Lotus supermarket intersection. Follow Patong and Karon Beach signs and turn right. Drive another few kilometres, go up and down Patong’s Hill, and turn left when you reach Patong’s second road (art shop on your left). Drive another kilometre passing Jungceylon on your left, then turn left at next junction. The hotel is 100 meters inside the street.
Promotions For the latest room promotions see www.grandmercurephuketpatong.com
Grand Mercure Phuket Patong 1 Soi Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi 2, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Tel: 076 231 999 Fax: 076 231 998 Email: h8109@accor.com
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Expat Women
Insight
How to choose a school: Top tips for parents ■ WE frequently receive questions from parents about choosing a school for their child. The following article responds to some of those questions and provides additional information and resources that may be helpful for parents when they are faced with making a school transition for their child.
Factors to consider when choosing a school
Choosing a school is a complex decision that includes the characteristics of the child, family, and schools. School quality depends on many characteristics, not all easily measurable, and not all equally important for each individual child or family. Parents may want to consider the following characteristics when evaluating a school.
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Child characteristics
programming or clubs.
Parents will want to think about their child’s personality, learning style, and any special needs. Does the child need the structure that a traditional school setting would provide, or does he or she prefer to explore and take more personal responsibility for learning? Could she benefit from some type of alternative schooling approach? Does the child respond differently to being in small and large groups? If, for example, a child learns best in small cooperative work groups, then parents may want to consider finding a school that uses this instructional strategy. If a child has a special interest in music or a foreign language, then some preference might be given to a school that offers or excels in those areas in its regular curriculum or through after-school
Family characteristics A family’s choice of schools will depend on the family’s values, in addition to practical considerations such as transportation and tuition costs for private education. School open days are a great chance for you to familiarize yourself with a school and ensure it operates in line with your family’s values.
School characteristics • School philosophy. Parents can read the school’s statement of philosophy or mission statement and ask about beliefs that guide the school’s program and teaching approaches.
whether community diversity is reflected in the faculty, and whether students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds are well integrated into the school culture and activities. • School safety. Parents will want to know how they will be notified in case of an emergency; whether the school has an emergency plan (and they should ask to see it); the policy with regard to guns, knives, and other hazardous items; the school’s policy toward bullying; and whether there are formal programs in place to combat bullying.
• Instructional approaches. Multiage grouping, looping, and traditional classrooms offer different advantages, and parents will want to know how the school is organized for instruction. Parents will also want to inquire about average class size at the various grade levels. A school with a traditional structure that provides clear standards and expectations may be a good choice for some children, while a school that allows extra freedom and places more responsibility for learning on the child may work well for other children. • School facilities/personnel resources. Although modern, welldesigned facilities do not guarantee higher student achievement, some basic features that parents can look for include a well-equipped library, a collection of age-appropriate books and periodicals in addition to textbooks in each classroom, a separate lunchroom and auditorium or large classroom for meetings and presentations, and adequate physical education facilities. With regard to services, parents can check to see whether the school has a full-time library/media specialist, on-site nurse, secretary, and social worker. Parents can also ask about the background and qualifications of the teachers and what specialties are represented (English as a Second Language, special education, music, art, etc.).
and the daily programme (block, flexible, or traditional scheduling). Parents will want to examine the school discipline policy to see if the rules seem fair and consequences seem appropriate. Parents will also want to find out about homework and grading policies. • School reputation. Parents can ask friends, neighbours, parents, and community leaders about the reputation of the school(s) of interest. After listening to each person’s opinion, parents can decide whether the positive or negative views would apply to their family and children. Parents may want to find out about special areas of concern, such as
• Curriculum. Does the school have a strong focus on literacy and other key areas? Does it offer a special focus such as immersion in a second language? Parents can find out how well the school addresses core subjects and skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics by looking at the curriculum, visiting classes, and reading the school’s report card. Does the school’s curricular focus match parents’ expectations and educational goals for their child? • Family and community involvement issues. Finally, schools that are working toward excellence are developing many ways to involve parents. Parents can ask for information from the school about any programs and policies related to parent involvement. Once a school has been chosen, it is important that parents maintain a real commitment to that school, including supporting the
• School policies. Parents will want to find out about school policies related to scheduling (traditional vs. year-round)
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School Report
Harrow
Prima Yontrarak (Pat), Head Girl at Harrow International School Bangkok
Top universities snap up Harrow Bangkok’s Head Girl ■ SECURING a place at a top university has never been more competitive. Every year, more than 200,000 students apply for Ivy League universities – with fewer than 8.5% gaining a place at this elite group of institutions. Prima Yontrarak (Pat), Head Girl at Harrow International School Bangkok, is in the enviable position of currently having received 12 offers of university places, three of them from Ivy League institutions. Her list of acceptances include: Dartmouth, Cornell, U Penn, University of California-Berkeley, Johns Hopkins and Stanford. She credits her amazing achievement to the many opportunities that have been available to her at Harrow Bangkok. “I have been here since kindergarten and have always been supported to achieve my very best inside and outside the classroom,” she says. “As well as
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academic achievement, sports and the arts are important to me. I am a member of the basketball team and play the guitar. These activities have helped me to develop my personal, teamwork and collaborative skills.” She has chosen to study sciences at Stanford University in California, one of the most selective universities in the world, and Pat encourages students to consider applying to US universities. “The US university system is appealing as you can major in some subjects and minor in others. There is also a focus on community service in US university life, which complements the ethos of Harrow Bangkok. “My Head of House advised me that to be a well-rounded student you needed to give back to society. This was my inspiration for forming the Lionheart Society, Harrow Bangkok’s student group
which coordinates a series of community service initiatives.” The process of applying for university places can be a stressful one, but Pat has this advice for her fellow students: “Time management is important; it’s best to start applications as soon as you can. I had a lot of support from the school with my university application – my Head of Sixth Form would work with me after school to make it as strong as possible.” It is this supportive atmosphere, at home and in school, which Pat credits for her amazing success: “My family’s view is that if I am happy, they are happy. I am also lucky, here at school, to be a member of a very supportive year group.” www.harrowschool.ac.th
School Report
Traill
Traill goes Pink for charity School’s colourful campaign raises 30,000 baht for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation
■ STUDENTS and staff of Traill International School participated in a Pink Tuesday recently to raise money for breast cancer research in Thailand. Organized by a group of Year 10 students as part of their participation in the International Award, the whole school dressed in pink for the day and ate a range of pink food prepared by supportive parents. This was supported by various activities throughout the school day to raise awareness of breast cancer in general and the wonderful work done by the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation (QSCBCF) in Bangkok.
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Thirty thousand baht was raised and presented to Dr Kris Chatamra, founder and chairman of the QSCBCF, which is based at Chulalongkorn Hospital. This charitable organization has been helping women in Thailand for the last eight years, with a series of programmes designed to detect cancers at an early stage, provide treatment to all women at an affordable price, and to support and help them on their road to recovery. Breast cancer affects one in ten women in Thailand, so it is very important that we continue to search for better ways to screen, cure and rehabilitate sufferers. The foundation is always looking for more
help so that they can continue and expand their work, so if any reader would like to help, please contact Khun Nathavoot Jiratham at nathavoot.jiratham@ qscbcfoundation.org or visit their website at www.qscbcfoundation.org. Head of Student Welfare, Mr Phil Peters, said it was part of the school’s ongoing commitment to giving something back to the community. “We believe it is important that our students recognize their privileged position, and that giving to charity becomes a habit,” he said. www.traillschool.ac.th
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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T ’ S O N G U I D E F O R J U N E 1 5
What’s on Art
Performance
Sport
Football
Movies & Albums
Books
The final edition of La Fête French Festival promises another actionpacked program. Page 95.
Blue Boys
The reunited British boyband is bringing its pop hits to Bangkok Page 95
Warrior Run
Expect walls, climbs and plenty of mud in this gruelling challenge Page 95
Magic Man
World-renowned magician Constantino all set to make you gasp Page 95Page 84 TheBigChilli 93
• The Butterfly’s Spirit Charity Concert J une 9
Thailand Cultural Centre
• La Fête French Festival J une 3 – 2 0
Various locations in Bangkok
• Blue Live in Bangkok J une 13
Thunder Dome, Muangthong Thani
• Twisted Reality by Consentino J une 13
Centara Grand Convention Center
WORLD-renowned magician, illusionist and escape artist Cosentino is coming to Bangkok for two shows only on Sat June 13. Expect to be dazzled by a mind-bending blend of magic, dance and audience participation. Tickets range B1,500 to B2,500 : thaiticketmajor.com
• Watson’s Charity Run J une 2 0
Lumpini Park, Bangkok
FEATURING a 4km fun run with activities along the route, plus an 8km run along Wireless Rd. and back to Lumpini Park, this charity running event will help raise funds for the Operation Smile Foundation, with all proceeds being donated to support free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities in children. Entry is B500 and includes race T-shirt and bag with towel and products from Watsons. : runthailand.com
AFTER a ten year interval, the reunited British boy band is bringing its popular late ’90s and early noughties tunes to Bangkok. Expect to hear All Rise, If You Come Back, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, You Make Me Wanna, Guilty, and more chart toppers from the band’s back catalogue.
POP singer Tata Young is just one of the big names lending her talents to this charity concert organized by LifeRevo Foundation in cooperation with Bangkok Charity Orchestra. The performance tells the story of a butterfly pupa before it becomes a butterfly – themes of transformation and development which perfectly match the concert’s goals (all revenue, after expenses, will be donated to rebuild schools in Nepal that have been destroyed by the earthquake). Tickets range B500-B1,500 : thaiticketmajor.com : charityorchestra.org
Tickets range B2,000 – B6,500 : thaiticketmajor.com
• Girl X
THE final edition of the hugely successful La Fête French-Thai Cultural Festival (organized by the Embassy of France in Thailand since 2004) will feature another superb program of events, highlighting everything from Renaissance music and “new magic,” to contemporary dance, hip hop, and photography. A new pricing policy means that tickets for the events are a mere B250 (B150 for the under 25s) – don’t miss out! For a full festival programme visit : lafete-bangkok.com
• Flowers
J uly 16 – A ug 3 0
DOB Hualamphong Gallery
J une 9 – 2 0
Democrazy Theatre Studio Bangkok
ORGANIZED by TPAM, Japan Foundation, in association with Democrazy Theatre Studio, this play reflects the atmosphere of Japanese society after the Great Earthquake of Eastern Japan in 2011. Along with the live performance, images and text are projected in the space – a small studio. B300 at the door; B300 by transfer : facebook.com/democrazystudio
• Happiness Land J une 18 – J uly 2 5
Ardel’s Third Place Gallery
TEERAWAT Kanama’s acrylic on canvas paintings explore Buddhist ideology and the quest for tranquility of mind – think lovingly rendered scenes of temples and monasteries among mountains, rivers, and streams.
Thonglor Soi 10. Open Tues-Sat 10pm-6pm; Closed Sun. 02 422 2092 : ardelgallery.com
☎
• Road To Ultra Thailand J une 12
BITEC Bangna
INTERNATIONAL DJs Alesso, Knife Party, Adventure Club, and Galantis are just some of the big names set to perform at this one-night electric music festival sponsored by Samsung. With 12,500 revellers expected, this is one huge party. Ticket: B2,870 or B3,870
: thaiticketmajor.com
• Simpleness
THE inherent beauty of flowers is explored in many different ways in this exhibition by renowned Thai artists Pishnu Supanimit, Thavorn Ko-udomvit, Ekachai Luadsoongnern, Praiwan Dakliang, Sutee Kunavichayanont, and Chutchawan Wannapo – who each approach the subject in their own unique styles. DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Rd. 02 237 5592-4 : ardelgallery.com
☎
• Warrior Trail Thailand J une 2 0
Huay Teng Tao Lake, Chiang Mai
ARRANGED in conjunction with History Channel’s Photo Face The Gallery, Pullman Off, who will be photographing Bangkok Hotel G the Thailand episode of this popTHE latest exhibition at Pullman ular show, Warrior Trail Thailand Bangkok Hotel G on Silom Road will see runners face 10 natural and man-made obstacles in a 5km features the works of Thai artist lap that will test all over fitness Kitti Narod, whose paintings of daily life are infused with aspects and strength. Expect walls, of pop-art, pop-culture and Manga crawls, climbs, water challenges, tests of strength and agility, and Yaoi. Silom Rd. Open daily 10am-7pm. ☎ 02 238 plenty of muddy moments too. 1991 : pullmanbangkokhotelg.com B600 to enter : warriortrail.co.th T hroug h J uly 3 0
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ROCKERS AT REMBRANDT
BRITISH chart toppers from the 1960s The Searchers, The Troggs, The Tremeloes, and The Animals and friends arrived in Bangkok for a one-night gig, entitled the British Invasion, at Impact Arena. The Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, an official partner of the concert, hosted the bands during their stay.
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JEREMYVILLE IN THE GROOVE
ART lovers flocked to Groove@Central World for the opening of “A Trip to Jeremyville, Feel Freedom Again,” an exhibition featuring cartoons, drawings and sculptures by world-renowned American illustrator Jeremyville. Selected artworks will be on display in the Ratchaprasong district until Dec 31 this year. More info at www.jeremyville.com.
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BLING AND SPARKLES AT ZAKS
PLAYERS from the Aspire Netball League celebrated the end of the season with a ‘Bling & Sparkles’ party at Zaks Wine Pub, Sukhumvit Soi 11. With the Aspire netball season finishing p for another s ccessf l year, it was time to congratulate winning teams and present the ‘Best & Fairest’ sportsmanship awards to well-deserving players.
KHUN ANAND JOINS OPERATION SMILE MISSION
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THAILAND’S former Prime Minister Khun Anand Panyarachun joined Operation Smile’s most recent medical mission in Chon ri here he sa at first hand the many volunteers, staff, doctors, nurses and families of children about to undergo life-changing operations during this threeday initiative. Khun Anand is Operation Smile’s honorary chairman.
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Social|Around town
HERSHEY’S COOKIE SURPRISE
CHOCOLATE lovers were out in force for the launch of Julie’s Hershey’s chocolate cookies in Thailand. Produced by The Hershey Company in collaboration with Perfect Food Manufacturing, the producer of Julie’s biscuits in Malaysia, the new cookie line features six products – Julie’s Hershey’s Chocolate Chips Hazelnut Cookies, Chocolate Chips Cookies, Chocolate Chips Oat Cookies, Chocolate Fudge Cookies, Chocolate Fudge Vanilla Flavoured Cookies, and Chocolate Waffles. The product launch was held at Maxim’s Bistro Groove, CentralWorld.
PARK 24 LAUNCHES PHASE TWO
PROUD Real Estate, the property development company behind the Park 24 luxury condominium project in Bangkok’s The EM District, held an exclusive party to celebrate the launch of the building’s second phase. The event was attended by many Thai celebrities and featured a photography exhibition, fashion show, and a mini concert by Two-Poptorn Sunthornyankij. More details about the 16.5 million baht project can be found here: park24.co.th
MEET AND GREET WITH MARIO
MEMBERS of Tourism Authority of Thailand, led by Mr Santi Chudintra, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning of the TAT, held an event entitled “Amazing Happiness You can Share” for the Chinese Fan Club of pop star Mario Maurer. Held at Another Hound Café, at The Emporium Shopping Complex, the event gave members of the club to meet their idol.
THE SIP MAKES A SPLASH
THAI fresh water brand Sprinkle celebrated its 30th anniversary by launching The Sip, Bangkok’s first pop up water bar, at Siam Center. Featuring 13 water-based drinks created by mixologists, the bar was open throughout May and sold limited edition Sprinkle Me bottles. A series of workshops were also held by leading artists, photographers and chefs. For more info see www.facebook. com/SprinkleDrinkingWater.
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Social|Last Around Month’s town Best Events
SOCIALGIvER OffERS DEALS WITH A CHARITY TWIST
REPRESENTATIvES from over 50 businesses attended the launch of Socialgiver.com, a new online platform which offers hand-picked experiences from leading brands (luxurious hotels, restaurants, activities) at exclusive rates – with part of the proceeds going to charity. Developed by Arch Wongchindawest and Aliza Napartivaumnuay, Soicalgiver utilizes the ‘spare capacity’ of the hospitality sector (which comes in the form of unfilled rooms, unserved seats, and unsold tickets). By providing a platform that helps connect brands that want to give back with new customers that are looking to make a difference, Socialgiver aims to create a ‘giving ecosystem’ that brings together people, businesses, and social projects to work together in creating a better society. for more info see: www.facebook.com/socialgiver.
MÖVENPICK ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS
MÖVENPICK Hotels & Resorts unveiled its extensive growth programme in Thailand and across Asia, at the Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference 2015 held in Bangkok. The Swiss hospitality firm will open seven hotels and resorts in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Vietnam over the next three years, with an additional 10 projects under negotiation. The Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok opened most recently in a prime downtown location and will be followed in the first quarter of next year by the 264-room Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya, which is positioned for family and meetings business on Jomtien Beach.
AU BON PAIN OPENS NEW BRANCH
COTTON USA CELEBRATES COTTON DAY
COTTON USA marked Cotton Day 2015 by launching the “I Love My Cotton” global campaign to emphasize US cotton’s three key attributes – purity, quality, and responsibility. Held at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, the campaign launch featured a cotton fashion show by Thailand’s leading designers Mr Pisith Sirihamarat of Klar Lov, Mr Chai Jiamkittikul of Chai Gold Label, and Ms. Siriorn Teankaprasith of PAINKILLER with 100% cotton fabrics from seven COTTON USA licensee textile mills. Cotton clothing from 34 Cotton USA licensees complemented the show.
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AMERICAN bakery brand Au Bon Pain the Bakery Café marked the launch of its latest Bangkok branch, at The EmQuartier shopping mall, with an open day event showcasing everything the café has to offer. Alongside servings of Au Bon Pain’s popular sandwiches and baked goods, guests also got to try the new Africa Blend, a delicate coffee made from imported Kenya AA coffee beans, as well as new healthy menus under the name Petit Plates, seven bite-sized nutritious treats with less than 300 calories.
DIPLOMATS Meet the people uniting nations
Her Excellency Robina Patricia Marks South Africa's Ambassador talks candidly about her fascinating past Page 120
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Diplomats
Her Excellency Robina Patricia Marks|South Africa
Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER
Wise words from Rainbow Nation’s colourful representative A former exile and political prisoner in South Africa’s apartheid system, Ambassador Ms Marks today works hard to share the lessons of reconciliation from her homeland and the continent of Africa with the rest of the world
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OF the 54 countries on the African continent, only six have embassies in Thailand – Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco and Nigeria. The sixth is the Republic of South Africa, represented by Her Excellency Robina Patricia Marks, who began her first ambassadorial assignment here in Bangkok in March 2012, building on a spectacular diplomatic record in South Africa and abroad. Throughout her posting in Thailand, Ms Marks has been active and visible at numerous functions. Straightforward in her words and goals, she is attractive and always well-dressed. Her customary bright-coloured dresses make this erudite lady always easy to find, even in a crowd, and her friendly manner assures that she doesn’t fade into the background. Ms Marks also has a look that defies pigeonholing. “A number of people have told me I don’t look African,” she said, laughing. “Often people seem surprised when they meet me. Some will even say ‘are you Thai?’ First I thank them for the compliment because Thai women are beautiful, and then I say to them that I am 100 percent South African. “South Africa is a country of many tribes. I don’t think there’s a single person who can say they are not mixed. Well, in fact the entire world is mixed; there’s hardly any such thing as a pure race anymore. Globalization means that people travel and they marry people from other ethnic groups. “Of course, South Africa is a country, and not a colour, and
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this is also why we are always referred to as the rainbow nation, made up of many people with a rich multicultural identity. It refers also to the coming together of people of many different nations, in a country once identified with the strict division of white and black. “However, I am definitely South African,” continued Ms Marks, in conversation with the BigChilli, at the South African embassy at All Seasons Place on Wireless Road. “On my mother’s side, I come from the same tribe as Nelson Mandela, which is Xhosa, and on my father’s side, I am Khoi – they are the original people of South Africa. The beautiful result is what you see in front of you,” said Ms Marks with wry amusement. “I was born in Cape Town, the most beautiful city in the world. It’s surrounded by Table Mountain, declared one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. I am very fortunate to have been born in Cape Town. “I am the only child of a single mother and I came from a very poor background. My mother was a domestic worker who was forced by apartheid policies that limited black people to basic schooling, and menial positions, this stunting their potential and their life chances. “I didn’t have access to many good educational opportunities when I was young, so the trajectory of my career is also a reflection of the country at that time. I became involved in the struggle against the apartheid at the age of 14. I have been always been a community and trade union organizer. I spent a brief time in exile in Zimbabwe and I was also a political prisoner in South Africa.
A visit to Chiang Mai University
Ms Marks regularlly meets with other female ambassadors in Bangkok
“Fortunately I was able to find the time to maintain my academic studies alongside spending time in the trenches building mass-based organizations. “My life has been defined by efforts to share the lessons of reconciliation from South Africa and the continent of Africa with the rest of the world. In this regard we have been very fortunate, as we are able to share our experiences of nation building and reconciliation with Thailand in many forums. I know that the current government is looking at the example of South Africa among other countries in striving to bring about a Thailand that is peaceful, stable and fully reconciled with its past.”
Empowering women “To be an ambassador is quite challenging and if you are a woman it becomes even more so. You remember Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing so gracefully in those old black and white movies? As the saying goes, ‘It’s one thing to dance like Fred Astaire, but Ginger Rogers did it backwards in high heels.’ This is exactly what it’s like for women when they become diplomats. Not only do they have to perform a difficult job, they have to do it in a world that is not prepared for a woman as head of mission,” Ms Marks said. “I often have the experience when I go to a function that people look at me and expect that my non-existent husband is the ambassador. This is something that drives me crazy! The world of diplomacy is so very male and the performance bench mark is based on a male profile and model. This is something we have to change. “Currently there are 10 female ambassadors serving in Thailand, out of 76 diplomatic missions. The UN prescribes 30 percent as a critical mass of women in leadership roles in any organization with a goal of 50 percent to ensure gender equity. For me the issue of women’s empowerment and gender equality is extremely important. In particular, I want to demonstrate to young women that they can also become diplomats and that they have the same potential as men. “What worries me a lot is that often women are punished for having ambition instead of being promoted. Often women who want to progress in their careers are labeled as unfeminine. The words we use to describe men’s and women’s actions are
Experiencing local culture
very different. If a man speaks up for himself, he is assertive, but if woman does the same she is called bossy, loud, strident, ‘opinionated’, or even worse, a ‘ball breaker.’ “Therefore, we have to think very carefully about things that we say and do things so that we don’t give young girls a message that they are less than boys or men. “In my last assignment before coming here I represented my country at the UN on women’s issues and gender equality. One area which is very important to me is peace and security for women. When I was in South Africa, I helped to develop a national action plan on gender peace and security, in line with UN Resolution 1325 which speaks about the importance of having women involved in society and in the peace process. “Peace is very important for my country and for Africa. South Africa today is a stable democracy, there are no armed conflicts, and good governance is in place through democratic systems. However, a small minority of countries in Africa still experience conflict. Yet of the 19 UN peacekeeping missions deployed across the world, only nine are in Africa which also demonstrates that far from the prevailing stereotype, the vast majority of 54 countries in Africa remain stable with good governance in place. “We need reform of the UN’s multilateral system. Currently no country in Africa is among the permanent members of the Security Council. We believe that is something that should change. If Africa or South Africa is being discussed we should be at the negotiating table as well. “We are one of the leading campaigners for the reform of the World trade Organization, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). South Africa served twice as non-permanent sets in the UNSC and used its position to deepen the relationship and cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union of which we were a founding member.
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Diplomats
Her Excellency Robina Patricia Marks|South Africa
South Africa is famous for its wines
Kirstenbosch botanical garden
Mabhida Stadium
“Our former Foreign Minister, Minister Dlamini-Zuma, currently serves as the African Union chair. South Africa is also members of two of the most significant South-South Formations – IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). This has enabled South Africa to leverage the promotion of the African Agenda and create new trade opportunities for value-added exports and investments. IBSA aims to increase trade volumes between the three countries to US$25 billion by 2015, and US$500 billion by 2015.
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The ambassador is responsible for managing South Africa’s foreign relations in four countries. Besides Thailand, she is also accredited to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. She is a Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Dean of African ambassadors in Thailand and coordinator of all African ambassadors in Southeast Asia for the purposes of the Thai-Africa Forum. She convened the first BRICS Partnership meeting of ambassadors held in Thailand in November 2014. This now continues on a rotational basis. “We opened our first embassy in Thailand in 1983 on Sarasin Road and moved to this location in 2008. We are neighbours
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University of Cape Town
with the embassies of Italy, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand at All Seasons Place. There are 28 staff altogether at the embassy. Seven including myself are from South Africa and the rest are Thai. Many of them have been with us right from the beginning, which is a testament to their loyalty and belief in what we are trying to achieve,” Ms Marks said. “I feel I am managing my assignment of looking after four countries and other duties effectively and efficiently. I suspect it may be easier for ambassadors with spouses to support them and at times it can be difficult not to have that type of day to day support, but it also allows for clearer focus and a single-mindedness of purpose. And it is this purpose, underpinned by my values as a South African diplomat that also drives my passion and my commitment. “What I always have in mind, there’s a woman that is sitting in an informal settlement [slum] in South Africa and someone tells her that I work at the Department of International Relations, and she asks me ‘what are you doing to help me to better my life?’ Therefore, the work I do must bring jobs, so she can send children to school, she can earn a living wage, she can have a decent life and livelihood and so help us to deliver on Nelson Mandela’s promise to make South Africa a better place for all of its people.
“I want to deliver results for people who are poor, unemployed and marginalized in South Africa. That, in a nutshell, also describes my key performance indicators.” Asked about her travels around Thailand after taking up her post, Ms Marks gave some examples. “I visited Ban Chang district of Chiang Mai province to see some of the artifacts discovered there. This was very important for me to see. “I went to Lopburi province to attend the King Narai Fair. He is a very important king in the history of Siam and one who emphasized diplomatic relations with other countries. “As for recent bilateral visits, the Thai Board of Investment sends a delegation to South Africa at least five times a year. We had the Election Commission of Thailand visiting our election commission to learn about our electoral practices. We also recently welcomed a delegation from the TICA [Thailand International Cooperation Agency]. There are delegations from South Africa coming to Thailand all the time,” she added.
Nelson Mandela “For South Africans, the example set by Nelson Mandela has been extremely important. When he passed away a year ago it was a very sad time for us because he was, and remains, the father of our nation. But at the same time, we were pleased to organize a very big memorial service in conjunction with UNESCAP in Bangkok. “The service was attended by many diplomats and distinguished guests, including former prime ministers of Thailand, as well as ordinary Thais who admired Nelson Mandela and felt inspired by his legacy. Of course, the United Nations had also taken the bold step to declare July 18 as UN Mandela Day, and so this day is commemorated across the world as we remember the legacy of this great leader. “Mr Mandela visited Thailand on the invitation of His Majesty the King in July 1997, to thank the Thai people for their contributions toward ending apartheid. For us it was a very proud moment when the father of the Thai nation met with the father of South Africa to commit to continuing and strengthening the relationship between our two countries. “To honor his legacy, we have started an annual Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lessons Series in Thailand. The first lecture, attended by about 300 people, was held last year last year at Chulalongkorn University. We were very pleased that former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun delivered the first lecture. “Part of the reason we are conducting the lecture series is because we want to remind the world of the legacy of ethical leadership and commitment to reconciliation and peace Mr Mandela demonstrated during his life. At his funeral last year there were 91 heads of states in attendance, together with members of 25 royal families. With regard to dignitaries in attendance, it was the largest funeral gathering for a former president the world has ever seen. Mr Mandela’s vision continues to be an inspiration for South Africans to ensure that our foreign policy contributes to building a better Africa and world, focusing on peace and development, reconciliation and nation building.”
South Africa and Thailand
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Ms Marks revealed two interesting things about the relationship between South Africa and Thailand that many people are unaware of. “The first record of Thai people in South Africa was about 300 years ago. They were Thai slaves taken from Ayutthaya to the Cape of Good Hope, which is where Cape Town is located. If you look at the records, you will see Thai names, besides which Siam is listed as the country of origin. As most people know, the practice of slavery in Thailand was stopped during the reign of King Rama IV. “Another thing that may surprise Thai people is that if they came to South Africa before 1994 they would have been classified as non-white. This demonstrates how insane the apartheid system was. A hierarchy of inequality among people was established based solely on the colour of their skin. This is why justice and non discrimination is so important to us,” said Ms Marks. She remarked that one big difference between Africa and Asia is that Asia’s population is aging on the whole, while Africa is a relatively young continent. This is certainly true of South Africa. “We have what we call a ‘demographic dividend’ because there are so many young people. They are tomorrow’s consumers and they are hungry for new products and services. Asia produces many of these products. Therefore, it makes sense for Asia and Africa to have a conversation with each other. “In this regard, I am particularly pleased that the Thai government has reiterated its commitment to a high level of Thai-African engagement. We are looking at all aspects of our relationship to see how it can be enhanced, for example with regard to bilateral investment. I am also very pleased that the Thai government is committed to opening up more embassies in Africa. Currently Thailand has only six embassies in Africa and we are hoping that this will increase because it will greatly facilitate our ability to do business.”
The first record of Thai people in South Africa was about 300 years ago, when Thai slaves were taken from Ayutthaya to the Cape of Good Hope.
Come a long way “I was born into the apartheid system. In fact, the year I was born was when Nelson Mandela went to prison on Robben Island for the first time and spent 27 years incarcerated. A lot of my consciousness and the values that inform the work I do as the head of mission in Thailand is shaped by the injustice I saw in South Africa, the way in which people like myself were excluded from equal opportunities. “That also explains why I see justice and fairness as being central to the work that we do as diplomats across the world. African diplomats are distinguished by the characteristics and qualities of integrity, loyalty, patriotism and passion. “That’s why we do the work we do. South Africa was excluded from the world until 1994, when we held the first democratic elections. Prior to 1994 there were only about 36 countries that allowed South Africa to set up a diplomatic mission. Today we have 125 embassies across the world, and we are also home to the second highest number of diplomatic missions after the US.
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Diplomats
Her Excellency Robina Patricia Marks|South Africa
HE ROBINA PATRICIA MARKS IN FOCUS
ROBINA Patricia Marks was born in Cape Town on January 21, 1963, and was educated at Bellvile South High School, University of the Western Cape (B.A Honors: Sociology, Teacher’s Diploma); the University of Manchester’s Institute for Development Policy and Management (Advanced Diploma: Institutional Development); and University of Sussex’s Institute for Development Studies (M.A: Gender Studies). Ms Marks was a student, community and trade union activist, a gender activist and a regional organizer of the United Democratic Front, a forerunner of the African National Congress. The anti-apartheid forum campaigned for the release of political prisoners and dropping bans on all political organizations. She was detained under the Internal Security Act 29 during the anti-apartheid struggle. After the advent of democracy in 1994, Ms Marks served on the boards of various civil society organizations committed to deepening democracy and entrenching non-racism and non-sexism. These included the Development Action Group, Women’s College and the Saartjie Baartman Shelter for Women. Ms Marks also worked as a change consultant to then Minister Manto-Shabalala Msimang (Minister of Justice); Head of the Office on the Status of Women in the Presidency, and as equity adviser to the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Internationally, she has worked on numerous assignments across Africa: Nigeria, Uganda, Madagascar, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. She has also worked with the European Union’s mission in South Africa, UNIFEM and the Ford Foundation. Ms Marks held various positions in non-governmental organizations as a researcher, race and diversity consultant, and lecturer. She was a visiting lecturer at the African Gender Institute, and a research fellow at Simmons College, Boston with a specific research interest on the politics and practice of identity politics in South Africa. She was employed at the Department of International Relations as Chief Director: Gender in the Office of the Director-General. In this capacity, she was responsible for representing South Africa at the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the African Union Women’s Directorate, and the Southern African Development Community Gender Secretariat. Within South Africa, she hosted, with the Progressive Women’s Movement and South African Women in Dialogue, several peace round tables with women in countries that were emerging from conflict. She was also responsible for overseeing the development of South Africa’s National Action Plan for UN Resolution 1325. In October 2011she accepted an invitation to join South Africa’s diplomatic corps, and on the advice of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, she was appointed Ambassador to Thailand. She took up her assignment in Bangkok on 23 March, 2012.
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Currently we have 156 diplomatic missions in South Africa. “We are one of the largest and certainly the most sophisticated economy on the African continent and the only African country that is a member of the G20. Its regulatory institutions remains the best on the continent, and its financial markets and banking institutions are deemed to be the strongest in Africa. We currently chair the G77 plus China. “We hosted a very successful FIFA World Cup in 2010 and we have held a seat on the UN Security Council twice in the last six years. Other achievements include the largest rollout of antiretroviral drugs for HIV infected patients. Besides globalizing the vuvuzela – the plastic trumpet that intrigued everyone during the World Cup – one of our citizens was the first African in space. “We are the first country in the world to have voluntarily stopped its nuclear program. Globally we are regarded as a moral authority on the issues of nation building and reconciliation. I can’t stress enough how important this is for us. I think that the world look at us with a great deal of respect because we have been able to turn away from bitter hatred of the past and come to a negotiated settlement. Equality is very important to us so we are building a South Africa that has no place for racist, sexist or discriminatory practices. “We are particularly concerned about the rights of people who are marginalized. One example of anti-discriminatory practices is that we allow same sex marriages. That’s something we are very proud of and something that is entrenched in our constitution under anti-discriminatory practices. Another thing that stands out is that we are in the top ten in the world when it comes to the number of women represented in the parliament. In fact, Rwanda is the country with the highest number of women serving in parliament. “Gender equality is very important for us and it is something that we promote in other countries as well. For example, when I came to Thailand I immediately convened a meeting of women ambassadors. We now meet regularly and discuss issues like human trafficking. We visit shelters for women who have been abused. We get together to celebrate International Women’s Day and often women leaders of Thai society are in attendance.” “Many people identify South Africa with its vast hectares of vineyards and excellent wine. South Africa is a very old agricultural country but because of apartheid many countries boycotted our products. When we opened our markets in 1994, we started to export quite a lot of wine to Thailand. In fact, a huge percentage of all of the bulk wine produced by Siam Winery under the Mont Clair label is in fact sourced from South Africa, providing us with a valuable foothold in the local market. We also regularly promote South African wines here. “Of course, we promote tourism as well. Kruger National Park is the same size as Wales. We’re very proud of it. You can observe rhinoceroses, cheetahs, lions, giraffes and elephants all roaming freely. We encourage people to come to South Africa. “About 10,000 Thais travelled to South Africa in 2014, and about 80,000 South Africans visited Thailand. It is the second most popular holiday destination for South Africans after Mauritius. Of course, the figures are very small in comparison to some other nationalities but for us it is quite significant and grows.
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“In this regard, we are particularly concerned that Thai Airways suspended flights to South Africa. I had a meeting with the Thai Minister of Transport, and he assured me that the suspension will be lifted in a year’s time. But we are worried that it will have a lasting effect on tourism between South Africa and Thailand. We hope that the suspension will be lifted. It is a pity because it means that THAI now doesn’t fly to any country in Africa. This is not good for Thai-African relations, and we hope it will change. “We don’t have a reliable, updated record of how many South Africans are living in Thailand because they don’t register with the embassy. Like many embassies here, we find that our nationals only tend to visit us if they experience some consular distress, which fortunately is few and far in between. Of course, there are many Thais living and working in South Africa either as welders, electricians and other tradesmen. “Muay Thai has a very active following in South Africa and there is a group of Muay Thai boxers there. It is a good activity to divert young people to a healthy lifestyle and as a diversionary activity. Our former deputy foreign minister is a patron of Muay Thai in South Africa. We have a couple of boxers who always come here and sometimes lose against Thai boxers, which makes us very sad,” said Ms Marks.
Clearing misconceptions
A huge percentage of the bulk wine produced by Siam Winery under the Mont Clair label is in fact sourced from South Africa, providing us with a valuable foothold in the local market.
Asked about the pros and cons of her time in Thailand, Ms Marks said without hesitation: “The biggest disappointment is how people in Thailand see South Africa and Africa as a whole,” she said, adding that part of this relates to a general lack of knowledge of South Africa and Africa here. The ambassador was smiling broadly when she said this, as was her Thai secretary. “I have often had to tell people that South Africa is a country and not a continent. On the other hand, I have had to explain that Africa is not a country but a continent made up of 54 countries. But my biggest concern is the stereotypes people have about Africa and Africans. Many people perceive Africa as full of conflict, violence, corruption and crime. “There’s also a persistent stereotype that Africa is plagued with viruses. The main thing that has contributed to this is the media frenzy around the Ebola virus, which has been localized to only three African countries. In fact, the World Health organization has just declared Liberia, where the majority of incidences occurred, as Ebola-free. I find this quite ridiculous, because it is similar to saying that a single case of dengue fever placed an entire country at risk! Yet the myth persists that the entire continent is riddled with the virus. “The media plants these perceptions in the minds of people, and it is such a pity because Africa and Asia are the final frontiers for economic growth left in the world. Asia and Africa have
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a lot to learn from each other and a lot to offer each other as well. “When I arrived in Thailand in March 2012, the Bangkok traffic drove me crazy for the first few weeks, but I was overwhelmed by the kindness and the warmth of the Thai people. I am very much at home here and very reluctant to leave the post in December. Unfortunately, we aren’t allowed to extend our stay,” Ms Marks said. “The most memorable experience during my assignment so far has been the memorial service I organized for Nelson Mandela in Bangkok. The biggest achievements have been the performance of my duties as dean of African ambassadors in Thailand and also convening the first meeting of female ambassadors here.”
Final words
Ms Marks finds peace and purpose in her faith. “I am a practicing Christian. I go to Christ Church on Convent Road in Bangkok. Nelson Mandela meditated while he was in prison every single day for 27 years and one of the reasons why he was able to help bring about reconciliation so successfully is that he absorbed the notion of forgiveness from the Bible, which teaches us to forgive our enemies. “I find similarities to this in the Buddhist concepts of ‘metta and karuna’ which mean ‘loving kindness.’ There’s also something similar in Judaism, and the Islamic greeting ‘assalamu alaikum,’ which means peace be with you. To me it all means that there’s enough common ground in our spiritual beliefs to find forgiveness and reconciliation among all people. It doesn’t make sense that we are at war with each other. “Peace and reconciliation are possible in Thailand and anywhere else. As Mr Mandela said, holding resentment is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die from it.” In her free time, Ms Marks enjoys reading and writing. She works out with a personal trainer who comes to her residence three times a week. “I can speak only two languages, English and Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch. There are moments where I really miss South Africa. For example, the foods we eat during Easter and Christmas, and also pickled fish and other foods, I can’t find here. I also miss our national favorite, biltong (beef jerky). Food is a bridge to memory. If I can eat something from South Africa then I feel good. “I don’t have any control over where I am posted after I leave Thailand. I enjoy writing, and have already started work on a book that tells the history of women in front-line diplomacy pre and post apartheid. We have come a long way, and we need to reflect how far we have come as women diplomats.”
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H u aHin D ini ng Out
Wo rds C H U T I N A N TA B OON YA M A R N P h o t o s JA R A N L A K K A N AWAT
Kindee Beach Cafe and Bar
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Renovated restaurant returns with a contemporary design and more delicious homemade recipes
VERANDA Lodge Resort's beachfront restaurant has long been one of our favourite spots for a laid-back lunch by the sea – its private, breezy location, tasty Thai food, boozy cocktails, delicious desserts, and genuinely friendly staff all add to its rustic, homely charm. Now reopen after a recent renovation, the restaurant has a bright new look (think whitewashed walls, hanging lamps, mismatched seating, low-slung tables, potted cacti), and a delicious new addition to its already extensive menu – homemade cakes. Baked fresh each day, the tempting selection includes popular sweet treats such as Apple cake a la mode (140), Banoffee Pie (110), Strawberry mousse tart (95) and Chocolate cake (95). The
menu rotates regularly, so expect to find a different selection of cakes on each visit. For the most part, Kindee's savoury menu remains the same – this means you can tuck into delicious appetisers such as Fried sun-dried squid (B240), accompanied by spicy seafood sauce; and the signature Chef Salad (B200), a bowl of greens, tomatoes, eggs and salami, served with a choice of dressing (including honey, yogurt, thousand island, blue cheese or vinaigrette), as well as mains like Chicken Cordon Bleu (B380). But there are some new additions too, including a hungerbusting Pork chop with raisin sauce (380) – just the right blend of sweet, sour, and salty, – as well as Tenderloin steak with mushroom sauce (B420).
V e randa L odg e H ua H in, 113 Soi H ua H in 6 7 , P e tch K as e m R d. , O p e n daily 7 am- 11p m,
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Seafood at Kindee is as fresh as it gets, with highlights such as Steamed sea bass served with a Thai herb sauce (B380), Prawns with garlic butter (B380), and Prawn ceviche, marinated with garlic and Thai spices (B320). And we love the Som tam with crab (B320), featuring crunchy shredded pappaya, plump crab flesh, and a sweet and salty fiery sauce loaded with chopped tomatoes, green beans and peanuts. To wash down your food there's an extensive selection of beers, wines, signature cocktails and healthy smoothies. Don't miss the always refreshing Raspberry Italian Soda (B120), nor the sweet Coconut juice (B80), served in its shell.
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All in Italian taste CENTARA Grand Beach Resort & Villas continued its delicious run of monthly gourmet wine dinners with another five-course treat, this time paired with premium vintage wines from Tedeschi, Italy. Organized by the resort’s Director of Food & Beverage, Jan Weisheit, the event was held at the Palm Pavilion restaurant, where Milano harpist, Chiara Capobianco, entertained guests with her skillful playing. Special guest on the night was Sabrina Tedeschi, the winery’s Marketing manager, who shared her wealth of wine experience with the guests.
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N e ws and Deals
New on the scene: Papillon Restaurant PAPILLON Restaurant, the new French all-day dining bistro located in the brand new U Pattaya, is now open offering French bistro cuisine with a contemporary twist. The talented chefs use only the finest local produce to create dishes such as Duck liver pâté, oeuf poché meurette, local seafood bouillabaisse, and the signature Slow-cooked duck leg confit served with lentil stew and Lyonnais potatoes. Don’t miss the sweet treats, including lemongrass crème brûlée and vanilla mille feuille. Well worth a visit! Open daily from 11.30am-10pm. 033 046 100 :upattaya.com
Wine tasting at Mantra ON Jun 6, Mantra Restaurant & Bar will host a five-course gourmet dinner specially created to pair with Stonefish Wines from Australia. The wine dinner will be attended by the winery’s owner and founder, Peter Papanikitas. B2,950++ per person. 038 429 591 :mantra-pattaya.com
Australian beef showcase Seafood delights at The Glass House THE Glass House Restaurant at Eastin Hotel Pattaya has launched a new ‘Seafood Sensation’ promotion featuring a mini buffet of salad, soup, breads and dessert, plus an a la carte basket brimming with mussels, prawns, crab, squid and fish, for the great price of just B699 per set (for two to share). 038 427 121-9 :eastinpattaya.com
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CARNIVORES are well catered for during the next three months at Hilton Pattaya’s Horizon rooftop, where a special menu featuring prime cuts of Australian T-bone steak is now on offer at B1,750 per dish. Cooked to your preference and served alongside fresh asparagus and homemade potato as well as a glass of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a real meaty treat. Available daily from 6pm-11.30pm. 038 253 000 :bit.ly/1pbC77J
Luxury living with Sansiri BAAN Plai Haad Pattaya, the newest addition to Sansiri’s property portfolio, is now fully completed and ready to move in. This brand new modern resort-style condominium project is situated right on Wong Amat Beach (with direct beach access) – one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Pattaya. Currently, the property is offering more than 20 exclusive units specially designed and furnished with home décor inspired by some of the world’s most exotic islands. Price starts at five million baht per unit. 1685 :bit.ly/1KnuPo2
Strip AD_Hilton Pattaya_June15.indd 1
5/22/15 9:42 AM
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N e ws and Deals
Executive club benefits at Holiday Inn UNTIL the end of the month, Holiday Inn Pattaya’s ‘Stay Executive’ promotion offers 60 percent off access to its Executive Club when booking a minimum of two consecutive nights. The benefits include daily international breakfast buffet, in-room WiFi and all day access to the Executive Club with complimentary tea, coffee, fruits and snacks. ☎ 038 725 555 :holidayinn-pattaya.com
Meaty bites at Wave Hotel WAVE Hotel Pattaya, an 18-room luxury Art Deco boutique hotel inspired by Miami’s iconic beachfront properties (think a pastel four-storey building lit up by neon at night – with a hot pink 1940s Cadillac parked out front), is offering a tasty deal for burger lovers this month. Visit the hotel’s Cadillac Café and Bar and you can chomp on its signature US Beef Burger, topped with goose liver and gruyere cheese, and served with shoestring fries, for just B495++. ☎ 038 410 577 :wavepattaya.com
Indian Classical and Fusion Concert
BBQ Night at The Bay CAP the week in style with friends and family at Dusit Thani Pattaya’s Saturday Night BBQ Buffet. Starting at 6.30pm and held at The Bay Restaurant, the hearty spread features a wide selection of meats and fresh seafood, as well as international cuisines. B1,490++ per person. Add B599++ for free-flow wine and beer. ☎ 038 425 611-7 :bit.ly/1FciXki
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SUKOSOL Hotels, in conjunction with Pattaya Classical Music, will be holding the ‘Indian Classical and Fusion Concert’ on June 28 at Siam Bayshore, Pattaya. Purbayan Chatterjee (a sitar maestro as well as one of the big names in Indian classical and fusion music), Joyet Choudhury (Bengali vocalist) and Rupak Battacharjee (a talented tabla performer) will perform some of their best tunes, compositions and records. B500 per person (if you miss this performance, you can catch another one at The Sukosol Bangkok on June 29). Part of the proceedings from the concert will go to the Princess Srindhorn Chulalongkorn Craniofacial Center. Performance starts 7.30pm. ☎ 038 428 678 :siambayshorepattaya.com
Luxury for less at Cape Dara THE luxury Cape Dara Resort is offering special accommodation rates right through Sept 30. Simply book a Junior Family Room, Dara Suite, Dara Beachfront, Dara Private Pool and Family Suite via the resort’s website, and you’ll receive 40 percent off the ongoing rates. ☎ 038 933 888 :capedarapattaya.com
Royal Varuna Yacht Club
RYA Summer Sailing Courses
RYA Stage 3
For aspiring racers and club sailors who would like to improve their racing skills. Under the guidance of our RYA Racing Coaches students will learn the many aspects of sailboat racing to compete at local and national regattas.
To develop singlehanded sailing skills at a higher level, covering a variety of practical boat control skills such as the five essentials, man over board, coming along side and racing.
Advanced skills
RYA Stage 1-2
The first step for any junior to learn sailing, this course is a fantastic introduction by learning the basic controls boats while gaining water confidence and having fun.
Start Racing
Let your children discover the sport of sailing at the best place in Thailand! Our fully accredited RYA courses are fun and action packed, learning a truly unique activity that requires students to demonstrate technical skills and provides them with a physical challenge. You’ll be surprised how quickly your child will learn sailing when under guidance from one of our fully qualified and experienced RYA Instructors. Sailing is fun, safe, breeds self-confidence and a positive outdoor pursuit.
Learn new sailing skills such as handling a spinnaker and a series of maneuvers to promote ‘good sailing’. This course will cover the RYA sailing with spinnakers and seamanship syllabus using a variety of boats.
5 day (30 hour) courses for children aged 8 - 16 years 6,800 THB members 10,800 THB non-members 29 June - 3 July | 6 - 10 July | 20 - 24 July | 3 - 7 August
Email sailtraining@varuna.org or call 038-250-116 for more information and book places. Also, Advanced Racing Skills and Adult Sailing courses are available.
286 12 20150 286 Moo 12 Pratamanak R Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 f ffice@ varuna.org W: www.varuna.org T: 038-250-116 E: office@
Final Word
Fiction
Monsoon Midnights Special places in Bangkok, as experienced by the Bangkok Women’s Writers Group Dear reader, Welcome to ‘Monsoon Midnights,’ a short story by the Bangkok Women’s Writers Group. The storytellers of the BWWG come from all over the world but they all have a special place in this city, somewhere surprising, obscure and unexpected, as yet undiscovered. Follow us to these hidden places right here, month after month. The first volume of Monsoon Midnights (18 stories by 12 authors with beautiful illustrations by the BigChilli graphics team) is available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tj8fJr.
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NIGHTFALL OVER BANGKOK There are some very high places in Bangkok. Places where you can look out and see the city like an interactive map spread out beneath you. Tonight the moon shines brightly over the city. Surfaces everywhere reflect its light, a million lesser moons swimming on rooftops, streets and canals. You could get dazzled and lose your direction, like insects swarming the light bulbs they mistake for the sun. Luminescence dapples the night. I blink my eyes. When light is everywhere, some places reveal themselves, to those who know how to look, through the opposite of light. Darkness stamps out the contours of a figure. Most darknesses are small, but over there, a little further on the outskirts of town, a curious shape attracts my attention. It is large, larger than a house (and the houses around here are pretty big). It stands, but could move at any time. It collects the moonlight on black metal skin. Look as I may, I cannot figure out that shape. It could be many things, many creatures, but whenever I think I recognize it, I notice the conflicting outline of another angle. Who are you? I stretch my wings. I fly. Now and then I think I see a tiny golden flicker moving inside the dark outline. Then it disappears again. Underneath the wind, people sleep, people walk, people dream. They dream while asleep and also while awake. Sleeping and awake, the city is overlaid by the creatures we dream about. Some call them by old inherited names, some feel they are both elusive and curiously familiar, some, cautiously superstitious, prefer not to voice the names of those insubstantial creatures at all. Some simply call them ghosts. Is the creature I am seeking tonight such a ghost, looming over its suburb? As I get closer I can see that, no. Oh no. This is not a shadow, it is a being of impressive substance. Its dark metal coat is real to the touch. It presses heavily into the earth. And I can see now what living beast it resembles and also why
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I could not identify it before. This is an elephant, but not of the ordinary kind. It is the sacred elephant with three heads. However, I am still confused. The creature is not alive. It is only a statue of the three headed elephant, even if built on a colossal scale. The movement I glimpsed seems just a momentary illusion under the flickering moonlight. ‘No, it’s quite real’, says a quiet voice. This week’s storyteller, Bhavna Khemlani, is sitting on the midnight grass. A garden encircles the feet of the elephant, flowers, trees and little creatures sleeping under the muffled moon. Mysterious steps lead up to a locked door. ‘The creature who called you here’, says the storyteller, ‘is not the elephant itself. She is much smaller, even more rare and curious, and she is, at present, right inside.’ She points to the locked door. ‘Let me tell you her story…’
Levitating inside the Elephant By Bhavna Khemlani
I did not know what an elephant felt like until I was inside one. Curiosity was killing me as I glanced up high inside the huge, three headed elephant Erawan statue. The sun was about to set and soon the museum would be closed. \ The gigantic architecture, blend of visionary art and interior design, reminded me of my purpose there. But then I heard, “Nosy tourist is in the museum!” After some time, the whispers faded as the chatter of tourists around me became louder and I was ignored completely. Ever since that day in 1994, when the Monks chanted, the vibration transmitted an aura that changed my life. The appetite
to sniff, explore, and share the magnificent mind of human art with my new pals was my motivation ever since I realized that I had become the ‘Immortal Butterfly’. Every time when I visit the museum, it feels like the first time. Every time I am here again for my new friends who just blossomed from their cocoons and welcome the new journey of becoming a butterfly. Butterflies – we are the flowers of the air. My wings feel different. Their texture is tremulous, soft, and soothing. The effect of becoming immortal brought glitter to my wings as well as the ability to understand the lifecycle of a butterfly. The glitter on my wings blended so well with blue, gold, black of
word Naga doesn’t bring joy to me. In fact, I escape over a fine collection of Chinese vases. I fear that the large monsters would really relish a beauty like me. If they could catch me, that is… I am intrigued yet anxious when I fly over the serpentine staircase passing by statues of gods into the second world – The Earth. The second world is comforting and no large monsters haunt me here. I’ve forgotten all about my new friends outside and am totally mesmerized by the beauty of this artwork. Every colour on my wing shines with glitter. My wings are gloating with the abundance of creativity. A few minutes later I spot the same guide again near the altar of Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. So I go back on his camera bag, until I see a child rolling his eyes at me. We are on the same wave length. His strange facial expressions show excitement but unfortunately that brings attention to me. When the boy is just about to poke me with his sunglasses, I rise and fly away. The chatter of the tourists lessens. The stairway into heaven
the artwork, and the colour red glowed just like the paintings. I wasn’t the old me anymore. My new friends did join me in this expedition, but I can’t see them anymore. To me their gaily painted wings are like the petals of the flower. My new pals love humor and drama. I guess they are just figuring out their journey and the see me just like one of them. I am still near the entrance and the adventure is ahead of me. The visionary art is sniffing through my wings and I am slowly in trance levitating in this mind-boggling 200 ton three headed elephant. I simply rest on top of a glass box and glare at an art piece as if I wanted to gobble it up. I so wish I could express my love for art clearly to my new pals. But how would they understand? The vibration of sounds and continuous chants from afar distract me and I fly towards the guide as he walks ahead into the museum. His movements distract me, so I rest for a moment on his camera bag. He takes his steps carefully, while I am on my best behavior. I enter the representation of the universe which showcases the Three Worlds inside the elephant’s belly. After so many years, I am able to figure out what the tour guides tell the tourists. And indeed our guide states, “In the basement, the first world, the Underworld, snake like creatures called Naga lived.” Being in the first world is a big challenge. The
is built from what’s looks like beautifully decorated porcelain. The upper part of the floor represents the center of the universe where the magnificent stained glass ceiling with bright blue, yellow, orange, red, cream, and purple colours depicts the map of the world. The stars and zodiac symbols are located right at the feet of the elephant. I am nudged by the colours of cosmographic ecstasy. ‘Who am I? What am I? or What is wrong with the artists’ minds? How could humans express such beauty?’ The planets dance on the stained glass walls, just like the colours playing on my wings. The cross over from the Naga world wasn’t easy! And then there’s complete silence. Suddenly I remember my new friends, so I tiptoe over a child’s head to get a glimpse but I can’t see them. Instead it is dark and crawling over that child’s hair was asking for trouble. The child can feel the touch of my delicate feet, waves his hands about, screams and runs towards the elevator. He probably took the fast track service to heaven. I opt to fly slowly over the circular staircase to the top. I am so close to heaven. The trance is over. Gosh! Finally, I’ve reached it! The third world. Heaven, is the top floor. A grand artistic depiction of the universe inside the elephant’s head.
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Final Word
Fiction The many paintings of gods and goddesses reunite me with the struggle I went through when I was in the cocoon. I was enclosed in a fabric of enchanted learning until I gained freedom. Oh well, becoming a butterfly is not easy. I had a lot of learning to do and today immortality reaps the rewards because of unconditional love and patience. Sometimes, I feel it was just by fluke, randomly, the universe chose me to be immortal. I like the glitter it brought to my wings. The third world which the guards also call heaven’s room looks a bit like a cavern hit by thunder blue lightning that has splashes of abstract paintings of the cosmos in gold, orange, blue, black, and green in it. I spread my wings wide and rest on the curvy wall. There’s suddenly a final group of tourists. They enjoy clicking away with their cameras as I flaunt my wings that blend well with the paintings. I bet nobody’s going to spot me. Being part of the picture session is fun, as if I was participating in an art exhibition as the art exhibit itself. As camera lenses take a closer look at me I suddenly lift up and fly away, surprising the tourists. Their awe struck expression is worth watching as they make their way out. Miracle! The cold room gleams with soothing lights. I can see the celestial chapel where Buddha’s statue is placed. I rest on a glass box admiring the celestial cave. It’s quiet. It’s dark. I think I’ll rest a little bit, closing all my eyes… Oh no! I must have fallen asleep! I think I am trapped here! The museum is shut. The route back down to Naga land is too dangerous to contemplate. There’s no one left here except ME! The weight of the euphonic mantras creates turbulence in my whole body.
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From my glass box I see two security guards rejoice inside the elephant’s head by falling asleep trying to meditate on the deep truth what we become or what we may become – ultimately nothing but DUST that illuminates passion. By now I’ve realized that I am to spend the night savoring the cosmos art attack. Too late to get out. I continue to lean over the glass box and try to relax. This exciting journey from the underworld to heaven has been enthralling. The divine moment happened just NOW and how blessed I was I to be the random butterfly or, for all who knows, the long awaited chosen one to be immortal. I wiggle at my own clumsiness as the night goes by. And morning comes. I see it seeping through the doors below. Time to take a look at nature all around the three headed elephant. This huge hollow sculpture of cosmography was also once like a caterpillar, born from nothing but an idea. I fly down the serpentine stairway passing by the sea of paintings at sunrise. Ready to set out again to slurp nectar from a beautiful flower and eager to share the story with my pals who wait at the entrance. In their honor, I gracefully take off. I fly around the small pathways, passing by a series of Thai sculptures, benches, and pagodas that lead me through the lush plants and trees. Blooming flowers wait for me and my butterfly crew has reserved a special flower for me. They want to know all about the three worlds. The tropical garden is dancing to the rhythm of the breeze. Palm trees near the pond soothe my wings. As I glance up, to my astonishment, one of the three heads of the elephant closes his big eye and winks at me. He too knows my secret! How long is the life of a butterfly? The books say it varies. A month, a week… some live only as long as one day. One day. They will never see midnight. They have lived most of their lives as caterpillars and as pupae inside a cocoon. The butterfly is the final, high energy stage of their metamorphosis. Only then they take to the sky. The moon is warm and golden as it sets. Sunrise is not far away. I, too, must open my wings and fly home… The moon over Bangkok will rise again when Monsoon Midnights returns with our next story in just a month’s time…
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’s first publication (before Monsoon Midnights the short story collection’, available on Amazon right now) was 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. This month’s storyteller is Bhavna Khemlani, who has published for works of fiction: The Wisher’s Well (2010), Maples: Rejuvenating Cocktail (2011), The Wagging Tail of Bliss (2012) and The Classroom: Ashley and her Mystical Tale (2014), launched at the AFCC (Asian Festival of Children’s Content, & Asia Pacific Writers and Translators Conference at the Arts House, Singapore, 2014). Her articles, short stories, and poems have been published in Masala Magazine, ajarn.com, tumbhi.com, poetry soup, bookblogs.ning, and Authors Den. She is a lecturer in Marketing, Creative Writing and Management. Bhavna believes that our heart and mind are beautiful, and we have the ability to pen down our thoughts into wonderful writing, and share that inspiration to others.
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The first volume of Monsoon Midnights (18 stories by 12 authors with beautiful illustrations by the BigChilli graphics team) is available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tj8fJr. TheBigChilli
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