www.krabi-magazine.com
September 2010
ISSUE 57
SAVE OUR FINS
•TRAVEL•CULTURE•AO NANG•LANTA•LEISURE•NATURE•
OPEN ALL YEAR
Editorial
Welcome to Krabi September 2010 – ISSUE 57 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com 089 9085990 ART GROUP Creative Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Ton®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 Graphic Designers: Bandit Kanjanavarodom [Lim] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Gennaro – Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat Ben Coltrell – Adam Butler – Pamela Huxley Paul Stretton – Richard Barrow - Karen Forrest Robby Attwater – Ton Company – Lim Zenith DISTRIBUTION AO NANG - KRABI - PHUKET Newspaperdirect Krabi: 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION KOH LANTA - KOH PHI PHI Roberto Spezzani: 082 8005269 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.
K
rabi 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. September is usually a rainy month in Krabi, but this does not stop tourists from visiting the various stunning sites in the area. One of these is Wat Thum Seua, the Tiger Cave temple, where we find stupas, monks and nuns in meditation. Rain is a blessing for the local flora and for one of the exotic animals living in this tropical area surrounded by wild, lush jungle vegetation: the gibbon. The rain brings a respite from the heat; locals take advantage and play traditional sport Takraw, and visitors indulge in Thai culinary delicacies and seasonal fruits. Our writer in Lanta documents an event organized by Fish4Divers.com intended to spread awareness about shark finning, and we venture on a trip to Lanta Old Town and beyond to discover a unique part of Koh Lanta parentage: the ancient people called Sea Gypsies, or Chao Ley. Our real estate section analyzes the structural magnitude of rebarring; looks at Krabi as a growing retirement destination; helps buyers make the best of Krabi’s real estate market through an agent; covers the Southern Culture & Fashion 2010; gives advice on getting a lawyer; and marvels at traditional products Thai mats and cushions. Our ever-popular magazine is being successfully sold and distributed all over Thailand in most Asia Books/Bookazine stores across Thailand, and Krabi is finally being given the attention it deserves. This will help tourists plan their trip to our province in advance even when they are already in Thailand, it will make Krabi an interesting option for tourists who may have not considered traveling here at all, and it will give our sponsors a much wider exposure. Join our celebration as we start the next step in the already long life of this great publication. It does not end there! Watch out for our extremely popular Krabi 81000 Miniguide and Krabi Maps series that are massively available to visitors to Krabi and Koh Lanta, and for the brand new product Sanuk Cards, available from November, 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 from Kitdee Media & Design. Find the above products 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. And if you are not in Krabi yet, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the magazine, enjoy our printed products, and above all enjoy your Green Season holiday in Krabi!
Thomas Gennaro Executive Editor
No Shark Finning Event Cover picture courtesy of: Adam Butler
CONTENTS A Window on Krabi
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Day Tripper
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Nature Trails
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Sport
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Event
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Culinary
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Fruits of Thailand
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Koh Lanta
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Highlights of this amazing province: town to temples, beaches to Islands, natural hotspots to cultural places.
Tiger Cave Temple’s reputation as a place to climb 1257 steps is well known as a tourist challenge. Wat Thum Seua offers the prospect to men and woman of the community as a sanctuary to live out their lives. PLUS: Factfile: Buddhist Nuns
Krabi is a tropical area, surrounded by wild, lush jungle vegetation; it stands to reason that there are exotic animals living here. One of these animals is the gibbon.
If you have ever been to Thailand then you would have surely seen Thai people by the side of the road playing takraw.
Southern Culture & Fashion 2010.
September 2010, issue 57
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If you love food you will love Thailand and Krabi.
Southern Thailand is the home of the Mangosteen.
Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Koh Lanta Highlights: Lanta Features Marine LIfe: Say NO to Shark Finning Heritage: Sea Gypsies/Lanta Old Town
Real Estate
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Purchasing and making real estate investments made simple with Krabi Magazine. Construction: Structural Magnitude Architect Tips: Plan for Retirement Property Search: Making an Offer Know the Law: Get a Lawyer before you need one Home & Decoration: Thai Cushions and Mattresses
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A window on Krabi
THE ISLANDS
THE CULTURE
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 Ngai and remote Koh Rok.
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.
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THE TEMPLE 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.
THE BEACHES
THE TOWN
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. 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.
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 birds’ 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.
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Day Tripper Story by : Karen Forrest Photos by : Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat
Mystical Tiger Temple Tiger Cave Temple’s reputation as a place to climb 1257 steps is well known as a tourist challenge. Wat Thum Seua offers the prospect to men and woman of the community as a sanctuary to live out their lives. Karen Forrest went behind the scenes to get a glimpse.
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loaked in silence, inside a mysterious mountain cave in Southern Thailand, 20 nuns sit deep in meditation. They have chosen to live out their lives here in spiritual reflection in the embrace of the mystical Tiger Cave. Tham Seua or Tiger Cave centre, founded in 1975, comprises two distinct areas; to the right a small valley containing the caves and to the left the 600m limestone tower with the temple at its pinnacle. The layout of the complex creates a contrast between the meditation area and the temple - the limestone tower provides the perfect exercise prospect for the more active enthusiast whilst the caves give the more reflective a chance to experience nature in harmony. Behind the ridge, 100-year-old tree limbs stretch high above, providing shade from the immense heat. Individual meditation cells, built separate to the caves, create a serene environment where everything appears suspended in time. For a moment I contemplate the stillness that embraces everything. Meandering down the path, my senses become heightened. The sounds of monks, nuns and birds softly chanting their own particular mantras can be heard in the lush ravine. The smell of incense, drifting from the temples, infuses the jungle, radiating an ambiance of contemplation. I slowly make my way behind the bot (ordination hall cave) and reach the steep staircase that will take me to the peak of the 600m limestone tower.
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Reaching the shrine 1,257 steep steps later I am humbled by the breathtaking views. A golden statue of Buddha presides over this place of worship. His gaze into the distance inspires serenity that seems attainable here. His gold façade blazes in the bright sunlight demanding a second look. A golden stupa (a mound like structure that usually contains relics, typically the remains of a Buddha or saint) shines brilliantly on the edge of the cliff. Another relic to be seen is Buddha’s footprint – a natural imprint of one of Gautama Buddha’s feet - attesting to the holiness of the site. Deemed “natural” because it is found in stone or rock (rather than an artificial engravement), it is not a physical footprint of the Buddha but a replication. A lone monk strolls by and averts his gaze from the scanty dressed tourists in the temple - modesty is not a virtue found in many of the visitors, and their bare shoulders and exposed legs are considered an insult to the spiritual inhabitants of Tiger Caves by those who worship here. Sitting on a bench at the top, I wonder if nuns and monks make this arduous climb on a regular basis or if they spend their days meditating in the caves below…
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Factfile
Buddhist Nuns
T
he Theravada (Old Tradition) School of Buddhism at one time had a monastic lineage for males and a separate one for females. Bhikkuni was the name assigned to the nuns. Mae chii is Thai for nun and means “mother priest�. The original female linage of nuns was lost during the course of Buddhism spreading from India to Sri Lanka and then Thailand. Since there is no officially recognized female lineage in Thailand, the nun hood is not as highly regarded as the monkhood. The general belief is that monks make merit for their families - especially their mothers - since women can’t become an official part of the Sangha (order of monks). The approximately 15,000 nuns in Thailand shave their heads and wear white, rather than saffron, robes. They take vows and undergo an ordination similar to that monks do. Nuns meditate, study dharma and lead a hermitic life. Generally speaking, they do not perform Buddhist ceremonies, as do the monks. The issue of restoring the Bhikkuni Sangha comes up from time to time and some women now go to India or Tai Wan to be ordained because the linage in those countries has not been broken. After their ordination, they return to Thailand, often to Watra Songtham Kalyani, as Bhikkuni. The Buddhist establishment, however, does not recognize their status, but there is an Institute of Thai Mae Chii located at Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok. The wat has a number of foreign nuns and monks. It is possible for foreign women to become Buddhist nuns in Thailand.
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Nature Trails Story by : Paul Stretton Photos by : Pamela Huxley
Gibbons in Thailand
One of the attractions of coming here to Thailand is the opportunity to see things that you would not normally see in your home country. White sandy beaches, a warm azure ocean and swaying coconut trees are the stuff of movies, and yet here they are a way of life.
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A
s this is a tropical area, surrounded by wild, lush jungle vegetation, it stands to reason that there are exotic animals living here. One of these animals is the gibbon, sometimes wrongly referred to as a monkey, when it is actually an ape. The difference between them is fairly obvious but little known! Monkeys have tails and tend to run and jump from tree to tree, whilst apes have tails and are able to swing from branch to branch, thanks to a different skeletal structure. Unfortunately for them, they have been exploited for many years in South East Asia by unscrupulous people who have found a way to take advantage of tourists who have never been close to one of these beautiful animals before. If you walk down any main street in a tourist area in Thailand - Phuket, Bangkok and, I’m ashamed to say, even here in Ao Nang - you will undoubtedly come across one of these people. They are not difficult to spot, as they will be the ones with the little gibbon perched on their shoulders or hanging forlornly around their necks. They will stop you and try to pass the poor animal on to you, so he can take your photograph with a cheap Polaroid camera and subsequently charging you anything upward from 100 Baht for the ‘souvenir’. This practice can make him a lot of cash in busy places in the high season, as you can imagine. The problem lies in the journey that little gibbon has had before ending up in your arms on that busy nighttime street.
Krabi Magazine
It’s fairly obvious that that busy nighttime street is not the natural habitat for an ape. It should also be obvious that young apes should not be used to make money for these people in this way. So, where do these gibbons come from and how do they end up here? Contrary to what you might think, they are not rescued animals like cats and dogs. Poachers roam through the jungle and forest looking for a mother with her tiny baby holding on around her chest. These animals are inseparable at this stage, as you may have seen if you have taken a walk to the end of Ao Nang beach and had a look at the monkeys there, or wandered through the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi. They also live high up in the tree canopy, so the poachers use rifles to shoot them out of the trees, trying to be careful not to kill the baby as well as the mother. As you can imagine, this does not always work. If they are successful, the baby is removed, screaming, from the dead mothers body and taken away to be locked in a cage. The babies are then sold to the ‘photographer’, specifically while they are still at this young age, so they learn to trust them and treat them as a mother figure. This is also why they are so keen to throw their arms around your neck and cuddle up to you when they are given to you in the street. The young gibbons live this way for around 6 years, until they start to become sexually mature. During this time, they can start to become aggressive, which as you can imagine is not great for business. So they are killed or dumped back into the jungle. The problem here is that they have been raised around humans and in a cage for the past 6 years and have no idea how to fend for themselves in the wild. So unfortunately, the majority of them dies from starvation or become prey for larger animals. Not a great life I’m sure you’ll agree. Fortunately for the gibbons, there are places that can help these abandoned animals.
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The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is based on Phuket Island, and its sole aim is to look after gibbons that have been rescued and are completely reliant on humans. They are kept in quarantine for 3 months before beginning a long rehabilitation course that will gradually get them used to being back in the wild and fending for themselves. This process can take over a year and there is no guarantee that they will ever be able to be look after themselves in the wild. Unfortunately, many of them will have contracted diseases of been physically abused and mutilated by their owners, meaning they would not stand a chance by themselves and will be looked after by the employees and volunteers that run places like the GRP for the rest of their lives. Lots of hard work goes into trying to pair the rescued gibbons up for mating, as they generally stay with one partner for the rest of their lives. If they can be matched and mate successfully, they can be released and begin to reproduce back in their natural habitat. Gibbons are now endangered in Thailand, thanks to the work of the poachers, and the people who buy them to make money from them on the street. That money comes from people paying for photographs with these young apes – it’s a simple matter of supply and demand, nothing else. Even though the sale and trade of gibbons has been illegal here since 1994, the business is still rife all over the country. So you can make a difference in these young animals lives the easiest way possible - do nothing! By not getting your photo taken with them, you are not part of the demand. If you want to do something even more, places like the GRP are always accepting volunteers to help them do their thing all year round. Please remember this story the next time you see one of these people on that busy street and choose a photograph of yourself on a beautiful white sandy beach instead. Check on www.gibbonproject.org for the latest news on their Gibbon projects and for information on how to become a volunteer and participate in such a special opportunity.
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Sport Story by : Richard Barrow - www.thai-blogs.com
Playing Takraw
I
f you have ever been to Thailand then you would have surely seen Thai people by the side of the road playing takraw. This is a very informal game of about half a dozen people standing in a circle. They then have to kick a rattan ball to each other trying their best to keep it off the ground. Every part of the body is allowed to be used apart from the hands. This game dates back hundreds of years. To be an expert takes years of practice and you have to be very athletic in order to be successful. That is the informal game which you see playing everywhere. Then there is the more recognized sepak takraw game, which is also played in other Asian countries. For this they use a badminton size court with a net. It is played a bit like volleyball though of course you are not allowed to use your hands. Another variation of this game is called lawd huang or hoop takraw. The only time I have seen this being played is at temple fairs. For this version the players stand in a circle. High above them is hoisted a three-sided hoop. The players are given 25 minutes to place the ball inside one of the three hoops as many times as they can. The team with the highest score wins. As in takraw, hands cannot be used. However, they are allowed to use a padded head bandage. I can tell you those balls are pretty hard and do hurt unless you are used to them. When one of the players manages to get the ball into the net, this is then lowered so that they can retrieve the ball. The game then continues.
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Southern Culture and Fashion (SC&F) 2010
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nique local values such as seascapes, cultural heritage, and indigenous way of living attribute to Southern products with embedded distinguished traits of local materials, patterns, colors, local intelligence inherited through generations. One of the trade promotion initiatives of the Ministry of Commerce is the Southern Culture and Fashion (SC&F). The project was initiated to update local entrepreneurs with trends in home decorations and fashion in the international market in order to diversify their product lines to respond to the market’s preference and create value added to their products and increase their income. There will be fifty-eight participating entrepreneurs in this SC&F Project from the five Southern provinces, namely Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.
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Through workshops and practical brainstorming meetings, project participants are encouraged to develop new lines of unique products with local Southern identity (or ‘product differentiation’ initiative). These are Batik fabrics, print fabrics, jewelry, embroidery, and home decorations. The SC&F Project is only just the beginning to introduce local product development in the five provinces and market the products in domestic and international markets. This is to build up hope, happiness, and a bright future in a sustainable way for local entrepreneurs.
Producers interested can visit us at Southern Batik Shop, 187/4 Krabi-Kaothong Rd., Paknam Subdistrict, Muang District, Krabi, Thailand. Tel 66(0)81 8987035
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Culinary
Thai food, Krabi food An essential journey through flavours
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f you love food you will love Thailand and Krabi. There are restaurants to suit every taste serving a huge selection of western and Asian food, with the variety of cuisine and dining experiences being one of the major attractions of the Krabi Province. You can eat breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a local noodle stall by the roadside, and have dinner with fine wines in a sophisticated air-conditioned restaurant. Fancy a snack in between? No need for Thai food delivery - one of the wonderful characteristics of Thailand is the reverence for food and eating, so you can eat at almost any time of the day, anywhere. Tropical fruit, banana fritters, barbecue chicken and sticky rice? It’s all here... While Thai food is renowned world-wide for its wonderful flavours and fresh ingredients, Krabi is famous for its seafood, and you don’t have to empty your bank account to enjoy the most sumptuous of dishes.
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Thai Cuisine Thai cuisine is known for its balance of five fundamental flavors in each dish or the overall meal - hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter (optional). Although popularly considered as a single cuisine, Thai food is really more accurately described as four regional cuisines corresponding to the four main regions of the country: Northern, Northeastern (or Isan), Central and Southern. Southern cuisine usually contains lots of heat from chillies while northeastern tends to include lime juice in the ingredients.
Servings Instead of a single main course with side dishes found in Western cuisine, a Thai full meal typically consists of either a single dish or rice with many complementary dishes served concurrently. Rice is a staple component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Asian cuisines. Steamed rice is accompanied by highly aromatic curries, stir-fries and other dishes, incorporating sometimes large quantities of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Curries, stir-fries and others may be poured onto the rice creating a single dish called khao rad kang, a popular meal when time is limited. Noodles are popular as well but usually come as a single dish, like the stir-fried Pad Thai or noodle soups.
Famous dishes Many Thai dishes are familiar in the west. In many dishes, different kinds of meat can be chosen as the ingredient, such as beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. The most popular Thai dishes are: Pad Thai - rice noodles pan fried with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice or tamarind pulp and egg combined with chicken, seafood, and tofu - Lad nar - noodles in gravy, with beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or seafood - Pad seeew - noodles pan fried with soy sauce, with pork or chicken - Pad kee mao - noodles pan fried with Thai basil - Khao kluk kapi - rice stir-fried with shrimp paste, served with sweeten pork and vegetables - Khanom Jeen Nam Ya - round rice noodle in topped with soup containing fish meat, fish balls and vegetable. Enjoy Krabi, enjoy Thai food at its best!
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Fruits of Thailand
A fruitful season T
hough Krabi may be impoverished in terms of rice production, it is a province busting at the seams with family fruit orchards. Few tourists realize that all of that lush greenery they see surrounding rural houses and settlements are actually fruit trees, a cornucopia of tropical delights: mango, durian, rambutan, lychee, guava, cashew nut, pomelo, rose apple, banana, papaya, jackfruit, lime, and many others. Mangos are the first crop to hit the market in April, just as Krabi’s tourist season comes to an end. But it is the onset of the rainy season in June and July that really gets the fruits. One need only savor a bite or two of a creamy rice jackfruit, or the indescribably delicious mangosteen, to understand why the hornbills, gibbons, and giant fruit bats are frugivores in this part of the world. If you find yourself visiting Krabi province in the green season, not only will you see the landscape in its loveliest green attire, you will have the opportunity to sample a dozen or more fruits you have probably never tasted before in your life.
Mangosteen Southern Thailand is the home of the Mangosteen, which appears on markets in May and continues through most of the green season. This delicious fruit considered to be the “Queen of Tropical Fruits” has a thick, dark-red skin, inside which are creamy white segments with a sweet, slightly tart flavour; as a general rule, the more segments a Mangosteen has, the fewer seeds one will find. Usually, five or six small segments of white flesh are contained within the hard, dark reddish purple outer shell. Being an ultra-tropical tree, the Mangosteen must be grown in consistently warm conditions, as exposure to temperatures below 4C will generally kill a mature plant. When ripe, the outer shell yields to slight pressure and cracks easily to reveal the soft, white flesh with a refreshing sweet and tangy taste. This is the Thai way of opening it, sucking the segments out of the ripped shell. Remember though that Mangosteen’s purple inky exocarp juice contain pigments that can stain skin and fabric. Rip into it and watch your hands turn purple. To avoid crushing the delicate flesh within, a knife is used to slit the skin and make a continuous clean cut around the circumference around the middle by turning the Mangosteen clockwise or counter-clockwise through the dark beetroot-coloured pith but without cutting through the flesh. After this, Mangosteen opens easily and the flesh can be eaten with a fork as a memorable after-meal treat. Today, the Mangosteen is the subject of thousands, maybe tens of thousands of web sites because of its alleged health benefits. Several products out there with untold numbers of formulations as beverages, lotions, teas, pills, powders, extracts, and so on use the Mangosteen as a main ingredient. Apart from the edible treasure inside the hull, the rind has also been part of Ayurvedic medicine and has been valued throughout its native range for its medicinal qualities. As a final thought, remember that despite its name, Mangosteen has no relations to the Mango, only share several of the same letters.
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Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta Highlights
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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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Marine Life Story by : Ben Coltrell Photos by : Adam Butler, www.bigsplashpictures.com
Shark finning
A quest to stop this cruel and wasteful method
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hark fin soup – a popular dish in some countries - has caused outrage amongst many for some years. Many species of shark are endangered, with consumption of their meat being banned by some countries. The disappearance of these creatures from our waters is a huge environmental concern, and as a result many people refuse to eat shark meat and boycott the restaurants that serve it. Accelerating the decline of the shark population at an alarming rate is the practise of shark finning - sharks are hunted for their fins only, often cut off while the creature is still alive. The carcass is then thrown back into the ocean unused and wasted. It’s a cruel and wasteful method – the fin accounts for only 1-5% of the body mass, the rest of which is unused. Fisherman can sell shark fins at a much higher rate per kilo than the actual meat, so they concentrate on filling their boat with these and throwing the body away. Strangely enough the shark fin adds little flavour to the soup that bears its name. All it adds is a gelatinous bulk – extra flavouring (chicken or other stock) is often added. Unfortunately for sharks, a soup made of their fins is a must-have at Far Eastern weddings and corporate dinners – it’s a matter of wealth, pride and prestige. Despite growing environmental awareness around the world, demand has surged in recent years making the soup more expensive and increasing the prestige of eating it or serving at a banquet. A typical Chinese wedding could mean the death of around 40 animals. According to a North Atlantic study by Dalhousie University in Halifax, an average of 80% of all deep-sea sharks have disappeared over the last six years – hunted, caught and finned! A serious matter....but today on Klong Nin beach Koh Lanta was all about FUN! Several dive centres and other businesses set about raising awareness of this crucial issue in a light-hearted manner by holding a 3 legged race tournament – wearing diving fins. Running fast on soft sand wearing fins while having one leg tied to someone else’s leg is about as difficult as it sounds. But 12 teams of 2 people managed it, racing around the course forwards, backwards, sideways - any which way to get past the finishing post.
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The ‘Save our Fins’ 3-legged fin race is a global event organised by Fish4divers.com to help spread awareness about shark finning and raise funds so the Shark Trust can continue their fight to protect sharks. All around the world people hosted three-legged fin races to support the cause - three trophies will be awarded to the groups who raise the most funds. On Koh Lanta, posters and shark-fin shaped leaflets in Thai and English were distributed around the island to publicize the event and dive centres united to form teams, encouraging their divers to take part. “We were delighted and overwhelmed by the hugely positive response and fantastic turnout to the event. Over 80 people from all over the island came to take part in the race, watch or have a giggle at the fin-wearing racers.” said Saffron Kiddy, owner of Scubafish Divers. After 2 knockout rounds, the dubious winners were Ben and Luke from Blue Planet Divers who crossed the line with no fins (?) having used shark-like tactics to push all the other contestants over. All involved hope to repeat the event in high season, and recruit more tourists into the cause. “Scubafish will continue to support events and causes that raise awareness about shark finning and other environmental issues facing our oceans and marine life. We hope that we can continue to spread the word and educate people about the great need to protect these creatures.” Donations for the Shark Trust are still being counted, but if enthusiasm and support for this event had a monetary value then this was certainly a huge success, remembered and hopefully repeated for a long time to come.
IMPACT OF SHARK FINNING Loss and devastation of shark populations around the world Stability of marine ecosystems threatened Loss of sharks as a food staple for many developing countries. Socio-economically important recreational fisheries threatened Obstruction of the collection of species-specific data that are essential for monitoring catches and implementing sustainable fisheries management Waste of protein and other shark-based products For more information on all the issues surrounding today’s event visit www.sharktrust.org
sterilization programs rabies vaccination programs recovery center adoption volunteer programs education clinic & boarding home WE NEED HELP FROM YOU TO CONTINUE THIS WORK! tel: 08 4304 4331
www.lantaanimalwelfare.com
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Heritage
Sea Gypsies
A unique part of Koh Lanta parentage T
he Island of Koh Lanta is home to the ancient people called Sea Gypsies - Chao Ley. A few hundred Thai-mai, as they are officially called, have their homes and their heritage here. These people are the oldest inhabitants of Lanta. Nomadic seafarers of Indo-Malay origins, they arrived on the island more than 500 years ago with their unique language, matriarchal social system and animist beliefs. Today they are struggling to preserve their traditional culture in the face of growing tourism and the influence of western culture. No written or other testimonies exist to verify the real origin of the Sea Gypsies as their culture developed without writing tools. Their only historic records are legends and fables about man’s connection with nature. The Sea Gypsies of former centuries were said to be feared as pirates. One theory holds that they are descendants of the Malaysian colonies that evaded the Muslim invasion of Burma. Some Chao Ley in the extreme south of Thailand are from a tribe called Urak Lawoi, who according to local legends are relatives of Morgan, another group of Sea Gypsies on Surin Island in Phang Nga. Both groups migrated along the coast of Saiburi, now Malaysia ‘s Kedah state, around Gunung Jerai Mountain. They later separated and established separate settlements on various islands in the Andaman Sea. Today the Sea Gypsies are a mixed people with their own unique language and brand of animism. Their belief in supernatural and traditional spiritual worship is still influential in the Lanta community. Dead bodies are deposed of on cemetery islands where the spirits of the dead live on. Two of the most important animistic rites still celebrated are the worshipping of spirits by raising two high poles as a door or threshold, and the twice a year launching of the wooden spirit-ships during the Loy-Rua festival. The Sea Gypsies are traditionally nomads who roam the sea. However, their colony of Koh Lanta is an exception from the usual nomadic life-style. They have established themselves in Baan Sang Ka U, a village on the southeast coast of the island. Many of them have been granted land, surnames, and citizenship in Thailand. These unique people blend into the local population but they retain their own language, culture and close ties with the sea. They hold a subsistencebased fishing livelihood, like they have done for ages.
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Lanta Old Town
The land of the ‘Sea Gypsies’
The Old Town of Koh Lanta is a traditional fishing village on the eastern side of the island, and is certainly not to be missed. Here, you will find the traditional wooden homes of the local fishing community, as well as local handicrafts for sale. To find the village, simply take the main island road south – the best idea is to rent a motorcycle, as you can then take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way. Lanta Old Town is one of the region’s most culturally diverse villages with Chinese merchants, original Thai fishing families and an ancient Sea Gypsy community. Many years ago, Koh Lanta’s Old Town acted as the port and commercial center for the island and provided a safe harbor for Arabic and Chinese trading vessels sailing between the larger ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. There is so much to see – mangrove forests, rice fields, pink shrimp farms, and exceptional views of the southern islands of the archipelago. Flora and Fauna are abundant; it is not uncommon to come across an iguana or two, sunbathing in the middle of the road. A visit of this part of the island will give you a taste of ‘real’ life within a local Thai community. Be careful of course to respect the privacy of the locals, and ask permission before taking any photos. These people will welcome you to their village, but are often very shy when faced with strangers. All the same, you will definitely learn a lot about their culture during your visit.
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REAL ESTATE – Construction Text by : Rob Attwater
Structural Magnitude
Rebar Part 1
A rebar (short for reinforcing bar), also referred to as reinforcing steel, reinforcement steel, or a deformed bar, is a common steel bar and is commonly used in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures. It is usually formed from carbon steel, and is given ridges for better mechanical anchoring into concrete.
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rowing up I spent a lot of time exploring the multitude of disused World War One and World War Two anti aircraft gun bunkers that were quite literally littered everywhere across the rolling downs of my humble beginnings. For a young lad it was paradise. Hours upon hours were spent exploring these bunkers and hangers. Finding different tunnels and exit points. Staying out well passed our allocated playtime allowance. As kids we would rarely act out past war victories, more however, make camps and spook each other out in the dark and damp surroundings. You see, to me and my mates, these concrete playground dens were a place that allowed your imagination to go wild. The bunkers were in the eyes of the youth, something that the past had left behind for us to create a fantasy world in, one in which would still be around for the kids of today to continue our legacy. That’s the nostalgic moment for today finished with. The reason these structures are still around today is wholly down to fact that they were designed and constructed to endure bombing campaigns. Meter-thick concrete and imbedded steel cages cast these blocks that were dug deep into the landscape. Overtime, weathering and vandalism hadn’t managed to defeat these colossal structures. Sometimes, living in Thailand, and I know from visits to neighboring, Asian countries, it seems that the Architectural and structural engineering thought process that went into the design might have been predicting the possibility of going to war with the German Luftwaffe. Or the even greater chance of sustaining an earthquake.
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Thailand, or even closer to home, Krabi, is a beautiful part of the world. For all its lush greenery and inspiring landscape though, it has a competitor vying for the mantle of “Things you will remember from your visit here”. I am of course talking about the concrete eyesore. It seems to me that for every sublime piece of Thai architecture that I come across, mostly Temples and Timber houses, there is something challenging it in terms of, well, an unnatural beauty. That’s being a tad unkind me thinks. Architects are now designing buildings, whether they are shop houses or mansions that are incorporating different materials to somewhat hide the extensive use of Concrete and steel. This week’s article is covering the topic of how these structures are formed in terms of strengthening. Firstly, and with this month’s article, the strength and versatility gained whilst using steel rebar. Rebar was known in construction well before the era of the modern reinforced concrete. Some 150 years before its invention, rebar was used to form the carcass of the Leaning Tower of Nevyansk in Russia, built on the orders of the industrialist Akinfiy Demidov. The purpose of such construction is one of the many mysteries of the tower. The cast iron used for rebar was of very high quality, and there is no corrosion up to this day. The carcass of the tower was connected to its cast iron tented roof crowned with what might have been the first lightning rod in the Western world. This lightning rod was grounded through the carcass, though it is not clear whether the effect was intentional. Moving on, Concrete is a material that is very strong in compression, but relatively weak in tension. To compensate for this imbalance in the concrete’s behavior, rebar is cast into it to carry the tensile loads. While any material with sufficient tensile strength could conceivably be used to reinforce concrete, steel and concrete have similar coefficients of thermal expansion: a concrete structural member reinforced with steel will experience minimal stress as a result of differential expansions of the two interconnected materials caused by temperature changes. Common rebar is made of unfinished tempered steel, making it susceptible to rusting. Normally the concrete cover is able to provide a pH value higher than 12 avoiding the corrosion reaction. Too little concrete cover can compromise this guard through carbonation from the surface. Too much concrete cover can cause bigger crack widths which also compromises the local guard. As rust takes up greater volume than the steel from which it was formed, it causes severe internal pressure on the surrounding concrete, leading to cracking and ultimately, and structural failure. This is a particular problem where the concrete is exposed to salt water, as in bridges built in areas where salt is applied to roadways in winter, or in marine applications. Epoxy-coated, galvanized or stainless steel rebar may be employed in these situations at greater initial expense, but significantly lower expense over the service life of the project. Special care must be taken during the installation of epoxy-coated rebar, because even small cracks and failures in the coating can lead to intensified local chemical reactions not visible at the surface. TO BE CONTINUED…
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.
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4 independent and private plots left stunning views on the sunrise coast natural settings, on a green belt area self enclosed gated community of exclusive owners plots form 1 million baht, houses from 3 million baht land freehold with separate chanote title each plot benefit from the freedom of designing your own house building time 8 to 12 months with progressive payments MARKETED BY
EXOTIQ KRABI REAL ESTATE Tel :+66 (0)75 637459 Mob :+66 (0)89 9085990 247/13 Moo5 - Klong Haeng, Ao Nang Krabi 81000 Thailand krabimagazine@gmail.com
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Planning for retirement Story : Pierre-Yves Loriers
Your “rainy day� savings can be put to work in the sunny climes of Krabi
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etirement in a warm climate is a dream for many: with so much leisure time, it makes sense to choose a place where much of the day can be spent outdoors on activities such as gardening or golf. Even reading a book is more pleasurable when lounging on a sunny, flower-filled terrace. Krabi is a growing retirement destination, as fast developing infrastructure makes this already incredibly beautiful and friendly area a viable option for those seeking the benefits of the climate and culture without sacrificing comfort and convenience. But rapid growth (highways, hospitals, shopping malls) translates into increasing pressure on house prices; the last 2-3 years have seen the market value of property more than double in some areas, with no signs of slowing growth. So it makes sense, if you see Krabi as a potential place to settle down in your golden years, to invest in a home now, rather than waiting until your 60s.
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A pool villa can be used as a second residence for holidays, saving on hotel costs. In addition, until you are ready for a permanent move, it can be rented out to tourists and used to generate additional income to cover your investment. A design and construction firm such as Ao Nang’s Ton Company will also offer management and a rental program after any villa built by them is completed, thus ensuring your property is well-maintained as well as maximising its money-making potential. A realistic minimum that can be expected is around 6% annual return on investment. When choosing a home, a new custom build is preferable to an already constructed house; not only will this allow you to design your home exactly as you would like it, but you can also then be sure of the quality of construction and materials used. This is critical, especially in a tropical climate, where house finishings – and even the structure – can degrade very fast. If you plan on moving in 10 or 15 years, this is enough time for a poorly built home to be in need of serious repair. Ton Company has valuable experience designing and building homes for future retirees. They will automatically add features such as extra security, guest bedrooms, outdoor living space and manageable gardens, as well as ample storage for owners so that the villa can easily be rented out in their absence. All materials are selected for their durability and low maintenance requirements to create an easy to care for, modern home that will withstand the elements and the test of time – leaving you free to enjoy your new leisurely lifestyle.
Ton Company Ltd., with ten years of experience, is a leading manager and developer of exclusive holiday pool villas in Krabi, Thailand. For more information on the comprehensive villa design, construction and management services offered by Ton Company Ltd, please contact us at (075) 695-633 or by email at Ton@TonCompany.com. www.KrabiArchitect.com - www.TonCompany.com - www.KrabiVilla.com
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Property Search
Making an offer Finding the perfect villa or home of your dreams is something most people try to attain. In order to accomplish this goal it is advisable to hire a licensed Real Estate agent who is familiar with the area in which you want to live. A realtor can help you look through neighbourhoods and narrow down houses to find a short list of potential homes that may suit your needs and most importantly your budget.
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ith this important consideration regarding your budget, before narrowing down your list of potential matches it is highly recommended that you check your real budget. By doing this early, you will know exactly what you can and cannot afford which will help immensely with the negotiation process. So, after you know exactly how much you can spend on a house or villa and have looked through potential matches, you can narrow your selection to the one you want. It is now time to make an offer on the property. This can be one of the most important steps in the home buying process and sometimes the most stressful, but it sets the groundwork for negotiation. Your realtor should be able to assist you greatly during this process. Remember that most people are invested in their ‘castle’ both financially and emotionally, so if you really want that particular property it would bode well not to insult the current owner. The easiest way to do this is to sorely undervalue the property and come up with an offer that is significantly below the asking price, or to have a lengthy list of conditions for the sale. The best advice is to instead consult with your realtor to get an idea of a fair market value based on current market conditions, comparable sales in the neighbourhood and the condition of the home. You should have an idea of the low, median and high prices for the home, and have a clear idea of how high you would be willing to go while remaining fair to both parties. Once you have the data specific information you need, you can submit an offer. Keep in mind that the offer should be a fair enough one that the homeowner will not feel slighted, and allows for them to seriously consider it. Expect, however, for the homeowner to either outright reject the offer or come back with a counter offer that is higher. It has been proven that most homeowners with property for sale are motivated enough to sell, and that they will counter rather than outright reject an offer. Your Real Estate agent can assist you in the important negotiations of the deal until both parties have reached an agreement for the price of the home, and conditions of the sale. Once this is done, you will need to carefully read and understand all contracts for purchase before signing. Legal assistance is in these matters is a highly recommended option before closing the deal.
This article is provided to you by Exotiq Real Estate Brokers. With offices in Krabi, Koh Lanta and other destinations in Bali and Thailand, they offer the largest selection of villas and land for sale in the area, with access to an impressive online database. Visit www.exotiqrealestate.com or contact 089 7727858(Thai) or 089 9085990 (English) for Krabi and Lanta enquiries.
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Know the Law
Get a Lawyer before you need one! I
f you have the intention of moving to Thailand with the purpose to do business, or if you plan to buy a property in the land of smiles, one thing you learn the first few months is that finding a good lawyer is very important, one of top things in your to-do list. It takes time and a lot of talk to other people to find the ‘right’ lawyer. Most Thai people recommending a lawyer to a foreigner will expect the lawyer to pay them a commission for every job you may need. This is why it is advisable to contact a lawyer directly. In small cities like Krabi you will soon find out that almost all lawyers know each other. Not many Thai lawyers speak proper English, and those firms employing a foreign lawyer will charge you more just for that, as the foreign lawyer will not be able to represent you in court. Thai spoken in courts is very difficult to understand and a Thai friend will not be able to handle the translation, so if your lawyer does not speak English you will need to hire an interpreter which will cost you anything from 2,000 to 5,000 baht a day. Some lawyers are very vague when it comes to price, which may depend on a number of factors. Use the services of a lawyer who has a precise list of charges that can be understood the day you hire him. Lawyers are useful not only to defend a case in court but also for transactions like property purchases contracts, land ownership and leas, company formation and project development paperwork. Get a lawyer who is familiar with property law and who can provide you with the help of an internal accountant. You will find the best lawyer by coincidence, through close friends or through a real estate agent. Do not start looking for a Thai lawyer when you need one, be farsighted and get acquainted with one today.
THANEE ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW
E-mail: thaneelaw@gmail.com www.thaneelaw.com
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Home & Decoration
Thai cushions and mattresses
Thai mats and triangle cushions are a traditional product of Thailand and an integral part of the Thai way of life. Practical and comfortable, they offer a distinctive decorative highlight while providing a useful alternative seating facility and comfortable bases for practicing massage therapy.
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hai mats and triangle cushions are made from traditionally woven cotton, high quality Thai silk mixes or luxurious suedette, and filled with 100% natural kapok, adding an extra dimension to the decor of your rooms. The range of products includes meditation cushions, bolsters and seats. These items are used in an array of situations: as low cost sleeping mattresses, as meditation bases, as decorative objects, as seats for the household, as low seating at dinner tables, as recliners, you name it. There are 4 main types of Thai triangle cushion, available in a variety of fabrics and triangle size, and in many color available for each fabric: • Triangle cushion without fold, used for leaning • Triangle cushion in 1 fold, used as a leaning back seat • Triangle cushion in 2 folds, used as a leaning back seat • Triangle cushion in 3 folds, used as a day bed mattress Meditation or massage pillows are used in several ways. These pillows, higher that the mats, allow for more leverage and comfort for a massage therapist and are also perfect for sitting above clients head during a face massage. They can also be placed beside the mat under the client’s arm for support during massage work. Thai mats have the perfect dimensions for Thai massage, with enough width for the therapist to work comfortably and length for the taller client. High-density tri-fold mats are perfect for body balance, fit a twin size bed sheet and are designed for easy and compact storage.
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