1JAN 2010 by Nattapat S.

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FREE COPY January 2010

ISSUE 49

LUXURY PROPERTIES COMING TO KRABI •TRAVEL•CULTURE•AO NANG•LANTA•LEISURE•NATURE•

Editorial

Welcome to Krabi January 2010 – ISSUE 49 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com 089 9085990 ART GROUP Creative Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Ton®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 Graphic Designers: Chadaporn Chai-in [Aom] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Gennaro – Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat Pamela Huxley - Paul Stretton - Cyril Jeffrey Dietrich - Hilton Jones The Lanta Retreat - Ao Nang Divers Ville Norppa - Steve Crawford DISTRIBUTION AO NANG - KRABI - PHUKET Thanyasit Sarunyasat Newspaperdirect Krabi: 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION KOH LANTA - KOH PHI PHI PHUKET - KOH SAMUI - BANGKOK Guava Corporations: 089 9085990

KitDee Media & Design Company Limited 247/13 Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: 075 661144 - 075 637459 - Fax: 075 637460 E-mail: krabimagazine@gmail.com

Krabi Magazine is published and produced by KitDee Media & Design Company Limited and is protected by Copyright. No parts of this publication can be used or reproduced in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – without the written permission of the publishers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertising terms and conditions are to be obtained at krabimagazine@gmail.com Please send submissions to krabimagazine@gmail.com DISCLAIMER While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy in this magazine, the publisher will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions which may occur. The information and stories published are those of the writers and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the editor. The description of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertiser and seek legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. All information and prices were correct at the time of going to press.

Krabi Province is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in a beautiful country. Krabi has it all, from the limestone karsts that characterize the region to world-class beaches, islands, temples, markets, nightlife and shopping, the list is seemingly endless. Gastronomes will find Krabi a sanctuary of fine dining and lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to keep them occupied - waterfalls, hot springs, national parks, elephant treks are all on offer and Krabi is also one of the world’s premier destinations for rock climbing and scuba diving. The coral reefs of the Andaman Sea are among the world’s best and the Railay Peninsula attracts climbers from all over the world. Krabi Magazine is now in our 5th year of publication. Proud to be the only serious magazine for today’s visitors to Krabi, this publication features articles and reviews from all corners of the province. In our latest issue, you can read about manta rays and seahorses, about the lovely Krabi people and how little this area has changed in recent years. We explore the shell cemetery and travel to Koh Jum Island to find what happens there after the island was connected to main electricity. On the culinary side, Thai food is revealed, this editor gulps dawn lots of German beer, and a tourist recounts his experience at Lae Lay Grill in Ao Nang. If you are after a property in Krabi, there is so much to read in our real estate section. Khun Sit explains how he builds on solid foundations; the Property Guru proposes 10 Tips for Selling your Home; Lumyai Group discuss the issue of piling. We also check on teak garden furniture, praise the arrival of Husqvarna in Krabi and deal with the topic of banking in Thailand. Last but not least, our astrology page. Watch out for our extremely popular Krabi Miniguide and Krabi Maps series that are massively available to visitors to Krabi, complementing the magazine and helping you with your search for the best eats, nightlife, activities, boats and buses timetables, doctors and banks, events; an endless array of information to make your stay reasonably organized. Find Krabi Miniguide and Krabi Maps in your hotel lounge, in restaurants and pubs, at airport and boat pier or in your favourite local travel agency. Browse them avidly and make use of our local expertise. Look out for our logos, and BEWARE OF IMITATIONS! We hope you find Krabi Magazine inspirational and helpful whether you come to Krabi to eat, drink and relax on the beach or participate in any of the numerous activities on offer here in Thailand. Enjoy the magazine, enjoy our Krabi Maps and Miniguides, and above all enjoy your holiday!

Thomas Gennaro - Executive Editor

THARA HEIGHTS VILLAS - Klong Muang Cover picture courtesy of: Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

CONTENTS

January 2010, issue 49

54 A Window on Krabi

Underwater World

Point of View

Diving News

Cultural

Geographica

Destination

Highlights of this amazing province: town to temples, beaches to Islands, natural hotspots to cultural places.

Karen Forrest travelled to Ao Nang in search of a seahorse, and found it…

Ten years ago Hilton fell in love with Ao Nang and Krabi. 10 years on, he tries to remember what it is that makes Krabi so special…

Manta Rays are without doubt one of the most incredible encounters you can have while scuba diving. Follow Ao Nang Divers on this exiting experience…

The people of Krabi represent a mix of different races from different regions. It is often said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi, and Thailand.

Susan Hoi or Fossil Shell Beach area includes a tremendous number of shells embedded near the seashore piled up a large amount of shells some 40 million years ago.

What happens when a sleepy, idyllic island, devoid of electricity - and off the tourist radar – gets jolted with permanent power?

CONTENTS Nature Series

Tasting

Restaurant Series

Culinary

Koh Lanta

January 2010, issue 49

It is in the remote and wild part of Koh Jum that one has the best chance to observe one of the most elusive and cherished residents there, The Oriental Pied Hornbill.

When I got a phone call from Carnivore Steak & Grill last month, asking me to attend a Belgian/German Beer tasting for local business owners, I knew I was up for a treat…

I came across Lae Lay restaurant by mere luck. Their menu featured Duck Breast in Tamarind Sauce, my favourite Thai dish…

Thai food alone is really reason enough for a trip to Thailand.

Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Activity: Things to do on Koh Lanta Cook with Junie: Eat me - Don’t eat me Health & Living: New year, new lifestyle Day Tripper: Koh Lanta Yai East

Cover Story

Real Estate

Astroflash

Villa Build Quality is being maintained in the high-end markets of Phuket and Krabi. At Klong Muang Beach in Krabi, a luxury enclave in its infancy, you will find most developments of 5-star quality, with neither design downsizing nor planned Build Quality compromised.

Purchasing and making real estate investments made simple with Krabi Magazine. Architect Tips: An interview with Sittporn Chouypasit The Property Guru: 10 Tips for Selling your Home Construction: Piling up around us Green Fingers: Teak Patio Furniture Home Decor: Husqvarna comes to Krabi Know the Law: Banking in Thailand

Divine Astrology is referred to as the Head and Tail of the Dragon. This month, the sign of Capricorn analyzed.

A window on Krabi

THE ISLANDS

THE CULTURE

THE TEMPLE

Hop on or hire a longtail, the local wooden boats with their picturesque prows. Sail away to Koh Poda, surrounded by turquoise waters, or to Koh Kai, shaped as a chicken and therefore called the Chicken Island, from where a walk on a sandy pathway connects it to Koh Tub. Make a longtail boat or speedboat trip to the Koh Hong archipelago, a group of limestone islands with hidden caves and lagoons perfect for kayaking or snorkeling. Join an organized tour to amazing Koh Phi Phi islands, full of marvelous bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life, caves where swallow nests are harvested, and much more. Visit Koh Jum and Koh Siboya, small, unspoiled tropical hideaway that have a unique atmosphere. These islands still have no electricity and no cars and give visitors the time to relax and re-charge their batteries. Or venture out on Koh Lanta, the developing island at the southern end of the province home to sea gypsies communities, where you will meet nature and tradition. A National Park area that comprises many different islands surrounded by coral reefs, such as Koh

Ban Natin, on the way from Ao Nang to Klong Muang, is the place to experience the peaceful lifestyle of the local Muslim community. Home accommodation is available, or you can simply make a stopover and see the production of handmade products such as batik paintings, pineapple-fiber paper and coconut shell carving. Wat Klong Thom Museum features various kinds of beads, stone tools, and stone and earthen ornaments in animal shapes of approximately 5,000 years old, uncovered during archeological excavations. Fire dancing, part of the beach culture, is a popular evening activity on the beaches of Koh Lanta, performed by acrobatic boys who swing burning torches around their bodies, creating sparkling artistic pictures. Ban Sang-Ka-U is a sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fast-developing island.

Located just 9 km from Krabi Town the Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Monastery, is one of south Thailand’s most famous and interesting forest temples, as the monks live, meditate and worship within a maze of natural caves in an overgrown jungle valley. Many Thai women live out their old-age there as nuns. Explore the inner cave used by monks for meditation. Climb the 1,237 steps up a limestone tower to see the statue of the Buddha and the “footprint of the Buddha” embedded in the rock, and to enjoy one of the best viewpoints of the area. Take the circular walk through Krabi’s rarest of all features, a pocket of primary lowland forest, a circular rocky basin enclosed by high cliffs. Here, along a pathway used by monks to meditate and amongst a number of magnificent trees you can be amazed in front of the largest flared root base of any tree remaining in Thailand.

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THE BEACHES Ao Nang, at 20km from Krabi Town, is the most developed of Krabi’s beaches, a long stretch of white sandy beach with limestone mountains as a backdrop. It has a wide range of accommodation and services and the main shopping street features restaurants, bars, pubs, souvenir shops, dive centers and tour agencies, massage centers and spas. This is the hub from which to plan your trip at sea and to the nearby islands on a typical longtail boat. Noppharat Thara beach, just around the corner from Ao Nang, is 3km long yet still undeveloped, with only a few resorts and bars. Attractive because of its natural setting, this is where local youngsters and families gather at sunset and at weekends. Savour some local Muslim snacks at the beach stalls, or fill yourself with seafood in the local restaurants at the very end of the beach, near the Noppharat Thara National Park headquarters. At low tide, walk out together with millions of small crabs on the sandy pathways to the small islands near the beach. Railay beaches are split and separated from Krabi and Ao Nang by monumental limestone mountains. Railay has two sides, east and west, and its settings are simply marvelous: crystal clear waters, pure sandy beaches, lush mountains, rocky islands emerging from the sea. Railay can only be reached by boat, a 15 minutes ride from Ao Nang or 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the beach bars, visit the Phranang Cave, challenge yourself on a rock climbing course, hike the limestone massif to a lagoon and a viewpoint, or simply chill out. Neighbouring Tonsai lies at the base of a cliff which divides it form Railay West. Tonsai has a shallow beach with slow gradients out to sea which is profoundly affected by the tide.

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Klong Muang beach is a further 20km away from Ao Nang; it is the up-market side of Krabi, the place to be if you are after a peaceful holiday. Catering to families and couples, it is here that you really get the so deserved repose, surrounded by pristine nature. Tubkaek beach is another real place to hide away; long, clean and peaceful, the area has breathtaking views over Koh Hong islands archipelago, and charming sunsets. From there you can venture inside the National Park and try a walking trail to a viewpoint and a waterfall. Koh Lanta beaches have a wide selection of resorts for all tastes and pockets. Lanta Yai island has long stretches of gleaming white sandy beaches and shallow emerald waters. Lined with tropical vegetation, a private spot is never more than a short walk away on a southern beach at Lanta Yai.

THE TOWN Small, charming, silent at times, nice for a day’s walking tour. Krabi Town is full of old buildings, bars and restaurants, local exotic marketplaces and food stalls at the old Chao Fa pier where to sample the local food. The Krabi motto is: “lively town, lovely people”; Krabi’s simple people are definitely proud of their town and of their warm and generous character. Hop on a longtail boat at Chao Fa pier and visit Khao Kanab Nam, the unique pair of hills facing each other on the opposite banks of the Krabi River, symbols of the town; or embark on a journey to Koh Klang, an island next to town on the mouth of the river, where you will experience lives lived by the local fishing communities; or charter a boatman for a visit to the mangrove backwaters.

NATURAL HOTSPOTS Limestone mountains or karsts, characterize most of the inland Krabi area, the most spectacular being the massifs of Sai Tai. Susaan Hoi is a 40 million year-old seashell cemetery; once a large swamp where freshwater crustaceans proliferated, today home to 40 centimeter thick, shell encrusted limestone slabs, a geological uniqueness not far from Ao Nang. One must find a broken edge to see the shells clearly, since all of those on the upper surface have been walked on and worn down by the elements and are hard to identify. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, at 20km from Krabi Town, comprises waterfalls, streams, lush forests and caves. It is home to all kind of flora and wildlife and to the highest mountain in the region from which it takes the name. One of the features of the park is Huay Toh Waterfall where water runs down onto several huge pools. Tarnbok Khoranee National Park, in the north of the region, consists of limestone mountains, verdant tropical forest, caves and beautiful islands. It is well-known for its different species of trees growing around a large natural crystal clear pool, and for the hundreds of birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; species. Phi Hua Toh Cave, in the nearby Bor Thor area, surrounded by mangrove swamps and reachable by boat or kayak, is where to see pre-historic rock paintings depicting animals and humans. Sa Morakot, the Emerald Pool, is a natural wonder: a pond of turquoise water with an average temperature of 30-40C, fed by a hot spring in the middle of the jungle. Hot Springs of Klong Thom, natural Jacuzzis in which to lift away tensions and relieve body and mind with the mineral-enriched waters falling into rocky ponds.

Underwater World Story by : Karen Forrest Photos by : Aquavision Divers

In search of a seahorse

Ao Nang is a holiday and dive destination that is not yet well known. Karen Forrest travelled there to find seahorses in an area catering for divers of all levels, and to explore other activities that are offered to keep non-divers entertained.

Out of Africa author, Karen Blixen wrote: “There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne”. For me this is especially true of exploring the underwater world.

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o Nang up until now has not been a well-known dive destination. Eclipsed by Koh Tao on the east coast or Phuket, it is often overlooked by divers when planning their trips to Thailand. Increasingly however, divers visiting the area are realising that the diving is superior, the sea life more prolific and the reef in a healthier condition. I’ve come here with the undertaking of finding one of the sea’s mysterious individuals – the seahorse. They have always intrigued me from the first time I saw them in the Singapore Aquarium many years ago. Fittingly I’ve taken two weeks of my annual leave to journey to this corner of the earth. The flight over was uneventful and boasting its own airport, Krabi is easily reached from Singapore or Bangkok. On route to my hotel, I recognize big brand names such as Starbucks and Subway Sandwiches. Hotels here cater for backpackers and up-market guests alike. Restaurants provide for most tastes including traditional Thai, Indian, Italian, Mexican and vegetarian cuisine. Signs advertising activities such as diving, rock climbing, snorkeling, shopping, visiting local Buddhist temples, Thai Cooking courses and sunbathing point out that there is definitely plenty to keep me busy. Arriving late in the afternoon, I quickly unpack and make my way to Nopparrat Thara beach for a well-deserved sundowner. The sunset is magnificent. Before dinner I make contact with my dive center and am impressed by the professional manner in which I’m welcomed.

The next morning does not disappoint. The sun is blinking away morning mist and the local islands can be seen rising up on the horizon. White sandy beaches stretch into the distance and rocky cliffs rise up out of the sea. Sitting on the dive boat, sipping a warm cup of coffee, I listen to the other divers talk about recent adventures. According to Bow - my Thai dive master - our search today will begin at Bida Nok and Bida Nai (two dive sites 50 minutes by speedboat from Ao Nang). Bida Nok will be our first dive site and I am told that I have an excellent chance of catching sight of seahorses, as well as some other marvelous underwater critters. We arrive at the dive site about nine o’clock and only two other dive boats are in the area. Bow gathers everyone for the dive briefing and explains that we’ll be diving in two groups of 4 each. During our briefing he mentions my quest to find the seahorses and urges everyone to keep a sharp eye out for them. With everyone kitted up and buddy checked, it’s time to get into the water.

a grouper over a critter they don’t want to share. Anemone Clown fish entertain us along the way flitting in and out of their anemones blowing bubble kisses as we go by.

To shouts of “let’s go diving” we do a backward roll off the boat and regroup in the water. It’s a balmy 30°C and smiles are flashed all around. Visibility looks great from where we’re floating and once everyone has made the necessary adjustments we descend. The wall section of the site at Bida Nok is impressive. Within minutes we’ve identified a bearded scorpion fish with amazing colors and camouflage appendages protruding seemingly all over. A giant moray eel rolls his eyes at us in sheer exasperation for being stared at again while a spotted grouper bares his teeth waiting for something to eat to drift by. The dive takes us into an ally with the biggest and most spectacular gorgonian fans I’ve ever seen. We carefully study each fan, coral and protruding rock but no seahorse in sight. On the sand a Peacock Mantis Shrimp is having an argument with

During the surface interval the divers discuss in detail all that they’ve seen and the dive masters smile knowingly. Soon it’s time to gear up for the next dive – this time at Bida Nai. Although quite a few more dive boats have appeared, they’re all only just doing their first dive at Bida Nok so we’re assured some peace and quiet on Bida Nai. On descent we follow the dive master to the wall side of the island. This is it. My last chance to find one on this trip. I’m amazed by the visibility. Everywhere there are lots of critters and crawlies to be seen. I acutely peer at my surroundings desperate now to catch sight of a seahorse.

All too soon it’s time for the safety stop. Hanging at 5 meters and only about 30 seconds into our stop, I see a flash of something grey and bulky. Whipping around and desperately trying to catch the dive masters eye I notice it again. Blacktip reef sharks. Suddenly the rest of the group set eyes on them. Nervous tension is palpable all round. Some bubbles it seems are rising quicker than others. Taking a deep and calming breath, I spend the next few minutes watching these graceful animals circle around us; as inquisitive about us as we are about them. On ascent the excitement is overwhelming. Noone expected to be graced with their presence here and this early in the day. For some it was the first shark sighting and one they won’t easily forget.

The dive master banging his tank breaks my concentration. Catching my eye he gestures to the sand. I can feel the collective gasps of

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my dive group at seeing one of the most elegant beasts resting gracefully on the bottom – a leopard shark. With its mouth slightly open and head carefully raised, it models the perfect pose for the camera. Slowly we descend to the sand and careful not to disturb this astonishing fish (or the sand) we all kneel reverently as a group and watch him sway slowly from side to side. Wide smiles all round means mask clearing for one and all. To the side a big gorgonian fan dangling from the wall unexplainably grabs my attention. The sheer size is impressive and emphasized in bright orange. Sheltered, on a rocky outcrop my eye is drawn to a yellow speck. Can it be? I slowly fin towards it, my heart skips a beat and my face breaks into a grin. I’ve found them! Coyly, with their tails wrapped around a coral, they stare back at me and allow me to capture the moment with adoration. I quietly savor the experience before signaling to the rest of the group. With sheer wonder etched on their faces the divers draw closer to get a better look. A male and female – “thank you” streaks a banner through my mind. Much too soon it’s time to move on and do our safety stop. To a crescendo of backslapping and cheers the boat is boarded. For a long moment we all seem to be quite emotional and speechless. On the return journey everyone recaptures the moments of unexpected enchantment. In no time it seems we’re back at the pier.

Over the next seven days, I experience a lot of what Ao Nang has to offer. Diving on one of the big dive boats provide for 30 or more divers or the small speedboat for 8-10 divers, I’m shown impressive sites in the area. From what the locals call The Local Islands to Hin Bida and further beyond to the Koh Ha Yai group of islands, I find it hard to believe that Ao Nang as a dive destination has not yet topped some of the “must visit” lists. During my short visit here I’ve met a great many divers (and students learning to dive) that I will definitely keep in touch with. In between all the dive excursions I find time to do a Thai Cooking Course – an ideal keepsake to take home and impress friends with. All too soon my holiday is at en end. On the afternoon of my last day, walking along the sandy stretch of beach, I once again contemplate my short, but incredible acquaintance with a seahorse and a wide smile spreads across my face. What a remarkable experience to see them in their natural world. A quote from David Attenborough comes to mind “…the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure”. Ao Nang, I know, will become a very popular holiday destination and for me it will always hold a special place for showing me the one most beautiful and wonderful underwater creatures – the seahorse.

SEAHORSE FACTS They are part of the family Syngnathidae which includes pipefish and leafy sea dragons; Over 32 species of seahorse exist and are found throughout the world They frequent shallow tropical or temperate waters, preferring sheltered areas such as sea grass beds, coral reefs or mangroves; They use their tails to secure themselves to corals, rocks or sea grasses Their elongated mouths are used to gorge on plankton and other small crustaceans that drift by; They are monogamous and mate for life; The male bears the unborn young, between 1.5 centimeters and 35 centimeters in length depending on the species Seahorses are not very good swimmers and easily die in stormy seas

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Point of View Story by : Hilton Jones Photos by : Ville Norppa

What makes Krabi so special? W

henever I feel in a contemplative mood there is only one place for me – the beach. So I find a seat at my favourite bar and stare across the sea to the local islands, and at the towering cliffs surrounding me. The limestone formations aweinspiring, even after all this time, and there is no doubt why people love the region for its natural beauty alone. But it is not just the physical beauty of Krabi that keeps me here. What is so special about Krabi? I decided to ask some of the other people in the bar their reasons for coming here, in the hope of narrowing it down.

2010 is a special year for me, as it marks the tenth year I have lived here in Thailand. Nine of those ten years have been spent happily here in Krabi. I had been previously living and working as a dive master on Koh Tao, and came to Krabi on a much needed holiday. I instantly fell in love with the region and moved to Ao Nang. It was so long ago it is difficult now - but important - to remember the initial reasons why.

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Johanna started diving in Phuket whilst on holiday in 2006 and then decided to come back and train as a dive master. She applied back home in Finland to go and train in Phuket. The company she applied to did not need any more trainees in Phuket but needed one in Ao Nang and asked if she was interested. Johanna: “At first I much preferred Phuket but as I got to know Ao Nang I started to appreciate how much quieter it is here. There are too many people in Phuket, too many jet-skis and deckchairs on the beach, and it doesn’t have the waterfalls, mountains and islands that Ao Nang has. I fell in love with the place. Now in Krabi it is easy to get imported foreign foods and shop in places like Makro and Tesco Lotus. This year as I am on an extended holiday with my mother and brother, and we are staying for four months in a three-bedroom house with its own pool and a kitchen. It is nice to eat out, but also nice to cook at home and enjoy the house.” I see a couple sitting at a table, I don’t recognize them and ask if I can join them. It is the first time Sarah has been to Krabi, and the second time for Dan, who are both from England. They have just come back from staying on Phi Phi Don, which Dan first visited in 2003. I ask what first brought Dan here, and how he felt about Krabi now: Dan: “The first time I came to Krabi was on a lads’ holiday, first time away from home. We didn’t like Ao Nang much: it seemed dark and dingy with nothing much going on. We went to Railay then Phi Phi, which has changed so much, it is so much busier now. The biggest change though is Ao Nang. The hotel we stay in is great and there are more bars and better nightlife than before. It still feels unspoiled even though there are a lot more people.”

Sarah: “The people here are amazing, we find it refreshing not to get hassled in the streets by people wanting to sell you something - like it was in Bangkok. I bought a painting from an art gallery last night and the lady was haggling the price down instead of up. I had to tell her to stop!” The manager of the bar, Ko Teng, joins me at the table and I take the opportunity to ask him his thoughts on the subject. Ko Teng: “I was born here and have seen things change a lot. When Ao Nang was smaller, everybody knew everybody else. It is bigger now, the economy has improved but what does not change is the culture of the local people. That is what makes it special. We know how to make people happy. I have many guests who have been coming here for more than ten years. It is easy for tourists to meet and talk with local people in Ao Nang: we are very welcoming. Also the tourists that come to Krabi are nice people, and they always look happy. Ao Nang is becoming bigger but there are better standards now. It makes it very easy and safe for families to travel here.” It is the third family visit to Krabi for Lotta and Darren. Lotta is Swedish, Darren is English but now they live together in France. Lotta first came to Krabi when she was backpacking and island-hopping in 1994. She returned with Darren in 2005 whilst she was pregnant. This trip I have the pleasure of meeting them again, along with Daniel who is now 3 years old and their new son David, who is just 3 months. I ask them why they keep coming back to Krabi: Darren: “It is a safe, clean and friendly place. There is a good variety of restaurants, good quality of food. The local people we meet are great with the kids. The water is always safe to swim and snorkel in. It is easy to travel, boat trips are so easy to arrange. We use Ao Nang as a base to explore the local area: we stay 5 weeks each time we come, and make side trips to the other islands in the area.” Lotta: “Our reasons for coming here change over time. We definitely do less partying now, especially now we have two children. So this trip we have missed out on the nightlife. But Ao Nang also changes as we do, giving us new reasons to keep coming back each time.” So clearly there isn’t a single reason why people love Krabi so much: people find different things about it to love. For some it is the nature, others the comfort, the food, the ease of travel or the nightlife. For me, however, if I had to choose one it is the people: the people that live here and the people that come here each year. It is the smiles that you see every day that keep me here because they are genuine and infectious. The official slogan for Krabi states “lively town, lovely people”. It is hard to disagree.

Diving News Story and Photos by : Ao Nang Divers

Manta Ray Encounters On December 8th, 2009, divers aboard AO NANG DIVERS diving vessel PETCHMANEE 10 saw the first Manta Ray appearing in 15 years at Koh Bida Nok south of the Phi Phi Islands. We of course hope that this encounter will become a regular occurrence within our dive region. Coming face to face with a manta ray is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have underwater. These huge creatures - sometimes up to 4 metres in their wingspan - are also incredibly graceful, and to watch a manta ray glide silently through the water and sometimes perform breathtaking acrobatics is something you never get tired of.

EVOLUTION

Manta Rays are without doubt one of the most incredible encounters you can have while scuba diving. Follow Ao Nang Divers on this exiting experienceâ&#x20AC;Ś

Krabi Magazine

Manta rays may have evolved from bottom-feeders, and then adapted to become open ocean filter feeders. This feeding strategy allowed them to grow larger than other ray species. Some ancestral characteristics degenerated due to the feeding change. For example, all that remains of the oral teeth is a small band of vestigial teeth on the lower jaw, almost hidden by the skin. The number and size of their dermal denticles are also reduced. Manta rays have a much thicker mucus body coating than other rays. Their spiracles have not become small and non-functional, as all water is consumed orally.

BEHAVIOUR Mantas feed on plankton, fish larvae and the like, filtered from the water passing through their gills as they swim. They catch small prey organisms on flat horizontal plates of russet-colored spongy tissue spanning spaces between the manta’s gill bars. Manta rays have frequent cleaning stations, where small fish such as wrasse, remora and angelfish swim in the manta’s gills and over its skin to feed, cleaning it of parasites and dead tissue in the process. Large sharks, and in some circumstances orcas, are manta’s main predators. Mantas display curiosity around humans, and swim among divers. They often surface near boats with stopped engines, breach the surface and launch into the air. The breeding behaviour observed for manta rays is similar to other closely related rays. Copulation occurs near the surface, no deeper than a metre below. It begins with the male chasing the female, for up to half an hour. The male bites the pectoral fin and then moves its claspers into the cloacae, holding it there for a minute to a minute and a half. So, you want to be the next to see a Manta Ray? Well, such ultimate experience might become possible during your next snorkel or dive trip. Yes, that’s right, you will need some Ad. luckAobut can encounter species Nangyou Divers.pdf 3/26/08 those 4:35:38beautiful PM even while just snorkeling. All dive centres in Ao Nang offer daily trips to the Phi Phi Islands, so, Just do it...

Ao Nang Divers are located 50 meters from the beach, near Phra Nang Inn. Contact them on 075 637 244 or browse www.aonang-divers.com

Cultural

Krabi People The people of Krabi represents a mix of different races from different regions. It is often said that each group of people represent a different page in the history of Krabi, and Thailand.

he Chao Ley or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sea Gypsyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people reside on several of the islands in Krabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andaman waters, and traditionally made their living from nomadic fishing and diving. Their small communities are in danger of overexposure to tourism, and inevitable assimilation, however some of their traditional ways are presented in the yearly sea gypsy sailing ritual held in May on Koh Lanta and Koh Jum. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern Chinese people flocked to Thailand in search of work and many made their way to the south of the country to work in the local mining industry. Despite the assimilation of Chinese people and their descendants with local people over time, many retain vestiges of their Chinese heritage. Many still speak Chinese, have Chinese (and Thai) names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs. Krabi town has a very dominating Chinese population who loudly brings in the new Chinese year. Most gold shops are run by persons of more pure Chinese heritage. Being in close proximity to Malaysia, southern Thailand is also home to many Muslim communities, and Krabi itself has a strong Muslim presence. There is a bit of segregation in place, the Muslim community have their own restaurants, schools, and now even banks. Muslims are about a third of the population in Krabi town, but they are the majority in all of Krabi smaller villages, including Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi Islands. Krabi Muslims have been acquiring enormous wealth due to the sky rocketing prices of seaside lands. Ironic some would say, given that they occupy the seaside because it was once considered inferior property due to the low fertility of the soils.

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Geographica

Susan Hoi - Gastropod

Susan Hoi or Fossil Shell Beach is located 17 km from Krabi Town along the route to the Nopparat Thara Beach. The area includes a tremendous number of shells embedded near the seashore piled up a large amount of shells some 40 million years ago.

DIRECTIONS Along the coast around 18 km by road from Krabi Town, at Ban Laem Pho; or from Ao Nang beach, simply follow the road signs. The entrance to Susan Hoi is marked by a small Chinese temple. GASTROPOD Gastropods (also called univalves) are a type of mollusk that have a single valve (a shell, which is sometimes reduced or even absent) and a muscular foot. There are over 90,000 species of gastropods worldwide, both in the water and on land. Some gastropods include snails, whelks, and slugs.

usaan Hoi literally translates as Shell Cemetery; there, large slabs of rock on the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge are embedded with tight-packed fossilized shells that are said to date 40 million years, when the area was a large freshwater swamp. To see perfectly preserved shells you must find a broken edge in the slabs since the ones on the surface have been walked on and worn down by the elements and are hard to distinguish. Whether you are interested in fossils or not, the site is worth a visit as there are only two other sites like it in the world, one in the USA and the other in Japan. There is a well-maintained park area and a small museum, and you can walk down to secluded beaches and creeks to enjoy a good view of Chicken Island. There is a small museum nearby describing the site history and giving details of the fossils, and a few shops run by local Muslims that sell all king of shellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crafts. Worth to be noted these shells do not come from the site or from nearby waters. Refrain from taking fossils from the site, you might be fined by the local authorities. Information can be obtained from the National Park Office at Hat Noppharat Thara Beach, next to Ao Nang.

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Destination Story : Julie Seibt Photos by : www.kohjumbeachvillas.com

Koh Jum An Island Awakens

What happens when a sleepy, idyllic island, devoid of electricity - and off the tourist radar – gets jolted with permanent power?

oh Jum Beach Villas’ bartender, “Odd” – a Koh Jum resident for over 25 years – says: “With electricity, I can watch more football! More people have televisions. We don’t have to share so much. Before, diesel for the generators was expensive and heavy to carry.” Odd, a ‘dead ringer’ for the cheery bartender, Isaac Washington, in the 1970s’s television hit series ‘The Love Boat’- pauses from his shaking of icy margueritas, to reflect a little more on the island life. “Maybe the power will bring more stores, hotels and people… maybe 7-11 or something… I hope not change too fast. I love Koh Jum.”

For those lucky enough to know and love Koh Jum, hooking up to the grid this past September surely means a gradual and gentle awakening, for better and for worse. While candlelit evenings hold romance for some, others strain their eyes to mend fishing nets or prepare a meal. For many, the coming of power means… more football.

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This island - where ‘fast food’ means grilled chicken from a vendor’s cart, a ‘convenience store’ has no name, and there is not one automatic bank machine - is due for change. But how fast will that change come? Natural protection from overdevelopment seems to come from the island’s geography. Mount Pu, a steep, 400-metre mountain drops down in verdant splendor to rocky shores in the North. Only a few low-impact resorts - such as lovely, Oonlee Bungalows - have found their place in this rugged terrain. Protection comes in the form of dense mangrove forests on the Eastern shore, and from agricultural zoning which disallows commercial development - at least for now. This zoning law protects several beaches on the Northwest side of the island. Commercial development, other than resorts, will likely happen in the pier area of Koh Jum town in the South. Less than four kilometers of golden sandy beach along the West coast – with splendid sunsets and Koh Phi Phi on the horizon - is most strongly in question, and most deeply in need of preservation. Jeffrey Dietrich, a director of Koh Jum Beach Villas with a background in environmental sciences, says: “Koh Jum has coastal beach forest that is endangered in South East Asia. Development and plantations of rubber, palm for biofuels, and coconut palms have taken over diverse eco-systems throughout Thailand.”

Koh Jum Beach Villas, a resort community of luxury beachfront homes, commits to responsible, low-density development throughout their land along a 700-metre stretch of this treasured West-facing beach. An impressive 15:85 ratio of developed land to green space leaves plenty of room for reforestation. Organic matter is mulched and composted – rather than the more common choice of burning – drift seeds and native plants are collected and supported in the on-site nursery until they are ready to plant. A strict ‘no-burn’ policy, no air-conditioning and a ban on plastic bottles in the resort are among the extensive environmental disciplines the recently earned Koh Jum Beach Villas the second highest rating of resorts in Thailand, by Eco-Tropical Resorts. Along the rest of the beautiful West coast, small independently run bungalows thrive in the tourist season. Many offer quaint beachfront accommodations, with naturally low environmental impact due to their small size. Some, like Bo Daeng Bungalows – with classic bamboo huts and tree houses starting at 200 Baht a night - are not hooked up to public electricity; the cost is daunting to small businesses. Offering power by generator in the evenings, keeps energy consumption to a minimum. But with electricity and all its conveniences now available on Koh Jum, one has to wonder how long it will be until bigger resorts impose their weight. Koh Jum received public electricity perhaps by default, as it was the last point of access for aboveground electricity before under-sea

cables were run to Koh Phi Phi. So far, the greatest change on Koh Jum has been the silencing of many of the chugging generators and the unsightliness of power lines beside the inland roads. It is no co-incidence that men in white shirts and ties recently appeared in this island of sarongs and soccer t-shirts; and some local ladies’ hair suddenly lay tamed flat and straight, after a lifetime of thickly flowing in waves. On the wings of electricity, appliance sales men come bearing rice cookers, electric frying pans, and yes, hair straightening irons. The physical protection of Jum enhances the beauty of the 11 km stretch of pristine west facing beach offering splendid sunsets with Koh Phi Phi on the horizon. Mount Pu emerges in verdant splendor, with views from the beach reminiscent of a South Pacific postcard. Perfect in its imperfection, this string of beaches changes dramatically with two tidal swings per day. Dara from Los Angeles, noted: “The beach is never boring – at times it is perfect for shell collecting, then ideal for swimming, then at the extreme low tides you can’t beat it for tidal pool discovery, crabbing and collecting clams.” Dubbed as “Thailand’s most accessible hide-away island”, only one hour from Krabi International airport, change well beyond soccer matches and hairstyles is imminent. One thing is certain, now is the time to visit Koh Jum whether in a simple bamboo bungalow, or a splendid beach villa.

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Nature Series Story : Jeffrey Dietrich Photos : www.kohjumbeachvillas.com

Oriental Pied Hornbill

The Southern Coast of Koh Jum is the remote and wild part of the island with rocky beaches and blessed with the backdrop of 400-meter Koh Pu Mountain. Intact rainforest still exists on the slopes of the mountain and in sections this extends all the way down to Lubo Beach where a few scattered rustic bungalows offer a truly remote experience.

t is here that one has the best chance to observe one of the most elusive and cherished residents of Koh Jum, The Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). There are only a small handful of these birds residing on Koh Jum. Late in the day or early morning is the best time to view these magnificent birds. They travel in small groups just above the canopy; their silent gliding is interspersed with wing beats. They have a raucous call that will often reveal their presence on a fruiting tree where an observer can approach quietly and watch them.

Pair of Oriental Pied Hornbills

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Oriental Pied Hornbills are omnivores and feed on fruit as well as insects and small vertebrates. They are the only species of hornbill in Thailand that can thrive in open areas without intact old growth rainforest. They do require however sizable patches of native forest in order to secure year round their food sources. Older trees are also necessary for nesting. During the nesting period the female will enter a large hole high up on the trunk of a tree and her mate will then start to close off the opening with mud. Only the large horned bill of the female will be seen sticking out of the nest hole once her mate has completely sealed off the entrance. The female stays in the nest hole rearing her young while her mate is responsible to bring her and the young fruit and insects. This bizarre adaptation in their nesting most probably came about to protect the female and young from arboreal predators.

View of rocky coastline of Koh Jum with intact forest Oriental Hornbill feeding on fruits of a palm tree

Oriental Pied Hornbill in flight

Hornbills play a vital role in their habitats primarily for seed dispersal of fruiting trees. Their protection is therefore vital for the ecology of the forest they inhabit and where you still find these birds is a good indicator that their local habitat is still healthy and intact. With expanding rubber plantations on Koh Jum the Oriental Pied Hornbill is more than just a magnificent bird on the landscape. Its presence is a beacon to all concerned to preserve the remaining natural habitat on Koh Jum from further exploitation caused by the expansion of the rubber plantations on the island. The presence of the Oriental Pied Hornbill at Lubo Beach on Koh Jum is part of the magic this isolated stretch of the island has to offer those whose interest lies in the natural history of the coastal areas of the Andaman Sea.

View of Koh Pu Mountain and Lubo beach.

Tasting Story by : Thomas Gennaro Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

Belgian and German Beers F

irst, let me give you a brief overview of Belgian beer to acquaint you with the perfect combination of tastes, essences and emotions. Beer in Belgium comprises the most diverse national collection of quality beer in the world and varies from the popular pale lager to Flemish red beer. Belgian beer-brewing origins go back to the Middle Ages. There are today approximately 125 breweries in Belgium ranging from international giants to microbreweries. Belgians drink 93 litres of beer a year on average. But let’s move on to some action. Upon arrival our host Gidi greeted me and introduced the Krabi Magazine team to Olivier, beer importer from, you guessed right, Belgium! Olivier is at the helm of Golden Paradise Holiday Co., Ltd, a well established company specialized in the import of the best beverage from Germany and Belgium, including by-products like glassware. And I must say high quality glassware. Olivier means explained thateater. virtually every Belgian “Carnivore meat It refers to any beer has a branded glass imprinted with a logo or name, animal, plant or human that consumes meat. It is of each glass beermeans unique.‘flesh’ Whileand his partner Amita Latinmaking origin.the Carne vorare means opened a Kwak,Carnivore the first beer The usually ‘devour’. is theI tasted. opposite of brewery herbivore which selectsrefers a glasstoform to accentuate certain qualities of their any living thing that feeds exclusively on beer. Aplants.” goblet, for example, let the drinker’s nose inhale the beer’s aroma at the same time the mouth is drinking in the liquid. A tulip glass, for example, is very good for foam retention.

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When I got a phone call from Carnivore Steak & Grill last month, asking me to attend a Belgian/German Beer tasting for local business owners, I knew I was up for a treat…

Kwak’s famous stirrup cup glass and its wooden stand were indeed the best looking glass in display, and once you get over the novelty of the glass, Kwak is a very fine Belgian beer. The color is deep amber, with a creamy colored head. It has a mellow, fruity and malty aroma with very little hops smell. There are some hints of fruit in the taste and aroma such as creamy banana and liquorice. Usually an alcohol content of 8% is quite high for a beer, but to my surprise I did not feel Kwak’s high alcohol content at all. Olivier and Amita, seeing that I did not mind the alcohol content, then suggested I tried Kasteel, which is even stronger at 11%. Kasteel pours a deep dark brown and it’s topped by a generous head of creamy, tan-coloured foam. It tasted good, surprisingly smooth, and it reminded me of a beer with a shot of rum or whisky dropped in it. I drunk two of them, and this automatically doubled the number of people at the bar…

ABOUT THE IMPORTERS: Golden Paradise Holiday Co. Ltd., 470 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi - opposite SSS recompression chamber, Ao Nang Village, below Titti Guesthouse - fax 075 632301 - mob. 084 3367355 - mob. 084 9424474 - www.golden-paradise.com - info@golden-paradise.com Golden Paradise Holiday Co. Ltd., is importing 2 beer brands of from Germany with 3 different kinds of beer, and 15 beer brands from Belgium with 26 different kinds of beer. WHERE TO FIND THE ABOVE BEERS AO NANG: The Irish Rover, Blue Orchid, The Green House, Wanna’s Place, The Blue House, Ristorante Azzurra, Carnivore Steak House, Sabai Resort, Krabi Tropical. KLONG MUANG: The Krabi Sands KOH LANTA: Papillon, Relax Bay & Laguna Beach Resort

I realized that, despite the good quality of the liquid pouring down my throat and the excellent company at Carnivore, my beer tasting was nearing an end. I crowned the evening with Duvel, the queen of Belgian beers. Duvel is the archetypal Belgian blonde ale, and one of the most popular bottled beers in the country as well as being well known internationally. Its name means Devil. Virtually everyone has heard of Duvel: it tastes great, it makes you feel good, the glass sits perfect in the hand and is easily swirled and admired. It was the cleanest tasting beer thanks to malt and hop, and it failed to reveal it’s intense strength: a 8,5% ale that tastes like a 5% one. I finished the evening off with a very nice Erdinger weissbier, the only undisputed classic in the Erdinger product range, and quite simply the wheat beer per excellence. Erdinger is brewed using fine yeast according to a traditional recipe and, of course, in strict accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law. Even today, the beer is still bottlefermented in the traditional way; it takes three to four weeks for Erdinger Weissbier ‘with fine yeast’ to mature. There were also fruity beers for the ladies - cherry, white peach or raspberry -, which I did not get to taste, but I noticed lots of happy smiles form the feminine drinkers. These beers are low in alcohol– 2 to 3% - and seem the perfect drink to enjoy a sunset or a dessert. Let’s face it – these Belgian beers I poured down my throat were all excellent, a thought I shared with the 20 or so people who attended the event. Happy, mellowed and filled with Belgium beer, I thanked Gidi, Olivier and Amita, got back to my car and started the drive home. The strong beer, the rhythm of the road and Miles Davis music from the cd player made for an effective lullaby. I got home and immediately noticed something was missing: my laptop! I had to drive back to Carnivore immediately and get it of course. The morning after I felt good about Belgian beer: it makes you forget things, and gives you no (or little) hangover!

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Nature Trails Restaurant Series

Lae Lay Grill I came across Lae Lay restaurant by mere luck. I was driving a rented car and looking for a good restaurant in Ao Nang; I stopped not far from my hotel to ask for directions and the guys I talked to were handing out leaflets of Lae Lay Grill. They invited me to drive up the hill for a great meal. I followed their advice…

he first thing that struck me after I walked up the stone staircase that led me to the panoramic area was the view! A stunning tropical bay unveiled in front of my eyes. I sat and observed the decorations, traditional sepia tones, hardwood floors and waiters dressed up and smiling. I was handed a menu, went through a list of impressively sounding dishes until I bumped into the Duck Breast in Tamarind Sauce! I love this dish and cannot help it; I need to order it whenever it is on a Thai restaurant menu. And so I did, together with other dishes of course, but I was touched by the originality of the recipe so I summoned Lae Lay chef to my table and started discussing the dish with him. He was ever so kind, and when asked if I could write down the recipe, he said he did not mind. Here it is:

INGREDIENTS 4 free-range duck breast fillets - 20gms each of broccoli, carrots and baby corn

METHOD To make the marinade, dry-roast the coriander seed, star anise and cinnamon. Pound them with the ginger, spring onions and shallots and stem in a mortar. Mix in salt and Chinese wine and marinate the duck breast with the mixture for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. The sauce should be made in advance. Bring 2 tbsp water to the boil and dissolve the tamarind paste in it. Place in a bowl, add the fish sauce, chili and palm sauce and return to the boil, simmering for 2 minutes. Add the grounded dried chili to the sauce and mix well. Set aside and keep hot. Steam the marinated duck for about 15 minutes. Then cook them in an oven at 180 degrees until cooked to your liking. Reheat the sauce. Serve duck sliced, alongside with buttered vegetables and with sauced poured over it, and sprinkle with the deep-fried garnishes.

FOR THE MARINADE 30gms Thai shallots cut dice - 30gms fresh ginger cut dice - 30gms spring onions chopped - 30gms aromatic spices (coriander, anise etc) - 20gms salt - 1 ml Chinese wine

FOR THE SAUCE ½ gm tamarind paste - 2tsp fish sauce - 2tsp chili sauce - 2tsp palm sauce - 2tsp grounded dried chili

FOR THE GARNISH 1tsp deep-fried sliced shallots - 1tsp deep-fried kaffir lime leaves chopped - 1tsp deep-fried lemongrass chopped

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Will I be trying to cook this back home? Probably not, but I hope you will. The rich, special sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce makes a perfect complement to lightly cooked breast of duck. Overall, on top of the stunning views, I had an amazing meal; dishes were innovative with prices that are definitely affordable to Western pockets. One thing to note is that they provide shuttle bus service to and from hotels. It wasn’t hard to see why Lae Lay Grill was swimming with hungry patrons that night.

Culinary Text by : Steve Crawford Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

Thai Cuisine The food alone is really reason enough for a trip to Thailand. Curries, fruit shakes, stir fries, fresh fish made a zillion ways, and that’s just the beginning. Food in Thailand can be as cheap and easy as 20 baht ‘phat thai’ (Thai fried noodles) cooked at a street stall, or as expensive and complicated as a $100 ten course meal, prepared by a royal chef and served up in one of Bangkok’s 5 star hotels.

ince most budget-minded visitors will be sticking closer to the first than to the second alternative, one of the great things about Thailand is that food from stalls and tiny sidewalk restaurants are usually quite safe. Unlike some other Asian countries, travelers should worry more about overeating or too much curry spice than about unclean kitchens and bad food.

ETIQUETTE Thai food is most commonly eaten with fork and spoon. Hold the spoon in your right hand and use it to eat, and reserve the fork for piling food onto your spoon. Chopsticks are only employed for noodle soups and Chinese-style dishes. Thai food is meant for sharing. Everybody gets their own plate of rice and a tiny soup bowl, but all the other dishes are laid out in the center of the table and you’re free to eat what you wish. Though some people believe that taking the last piece from a shared plate is considered slightly unlucky, and you may hear people make wishes for others to compensate for their own misfortune. A popular wish is “may my girl/boyfriend be beautiful”! Thai cuisine is characterized by strong flavours; especially limejuice, lemon grass and fresh coriander, the combination of which gives Thai food its distinctive taste. In addition, Thai food has a deserved reputation for being spicy, with hot little torpedo shaped chilies called ‘phrik khii nuu’, making their way into many a local dish. Thais are well aware that these can be more than your average Westerners can handle, and will often ask if you like it hot? (Phet mai?); answer “yes” at your own risk! Thai dishes can be roughly categorized into central Thai food (around Bangkok), northern Thai food (from the northern region around Chiang Mai, with Burmese and Chinese influence), north-eastern Thai food (from the Isaan region bordering with Laos) and southern Thai food (with heavy influences from Malaysia). The food you get in Krabi mainly focus on the latter, though there are a lot of restaurants serving food from Isaan.

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Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Highlights K

oh Lanta is situated in the southernmost tip of the Krabi province. It consists of two islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two islands and does not have tourist facilities. Visitors traveling by road from the main land pass through the smaller island on the way to Koh Lanta Yai, the center of the tourist operations. Ban Sala Dan village, in the north of the island, is Lanta Yai’s commercial center, and the pier where visitors arrive on the island. It is a row of shops, seafood restaurants on stilts, dive shops, tour operators, banks and guest houses that cater for new comers on the island. The bulk of the Lanta beaches lie along the west coast of the island and can all be reached by road: Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao and Phra Ae all have long stretches of white sand facing the Andaman sea, while Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang and other smaller bays are all nice to relax and swim but might appear less stunning. The east coast of Koh Lanta Yay is flat and has many local villages scattered along its coastline. Koh Lanta has a very diverse cultural mix of people who have lived on the island in harmony for hundreds of years: Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original sea gypsies still inhabit the place in harmony. The biggest town on the island is Lanta Old town. Boat trips to Koh Lanta are available during the monsoon free period from October to April. May to November see the closure of some of the island businesses and of the boat passenger services due to rough seas. A minibus service is the alternative way to reach the island via land. For boat schedule to/from Koh Lanta consult our Krabi Miniguide 81000.

Ba Kantiang Beach Spectacular crystal–clear seawater and soft white sand, romantic sunsets in utmost privacy, this is why Ba Kantiang has come to symbolize an hideaway in Lanta for relaxing in natural surroundings.

Lighthouse on Lanta Located in Tanod Cape, on the southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse tower of Lanta is the perfect symbol of solitude. It is the place where immaculate nature still survives as it is rarely reached by tourists due to the rugged road conditions.

Koh Lanta National Park The park covers a marine area dotted with several small sandy islands surrounded by coral reefs. The headquarters is located on the island’s southern extremity.

Ban San-ka-u A sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fastdeveloping island.

Eco-tours These are run all year round from the east coast of Lanta Yai, not affected by the low season rough seas. Make your way to Thung Yee Pheng village for a trip with a local community - www.tungyeepeng.com, or book a tour with friendly and experienced Sun Tours - www.lantalongtail.com

Nature Lanta Old Town It was once called Ban Si Raya and was the commercial port for Chinese and Arabic trading boats that sailed between the ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. Today it is a village with a few rows of stilted shop houses home to an ancient community that was established on the island long ago. It is a picturesque place with, these Chinese timer shop-houses date back 100 years, from the old days of sea trading. Near the shacks along the coast, local fishermen dock their longtail boats giving the whole scene a very Thai look.

Because of its bio-diversity and richness of natural resources, Lanta is a good place for trekking. Explore limestone cave chambers and passageways in the Lanta caves, or walk upstream to the spring water waterfall, where to swim in cool rock pools.

Fire Dancing This is definitely one interesting part of the Lanta beach culture. A fire dancing show is usually performed by young boys performing twisting acrobatics swinging burning torches and ropes lit on fire around their muscular bodies. A distinguishing show that sparkles in the dark.

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Activity

Text by : Steve Crawford Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

Things to do on Koh Lanta If exploring deserted beaches, lying in your hammock or relaxing by the pool isn’t energetic enough for you, there’s a whole host of other activities to choose from. Maybe you fancy trail or mountain biking, elephant trekking, jungle trekking, caving, sea kayaking, canoeing through mangroves, horse-riding, Thai cookery classes, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Thai boxing tuition, yoga, or a visit to the Orchid Nursery. While tourism is growing quickly, Kohh Lanta retains its traditional charm. There is awareness that the island’s natural beauty needs to be preserved. LANTA MAP DEC09.pdf

11/28/09

BAN SALADAN KAW KWANG BEACH

KOH LANTA YAI

Passenger Post Office Ferry Car Ferry to Lanta Noi & mainland to Lanta Old Town

KLONG DAO BEACH

7:36:11 PM

FERRY TIMETABLE: to Koh Phi Phi 8am & 1pm to Ao Nang/Railay 8am & 1.30pm to Phuket 1.30pm to Koh Lipe 1.30pm

Minivans to Krabi/Phuket

BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings

PHRA AE LONG BEACH

BUILT AND MARKETED BY

DAY TRIP The Kohh Lanta National Marine Park is based in the far south of the island and protects the jungle, rainforest areas, and the many surrounding islands. Visit the main town of Saladan in the north, the rainforests in the south and of course the east coast with its magical Old Town, where life goes on virtually unchanged, much as it has done for the last 100 years.

tel. +66 (0)899085990 krabi@exotiqrealestate.com www.exotiqrealestate.com

KLONG KONG BEACH

to Lanta Old Town & eastern islands

SUNRISE CREEK VILLA PROJECT

SCUBA DIVING Kohh Lanta is ideally located for you to enjoy some of the best diving in Thailand. Divers from all over the world come to enjoy the warm clear waters and view the amazing variety of marine life.

CMY

Oscar Shopping Oscar Apartments

KLONG NIN BEACH

MAI KAEW CAVE

LANTA OLD TOWN LANTA HOSPITAL

WATERFALL

KLONG HIN BEACH KLONG JARK BEACH AO NUI BEACH BA KANTIAN BEACH

BAAN SANG-KA-U

Lanta Marine Park Resort Pimalai Resort

LANTA MARINE NATIONAL PARK

SNORKELLING There are several world-class snorkeling trips that can be taken from Koh Lanta. A visit to Koh Rok is a great one-day trip for people of all ages, with lunch on the beach included in the trip. Maybe take a 4-Island Tour. A highlight of this trip is a visit to the Emerald Cave, a secret lagoon inside the island of Koh Muk. It can only be reached by swimming through a tunnel that opens out into a secluded bay with limestone cliffs soaring high above you on all sides. There’s even a sandy beach to relax on, inside the cave.

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Lanta PIZZERIA BAJEN STEAKHOUSE

Tel: 081-677 84 95

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Phra-Ae Beach - Koh Lanta

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LONGTAIL TOURS Discover magical Koh Bubu, Koh Ngai and many more. Private charters, beach camping and fishing trips. Getaway from the crowds and become a part of a real Thai fishing community located in charming Lanta Old Town.

SEA KAYAKING Take a self-propelled trip and explore the magic of the mangrove forests by sea kayak. If you’re lucky you might see crab-eating monkeys and hunting sea eagles. Enter narrow passages that only a sea kayak can penetrate and discover another world of hidden caves and lagoons.

ELEPHANT TREKKING Elephants have been loved and honoured in Thailand for centuries. When Thailand outlawed logging to preserve the remaining rainforests, thousands of trained elephants were thrown out of work. Many of these now provide trekking services for tourists as a means of paying for the 500 pounds of food they eat each day. Elephant trekking is available at a number of spots around Koh Lanta, with rides up to the waterfall and Tiger Cave.

MAI KAEW CAVE Your journey begins in the dense tropical jungle in the centre of the island. After a 30-minute trek through the jungle, your guide will reveal the thin entrance, hidden within the dense jungle. Once inside, the narrow entrance opens out into a huge labyrinth of passageways and underground river systems. Your guide will supply you with a headlamp and guide you through this fascinating cave.

LANTA NATIONAL MARINE PARK Koh Lanta’s National Marine Park, with its twin bays and beautiful lighthouse can be found on Lanta’s southern-most tip. It is home to a huge range of wildlife including over 100 species of birds, and there is a path you can follow to take a 1-hour trek through this breathtaking natural scenery.

THAI COOKING COURSES Thai cuisine is proving popular all around the world. Using fragrant spices and fresh citrus flavours, many dishes take only a few minutes to prepare. Try your hand at this delicate art, and take home a new skill to impress your friends and family with.

SHOPPING Saturday & Sunday Markets are where you can find a vast array of local produce, whilst feasting your eyes on many strange fruits, vegetables and spices. If you are looking for clothes and souvenirs, there are many stalls to choose from. The 100 year old, teak-wood-lined streets of Lanta Old Town have some interesting little shops as well as fantastic restaurants on wooden stilts overlooking the water.

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Culinary Story & Photos by : Time for Lime

eat me don’t eat me WHAT’S THE STORY?

Have ever you tried one of the two famous Thai soups; Tom Yam or Tom Kha Gai and felt there was something a little bit wrong? The taste of the soup liquid was great, but chewing on some of the ingredients tended to be difficult and a little bit too strong? Did the waiter snicker when he removed your empty bowl, or did you hear laughter when he reached the kitchen? WHY? Because those ingredients where only there to flavor the soup and not to be eaten!

In the Thai cuisine there are some of the SAME ingredients that are VISUALLY prepared and used two different ways. The “don’t eat me” way is only there to give flavor. The ‘eat me” way is visually cut different and is to be eaten because of its taste. There is no logic in this, and I have asked maybe 50 different Thai cooks WHY but have not yet to this date got a real answer. (Have you ever heard a Thai person say: I don’t know? ;o) ) This is a deep cultural food art, that is still used but the reason is now a mystery. I think one of the reasons is that using a knife while eating food in Thailand is regarded as barbaric, so we only eat with fork and spoon. Mind you should never put the fork in your mouth, only the spoon... Therefor all ingredients are cut up in bite size pieces. But why do the Thai’s serve food that has stuff in it that shouldn’t be eaten, why don’t the they remove it before serving?

So what’s the real story?

THE qUIck “EAT mE - DON’T EAT mE”

GuiDE :

The way to keep your dignity and enjoy they Thai cuisine even more!

Chili

Lemongrass

Kaffir lime leaves

This is really good to know. A small mistake can give big consequences...... EAT mE: LARGE MILD cHILIES; are usually cut diagonal in semi thin oval rings. If you ever see something red or green chili that has a slice in it that means it safe to eat. Small BIRDS EYE cHILI; cut in semi fine rings with seeds!. It’s the seeds that make the burning sensation so be careful if there’s allot it’s spicy and they are easily hidden under other ingredients! DON’T EAT mE: Small BIRDS EYE cHILI; cut off the “hat” give it a light smack with the knife (not so much so the seeds fly out, but enough to see a little juice on the cutting board.) Leave it whole. If you ever see a whole FRESH chili, they can be sometimes only 5 mm long (nick name mouse shit, not because of the taste but because of the size) and up to 6 cm long - DON’T EAT IT! It’s only there for flavor.

EAT mE: Usually used in salads and as toppings on some curries. Mostly used fresh not cooked. cut 1/2 cm of the root off, discard. Finely, finely slice in thin rings. Only slice about 1/3 of the thickest part of the stem. DON’T EAT mE: Often used in soups and steamed dishes. This is also how you make lemongrass tea. Smash the whole stem. cut DIAGONALLY in 3-4 cm pieces. Should be added in the beginning of the cooking process to release flavor. Needs about 5-10 min. Of cooking to release flavor depending on size of the portion.

EAT mE: Usually used in salads and as toppings on some curries. Mostly used fresh not cooked. Put 3 or four leaves on top of each other. Roll them tight like a cigarette length wise. Finely, finely slice in super thin slivers. DON’T EAT mE: Often used in soups, teamed dishes and some curries. Fold one and one leaf in half with the shiny side in. Gently rip off the stem so it’s dived in two halves. Needs about 5-10 min. Of cooking to release flavor depending on size of portion..

Krabi Magazine

Galangal (a sister to the ginger) EAT mE: Finely chopped. Usually only eaten when pounded in with curry paste. DON’T EAT mE: Leave the skin on but wash first. Slice in semi thin but large pieces. Needs about 5-10 min. Of cooking to release flavor depending on size of portion.. If you eat it, tastes something in between shampoo and a christmas tree.

Health & Living Story & Photos : The Lanta Retreat

New year, New lifestyle A new year comes, and the urge to start fresh and to a change is always strong at these times.

ach and every magazine is about life style-related issues these days. A lot of research is devoted to the aging process, searching for the key to the aging process and high age. Low weight, right nutrition, antioxidants, exercise, smoking and alcohol are all factors that research proves effects us. So most of us actually know how we are supposed to live in order to have a long and healthy life. Why doesn’t everyone? This is probably because it is so difficult to keep these promises. Often we demand too much from ourselves, trying to change everything at the same time. It is often easier t0 start with some small changes and add more and more over the time. Try to remember that it is not the stuff you eat and drink on Saturday night that creates those extra kilos around the belly. It is the things you eat and drink every day: caffé latte, beer, soft drinks, alcohol – it all contains a lot of calories. Stick to water during the week and treat yourself at the weekend with a nice bottle of champagne. You are worth it! Serve a large plate of raw veggies on the table alongside that chicken breast instead of the mashed potatoes, make sure you eat them, and you will soon see the difference. Add a bit of exercise in shape of a healthy walk and the difference will be even greater. All of sudden you will realize you have started. You might continue the healthy trend and quit smoking; keep track of your weight during the process, and before you know it you will have turned into a real health freak. Know all your antioxidants, avoid everything white (bad fat, flour, sugar, dairy products) and maybe even turn into a devoted raw food eater. Slowly, slowly. Our body is our temple, treat it like that. But give yourself time, treats and patience! A suggestion is to use the morning for detox, which also boosts the metabolism. The body detoxes naturally before lunch, and you should help it a bit: start the day with green tea and then give your self a generous amount of fresh fruit. Add some healthy muesli with a generous amount of natural nuts, seeds, berries and almonds. If you are on Koh Lanta you can give yourself the luxury to order this from Rang Gai Sabai. So you don’t even have to cut and peel the fruits. Enjoy these treasures of Thailand while you are here!

This article is provided by Annelie at The Retreat, located in Klong Dao Beach. Contact them for more information on 08 46751094 or check www.theretreatthailand.com

Krabi Magazine

Day Tripper Story by : Thomas Gennaro Photos by : Nattapat Sunthornphuriwat

Koh Lanta Yai East

Often disregarded by tourists in favour of the most popular West coast, the Lanta Yai East coast reserves a few surprises to those who are wiling to look for them. Follow me on my discovery journey...

wake at 5am, look out of the bungalow window: it is dark and cool in this Lanta early morning. I wash my face reluctantly, make myself a hot coffee to take away and leave the room. I drive, trying to avoid the holes on the street. A few I cannot avoid, and these make my rented jeep jump. From the mug I hold in my right hand, hot coffee spills on my jeans. I curse. This trip was a mistake, I think. I am late for my appointment anyway, for a change, this time not with a client but with the sun; I have not allowed enough time to cross over Koh Lanta Yai along one of only 2 roads that pierce through the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tropical mountains. I look out of the window: a Muslim elder carelessly drives his decrepit Honda moped; a few little hens cross the lane; villagers exit their wood and tin shacks as the sunlight starts to appear from behind the hilltops on the mainland. I have arranged this trip mainly to capture the sunrise essence and colors on camera, to record its new birth, to be blessed by a vision. The majority of visitors to the island take up lodge on the west side of Koh Lanta, the beaches side, and the sunset coast. Day after day, it is the magic of the sunset they experience and never get to see a stunning Lanta sunrise. The west coast has its fascinations, I say to myself while sitting on the verandah of a viewpoint restaurant on the eastern hills. I look at the mainland coast as the sun rises behind the limestone outcrops that dot the Koh Lanta straight, towered by menacing-looking dark clouds that barely let the sun rays filter through. They colour the sky with the most varied palette of azures and pinks; the clouds gradually dry up, and red beams of light strike the islands scattered in the flat waters, which until now looked like dark floating patches. Down below, partly hidden by a branch of a sato tree with its long sharp-green fruits dangling, are never-ending rice paddies. A few roosters salute the birth of a new day with their cock-a-doodledoo; it is time for me to move on.

Krabi Magazine

I drive on and bravely enter a dirt track. The jeep climbs the earthy path through dense rubber plantations. I stop to observe a middle-aged Muslim couple working inside the ordered lines of old rubber trees, their bike parked on the side of the path. I get out of the car and approach the action; they skillfully practice careful incisions on the tree trunks, as many as 3 per tree, and wait as the milky-looking sap descends and lands into halved coconut husks attached to the trunk, filling them with the sticky substance at a slow pace. They smile as I struggle to fight off the several black and white striped huge mosquitoes that try to bite me, some successfully. Farmers cover themselves head to toe in order to protect from the blood-sucking insects in these humid, mosquito-infested forests. I take a few pictures and depart. I now drive further south along the coast lane. I take a side road to a local village and park the car; villagers stare at me as I do so. There is a dark-skinned man who builds squid cages on the pavement, entangling rusted wire around a rudimentary wooden frame. Village elders walk unhurriedly along the only road, which runs along the seashore. Happy music finds its way out of houses on stilts built directly on the sea front. There is an atmosphere of happiness, and of times past. Plump housewives hang washed clothes to dry. The sun starts to heat the air, it is only 7.10, but it feels like 10.00. Kids of all ages shower in the open with buckets of cold water. East Koh Lanta Yai is the land of the Urak Lawoi, or the Chao Ley, the people of the sea, also known as the minority group of Thai Mai, meaning new Thai. These sea gypsies speak an undistinguished dialect hard to decipher even for a Thai. Men and women all wear traditional sarongs, the young boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fashion style centers on football t-shirts and shorts. Most men in the working age group are out at sea, judging from the low number of boats docked on the stony shore. I marvel at a small island covered in vegetation and reachable on foot in low tide, right in front of the village. An elder chants a singsong. I leave. I ask forgiveness to the sea gods, as per local custom, for any offence I may have made to the sea, and my plea will be carried away by the magic Lanta windâ&#x20AC;Ś I love Koh Lanta East, and so will you.

Krabi Magazine

KOH LANTA YAI NORTH

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Cover Story Story by : K. Arthur Walker Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat

Getting to Quality Recent news articles in the Thailand press have addressed global real estate market downsizing and how it is affecting luxury property developments. It appears that some developers have reshaped projects to suit short-term demand by reducing unit meter size and adjusting price points and lowering quality. The more price-conscious buyer is being favored and pandered too.

Krabi Magazine

uild Quality trends are now ruled by price concerns in many resort projects as well as luxury condos in Bangkok. Villa Build Quality is being maintained in the high-end markets of Phuket and Krabi. At Klong Muang Beach in Krabi, a luxury enclave in its infancy, you will find most developments of 5-star quality with neither design downsizing nor planned Build Quality compromised. The death knells for high-priced Quality Build finishing and construction are more than a little premature here; even in these trying times of global contraction. The Sofitel Phokeetra Resort in Klong Muang features the largest infinity swimming pool in Thailand with a new adjacent golf course. PB Resorts has this year been re-branded as Phulay Bay, A Ritz Carlton Reserve.

Quality Underpins Value Yes, global property portfolio values have contracted substantially, but for a certain segment of the market, quality remains the ultimate driver. Discerning buyers favor and flourish in times such as these. The high-end buyer seeking perfection and the developer seeking perfection are now tailoring a virtual bridge between themselves. Supportive of desires to bring to market signature â&#x20AC;&#x153;Personal Experiences of Luxuryâ&#x20AC;?, this bridged partnership creates new opportunities for creative design, finishing excellence, efficiency gains, and cost-savings and cash flow acceleration. Bespoke design, embracing particular materials and finishing requests from the buyer results in ever-evolving concepts of what 5-Star quality really means. These are too-often bandied about terms which fail to pass the test of buyer/investor acceptance. Discerning buyers know Quality and what they see and feel in a finished product.

Krabi Magazine

What is “Build Quality”? When you buy a luxury Villa are you provided with a full understanding of the important issues? An efficient, high-performance product requires your Villa to be built to Western build standards with high-performance, low-maintenance materials. • Are the contractor and builder using only highest Quality materials? • Are your windows, as an example, alumina powder-coated with 6mm Safety Glass of, say, Swiss German Manufacture? • Does paint quality match the standards of Jotun (Thailand)? • Are verandahs and decks in natural stone, sandstone or wood? • Is the swimming pool covered in hand-made, deep-sea ceramic tile? • Is Villa flooring in highest-quality ceramic tile and black slate? • Are doors in wood-grain finish with fielded panels and wardrobes with fitted furniture? • Are Hafele quality lever latches and high-performance fittings used throughout? • Is all woodwork crafted using kiln-dried AAA hardwoods (lower-grade green woods cause splitting in tropical environments)? • Are kitchens and bathroom fixtures of the highest standard in sanitary ware American Standard or equivalent? • Is the kitchen fully fitted to the latest ISO 9004 specification including high gloss black granite surfaces, soft-closing doors and drawers and SMEG or equivalent appliances? • Does the villa structure incorporate the newest lightweight Sup Bloc skin walling within a reinforced concrete frame?

Krabi Magazine

• Is the statement the developer is making in harmony with the environment? • Is building efficiency at the core of design (e.g. correct insulating materials result in energy savings of 30-40 % on air-conditioning cost)? “Real” high-end finish and material will always be in demand and always protect value from market oscillations here in Thailand.

Quality Build needs Quality People Design and materials determine only part of a project’s success. Process, organization, culture and leadership are more important but typically shape only a minor portion of the overall investment, particularly in projects focused on completion rather than on the finished result. Most projects underestimate the importance of people and how people interact with their Villa buyers, product and material vendors, sub-contractors and each other on the project’s success. Projects focused on Quality Build exemplify a vision and approach, which takes the extra time needed to deliver the promoted and promised finished product. Both the development team and buyer need to be ‘on the same page’ during the construction process. In this scenario, quality trumps schedules.

Matching Quality to Location

Buyers Know At Thara Heights, in Klong Muang Beach, Krabi, buyers know that this truly is one of the finest locations now complemented by evident quality construction in harmony with the area and which fully mirrors Krabi’s special beauty. There, the buyer can see evidence that the developer is more than meeting the challenge of delivering to each owner a beautiful and superbly finished Villa that matches location. “The bouquets we receive from our buyers at Thara Heights make it rewarding to know our vision of excellence is shared and so valued”, commented Andrew Dunn, the CEO. “We dreamed our dream, but had no idea or expectation that it would end up this stunning” enthused one buyer who has traveled the world as Global Marketing Manager for Fortune 500 companies and has stayed in many 5-Star facilities. “The finish quality result is way better than we had thought possible in this part of Asia”. Andrew Dunn observed: “Build quality, we found, was to be our biggest challenge in delivering our vision to buyers here in Thailand”.

Why invest in quality in an area that does not match the developer’s ‘dream completion’? ‘Location, Location, Location’ fits the resort destinations in Southern Thailand. Krabi province and Klong Muang Beach, in particular, are renowned for some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. Natural beauty must be married with a strong focus on sustainability, infrastructure and respect for the environment, natural resources and local culture – thus learning from the problems now facing Phuket and Koh Samui. “We wanted passionately to complement the Beauty of the surrounding area with our vision of finished excellence” said Andrew Dunn. “This truly is the location to build Quality!” The best locations with obvious development potential draw in Major Players. Look at the area and ask yourself: who is in there and who is coming in? You may not be buying into a major established brand, but you really want to see major brands as close neighbors. In Klong Muang, branded resorts are moving in fast with substantial commitments. PB Resorts, Sheraton, Nakamanda and Tubkaek were early Major Players. After Thara Heights broke ground, along came Amari Vogue, and Sofitel. Now PB Resorts has been re-branded and expanded to become Phulay Bay, A Ritz Carlton Reserve. The first Golf Course in the vicinity is adjacent to the Sofitel Resort. In planning stages, according to local knowledge, are two more golf courses and a pontoon yacht Marina. Major Players attract 5-Star venues - restaurants, sponsored tour operators (e.g. luxury speed boats to local islands), golf courses and that wonderful bakery and coffee shop at the Sofitel. Thara Heights will itself soon start construction of its Clubhouse with a roof top Grill restaurant featuring al fresco dining.

Krabi Magazine

The Quality Opportunity The Luxury Villa market demand will always drive existing prices up when an apparent growing short supply is perceived by investors. Slowdowns in new projects and completions, in the high-end of the market, have always kept luxury resale values resilient in times of world market oscillations, as we are currently experiencing. The supply of ‘Real’ Quality Built villas will inevitably develop into a critically short market. Always, therefore, actual Quality Completions, in an emerging High-end Market with infrastructure and commitment plans in place, underpin an all-in formula for high yield returns. Klong Muang Beach, Krabi, Thailand is a textbook example of real long-term investment opportunity. Thara Heights represents a Gold Standard of Luxury Villa development rarely found in all of Southern Thailand. This is especially true as Krabi province will become a new focal point within the planed ‘Riviera’ of over 90 miles of coastline stretching from Phuket Island thru Phang Nga Bay and to the South towards Koh Lanta and Trang. The New Krabi International Airport is now central to this Master Plan and only 25 minute from 5 Star luxuries in Klong Muang Beach. Always the ‘Time to Invest’ in a High-end Resort environment where Astute Early Investors, seriously concerned about high performance quality and finish, now place Thara Heights and Klong Muang Beach at the very top of their ‘must see’ list.

K. Arthur Walker is a property consultant specializing in the ASEAN Region. Based in Hong Kong, he can be reached at Consolidated Lease Management, Ltd. email: kwalker@consolidatedlease.com

CMY

Krabi Magazine

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Apartment

Real Estate : Architect Tips Story : Pierre-Yves Loriers

Building on solid foundations

Interview with Sittporn Chouypasit (Sit) In-house Structural Engineer at Ton Company Ltd. in Ao Nang Beach, Krabi.

After graduating in Civil Engineering from Technology Mahanakorn University in Bangkok in 2002, Khun Sit returned to Krabi to do sub-contracting work. He provides expertise in the design of concrete, wood and steel structures. He has been full-time with Ton Company for more than 4 years.

KRABI MAGAZINE: Why does Ton Company have an in-house engineer? What is your role? Sit: My job as a structural engineer is to create the basic frame for any building, the beams and columns – so you could argue it’s a pretty fundamental role. It’s a mix of technical know-how, safety considerations and knowledge of available materials. Many pure design firms simply outsource a completed plan to an engineer for the structural analysis. But by working with the architects and clients during the planning itself, I can help the team achieve the design goals in a way that is both cost efficient and makes the building as comfortable as possible. KRABI MAGAZINE: Can you give us an example of how that works in practice? Sit: Certainly. We often see columns stuck in the middle of a room, which can really damage the aesthetic, as well as compromise the functionality. These can usually be avoided if the engineer is present at the planning stage to determine the overall span required. It can also happen that the architect will not know about the standard lengths of steel available. By reducing a room size by a few centimetres on the design, we can make considerable savings in construction cost by avoiding wastage.

Krabi Magazine

KRABI MAGAZINE: Construction costs in general seem to be lower than a year ago. Is this true? Sit: Yes, the price of steel has dropped more than 40% over the last 12 months. As this is probably the largest single cost in building a house – representing up to 30% of the materials budget – it means that we have seen a 10 – 15 % reduction in the cost of building a house since 2008. Another contributing factor is the lower gas price, which has reduced construction firms’ overheads for transport and operating machinery. KRABI MAGAZINE: As an engineer, what type of foundation would you recommend for this tropical climate? Sit: Slab foundations are by far the most popular type in use here in Krabi. They are cheap and sturdy, if proper soil compacting is done before construction. However, I think that slabon-beam foundations [where the house is raised to allow a crawlspace under it] actually offer more advantages, such as air circulation, which provides a natural cooling system for the home, as well as reducing the damp that is a common problem during the monsoon months. Not to mention you get built in flood protection during heavy storms! Slab-on-beam also gives permanent access to electrical wiring and the plumbing system, which allows for repair and extension and also more effective termite protection. KRABI MAGAZINE: Can you describe a typical working day? Sit: Well, it varies so much. Some days I am working in the office on blueprints and calculations. Others I am on the building site, checking the progress of a project with our two foremen. Ton Company also offers an after-sales service to all our customers, which we believe is one of our strengths, as many non-local companies will simply pack up and leave once construction is completed. So part of my job is also to keep good relations with the clients and to help sort out any issues that may arise after they move in, or make any changes they need.

Ton Company was established by Pierre-Yves Loriers (Ton) and has more than 10 years of experience in Krabi. They offer a one stop solution, from design to construction, at highly competitive rates (up to half those quoted in Bangkok). All architecture, engineering and drafting of their projects is done in house in their office in Ao Nang. Prior to starting construction, they also secure all the necessary permits required for building.

Ton Company Limited is located in Ao Nang beach. Please call them during business hours for all your Architecture, Building permit, Construction and Renovation needs. Phone: (075) 695 633 Fax: (075) 695 634 email: ton@TonCompany.com

Krabi Magazine

Property Search

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The Property Guru

10 Tips for Selling your Home

This month our property guru offers ten top tips for selling your home, and hopefully, help you achieve the price you are after.

1. Before you put your home on the market it pays to do some research. The quickest and easiest way of doing this is by looking at a few property classifieds in your local magazine, or by going online. This way you can gather information regarding what prices houses similar to yours, are currently selling for. 2. It’s important that you find yourself a good agent to sell your home. Rather than going with the first one you come across, spend time doing a little research into each one. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family members and work colleagues, if they can recommend someone to you. Exotiq Real Estate is a good starting point for real estate brokerage in the Greater Krabi area. The other choice is to sell it privately through the property classifieds, but you need to be aware of the right legal procedures. 3. It’s vital that you put yourself in the shoes of any potential buyer and make a list of the house’s positive features. Think of ways you can enhance these to get a more positive reaction from those that view it. 4. Getting your house looking great inside is crucial but you need to make sure that it looks great outside as well. Remember the first thing that is going to be making an impression on any prospective buyer of your home is the front area. Make sure that this area is kept clean and tidy at all times.

Krabi Magazine

5. Although you may like the lived-in feel to your home, if you want to sell it then you need to make sure that you show it to its full potential. You need to remove as much clutter as you can from your home. If there is too much in any room it can make them look much smaller than they really are. 6. Repair jobs that seem like a waste of time and money to you, can actually stop you from getting the price you want when selling. Spending a little could end up making you a lot more than you originally expected. No one wants to buy a home where they are going to have to spend money on making it livable for them. 7. Although you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think your home needs it, repainting the main rooms in your home in neutral fresh colours is a good idea. Prospective buyers will be able to see the rooms more clearly, and get a feel for whether their own belongings will fit into them. 8. It is important that before every viewing you make sure that your house is clean and tidy. This is especially important if you have pets, as although you may not be able to smell the odours, potential purchases will. 9.Spend time on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stagingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the rooms to show them off to their full potential. Ensure that the focal point in each room stands out. 10. Put the coffee machine on and cookies on the table prior to any potential buyers arriving. It may seem silly, but the smell as they come into your home makes it more warm and inviting, also giving them the feeling of how loved the home has been.

Krabi Magazine

CMY

For further tips on Krabi real estate, Property Guru can be contacted through Krabi@exotiqrealestate.com, a chain of Real Estate Brokers operating in Krabi, Phuket, Huai Hin, Samui, Pattaya and oter destinations in South East Asia.

KRABI & KOH LANTA 152/8 Moo5, Ao Nang (1km on the way out from Noppharat Thara beach) Tel: (+66) 081 2737778, (+66) 089 7727858, krabi@exotiqrealestate.com

Construction Story by : The Lumyai Group Ld

Piling up around us

I Piling: Noun- 1. A column of wood, steel or concrete that is driven into the ground to provide support for a structure.

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early morning, just after seven, as an eight-wheeled lorry arrives on site delivering what can only be described as something resembling what the Romans might have used as an upright battering ram. As it nears, it becomes noticeable that this is the pile driver and team of which we have hired for the day. Shortly after, the workers disembark the vehicle on which they arrived and begin setting up for their day of work. In just under an hour they will begin the daily ritual of pounding pre-stressed concrete columns into the ground beneath their feet. Scaling heights that made me feel dizzy; the workers climb the rectangular tower with ease and seemingly without vertigo. It is also apparent that they are un-harnessed. Piecing together the main frame of the structure looks like a difficult job in itself. Like a giant, life-sized Mechano set; piece by piece workers connect the remaining levels of the structure together. The lads at the foot of the tower skillfully maneuver the steel monstrosity into place. Having to use wooden planks for grip and also preventing the treads of the machine from sinking into the sticky, red earth! Moving the pile driver around really is a sight to behold in itself. Clouds of black smoke plume out of the tireless engine. Prior to arrival this morning, the building site has been prepared, distances between the piles are calculated, measured and pegged out; points of entry are then marked out of which the piles will be speared into. Once everything is ready the operation begins. The pile driver also serves as a crane in which it winches the piles upright into place. The pile is held vertically into place using a steel hood. Controlling the machine is a frightening looking lad who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look out of place at the helm of a bank robbery. You really start to wonder how hot it must get for him wearing a balaclava all day! That aside, he is a master of his division

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ad_Lekiri_JUN09_mew.pdf

5/23/09

10:32:57 AM

info@searasports.com, 66 (0) 2185 1921 All pictures taken from the actual site

A promise of paradise CONTACTS Tel: +66 (0) 8 1618 7808, +66 (0) 8 1310 1837 Fax: +66 (0) 7635 6245 Email: ekaraj@lekiri.com, info@lekiri.com Website: www.lekiri.com

Le’ kiri , Haad Yao, spacious boutique pool villas on a secluded unspoiled beach with breathtaking seaview and the understatement of “Sunset”. Haad Yao is the longest beach on the most peaceful area in Krabi. 10 minutes drive to Pakasai golf course 20 minutes to Krabi International Airport Onsite management

and steaming along with the job at hand. As soon as the marker has been located, it is time to hammer the pile. This is done using a pile cap, a large steel object that acts as a hammer. Blow after blow the pile cap is lifted and then dropped upon the pile, impaling it with great force. It takes approximately fifteen blows until bedrock is reached. This figure varies obviously depending on the condition of the soil. The history related to this topic is slightly vague at best. Pile supported structures are known to have existed in pre-historic times and references to cedar timber piles in Babylon can be found in the bible. A mechanically sound drawing appeared as early as 1475 and engineering genius Leonardo Da Vinci has even been credited with the title of Inventor. The mechanics involved in the operation of a modern diesel pile driver goes something like thisâ&#x20AC;Ś The weight is in the piston and the apparatus connecting to the top of the pile is called the cylinder. The process of piling is started by a weight being raised by a cable attached to the crane. This draws air into the cylinder and then a very heavy weight is dropped using a quick release. The weight of the piston compresses the air, heating it to the ignition point of the diesel fuel. After this the fuel is quickly injected into the cylinder. This all ignites and transfers the energy to the falling, dead weight of the pile head and drives the weight back up. The rising weight draws in more fuel-air mixture and the cycle begins all over again. Class now dismissed. Structurally, the benefits of deep foundation piling is overwhelming here in Thailand due to poor soil found at shallow depths. In short, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite probable that a meter down from where you are standing at the moment you will find you water, unless that is you are at high altitude. If you have any doubts about this, grab yourself a spade, dig a hole and just check what level the water table is at.

This article was supplied by The Lumyai group Ltd, a Development and Construction company based in Krabi. For all your Construction and Home renovation needs please contact our English speaking team for your free quote and any advice required. Please visit our web-site www.lumyaihomes.com to view our latest project.

For Sale

Nong Thale River Residence

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Modern minimalistic Villa Ao Nang “baan Will”

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experience the difference 16 Luxury tropical houses on spacious plots Surrounded by beautiful mountains and a lovely river, just 10 minutes from Ao Nang beach Visit the project site in Nong Thale, on the road to Klong Muang, 350 m. of the junction with the 4034, the road to Krabi

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Nong Thale 350 m

Krabi

Kamalot Co. Land Ltd. &

Green Fingers

Teak Patio Furniture

eakwood is extremely durable with a naturally high oil and silica content, which makes it both stable in climatic extremes and resistant to rotting and insects. For many years teak has been the choice of boat builders for its long-lived durability in the most severe conditions. For these reasons, teak is considered the premium natural material by producers and users of fine outdoor furniture. HOW LONG WILL THE FURNITURE LAST? Teak furniture is made of one of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most durable renewable building materials. Teak has been used for centuries for building construction, shipbuilding and furniture construction. Teak furniture has withstood the test of time in public areas around England with many pieces still in use after 100 years. Your furniture will also give decades of service without requiring the constant care that some other types of outdoor furniture demand.

Teak is a deciduous hardwood tree native to the highlands of east India through Burma (Myanmar).

DOES TEAK FURNITURE PRODUCTION HARM THE ENVIRONMENT? Unlike metal or plastic, teakwood is a renewable resource. Teak furnitureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to last for decades makes it environmentally friendly in comparison to other man made furnishings that eventually end up in a landfill. We use only teak from plantations in Indonesia that are supervised by a division of the state forest ministry. This ensures that the resource is managed in a sustainable manner and the forests of Indonesia are preserved for future generations.

Krabi Magazine

Attico Ao Nang Exclusive apartments in the center of Ao Nang

lLocation: Ao Nang â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Krabi - Thailand l Bedrooms: Studio, 1 and 2 bedroomsl lFeatures: Air-con, lift, terraces, private entrance l Price: From 3,000,000 Thai Bahtl For more information contact:

EN: Thomas +66 (0) 89 9085990 TH: Ton +66 (0) 89 7727858 Web: www.aonanglivingroom.com Email: aonanglivingroomsales@gmail.com

Home Décor

Ton Company Ltd is delighted to announce its new partnership with the Swedish firm Husqvarna, becoming their official supplier for the Krabi region.

Husqvarna comes to Krabi Ton Company Ltd is delighted to announce its new partnership with the Swedish firm Husqvarna, becoming their official supplier for the Krabi region.

usqvarna is the global leader in outdoor power products for forestry, park maintenance and lawn and garden care. Their range is designed for consumers as well as professional users and includes lawn mowers, garden tractors, trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws as well as products for irrigation and gardening equipment such as pruning shears, rakes and shovels. UK and US readers may know their equipment better under the brand names Flymo and Gardena. “We are very excited to be associated with the Husqvarna brand family,” says Pierre-Yves Loriers (Ton), the managing director. “Its ideals and strategy fit perfectly with our own philosophy of cost-efficiency, environmental awareness and high levels of customer care.” Ton Company will be a ‘Servicing Dealer’ for Husqvarna, which means they will also provide a full after-sales service of maintenance and repair, with a specially trained technician on site. “We plan to locate the showroom and workshop in Ao Nang, and hope to be operational within the first half of 2010,” says Loriers, who believes there is a high demand for garden equipment in the Krabi area. “We have been approached by many people looking for lawn care products in particular. We hope this one-stop solution will fill a need in the market.”

Krabi Magazine

The product range offers something for everyone: from the homeowner with a small garden, through landscaping for hotel and resort grounds to land clearing for large-scale projects. Apart from high performance and operational reliability, Husqvarna products are characterized by innovative technology, advanced ergonomic solutions and environmentally friendly engines.

BUYING TIPS FOR LAWNMOWERS • A power lawn mower is recommended for areas larger than 300 sqm. The larger the lawn, the greater the cutting width. • Remember that every 1,000 sqm of lawn you mow means a walk of two to three kilometres. This means that self-propelled mowers or riders become interesting options. • The cutting system you choose is determined by the type of lawn and how often you mow it. Rear and side ejection can handle taller, wilder grass, coarser grass types and seldom-cut lawns. • The BioClip method is ideal if you demand first-rate results and if you mow often. The finely chopped grass cuttings are recycled to nourish and fertilize the lawn and make it more drought resistant. • Lawn mowers with collection save time and clean up, and can also be used for leaves, twigs, weeds etc. Collection is also a good idea if you want to avoid allergic reactions to grass, and decrease the spreading of weed seeds.

VILLA RATTANA

For further information on the availability and prices for the Husqvarna range of products in Krabi, please contact Ton Company Ltd by phone at 07) 695633 or by email at: Info@TonCompany.com

Krabi Magazine

Exclusive development in natural settings Close to Klong Muang & Ao Nang Beach 5 L-shaped Boutique Pool Villas combining luxury and affordability Contact EN-089 9085990 / TH-089 7727858 www.villarattana.com

Know the Law Story : Thanee and Associates Law Firm

Banking in Thailand S

etting up a bank account in Thailand is easy and quick, as long as you have your passport. You can bring in practically any amount of money, though getting it back out is another matter. Anyone living or planning to live here should do this immediately. There are few legal restrictions as long as the money originates from abroad, though you will get a savings account, not a current account. Cheques in Thailand are usually restricted to business transactions using company accounts. You will get a local ATM card upon opening a savings account; your ATM card will work in any ATM machine regardless of bank. For large purchases, you can ask your bank to arrange a bank cheque to carry to the vendor. You will be given a bankbook, which you should carry whenever you do a transaction with a teller so they can update it accordingly. You can also update your book personally at the machines placed outside most of your bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s braches in the country. A savings account attracts no costs at all apart for the initial 300 to 500 baht for the ATM card. Bear in mind you will not be mailed detailed bank statements from the bank as in many western countries, so your only reference is the bankbook. You can use any branch of your bank for most transactions such as depositing local cheques or cash, but you will find that a few services are available only at the branch in which you opened your bank account. The same goes for cashing a cheque: you must go to the branch number on the cheque of the issuing party, as is written clearly on the cheque, if you wish to cash the cheque instead of depositing it into your account. When you fill out a deposit or withdrawal form, be sure to use the duplicate form provided so you can keep one copy. Make sure to bring your passport if you want to withdraw cash at the counter rather than at an ATM, even if the bank clerks know you already.

Krabi Magazine

The most popular Thai banks for foreigners in Krabi seem to be Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Kasikorn Bank. Their staff speak acceptable English, their ATMs are foreignersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friendly, modern, and they almost always provide good service and maintains a good reputation. Technically, foreigners are required a work permit to open a bank current account. Nonetheless, banks here serve many tourists who wish to put their money into a local bank and use a savings ATM account for their stay here, especially if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re staying for several months. Should a bank or a branch refuse you, try another branch of the same bank, or else another bank, and you will eventually succeed in opening a savings account.

TREE INTERIOR Co.,Ltd Tel.089-7727858,086-3106299 e-mail : tonidesign@gmail.com, tree_interior@yahoo.co.th

Astroflash by Cyril - psychological astrologer

The sign of Capricorn For those born in January

“Divine Astrology is the energy of the north and south nodes of the moon, referred to as the Head and Tail of the Dragon”. This formula does not reflect the modern astrology disciplines you may use, study, or practice. For those born on the cusp of any zodiac sign, simply refer to the month of your birth, which reflects the exact constellation of your nativity. Divine Astrology, as practiced by Nostradamus, is the original way at looking and dealing with the stars correctly. “The location of the head and tail of the dragon in your chart in different signs of the zodiac will make you understand the Dragon’s power”. Saturn rules the practical sign of Capricorn and controls the month of January. You are strongly motivated to succeed and gain a position of power in your life. You are gifted with computers and you do possess strong organizational principles. More than any other sign of the Zodiac you strive for respect and accomplishment in your career. Saturn is a karmic planet and rules your life, thus you must avoid nurturing depressive thoughts. The part of God in you is much stronger than the stars we inherited and you do have the power over the universal mind. You were born in the middle of the winter and nature was a sleep then. You did realize early that nothing will come easily to you. Like the goat slowly but surely and against all odds (cold/wind/snow) you must climb towards the top of the mountain. The first part of your life has been a long and painful struggle but Saturn will reward you by giving you a long life and a well deserved position. You will appreciate old age and a solid financial security. You may also marry a much younger or older partner. The fluctuations of the Moon strongly affect your moods and your success in your career. Steadiness, organization, patience, and charm belong to you. You have a strong architectural or mathematical ability and your keen sense of observation will help you succeed in life. You are attracted to power and successful people and you may marry into wealth. Emotional and sensitive you are very responsible and protective of the family circle. However you must learn to openly communicate your deep feelings, your natal Dragon can propel you to the highest position and supreme power. Your challenge is to open up to the intangible world of the spirit and its accompanying Universal rules. Your natural tendency to organize people and business at all times could hinder your sensitivity with others. You are good homemakers and adept in investments. As a rule you favor a successful business environment where you can apply your tremendous organizational gifts. A word of caution for Capricorn: Be aware of those wild acquaintances willing to help you to climb the ladder of success. The location of your natal Dragons Head or Tail will seriously alter the strengths or weakness of Saturn in your chart. Cyril is a psychological astrologer; he exercises Nostradamus’ 16th-Century Divine Astrology method. To order your dragon profile with your natal report, forecast & progression report, compatibility report, relocation astrology report or astro-mapping report, please contact Cyril via email at astrobycyril@yahoo.com

Krabi Magazine