PUBLISHER Colin Hastings editorbigchilli@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Adam Purcell adambigchilli@gmail.com EDITOR Nina Hastings ninabigchilli@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Chutinanta Boonyamarn nanbigchilli@gmail.com SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Rojjana Rungrattwatchai sendtorose@gmail.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Thana Pongsaskulchoti thanabigchilli@gmail.com Sakuna Nupinrum nokbigchilli@gmail.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER Saranya Choeyjanya fatcatbigchilli@gmail.com ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Janjira Silapapairson janbigchilli@gmail.com ART & PRODUCTION Arthawit Pundrikapa, Jaran Lakkanawat PHOTOGRAPHY Mini Bike Gang, WJ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anette Pollner, Johanna DeKoning, Judith Coulson, Maxmilian Wechsler
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No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The BigChilli Co., Ltd. The opinions and views of the writers are not necessarily the views of the publishers. All details are deemed correct at the time of print, the publisher, the editor, employees and contributors can not be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or amend any submitted artwork, photographs, illustrations and manuscripts. The BigChilli welcomes unsolicited contributions but assumes no responsibility for the safe-keeping or return of such materials damaged or lost in transit.
The BigChilli Company Ltd., 1/7 5th Fl. Room 504, Siboonrueng Bldg. 2, Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 ☎ 02 233 1774-6, 02 266 7141 Fax: 02 235 0174 :thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com :thebigchilli.com
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Insight
Profile
Life’s a Hoot for Meagan Miss Hooters International on what it’s like to don the famous white and orange outfit
During the opening of Hooters Bangkok, we spoke to Meagan about her life as a Hooters Girl. Here’s what she had to say: What’s it like to work as a Hooters Girl? There’s no other restaurant in the world as upbeat as Hooters. As a Hooters Girl, you join a sisterhood of sorts. You make great friends, earn great money, and obtain skills applicable to wide range of careers – all while having a great time.
■ HOOTERS, the word-renowned American restaurant chain famous for its hearty food and beautiful waitresses with big personalities, celebrated the launch of its first Bangkok branch in September. Flying in specially to mark the opening of the new branch, which is located on the first floor of Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, was none other than 2015 Miss Hooters International, Meagan Pastorchik. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, this tireless brand ambassador was selected from thousands of Hooters Girls to help promote the brand all over the world. She has appeared in commercials, assisted in promotions and served as a spokesperson – all the while pursuing her business degree. Funny, bright and stunningly attractive, 21-year-old Meagan has been serving up Hooters’ famous chicken wings and delighting diners with her witty banter for the past three years. Buoyed by her positive experiences working with the brand, she now has her mind set on a long-term future with the company. “After finishing my degree I’d like to enter the corporate side of the business,” she says. “The great thing about working for Hooters is that they give you so many opportunites. And I hope one day to work in the marketing department as a brand manager.”
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The best thing about being a Hooters Girl? The opportunities for growth are endless. If you want to do more within the company you can. Any embarrassing or funny moments? I once fell over and had to have 15 stitches in my hand. Not ideal before a big media presentation! How do you keep in shape? I exercise once a week.
The best advice you’ve ever received? Stay true to who you are. Favourite motto? If you love what you do, you never work a day. The thing you’re most afraid of? Failure. I’ve set myself high goals in life and the thought of not achieving them frightens me. But that won’t happen. Especially with Hooters’ support.
So you’d recommend the job to others, then? Definitely! And Hooters in Thailand is currently hiring. They’re looking for fun, beautiful and hardworking girls to join the team for locations in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya. If you fit the bill, give them a call. You won’t be disappointed! Hooters Bangkok. Sukhumvit Soi 15. Open daily 10am-2am. Tel: 02 006 6001-3 www.hootersbangkok.com www.facebook.com/hootersbangkok
Enjoy low-cost travel in the heart of Europe
MORE GREAT TRAVEL NEWS!
E
Expat deal! Save Rail Passes until
NJOYING the wonderful sights and sounds of Germany by train has never been cheaper, thanks to Rail Europe’s special passes for Thai nationals and expatriates based in Thailand. Already an amazingly good deal with ticket prices well below those charged in Germany, the German Rail Pass is now even cheaper through an incredible promotion offered by Diethelm Travel Thailand, the rail company’s exclusive agent in Thailand. For a three-month period from November 1 until January 31, 2016, Rail Europe is offering a 20 percent discount on its five and ten-day German Rail Passes. This means first and second class unlimited travel on trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) on the national rail network of Germany, inclusive of Salzburg (Austria) and Basel Bad (Switzerland).
To qualify, expatriates must have spent the last six months in Thailand. Using this one ticket on one of the world’s most efficient train systems, travellers can discover the rich culture and history of Berlin, the gastronomic delights of Frankfurt, the elegance of Munich, capital of Bavaria in Germany’s southern
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mountains, and many more fascinating destinations in this beautiful country. German Rail Passes include valuable discounts on shopping, sightseeing and certain local bus services. The promotion gives travellers a 20 percent discount on a five or ten-day consecutive ticket (normal adult price
20 percent on German January 2016 E285 and E413 respectively) or a flexi ticket (normal price E293 and E466) allowing the same number of days’ travel over a one month period. There are also special prices for youth travellers. There’s more good news too. Diethelm Travel is also offering a 20 percent discount on its highly popular Eurail Global Pass and Eurail Select Pass from now until December 31, 2015. This ticket allows unlimited train travel in 28 countries right across Europe, and passengers can choose continuous validities from 15 days (normal adult price E570) to three months (E1,567), or a choice of flexible validities to allow for longer breaks in the journey. “Boarding a train is the easiest way to travel within Europe,” says
Martyn Hedges, General Manager for Outbound Travel for Diethelm. “The traveler benefits from a wide network of high speed and local trains offering comfortable, hassle-free journeys. “Now, with a 20 percent discount on Rail Europe’s already very affordable train tickets, Thai nationals and expatriates have a fantastic opportunity to see the best of Europe over the next few months. “Expats are enjoying special fares that almost certainly are not available to their counterparts back in their home countries.” Mr Hedges added that Rail Europe’s promotions are a safe and secure option for international and university outings, as well as company incentive group tours. “There has been a huge worldwide
Frankfurt
resurgence of interest in train travel, with people loving the comfort, efficiency and romance of the great days of railway.” Booking the Swiss Travel Pass can be done either at Diethelm’s downtown travel office, or online at www.diethelmrail.com. Diethelm has a team of experts who can assist in all aspects of train travel, including planning itineraries, hotel recommendations and booking, along with visa information and updates.
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
French oyster showcase
THROUGH NOV 30 AT SCARLETT WINE BAR & RESTAURANT
Thanksgiving Day feasts
IMPORTED French oysters are the flavour of the month at Pullman Bangkok Hotel G’s popular 37th floor wine bar. Each day the chefs will be shucking a selection of royal oysters, wild oysters and Fine de Claire oysters gathered from the famous Artouan marsh, south of Marennes in France, where oysters have been cultivated for five generations. Visit on Nov 5 – 7 and oyster farmers Fabrice and Frederic will even be on hand to explain more about their goods. Oysters start at B650++ for six pieces.
NOV 26 AT THE LANDMARK BANGKOK
THE Landmark Bangkok’s all-day-dining restaurant, Atrium, always celebrates Thanksgiving Day with a sumptuous spread of international cuisines as well as traditional festive favourites. Expect Roast turkey with all the trimmings, an impressive spread of seafood, and a wide selection of desserts (B1,700 per person for lunch; B2,400 per person for dinner. ‘Come 4 Pay 2’). Alternatively, head to the hotel’s Huntsman Pub for a Roast Dinner, 6pm-10pm, at B900++. 138 Sukhumvit Rd. 02 254-0404 ext 7777 :landmarkbangkok.com
188 Silom Rd. Tel: 02 238 1991 :facebook.com/Scarlettwinebarbangkok
Afternoon delight
AVAILABLE NOW AT RAMADA PLAZA MENAM RIVERSIDE BANGKOK HOTEL
SUPERIOR tea and tasty cakes are always best enjoyed with a splendid river view. Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok Hotel is now offering exactly that with its new afternoon tea set, featuring a selection of Twining’s finest brews in sets priced B499 or B299 per person. 72/4 Charoenkrung Rd. 02 688 1000 :ramadaplazamenamriverside.com
White Truffle treats THROUGH NOV 30 AT RED SKY
Lazy Sunday Brunch
THROUGH DEC 27 AT THE KITCHEN TABLE
SUNDAY brunch has been given a tasty twist at W Hotel’s contemporary bistro. A buffet experience without the buffet, the brunch features an a la carte menu loaded with Danishes and egg dishes (don’t miss the signature Eggs Benedict with slow-cooked pork belly) as well as savory creations like the delicious Deep-fried buttered chicken with house-made donuts, and sweet options such as House-made muffins with toffee sauce, crispy bacon and yoghurt. All coffee, tea, juice and smoothies are included in the price. B650++ per person. 106 North Sathorn Rd. :whotelbangkok.com
02 344 4000
CENTARA Grand at CentralWorld’s elegant rooftop restaurant has scored a culinary coup this month – Alba white truffle imported from the north of Italy. Executive Sous Chef Hugo Coudurier is using this prized ingredient to create a five-course dinner menu featuring highlights such as White Truffle “Tartelette” Sunny side up egg, caramelized onions and smoked pancetta; Pumpkin Veloute with freshly shaved Alba white truffle; and Butter roasted venison loin quince, wild mushrooms and sauce “Grand Veneur.” B4,555++ per person. 999/99 Rama 1 Rd. 02 100 6255 :bit.ly/1LuZuVb 20
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
European Fish Market
DAILY AT THE WESTIN GRANDE SUKHUMVIT
USING an impressive array of seafood imported from Europe, Chef Jérôme Chautard now serves up a ‘European Fish Market’ every night of the week. Alongside the hotel’s usual spread of international cuisines, live cooking stations will cook up red mullet, dover sole, grouper, sander trout, grilled John Dory, turbot, lobster, and more seafood treats, while an a la carte menu will focus on seasonal produce. Two courses is B850++ including selected wine; and three courses is B1,050++ including selected wine. 259 Sukhumvit Rd. 02 207 8000 :westingrandesukhumvit.com
New breakfast at Fauchon AVAILABLE NOW AT FAUCHON EMQUARTIER
FAUCHON, the luxury French restaurant and food store, has introduced six new dishes to its all-day breakfast menu. Joining the tasty line-up are a selection of Salty French toasts (including Spring vegetable French toast; Ratatouille and Bayonne ham French Toast; and Smoke salmon French toast) as well as “Les Tartines” (including Pork tenderloin Tartine; Shrimps avocado Tartine; and Wagyu beef tenderloin Tartine). Dishes range B155 to B275. E mQ uartier at G F loor, the H elix Q uartier. 02 003 6033-4 facebook.com/F auchonThailand
Chef Onno Kokmeijer at Elements NOV 17 – 21 AT THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK
TAKING a break from the two Michelin Starred Ciel Bleu restaurant at The Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Chef Onno Kokmeijer is flying into
Father’s Day Special
DEC 5 AT PARTY HOUSE ONE
SIAM@SIAM Design Hotel’s trendy ground-floor bar and restaurant is always a good option for a decent yet inexpensive feast. Visit on Father’s Day (Sat Dec 5) and you can tuck into a special lunch buffet featuring Thai and international favourites plus seafood counter loaded with oysters, mussels, king crab, and a selection of sushi and sashimi. B899 per person, inclusive of free flow soft drinks, tea and coffee. Noon-2.30pm.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
NOV 5 – 7 & 12 – 14 AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL SUKHUMVIT BANGKOK
ENJOY gourmet cuisine with a dollop of intrigue when Bangkok Community Theatre presents Fanfare to Murder, a rollicking fun-filled romp by David Moberg, which brings together adventure, mystery, tasty food, and some hilarious audience participation (unlike usual murder mystery dinners, actors will take on the role of the main characters and the story will unfold live around the audience. You then get the chance to play detective and try to solve the crime). Tickets are B850 per person and includes gourmet dinner and show. Bar opens at 7pm, performance stats at 7.30pm. F or tickets and more details visit :bangkokcommunitytheatre.com
865 Rama 1 Rd. ( O pposite National Stadium) 02 217 3000 :siamatsiam.com
Guest chefs
Star line-up at St. Regis Bangkok
NOV 12 AT THE ST. REGIS BANGKOK
PLENTY to get excited about here, folks. To launch the ‘Jazz Legends Culinary maestros at St. Regis’ series for coming to Asia Pacific, the St. Regis Bangkok Bangkok will serve up a five-course wine dinner created by visiting celebrity chefs including Michele Griglio of the one Michelin starred Restaurant Winter Garden by Caino at The St. Regis Florence; Peter Lloyd, Executive Chef of W London Leicester Square; Alfredo Russo, owner and chef of the one Michelin starred Dolce Stil Novo Bangkok to create special set menus based on tom yam, king Restaurant, Turin, Italy; and Chef Satoshi crab, and Wagyu beef. A three-course set lunch is B3,200++ Onuki from Zuma Bangkok. What’s per person, and a six-course set dinner is B5,600++ per permore, acclaimed mixologist Martina Breznanova from Lonson. Chef Onno has worked at Ciel Bleu since 2003 and has don’s Nightjar will showcase his award-winning cocktails, and been awarded the title SVH Meesterchef (master chef) by the there’ll be a private concert by Grammy Award winning English Dutch hospitality organisation Stichting Vakbekwaamheid jazz-pop artist Jamie Cullum. Only B7,900++ per person with wine Horeca. pairing, B6,900++ without wine (event is limited to 60 seats). P ark Ventures E coplex, 57 W ireless Rd. 02 687 9000 :okurabangkok.com 159 Raj adamri Rd. 02 207 7777 :stregisbangkok.com 22
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Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Fantastic four for Chez Papé CHEZ Papé French Bistro, Sukhumvit Soi 11, celebrated its fourth anniversary last month with a night of wining and dining all on the house. Gregarious owner Pierre Loïc Brun was once again on top form, ensuring wine glasses remained full, conversation kept flowing, and that guests remained thoroughly entertained throughout the night. A votre santé!
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Christmas Eve Celebration on Thursday, 24 December 2015 th
Poolside area & Da Vinci Italian Restaurant th
• 4 floor of the hotel • Price : Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet ; THB 1,400 net per person. THB 699 net per kids under 12 years old. THB 750 net per person for free flow on a selection of wines | Time : 19:00 – 22:00 hours.
Christmas Day Celebration on Friday, 25 December 2015 th
Da Vinci Italian Restaurant
Rang Mahal Indian Restaurant
th
th
• 4 floor of the hotel • Price : Christmas Festive Set Menu ; THB 1,500 net per person. THB 750 net per person for free flow on a selection of wines.
• 26 floor of the hotel • Price : Indian Christmas Dinner Buffet ; THB 1,500 net per person. THB 750 net per kids (6 - 12 years old). THB 750 net per person for free flow on a selection of wines.
Time : Lunch 12:00 – 14:30 hours., Dinner 19:00 – 22:00 hours.
Time : 19:00 – 23:00 hours.
New Year’s Eve Celebration on Thursday, 31 December 2015 th
Señor Pico Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar st
• 1 floor of the hotel • Theme : All you can eat menu Price : THB 1,500 net per person(food only). THB 750 net per person for free flow of Margarita. Time : 17:00 – 02:00 hours.
Rang Mahal Rooftop Indian Restaurant th
• 26 floor of the hotel • Theme : Bollywood Old Movies, Festive Dinner Buffet Price : THB 3,500 net per person. THB 5,500 net per person inclusive of free flow on a selection of Premium wine, beer, spirits. Time : 20:30 – 01:00 hours.
Da Vinci Italian Restaurant th
• 4 floor of the hotel • Theme : New Year’s Eve set menu. Price : THB 1,995 net per person. THB 750 net per person for free flow on a selection of wines. Time : 18:00 – 22:00 hours.
A dvance reservation, please call 02-261-7100
www.rembrandtbkk.com
Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Benihana’s sizzling conference oin ide with the g and opening o enihana he apanese teakhouse at t iu angkok, the enihana o ok o head o e o gani ed its annua g o a on e en e to take p a e at the new opened estau ant igh ights o the on e en e we e a ke note add ess the hai an o enihana o ok o n s eiko oki, e usi e apanese ag u ee de onst ations, an inno ati e iso ood e e ipe think tank, and si ing ooking shows the o pan s top two pe o ing he s o ono u u, he e in ha and he a enkin o assist the u ina tea with thei eppan ho eog aph , oshio aka awa, a p o essiona dan e and winne o the popu a te e ision p og a , o ou hink ou an an e , was flown in o ew o k espe ia o the o asion o o e in o a out enihana at ani, isit www.avanihotels.com.
Exclusive wine tasting at Godfather od athe ine outi ue th floo , ent a ass was pa ked with oenophi es when it hosted e enge is a dish est se ed o d an e usi e wine tasting pa t eatu ing a wide ange o o d and new wo d wines to t , p us ne a e s on o e at spe ia p i es ongside wine, the outi ue o e s whisk , iga s and othe e ated p odu ts o o e in o isit www.facebook.com/godfatherbkk. 26
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Scrapbook Last month’s foodie functions in focus
Inspiration Brewed Here idien angkok e e ated the a t o o ee aking at a a eine ue ed a te noon e ent entit ed nspi ation ewed e e nd inspi ing it e tain was wo d enowned atte a tist sthe aasda , and aste a ista an aune , we e oth on hand to show ase what happens when the wo ds o a t and o ee o ide
A taste of Hitachino at Casa Lapin x THE Ploenchit branch of niche coffee and ne ood spe ia ists asa apin int odu ed its atest o e ing ast onth ita hino est ee po ted the a i un o pan ink ise o , td , the apanese a t ee se e tion in udes ed i e e, hite e, and ei en, a o whi h we e int odu ed at a spe ia pai ing un h he p oen hit an h a so o e s a wide ange o uni ue o ktai s (www.facebook.com/CasaLapin). 28
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New on the
scene Uno Mas
Restaurant & Bar openings in Bangkok
SLATED to open early this month at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Uno Mas takes over what was formerly the hotel’s Fifty Five steakhouse (which, despite its name, was actually located on the 54th floor). Renovated and refurbished, the new venue promises to offer the same stunning panoramic views which made its predecessor such a big hit, alongside an inspired menu celebrating Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines, all bolstered by an extensive wine list (over 2,000 bottles displayed in a ‘wine tower’). Split into three zones – The Wine Cellar, the semi-alfresco Tapas & Raw Bar, and the semi-alfresco Dining Deck – the restaurant takes its cue from Moorish design elements, with an electric colour palette inspired by the terracotta hues of Moroccan walls and the powderblue accents that colour the town of Chefchaouen. Visit the Tapas & Raw Bar for Pata Negra hams and salami, fresh oysters, sizzling prawns in oil, and more small plates to share, and for a more substantial meal hit the Dining Deck, where chefs in an open kitchen will use special fire pits and a Josper oven to prepare signature whole roast Spanish suckling pigs, lamb, and grilled seafood. Centara G rand at CentralW orld, 999/99 Rama 1 Rd. 02 100 6255 :bit.ly/1LuZuVb
SEED
WATER Library, chieftains of some of the city’s finest restaurants (see page 127 for one such example), are taking a more down to earth approach for their latest venue – a rustic neighbourhood hangout which replaces their former brasserie, The Library, on Sukhumvit 39. Don’t expect them to scrimp on quality, though: in the kitchen is Chef Haikal Johari (former Head Chef of The Water Library on Thonglor), whose background includes stints working in Michelin starred establishments such as Joël Robuchon and Amador, and true to form his cuisine is made using top quality organic ingredients, with French inspired classics mixed with Japanese and Asian flavours. Dishes start at B270. Wine ranges from B590 – B4,900 per bottle (corkage is B500 for alcohol, B300 for wine).
Balvenie Lounge
THE Balvenie, one of the world’s most revered and luxurious handcrafted single malt Speyside Scotch whiskies, now enjoys a permanent new home in Bangkok at the Cohiba Atmosphere, in the city’s Ploenchit area. Inspired by The Balvenie distillery in Scotland, The Balvenie Lounge is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. A haven of rich woods
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Soi P hrom Chit, Sukhumvit 39. O pen Tues-Sun 5.30pm-midnight 02 662 3562 :waterlibrary.com
and elegant forms, the Lounge is both intimate and modern and offers the complete portfolio of The Balvenie’s single malt bottlings – available to drink on site and to take home. The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent familyowned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.
Upstairs Mikkeller Bangkok
GOURMET cuisine meets some of the world’s finest craft beers at this new, homely restaurant above the ever popular Mikkeller craft beer bar (Ekamai Soi 10, Yaek 2). Open on Friday and Saturday nights by reservation only, the restaurant offers a nine-course menu specially created to pair with six of Mikkeller’s best craft beers.
New look Witch’s
Chef Dan Bark, the former sous chef at the three Michelin Starred Grace Restaurant in Chicago, is the culinary wizard in the open kitchen, and he’s clearly relishing the opportunity to work with the Danish microbrewery’s world-renowned brews. “The flavour profiles of the beers are so diverse that they are ripe for pairing with Progressive American cuisine,” he says. “Diners are so used to wine pairings, so to offer something like this, a unique dining experience in Bangkok, it’s really exciting.” The nine-course menu with six beer pairing is priced B5,500 per person. F or dinner reservations, contact M ikkeller B angkok
OK. So at 16 years old, Witch’s Oyster Bar certainly isn’t new, but this well-known venue has just been totally renovated into an exciting restaurant with an atmospheric bar on the second floor. Serving the very best modern British cuisine with an excellent choice of wines, beers and great cocktails, Witch’s also offers set lunch, Saturday brunch and a superb Sunday roast. Open from 11am till late, seven days a week. 20/20-21 Soi Ruamrudee, P loenchit Rd. ( B TS P loenchit) 02 255 5354-5 :witch-tavern.
091 713 9034
Sing Sing Theatre
we are now open!
WE ARE HERE
Ro
5
ad
7 Alley
Sukhumvit
vi t
Sukhumvit
Sukhum
um
Sukhumvit 4
KeepinG the Spirits Alive!
S uk h
Sukhumvit 2
with a teQUILA / mezcal BAR
vit 3
authentic mexican food Highway
AUSSIE design wizard Ashley Sutton has created concepts for some of the city’s quirkiest, and best-known restaurants and bars – among them: Iron Fairies, Maggie Choo’s, Fat Gut’z Saloon, and Bangkok Betty – so it’s no surprise that the latest nightspot to emerge from his unique mind is yet another visual marvel. Trademark Sutton, there’s red lighting and lanterns galore, secret passages, exposed metalwork, and deft details everywhere you look. The drinks menu, created by the partners Quince (located just next door), focuses on premium spirits (including Sutton’s very own Iron Balls gin) poured neat or in a range of classic and innovative cocktails. The stage plays host to music and modern circus-style performances most nights, and every Sunday Sing Sing holds Face The Gong, which sees open stage acts go before Keithen Karter and his fellow guest judges. DJ nights and eclectic parties round out the experience. :facebook.com/SingSingTheater
Nana BTS
Address: Sukhumvit Soi 2, Rajah Complex, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Tel: +66 (0)9 4330 0390
Sign up to The Mexican Newsletter now at www.themexicanbkk.com Join in on facebook at www.facebook.com/TheMexicanBKK AD_The Mexican_Nov15.indd 1
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pasta sticking – that’s rubbish, the oil and the water separate. Who invented spaghetti – Italians or Chinese? The Italians invented spaghetti but the inspiration came from Marco Polo from his travels to China where he discovered noodles. Favourite wines? I love the wines of Piemonte, especially the Nebbiolo grape, which is delicious when the vines are young, but becomes much more impressive when it is grown in Barolo or Barbaresco (when the vines are 25 plus years old). Your ideal dinner on a Sunday night? A lovely big piece of grilled beef on the bone with braised greens, potatoes with garlic and rosemary, and some slow cooked red peppers. A large plate of cheese and a decent bottle of Chianti.
One thing you learned about cooking which amazed you? How happy you can make people feel. Most embarrassing moment to date? A pasta demonstration in front of 2,000 people, when my pasta machine broke in two. I found a rolling pin and persevered; the time it took finding the rolling pin felt like two hours. Worst kitchen disaster? I decided to make Choux pastry but used the wrong flour. You could have hit the profiteroles with a three-iron. Biggest achievement to date? My children. Favourite music to cook to? Jazz, funk and soul from the ’70s. I have a huge record collection and used to DJ. Music is an essential part of growing up. If you weren’t a chef what would you be? Don’t know. I loved making things with metal and wood as a child so it would definitely be something artistic. Has your experience in Thailand influenced the way you cook in the UK? Yes I think so, I certainly think more about seasoning and getting more flavour from ingredients. Strip AD_Pullman Bangkok_Nov15.indd 1
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Gourmet Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Thailand’s best bartenders in the spotlight
The Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2016 has entered its final round. Five of the nation’s finest mixologists now have four months to promote their cocktails before competing for the ultimate prize – a ticket to represent Thailand in the world finals in San Francisco. To learn more about the initiative, we spoke to Celine Louis, Bacardi’s brand manager in Thailand. Here’s what she had to say What is the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition all about? BACARDI (Thailand) Co., Ltd., arranged the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2016 to elevate Thai bartenders to the international level. We have supported Thai bartenders for years. At the competition, top Thai bartenders are challenged to create their Legacy Cocktails: cocktails that can stand the test of time, be reproduced everywhere in the world and go shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned classic cocktails like Bacardi Original Daiquiri, Bacardi Cuba Libre, and Bacardi Original Mojito, which have been popular among drinkers since created until today. After being selected out of more than 70 participants, 15 bartenders made it to the semi-finals; and now we have our five finalists – Ms Wareewan Yodkamol, from Vesper; Mr Sebastian 36
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Legacy Cocktail. Hence the main criteria is the potential each cocktail has to become legendary: The cocktail should be creative yet not overly complicated. It should be made from ingredients that are easy to find, and the recipe should be simple enough for peers to follow. Second criteria is the story behind the cocktail. Bartenders should be able to present and promote their cocktail in an interesting way and build enough excitement for consumers to try it and other bars to list it. All of these skills take time and practice. What training will be provided to the five finalists? The five finalists of this year’s competition will attend workshops conducted by some of the industry’s most influential bartenders, including: • Shingo Gokan, winner of the Bacardi Legacy Global Competition 2012, from Angel's Share (New York) and owner at Speak Low (Shanghai) • Peter Chua, winner of BLCC Singapore 2015, from 28 Hong Kong Street (ranked #7 in the world by www. worlds50bestbars.com) • Luca Cinalli, from Nightjar bar in London (Ranked #3 bar in the world by www.worlds50bestbars.com) • Kamil Foltan, from the Tippling Club, one of the most famous cocktail bars in Singapore The five bartenders will learn all the skills they need to upgrade their careers and compete against international bartenders in the world finals.
De La Cruz,from U.N.C.L.E; Mr Mitchell Kai Lum, from AmBar; Mr Sarawut Pinpech, from Bamboo Bar and Mr Hideyuki Saito, from Vogue Bar. The national final will take place in March and the winner will represent Thailand at the international competition in San Francisco. What are the judging criteria? This competition is not searching for the best bartender but for the next
Anything else you’d like to add about this competition? A brand that is all about family, Bacardi feels strongly that the next evolution of the Legacy platform is to give talented and aspiring bartenders a greater opportunity to connect with their peers and to inspire and motivate each other on a larger/international scale. More than a simple competition, Bacardi Legacy is a real opportunity for all bartenders to grow their careers and move to the next level. It is a career changing point with skyrocketing opportunities opening doors to become world-class mixologists. F or more info visit :bacardilegacy.com For a taste of Legacy, go and visit the five finalists at their respective bars!
Dining out
Guest review by
Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy
Rib Room & Bar The Landmark Bangkok’s excellent steakhouse serves up a feast to remember
W
E returned to the Rib Room & Bar 11 years after our last lunch there and found a warm welcome, friendly service, and a great meal. Tasty amuse bouches and Dr Loosen Sparkling Riesling started off the proceedings with gusto, and there soon followed a dry Martini and a tour of the spacious dining room. The appetiser, Chicken and black pudding terrine was deemed initially a little on the bland side by food spokesman, Henny Beeber, but some seasoning and the homemade Piccalilli soon remedied first impressions. To accompany this, Thomas Boedinger had chosen Zillinger Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel DAC, 2013 (Austria) which wine spokesman Tony Stewart praised, finding similarities to a French white Graves. Next came Butternut pumpkin soup, pancetta espuma, dust and oil; this was very enjoyable with the pumpkin broth topped by a very rich and tasty layer of cream and flavours. Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (Marlborough, NZ) was the matching wine, drawing perhaps inevitable comments from Ozzie Tony. He was gracious enough to say the second glass was much better on the nose than the first, and I and most others enjoyed the typical zesty citrus tang. Some went further and described it as of excellent quality standing way above the usual sauvignon blancs from NZ. Throughout the lunch, we appreciated servings of the whole-grain bread. An Apple and mint sherbet
followed soup which was presented in a chilled stone mortar, a welcome touch to prepare the palate for the main course. This was Australian prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, roasted root vegetables and a choice of condiments. As is often the case, some thought the plates should have been warmed in advance but none could find fault with the beef; the meat was cooked to perfection with a nice crust, tender with generous marbling. The matching wine, Olive Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Swan Valley, Western Australia), drew mixed praise. It still has a heap of tannins present and Tony thinks it could improve further for several years to come. It had a deep plum colour with generous fruits and a clean finish, and I thought it was excellent value for the money. Potted Stilton cheese, apple and cranberr y chutney came next. The cheese was served in a jar and a crust had formed (or been added). Very tasty I thought (Henny went further proclaiming
it was “fantastic with the wine”). The wine of the day, or even perhaps wine of the year, Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella DOC 2010 (Veneto, Italy) was delicious, ABV: 16%, ruby red in colour, and with intoxicating aromas of dried black cherries, cassis, truffles, and chocolate fudge which leapt out of the glass, the wine was silky, luscious, and complex, with a lingering finish – though found by Tony to be a little dry. Zenato Amarone is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella, with a touch of Croatina and Oseleta, indigenous red-wine grape varieties grown in the Veneto region in Italy’s northeast. Finally dessert, Salted caramel tart, ginger vanilla ice cream. Henny again declared his praise for the dish, singling out the peanut butter macaroon for special mention. On the Club’s behalf both Henny and Thomas Nowak expressed our sincere thanks for an excellent meal, and the courtesy extended to our group, by GM Douglas Glen, F&B Director Winit Kitchaiya, and Executive Chef Philippe Gaudal. The gathering ended with a vote of thanks to the attentive service team who had assembled especially for us that day and had performed so well, with all hoping we can re-assemble in 2016 for a reprise. The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 02 254 0404 www.landmarkbangkok.com
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Dining out
Wo rds H A R V E Y W H I T E
Bourbon St. Restaurant and Oyster Bar
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Long-time expat favourite serves comfort food at its finest
DOWN-to-earth and downright delicious, Bourbon St. Restaurant and Oyster Bar is Bangkok’s only restaurant specializing in ‘Cajun Creole’ cuisine straight from the Bayou Country of New Orleans, USA. Established in 1986, the restaurant is an old-timer by this fickle city’s standards, but like a fine wine racked in a cellar, Bourbon St. just keeps getting better with age – especially since it moved three years ago from its original location (in the now demolished Washington Square) to Soi Ekamai, where it occupies a wonderfully renovated seven storey building that includes the restaurant and bar on the first two-floors, a great dining and party room on the rooftop, and Bourbon Street’s Boutique Hotel on the floors in between. Every night of the week the restaurant is abuzz with life – a nononsense, casual dining experience fuelled by hearty cuisine that sticks B ourbon St. Restaurant &
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to your ribs and wows the palate with rich, wholesome flavours, as well as some excellent American craft beers and international wines. All at great value for money, and with great service too. Gregarious owners Doug and Ju Harrison are always on hand to greet diners and recommend dishes from their comprehensive menu, and with so many tempting dishes on offer – ranging from Blackened salmon (B410++) and Cajun ‘popcorn’ shrimp (B180++), to New Orleans Gumbo (B150++) and Cajun blackened USDA Prime ribeye steak (340g. B1,490++), all made using family recipes lovingly honed at the Harrison home – there really is something to suit every taste. Aside from the scrumptious dishes listed above, other highlights include Cajun lamb shank (marinated and slowbraised in red wine and herbs till very tender. B450++), Chicken enchilada
O yster B ar, B outiq ue H otel 9/39-40 Sukhumvit Soi 63 ( E kamai)
(B250++), Barbecue pork ribs (cooked so tender the meat falls off the bone) and the house made Boudin sausage plate (spicy, seasoned pork sausage served with rice and garlic bread – a South Louisiana specialty. B200++). You can also select from a wide selection of pizzas and pastas, hungerbusting burgers, Mexican specials, traditional Thai favourites, homemade desserts (don’t miss the Pecan pie) and some of the most reasonably priced oysters in Bangkok. What’s more, every night of the week Bourbon St. offers some amazing promotions, including a superb Allyou-can eat Mexican dinner buffet every Tuesday night, for just B325++ per person. The quality of the spread is top notch, and a good representative of what this restaurant is all about – great food, great fun, great times. 02 381 6801-3 :bourbonstbkk.com
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Expat
Travel
Grand Mercure Phuket Patong A hidden and serene hideaway with sincere Thai hospitality
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HE all-new 314-room Grand Mercure Phuket Patong is a serene hideaway situated a short walk from the white sands of Patong beach, the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and Patong’s buzzing nightlife. Offering three gorgeous Lagoon Pools, the resort combines traditional Thai elements with selected European touches. All rooms are fully equipped with international standard amenities, ensuite bath or walk-in rain shower, 40”
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LCD TVs, and free WiFi internet access. Dining options are centred around the all-day dining Bubbles Restaurant, which offers international breakfast and a la carte dishes, as well as lunch and dinner buffets featuring Mediterranean, Asian and Thai cuisines alongside many Phuket favourites. After a long day at the beach or in the pool, guests can swing by Craft Beer Lounge, Oriental Buffet Dinner
Not to miss!
EVERY Wednesday from 6pm-10pm, Bubbles Restaurant serves up an Oriental Buffet Dinner for the special price of just B999 per person. The sumptuous spread includes a lavish array of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental recipes, as well as spicy curries, barbecued meats and local noodle plates prepared fresh to order in an open kitchen. What’s more, the buffet is “Come 4 Pay 3.” Well worth a visit.
which boasts one of the largest selections of beers on the island. Meanwhile, Chou Chou, the hotel’s modern French bakery, offers signature choux pastry, éclairs and other baked treats. At Ryn Spa well-trained therapists provide traditional Thai treatments, reflexology, hot stone and various detox packages. The hotel also offers a range of activities, including cooking and fruitcarving classes and excursions such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, cruises and tours. Other leisure facilities include Kid’s Club and Fitness Centre. Regular shuttles are run to Patong Beach.
1 Soi Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi 2, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 076 231 999 : h8109@accor.com : grandmercurephuketpatong.com
Expat
Travel
MEET THE GM: PETER FERAN The General Manager of Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok talks about work and life in the City of Angels I have been passionate about the hotel industr y since my early twenties, which is when I entered the industry and started my career. I was attracted to the industry because of the huge choice of career opportunities it affords, and of course the exciting opportunity to live and work abroad in beautiful locations, which I have been lucky enough to do.
Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok has many highlights. The guest rooms and suites are stylish and spacious, yet practical, and we have vastly different and yet beautifully designed restaurants and bars such as Attico Italian Restaurant, China Table (our modern Cantonese Restaurant), and the B Sharp lobby bar, which has a spectacular Butterfly chandelier. Very soon we will introduce a spectacular new F&B outlet – so watch this space!
I consider my first big break as my first hotel job when I started with Hyatt Hotels in the early ’90s. From there I was lucky enough to join Hayman (now One and Only) which is considered as Australia’s most prestigious resort. Highlights of my career include working for some amazing hotels and resorts such as Hayman on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia; Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives (which at the time was under Six Senses); the two famous London “Hip Hotels” of Ian Schrager, the Sanderson and St Martins Lane; and of course my first hotel in Bangkok – the Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok. What drives me? Having the opportunity to make amazing experiences and memories for the guests and customers, and to be able to contribute to the personal growth of my team members.
The most challenging aspect I have faced since arriving this year has been the market recovery after the recent Erawan Blast, which unfortunately has put a dent in what was going to be a very good year for the hotel. However, Bangkok remains resilient and positive so we will all bounce back bigger and stronger!
GM in focus AUSTRALIAN native Peter began his career in 1992 soon after receiving an advanced diploma in Business (Tourism) in South Australia. His path to general manager then proceeded with a number of Room Division positions at major international hotels, before Peter eventually joined Carlson Rezidor Hotels Group for the first time as Rooms Division Manager at Radisson Playford Adelaide. By 2010 he had risen to general manager at another Carlson Rezidor property, Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam. From that Southeast Asia location it was a short trip – but with nearly two decades of experience earned along the way – to Peter’s new appointment in Bangkok.
This is the first time for me working in Thailand. The people and culture are amazing; it has definitely had a very positive influence on my own personal growth which is another reason why I love this industry. Bangkok is such a vibrant and exciting city with so much happening 24/7, sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin exploring which is a good problem to have!
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What is the most important decision I have made in my professional life? Can I say the decision to marry my wife – ha ha! If not, it would have to be the decision to leave Australia to pursue my hotel career, which I know was the right decision as it allowed me to live and work in many amazing countries, including here in Thailand. The best advice I have ever received is: “Choose a career you have a real passion for. Do this, and it will make very easy to get up each day and go to work.” When I’m not busy working I love spending time with my wife and our fantastic two kids. I also enjoy keeping as fit as possible, and if I still have some time left I love getting out for a round of golf in one of many amazing courses around Bangkok.
489 Sukhumvit Rd. Tel: 02 302 3333 www.radissonblu.com.
Nominee Thailand International Business Awards
2016
Entrepreneur: Richard Bell
From full-time windsurfer to high-rise building specialist
Richard Bell, Managing Director of Cornerstone.
■ IN the space of just 12 years, Cornerstone has grown from a one man start-up into one of Thailand’s top construction management companies, with a portfolio of highprofile clients behind some of this country’s best known buildings. They range from hotels and condominiums to offices, factories and specialist industrial projects. Owned and operated by British expatriate Richard Bell, Cornerstone is a totally independent BOI-supported organisation whose key services include project management, construction management, quantity surveying, project auditing and property appraisals. The company employs 100 full-time local staff along with eight expatriates from Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Malaysia and the UK. 60
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Its client list reads like a who’s who of Thailand’s business scene: Central Hotels, Diethelm, Zuellig, Golden Land, Harrow International School, KPMG, Lehman Brothers, AIA Insurance, Triumph Motorcycles, Raimon Land, and Sansiri, as well as a number of foreign embassies. The driving force behind Cornerstone’s impressive rise is a man of humble background and modest nature, but singular vision. Born in a Lancashire mining village in northwest England some 50 years ago, Richard happily and even proudly acknowledges his working class upbringing. “Home was a ‘two up-two down’ terrace house,” he says, quickly adding “with an indoor kitchen. Dad was a plumber, mum a housewife.
“When I opened my bedroom window, the first things I saw were a working men’s club, pit head and slag heap.” Aged 16, Richard had had it with education at a local comprehensive school, and wanted to get a job, but his mum disagreed and packed him off to Wigan College of Technology to study building. When he graduated in 1982, the UK was in the depths of economic depression and finding work in Northwest England was virtually impossible. So Richard continued his education at Leeds Polytechnic to study for a degree in quantity surveying. His first job at 22 was as a site engineer for civil engineers Balfour Beatty in London. After further employment at Amec, a giant construction company, he returned to studying and after three years qualified as a chartered surveyor. Now was the time for Richard to take a ‘gap year’ in Perth, Australia. His break from the corporate world continued for three years which he spent mostly windsurfing when not working in bars and pubs. Bored with beach life and suffering a back injury, Richard headed back to the UK in 1992 where he joined Gleeds, one of the country’s biggest project management companies, as a Project manager. When an opportunity to work in Indonesia came along, he snapped it up. As fate would have it, at the last minute his employers suddenly diverted him to Thailand to work on a project for the Royal Thai Air Force at Don Mueang – “the
only Englishman among 40 Irishmen.” The good times didn’t last. “But when the economic crisis hit Asia in mid-1997, I was one of only three expatriate employees still working for the company.” Richard then joined SGS, an inspection, testing and certification company, where he stayed for three months before setting up the Thailand branch of his former employer Gleeds in 2003. However, faced with the country’s erratic economic and political problems, Gleeds decided not to proceed with the venture, which gave Richard the opportunity to take over the company and rename it Cornerstone. Its first year in 2004 was a blockbuster for Cornerstone: “Our busiest ever,” notes Richard. The years between 2008 and 2010 were less active, but the pace picked up again over the next four years. “This year, 2015, business is on a plataeu, and I’m unsure what the immediate future holds,” he admits candidly. In addition to all kinds of high-rise projects and office blocks, Cornerstone has worked on the construction of two water parks as well as a complicated laboratory for tropical medical research on behalf of the Welcome Foundation and Oxford University. The company is also spreading its services to Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia. With more than 130 projects successfully completed, Cornerstone is now at the forefront of construction management companies in the kingdom.
Nominee Thailand International Business Awards
2016
Entrepreneur: Tim Beaumont
ADDING TO BANGKOK’S SKYLINE IS A LEARNING PROCESS
By Maxmilian Wechsler
■ TIM Beaumont has run the Bangkok architectural firm Beaumont Partners for almost a quarter of a century with remarkable success. But if his eyesight were a little better, the naturalized Thai born in Norfolk, England, 65 years ago would likely have spent those years roaming the high seas. “I wanted to be a sailor in the Royal Navy. I went to an interview in Southampton, but because I had a bad eye they turned me down and suggested I try the Merchant Navy. That didn’t appeal to me. So there I was, 15 years old, trying to decide what to do with my life. I always liked art and design, so I decided to go down the creative road, which was probably a very good thing. I discovered that I have a natural talent for design. I can’t sit without picking up a pen and talking about designs.’’ Before coming to Bangkok in 1991, Mr Beaumont worked in Melbourne and in Hong Kong for the well-known firm of Woods Bagot. His company moved to the 12th floor of the Liberty Square building on 62
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Silom Road in 1995. “We are keeping quite busy. We do a lot of work offshore,’’ said Mr Beaumont. ‘‘We have just commenced a hotel project in Bangladesh, we are working in Myanmar and designing a hotel and training project for Dusit Thani in the Philippines together with having a good prospect of winning a project in Vietnam later this year. ‘‘When we first came here, we built the business on interiors, mainly for corporate offices. That’s what I was doing with Woods Bagot, especially in Australia. It’s a very good business and it allows for a quick cash flow. We were dealing with international companies generally, as it takes time to break into the local market. Our strategy was to do corporate work and build the business and then expand into different market sectors. “We designed and project managed interior projects including turnkey delivery. We created products for clients. That was a very good business for us in the early years as we established ourselves. We gradually broke into the architectural sector
and then into landscapes. We now specialize in three types or disciplines of architectural design, interior design and landscape. Major interior design projects implemented in Bangkok include Citibank ACE and some years ago Standard Chartered Bank. Currently we are carrying out a very large project with Krungthai AXA Insurance Company involving approximately 15,000 square meters. “When we first came here, we were not particularly liked, but when we stayed on after the crash in 1997 people’s attitudes toward us seemed to change. However tough it was, we stayed, and that earned respect. Now we are sort of known as an ‘international local.’ We compete in the local market with top Thai companies and we also compete internationally. We have ISO 9001 certification here. “95 percent of our employees in Thailand are Thai Nationals who have great creative abilities. In the early days, when we started operations there were only two of us with international experience and it was very difficult because our team didn’t understand what I was trying to do. Now it is totally different. We have people who have worked overseas and Thai nationals returning to Thailand from all parts of the world. Their English is extremely good and so are their architectural skills. “We pitch for projects and like winning a good percentage. Doing business these days is not easy because of global economics, certainly
the slowdown in China has hurt, and also because of the political uncertainties here during the past few years and at present. Major projects can take three to four or more years from the time we take a job until it’s complete, so when the market contracts we are the first to feel it because everyone stops building. But when the market improves we are the first to see the benefits. “We have to ride the storm at the moment. It will be rough times for at least 18 months, possibly two years. We have to be positioned to look after our 90 employees and ensure that as the cycle changes we are well prepared. So long as we are cautious for the next 18 months we will be fine.” Tim said that competition in his field is strong. “Generally the local perception is that an international name means a better product,” he said, “so most locals go with the design concepts pitched by international firms. This is one area of the competition. The problem is that many internationals don’t really understand the market and the regulations here. “We also have very strong competition locally from wellknown Thai firms, especially in terms of interiors. It is very competitive, so you have to differentiate yourself through quality. People come to us because they know they will get a sound design solution that fits their requirements. We are very fortunate in this respect and our reputation is hard earned.” Read the full interview with Tim Beaumont at www.thebigchilli.com
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Nominee Thailand International Business Awards
2016
Entrepreneur: Graham Murrell
Sending in the guards to keep us safe
By Maxmilian Wechsler
Graham Murrell
■ GRAHAM Murrell is a 54-year-old British entrepreneur who has enjoyed considerable success making Thailand a safer place to live and do business. The security company he helped establish in 1997, Risk Protection (Thailand), provides well-trained guards and sophisticated equipment for a wide range of clients, from embassies to jewelry manufacturers. Risk Protection has about 500 staff, with Mr Murrell the only expatriate. “We are quite small in comparison to the ‘big boys,’ ” he says. “The equipment we use comes from all over the world. I get top-end stuff from Japan, the US, Germany, England, Israel and so on. Our clients depend on having a top-notch security system in place.” The company has five divisions. One is security systems – CCTV, and access control. Another provides security guards. “We also have an investigation division – generally this means internal investigations. We put people into companies to find out who is stealing, who is selling drugs or whatever. It requires background checks. We also provide specialized technical services. “The last division isn’t security related – we offer maintenance for swimming pools. This came about because clients who want security for private homes 64
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often have a swimming pool.” In the 1990s Mr Murrell was working in Hong Kong for a security company he described as a “global player.” He came to Bangkok to set up a security systems division for the company, and later decided to help set up Risk Protection according to international standards. This eventually grew into a full service security firm. “When we started Risk Protection in 1997 the security systems market in Thailand was in its infancy. Not many people were doing it and very few had any real knowledge about how to do it, which meant zero competition. Therefore, business was phenomenal. Now there are a lot more competitors, but they aren’t necessarily any more knowledgeable. “Most security companies in Thailand don’t really have a grasp of how to integrate security systems with guard services. Some people will sell CCTV, some access control or controlled alarms and provide guard services, but very few put it into a viable package. For example, I have seen companies putting in alarms that utilize photo-electric beams around the perimeter of a facility. But the perimeter is full of trees with waving branches, so the alarms are going off all the time. “A properly devised security system generally has four components: an alarm system; access control, which comes in various levels, from punching in a simple code to open a door to a software program designed to control hundreds of doors; CCTV; and central station monitoring. “I estimate that in Bangkok alone there are 3,000 security companies, with six or eight big ones
employing 200,000 to 300,000 guards. There are about 2,500 bank branches in Bangkok with guards. Every housing estate has guards, as do hotels, factories and so on. The industrial sector probably hires the most security guards. “There’s a window dressing element to security in Thailand which has to change. A hotel which we will not name has guards at its car park entrance. When you come in they will ask you to open the boot and then search it with a metal detector. But what is the car made of? Metal. It’s just for show.
also need onsite training because every assignment is different. We place a high level of importance on sitespecific standing orders and procedures that our guards are obliged to follow.” Mr Murrell strongly believes in giving women employment opportunities in his company because “they do a better job than men,” he said bluntly. “We have become dependent on female guards, especially during the daytime. They are more diligent, they know how to follow instructions and they are not so aggressive. Also, they can search men and
“Companies are already reducing budgets for manpower. Twenty or 30 years ago the number of guards in this hotel would be double, but the same hotel in England would have two or three guards who would be highly trained. They would have a security room with good communications and the guards would be patrolling. They wouldn’t be taking static positions as they usually do here. “Our guards train in the compound of our company, normally for four days before they are sent to a site. We follow the standards of SITO, a security industry training organization. However, we had to re-write their manual to apply to Thailand. The guards
women, whereas men can only search men. “A big difficulty is that it doesn’t take long for a guard to become familiar with a staff member at a workplace, especially if, say, they come from the same village. For this reason some customers want guards to be rotated, but I don’t believe that’s the solution. “I will give you a classic example. I had one guard, an inspector, working the night shift who was caught smoking drugs with a supervisor of the company the first night he worked there. They both came from the same village and for that reason they were best friends in five seconds. So in this case rotation wouldn’t have prevented the guard from
ignoring his responsibility. What does work is proper screening and training of guards, and I am pleased to say that the type of incident I have described has been very rare in our company. “Another problem in keeping a professional guard force is the high turnover. Generally those who take the position don’t intend to make it a career, although some guards do move up and become inspectors. My turnover averages four to six percent of the workforce per month. For some big companies it’s as high as 10 percent. So I have to go out and find 30-40 guards every month. Unarmed force “With regard to weapons, every company has its own rules. In our company, we don’t allow our guards to have any weapon or constraining device on their person. By law only the police can make arrests. Guards are not even authorized to detain suspected wrongdoers. If they are on private property they can restrain to a level in which they aren’t causing any harm to the person being restrained. If we have, for example, an issue where someone is stealing, the company should call the police. “Strangely, guards are
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allowed to carry handcuffs and batons but are not allowed to use them. They can use torches, data collectors and transceivers with frequencies the police allow them to use, but anything else is breaking the law. Some companies give their guards handcuffs and batons, but for us this is just show.”
Technology “There is no question that the technology is improving all the time. The issue in Thailand is the integration of technology with human resources. The guards usually come from a rural background with little education or computer experience and sometimes they struggle to read and write. To expect someone like this to master a very highly
engineered security system – it’s just not going to happen. Very rarely are the guard services coordinating with technical security systems in Thailand, which is usually the case in the West. “We use some spying equipment, like cameras concealed in glasses. To use these devices in Thailand is legal, but to me they are really just toys. In Thailand you can own anything you want in regard to surveillance equipment. The legal issue is in how you use it. For example, this interview cannot be recorded without both of our consent. “I don’t generally sell spy equipment, but if a customer needs it, we can get it. The equipment, for example, in MBK, is trash. When you go to use it the quality of the picture or sound is rubbish. Nobody is legally entitled to bug people. I do debugging for major corporations. We sweep the building and offices. Final words On the subject of security for embassies, Mr Murrell said: “Embassies will generally employ the services of manufacturers and agents from their respective countries. They don’t often use local agencies, although I do maintenance for several
embassies in Bangkok involving low-end security systems. I mainly supply them with manpower. The embassies with the most extensive security in Bangkok are the Australian, US, UK and Israeli embassies, and some Middle-East countries have stringent security as well.” “Risk Protection is more like a boutique company. We are very specialized, so I don’t get involved in trying to take on the big companies. But among the so-called top end companies there’s always cross fighting and competition. They outbid each other to the point where they can’t make any money.” Mr Murrell stressed that he doesn’t offer a people tracking service. “I don’t accept cases that entail following someone’s girlfriend or spouse. When you start getting involved in family it becomes personal and not enjoyable. It can also be very dangerous. However, I have taken cases where clients asked me to track missing people, including kids, and found them.” (Read the full interview with Mr Murrell online at www.bigchilli.com)
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Feature
The truth behind those street searches By Maxmilian Wechsler
Your rights when stopped by the police
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IN recent years Westerners, mostly male, have been stopped and searched and even commanded to get out of cabs by uniformed police in areas of central Bangkok. City police are well known for routine shakedowns of motorists over minor traffic violations to supplement their low incomes, but longtime residents say that up until about five years ago targeting foreigners, especially Westerners, was virtually unheard of. This is particularly true with regard to intimidating practices like public searches. But in 2014 these incidents reached an all-time high and reports of were widely circulated in local media, and FAharassment KE like the Wall Street Journal. It was also a subject of in foreign media much interest in social media and travel websites. The searches, mostly in areas under the jurisdiction of Thonglor, Lumpini and Bangrak police districts, were a cause of embarrassment and sometimes outright fear for foreign tourists and longtime residents alike. In Thailand, as in most countries, police are still required to have probable cause before they can stop people on the street. That didn’t prevent a few rogue officers from picking out passing foreigners, apparently at random, and demanding that they show identification and empty their pockets. Purses, backpacks and shopping bags were inspected and sometimes “suspects” were frisked. On some occasions foreigners were told to provide a urine sample and led, for example, to a gas station toilet. In some cases, but not all, the motivation for the searches appears to have been monetary, as some foreigners reported that producing cash brought an abrupt end to their ordeals. It is impossible to know how many illegal searches were carried out, but those reported in the media are probably just a small fraction. The searches peaked in the second half of last year and then decreased dramatically in 2015. This may reflect complaints from British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Kent, to Ministry of Tourism and Sports officials in December. Shortly after the ambassador’s intervention, then Police Lieutenant General, Prawut Thawonsiri, and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, promised that all reports of tourists being harassed would be investigated, and if substantiated there would be further investigation to determine if active police were involved. 66
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Expat Women
Insight
One mum’s mission to raise awareness of dyslexia – in Thailand Words CHUTINANTA BOONYAMARN Photography ARTWIT PUNDRIKAPA
How British expat Dominique Perry helped establish the first 100 percent dedicated dyslexic programme in Southeast Asia, at Berkeley International School Bangkok
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OMINIQUE Perry has always been proud of her daughters. After all, they’re bright, polite and well-behaved – just like all the other good kids in school – and they’re both wizards in the art room. But despite all this, when it comes to reading and spelling, her youngest daughter, Kiara, has always struggled. And nobody seemed to know why. “I was given many explanations for her difficulties from a number of teachers, friends and family members, and they’d all say the same thing,” says Dominique, who together with her Australian husband runs a manufacturing business (producing both canopies and armoured vehicles) based in Ladkrang Industrial Estate. “They’d say: ‘She’s struggling because she’s bilingual,’ or ‘she’s just a slow learner,’ but I couldn’t accept those reasons. I had to find out what was wrong.” Dominique received her answer on May 14, 2013, when Kiara went to see a professional educational psychologist. “I’ll never forget that day,” says Dominique. “That day changed my life and sent me on an educational mission – a mission to help children in the same position as my youngest daughter.” Kiara, then aged eight had been diagnosed with having dyslexia (otherwise known as developmental reading disorder), a type of learning difficulty that is characterized by the inability, or having significant struggle, to read fluently and with accurate comprehension despite a
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Dominique Perry
normal to high intelligence. Some of the difficulties associated with dyslexia include phonological awareness, processing speed, auditory short-term memory, language skills/ verbal comprehension, and rapid naming. “Suddenly it all made sense,” says Dominique. “All the questions swimming around my mind, they finally had an answer.” But those answers, unfortunately, weren’t all encompassing. “After spending four hours thoroughly reviewing the results with the assessor, and discussing what options were available for the family, I was shocked to find nothing was available in Thailand,” she says. “Absolutely nothing at all.” After that session Dominique began knocking on doors of various schools in Bangkok and asking one question they never were able to answer – “Do you offer multi-sensory teaching?” (Multisensory teaching involves visual and auditory techniques specially geared towards kids with dyslexia). She then asked if they take dyslexic students – ‘yes’ – and whether or not they had teachers specializing in teaching dyslexic students – ‘no.’ “Their answers were never good enough,” she says. “I want the best education for both my daughters, and I will never settle for anything less.”
Going it alone During her research, Dominique stumbled upon Kildonan School in the US – one of the world’s best school’s for dyslexic students – which every June organizes Camp Dunnabeck, a six-week programme that offers the typical fun summer camp activities plus one-onone Orton-Gillingham (multi-sensory
teaching) tutoring every day. Dominique also found Belgrave School in Bristol, UK, her hometown, which works closely with the Bristol Dyslexia Centre to offer multi-sensory learning programs plus a UK version of Orton-Gillingham called the Nessy Learning Program. Not wanting to waste any time, Dominique enrolled Kiara in both programs. “Kiara and I spent six weeks in the US and three weeks in the UK, and the results were astonishing. Her reading age progressed by two years, and even her personality changed – she became more confident, more happy, and very relaxed. It was great to see.” Despite the improvements, staying in either the UK or US was not an option for Dominique – “our manufacturing business is based in Thailand and I didn’t want to divide the family,” she says – so she simply did the next best thing: she helped set up a school for dyslexic children herself. “During our time at Camp Dunnabeck, I met three expat families from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, who, like me, all felt frustrated at the lack of dyslexic learning programmes in Asia,” says Dominique. “When you consider an estimated 20 percent of the population in Asia is dyslexic, this is astonishing. “It was following these conversations, and more than six months in the US and UK dedicated programmes, that I decided something had to be done.” Upon returning to Thailand, Dominique contacted Kildonan School in the US to see whether she could work with them and run their programme, the OrtonGillingham, with their accredited teachers in a mainstream school in Bangkok. After many phone calls, careful consideration, and a lot of hard work, in January 2014 the first 100 percent
dedicated dyslexic programme in the whole of the Asia Pacific region came to life – at Berkeley International School Bangkok.
Teamwork The dyslexia program established at Berkeley is overseen by the school’s headmaster, Lisa Johnson, dyslexia specialist Toni Padden, and OrtonGillingham accredited teachers. The aim of the program is twofold – provide the best service and education for dyslexic students in Berkeley, as well as create awareness in Thailand of dyslexia. “There is no doubt we are offering a great learning model,” says Lisa, who has been head of the school since July this year. “The children are afforded traditional
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Expat Women
Profile
A Piece of Elise
Nominee Thailand International Business Awards
2016
How Canadian expat Elise Purdon plans to make her mark in fashion
Any low points? There aren’t any low points, but I do get nervous and afraid like everyone else. At times I get overwhelmed with the fact that my life is so public and that perhaps people are judging me, but just like everyone else I choose to believe in myself and hope that no one laughs at me too hard. Pajama party: Elise’s own fashion brand will focus on silk pajamas
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ELF-confessed ‘fashion influencer’ Elise, 24, is the trend-spotting brains behind apieceofelise.com, a blog about what’s hip and hot and available for expat women in Bangkok. On the verge of launching her own brand of silk pajamas (see wearelise.com), here she reveals her dreams, fears, regrets and favourite clothes, and how she plans to make her brand a success. Your career highlights? Anytime I meet my readers in person is a highlight. Whether I run into them on the street or they attend an event I am hosting, it always means the world to me when people say they value my opinions in terms of fashion. After all, that’s why I started APOE – to create a community centered around the fashion that interests me. Having said that, it can be a bit overwhelming when people say they make their purchase decisions based upon what I told them – this means I really make sure to only share quality content!
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How would you describe your personality? I am very friendly and always hoping to make people happy – sometimes even to a fault. I worry a lot about those around me and I also analyze pretty much every situation I get myself into. I enjoy smiling and having fun, but I am also pretty serious about life and my ambitions. Relaxing isn’t one of my strong points. Do you have family with you in Bangkok? My family is all back in Canada and I miss them terribly. However, I am fortunate enough to visit them often and they also come to see me here. How many years have you been here? I have been here for almost six years now. For four of those years I was studying a bachelor of business administration in marketing at Mahidol University International College. The best advice you’ve ever received? There’s nothing specific, but the best people to give me advice have been my parents. There have only been a few times in which I
have gone against their advice (on big matters, I mean – little things I do all the time) and it has never turned out in my favor, so I just need to learn that they might know me better than I do. Ever done anything you regret? I have done lots of extremely stupid, and sometimes verging on dangerous, things in my life (I was not the most eloquent teenager), but I don’t really regret any of it. All the things I’ve done have shaped who I am and also allowed me to have almost 25 years or hilarious and unforgettable memories. The only things I might regret are the times in which I hurt my parents (mentally, not physically!). Sometimes teenagers are pure evil and I will definitely admit to having been demonic at times. Your favourite motto? Why not? (I say yes to pretty much anything – though not in an inappropriate way). Favourite brands? I am a big fan of CHLOÉ – there is something about the mix of femininity, boho and modern that is so unique and timeless. Although I don’t love the products per say, I absolutely love the branding of Kate Spade. It’s so fun, chic and different to any other brands on the market.
Favourite shops in Bangkok? My favorite Thai brand is Jane Suda, who doesn’t have a flagship, but can be found in ThaiThai at Central Chidlom, as well as the Thai designer section of most department stores. I also love Siwilai in Central Embassy. It’s a multiband concept store featuring luxury brands like Bangkok has never seen. Having said that, it is really bad for the bank account. The fashion icon who has influenced you the most? I am obsessed with Rachel Zoe. She’s hilarious and kind of a b****, but she’s a business guru and power woman while somehow remaining chic. She has a few great books and her own collection which is drool worthy. Your worst fashion disaster? I don’t know what it is, but I pretty much feel like each blog post I make becomes a disaster two months later. I have such a fast-paced and evolving style that I have a tendency to dislike my outfits mere days after wearing them (perhaps this is because I am still quite young and working on my personal style). If you want to see some disasters, just check last year in the archives of my blog. If you could wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? Silk pajamas. Not even a question. The thing you’re most afraid of and why? Never being recognized for my passion. I am not really motivated by money or your typical “fame,” but I really, really want to be respected within the fashion industry – to what extent and within what context is something I still don’t know. The thing you can’t be without and why? My iPhone. As a blogger, phone is life. Best outfit you’ve ever worn? That’s a tough one. I know I’m totally biased, but I must say silk pajamas from my collection. They’re my favourite thing in the whole wide world, which is why I’m making a company out of them. Makes sense right? Biggest fashion myth? That people who are into fashion simply want to look pretty. This is an endless discussion I have with people (often men), who simply say that fashion is simply about looking “hot.” Although this could apply for some, for those whom are really in love with the industry it is not about that at all. I see dressing as a creative expressions – the mood I have that day will be how I dress. Quite often, these outfits will repel the opposite sex, but I don’t care because that’s not what I’m about. If I was dressing for men then I probably wouldn’t have any clothes on. How do you see yourself and your business in five years’ time? I hope to have established my silk loungewear business, as well as grown my blog in a way that is a bit more mature. Although I love the content I am currently creating, it still feels a bit juvenile and undeveloped. I have goals to make my outfits just a bit more extreme, the photos more polished and then hopefully it all looks a bit more established. Does that make any sense? www.apieceofelise.com
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School Report
Traill
Gifted and Talented – what’s it all about? How Traill International School Bangkok helps students reach their full potential
How does Traill support its G&T students? In supporting G&T students it is incorrect to assume that we are satisfying their need with more work. At Traill we are committed to meeting the needs of all of our pupils. In the case of a Gifted and or Talented child we are committed to providing more challenging lessons and other opportunities. Strategies employed at Traill International School (many of which can be continued in the home environment) fall into the following categories: • cceleration • ialectic idactic Teaching • entoring cro age tutoring • Competition
■ ‘GIFTED and talented’ is a term used in schools to describe children who have the potential to develop significantly beyond what is expected for their age. If we fail to identify and then support Gifted and Talented (G&T) students, we take the risk of these particular individuals becoming turned off by education. As is the case with all students, it is important that we facilitate a student in achieving their true potential. How do I know if my child is gifted and talented? Schools identify Gifted and Talented
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students based on test results, work quality and teachers’ and parents’ views. If you think your child is gifted or talented, talk to their teacher. Explain why you think so and have some examples to illustrate your points. It is often the case that both teachers and often parents identify gifted children through their own observation and instincts. Often we know if there’s something “extra” about a student. Being consistently ‘top of the class’ alone is not necessarily an indication, as giftedness is not necessarily found in attainment or in exam results.
What can parents do? Communication i the key well as your child’s class teacher, parents are encouraged to talk to the teacher specifically responsible for gifted and talented pupil aluing, under tanding and supporting your child is essential. In raising a gifted or talented child parents need to be as responsive and flexible as possible, seeking additional help and clarrification as necessary. Both in the school and home environments our children need to know that their uniqueness is cherished and that they are appreciated as persons just for being themselves. www.traillschool.ac.th
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 N O V E M B E R 1 5
What’s on Art
Performance
Sport
Football
Movies & Albums
Books Legendary singersongwriter Elton John will perform in Bangkok on Nov 29. Page 90.
Hit for hope
The Bangkok Women’s Group Charity Golf Day tees off on Nov 20 Page 90
Phuket 7s Soccer teams from around the world compete in Phuket Page 91
Family fun
Ice Age Characters new and familiar embark on a new adventure Page 91Page 84 TheBigChilli 89
Wonderfruit Festival D ec 17 – 20 The Fields At Siam Country, Pattaya
Ultradistancia Nov 28 – J an 7 La Lanta Fine Art
Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest Nov 22 – Nov 29 Laguna Phuket
ATHLETES have two events to look forward to in Phuket this month. On Nov 22, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon (22nd edition) will feature a unique 1.8km swim, 55km bike section, and 12km run through spectacular tropical scenery. Then, on Nov 29, the third Challenge Laguna Phuket will feature a half iron distance event (1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21km run) in the same stunning surroundings. :challengelagunaphuket.com
Art Code Through J an 12 Sky Lobby, Centara Grand at CentralWorld
FEATURING semiabstract and abstract 2D, 3D and multimedia art pieces, this exhibition by Cholasinth Chorsakul blends shapes and colours to hypnotic effect.
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999/99 Rama 1 Rd. 02 100 1234 ext. 6753-56 :bit.ly/1LuZuVb
Bangkok Comedy Various dates The Comedy Club Bangkok
WHOSE Line? The Improv Comedy Show and a special performance by Peter Szumowski, one of Poland’s biggest comedians, are just two of the highlights at The Comedy Club Bangkok this month. Check page 18 for more details.
The Comedy Club Bangkok, Sukhumvit 33/1 above The Royal Oak Pub (Phrom Phong BTS) :comedyclubbangkok.com
AS PART of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Argentina, Argentinean artist Federico Winer presents kaleidoscopic compositions of familiar sites captured on Google Earth’s satellite camera. 245/14 Sukhumvit Soi 31. :lalanta.com
☎ 02 204 0583
Battles D ec 9 Live House Bangkok, JJ Green
NEW events promoter Alterverse: Mars will launch in December with a concert featuring American mathrock band Battles (touring its new album La Di Da and single The Yabba) supported by Indonesia’s rising stars, Bottlesmoker and local dream pop outfit DCNXTR. This is the first in a series of planned concerts featuring leading international and local artists from the alternative music scene.
Tickets B800 (early bird); B1,000 (advance); B1,500 (at the door) :facebook.com/alterversebkk
Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon Nov 15 Sanam Chai Rd. Bangkok
JOIN runners from around the world and push yourself to the limit in the 27th edition of this popular annual marathon (42.195km). Half marathon and fun run categories are also available. :bkkmarathon.com
A CELEBRATION of art, film, music, fashion, and healthy living, Thailand’s second Wonderfruit Festival is a hipster’s dream come true. Luxurious camping options, performances by international bands and DJs (including Dapayk Solo, Submotion Orchestra, and Zig Zach, amongst others), and pop-up eateries by top restaurants (such as Gaggan, Rocket and Peppina) are just a few of the highlights on offer. A family friendly affair, there’ll also be a kids’ zone packed full of fun activities. Tickets range B2,000 – B28,050 :wonderfruitfestival.com
skating, and sing-along music, this travelling arena show features Ice Age characters new and familiar in a brand new adventure. One performance in English will be held on Nov 14 at 11am. Tickets range B600 – B2,500 :thaiticketmajor.com
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LIVE, RCA
TWO months after the release of his latest album, Charmer, the gold crow-mask donning beatmaster is swooping in from Berlin to spin his otherworldly tunes at LIVE. Tickets: TBA :on.fb.me/1FRbuy8
Chicky Julazzy 2015 Phuket Soccer 7s Nov 21 – 22 & 28 – 29 Thanyapura Phuket
KICKING off 13 years ago with just two visiting teams playing on a vacant parking lot between two buildings, the annual Phuket Soccer 7s now attracts over 100 teams, from 20 different countries, divided between two fully fledged tournaments – the Andaman Soccer 7s (Nov 21 – 22) and Phuket Soccer 7s (Nov 28 – 29). The BigChilli FC, kindly sponsored by Red Planet Hotel Patong Phuket, will be entering the former. Wish us luck! :thai7s.com
Ice Age Live November 12 – 15 Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
COMBINING stunning sets, acrobatics, exceptional ice
Through Nov 21 Ardel’s Third Place Gallery
IN her latest series of vibrant paintings, Parichart Suphaphan explores shifting perceptions of beauty in today’s media saturated society, and questions the lengths some women are prepared to go in order to achieve what is basically nothing but an illusion.
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Thonglor Soi 10 02 422 2092 :ardelgallery.com
The Land Through Nov 29 Ardel Gallery of Modern Art
JAPANESE printmaker Kansuke Morioka presents a series of prints reflecting the culture, people, and natural beauty of Kumano, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site on the southern part of the Kii Peninsula in Japan. Boromrachachonnanee Rd.
:ardelgallery.com
☎ 02 422-2092
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Photographs by Jun Lin Does the BISL support any charities? The BISL has contributed to a variety of foundations and organizations. From supplying sporting equipment to both Ruamrudee International School (RIS) and International School of Bangkok (ISB) to working with Ban Dek Orphanage in Saraburi by building a library and study room. We also provided contributions for constructing houses for tsunami victims, along with donations to Burma flood relief, Father Ray Foundation for disadvantaged and abused children, and the Abundant Life
Foundation in Chonburi. Most recently, we provided cash support for Thai youths so they could participate at the Southeast Asia Youth Baseball and Softball Tournament (SEAYBST) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Is the league continuing to grow? Yes, but it’s not without the support of team and league sponsors, such as this year’s M-Sport, Flow House Bangkok, BMW, Tilac, Bootleggers trading Co., and Drunken Leprechaun at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit
15. We are always hunting for additional sponsors. Especially, those that can benefit from our membership of players who are mostly American, Canadian and Thais.
constantly communicating with our players and fans providing them with league updates, promotions from our sponsors and news regarding “what’s happening in Bangkok!”
How can people get involved ? www.bangkoksoftball.com Visit our website and give us a www.facebook.com/BangkokInlike at our BISL fan page. We’re ternationalSoftballLeagueBisl
7s rugby at RBSC WITH interest in rugby at an all-time high following the recent World Cup, Bangkok is set to stage another of its ever-popular Sevens tournaments involving local teams, several overseas teams, women’s rugby and two junior groups. The Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s Sevens will be held over two days at the club’s main ground, Henri Dunant Road, Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 15, starting at 10am on both days.
Team participants: There will be four categories: 1. Club (open): Royal Bangkok Sports Club, Huma Vista, Royal Thai Air Force, Vientiane Lions, The Southerners, Bangkok Bangers, Front Row RFC, Royal Salangor Club, Chula Alumni, ABAC University, Bangkok Japanese RFC. 2. Women: Chulalongkorn University, The Bellies, Royal Thai Air Force and Laos 3. Youth age 17: Bangkok Patana, Pattaya Regent, Pre-cadets, NIST International School and The Barbarians 4. Youth age 11: Bangkok Patana, Pattaya Regent, Plearn Patana 1, Plearn Patana 2, Satit Kaset Supporters are welcome.
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Royal Horse Guard Riding Club OWNED and operated by the Thai military, the Royal Horse Guard Riding Club is situated in a military installation right next to the Sanam Pao BTS station and has a vast array of horses on offer. ID is always required to enter the base for riding. The club caters for the absolute beginner right up to the best riders in the country, offering all levels of jumping and dressage riding. The trainers are all military men and limited English is spoken. You can ride here every day of the week (except Wednesdays) from 4pm-7pm. The Royal Horse Guard
Club has fantastic facilities for riding along with a shop and small restaurant. Many competitions are held here throughout the year making it a nice place to visit on weekends – even if you aren’t riding. The first three times you visit the club you can ride on a trial basis. After this you will then need to purchase a membership. Hourly prices for all horses start at a modest B450 per hour. Facebook: Royal Horse Guard Riding Club (if you call the number on the Facebook page make sure you have a Thai speaker with you). For more info about other riding clubs in the city, or other general enquiries, contact Lloyd Wilson at llwilson@berkeley.ac.th
Want to ride in Pattaya? Check out the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club on page 102
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Maxwin Eventing CIC* (back row from left): 2nd place, Arinadtha Chavatanont; Winner, Col.Fuangvich Aniruth-Deva; 3rd Place, Somjai Sanhom; 4th Place, Supap Kao-ngam; Steven Virat, Judge (PHI); Pakin Chamswad, Judge (THA); Neil Mosley, Technical Delegate (NZL); 5th place Weerapat Pitakanont; 6th place Preecha Khunjan; Richard Hampe, Maxwin representative.
Dhewin Manathanya and Col. Fuangvich AniruthDeva were 3rd and 4th respectively with 16 penalties each. Montakant rides at Phoenix by KP. She is 26 years old and is trained by Kiatnarong Klongkarn. Seven riders started the World Cup class designed by FEI Level 3 Course Designer Peter Abisheganaden. An eighth rider, 16 year old Anchisa Jamsa would have won the class if she had been old enough to enter the World Cup Class. Riding Con Brio, she had the best round of the day with four faults. During the same week, Eventing competition “Maxwin Eventing CIC*” was held. Former Eventing Thai national team
Montakarn Nuanmanee, riding Con Lorino, won the FEI Jumping World Cup Southeast Asian League #1 2015
member Col. Fuangvich Aniruth-deva secured his trophy from the leading score from the first day dressage competition thru cross Country and Show Jumping. King’s Cup Winners: 1. Show Jumping: Dhewin Manathanya 2. Dressage: Cunaporn Wattanasarn 3. Eventing: Arinadtha Chavatanont 4. Endurance: Prutirat R.Serireongrith Harald Link, President of Thailand Equestrian Federation, also entered the Endurance 40Km with his Arabian Horse named “Rashimar.”
Event round-up Pictured, from left to right: Col.Fuangvich Aniruth-Deva, Secretary General of Thailand Equestrian Federation; Endurance Winner, Prutirat R.Serireongrith; Show Jumping Winner, Dhewin Manathanya; Harald Link, President of Thailand Equestrian Federation; Dressage Winner, Cunaporn Wattanasarn; Eventing Winner, Arinadtha Chavatanont; Phonthep Chiaravanont, Vice-President of Thailand Equestrian Federation
KING’S CUP THAILAND CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 MORE than 200 riders and 500 spectators attended the King’s Cup Thailand Championship 2015, which included six disciplines – Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Endurance, Reining and newest discipline Barrel Racing. Held on October 15-18, the event was organized by the Equestrian Federation together with Thai Polo and Equestrian Club, Pattaya, and hosted by Mr Harald Link and Mrs Nunthinee Tanner.
Harald Link riding Rashimar
NOT TO MISS! ON Nov 13-15 Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya will host the following must-visit events: • GRAND FINAL FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP 2015 SOUTHEAST ASIA LEAGUE • B.GRIMM EVENTING CCI* 2015 Everybody is welcome. Free Admission.
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Social|Last Month’s Best Events
BIG BANG MAKES IT 10
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SWISS luxury watchmaker Hublot teamed up with PMT The Hour Glass (Hublot’s sole authorised dealer in Thailand) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hublot’s Big Bang collection, with a party held at Ku De Ta Bangkok, Sathorn Square Complex. The party attracted a huge turnout of A-list celebrities and film stars including Voravud and Nandhamalee Bhirombhakdi, Dr Nathasedh Poonsapmanee, Nana Rybena Intachai, and Ravit Tuetvongse. On the night, Suphanburi football club’s top midfielder, Charyl Chappuis, was named as Hublot’s first brand ambassador in Thailand.
ALL IN ITALIAN TASTE
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PREMIUM Italian wines from Zenato winery were showcased at an exclusive tasting event held at Tables Grill, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. To complement the wines, the restaurant served delicious canapés such as Pork belly with apple foam, and Grilled octopus with paprika and cucumber, while live stations offered gourmet cheeses and a superb Mushroom risotto.
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Social|Around town
HELLO KITTY GOES GOLD
PRIMA Gold International Co., Ltd, the manufacturer of 99.9% gold jewelry and the sole copyright holder of Sanrio in Thailand, held the “Hello Kitty New Collection Limited Edition by Prima Gold” event to launch a special collection of earrings and pendants based on two popular characters – Hello Kitty Cute Kimono and Hello Kitty Cherries Pinku. The event was hosted by Prima Gold’s Managing Director, Rungnapa Ngowngamratana. The collection is available now, and prices range B14,000 – B19,000. www.primagold.co.th
ART IN A CUP
THE Ascott Limited (Thailand) invited its corporate clients to express their creativity in a “Latte Art” workshop, arranged at Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, one of Ascott’s luxurious and spacious premier serviced residence in Thailand. The clients, all members of Ascott’s The Link Club reward program, were taught on the day by Khun Joe, champion of Thailand Indy Barista 2012 from A Cup Academy. www.thelinkclub.com SHOW DC, a fully-integrated retail and entertainment mega-complex being developed on 27 rai on Chaturathit oad o ama oad , was o ficially launched the second round last month. announced at a press conference last Hosting the press conference, held at month. Slated to open in June 2016, the the InterContinental Bangkok, was Mr sprawling complex will have a particular Patrick Castanier, Managing Director emphasis on Korean fashion and of Pernod Ricard (Thailand) Co., Ltd, products, and amongst its highlights will and the company’s Marketing Manager, feature large shopping, dining, sport Aphivich Panya. The event was also and entertainment zones, including a attended by Thailand’s ultimate winner 5,000 square-metre walk-through from last year, Aliza Napartivaumnuay attraction called ‘Himmapan Avatar,’ BUILDING on the success of the first round o The Venture, a one year – Socialgiver. which will bring Thai legends to life For more info, and details about how to campaign to find the ultimate social through immersive 4D experiences. entrepreneur,’ Chivas egal o ficially apply, visit www.theventure.com/th www.showdc.co.th
SHOW DC ALL SET FOR JUNE 2016
CHIVAS SEEKS ENTREPRENEURS
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Social|Last Around Month’s town Best Events
SUPERSPORTS CELEBRATES 18TH ANNIVERSARY
SUPERSPORTS sports store celebrated its 18th anniversary with a mini concert featuring Thai stars S Kantapong, Ice Preechaya and Pooklook Fonthip. During the event, held at CentralWorld, CRC Sport Co,. Ltd’s President, Mr Tony Morton, and ssistant Vice resident ar eting, Ms Siraporn Wattana, also introduced the “Stay Fit, Get Merit, Get Million” campaign, which gives participants to win prizes worth over 2.7million baht. Full details on how to participate at www.supersports.co.th.
P-VALUE RECEIVES THREE BUSINESS AWARDS
V distribution Co., td, the manufacturer and distributor of premium dietary supplements under the SOKOOL and ROSLIM brands, received three awards from the Thailand network institute for promoting business and economy. These were The Best Business award 2015, and two Best Product awards 2015 for the “ROSLIM” and “SOKOOL” products. The awards were presented during a special ceremony attended by media, V s, and celebrities.
DOUBLE THE HONOURS FOR OASIS SPA PAKIN Ployphicha and Toby Allen, the Managing Directors of Oasis Spa (Thailand), received two coveted ‘Awards for Excellence’ in the Day Spa category of the 10th Thailand Tourism Awards, held at Grand Diamond Ballroom, IMPACT Convention Center Nonthaburi, on World Tourism Day. The awards were presented by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.
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ANANTARA RIVERSIDE WINS TOP TAT AWARD
FOR the second consecutive year Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort received the “Award of Excellence in Accommodation” at Tourism Authority of Thailand’s annual Thailand Tourism Awards. Now in its tenth year, the Awards was held at Grand Diamond Ballroom, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. Mr Nikolaus Priesnitz, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort received the prestigious Golden Kinnaree award presented by H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, witnessed by nationwide attendees from the tourism and hospitality industry.
Diplomats
H.E. Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg|Mongolia
Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER Photos of Ulaanbaatar and dancers by A. Giimel; Photos of scenery by B. Bayar
Thailand is familiar ground for the new Mongolian Ambassador
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SURROUNDED by a large tapestry of Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol empire in 1206, as well as beautiful native carpets, dolls of Mongolian warriors and breathtaking photos of the Mongolian countryside, the new Mongolian Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg looks very much at home in his country’s embassy on Ekamai Road. The youthful ambassador is also very much at home in Thailand and Southeast Asia, having lived here twice in earlier times. “I visited Thailand for the first time in 1991. I was on the way to meet my parents in Laos and I stopped in Bangkok, spent a few days and continued on to Vientiane. My father was Mongolian ambassador to Laos from 1991 to 1996 and he also had responsibility for Thailand and Cambodia. For most of that time I stayed with my parents in Laos. “When I was 20 I was accepted for a fellowship at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok. I studied Thai language there in 19941995, and I became very interested in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The city’s traffic was actually worse then than now because there was no Skytrain,” recalled the ambassador, whose fellowship program was under the Thai government’s Department of Technical and Economic Cooperation, now known as TICA (Thailand International Cooperation Agency). “My first diplomatic posting in Thailand was from 2004 to 2007, as an attaché. I made many friends and I still have many connections here. I can understand everything in Thai, but as for speaking, reading and writing…not so
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well. Since Thai is a tonal language it’s a bit difficult. I didn’t spend that long formally studying the language and it was 20 years ago, but I am sure I will pick up from where I left off during my previous posting. I already know the basics. I can speak Russian, English and Mongolian, of course, and I can also understand French. “I visited many parts of Thailand in the past and I hope to visit many more during my term as ambassador. Recently I went to Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon provinces. The trip was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ambassadors and family members. It was a very useful trip and a good experience for me. “I took up my post as ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand on August 11. I am also permanent representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). My term will last three or four years. My last position before this was three years as the director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Neighbouring Countries, which is in charge of China and Russia as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where we hold the observer status. “While heading the department in charge of our two big neighbours, I take pride in having been involved in organizing the visits of the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to Mongolia in 2014, which took place within one month of each other, as well as organizing the first trilateral summit of heads of our three countries in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in September of the same year.”
Since his arrival in Thailand the ambassador has kept a fairly high profile and is frequently seen at various diplomatic functions and ministries. Recently he visited the Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai, who welcomed the ambassador and expressed this nation’s commitment to strengthening Thai-Mongolian relations and cooperation. The ambassador also met with the president of the National Legislative Assembly, Pornpetch Witchitcholchai, who also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strong bilateral relations.
Background
Mr Tugsbilguun was born in the Algerian capital of Algiers in February 1974. “My father was a diplomat at the Mongolian embassy in Algiers when I was born. I don’t have Algerian nationality, however. Three months after I was born we went back to Mongolia, and we returned to Algeria when I was five. I stayed there until I was eight. “My father is fluent in French and therefore was mostly posted to French-speaking countries. He was posted twice in Algeria as attaché and then as second and first secretary. He served once in France as counselor and was an ambassador to Laos. “I started school in Algeria at a Soviet embassy school and in Mongolia I attended a Soviet secondary school in our capital of Ulaanbaatar. I got my BA in British Studies and International Studies at The National University in Ulaanbaatar, and earned a master’s degree at The Australian National University in Canberra.” The ambassador explained that Mongolia has 49 diplomatic missions around the world, including embassies, consulates and permanent missions to the United Nations. The Mongolian embassy in Bangkok was opened in 2000 and moved to the present location in 2006. “We have five staff – three Mongolian diplomats, including myself, and our driver who is also from Mongolia. Our secretary is a Thai woman. The embassy also looks after Myanmar and Malaysia. I haven’t visited these countries yet but after receiving my agreement I will go there to present my credentials. “In Southeast Asia we have embassies in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. The one in Jakarta is the most recently opened. Mongolia’s biggest embassies are in Beijing, Moscow, Washington, Tokyo and Seoul.” Asked why the embassy driver came from Mongolia, the
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ambassador replied: “This is not unusual for us. Everywhere around the world, we use our drivers.”
Land of contrasts
Mongolia is a country rich in natural beauty in Northeast Asia between China and Russia. “The climate is harsh with four distinct seasons,’’ said the ambassador. “The winters are cold and the summers are hot. The natural environment of Mongolia is also diversified. We have the famous Gobi Desert in the southern part and in the central and eastern part of the country we have steppes and plains. But in the north it is forests and in the west it is mostly mountains and lakes. Mongolia is a big country – 1,564,616 square kilometers – which is about one third the size of the European Union. But our population is only three million, with about 1.3 million living in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. “Our capital is a very modern city, with all the conveniences and facilities you could ask for. Next year more than 50 heads of state will gather in Mongolia when we host the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting [ASEM] summit. This summit would be a historic one since it coincides with the 20th anniversary of founding of ASEM. “The official language is Mongolian. The Russian language was widely used before 1990, and because Russia is our neighbour it is still popular now. But younger people now tend to study English, Japanese and Chinese.”
The Mongol Empire once included China under the Yuan dynasty, but later Mongolia came under the rule of the Manchu Qing dynasty. “We restored our independence in 1911; however it was reduced to autonomy under the Chinese suzerainty in 1915 and then, altogether was abolished in 1919. Therefore, in 1921 Mongolians won back their independence as a result of the victory of the People’s Revolution, also called the National Democratic Revolution. “During the socialist era Mongolia’s foreign policy was closely aligned with the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc. Since the 1990s, democracy and reforms have gained strong foothold in my country, and today we are conducting a peaceful, open, multi-pillar and pro-active foreign policy.
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H.E. Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg|Mongolia
I think this is very good. We still maintain very good relations with our two big neighbours. “We have the concept of ‘Third Neighbour,’ relating to the United States and other major countries in Asia and Europe that support our reforms. It also includes the United Nations and other international organizations. Very recently our President, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, declared Mongolia to be a neutral country at the United Nations. “We are a neutral, non-aligned country located between two great powers and we also have a nuclear weapon-free status supported by P-5 (five permanent members of the UN Security Council). We have a declared policy of permanent neutrality, which is fully consistent with our national laws and international treaties to which Mongolia is signatory” said Mr Tugsbilguun. He added that Soviet troops were stationed in Mongolia during the Cold War, mainly in the 1960s to 1980s when the relations between the Soviet Union and China were very bad. “They were enemies. In this period Mongolia chose to side with the Soviet Union. “Now, we have a balanced approach in this respect. Economically, there is a stronger relationship with China, which is the biggest investor and trading partner. But our principal foreign policy is to maintain a balance between our two neighbours and not to side with one against the other. So we have good relations with both countries. They are our strategic partners. Strategic partnership is the highest level of
cooperation Mongolia has so far reached with a foreign country. “However, it is premature to say that the development of relations with our two neighbours has reached its peak. There is huge potential to further boost our economic cooperation with Russia and China, given the complementary nature of our economies. Our geographic location has long been regarded as somewhat of a disadvantage, because we are a landlocked country with no direct access to the sea. However, today we tend to see our location as an advantage, bearing in mind that we are in between the world’s largest two markets. Besides that we also have a strategic partnership with Japan, and we don’t have political disputes with any country in the world. Mr. Tugsbilguun added that Mongolia is becoming an active player on the international arena. “We are one of the key 20 countries contributing to global peace-keeping efforts. Mongolia has been involved in UN peace-keeping operations since 2002 and more than 11,000 of our military servicemen have served in various hotspots around the world. Today, we have 939 active servicemen including 72 women involved in UN peace-keeping missions. “In addition, we are working very actively to promote peace and security in Asia-Pacific region by unleashing such initiatives as Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on North East Asia Security and the Forum of Asia. The UB Dialogue could be compared to Helsinki dialogue with the purpose of extending regional multilateral cooperation and dialogue, whereas ‘The Forum of Asia’ intends to create a common platform for all countries in Asia to launch a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue. In 2012 Mongolia joined the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and very recently, we have successfully hosted the Autumn Meeting of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.”
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Population growth and democracy are encouraged “The state supports population growth, and this year we reached about three million people. Our government has a special policy to support families. For example, if mothers have a fourth child they get a medal from the state. Our government encourages large families and provides subsidies for families with children. Under the socialist government we were quite successful in healthcare and education. Since the 1990s, when we adopted capitalism, everything has been changing. Basic healthcare and education are still free but there are private schools, hospitals and so on. There are more choices and options, which is better of course. “We have been making a big political and economic transition since 1990. Mongolia followed in the footsteps of Eastern European countries in implementing reforms, and we have been quite successful making the transition from centrallyplanned economy and one party system to multi-party democracy and free-market economy. “In terms of democracy and freedom, our country has a very good record and this is supported by the international community. For example, from 2011 to 2013 Mongolia was the chair of the Community of Democracies and in 2013 hosted the ministerial
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conference of the Community of Democracies. During Mongolia’s presidency of this important international movement for democracy, we carried out the reforms in the Community by setting up a Governing Council, Executive Office and an office of standing General Secretariat. “Moreover, we instituted a working group on Education for Democracy, which initiated a UN resolution on Education for Democracy. Under this resolution, the UN Secretary-General issues a report on education for democracy and the issue is discussed within the UN. This year we are chair of the Freedom Online Coalition and the coalition’s international conference was held in Ulaanbaatar in May. “In fact, Mongolia was the first Asian country to lead this important community of like-minded countries. We also share our experiences in promoting democracy, human rights and market economy with other developing countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar and Afghanistan, by organizing special courses and trainings through a foundation initiated by Mongolian President Elbegdorj. These days, we are running for the first time for a membership of the UN Human Rights Council, the election of which will take place very soon. “Mongolia is also attracting a lot of investment. For example, the biggest Australian mining company, Rio Tinto, is investing in mining operations. As for Thailand, Bumrungrad International Hospital has made an investment in Mongolia, and so has the Banpu group, a mining business. In recent years there has been a mining boom in Mongolia. We are very rich in resources like coal, gold, copper, molybdenum and other minerals. “Unfortunately, our trade volume with Thailand is very small and this is an area we want to focus on. We import rice, sugar, some technical equipment and paper. Our geographical location and transportation costs put us at a disadvantage in terms of trade,” admitted the ambassador.
Bilateral ties and visits
“We established diplomatic ties with Thailand in 1974, the year I was born. Last year we celebrated the 40th anniversary. Bilateral activities have been on the upswing since the early
1990s. In fact, Thailand was one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to support our democratic reforms. Our good relations are reflected in many high-level exchange visits. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has visited Mongolia two times, in 1992 and in 2009. Thanks to her visits, Thailand has become very well known to Mongolians in general. Our president, prime minister and speaker of the parliament have all visited Thailand. “On the Thai side there have also been some important political visitors, including the speakers of the Senate and House of Representative. Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Mongolia in May of 2013. She was the first Thai PM to come to Mongolia. During her visit, our governments signed an agreement to set up the Consultative Body on Bilateral Cooperation. “Following up on the agreement, we are currently working with our Thai counterparts to convene the first session of the Consultative Body. This inter-governmental mechanism is designed to stimulate interaction in all areas including cooperation between the business and private sectors in our two countries. For me personally this mechanism is also very important because one of my primary goals during my time here is to firm up our economic and trade ties. “People-to-people contacts are also very important. We have a no-visa agreement with Thailand. Thai nationals can stay 30 days in Mongolia without a visa and our citizens can stay in Thailand for the same period.”
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H.E. Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg|Mongolia Tourism
“Between 8,000 and 10,000 Mongolians visit Thailand annually and Thailand is becoming a very popular destination for my countrymen. They come for leisure and also for medical reasons. Unfortunately, not so many Thais visit Mongolia. It is a very modest number, maybe a few hundred. Therefore, I want to encourage more people to come to Mongolia. “Although we are geographically quite apart we share some similarities, like religion. We are both Buddhist countries. We also share similarities in tradition and culture. I am sure many Thai tourists would love Mongolia. I strongly urge Thai and other foreign tourists to travel to and through Mongolia and experience our hospitality, nomadic lifestyle and pristine natural beauty. “If Thai tourists travel to China they can take a train to Mongolia. It is very popular among Western tourists to travel by the Trans-Siberian Railway. Young people from Western countries like to travel from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar and then to Moscow. It is one railway. “In the past, there was a direct charter flight connecting Bangkok and Ulaanbaatar run by a private Mongolian company, but unfortunately they stopped the service. There are plans to resume direct flights, but currently you have to fly to Ulaanbaatar by way of Hong Kong, Beijing or Seoul. The shortest way is through Beijing.
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“Mongolia has a tradition of excelling in some sports, like wrestling, judo and boxing. Despite our small population, our athletes have won many medals in freestyle wrestling, judo, boxing and shooting, in a number of Olympic Games starting from the Mexico Olympics of 1968. The Beijing and London Olympics were both a big success for the Mongolian national team. For example, in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games we won two gold and two silver medals in judo, boxing and shooting. It was the first time that Mongolia won gold medals. The London Olympics-2012 was also great with two silvers and three bronzes. I think that these are impressive results for a nation with just three million people. “There are also some very well-known Mongolian sumo wrestlers, and in fact all three current yokozunas, or grand champions, of Japanese professional sumo are Mongolians. We are very good in archery, shooting, and of course, horseback riding. There’s a saying that goes, ‘A Mongolian is born on the horse and dies on the horse.’ The national festival of Mongolia is called Naadam, and the highlight is the competition in the three manly games of archery, wrestling and horse racing. “Mongolia has a distinct cuisine that features mostly meat dishes which are very tasty because livestock feed on green pasture land. It is very healthy. Some of our foods come originally from China and some from Russia and Europe. There’s a strong culinary influence from our neighbours. We have our traditional food, but it is getting closer to European food. This is because in the past we were very close to Eastern Europe as well as to Russia. So we had a lot of influence from Europe. Mongolia is probably the only Asian country where chopsticks aren’t used. We use forks, knives and spoons.”
Personal
In his free time Mr Tugsbilguun likes to read, especially history and literature. “I like to ride horses, but I don’t know where to do it here. Now I mostly just watch sports like football, wrestling and sumo. For the time being I am mostly concentrating on my work. The retirement age for public servants in Mongolia is 60, sometimes 65, so I have at least another 20 years to go in the MFA. “What I do after this assignment is up to the ministry to decide, but it doesn’t really matter. I will be doing a job I like very much, either at home or abroad. I have never regretted my choice of profession. Maybe it is a family tradition. However, it’s too early to tell if my two sons will be diplomats. The older one who is now 11 is more interested in computers and IT. The younger one is only two. He keeps me and especially my wife busy. She helps me a lot too, but she isn’t doing official work for the embassy.”
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H.E. MR TUGSBILGUUN TUMURKHULEG IN FOCUS Education • Feb 2007 – Dec 2008: M.A. (International Relations) with honors, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. • 1995 – 1999: B.A. in British Studies and International Affairs, School of Foreign Service, The National University of Mongolia. • 1994 – 1995: Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand (Thai Language and Thai Studies Training Program). • 1991: Soviet Secondary School # 2, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Work experience • Since Aug 2015: Ambassador of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP. • Sept 2012 – July 2015: DirectorGeneral, Department of Neighbouring Countries (Russia and China), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Mongolia. • Sept 2011 – Sept 2012: Deputy Chief of Mission and Counselor, Embassy of Mongolia in Australia • Sept 2009 – Sept 2011: Deputy Director-General, Department of the Americas, Middle East and Africa, MFA, Mongolia. • Feb – Sept 2009: Third Secretary, Department of the Americas, Middle East and Africa, MFA, Mongolia. • 2004 – 2007: Attaché, Embassy of Mongolia in the Kingdom, Thailand. • 2000 – 2004: Attaché, MFA, Mongolia. • 1999 – 2000: Research Officer, Centre for Foreign Policy Studies, MFA, Mongolia.
List of publications • Democracy in Central Asia: Authoritarian Regimes or Hybrid Regimes? The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No.18, 2013, pp.123-126. • Does the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Represent an Example of a Military Alliance, in Eurasia’s Ascent in Energy and Geopolitics (eds. Robert E. Bedeski and Niklas Swanstrom), Routledge, New York and London, 2012, pp.179-198. • Does the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Represent an Example of a Military Alliance, The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No.15-16, 2008-2009, pp.59-107.
Decorations: • Medal of Honoured Labourer (2011). • Medal in commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the People’s Revolution (2011).
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Accommodation
Hua Hin Where to sleep
The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin
Villa Maroc Resort Pranburi
■ Located in the heart of Hua Hin right next to the beach, this luxury hotel combines comfort and convenience for the perfect escape. Each suite is well-furnished in stylish décor and each has its own private swimming pool. General facilities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, steam rooms, spa, library, and meeting functions. Rocks Restaurant serves up a wide range of international dishes and local favourites, while the beachside bar, and the cigar and whisky bar, mix up some excellent cocktails.
■ Inspired by Morocco’s distinctive architecture, Villa Maroc combines Thai beachside living and service with some of the most luxurious furnishings from the North African Kingdom, making it a unique addition to Southeast Asia’s accommodation scene. The resort is located in Pranburi approximately 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin town. You can tuck into European, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine at Casablanca, enjoy cocktails and shisha pipes at the Sisha Bar, relax in bliss at Sherazade Hammam & Spa, and much more.
97/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600
165/3 Moo 3 Paknampran, Pranburi, Tel: 032 630 771 email: rsvn@villamarocresort.com
Baan Bayan
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
■ This fine resort features one of Hua Hin’s finest examples of early 1900’s architectural style. The beachfront resort has been faithfully restored to its former glory by the family who once lived there. Guests staying at Baan Bayan can experience the glory of a bygone era in its colonial style structure, yet without sacrificing the modern day comforts and amenities. It has 21 rooms comprising of three suites, 10 sea view rooms and 16 rooms with views of the courtyard or tropical garden.
■ This imposing resort in the centre of Hua Hin is regarded as one of the best family hotels in the region. Accommodation features comfortable rooms and suites, providing guests with a living space that exhibits contemporary Thai design flair and good in-room amenities. There are also 11 Spa Suites available. The awardwinning White Lotus on the 17th floor of the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers sky-high dining at down to earth prices.
119 Petchkasem Road. Tel: 032 533 544
33 Naresdamri Road. Tel: 032 538 999
Putahracsa Hua Hin
S’MOR Spa Village & Resort
■ This stylish resort skillfully marries Mediterranean-influenced villa accommodation with the best contemporary Thai interior design flair to create a unique experience. Putahracsa is a secluded sanctuary with 36 SilkSand rooms bordering a magnificent swimming pool and mini beach. Interiors emphasize the ‘sleek and chic’ approach to modern design. The Oceanbed Villas are truly exceptional, providing some of the highest quality accommodation and service in Hua Hin. The resort features a day spa, and superb dining opportunities at Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant.
■ S’MOR Spa Village & Resort is always a great choice for a relaxing holiday. Located in the center of Hua Hin yet in the peaceful area overlooking the Khao Takiab Mountain with a long beautiful beach, this al-fresco resort features six bungalows and eight bedrooms, each well-equipped with all the mod-cons you could need. The seafront bungalow offers you a choice of private outdoor Jacuzzi or indoor Jacuzzi. The resort’s spa is exclusive and distinctive with an extensive list of treatments including traditional Thai massage. For eats, the beachfront S’MOR Spa Beach Bar & Restaurant serves a wide variety of international and local cuisines.
22/65 Nahb Kaehat Road. Tel: 032 531 470
122/64 Takiab Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 536 800
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Accommodation
Hua Hin Where to eat Hagi Japanese Restaurant ■ This stylish Japanese restaurant established by the Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas possesses an air of sophistication and understated beauty. Diners can enjoy an excellent selection of contemporary and traditional Japanese dishes, each one beautifully executed and presented with artistic flair. The eclectic menu features sushi, sashimi, noodles, and much more. A 16-seat teppanyaki kitchen turns cooking into theatre, creating a dramatic dining experience. The restaurant has also started to run weekly cooking classes. Open from 3pm - 10.30pm.
Oceanside Beach Club Cocktails ■ Set in the beautiful Putahracsa Hua Hin resort, this relaxing beachfront restaurant offers a great selection of international food, drinks and music. You can tuck into seafood with piquant Thai sauces or devour huge slabs of meat fresh from the grill. The Jumbo Tiger prawns, Rock lobster, and New Zealand lamb chops score particularly good marks here. Other bonuses include a great sea view, and a long list of delightfully boozy cocktails. Open 5pm onwards. 22/65 Nahb Kaehat Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470
Damnernkasem Road intersection. Tel: 032 512 021-38
Rocks Restaurant
La Paillotte
■ This chic all-day-dining restaurant at the Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin offers a delectable selection of Italian and French favourites together with other international cuisines and local favourites. Designed to enhance a visitor’s holiday experience, this eatery provides a relaxing atmosphere and great a nice view out over the beach. The breakfast buffet is priced at 600 baht. If you stop by in the afternoon, Pavlova is a must to accompany an English Afternoon Tea set. Open 6.30am - 11pm.
■ This charming French restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy an evening of fine food in relaxed surroundings. The fresh and colourful décor brings to mind citrus-scented Mediterranean evenings, as do the excellent range of aperitifs, wines, beers and digestifs. Although the culinary roots of La Paillote’s cuisine are classically French, the kitchen team enhances a rich culinary tradition with contemporary touches. An a la carte menu and nine set menus are available. Open daily from 11am till late.
97/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600
174/1 Naresdamri Road, 77110 Tel: 032 521025
Chom Talay
■ This delightful beachfront restaurant is a great spot for alfresco dining. Pushed up against the water’s edge it has an easy going charm, good food and drink. The menu features a wide selection of delicious seafood dishes. Of note is the stir fried mud crab with X.O. sauce. A piquant tom yam with fresh prawns, pineapple and the flesh of young coconut offers an interesting variation on a classic dish. Open from 11am till 10pm. Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, (next to the airport). Tel: 032 547 253-4
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Beach Cafe Restaurant
■ After a hard week of work in Bangkok you deserve a treat! Watch the perfect day on the beach transcend into a unique candlelit dining experience with your loved one. The restaurant offers excellent steaks and seafood plus an unrivaled choice of cocktails and outstanding wines at reasonable prices. The only non-hotel affiliated restaurant on Hua Hin’s main beach offers great value for money. Soi Hua Hin 75/1 by the sea, Prachaubkirikhan 77110, Open Mon – Sun 10am – 10pm. www.beachcaferestaurant.com
Accommodation
Hua Hin Where to drink Fountain Lounge
Lotus Sky Bar
■ AN ideal place to meet with friends for an afternoon or evening of relaxation and drinks, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin’s open air bar overlooks the resort’s lush tropical gardens and exudes a cozy atmosphere. As you’d expect from a 5-star hotel, the bar offers a wide selection of superior teas, fresh juices, cocktails and light snacks.
■ This vibrant roof top bar at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa serves up a great variety of innovative and classic cocktails and boasts superb panoramic views of Hua Hin and the Gulf of Thailand. Live DJs keep the atmosphere upbeat and draw in a young, lively crowd every night of the week. The bar is open daily 6pm-11pm.
91 Hua Hin – Khao Takiap Road Tel: 032 521 234 www.huahin.regency.hyatt.com
Tel: 032 538 999 email: fb.huahin@hilton.com www.facebook.com/lotusskybar
Oceanside Beach Club Cocktails ■ Set in the beautiful Putahracsa Hua Hin resort, this relaxing beachfront restaurant offers a great selection of international food, drinks and music. You can tuck into seafood with piquant Thai sauces or devour huge slabs of meat fresh from the grill. The Jumbo Tiger prawns, Rock lobster, and New Zealand lamb chops score particularly good marks here. Other bonuses include a great sea view, and a long list of delightfully boozy cocktails. Open 5pm onwards. 22/65 Nahb Kaehat Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470
Sala Wine Bar and Bistro ■ No visit to Hua Hin is complete without a trip up to Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, home of the award winning Monsoon Valley Wines. Here you can journey into the vineyards to learn more about New Latitude Wines, or simply head straight to the winery’s Bistro, which is housed in a beautiful sala and serves a wide range of Thai and international eats and, of course, Siam Winery’s finest wines. An onsite shop sells premium Thai wines, souvenirs and other quality grape-based products. Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Tel: 081 701 8874-5, 081 701 2222, 081 701 0444 www.huahinhillsvineyard.com
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Mondo Vino
■ This stylish-yet-casual wine bar should be the top of any oenophile’s list of places to visit in Hua Hin. You’ll find a large range of wines from new and old worlds (with an emphasis on Italian brands), available by the glass or bottle at more than reasonable prices. Accompanying the premium wines is a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh hams, pizza, and pasta. Monthly promotions and wine tastings mean there is always something exciting going on here – simply check the website to keep up to date. Tel: 032 531 493 www.mondovino.co.th
Dune Sky Bar
■ Located on the rooftop of the boutique Dune Hotel, the Dune Sky Bar offers sweeping views of Hua Hin and is a great place to drop by for boozy cocktails and tasty international eats. Recently given a New York-inspired overhaul, the bar is stylishly furnished with eco-friendly furniture, including dining chairs made of recycled plastic bottles. Chilled out beats and subdued lighting make this one of the hippest relaxed hangouts in town. Dune Hotel Hua Hin, Tel: 032 515 051-3 email: md@dunehuahin.com
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S ocial
Blue Blue Pool Party SHERATON Hua Hin Pranburi Villas’ trendy new restaurant and bar, Luna La Pran, kick-started October in funky fashion with an afternoon pool party attended by socialites from Hua Hin, Bangkok and beyond. With DJ Molfy Lee spinning the beats, and the bar’s mixologists creating a wide range of innovative cocktails, not even the big storm that hit halfway through the day did anything to dampen the party spirit. Roll on the next event!
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Sweet treats at Yauatcha YAUATCHA, the new homely cafe and delicatessen at Banyan The Resort, celebrated its grand opening last month with an afternoon tea party that showcased everything the new venue has to offer – namely fine organic teas and freshly brewed coffee prepared by an in-house barista, homemade pastries and cakes, and a lovely laid-back atmosphere. For more info visit facebook.com/BanyanTheResortHuaHin.
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N e ws and Deals
NOT TO MISS!
Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2015 THE annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will return on Nov 26 – 29 with another showcase of extravagant yachts and other high-end products at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club Pattaya, the largest international-standard marina in Southeast Asia. Featuring an array of toys for the wealthy, worth billions of baht, the event will give visitors the chance to test the boats and participate in many special activities. Alongside a yacht showcase, you can check out supercars, superbikes, and luxury real estate on display too. You can participate in various activities such as yachting, paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing and fishing, or savour gourmet food and drinks while enjoying music in the park by the sea. A highlight of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2015 is the official launch of the Ocean Emerald, a luxury superyacht – one of just four identical superyachts in the world – designed by Lord Norman Foster, whose portfolio includes a number of skyscrapers and opulent buildings such as Wembley Stadium, Millennium Bridge in London, and Apple’s headquarters in the US. :oceanmarinapattayaboatshow.com
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Pa ttay a D ini ng Out
Mantra’s unique dining experience in Pattaya
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EARCH any list of Pattaya’s most popular dining venues and Mantra Restaurant & Bar will invariably be among the main contenders, if not the top choice. Impressive in size, seriously cool in design and scope, Mantra features no less than seven open kitchens where teams of chefs prepare and serve a stunning array of international dishes – Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Western, Mediterranean, Charcoal Grill and Seafood. It’s a culinary experience like no other. For apart from those amazing kitchens – hives of activity and the source of so many great dishes – Mantra’s awesome architecture and décor blend to create an ambiance that’s both exciting and unique in Pattaya. Enjoying a prominent location at the popular and increasingly chic north end of Beach Road, adjacent to the luxurious Amari Pattaya hotel, Mantra has unquestionably raised dining standards in the resort.
Guests can enjoy Indian delights fresh from an authentic tandoor oven, Chinese creations from the dim sum steamer, crispy duck from a woodfired oven, all kinds of exotic pizzas and other western favourites, fresh fish and seafood from the tanks, and Japanese delicacies at the sushi bar. The extensive walk-in glass wine cellar stocks more than 160 branded wines from all over the world, while the
Fantastic Sunday Brunch
Bar offers a comfortable lounge-style venue for drinks before or after dinner. In addition to the main dining area, guests can move to the upper floor to share an intimate dining alcove on The Balcony or dine on the outdoor Treasure Terrace. Private rooms that are ideal for all kinds of occasions are available in the Lost Gallery.
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And special menus can be tailormade to suit individual events, featuring one or a combination of Mantra’s various cuisines.
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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. 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, in the light of many lamps, under the light of the moon, when the time is right. I fully expect to see the moon tonight. Its estimated arrival time in the city sky is in a few minutes, according to the calendar. And the moon never disappoints. Veiled in mist or pollution, brilliantly bright to read your paper by, rising red over a wide horizon, crescent, half, full and periodically absent altogether. Silver moon, shadow moon, harvest moon. White, dark yellow. Blue moon. Blood moon. We’ve seen them all. But never did I think I would see the moon wearing this shade of unnatural colour! I also never thought I would encounter beings quite like the ones who are waiting for me now… I’ve encountered many different kinds of entities in this place. I’ve heard their stories. Old and young, women, children, men. Mosquitoes, street dogs, elephants. Canals, clouds, rivers. Continents. But all of them were, in a sense, from here. Born here, living here, walking the city’s sois, crawling its walls, flowing through its mud cloaked waterways. All of them have a Bangkok address. Together, they spin the fabric of its history. Bangkok culture is a wild mix between the ancient cultures of neighbouring countries that permeated this region hundreds of years ago, and cultures far away on the other side of the planet that send out their own stories right now, to be watched on screens of all sizes, every night. But Bangkok culture is also unique. Like a cocktail whose ingredients are a combination of simple, everyday fruits and incredibly rare, sophisticated aromatics. It is hard to describe but you know it when you drink it… So then what are these creatures doing here? Don’t they belong to their own, very distinct, and, seen from
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Bangkok, very exotic culture? Well, when I say ‘alien’… I am confused. Confused, I exit the BTS at the station specified by tonight’s storyteller, Morgan Pryce. I must confess I’ve never got off here before, nor would it ever have occurred to me to do so if I hadn’t received her call. There is nothing of interest here. Even the commuters who descend the stairs with me rush away as quickly as they can, never taking their eyes off the little screens that tell them those stories from far away… Once on street level, I see nothing but heavy traffic roaring past. The area is further enlivened by a huge corrugated metal fence bearing the logo of several construction firms, both local and multi-national, beyond which I can hear the ominous cracking, rumbling and exploding sounds presumably produced by giant machinery. Morgan Pryce stands silently next to a concrete pillar. I almost walk past her before she extends an arm and draws me into her hiding place. She puts her finger on her mouth. Then she points to the stairs I have just descended. A strangely mis-assorted group of people congregates there, perhaps by chance, perhaps otherwise. And I cannot help but shudder as the most alien story yet unfolds.
Monsoon Madness By Morgan Pr yce
“The Calling Place shall be on top of a high mountain, or near the sea, or at least at a place far removed from the Minds of Men.” (The Calling, Book Three of The Necronomicon) In the sudden burst of rain, the head of a lizard, larger than any I had ever seen, emerged from the glowing hole. “The Guardians are in your debt,” it said and offered to erase all memories of this eldritch night as my reward. Had I not run away, maybe my dreams would now not drive me mad...
The day had started with a summons to breakfast with my “Too obvious,” Professor Thurston murmured. “Too darn old mentor, Professor Thurston. I had barely sat down when obvious. Someone might notice.” she all but threw a little leather-bound volume at me. I opened Before I could ask what she meant, something poked my it and gasped as I recognised H.P. Lovecraft’s handwriting. For shoulder. two years, the hunt for this diary had led the Professor and me I whirled round and stared into the white powdered face of a across three continents, and only recently had we managed to wizened old Thai lady. Her black eyes bored into mine. trace it down to a Thai collector of horror memorabilia, whose Then she pursed her lips, and let out a piercing whistle. My sudden demise had resulted in his books being haphazardly head felt as if it was about to explode, I screamed and covered donated to libraries throughout Bangkok. Ignoring the my ears with my hands, I turned to Professor Thurston for help Professor’s tapping fingers, I caressed the booklet’s brittle cover and saw her smile – smile! and flaking spine until she finally snatched the booklet out of my I collapsed. hands and turned my attention to a passage so outlandish all I When I came to, I was face-down in the mud of the building could do was gape. site, trussed like a Christmas goose. Close by, I heard the We were doomed. murmur of running water and figured I must be near the hole “Not quite,” she rasped. that led to the canal. As if it mattered, I was glad that it lacked That evening I followed the Professor as she painfully the expected stench. hobbled up the stairs of the SkyTrain where she grabbed my I spat the muck out of my mouth and a number of answering arm and pointed at an adjacent lot. whistles sounded. None as brutal, though, as the one that had “Here??” knocked me unconscious. “What do you see?” she asked, dismissing with a sneer my Suddenly something grabbed me, lifted me bodily into the not so subtle massaging of my arm. air and threw me on my back, almost wrenching my arms out of I did not know what she meant but did not want another their sockets. I looked up through a veil of pain and into the face bruise, so I said, “Sod. Grass. Shrubs. Small trees.” of Professor Thurston. Only... her face glowed green. So did her “What else?” arms, her shins, every bit of her skin glowed green! “Ummm... stones? Trash?” There were squelching noises in the mud and as I glanced “And?” Her fingers drummed on the railing. from the horror of my old mentor, I saw the eight ladies form “Professor Thurston, I really don’t know –” a circle in the middle of the parking lot. They all had the green “Apparently, this building site has been here for almost an glow about them. entire year. Let me rephrase: What should you see?” “You should have read H.P. more thoroughly.” Professor I stared at her and she nodded. Thurston’s voice dripped contempt. “You might have remembered “Precisely. There should at least be something connected to that the Thurstons have become servants of the Great Old Ones.” building. And something to cover up this “So... you weren’t looking for horrid hole.” She frowned at a gaping Lovecraft’s diaries to close the hole in the ground which I supposed led portal...” I stammered. he Bangkok Women’s Writers Group, founded straight into the great canal that flows “No, indeed not, O Gullible One. in 2001, and led by Anette Pollner (who also unseen under Sukhumvit. We´ve been searching for a way to let writes the recurring ‘moon intro’ stories in this The Professor was right. People in our masters. And now our Bangkok series in her famous neo psychedelic style), is where could fall into that hole and disappear. clan has found it, and with your creative women from all over the world meet to “This is the place. Neither on a cooperation we will finally be able to workshop their writing in a supportive and inspiring mountain nor by the sea but certainly open the gate.” environment. Many of our members are published removed from the minds of men,” she I wanted to ask what that was and prize winning authors, but we are open to all quoted and pointed at the moon. It was supposed to mean but there was more women who are passionate about writing, including huge. And blood red. “It should start whistling and Professor Thurston left my complete beginners. The BWWG’s first publicasoon.” field of vision, replaced by the nightmare tion (before ‘Monsoon Midnights the short story Within minutes, a black Lexus of a gory moon and clouds that looked collection,’ available on Amazon right now) was a pulled up underneath our vantage like flakes of congealed gore against a Thai English language bestseller, ‘Bangkok Blondes,’ point. Two ladies with the conical sky of pockmarked purple. and various pamphlets. We regularly give readings hairstyle of Thai hi-so females, The Professor turned and walked around town and have been part of international dressed for a millionaires’ ball, got away to join the circle. No amount of festivals and cultural exchanges. Please contact out and the car drove off. Soon after, pleading made a bloody difference. bkk_writers@yahoo.com for more information. another limousine let out five more. Once the Professor had taken her This month’s storyteller is Morgan Pryce, author I heard faint whistles and wouldn’t – place, the women began to sway and of many stories, including ‘The Naga,’ Scimitar Press, couldn’t! – believe it. Whistles. The whistle something frenzied and atonal UK, 2014. She currently works on several novels at means of communication, according that, despite its madness, sounded like the same time. Morgan enjoys life in Bangkok as a to Lovecraft, for the dread Great Old a hymn. nighttime fiction writer at large, daytime academic at Ones and their Shoggoth servants. I struggled against the ropes around Ramkhamhaeng University, and sometime blogger The very Shoggoths we intended my hands and feet but they were on WordPress. to keep from destroying our universe. too tight. Desperate, I tried to grab
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Final Word
Fiction something, anything in the mud that might be sharp enough to cut them. With all the trash in Bangkok’s ground, surely there ought to be something I could use! But there wasn’t. And then the women began to transform. Silk dresses tore open from top to bottom like cocoons, revealing gelatinous bodies that expanded monstrously the instant their restraints were gone. Wigs went flying and exposed bald skulls topped by upright tentacles which cascaded to the ground, past what used to be waists. As if that was not enough, how can I describe my horror when they lifted themselves off these tentacles to such heights that it was inconceivable how they had hidden inside their former thin and fragile frames? And then the Shoggoths – for that was what these “women” really were – began to dance. That was when I felt a plucking and a gnawing at my bonds, and a disembodied voice told me to lie still. “Who are you?” I whispered. “Shhhh... later. Can you move your arms and legs?” I tried, carefully, so that the Shoggoths would not notice. My bonds were gone. “Yes.” “Then take this,” a cold rectangular object was pressed into my hands. “Take it to their leader and hold it to its head. But be quick, we do not have much time. The walls are beginning to crumble!” The fear was unmistakeable in the voice. “But how? She – It will see me coming! Can’t you do it yourself?” “They sealed our portals with their concrete,” the voice sounded sad. “All that’s left now in this city are cracks, too small for our bodies to pass through. Please, if you let me, I’ll explain later! Run, they’ll be blind to anything except what’s happening up there,” the voice urged and I looked up. A pulsating green spot had replaced the gory moon. And then, twitching behind that spot I saw – was that a tentacle? “Hurry! We’re almost out of time!” I fastened my hand around the object in my hand and tore my gaze away from the horrid spectacle in the sky to stare at the Shoggoths. They were standing still again, but I was confounded: which one used to be Professor Thurston? The one just opposite or the one next to it? Surely a Shoggoth leader had some distinctive mark? But no. They were indistinguishable from one another. Except... Except that the one just to my right seemed to have an impatient twitch in one of its tentacles... I jumped up and slammed my hand with the object – apparently a little receiver with a blinking red dot – to the Shoggoth’s slimy head, it stuck fast, and... Nothing. The abhorrent creature swung a tentacle at me with such 66 TheBigChilli
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force that I would have sailed right into the gaping hole had I not been caught in mid-air by something invisible that felt disturbingly like a net. Instantly, I felt a skyward pull. I had read about this. The Great Old Ones were trying to pull their sacrifice – me! – into their world. I was to be the anchor for the bridge between their universe and ours. I struggled in my invisible trap, frantically. But again and again I tried to catch a glimpse of the Shoggoth that had flung me here. The “receiver” still clung to the side of its head. Still doing nothing. Should I have pressed the red dot before I stuck the object to the Shoggoth’s head? But the voice had not said anything. Or maybe it was the wrong Shoggoth after all? My ascent accelerated, and more writhing tentacles materialised in the green light above – it could only be the portal to the dimension of the Great Old Ones. I screamed and pleaded for help, terrified of what would happen if they grabbed hold of me. The whistles below rose to a maddening frequency, the red dot on the receiver blinked ever more rapidly, and just as I thought I would faint, a deep boom sounded below me, followed by a blinding burst of light. The pull stopped. The net was gone. And with nothing holding me up anymore, I tumbled back towards the ground and landed hard on my back, spellbound by a celestial spectacle: the green light flashed and then was gone, replaced by an angry sky alive with thunder and lightning. Our sky. Battered, disoriented and lashed by the onslaught of a sudden monsoon downpour, I looked around. Where the Shoggoths had been, nine pools of green goo glowed in the empty lot. But no. Not empty. There was a golden glow, and it came from the hole. And from this glowing hole emerged the head of the largest lizard I had ever seen. The lizard is not much loved in Thailand. Some express disgust and fear, although the lizard is almost always harmless to humans. Some even run away or won’t share a room with it. Some say it’s because the lizard looks like an alien. Lizards, of course, are everywhere in the city. They traverse the network of pipes, they swim in the canals, they take leisurely walks between the lakes in Lumpini Park. They lived here long before we did. I wonder what we look like to them? The moon has recovered its natural colour – or at least, natural for our eyes. It’s not very big and it’s a bit pasty, but it’s the moon we know. And the same moon will be with us next month, when Monsoon Midnight returns. Or at least we hope it will…
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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