The Jewel of the North Residences
at Four Seasons Be Dazzled by Villa Michaela
an Artistic Sensation
Gaynor Churchward, designer and Minnie Driver’s mother
Exclusive: Family Talk with
& Issara
Songkran Wan Vorasit
ISSN 1686 - 073X
9 771686 073008
THAILAND HONG KONG SINGAPORE
200 BAHT 55 HKD 10 SGD
Inside: How to make your emotions intelligent
Resort Property Focus
february 2010
contents special features
Exclusive Interview
10
Living News
26
Living News Extra
32
Event Calendar
34
Elite Event
36
Advertorial
117
The Gallery
118
Featuring stunning homes for sale throughout the kingdom.
Business Directory
126
Your guide for property and leisure related services.
Renowned developers Songkran and Vorasit Issara, share the secrets of their success at Sri pawna. For the latest property market reports, developer updates and leisure news.
Wealth management expert, David Mayes, offers expats advice on investing offshore.
Follow Tropical Living to the latest property and lifestyle events around the world.
Phuket hosted its seventh annual boat show PIMEX, at the glamorous Royal Phuket Marina.
Bangkok Matching was created to make the process of finding someone special smooth and simple.
february 2010
contents living departments
Living Homes
Villa Michaela,
Koh Samui
Residences at Four Seasons Resort,
Chiang Mai
Boutique Golf Villa, Phuket
40 54 64
Artistic Sensation
The Jewel of the North
Golf Villas on Course for Completion
Living Style Living Designer
Living Interiors
Living Lighting
Living Essentials
76 84 88 90
Introducing Gaynor Edwards, mother of Minnie Driver and owner of English Home interiors. Take a look inside Greg’s customised condo, designed for minimalist city living. Check out Bangkok’s latest designer lighting creations from PANINI. We whisk around the globe to show you the design trends from Japan to Georgia.
Living Leisure Living Active
Living Wellness
Living Pleasure
102 106 110
Set sail and have fun on the water with a new approach to team building. Are your emotions intelligent? Dr Alan Wallace can guide you on the right path. For some light hearted relief, share quality time with your pooch at Doggy Doo.
All with Full Ocean Views and Private Pools
34 Luxury Oceanfront Sky Villas in Phuket On a stunning headland between the two best beaches in Phuket, Kata Rocks takes oceanfront living to a new level. The unique sloping site gives the perfect, uninterrupted sunset view of the Andaman Sea and the picturesque Ko Phu Island. Set in a spectacular environment with a unique blend of design features, unit sizes unmatched on the island and a total commitment to quality and service, Kata Rocks makes a very sound investment.
Stunning Oceanfront Living Full Sea and Sunset Views Secluded, Private and Secure 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom Sky Villas From 134 sq m to 460 sq m All Sky Villas with Private Pools Latest Smart Home Technology
Award Winning Designers Architect: Original Vision Interiors: Kelly Hoppen MBE
Oceanfront Bistro and Sunset Bar Luxury Spa and Gym, Lounge and Function Room Management and Service at its best Minutes from the finest restaurants in Phuket All the benefits of being on Asia’s premier resort island
Kata Rocks
every day extraordinary
Kata Rocks Co., Ltd.
T +66 (0) 7628 4750-1 F +66 (0) 7628 4752 info@katarocks.com
www.katarocks.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Patrick K. Blaauw
MANAGING PARTNER
Urarin Klaitin
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Rachel Williams
MARKETING DIRECTOR
E.L. Low
Mobile: 081 892 1337 ellow@kinnareemedia.com MARKETING MANAGER
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Mobile: 086 318 0158 kwan@kinnareemedia.com PHOTOGRAPHERS
Nakarin Banjerdjin Chavalit Kamolthammanon ART DIRECTOR
Sunee Suksonghong GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rossarin Mongkonbuth TRAFFIC MANAGER
Jureeporn Sawekwang CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
Piyamas Taksin
ASSISTANT CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
Orathai Wannathong MESSENGERS
Chansak Jeawheng Piyapong Pinkam CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Phil Teese, Rachel Williams, David Mayes, Natasha Buccianti, James Barnes, Pattamaporn Kittipanachol, Stephanie Roy, Nadia Willan, Piers Evans Bangkok office (Sales & Marketing Departments) All Seasons Place, 19th floor M-Thai Tower, 87 Wireless Road, Phatumwan, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330 Tel. +66(0)2 655 8290/91 Fax. +66(0)2 655 8289 Phuket office (Editorial & Graphic Departments) 10/24 Moo 3, Kwaang Road, T.Vichit, A.Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel. +66(0)76 263 737/8 Fax. +66(0)76 375 659 admin@kinnareemedia.com www.kinnareemedia.com www.tropical-living.com
* ALL RIGHTS RESERVED * Please send your editorial enquiry to rachel@kinnareemedia.com. For advertising please contact ellow@kinnareemedia.com. Permission for reproduction must be obtained from the Editor. Freelance contributions are welcome. Subscriptions (12 issues) in Thailand THB 1,800.- per year, Asia USD 125.- per year Australia, Europe, Middle East and North America USD 165.- per year. Please contact admin@kinnareemedia.com or call either office. 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. Stories published do not reflect the opinion of the writer nor the publishers. Property buyers should allow for extra financial cost such as legal advice, local taxes and duty stamps etc. which may not be covered in the advertised prices. The descriptions of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertisers as required. Private advertisers are responsible for their own descriptions. Please take care to verify what you are buying in writing before proceeding. The publisher suggests all buyers of property seek legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. The publisher would like to thank all companies and individuals who took part in this magazine and wish them every success. ALL INFORMATION AND PRICES CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.
PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER USE
Silestone AD
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW STORY : Phil Teese PHOTOGRAPHY : Chavalit Kamolthammanon IMAGES : Courtesy of Sri Panwa
On Top of The World ALTHOUGH
it has been operating for only four short years, the Sri panwa estate on the southern tip of Phuket is already recognised as one of the world’s top 100 hotels. And according to the man behind the magic, Sri panwa’s managing director, Vorasit (Wan) Issara, it will be up there amongst the top 10 within five years. Tropical Living recently caught up with the father and son team, Songkran and Wan Issara, at the estate to discuss its success.
10
Celebrity Destination The 32-acre (80-rai), private pool-villa estate which straddles the picturesque Cape Panwa is already one of Asia’s top-ranked hotels with a guest list that reads like a Who’s Who of the world’s rich and famous. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay have stayed at the estate, as well as Hollywood actors and Thai and foreign royalty. Because the estate is set high on the Cape Panwa hill, 60 metres above sea level, guests can enjoy exhilarating sunrises and stunning sunsets, with a spot of tennis, a workout in the fitness centre, a relaxing massage in the hotel’s Cool spa, or a gourmet feast in one of the two world-class restaurants in between. Of the 79 self-contained luxury villas nestled in the rain forest overlooking the Andaman Sea, 42 units are hotel pool villas and 37 are residential villas. Each unit is custom-designed to blend into the surrounding jungle, and features its own stunning sea views, a private swimming pool and the sort of privacy demanded by the world’s well-heeled.
13
Six Star Luxury The estate has is own private jetty, a cooking school, a private heli-port, and a main bar area which is renowned for its hi-so parties. The Baba Lounge and Pool Club, named after Phuket’s original Chinese settlers, is THE place to be seen in Phuket. But Sri panwa is unashamedly expensive, with prices designed to attract only the world’s wealthiest holidaymakers. Room rates range from THB 21,000 a night for a pool suite during the low season up to a mind-boggling THB 300,000 per night for the five-bedroom, four-level former family suite which sits high on the peak and boasts 360 degree views over an archipelago of islands, Chalong Bay and the world’s biggest Buddha statue. This is where Prime Minister Abhisit stayed, and if you like it, you can own it for a mere THB 350 million.
14
15
But Sri panwa wasn’t originally designed
go to Hong Kong or Bali, but then we built
as a resort playground for high rollers. “My
a hotel which was more comfortable, so
family’s company, the Charn Issara Group,
now they come here.”
has been building residences, condos and office blocks for the past 30 years, and when
Songkran, managing director of Charn
my father, Khun Songkran, bought this land,
Issara Group, adds that Phuket’s appeal is
he originally planned to build 38 villas and
greater than other regional destinations:
sell all of them except one, which he would
“Here we have the beautiful Andaman
use when he came to Phuket to hang out
Sea, which is different even to the Gulf of
with his mates,” said Wan.
Siam. Phuket also has many surrounding islands to explore. Hua Hin is very nice, but
“Then I came along and convinced him
has no marina, even if there was, there isnt
to build a resort and compete against the
anywhere to go in a yacht. In Bali there
best hotels in the world. We started with
are beautiful beaches, and you can go
three people and now we have a staff of
yachting, but you cannot sail as much
more than 250, with another 50 people in
because the islands are very busy and
Bangkok looking after the accounting and
there are some problems with pirates,
administration,” he said.
which we don’t have.”
Serving the Thai Market
Sri panwa’s room rates are amongst the highest in Asia. “Last year, we had
Asian celebrities from Korea, Japan, and
an average room rate of around THB
Hong Kong and, of course, Thailand, spend
100,000 per night during the peak season,”
their holidays at Sri panwa. “They come for
said Wan. The high prices have paid
the parties, for private times, and to spend
dividends, both in occupancy rates and
time with their families. Forty per cent of our
in villa sales. Average occupancy is about
guests are Thais, which is a very high number
50% all year round, and the estate’s
for this type of estate. Luxury brand hotels in
success is reflected in the bottom line.
Thailand often don’t treat their Thai guests
The parent company’s profits soared by
very well, but we make a special effort to
a massive 295% from 2008 to 2009, mainly
look after them.” Wan explains.
because of Sri panwa, with 80% of income stemming from the estate.
“If you are Thai and you can afford to stay in a place like this, it means you have
16
“When I first came here, the selling
money, you probably work internationally
agent hadn’t sold a villa for more than
and you have connections abroad, and if
a year, so I doubled the price, and within
you like it here, you will recommend us to
two weeks I sold a villa,” said Wan. He said
your business associates from around the
the secret of the hotel’s success was
world. Thais who were prepared to spend
a good location, good planning, good
THB 60,000 a night on a hotel room used to
timing, a good team and good luck.
18
19
Successful Teamwork “The team is very important.” Wan continues,
Family Working Relations Special energy brims from 28 year old Wan.
“you can build something good, but to keep it
His passion is evident during the interview, as he
running smoothly is up to the team, and there is a lot
enthusiastically talks about his work and life. We asked
of hard work, a lot of training, and a lot of nurturing
Songkran what he thought of his son’s management
involved” He adds, “You have to be on top of things
style, but Wan couldn’t resist cheakily butting in
all the time, so you need good people in place you
“amazing, damn good!” with a smile Songkran calmly
can rely on. You also have to have good ideas and
responds, “he has strengths and he has weaknesses –
concepts. We have a lot of creative people on our
he has to learn how to use strengths more effectively
team, and we encourage our staff to be creative.”
and overcome his weaknesses. He has a lot of energy and innovation, I can clearly see this in him, for
Teamwork is also top of the list for Songkran, “Everyone must work together from the architect,
weakness, I would say as a young man, he has to slow down and learn more from experience.”
interior designers, landscapers, finance department, construction team, hotel management, food and
The father and son partnership certainly seems
beverage staff, it must be a team effort. This is
to be a success, Songkran is proud of his son and
difficult to achieve, like conducting a big orchestra
happy to be able to hand more and more
– you have to get everyone in the same tune and
management of the business over to him. “I was
a beautiful tune, not just the same tune, but
helping from the beginning, setting everything up
beautiful too.”
but now our responsibilities are about half and half. Sometimes I let go, because you cannot tell him [Wan]
Wan adds, “During the first three years, we
all the time, ‘you should do this’ or ‘you cannot do
only hired people without four or five star hotel
that because you will have a problem.’ Let him have
experience because we found people who were
a problem. If you help your child do their homework
straight out of school tended to be fresh and keen
they will get 100%, but they will never know what their
to try new things. That’s what makes us different to
mistakes are.”
other high-end resorts.”
The Competition
Fun is a key theme for the estate as Wan explains, “We hire people who want to have fun
Sri panwa’s guests are described as very
at work. We want to make this a fun place. The
individualistic people who like big brands, but are
guests can enjoy their privacy in their villas, but they
looking for something new, something fun. Wan
can also come out and socialise with the other
explains: “We are different from our competitors in
guests. Many of our guests say this is the best resort
that we are not just copying something that already
they have ever been to because there is a special
exists. We get good ideas from other hotels, we travel
energy here and we have combined fun with a five
a lot and we do our homework, but we don’t do cut
star standard.”
and paste.”
21
Wan, who was schooled in the UK and the US, started working in bars and restaurants when he was in college and dreamed of one day owning his own. “Now I am running a luxury hotel, competing against the big boys, and although we are the new kids on the block, the others are paying attention to us,” he said. The future certainly looks bright for Sri panwa with Wan at the helm. Phases one and two of the estate residences have completely sold out. The third phase of six villas is already under construction and will be on the market very soon. Wan’s five-year plan is for Sri panwa to become one of the world’s top ten hotels with an 80% occupancy with an average nightly room rate of US$1500. “I think it can be done,” he said. For more information about Sri panwa estate or new phase of residences, visit www.sripanwa.com and www.babaphuket.com or email chill@sripanwa.com.
23
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LIVING NEWS Compiled by Rachel Williams
C9 Hotelworks
Phuket Luxury Property Sales Top THB 1.1 Billion
P
huket’s luxury property market saw transactions
Market data pinpoints that a growing number of early
worth THB 1.1 billion for the period of July through
purchasers in developments are now cashing out at substantial
to November 2009, according to market research by
profit levels thus pushing up pricing points for existing product.
leading Thai consulting firm C9 Hotelworks. A growing resale
Geographically Kamala’s Millionaires Mile has experienced the
sector accounted for 50% of the sales. According to Bill Barnett
highest level of activity. Without significant new product entering
managing director of C9 “this year has seen the absence of
the supply stream, the second half of 2009 has seen a growing
new high end product which has propelled the secondary
number of premium ocean view lots transacted with buyers set
segment, while off plan product remains sluggish.”
to develop their own luxury residences.
Adding further that “the failure to launch new projects is
Bill Barnett commented “traditionally the period of December
a key constraining factor limiting volume in the marketplace.
to April remains peak sales season, and feedback in the past few
Despite demonstrated sales of a number of ‘super’ high end
weeks has seen sales traction. Ultimately the market desperately
villas from THB 165 – 330 million; developers remain on the
requires new launches to stimulate broader interest if there is
sideline more out of negative risk concern then fundamentals.”
to be a return to stabilised trading.”
Discover Exclusive Seafront Residences in Sriracha
G
olden Coast is an eight storey, luxurious sea front residence located on the private cape of Sriracha, just five minutes away from Sriracha city centre and 45 minutes from Suvanabhumi Airport. The development by Prime Mansion is situated on a private sea front offering breathtaking views of the surrounding beach and greenery.
Based on a combination of minimalist forms and exquisite contemporary Asian design, the units are generously built on a single corridor, enabling all units to share the stunning panoramic views. The project consists of 75 units ranging from one to three bedrooms. There are also a number of facilities planned for residents, including two swimming pools, steam and sauna rooms, fitness gym, and large garden area. The show unit is now open, for more information please visit www.golden-coast.net.
26
Kitchen Solutions AD
LIVING NEWS Compiled by Rachel Williams
Colliers International
Thailand Economy and Property Market Monthly COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL THAILAND | RESEARCH & FOREC ASTING
Property Snapshot THAILAND ECONOMY & PROPERTY MARKET COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL THAILAND - MONTHLY VIEW DEC 2009
Economy Thailand’s GDP contracted by 2.8% in Q3 y/y, an improvement from a contraction of 7.1% and 4.9% in Q1 & Q2 respectively y/y. This represented an increase of 1.3% for Q3 from the previous quarter. The tentative signs of recovery were attributable to the global economic recovery and domestic stimulus measures spurring consumption. The Bank of Thailand has forecast the economy would grow 3.3-5.3% next year, compared with 3-4% projected by the state planning agency NESDB and 3.5% expected by economists polled by Reuters. 17/F Ploenchit Center, 2 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel : 662 656 7000 Fax : 662 656 7111 Website : www.colliers.co.th Email : antony.picon@colliers.com
The Krung Thai Business Index (KTBI) saw a rise in business confidence for Q3, topping the 50 point level for the first time since Q2 2008. At 52.31, this was the third consecutive quarterly rise and represents the highest number since Q2 2005. The entrepreneurs surveyed were confident on four out of five aspects, namely overall economy, market conditions, production and investment and financial conditions. However, there was anxiety over raw material and energy costs as well as interest rate costs going into 2010. Confidence for Q4 2009 has also risen to 53.44 from 50.56 in the last quarter, reflecting positive views towards the Thai Khem Keng (Strong Thailand) Stimulus Package and budget disbursements expected in Q4. The Weighted-average Interbank Exchange Rate stood at 33.212 baht to the US dollar at the end of November, a rise of approximately 0.66% from the corresponding end of October figure. There has been a consistent strengthening of the baht against the US dollar over the current year, in which the dollar has weakened by 4.9% against the baht. However the baht depreciated in November by 0.16% m/m against a basket of currencies of its biggest trading partners as expressed by Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER). In fact for 2009 up to November, the baht has actually devalued by 0.51% using the NEER index. This suggests that dollar weakness is the main factor and that overall the baht remains competitively priced. However the recent devaluation of Vietnamese dong by 5% may create strains for Thailand’s lower added-value exports such as agriculture. Further devaluations caused by black market pressures could further weaken Thailand’s trading position vis-à-vis one of its most significant and growing trading competitors.
The tentative signs of recovery were attributable to the global economic recovery and domestic stimulus measures spurring consumption. Many commentators predict rates to possibly rise in H2 2010
Core inflation stood at 0% m/m and only a negligible 0.1% y/y in November. For headline inflation (including food and energy prices) the figures were 0.3% and 1.9% respectively. This shows the firm monetary footing underpinning the Thai economy and any instability will likely be in the form of volatile oil and gas prices. As a result, the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee decided in early December to keep its 1-day repurchase rate at 1.25% in order to maintain the current fragile growth prospects in to the new year. Many commentators predict rates to possibly rise in H2 2010 if inflationary pressures take hold. The construction materials price index in November 2009 decreased 1.3% from the previous month and registered a decrease of 2.5% y/y. This was attributable to slackening construction activity but could act as a further spur for future development activity as material costs account for 40-60% of overall construction costs.
COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL THAILAND | 1
C
olliers International have released the report ‘Thailand Economy and Property Market Monthly View December 2009’ covering the economy; the effect of the Dubai debt standstill; investment; the office, condominium,
industrial, hotel, retail and serviced apartments markets; and infrastructure. Below are snippets from the report’s findings for the condominium market:
L.P.N. Development Plc sold out a total of 3,000 units of its two new condominium projects in Chok Chai 4 and 75% of the Pin
The first half of 2010 is expected to
Klao project in November with THB 4 billion
be a buoyant period for the residential
in sales. The average price of apartment
market due to the impact of the government’s
units were THB 1.3 million and THB 1.2
economic stimulus measures, low interest
million respectively.
rates, potential termination of tax breaks for buyers at the end of March, relaxation of the
Supalai Plc sold out all of its units at
Board of Investment’s regulations for low
Supalai Park Asoke - Ratchada for a
and mid-income housing, more affordable
total of THB 1.42 billion. Prices started
units and increasing consumer confidence.
at THB 1.9 million. Also Supalai Park
The second half of 2010 is likely to see an
Ratchayothin sold 70% of its units within
upward trend in interest rates which is likely
three days of the launch. The total value
to temper activity somewhat.
of this project is THB 290 million.
OP Garden Official Opening
C
haroen and Ying Wanna
housing selective shops offering a
Sirivadhanabhakdi recently
range of luxury goods.
launched the official opening
of OP Garden, a new boutique shopping
28
The merchandise available at the
centre with a unique ambience.
unique garden of contemporary art,
OP Garden is the latest launch of the
includes home décor, antiques and
“OP” brand of up-scale shopping
collectible art items. Surrounding the
centres by TCC Land Retail Co., Ltd. It
garden courtyard is Signature by
is located on Chroenkrung 36 road in
Mango Tree and Doi Tung café which
the heart of Bangrak historic square,
enhance the total ambience of the
Bangkok. Like its sister, OP Place, this
boutique shopping centre. Customers can feel as if they are visiting an
new shopping arcade is situated in
outdoor art exhibition whilst enjoying sumptuous food or cool drinks in
a compound of historical buildings,
a relaxing atmosphere.
Baan Sawan AD
LIVING NEWS Compiled by Rachel Williams
New Vara Spa, Koh Samui
L
e Bayburi, The Sea Samui, a beachfront villa and condominium development, recently opened Vara Spa to complete the five-star resort facilities on offer. Vara Spa is now open for business on Bang Por beach, Mae Nam where treatments combine Thai local wisdom with western contemporary ideas to provide innovative beauty and skincare treatments. The Varai Royal Thai treatment
uses acupressure techniques and Thai herbal heated compress to release blockages and restore balance and harmony. For more information visit www.varaspa.com
Sunreef Yachts Launch in South East Asia “With his long experience in selling luxury yachts and superyachts, Alan Pickering is the best support to strengthen the Sunreef Yachts brand in the region. He will also be responsible for establishing technical support for the Sunreef catamarans
A
in this area. Respected for his professional and very personal lan Pickering, the owner of Prometheus Marine
approach to the clients and his regular follow up of all his
Ltd based in Singapore, has been appointed
projects, Alan has an impressive data base of the local potential
as the exclusive dealer of Sunreef Yachts for
buyers and believes the luxury catamaran is a perfect product
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Alan is an
to be promoted among the local elite,” says Maciej Stompor,
experienced yacht captain with extensive knowledge of
Sunreef’s sales director.
all the South East Asia, Mediterranean and the Caribbean waters, as well as a trustworthy broker and marine
30
Apart from South East Asia, Sunreef Yachts has an extensive
consultant for large yachts (power and sail) and
worldwide brokers network in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Israel,
mega yachts, yacht management and charters.
USA, Australia, India and China, to name but a few.
Modernform AD
LIVING NEWS EXTRA Contributing Writer : David Mayes
Offshore Investing:
What Good
is a Tax Free
Jurisdiction if your Underlying Investments Lose Money? Many expatriates find themselves with an opportunity to invest in offshore jurisdictions and legally be able to avoid paying taxes on any profits made from these investments (in many cases, not all). This is an enormous benefit and usually the main reason people decide to invest offshore, but obviously, if these investments don’t perform well enough to generate enough tax savings to offset the charges and still come out ahead of the return one could have made in an onshore investment, then it is not good investment. Unfortunately many times the investments made may end up going flat or even losing money. Thus there really is nothing attractive about a tax free environment if there wouldn’t be tax liabilities (profits) arising in the first place.
A
lso unfortunate, is that
as is possible as opposed to
of commodities and currencies to
many of the advisors out
efficiently satisfying the needs of
the global equity market indices.
there have a tendency to
the client.
place clients funds into what has performed well over the last year
Alternative Investments
or last few years. Most often this is what is not going to perform well
32
The fund’s main trading programme has been going steady for decades, producing average
Most advisors do not realise that
annual returns approaching 20%
in the future. The reason advisors
one of the biggest opportunities
with a maximum draw down of
do this is simple, there is an
with offshore investing comes
less than 20%. When the markets
unavoidable sales element to
with being able to bypass the
crashed last year this fund made a
the job and whatever the
“accredited investor” laws which
great return trading the short side.
current hot investment is, usually
most countries have so that one
This year the fund is slightly down,
is the easiest to sell (although
can access alternative investments.
which is the best time historically
almost always this is the worst
Many of these specialist funds
to buy these kinds of funds, as
advice for the client). Fee based
provide extremely consistent returns
periods of sub-par performance
advice was tried in the industry
in rising and falling markets alike.
are usually followed by periods
to try and avoid conflicts of
My favourite fund, which I always
of above average performance.
interest, but then the same
advise as the largest single holding
Of course many will look at a fund
problem arises which takes place
in a portfolio is the AHL Diversified
that is down this year while the
in the management consulting
fund by Man Investments. This
stock markets are up and think I
and law industries, which is a push
fund trades across most of the
am crazy for recommending a
by partners to bill as many hours
financial markets, from all kinds
fund like this to them.
Take the Long View
Performance chart 26 March 1996 to 29 December 2008
The big picture is missed by the majority and it saves me a lot
90 70
of headache in the long run when
50
who are too concerned with chasing short term gains. The fact that the stock markets are up recently means absolutely nothing to one’s long term financial health (you may hear your friend brag that his portfolio is up 40% this year but he won’t mention that it is still down sharply over the last few years). Over any
Index value USD (log scale)
I don’t land the potential clients
30
10
Mar-98
Mar-00
Mar-02
Mar-04
Mar-06
Mar-08
Man AHL Diversified plc World stocks World bonds
Chart : Line graph showing the performace of the AHL fund, compared to stocks markets and bonds. Source: Man Investments Ltd.
longer period from 18 months, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years, the AHL
standard deviation, or variation
fund outperforms the stock market
from a mean return. If one tends
with much less volatility. Many of
to produce 12, 13, and 15% returns,
these kinds of funds exist out there
then adds a few 30 or 40% returns
and are available to onshore
to this, by measuring with standard
investors only in the event that
deviation the “risk” has just increased
they are extremely wealthy.
dramatically. Obviously a fund which occasionally delivers large
Many of these types of funds
returns far above the mean
also have extremely high minimum
from time to time is not riskier
investments for onshore investors
as long as the skew is positive
(it would be hard to have a
(investments returns never follow
diversified portfolio full of million
a normal distribution).
dollar minimum funds unless you are a film star or professional
My advice to any expatriate
athlete), but can be accessed
considering investing offshore, is to
via portfolio bonds with extremely
avoid simply placing your money
small amounts or through fund of
into the stock market and hoping
funds which may be diversified
that your investments go up and
across specialist funds and in
that the tax savings will offset the
effect be used as a managed
charges which could have been
portfolio (not all fund of funds
avoided by simply investing
are good investments, some hold
in an onshore equity index ETF
funds which trade illiquid markets
(exchange traded fund) using an
and as such suffered during last
extremely cheap online broker.
year’s credit crunch).
Whether you invest in an emerging
Reduce the Risk
market fund or blue chip stocks, you are essentially making the same investment but paying a lot
If one looks at hedge funds
of money in charges (in the hope
historically, they perform far better
that the investment will make you
and with less volatility. Much of the
enough money that the tax savings
volatility is in fact upside volatility
will more than make up for it).
which is not really “risk” at all. Risk is usually measured as a
Research is Key If your advisor isn’t worth his salt then do your own research on the offshore investment company’s fund range and find some specialist funds with good long term track records, and some fund of funds as well (making sure to check that the underlying funds do not trade in any illiquid markets such as real estate or credit default swaps). If you spread your money out amongst these types of funds (diversify across successful money managers as opposed to diversifying across what are becoming more and more correlated world markets), some may stop performing as well as they have in the past but your portfolio as a whole should be able to have consistent gains on a year by year basis and give you plenty of profits to not pay taxes on. David Mayes resides in Phuket and provides wealth management service to expatriates throughout South East Asia for Faramond Capital Partners, as well as running several hedge funds for Singapore based Otium Asset Management. He can be contacted at david.m@faramond.com
Worldwide event calendar
2010
MARCH
Tropical Living magazine promotes Thai property, interiors and lifestyle around the world through these select events and trade shows, putting thousands of magazines in the hands of qualified investors, home buyers and industry professionals with an interest in Thailand. Make yourself visible on the property radar, promote your business worldwide through Tropical Living magazine.
March 23-24
Malaysian Land & Property Law Conference J W Marriott, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysian Land and Property Law 2010 Congress, offers the latest development in land use policies, financing and investment opportunities, critical issues related to new legislations and recommendations to avoid unforeseen violation of laws in land administration.
March 27-28 SMART Investment & International Property Expo SUNTEC, Singapore
APRIL
SMART expo is one of the longest running expos of its kind in Asia, where the organisers proactively generate potential buyers and investors for its exhibitors, through a well thought plan that benefits the whole industry.
April 8-10 China International Boat Show Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China CIBS is regarded as the largest comprehensive boat show in China, CIBS showcases the latest boats, equipment and accessories, manufacturing techniques, service suppliers and other industry related products.
April 9-12 Dalian Real Estate Spring Fair Dalian World Expo Plaza, China Dalian Real Estate Fair has successfully held 35 sessions, and is the largest and most influential property exhibition in northeast China. The event also showcases overseas properties to the local real estate market.
April 15-18 Boat Asia Marina @ Keppel Bay, Singapore Asia’s leading leisure boat and luxury waterfront lifestyle event, showcasing the latest sailing yachts, powerboats, super yachts and luxury lifestyle products.
April 30 – May 5 Architect ‘10 Impact Arena, Bangkok The best place to get access to the growing architectural, building products, technology, equipment and materials industry. Over 300,000 visitors in 2009 with 800 exhibitors from around the world with more than 10,000 new products, expect more in 2010.
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ELITE EVENT
STORY : Rachel Williams IMAGES : Courtesy of Informa Yacht Group and Simpson Marine
Setting Sail in
Last month, Phuket hosted its seventh annual boat show PIMEX, at the glamorous Royal Phuket Marina. The much anticipated event was held for the first time during the January holiday period when many of Phuket’s regular visitors escape the cold climates of Europe and North America. The previous PIMEX events were held in early December and coincided with the King’s Cup Regatta, which attracted the regatta sailors to the show on their lay days.
The boardwalk and marina definitely had a different
Moving inside the exhibition hall, the company with the
vibe this year. The crowds appeared to be thinner but the
most visible booth was Simpson Marine. Due to conflicting
clientèle were more serious. This was welcome news for
schedules, this is the first time the company have exhibited
the yacht dealers that were exhibiting.
at PIMEX since the event moved to the Royal Phuket Marina. The company invested in a large central custom built booth,
Positive Feedback
employing numerous sales and hospitality staff to entertain visitors with drinks and short bites. Sergio Loiacono of Simpson
Marting Holmes, general manager at Lee Marine,
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Marine was impressed with the venue and explained how
proudly exhibited the largest number of yachts at the
the event had been for them: “The show has been quieter
show, with five boats including the stunning Pershing 80.
than expected, although we hosted a great party on Friday
With a large indoor and outdoor booth at the end of the
the second day, the booth was full of clients enjoying food
board walk, as well as the on-water display, Lee Marine’s
and drinks. We managed to sign two contracts for new
commitment to the show is clear: “We have exhibited
Beneteau sailing boats and a Lagoon catamaran during
at PIMEX since it started, this year it has been better
the show, we will be definitely be back next year.” Simpson
than most years. The new January dates attract a better
Marine are the largest yacht dealer in South East Asia with
crowd, we have met some people that have flown in
offices throughout the region and opted not to have any
from around the region just for the show.”said Martin.
boats on the water at this year’s event.
the Right Direction
We also caught up with Starship Yachts who had a
we made the right decision about dates. We will build on
prominent booth inside the air conditioned hall, as well
this and make the show even more successful next year.
as two boats on display, including a beautiful custom
It looks like the global economic woes of 2009 have not
built Maiora. Edwin Ho, was pleased with the new dates:
affected the marine industry here in Phuket and the
“With the show being held in January it is the right time
future looks bright.”
of the year to meet visitors from around the world, who live here part time or are on holiday in Phuket. The show
The official figures show that PIMEX 2010 welcomed 3,500
has been good this year, the first few days have been
visitors over the four day event. Seventy exhibitors offered
the busiest for us and we have had some serious
a range of marine-focused product and lifestyle brands in
enquiries.” In fact, the company did have a successful
the hall while outside the marina was chock full of luxury
event as they sold a Cobalt 262 which was on display
yachts - over 35 of which were brought in specifically for
at the marina, the new owner set sail in their new sport
the show. Each evening the in water display was a fairy
boat during the show, which was a great result for the
tale scene with the yachts lit up and lending a festive
Starship Yachts team.
atmosphere to the whole boardwalk. Representatives from as far away as Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam are
Bright Future
attending in increasing numbers. Early indications show that 8 to 10 boats were sold over the four days at an
Show director, Andy Dowden said: “We are very
estimated value of around USD 10 million.
happy, the visitor rate and the feedback we have had since the show closed on Sunday has convinced us that
www.phuketboatshow.com
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La Colline Ad
Page 40 Page 54
Villa Michaela, Koh Samui
Page 64
Residences at Four Seasons Resort,
Chiang Mai
Boutique Golf Villas, Phuket
Living Homes
PROPERTY PROFILE STORY : Natasha Buccianti IMAGES : Courtesy of Villa Michaela
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KOH SAMUI
Artistic Sensation Striking a balance between luxurious showpiece and comfortable home can be difficult, but Villa Michaela has achieved exactly that, and is a daringly imaginative property which still manages to create a relaxing ambiance.
House with a View Perched on the side of a hill in Koh Samui,
Samui has to offer. The town of Choeng Mon is
overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and Koh
spread out below, the golden Big Buddha glimmers
Phangan, Villa Michaela is a five-bedroom
in the distance and the aquamarine sea finishes the
property which exceeds general design standards.
picture postcard alluringly.
Designed and constructed by Jonathan Levi and owned by his cousin, Perez Cooper, it is a
Through the doors, a wooden sundeck surrounds
magnificent example of how dreams can be
a 16 m infinity pool which boasts two wooden
become reality. Located in Choeng Mon, it feels
sunbathing platforms. A glass outdoor dining table
secluded and yet at the same time is only 15
is surrounded by 10 chairs and is situated next to an
minutes away from the nightlife in Chaweng or
outdoor bar area with attached BBQ. White rattan
the retail delights of Bophut Fishing Village.
sun loungers complete the scene as well as large, round daybeds with canopies. This is truly a sun
Completed in 2009, the house is reached by
worshipper’s paradise.
a winding driveway up the side of a hill and is entered through tall glass doors. Before you stands
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Back inside the modern kitchen with every
the living room, with high vaulted ceilings, white
appliance imaginable is tucked away behind the
furnishings and 360 cm high sliding glass doors
dining area, which features a round table which seats
opening onto one of the most superb views Koh
eight. Three white sofas surround a custom-made
coffee table and steps lead up to an open gallery
rooms is furnished completely in white, and the other
which functions as a cozy TV area with a day bed
in white with striking black accessories and artwork.
and Samsung flat screen television. The whole room
All have a mini-bar, safe, internal sounds system, flat
abounds in stunning artwork, from an enormous
screen television and spacious, built-in wardrobes.
black, cast iron chandelier to modern paintings and
All also feature carefully chosen artistic pieces which
selected collector’s items placed in glass cases.
lend the rooms character and individuality without being overwhelming. The en suite bathrooms are
A Fine Balance The house is more or less symmetrical and four
design creations in their own right, with sunken mosaic bathtubs surrounded by white stones underneath a cast-iron chandelier which is a smaller version of the one in the living room.
of the bedrooms branch off either side of the living room. The two bedrooms on the left are mirror
The fifth bedroom is located downstairs, under
images of the bedrooms on the right, and as
the living room, with this floor being built more or less
Jonathan says: “I didn’t want to create one
into the hillside. Again, it is a creative haven, with a
perfect master bedroom and other lesser rooms, I
modern painting taking up pride of place on the wall,
was determined that every bedroom should be a
and a large stand-alone mosaic bathtub in the room
master suite and dazzle accordingly.” One of the
which promises complete indulgence.
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Picture Perfect Next to this bedroom is an amazing inclusion. A fully equipped cinema boasts 15 black leather seats in three tiers, with electronics allowing them to be raised and lowered. A large cinema screen is accompanied with custom designed sound system and BMW speakers, all brought in from Israel. Popcorn and wine complete the experience. Jonathan laughs: “when we decided to create the cinema we thought it would be a nice value-added extra, but didn’t realise that some of our guests would spend hours and hours every day in here.” A gym next to the cinema offers a slightly more exercise driven alternative.
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Continuing around the property and ascending
really aiming at parents with young children,” explains
some steps back up to the pool area, tucked around
Jonathan, “as our design concept isn’t really compatible
one side is another unusual addition. Not many villas on
with toddlers.” Although the villa is also on the market,
Koh Samui have their own spa, but Villa Michaela is not
Jonathan and Perez aren’t actively looking for a buyer.
like many other villas. An entire suite has been turned
“We are quite happy renting it out and are open to
over to the pampering of mind and body and a steam
offers, but really, we are just enjoying the completed
room, shower area and massage room demonstrate
property at the moment, and adding small bits and
the attention that has been placed on guests’ comfort.
pieces on a daily basis to make it absolutely perfect.”
A full-time, live-in massage therapist is on call for massages at any time of day.
This was Jonathan’s first time overseeing such construction, but is now certainly not the last. “My cousin
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The property is already attracting rentals, and is
was trying to build a house, but wasn’t happy with the
popular with groups of friends and family. “We aren’t
management company, so he asked me to come and
help because I have a background in construction and
and is now undertaking other projects on the island. But
design. I found that a lot of companies on Samui didn’t
this property, as his first, is very close to his heart. “I learned
want to think out of the box and couldn’t imagine doing
so much from this experience, and found out that I am
what we were asking, so I just decided to do it myself.”
an absolute perfectionist.” That he is, and it is reflected
Jonathan drew up the plans, convinced builders to
in every thoughtful detail the property has to offer, to the
undertake completely new types of construction and
benefit and delight of all his guests.
went on seven shopping trips to Chiang Mai to furnish the interior. “I did not compromise on materials or design,”
For more information about purchasing this stunning
he says proudly, “and 30% of the furniture is custom built
sea view home, please contact Exclusive Properties on
because I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted.”
+66 (0) 77 430 326, www.epsamui.com.
Due to the success of this project, Jonathan has started his own construction company, ‘Tropical Builders’
For rental opportunities call Anna on +66 (0)818 929 460, visit www.thesignaturecollection.com.
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PROPERTY PROFILE STORY : Pattamaporn Kittipanachol IMAGES : Courtesy of Minor International PCL
The Jewel of the North
A
s the cool weather comes upon us, most of us cannot help but think of the gentle charms of the north. Hourly flights from Bangkok and direct international flights to Chiang Mai airport, makes it an easy escape. Upon arriving, whiz along a smooth four-lane highway to the verdant Mae Rim Valley where one of Thailand’s most famous hotels, the Residences at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai stands. 54
CHIANG MAI
W
ith the rich history and arts of the indigenous Lanna culture, mild weather year-round, abundance of pristine nature, and idyllic tranquillity of the resort ringed by mountains, lush landscaped gardens, jade terraced rice fields and even cute albino buffaloes, Sribhathana Garden Co., Ltd, a joint venture between Minor International PCL and Sribhathana Company, decided to take it a step further and create private residences for sale.
For a glimpse of what the residences can offer, take a peek at the award-winning resort.
In 2009, it was named No.1 in the world and in Asia for ‘World’s Best Service’ by US Travel+Leisure, which also voted No.4 for ‘Asia’s Top 15 Resorts’, and No.21 in the overall category for ‘Top 100 Best Hotels Worldwide’. Condé Nast Traveler put the resort in its Gold List 2009 for ‘World’s Best Hotels’, and rated it ‘4th in the World for Service’. Bordered by a waterfall with the resort on the other side, the 75 rai (30 acres) residences are dominated by the fully constructed Phase I, residence condominiums. Phase II, residence villas were completed at the end of 2009.
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Residence Villa at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
Residence Condominiums The original residences, Phase I condominiums consist of nine traditional Lanna three and four storey turreted villas that offers generously proportioned units that comprise an entire floor. Presently, the resort has put two Garden Terrace condominiums up for sale. “The units have been renovated, fully furnished and are on the market for approximately THB 65 million for 530 sq m. The interiors are by Bangkok-based American designer John Lightbody from Abacus Design, and the conceptual design by famous Bangkok, Lek Bunnag Architects. Gardens, rivers and waterfalls, along with the entire landscaping of the resort and residential projects are by Bill Bensley,” says Nanthida Ratanakul, marketing manager of Minor International’s real estate and development department. “The layout resembles a one-storey house with spacious gardens and verandahs. We also provide a proper kitchen and a well-trained live-in housekeeper with superb cooking skills,” she guarantees a smile. Home owners of the remaining 22 units, “are a group of Thai and international, mature, predominantly long-term residents, so there’s a strong community bond that binds everyone in the most delightful way.”
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Residence Villas Just five exclusive detached villas make up Residences Phase II, each situated on one to two rai of land. Only three villas priced from THB 148 – 155 million remain. The main gate gives a sense of grandeur that lies within, with a waterfall that cascades down decorative stone steps. “If all the doors are opened, a person standing at the doorway can see all the way down to the swimming pool. Our project layout encourages people to live outdoors. Besides lounging and sipping cocktails along the heated lap pool and huge Jacuzzi that seats 12 people, a sunken pavilion nearby for dining al fresco allows you to be serenaded by crickets at night, while huge flaming torches lit at the corners of the pools create a dramatic effect.” says Nanthida. Inside the Lanna-style villa, the living room opens out to wide breezy verandahs, the dining area leads to a wine cellar with a garden view, but the fully-equipped kitchen is detached from the main building. To ward off chilly nights, fireplaces are installed in living rooms and master bedrooms, both in Phases I and II. The master bedroom ceiling soars seven metres, and home owners can opt for chromatherapy whirlpool bathtubs. Two bedrooms are located in another two-storey building, and another one-bedroom unit is in a separate building. Catering to potential long-term residents, each villa has its own garage, with maids’ quarters above it for the housekeeper provided by the resort.
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Life at the Residences For long-term dwellers, the bucolic and sedate pace makes it an ideal for a contemplative life while periodic visitors will find it a restful and rejuvenating retreat. Communal facilities include an exclusive swimming pool with children’s pool and whirlpool, a modern fitness centre, tennis courts, library and reading room, in addition to the resort’s world class spa, numerous restaurants, and world-famous cooking school. Outside, home owners can truly immerse themselves the way locals do. A small market and a myriad of temples are nearby. Sports and nature lovers can head to golf courses, waterfalls and trekking trails, a butterfly farm and elephant camp. Buyers with an eye to investment returns can sign up for one-year rental programme. To ensure that Four Seasons’ standards are met, the dedicated residences management is further supervised by the resort’s management team. It has been said that home is where the heart is. As such, the innate warmth of northerners, as much as the splendid setting, makes the residences such a genuine pleasure. www.residences-chiangmai.com
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PROPERTY PROFILE STORY : Phil Teese PHOTOGRAPHY : Nakarin Banjerdjin
Golf Villas on Course
for Completion
Most golfers can only dream of living right in the middle of a prestigious golf course, with rolling fairways, carefully manicured greens and spectacular water hazards literally right on their doorstep. But for a lucky few, that dream could become a reality when the last three Boutique Golf Villas at Phuket Country Club are completed later this year.
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PHUKET
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Y
ou don’t have to be a golfer to live in one of these villas, but if you want one, you will have to get in quick before they are
all gone. Four of the seven luxury pool villas are already sold, and the last three are certain to sell fast.
Surrounded by Nature The spacious, two-storey villas are surrounded by the Phuket Country Club golf course in Kathu. The front door of each villa opens onto the third fairway, and the backyards look out over the 10th green and 11th tee and its picturesque lake which comes complete with a variety of tropical bird species as well as both black and white swans. The scenic Kathu Valley provides the perfect backdrop to this breathtaking vista. The project is the brainchild of developer Kris Tengamnuay, a self-confessed golf nut who liked the luxury villas so much, he kept one for himself.
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“I really love this house,” he said. “I can go out every day and play a round of golf, then come back for a nice cool drink in the pool. It’s the perfect lifestyle dream home.” The villas are perfectly positioned in the centre of Phuket and are close to just about everything, with the island’s major shopping complexes, hospitals, international schools, marinas, beaches and entertainment centres all within a 20-minute radius.
Lifestyle Choice Each individually walled villa features three bedrooms, each with its own balcony overlooking the golf course. The pool deck and the landscaped grassy garden area are large enough to host those all important after-game BBQs, and intimate enough for a romantic dinner with a loved one. It’s a place where luxury and nature converge in a harmony of fine living. And the impressive 15 x 4 metre infinity pool with Jacuzzi is just waiting to cool you off after a hard day’s golfing.
The double frontage entry yard has enough undercover parking for three cars and perhaps a golf buggy or two, there are separate maid’s quarters, and an underground basement utilities room which houses the pool pump, the hot water system and other service equipment. Designed by Phuket-based Tonkla Studio, which specialises in custom built homes, the villas are ideal for entertaining, blending space, function, lifestyle and design without compromise. The floor plan is surprisingly simple, but very effective. The main entrance points the way into a large open-plan area which, in turn, leads to a well-equipped kitchen with a large marble-topped island workbench as its centrepiece. The living, dining and family rooms are next to the kitchen and feature sliding wall-to ceiling picture windows which open out onto the pool deck and its spectacular view over the golf course lake. A ground floor multi-purpose room overlooking the pool would make a great office, mini-theatre or fitness room. A stylish staircase, made from rare solid Makha wood, takes you up to the second floor and the villa’s three bedrooms.
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Ultra Modern Design The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and an en suite which features clear glass screens and a three-person Cristina Jacuzzi whirlpool bathtub, with its own view over the golf course. Hardwood floors in each of the bedrooms are designed to be low maintenance and at the same time, they look fantastic. Each bedroom is fitted with both ceiling fans and Daikin split system air conditioning. Outside, the modern tropical architecture is striking. Only one side of each villa has a traditional pitched roof, while the remaining side has a flat roof, giving it an ultra-modern look. The design also features plenty of large windows which let in lots of light and offer brilliant views from every room in the house. During the day, there is a passing parade of players outside the villas, but after 4.30pm, the golfers are gone and peace and tranquillity rule. “In the evenings, there is just you and nature and the loudest noise you will hear is the birdsong,” said Kris. “A nice breeze blows in off the golf course in the evenings, which makes outdoor dining in the garden Sala a real treat. Even if you’re not into golf, this is one of the most scenic and peaceful
places on Phuket. And because the villas are in the middle of a golf course, there is no chance of anyone building anything which will obstruct your views.”
Peace of Mind Each villa comes with the option of a Phuket Country Club membership. The workmanship on each villa is of the highest standard and the fittings and equipment are all top quality, with Zeyco built-in cabinets and granite bench tops and Smeg fittings in the kitchen. A Bosch full function security system on all of the windows and doors comes complete with motion detectors and can be configured to either sound an alarm siren, or to notify a security service that something might be amiss. Electronic sliding gates at the main entrance complete the security picture. Each villa sits on its own plot ranging from 700 - 870 sq m and will be sold as freehold, with full chanote land title. The asking price for each villa is starting from only THB 24.8 million, a very modest price for such a prime location. For further information call Kris +66(0)81 628 5166, email info@boutiquegolfvilla.com, visit www.boutiquegolfvilla.com. Boutique Golf Villas at Phuket Country Club, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket
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Full range of exquisite Blends of colours and textured
Arts into livings
Designed, painted and crafted in Phuket
Showroom 1 : 71/3 Moo 1 Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket Phone : (+66 76) 326 870, (+66 76) 203 328-30 Fax : (+66 76) 202 087 Showroom ‘‘Clay house’’ : 185/6-7 Moo7 Srisoontorn Road, Talang, Phuket Phone : (+66 76) 272 151 Fax : (+66 76) 273 038 E-mail : info@ceramicsofphuket.com, sales@ceramicsofphuket.com www.ceramicsofphuket.com
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Living Designer Introducing Gaynor Edwards, mother of Minnie Driver and owner of English Home interiors.
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Living Interiors Take a look inside Greg’s customised condo, designed for minimalist city living.
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Living Lighting Check out Bangkok’s latest designer lighting creations from PANINI.
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Living Essentials We whisk around the globe to show you the design trends from Japan to Georgia.
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LIVING DESIGNER
STORY : James Barnes IMAGES : Courtesy of Niche PR
Model, Mother and Material Girl Beautiful English 1960’s fashion model, mother of Oscar nominee Minnie Driver and fabulous fabric designer, glorious Gaynor Churchward in her own words...
Creative Beginnings “My design inspiration started when I was very young. I went to an unusual progressive co-ed boarding school where we were all encouraged to concentrate on subjects we enjoyed and if we could convince the teachers, we could give up those we did not. I developed a fascination for languages and the creative arts which led me to an excitingly varied life. I became a model, living and working all over the world. Watching the inventiveness of Parisian couturiers and their skills with textiles influenced me greatly. I learnt a lot too, observing the exclusive trappings that surrounded the rich playboys who always buzz around models – they often knew a lot about style. Design is always in the detail and spotting details has always been a major hobby. “I did eventually settle down but always longed to do something associated with the arts, so after my three children had grown up I started a small business from my home, selling one-off cushions made out of vintage embroidery and antique Persian carpet scraps. They quickly found a following with designers and when people started knocking on my front door asking: ‘Is this the place where the cushions are made?’ I decided to expand.”
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Blossoming Business “Now, 25 years later, English Home has
Design Influences “Inspiration comes from unexpected small things
grown into an international company with a
– like the colour of the feathers under the wing of a
loyal and growing client base all over the world.
passing pigeon, or the transient colours of a sunset,
We have our own specialist factory in India, where
or a scrap of tribal weaving found at an antique
superbly talented embroiderers make up our
fair. Our latest Richmond range was inspired by a
exclusive designs. These are the designs which
broken 19th century cast iron balcony I happened
I love creating.
to pass in New York, and one of our new cushion designs came from the pattern on an 19th century
“My own preference in interior design is to
iron manhole cover in Paris. I always modify and
mix past and present, like having a single intricate
change these inspirations, as there is no fun in just
antique piece of furniture or elaborate baroque
duplicating stuff.”
feature, alongside empty walls, plus big windows and plants. I admire different designers for different qualities – but the trick is to give your customers what they want, so when one of them gives me a specific design brief about the look they want to create – even though I may not particularly like it and have to compromise I always aim to be faithful to beauty and scale.”
On the Big Screen “We attract a lot of theatrical set designers because of our dramatic look, and many big film and TV productions have showcased our fabrics. Moulin Rouge, which won an Oscar for best set design, featured our cushions and bedspreads,
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There is a fascination here for eclectic and diverse style, often with a reverence for worn old leather sofas and mixing old architectural relics in with modern conversions. Contemporary colours are often subtle and carefully blended – aubergine with dark olive and pewter, dark khaki with taupe and ivory, old rose with smoky greys, all naturally muted - these are the favourites with the chic designers, while traditionalists go for the classic faded old roses look. England is famed for anarchic designs - mad electric colours mixed with industrial elements that are popular with newer designers who never follow any trends but in doing so create new ones.” as did Pirates of the Caribbean, Notting Hill, Robin Hood, Girl with a Pearl Earring and countless others. English Home cushions and embroidered curtain
A Step Ahead “Copiers constantly dog English Home,
panels crop up all the time on television. Last month
which only ever spurs me to design
they were seen in the BBC period drama series
something new – the best part of my job.
‘Emma’, and the historic drama about Henry VIII,
My daughter Minnie Driver is an actress,
The Tudors, earlier in the year.”
whose Spanish colonial house in Hollywood
Worldwide Appeal
is full of our curtains and cushions. I stayed recently while she was filming in New York. It was whilst there that I created the new
“Our regal designs in heavy velvet are quite
formal Henry range based on a classic
difficult to assimilate into a domestic setting but are
trellis pattern, and also the Richmond range
transformed when made up in pale linen or silk. It
(the New York balcony!) which is a baroque
does take an experienced eye to get the best look
mass of swirls and flowers. For 2010, we have
– which is why so many professional designers use us.
added a lot of herringbone patterns and
This transformation from one fabric to another gives
stripes to the new collections for the
me great pleasure as it illustrates how, with a little
first time.
thought, our products are quite adaptable. English interiors have always attracted world-wide
“I must get my energy from my father,
designer interest. We spend a lot of time indoors in
who went on working until he was over
England, due to the unsettled weather here, so
80, but it is loving my job that keeps me
we make them as interesting and comfortable as
on the ball. In January 2010, we launched
possible. English aesthetics have always been a
our brand new website, which is an online
magnet for up-market designers in many different
showcase and gallery for all our established
countries, particularly where a comfortable and
products and four brand new collections
elegant look is required.
together with inspiration for innovative ways to use our fabrics and accessories.
“Our cotton voile and net embroidered panels
The website is a great tool for those who
are ideal for tropical climates, creating cool and
cannot get to the London shop to see
interesting accents in the more contemporary
our range and to order online.”
settings of eastern homes. Current trends are unpredictable and in England - anything goes.
www.englishhome.com
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LIVING INTERIORS STORY : Stephanie Roy PHOTOGRAPHY : Nakarin Banjerdjin
As managing editor of a Bangkok magazine, Gregoire Glachant has an eye for design and style. For this issue of Tropical Living, he walks us through his custom designed condominium in the heart of Bangkok to show us how personalisation is key when designing your living space from A to Z.
Customised City Living Seek and Find “Everything had to be really slick”, Gregoire explains. Upon entering his home, one noticeable feature is that everything is strategically hidden. Along with his partner and third year architect student, Ekkasit Jaeng-Anghin, the two went for a look that is clean, organised and most importantly uncluttered. The ubiquitous air-conditioning units that usually double as eyesores on most apartment walls around the city are hidden away underneath specially built and colour coordinated boxes. The flat screen television hangs alone on the wall, as there aren’t any traces of cables for the speakers, DVD players or other electronics in sight. Near
the kitchen area are oversized dark wood cabinets, which after opening, are surprisingly storage units including a shoe rack.
Handmade Haven Gregoire explains that the overall design is quite modern and angular. Apart from sharp angles, he describes his apartment as having, “Way more wood than I thought we could get away with.” Everything in the condo including the furniture and shelving is custom built. The main contractor for the project was highly skilled in working with wood,
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which made designing the interior from start to finish a much easier task. He converted one of the two bedrooms in this 75 sq m condominium into an office area, which displays very futuristic and eccentric shelving. Traditionally, many homes are usually built for a generic person with no particular personality in mind, Gregoire explains. Because most home and condominium owners design their living spaces by going shopping and matching pieces together, many will collect classic pieces such as the Barcelona style chair and other design magazine favourites, he continues. “It is kind of rare to create your furniture for a personalised look that is your own.” It’s also a great feeling to design your place for you and your own taste.
Less Is More
You Live, Design and Learn If ever met with such a task again,
One of the most comforting aspects
Gregoire explains that he would be much
of a clutter-free and custom-built interior
better at designing his living space a
is the need to not go shopping. “It’s very
second time around. During the roughly
economical when you decide you’re not
two months it took to create the look of
going to have pieces and accessories in
the condo, he learned that it is normal
your house,” says Gregoire. He continues,
to have a few bumps along the way. He
“It’s also very relaxing when you are on
explains that when things don’t come out
vacation and there’s no urge to bring
the way you intended, you can work
back souvenirs or other trinkets to fill the
with the contractor to fix them or find a
shelves.” As a photographer however, he
solution. In the end he tells us, “we are
admits the he does intend to add a bit
really happy here, sometimes we just sit
more photography to the walls.
back and admire it.”
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LIVING LIGHTING
PANINI
Custom CODE : PT-12062
Diameter 100 cm, Height 110 cm with 18 lights Matt black wrought iron country style chandelier
CODE : PJ-01
Diameter 100 cm, Height 150 cm with 6 lights Matt black oriental style metal pendant with ivory silk lampshades and decorative black tassel
CODE : PN-35
Diameter 25 - 40 cm, Height 30 – 50 cm Matt black metal bird nest pendants with clear decorative crystals
CODE : PN-1693
Diameter 120 cm, Height 110 cm with 24 lights Matt black country style wrought iron chandelier
CODE : PN-03C
Diameter 77 cm, Height 105 cm with 8 lights Matt black wrought iron chandelier with milky white resin lampshades
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CODE : PN-41
Lighting
Diameter 60 cm, Height 107 cm with 4 lights Green patina wrought iron oiental style pendant with frosted glass and decorative tassel
CODE : PN-43
Diameter 90 cm, Height 90 cm with 24 lights Green patina wrought iron pendant with spiky light bulbs
CODE : PN-8123
Diameter 95 cm, Height 95 cm with 6 lights Matt black wrought iron globe pendant
CODE : PN-38
Diameter 80 cm, Height 90 cm with 6 lights Matt black wrought iron chandelier with milky white resin lampshades
P CODE : DNK-016B
Diameter 90 cm, Height 80 cm with 18 lights Matt black country style wrought iron chandelier
CODE : MX-62388B
Diameter 100 cm, Height 110 cm with 8 lights Polished black Venetian glass chandelier with clear crystal droplets
ANINI Company Limited is Thailand’s leading manufacturer and retailer of exclusive lighting designs for decorative lamps. The company offers a complete one-stop service including customised lighting manufacture, professional consultancy and installation service. The team of professionals recommend the best lighting design solution, selecting only the finest quality materials and guide both local and international clients to what they believe are the most functional and captivating design pieces. Their portfolio of projects include a collection of luxury hotels and resorts, private residences, commercial and retail, with esteemed clients such as Four Seasons, Shangri-La, Sansiri and much more. For more information please contact: +66(0)81 616 6033 www.panini-design.com Showroom: 113/1 Thonglor Soi 10, Bangkok Telephone: +66(0)2 392 9116-7
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LIVING ESSENTIALS Compiled by Rachel Williams
Global Trends UK
Origins Design “Our principal philosophy of fusing nature with urban living has never been more relevant. We provide our customers with unique contemporary pieces all of which preserve the spirit of their organic origins.” www.originsdesign.com
Black Lacquer Side Table High gloss black lacquer table with round top and shaped base. Price: £395
Ladder Side Table Polished stainless steel drum shaped side table with glass top. Price: £570
Director’s Chair Polished stainless steel directors style chair with upholstered leather seat and back. Price: £1530
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Zebra Mirror Large rectangular mirror with zebra hide frame and polished stainless steel overlay. Price: £1550
Ladder Coffee Table Drum shaped stainless steel and glass coffee table. Price: £1250
Willow Armchair Fully upholstered desk chair or carver dining chair has beech legs(with wenge stain). Photographed in Romo ‘cordelia’ fabric. Price: £640
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LIVING ESSENTIALS
Moonwalk is a cosmonaut lamp made in lacquered steel.
Permis De Conduit (Driving licence) is a wall light which recalls road signals, it warns from some mannish behaviours.
FRANCE
Thomas de Lussac Bony & Light lamp.
“I play, combine and think of creations with a very masculine and futurist spirit. Aerodynamism of the forms, the architecture of lines and a big sense of humour are the master words which define my lamps, furniture… universe.” www.thomasdelussac.fr
Freeway soliflore-vase in shape of traffic cone, hand painted ceramic.
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Welcome is vase with the grenade’s form, it is a message of peace in this raw world!
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LIVING ESSENTIALS
ITALY
Ennezero
“We are open to influences from the world of arts and philosophy, with the aim of creating absolutely innovative, unique objects and furnishings, permeated by a new critical attitude towards how things function: that is the dynamic mindset that drives our firm.� www.ennezero.it
Full Moon Three-door cupboard made of MDF with a polished lacquer finish and a base made of aluminium with a glossy finish applied with galvanic technique.
Il Falso Kandinsky range of cabinets, design by Giuseppe Canevese.
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Puma Bike series Bike series for urban use, based on different bike typologies. Unique carrier solutions, merging basket, carrier and handlebar in one, produced by Biomega.
DENMARK KiBiSi
TMA Headphones New headphones to be launched in 2010, produced by AIAIAI.
“We are a Copenhagen based idea-driven industrial design firm. Each partner contributes with intelligence and experience from within his specific field providing KibiSi with cutting edge knowledge and know how within the fields of architecture, design, furniture, electronics, transportation, contemporary culture and lifestyle.� www.kibisi.com
Expo Chair 2010 Molded plywood chair designed for the Danish EXPO Pavilion, Shanghai 2010, produced by HAY.
Tube Chair Tube Chair is developed for the 61,000 m2 mixed use project in CPH, 8 HOUSE. A stackable chair manufactured of wood and aluminium, produced by HAY.
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LIVING ESSENTIALS Commode-Commode Various wood textures – different colours.
Position Rooms offers three versions of the Position lamp, table, wall and suspension lamp, all using a system of spring balancing.
GEORGIA Director’s Lamp Limited edition Director’s Lamp with aluminium diffuser original from the old soviet period.
Chairman Chair in wood with aluminium legs.
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Rooms
“We intend to create inventive, catchy, playful, ironic, distinctive designs. We are not a follower of any particular style, collaboration and experimentation are key factors to our creative practice.” www.rooms.ge
Commode Upside-down Painted wood – white colour.
TV Table Soviet Reflects our childhood wish to penetrate the TV screen.
Sofa – Sofa Natural oak wood and white fabric sofa.
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Dinin
g cha
ir
Cabinet
Side board small
LIVING ESSENTIALS
JAPAN Karimoko
“Our purpose is to improve the quality
of furniture under our company policy ‘Quality Comes First’, as well as improve the quality of the living environment. True to our credo of ‘if utilising a 100 year old Saito
tree, create furniture worthy of its age,’ ro y Jota
we constantly pursue the creation of
Pers
onal
chair
b
furniture that will be forever loved
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by customers.”
www.karimoko.com
Console table
Stand mirror
hair ing c Rock
Chaise longue chair
Low board
from your properties to your pastimes
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Living Active Set sail and have fun on the water with a new approach to team building.
106
Living Wellness Are your emotions intelligent? Dr Alan Wallace can guide you on the right path.
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Living Pleasure For some light hearted relief, share quality time with your pooch at Doggy Doo.
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LIVING ACTIVE
STORY : Piers Evans
Corporate Training Begins with a Sea Executives the world over have a definite feel for the sea. Few meetings pass without veering into nautical terminology, with managers ‘taking the helm’ on new projects, ‘changing tack’ or ‘overhauling’ their plans. Yet, despite their salty turn of phrase, Thailand’s corporate staff can be as bemused by sailing technology as the original inhabitants of the New World.
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In fact, Blue Wave’s 18 Platu yachts provide a good example of Thailand’s choppy relationship with yachting. Specifically designed for the Gulf of Thailand, the Platu was commissioned twenty years ago for a marina in Pranburi – which failed to find a public. Yet plenty of yachting companies are now aiming to get Thai business folk afloat – if not for the love of the sea, then at least for their professional development.
Adventure Sport For Bob Garner, who operates out of Pattaya’s Ocean Marina, learning to sail has a perfect fit for Southeast Asia’s corporate culture. “Corporate days out in the US or Europe are often quite ‘extreme’, such as ‘let’s all go whitewater rafting’ or ‘let’s all go climb a mountain’. In Asia, all too often, it’s the opposite, such as, ‘let’s all go to the beach – the red team can collect seashells and the blue team can build sandcastles, and the ladies can arrange the food’,” he says. But, in his view, sailing offers the perfect challenge for adventuresome Thai executives: “It’s very exciting and different from their normal world but it’s not so ‘extreme’.” Bob’s niche in corporate sailing is a four-day course on a very speedy,
Learning the Ropes
yet stable racing trimaran. Several well-known local banks and insurance companies have
Kevin Scott of Blue Wave Watersports tuts at a
incorporated this into their management
question recently put to him by one Thai executive,
training schemes, as has one Singapore-based
about to start a day learning the ropes on a sailing
IT company.
yacht. Glancing round the vessels berthed at Pattaya’s Ocean Marina, the executive pointed at
“I work with HR development teams from
“a massive motor yacht worth about THB 20 million” and
larger and medium-sized companies and
innocently asked if that was what he’d be sailing on.
take out young and upcoming guys and girls in their twenties and thirties,” he says. “A modern
For Scott, the approved term for a motor yacht is
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yacht is perfect for team building as you
“stinkpot” – an expression of the disdain for overgrown
cannot sail one well without working together
motor launches shared by all true yachties. But not by
as a team. It simply won’t go where you want
his corporate trainee, who gasped a startled “Oh, my
it to or at the speed you want it to go there
goodness!” when Scott pointed out the seven metre
unless you work together and communicate
Platu yacht he would actually be sailing in.
together effectively as a real team.”
Professional Qualification Sail In Siam’s trainees come away
Yachting Lifestyle Tim McMahon steers an equally flexible
with a qualification from the IYT
course, offering IYT training but also open to
(International Yacht Training), while their
arrange beach athletics and tugs of war. His
HR management gets Bob’s feedback
personal enthusiasm is teaching skills called on
on who displayed what level of team
for live-aboard cruising – such as navigation,
leadership potential. IYT certification is
understanding tides or simply changing oil in
a common element in corporate
an engine. “I like to focus on the practicalities
yachting in Thailand. Mike Downard,
of sailing as opposed to race rules and sail
based in Phuket, is an IYT principal,
trims,” he says. For corporate clients, he sees
although he puts an emphasis on the
yachting as having a lifestyle appeal that can
fun aspect of messing about in boats.
coax executives up a steep learning curve.
“If people enjoy themselves they
“The realities of being on a boat will be
want to learn more,” he says. His events
challenging for a corporate team, but that
for corporate customers include trip on
is balanced by the luxury feel – going to the
large yachts for 30 participants “with
clubhouse for cocktails afterwards,” he says.
the most junior person steering and the
In any case, Kevin Scott claims that even the
CEO pulling up the sails.” Alternatively,
most reluctant students come away a
he will set out in a flotilla of as many as
cherished memory – even if they cast a
12 smaller boats for a barbeque on the
wistful glance at the “stinkpots” as they
beach of a tropical island. “Hugely
leave the marina. “I’d have to say that 99%
fun-filled” dragonboat events cater
of people enjoy it, have a good laugh and
for up to 800 participants.
will remember it for a long time,” he says.
Sailing Schools Gulf Charters Sailing School, Ocean Marina, Pattaya
This school, run by Captain Tim McMahon, trains for IYT sailing certification and specialises in teaching the full range of skills required for live-aboard yachting. +66(0)84 539 9689 www.GulfChartersThailand.com Tim@GulfChartersThailand.com
Blue Wave Watersports, Ocean Marina, Pattaya
Corporate events range from cruising around on large luxury yachts to mastering the art of sailing on a flotilla of smaller Platu training yachts. +66(0)87 825 0011 www.Bluewavewatersports.com kevin@blueseas-marine.com
Sail in Siam, Pattaya and Phuket
Bob Garner specialises in team building courses for young executives on a racing trimaran and also provides recreational yachting experiences for senior staff. +66(0)81 837 5507 www.sailinsiam.com info@sailinsiam.com
Sail in Asia, Phuket
Mike Downard’s extensive background in teaching is reflected in a wide range of corporate events, ranging from picking up IYT qualifications to dragonboat races. +66(0)81 970 2580 / +66(0)87 281 0458 www.sailinasia.com info@sailinasia.com
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LIVING WELLNESS STORY : Phil Teese IMAGES : Courtesy of PIA
Are Your Emotions Intelligent? Dr Alan Wallace has a dream. The former Buddhist monk, who studied under the Dalai Lama, wants to make the world a better place by teaching people how to identify, understand and control their emotions.
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H
e will spread his message via a series of six and eight week courses on ‘Cultivating Emotional Balance’ (CEB) at his Mind Centre at the Phuket International Academy. Helping Alan will be world-renowned psychologist Dr Paul Ekman, whose research on facial expressions is currently being used by US Customs and Homeland Security officers to detect criminals, terrorists and drug smugglers passing through America’s airports.
East Meets West The seminars will combine western practise and the theories of Buddhism, and focus on the psychology of emotional balance. “We will concentrate on the cultivation of attention and the qualities of ‘the four immeasurables’, loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity, and will feature a combination of lectures, meditation and group discussions,” said Alan.
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The courses are open to
Alan is hoping participa
everybody, but
nts will have a background in psycholog y, social work or education. “We have ha d people of all ages, from their early twe nties up to their eighties, and everything in between.” He adds that the courses will teach people how to understand and recognise their emotions, and how to use them most effectively. “Simply put, there are times to express your emotions an d there are times when it is better to suppre ss them.” “We call this emotional inte
lligence. For
example, if someone say
s something that makes you angry, you ma y want to abuse them, but that could da mage your long-term relationship wit h that person. In such cases, it would be better to bottle up your angry emotion an d discuss the issues calmly at another time. We also teach people to explore their ow n inner resources to enable them to effec tively cope with the stresses of modern life,” he said.
St ress ful World
be destructive, but other emotions such as happiness can be beneficial,” He particularly wants to teach CEB to teachers who can then teach it to their
own students. “If we can teach children to understand their emotions, we can reduce many anti-social behaviours such as schoolyard bullying,” he said. By combining Asian practises and western psychology, Alan believes he can
make people’s lives happier, fulfilling and more meaningful. He said the courses could also help athletes to improve their performances. “We can teach them to
identify their attention skills and how to focus on their performance. In the US, where
“When people leave her
away with a whole new
But Alan stresses his courses were not just about anger control. “Anger can
e, they go
skill-set.” Alan believes the courses wo uld be especially useful to teachers and the medical professions, both high-stre ss industries with a high rate of burn-out. “There is so much anger in the world, and road rage is becoming more and mo re frequent as people’s nerves get frayed ,” he said. “Being aware that you are angry can prevent you doing things that you might regret later. If you lash out at someone, you are giving them all you r power, and they will probably want to retaliate, which can then spiral out of co ntrol.”
basketball is big business, top teams such as the LA Lakers are using meditation coaches to keep their players focussed, and they are finding it gives them a real edge over their competitors.”
Improved Performance He continues to explain how not being able to control your emotions could also be costly. “Serena Williams, for example, lost an important tennis match recently because she couldn’t control her anger when a linesman called a foot fault.
She lashed out at the linesman, and was penalised one point. That one point penalty cost her the tournament, millions of dollars in prize money, and her reputation was tarnished forever.”
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ortant Controlling emotions is also imp s, such for people in high-stress industrie
high as hospitals. “Hospitals are very angry stress and staff have to deal with ke mistakes people all the time. If they ma ld have because they are stressed, it cou fatal results.” said Alan. not However the CEB courses are clinically recommended for people with courses diagnosed mental problems. “The develop are for individuals who want to an their attention skills and obtain lth and exceptional level of mental hea show well-being,” he said. “We also ir creativity people how to open up to the rs.” and how to deal with their fea
Meditation Master the Asian Alan is well qualified to teach
when ways. He joined the monkhood 14 years he was 23 and spent the next phy of studying the physics and philoso a, living in Buddhism under the Dalai Lam es, and India, Switzerland, the United Stat ying the Sri Lanka. “I spent 20 years stud tific effects psychological and neuro-scien t 33 years, of meditation, and for the pas ld, lecturing I have been travelling the wor on meditation,” he said. first He returned to the US where he phy of studied physics and the philoso at Amherst science as an undergraduate ough I College. “I was still a monk, alth , but I didn’t wear my robes to campus ng monk discovered that being a practisi systems that in the US, without the support difficult. monks have in Asia, was just too ion, I With the Dalai Lama’s permiss
Now 59, Alan lives in California
founded the Santa Barbara Insti
where he
tute for Consciousness Studies, a non-pro fit organisation dedicated to scie ntific and contemplative research into the nature
and potential of the human con sciousness. He has written, edited, translat ed and contributed to more than 30 boo ks and publications on Tibetan Buddhis m,
medicine, language, and cult ure, and the interface between science and religion. These days, he spends most of his time travelling the world, spreading his message. In May last year while attendin
ga
conference in Sydney, Australi
a, he met PIA
founder, Klaus Hebben who out
vision for an international aca
lined his
demy in Phuket. “He invited me to add a Mind Centre to his school, and here I am.”
y comprises three The Phuket International Academ PIA Sports, Arts and centres: the PIA Day School, the d Centre. Wellness Centre, and the PIA Min For further information, visit emy.com www.phuketinternationalacad
ts, and eventually returned my precep ctice of continued my studies and pra Buddhism as a layperson.”
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LIVING PLEASURE STORY : Nadia Willan IMAGES : Courtesy of Doggie Doo
A Dog’s Life
On a sweltering day in the city, the visitors at this unique hotel, relax by the pool, opting to take a dip to cool off, swim a few lengths, do a spot of diving or play ball games at the pool side. It’s a fairly normal poolside scene, but perhaps one startling difference…all the guests are of the four legged variety, as this is a swimming pool, grooming salon and hotel for dogs only! Welcome to Doggie Doo. 110
O
wner Nada Sibunruang opened the dog pool five years ago for her beloved golden retriever, Cupcake, “I wanted my dog to be able to keep fit, meet other
dogs, play, socialise and have fun. It isn’t easy in Bangkok. Dogs can’t be taken into parks and there is so much traffic and so few places for dog owners to meet, that there seemed to be a real need for Doggie Doo” explains Nada. Looking at the wagging tails and woofs of delight it seems the dogs of Bangkok agree too.
Meeting Place Situated south of Silom, in an easily accessible residential area, Doggie Doo is a traditional home with a regular pool, and a down-to-earth atmosphere. As the dogs race around, literally jumping with excitement, the owners sit under the shade watching their ‘little ones’ having the time of their life for an hour or two. Just as the dogs meet and hang out, so can the owners, there is a friendly simplicity in Nada’s
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approach, as she strives to create a loving family environment rather than a chic dog spa. Naturally, after a swim and a bit of exercise to ruffle the fur, any self respecting city dog will want to go home looking every bit the perfect pooch, so the dogs are groomed with their very own salon experience. However, the owners are not just proud of appearances, they really care about the health of their pets. There are limited places in the city where canines can get their muscles working, which often results in them becoming overweight. Swimming is also an important exercise for pets who need to build muscle strength after injuries.
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Fun Activities At Doggie Doo, the pets wear specially fitted life-jackets and are looked after by poolside trainers who get in the water and ensure they get the exercise they need. It might sound like the sort of afternoon that Paris Hilton would arrange with her family of Chihuahuas but there is nothing LA about Doggie Doo, it actually makes perfect sense, in a quirky kind of way. Next to the pool, trainers take the guests through their paces with an obstacle course, so it’s not uncommon to see a hound or two flying through a hoop or deftly weaving around poles or up and down a narrow seesaw. Trainers also offer obedience lessons, so that buoyant, energetic chows know when to tow the line and learn how to behave around the house and on the busy, traffic filled streets of Bangkok. Obedience
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is a necessary life skill for any city dog. A popular saying professes that you cannot teach old dogs new tricks but as Otto, an excitable Jack Russell dives to the bottom of the pool for a rubber shark, woofed on by Vegas, the doggy paddling pug, it seems that there is a lot to the talents and agility of these pampered pooches. Tricks include walking on two legs and carrying a basket, just adding to the general funniness of this slightly different house in the suburbs.
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Family Accomodation Kennels in the garden, house those dogs staying the night, whether for one night or several weeks at a time. The house, staff and facilities are low key and basic which puts the animals at ease. The staff are simply animal lovers who want to provide a home away from home for the visiting pets. There is even a family room kennel for those dogs that cannot be apart. The whole atmosphere is like a kindergarten pool party and of course, the dogs are as comical and entertaining as any excited child. Anyone sitting too close to the pool might find a wet dog chasing under their chair or a huge hound deciding to shake and dry off just next to them. A group of dogs wearing lifejackets, frolicking and playing in a family home pool and having their fur done afterwards may seem, at first, quite a surreal sight, but dropping in to Doggie Doo is great fun for any dog lover and their doggy city slickers. Doggie Doo seems to have made quite a splash with many dogs and their owners in Bangkok. www.doggiedoo.net
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ADVERTORIAL
“I will leave n o stone unturned un til I find my client tha t special som eone.”
Khun Bee, founder, Ban gk
Bangkok Matching Looking for love but have no time to find it? Had countless dates but nothing ever works out? Career, culture or class differences holding you back? Bangkok Matching is the answer to all your heart’s desires!
It is not unusual to hear of successful men and women living in a fast paced city, packed full of people like Bangkok, that go home at the end of a long day feeling alone. With so many people rushing around the business district and shopping malls, meeting clients at breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is no wonder that there is little time left to look for true love. The quest to find a partner should be natural and easy, not complicated and frustrating. Bangkok Matching was created to make the process of finding someone special smooth and simple. It is more than a dating service, set up to help executives and professionals find love. They understand that finding the right kind of partner can be a painstakingly long-winded process so they are at hand to do the hard work for you! The creator and driving force behind Bangkok Matching is Khun Bee, a dynamic executive herself with a background in management and human resources, and qualifications in both business and psychology. She knows exactly the challenges you face. For her, bringing people together is a pleasure as much as a business. “I truly love what I do; it is my passion. I will leave no stone unturned until I find my client that special someone. After all, what’s more fun than helping someone fall in love!” Matching potential partners is only the beginning of the services provided by the company. Tips and advice are offered along the way, including suggestions for where to meet, even after date counseling is available. Khun Bee really cares about her business and clients. To find romance in a bustling city, let Bangkok Matching help smooth the journey. Their personal touch and time saving service is a step in the right direction to find the true love of your life.
ok Matching
ll educated “Our clients are we ndent.” e p e d in lly ia c n a fin and er, Bangkok Khun Bee, found
Matching
Good Bangkok First
dating • • •
locations
Aqua at the 4 Seasons Greyhound Café Orangery. Paragon 4th floor .
What we do • • • •
ofiles d match pr Screen an act Make cont vice tips and ad ng ti da e Giv ling se un r-date co Offer afte
Typical cl i
ents
• Successfu l • Educated • Financially Independ ent • Well-groom ed • Busy • Looking fo r love
Contact details: Kulchulee Subsinudom (Bee) Email: Bee@BangkokMatching.com Phone: 02-302-1456 Website: www.bangkokmatching.com
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The Gallery If you have a property for sale or rent which you would like featured in our gallery then please contact gallery@kinnareemedia.com
THE GALLERY
D
Deva Yama Phuket
Deva Yama is an exclusive development of truly luxurious villas located atop a hillside in Phuket’s millionaires mile. From your lofty perch you will enjoy billion dollar views of pristine Nakalay Bay. Meaning ‘divine sanctuary’ in sanskrit, Deva Yama offers a perfect retreat from the pressures of the world. Deceptively simple design soothes the soul, drawing the eye to fabulous sea views. Deva Yama comprises of six superlative villas. Set within 6,000 sq m. (almost two acres) of wooded hillside, the elevation of the site drops by 25 metres (approx. 82’), meaning that each exquisite property enjoys superior privacy and unique vistas. Find your own piece of paradise on the last prime cut of land on Phuket’s west coast. Phase A villas are ready to move in by December 2009.
www.deva-living.com | +66 (0) 76 271 333 120
S
Stylishly Thai Phuket
With an elevated Surin beach hillside location, this substantial, modern Thai influenced pool villa affords picturesque west coast ocean views. This quality villa is presented over three stories and features five bedrooms with en suite bathrooms designed to a spacious professional standard, fully fitted kitchen that adjoins the formal dining room on the upper floor. The middle floor includes two well designed bedrooms. The upper floor houses features two master bedrooms overlooking the ocean with an oversized living room. All rooms here have vaulted ceilings and shiny wooden floors. On the same floor is also the 16 metre pool with two covered salas.
Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 9495 121
THE GALLERY
C
Coastal Living Phuket
Style and Convenience in a Prestigious Location
As part of the Ayara Surin residential development, this villa for sale offers privacy, modern style and convenience in a prestigious location. Nestled against the steep slopes of Surin Hill featuring wonderful views of Surin beach, the Amanpuri headland and the Andaman Sea. This villa has been painstakingly maintained and is ready to move in for those buyers looking to buy a prestigious Thai style residence at an attractive price.
Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 9495 122
T
Thaibali Phuket
With only four exclusive pool villas, few places can match the true privacy guaranteed at this oasis just minutes from Bang Tao Beach. One pool villa is now available for sale. The villa combines the simple elegance of Thai and Balinese design. Natural elements like indoor gardens, moon roofs and water features imbue a sense of tranquility throughout the villa. Additionally the pool villa is fully furnished with a stylish Asian theme and a well equipped western kitchen. While you wait for dinner, enjoy a cocktail and a cool dip in the pool or Jacuzzi. Retreat to the privacy of the master suite and glorious en suite bathroom and emerge refreshed. With two guest bedrooms, the pool villa is spacious enough for up to three couples to enjoy the villa amenities. www.phuket-thai-bali.com | +66 (0) 76 271 111
L
Land for sale Phuket
Everyone wants to sell you plans for “The House of Your Dreams” or “The Land Plot of your Fantasy”, well - put them together and you have this! That is…as long as you don’t want a sea view, which can become somewhat black and boring once night falls, or a
residence “close to where the action is”. If you want either of these, don’t read on. However, if you want a magnificent and unblemished view of nature at its very best and the occasional passing golfer to ridicule; or if you want tranquility both during the day and night and free life membership to one of the best golf clubs on the island so you too can be cheerfully ridiculed; oh… and if you’d like to have complete drawings of a splendid house ready to give to a builder to get on with the job
on this unique plot (it really is unique!), then this may be yours, but it isn’t a give away. So, put your hand in your pocket and come up with THB 12 million and we’ll seriously think about passing all the above bounty to you. We’re not really interested in offers, but if it makes you feel better we’ll let you have it for 11,999,999 ! We’ll reduce it by a further million if you can show us a better plot on any golf course on Phuket island! Contact Tel. 081 892 9495 (Eng/Thai) 123
THE GALLERY
B
Baan Sansuk Hua Hin
Located on the prime Hua Hin beach, Baan Sansuk’s “Impressive Nature” architectural concept aspire to complement its natural surroundings while still being able to offer innovative facilities. Enchanting thematic interior decorations in the show units have been added to suit a variety of lifestyles. The Water Garden together with its 230 meter-long swimming pool serves as the centerpiece of the Modern Seascape designs. The project has been completed fully and thereby delivering a Sansiri perfected development.
www.sansiri.com | 1685
T
W
Thai Royal Residence
West Sands
Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Phuket
An investment opportunity in a stunning ‘yet to be discovered’ beachfront paradise on the Gulf of Thailand. 34 villas - three, four and five bedrooms lie on 25 rai of land along a 200 metre stretch of Nai Phlao Beach. Living space ranges from 155-300 sq. m with prices from THB 15.5-25 million. All villas are sold turn-key, designed with superb quality, featuring five-star luxury furnishings for those seeking only the best. 50% of the villas are currently under construction with completion expected in December 2009.
West Sands resides directly on the unspoiled Northwest coast on Mai Khao beach, a straight 17 km of golden sand. West Sands covers 121 rai and comprises of 450 prestigious pool villas and spacious condominium residences from one to five bedrooms. Aside from the pristine beach, five-star facilities will include a beach club, private clubhouse, free-form swimming pools and five-star PADI dive centre. The development’s other star attraction is it’s state-of-the-art water park.
Additional amenities and services include a private reception area, daily housekeeping, a 300 sq. m infinity pool, full service restaurant, pool bar, beach service, fitness centre and five-star spa. Easily accessible from two airports and within close proximity to Koh Samui.
Prospective buyers will benefit the first fully flexible guaranteed rental return program called “Mix & Match” which offers guaranteed returns from 6% to a spectacular 7.5% for the first five years.
www.thairoyalresidence.com | +66 (0) 2 126 8099
www.west-sands.com | +66 (0) 76 372 002
124
PROPERTIES, INTERIORS & LIFESTYLE IN THAILAND
CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY
Updated every month. Call 081-892 1337 to list.
ACCOUNTANTS & AUDITORS
CHARITIES
Deloite Touche Tohmatsu Jaiyos Tel: 02 676 5700 25-26th Floor, Rajakarn Bldg. 183 South Sathorn, Bangkok
Childlife Maesai Tel: 053 732 947, 089 191 2947 Fax: 053 732 947 Post Box 35 Maesai, Chiang Rai childlifemaesai@gmail.com www.childlife-maesai.org
Pricewaterhouse Coopers Tel: 02 344 1000, 02 286 9999 15th Floor, Bangkok City Tower, 179/74-80 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok www.pwc.com
Phuket Animal Welfare Society Tel: 076 264 504 Kwaang Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket www.phuket-animal-welfare.com
AIRCON SALES & SERVICE KEEHIN Tel: 076 261 450 Fax: 076 261 456-7 108/2 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket www.keehin.co.th
WWF Thailand Tel: 02 524 6168-9 Fax: 02 524 6134 104 Outreach Building AIT, Klong Luang, Pathumtani communication.th@ wwfgreatermekong.org www.wwfthai.org
Yip In Tsoi & Co, Ltd. Tel: 02 639 0200-14 523 Mahaputharam, Bangkok
ARCHITECTS Able Architects Tel: 076 248 135 Fax: 076 304 172 38/5 Moo5, Bang-Yai Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket info@ablearchitects.com www.ablearchitects.com Aka-Aka Head Office: 35 Rattanakosin Road, Wat Gate, Muang, Chiang Mai Bangkok Office: Tel: 02 300 6409, 081 629 8585 Fax: 02 300 6410 1/3 Seri 5 Road, Suanluang, Bangkok akabkk@aka-aka.com www.aka-aka.com Architects 49 Bangkok: Tel: 02 260 4370 Fax: 02 259 3872 81 Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok Phuket: Tel: 076 213 949 Fax: 076 213 804 77 Deebuk Road, Muang, Phuket www.a49.com
CLEANING SERVICES 8/2 Sukhumvit 63, Ekamai soi 2, Wattana, Bangkok
AUDIO VISUAL SALE & SERVICE
Whitespace Tel: 02 252 2900 Siam Square, Bangkok www.whitesp-ce.com
Laser Definition Tel: 662-1294411-3 201A, 2flr Siam Paragon Rama1 Pathumwan Bangkok sale@rsgb1988.com
Roof Company Limited Tel: 076 261 995, 076 261 999 100/999 Moo 5, Muang, Phuket info@roof.co.th www.roof.co.th
Nam Sang Hi Fi Tel: 076 219 406, 081 892 2807 Fax: 076 220 127 61,63 Rassada Road, Muang, Phuket namsang_hifi@hotmail.com
Chem - Dry Tel: 076 254 332 99/32-33 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket info@thaichemdry.com www.thaichemdry.com Cleanstat Technology (Thailand) Tel: 02 531 0040-9 11/112 Gp 5 Phaholyothin, Bangkok
COMPUTER & SUPPLIES Apple 3rd Floor, Central Festival Phuket 74-75 Vichitsongkram Road, Muang, Phuket Phuket Ink Supply Tel: 076 254 050 15 Phuket Villa 1 (Samkong), Yaowarat Road, Muang, Phuket Phuket Progress Computer Tel: 076 523 235 Fax: 076 523 236 369/60 Yaowarat Road, Muang, Phuket
COURIER SERVICES
Design By Design Limited Tel: 081 787 9241 49/6 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket
DHL International (Thailand) Tel: 076 258 500-2 61/4,Taladyai, Muang, Phuket www.dhl.com
Fenn Designers Tel: 02 714 0710
Thai Cargo Tel: 076 234 500
Dalian Real Estate AD
Mae-luan Road, Muang, Phuket Airport: Tel: 076 351 226 Phuket International Airport Phuket www.thaiairways.com
Decor Mart Tel: 02 365 0789-93 Fax: 02 365 0779 Park Thonglor Tower, Thonglor 19, Bangkok
TNT Express Worldwide Tel: 076 220 799 12 Nimit 1 Road, Muang, Phuket www.tntthailand.com
EAST (Phuket) Office / Factory: Tel: 081 370 2409 Fax: 076 264 023 19/28 Moo 2, Vichit, Muang, Phuket Showroom: Tel: 076 288 024 8/21-22 Moo 4, Rawai, Muang, Phuket
EXTERIORS Aluzat Tel: 02 727 8030-1 Fax: 02 727 8032 441 Ladkrabang Road, Ladkrabang, Bangkok spol@aluzat.com www.aluzat.com
Franke Thailand Bangkok Head Office: Tel: 02 236 9777 Fax: 02 236 9775 Ground Floor, K.C.C. Building, 2 Silom Soi 9, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok Phuket Service Center: Tel: 076 612 711 Fax: 076 612 712 Central Mansion Building #102 14/1 Vichitsongkram Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket www.franke.co.th
Casa Emporium Tel: 076 522 716-7 65/54 Virathongyok Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket cs_emporium@yahoo.com Finestra Bangkok Office: Tel: 02 615 1900 226 Visessiri Building 4th Floor Phaholyothin Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok Hua-Hin Showroom: Tel: 032 537 095 147/1 Soi Hua Hin 91, Phetkasem Road, Nongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuap-Khirikhan info@finestra.co.th www.finestra.co.th Phuket Alloy Tel: 076 219 545 105/4 Thepkrasatri Road, Muang, Phuket Phuket Awnings Services Tel: 076 234 938 Fax: 076 234 939 33/3 Moo 5, Vichitsongkram Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket sunshadesystems@yahoo.com Sunparadise (Thailand) Tel: 081 753 1109, 076 527 548-9 326/3 Prabaramee Road, Kathu, Phuket thai@sunparadise.com
INSURANCE AGENTS QBE Insurance (Thaiand) Tel: 081 893 2652 Mr.Jan Jacobs, Muang, Phuket
INTERIORS Absolute Kitchen Tel: 076 377 759, 076 377 907-8 65/29 Moo 2 Dalaaburi, Thepkrasatti Road, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket sales@august9kitchen.com www.august9kitchen.com
Artisan Lighting Products Tel: 076 376 101-3 Fax: 076 262 028 100/364-5 Pracha U-thit Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket info@artisanlighting.net www.artisanlighting.net Asia Cucina Thonglor: Tel: 02 365 0838-42 Fax: 02 381 6590 888 Sukhumvit 55 Road, Klongton Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok The Promenade Decor: Tel/Fax: 02 655 1665 2/4 Room 20 Ground Floor, Wireless Road, Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok info@asiacucina.com www.asiacucina.com AVIVA Décor Limited Main Office: Tel: 02 685 3661-3 Fax: 02 685 3660 1004 CRC Tower, All Seasons Place, 87/2 Wireless Road, Phatumwan, Lumpini, Bangkok Furniture Showroom: Tel: 02 685 3676-8 Fax: 02 685 3679 215-6, 2/F, All Seasons Place Retai Center, 87/2 Wireless Road, Phatumwan, Lumpini, Bangkok decor@aviva.co.th www.aviva.co.th
B & B Italia Tel: 02 392 5460-2 125/1 Soi Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 55 Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok www.bebitalia.com Bitec Holding Co., Ltd. Tel: 02 376 0990 Fax: 02 376 0910 34 Bitec Holding Building, Soi Ladprao 101, Kittichit, Lapprao Road, Bangkok Casa Nine Tel: 076 248 980, 076 221 286 Fax: 076 248 980 21/4 Chaofa West Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket mahasung@yahoo.com www.casanine.com Ceramics of Phuket Showroom 1: Tel: 076 326 870, 230 328-30 Fax: 076 202 087 71/3 Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket Showroom “Clay house”: Tel: 076 272 151 Fax: 076 273 038 185/6-7 Moo 7, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket info@ceramicsofphuket.com sales@ceramicsofphuket.com www.ceramicsofphuket.com
Gaggenau Thailand BSH Home Appliances Limited Tel/Fax: 02 715 5727 Issara Place 1st Floor 2974 New Petchburi Road, Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Bangkok Kasama.Koth-Arsa@bshg.com www.gaggenau.com Hafele (Thailand) Limited Tel: 02 741 7171 Fax: 02 741 7272 57 Soi Sukhumvit 64, Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, Prakhanong, Bangkok info@hafele.co.th www.hafele.co.th Island Furniture Furnishing island homes since 1997 Complete quality home furnishers Tel: 076 263 707 Fax: 076 263 708 By - Pass Road 2.4 km South of Central Festival siriporn@islandfurniture-phuket.com www.islandfurniture-phuket.com Jim Thompson Thai Silk Bangkok: Tel: 02 632 8100 Main Store 9 Surawong Road, Bangkok Phuket: Tel: 076 270 957 Canal Village, Laguna Phuket Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket www.jimthompson.com Kings Spa Andaman Jacuzzi Tel: 076 239 731-2, 076 239 879-80 Fax: 076 239 738, 076 239 887 30/15 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket kingsspa@hotmail.com
Smart Show AD
Kitchenette Boutique Phuket Showroom: Tel/Fax: 076 232 375-6 76 Thepkrasattri Road, Muang, Phuket Sukhumvit Showroom: Tel/Fax: 02 711 6995 115 Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 63, Wattana, Bangkok Head Office: Tel/Fax: 02 252 0622, 02 655 0426 #27.34&52, 2nd & 3rd Floor, The Promenade Decor, 2/4 Wireless Road, Bangkok Kitchen Solutions Bangkok: Tel: 02 390 0499 Fax: 02 391 0696 58/3-5, 1&3 Floors, Sukhumvit 63 Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok snaiderosales@ kitchensolutionscompany.com Phuket: Tel: 076 239 259 Fax: 076 239 083 25/7 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket info@cocoonkitchen.com Hua Hin: Tel: 032 442 135 Fax: 032 442 548 1342/11 Petchkasem Road, Cha-Am, Petchaburi
sales@kitchensolutionscompany.com Fax: 02 715 0844 www.snaidero.com 342/1-2 Soi Ekkamai 20, Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok M.C. Home Design info@seasonsofliving Tel: 076 234 892, 081 535 7456 www.seasonsofliving.com 52/18-19 Vichitsongkram Road, Muang, Phuket SHADES (THAILAND) mchomedesign@hotmail.com Tel.: 076 204 120 www.mchomedesign.com Boat Lagoon Marina, 9/1 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road, PANINI Custom Lighting Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket Custom Manufacturer of info@shades.co.th Decorative Light Fittings for www.shades.co.th Hotel & Residential Projects Tel: 02 392 9116-7, 081 616 6033 So On Co,. Ltd. Fax: 02 392 9118 Tel: 02 731 4726 113/1 Ekamai soi 5, Sukhumvit Road, Fax: 02 731 4725 Wattana, Bangkok 671 Ladprao Road, info@panini-design.com Wangthonglang, Bangkok www.panini-design.com client@so-on.co.th www.so-on.co.th RS Venture Bangkok Head Office: TEKA (THAILAND) Tel: 02 539 7364-66 Tel: 02 652 2999 BizTown Ladprao, 2521/68 Ladprao 4th Floor, Golden Pavillion Building, Road, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 153/3 Soi Mahardlekluang 1, Phuket: Rajadamri Road, Pathumwan, Tel: 076 352 018 Bangkok 245/44 Moo 3, Srisoontorn, www.teka.com Thalang, Phuket rafael.veiga@rsventure.co.th The Courtyard Home Show Centre www.rsventure.co.th Adjacent Island Furniture Tel: 076 263 992 Seasons Living info.x@thecourtyard-phuket.com Tel: 02 715 0845 www.thecourtyard-phuket.com
W.O.L.F. World of Luxury Furniture Tel: 032 537 042 146/37 Phetchkasem Road, Hua-Hin, Petchaburi worldofluxuryfurniture@yahoo.co.uk www.worldofluxuryfurniture.net Zee Zee Interior Tel: 076 326046 424,426,428,430,432 Srisoonthorn Road, CherngTalay, Talang, Phuket, Thailand. 83110 Zee Zee Interior. OLD JAVA AGENT, THAILAND. (reclaimed teak) INDONESIAN PRODUCT SUPPLIER. Zee Zee Furniture Warehouse Tel: 076 620 088 131/34, 131/35, 131/36 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn, Thalang, Phuket, 83110 Thailand. http://zeezeeinterior.com Zeyco (Thailand) 101/46 ,Bypass square Moo 1, Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket zeycoth@gmail.com www.zeyco.com.my
LAW OFFICES Belmont Limcharoen Phuket Office:
ATTORNEYS & SOLICITORS
email: info@siam-legal.com
Layan Tara Horisun Ville AD
Deva Living Tel: 076 271 333 Fax: 076 271 332 3/12 Moo 5, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket myvilla@deva-living.com www.deva-living.com
Tel: 076 342 882-4 Fax: 076 342 885 4/1 Prabaramee Road, Kathu, Phuket Phuket@belmontlimcharoen.com Bangkok Office: Tel: 02 635 5071-3 Fax: 02 635 5074 39th FL., 3904 A United Center Bldg. 323 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok Bangkok@belmontlimcharoen.com Samui Office: Tel: 077 246 185-7 Fax: 077 246 188 23/30 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani Samui@belmontlilmcharoen.com Mc Evily & Collins Law Office Phuket Office: Tel: 076 279 921-4 Fax: 076 279 925-6 100/208-210 Moo 3, Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket phuket@legalthai.com Bangkok Office: Tel: 02 305 2300 Fax: 02 653 2163 Two Pacific, Suite 2100, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok info@legalthai.com Samui Office: Tel: 077 484 510 Fax: 077 427 686 15/49 Moo 6, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani samui@legalthai.com www.legalthai.com PENSIT & LAWS Tel: 076 271 770-1 3/10-11 Moo 5, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherng Talay, Talang, Phuket Tilleke & Gibbins International Phuket Ltd. Tel: 076 318 251-5 Fax: 076 318 256 Plaza Del Mar, Units 205-209, 1 Moo 1, Pasak-Koktanod Road, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket phuket@tillekeandgibbins.com www.tillekeandgibbins.com
LEISURE BMW Barcelona Motors Tel: 076 236 669 9 Moo 6, Thepkrasattri Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket www.bmw.co.th
Hansar Tel: 02 651 8800 The Regent House, G Floor, Rajdamri Road, Bangkok hansar@cbre.co.th www.hansar.co.th Horisun Ville Tel: 076 224 622, 081 397 2175 Fax: 076 244 491 67/14 Soi Sermsuk, Chalong, Muang, Phuket info@horisunville.com www.horisunville.com Karon Hill Tel: 086 470 9072 7/9 Moo 7, Chaofa Road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket sales@phuketkaronhill.com www.phuketkaronhill.com
Thalang, Phuket info@skydance.aero
info@ratchamaka.com www.ratchamaka.com
Toyota Pearl Co., Ltd. Tel: 076 215 066 16/1 Moo 6, Thepkrasattri Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket www.toyota.co.th
Baan Rommai Chailay Tel: 076 240 991 75/5 Moo 6, Ruamphatana Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket www.baanrommai.net
PEST CONTROL
Baan Sawan Tel: 089 652 1951 96/28 Moo 7, Soi Samakkee 4, Rawai, Muang, Phuket info@baansawanphuket.com www.baansawanphuket.com
DE.Land Housing Service Tel: 076 244 789, 081 397 3454 Fax: 076 244735 5/9 Moo 2 Chaofa Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket de.landhousing@hotmail.com Seven Pest Control Service Tel: 076 221 740, 081 607 2390 17/1 Chaofa Road, Muang, Phuket
PROPERTY DEVELOPERS
Land Rover Tel: 076 236 240-3 9/17 Moo 6, Thepkrasattri Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket www.landrover.co.th
Anuphas Pirom Resort Tel: 076 202 189, 076 321 815 94/7 Moo 7, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket info@anuphaspiromresort.com www.anuphaspiromresort.com
Skydance Helicopters Co., Ltd. Mobile: 081 787 2700 Head Office: 67/27 Moo 4, Rawai, Muang, Phuket Operation Center: 62/31-32 Moo 3, Sa Khu,
Baan Ratchamaka Tel: 076 383 291 Mobile: 085 488 6577, 085 488 6578 Fax: 076 383 298 66 Chaofa(East) Road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket
Baan Suan Loch Palm Tel: 076 202 792-4 32/1 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket www.baansuanlochpalm.com Baan Thai Surin Hill Tel: 076 325 879 92/5 Moo 3, Cherng Talay, Thalang, Phuket sales@surinhill.com www.surinhill.com Boutique Golf Villa Tel: 081 628 5166, 086 952 7142 Fax: 076 248 473 50/27 Moo 4, Chaofa West Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket info@boutiquegolfvilla.com www.boutiquegolfvilla.com
Kata Rocks Tel: 7628 4750-1 Fax: 7628 4752 Suksan Place, 214 patak Road, Karon, Phuket info@katarocks.com www.katarocks.com La Colline Bangkok Office: Tel: 02 714 3901 - 4 Fax: 02 714 3905 45/1 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok Phuket Office: Tel: 076 271 770-1, Fax: 076 271 783 3/10-11 Moo 1, Cherngtalay, Srisoontorn Road, Thalang, Phuket info@property55.com www.property55.com La Flora Tel: 076 344 241 Fax: 076 344 251 39 Taweewong Road, Kathu, Phuket info@laflorapatong.com www.laflorapatong.com Layan Tara Tel: 076 224 622 Mobile: 086 682 1277, 081 648 1505 Fax: 076 244 491 25/2 Moo 2, Soi Phasuk, Talad Nua, Muang, Phuket info@layantara.com www.layantara.com Le Bua Tel: 02 624 9999 Fax: 02 624 9998 State Tower 1055, Silom Road,
The Green Golf AD
Bangrak, Bangkok resvn@lebua.com www.lebua.com Le Raffine Tel: 02 261 9339, 089 963 9963 54 Sukhumvit 24, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok benjaporn@leraffine.com info@leraffine.com www.leraffine.com L’Orchidee Residences Tel: 076 290 404-5 13/2 Soi 4, Prabaramee 4 Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket www.lorchidee-residences.com Millennium Residence Tel: 02 663 7555 Fax: 02 663 7698 40th Floor, Exchange Tower, Asoke, Bangkok millenniumresidence@cbre.coth millenniumresidence@dtz.co.th www.millenniumresidence.com Modena Tel: 084 908 4888 283/64 - Home Place, Unit 1207, Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok info@modenacondos.com www.modenacondos.com Mövenpick Residence Tel: 076 396 146 Fax : 076 396 145 509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket sales@residencekaron.com www.residencekaron.com Nai Harn Baan-Bua Tel: 076 383 136, 081 893 5411 24/28 Moo 1, Rawai, Muang, Phuket baanbua@phuketcasa.com www.phuketcasa.com Phuket Pavilions Tel: 076 317 600 31/1 Moo 6, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket property@pavilions-resorts.com www.pavilions-resorts.com Q Langsuan Tel: 02 255 1999 7th Q.House Lumpini Bldg., I South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek, Sathorn, Bangkok info@qh.co.th www. qh.co.th Saratta Tel: 038 412 888 Fax: 038 723 953 399/9 2nd Floor Room C202, Nongphur, Banglamung, Chonburi www.saratta.com Sea Pearl Villas Tel: 076 342 733, 076 342 477 Fax: 076 342 389, 076 342 736
12 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket sales@seapearlvillasphuket.com info@seapearlvillasphuket.com www.seapearlvillasphuket.com Serenity Terraces Tel: 076 383 789 Fax: 076 383 978 14 Moo 5, Rawai, Phuket info@serenity-terraces.com www.serenity-terraces.com Siraya Tel: 081 634 7177, 089 204 4852 Rassada, Muang, Phuket info@sirayaphuket.com www.sirayaphuket.com Siri Sathorn Tel: 02 266 2345 27 Soi Saladaeng 1, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok reservation@sirisathorn.com www.sirisathorn.com
28/9 Moo 2, Soi Bangkoo1, Thepkrasattri Road, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket www.gracegardensphuket.com
20/12 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Road, Kohkaew, Muang, Phuket info@thevillage-coconutisland.com www.thevillage-coconutisland.com
The Rajdamri Tel: 02 252 8855 Fax: 02 252 7070 Soi Mahardlek Luang 2, Rajdamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok cs@therajdamri.com www.therajdamri.com
Tropiculture Tel: 077 430 043 4/3 Moo 4, Bangrak Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani sale@tropiculture.net www.tropiculture.net
The Samudra Residences Tel: 02 260 3060 13F BB Building (1314,1315) 54 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke), Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok www.thesamudraretreat.com The Trees Residence Tel: 083 708 8008, 081 878 2199 info@phuketplus.co.th www.phuketplus.co.th www.thetreesresidence.com
Sivana Hills Tel: 032 514 007 71/5 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan sales@sivanahills.com www.sivanahills.com
The Two Villas Tel: 076 289 900 ext. 12 081 676 5165, 081 970 0743 100/999 Moo 5, Rassada, Muang, Phuket info@twovillas.com www.twovillas.com
The Lantern Tel: 085 211 1107, 081 877 9292
The Village Coconut Island Tel: 076 239 724, 087 888 8082
View Talay Marina Tel: 038 706 355-8 19 Moo 1, Najomtien, Sattaheap, Chonburi viewtalay@viewtalaymarina.com viewtalaymarina.com Villa Lawana Tel: 077 960 333 92/1 Moo 2, Bohput, Koh Samui, Suratthani sales@villalawana.com www.villalawana.com
RESTAURANTS Anna’s Phuket Tel: 076 210 535, 076 210 536 13 Rassada Road, Muang, Phuket Cucina Tel: 076 338 000 JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa 231 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket Ratri Jazztaurant Tel: 076 333 538-9 74/1 Patak Road, Karon, Katu, Phuket www.ratrijazztaurant.com Salvatore’s (Italian cuisine) Tel/Fax: 076 225 958 Phuket Town 15 Rassada Road, Muang, Phuket info@salvatorestaurant.com www.salvatorestaurant.com Sala Bua Restaurant Impiana Phuket Cabana Resort Tel: 076 340 138 ext. 8301 41 Taweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket Siam Indigo Exotique Bar & Restaurant Tel/Fax : 66 076 256 697 8, Phang Nga Road, Muang, Phuket sales@siamindigo.com www.siamindigo.com Watermark Restaurant Tel: 076 239 730 Fax: 076 239 078 The Boat Lagoon Marina, Phuket 22/1 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road, Kohkaew, Muang, Phuket info@watermarkphuket.com www.watermarkphuket.com
Knight Frank AD
Knight Frank AD
Knight Frank AD
Impiana AD
Thailand Suvarnabumi Airport Asia Books B2S Bookazine Kinokuniya SE.Education Villa Market The Peninsula Hotel The Oriental Hotel Emporium Siam Paragon Central World Plaza Le Meridien Phuket Trisara Phuket Amanpuri Phuket Knight Frank Offices CBRE Offices SEA Property Offices Le Bua at State Tower Architektura Bangkok Palm Hills Hua Hin Plus Property Hua Hin Beautiful World Hua Hin CBRE Pattaya More Bar & Grill Pattaya Siam Country Club Pattaya
Singapore Cheers Kinokuniya Bookstores Megazine Corner MPH Saranya Link Times Al Akba Minimarket Adpost Adpost - Vivo City Ajmir Store - Vivo City Aspen Height Supermart Al - Marikkan’s Book Affair
Tropical Living RETAIL OUTLETS IN ASIA IN THAILAND
Borders Pte Ltd. Jaf Trading Pte Ltd. Garden’s Corner Harris Book Co. Pte Ltd. Lian Yew Superkiosk Punggol Exchange Page One Singapore Pte Ltd. Thamby Magazine Store Shangri - La Hotel Limited Taj Gift Centre Tango & Mango Thawakkal Electronics Vembu Enterprise (I WKLY KIOSKS)
Hong Kong All Leading Bookstores and airport Business Class Lounges,Business Clubs Marinas and Yacht Brokers Knight Frank Offices and Real Estate Agents
Decor Mart Ad