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Situated within close proximity of Phuket town, Thepthanee is a quality development – perfect for living and wise for investment.
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Editor’s NOTE As this is our first edition after Songkran, firstly let me wish all of you a Happy New Thai Year, I hope this year is a successful one. To readers old and new, welcome to the latest edition of Phuketindex.com magazine. In this edition, along with our regular features such as People Focus, Chef Talk & GM Talk, we have some very special features for your mind, your body, and your soul. This includes a special feature provided for us by Dr John Demartini a Human Behaviour Specialist, Educator and Author from South Africa. Also in this issue we can help you bring your home up-to-date with our Top ten gadgets which are available on the market today.
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Contents MAY 2011 - July 2011
People 18 26 84 92
People Focus: - Michael Chick GM Coffee Club Thailand - Award winning chef Ronnie Macuja, Executive chef at VSET Restaurants Chef Talk: Boonsong Srihakul (Indochine) GM Talk: Andrew Turner, Tony Pedroni Interview: Pongsapak “JJ” Upatising
FEATURES 40 42 48 49 50 51 52 54 56 58 66 70 73 76 94 96 98 100
Blue Elephant Restaurant Homemade Produce from Acqua Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Head Massage for the Ultimate in Relaxation Homemade Beauty Products Simple Ways to Improve your Workspace Becoming Aware of your Own Intuitive Wisdom Personal Development Tips for Everyone Eating Brown Rice will ease the Need to Take Medication Skin Cancer Awareness Why Use UPVC Windows Rather than Wood Top 10 Gadgets for the Home Bringing a Different Shopping Experience to Phuket A Complete Paradise Lifestyle Our Top 5 View Points on the Island Turtle Conservation on Phuket Green is good at Indochine Group Celebrate the New Look of Central Festival Phuket
INDEXERS 31 67 69 71
Dining Contractor Awning Home Automation
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92
22
98
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Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Matthew Pond, Paradorn Promkird, Siripong Mukda, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Sasithornrat Promwichai,
On The Cover
Pakakrong Tanpolhuan, Jureerat Kawee Advertising Enquiries sales@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 76 240 749
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Fax. +66 (0) 76 240 750
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People
Fo c u s
“Make things as simple as possible for
the consumer” Michael Chick GM Coffee Club
Being General Manager of one venue is a busy enough job. So being GM of five, spread over locations including Pattaya, Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket is an even busier one. However, Phuketindex.com managed to track down Michael Chick, GM of The Coffee Club Thailand at their Jungceylon branch and asked him a few questions about what is quickly growing as one of Thailand’s most popular hangouts, The Coffee Club.
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Michael Chick GM Coffee Club
Can you tell us a little about yourself? My first job was actually when I was still at high school. I worked part time in a branch of McDonald’s in my home country, Australia. When I left high school I continued working for them and worked my way up through the ranks and I ended up staying there for about 10 years. I then left to join The Coffee Club. I worked for the group for 5 years in Australia as National Operations Manager. Then in 2008 I got a phone call from Bill Heinecke (Chairman of Minor International owners of The Coffee Club) asking if I would be interested in working in Thailand.
People Focus At the time I wasn’t interested as I was concentrating on something else and I pretty much forgot about it. However, twelve months later I received a call from Paul Kenny (CEO of Minor International) asking me if anything had changed and again asking if I was interested in working in Thailand. This time around, there was not so much happening for me in Australia so my wife and I came over for a 3 day trip. I had an interview and in the two days my wife and I had to spare, we both decided we liked Thailand and felt Bangkok was somewhere where we could live, so I accepted the job. We returned to Australia and within six weeks we had packed our bags and moved ourselves to Bangkok. There was no brand of The Coffee club in Thailand when I arrived so it was going to be my job to launch the brand here. We opened our first store here in Phuket at Turtle Village, Mai Khao beach in 2009.
Can you explain the concept behind The Coffee Club? The main thing we try to achieve with The Coffee Club is a relaxed environment. However, one of our buzz phrases we have been using recently is “lifestyle dining”. When people visit one of our branches there are no rules or restrictions as to what you can eat or when. We offer all day breakfasts and we offer alcohol. If people want to eat pad thai for breakfast they can. The idea is to make things as simple as possible for the consumer. In my personal opinion, as a consumer, nowadays it is getting harder and harder to have what you want when you want. So my philosophy is the easier you make the environment for the consumer the more they are going to want to come back. We offer such a large choice on our menu, coffees and cakes, pastries, chicken dishes, fish dishes, pasta and Thai food. In saying we want to be lifestyle, we are open from 8am until 12pm and we have a menu that offers something for anytime during that period.
Is it the same concept within each branch? The concept is fairly consistent throughout all of the branches. The only one that is a little outside of this concept is our branch at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Here it is designed for speed, so it’s a grab and go concept because everybody there is in a hurry. If I had 10 baht for every customer I spoke to who told me they had a plane to catch I would be a rich man. The menu is a lot more limited there too.
How does Coffee Club differ from other Coffee houses? Like I said before it’s all about the lifestyle option of having what you want, when you want it. If you compare us purely to our coffee competitors, you cannot fault what they have done for building the coffee profile here in Thailand, but I seriously think we offer a much better product. At the same time, our point of difference is we offer the extensive food menu. When you talk about restaurant cafe concepts like Black Canyon, I guess we are a lot more modern than they are and I seriously feel our quality of food is a lot better than theirs too. Our focus is a lot more on the western food than the Thai food and theirs is the other way around. But that said, we do take our Thai food very seriously, the Thai food has been designed by Thai chefs and it is all Thai chefs working in the kitchen.
Do you have a favourite branch location in Thailand and why? To be honest I have to say that where we sit now in our Jungceylon branch is probably my favourite location out of all of them in Thailand. I think it’s because you can sit here and see what’s going on outside, it’s a great place for people watching. I don’t like to be biased but I also think it’s because a lot of the customers we have here are Australian, sometimes I think I’m sitting in Brisbane with the amount that are here. It’s also nice because they want to come and talk to you being a fellow Aussie, they want to come and know what you’re doing here and want to know your story. If you’re getting a little home sick it’s always a good cure to come and sit and talk to a few fellow Australians.
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People
Fo c u s and visit another country as it is something they cannot do so easily. It’s also a good story for recruiting staff and giving them s great objective when they come to work for us.
What do you look for when hiring staff for your branches?
Have you reached your target of seven branches to be open by end 2010? Unfortunately, we didn’t quite reach that target; we managed to open five branches by the end of last year. Our target now is to open five new branches by the end of 2011. We are already looking at locations at Kata and Karon here in Phuket, we are looking at another 2 locations in Pattaya and then we’ve got two locations in Bangkok that we are looking at as well. The strategy for launching the brand in Thailand is primarily to look at the tourist locations first; we really want to get the brand recognition before we try to get the Thai customers so we have to choose carefully the right locations in Bangkok. Bangkok is a real fickle market and you see so many restaurants come and go because they don’t understand the market and they don’t listen to the consumer. We are a big company and we have the experience. I think that with Bangkok we will probably be looking at the Sukhumvit area and there is one location we are negotiating on at the moment. So watch this space.
Really the most important factor for us is personality. The skills they will require can easily be trained to them. Some of the best baristas we have had had no experience at all at making coffee. Unfortunately, if we have people that come from other coffee brands they seem to think they know everything there is to know about making coffee, this can bring a bit of a challenge. They need to have a reasonably good level of English and in a tourist location I think it’s critical they have this as customers, although on holiday, get frustrated very easily and they often take this out on the staff. This is something that really bothers me and I would rather not employ someone who has little knowledge of English, not because I don’t want to, I do it for them because if customers end up yelling at them because they don’t understand them they are not going to be happy and will end up leaving the job anyway.
Do you plan to open any more branches in Phuket, if yes where? Like I’ve already mentioned, we will definitely look at the Southern end of the island, when we’ve got a little
Do you have any other aims for The Coffee Club Thailand for 2011? Actually last year we took one of our baristas to Australia for The Coffee Clubs International Barista of the Year Championship. He was a guy from Chiang Mai who came to Phuket to work for us here at the store and we trained him and he has now been with us for two years. I knew as soon as saw him work that he was talented and I thought if we take him and he can hold his nerve on the day, and not get to nervous in the competition surroundings, then he had a good chance of winning. Sometimes I’ve seen with staff that when there is pressure they would rather take a step backwards than forwards, but we really encouraged him and he actually went on to win the competition. For us that was amazing and for the people from Australia and New Zealand it was even more amazing. I don’t think they could believe that we had only been open for a year and a half and the very first barista we brought to the competition blew them away. So saying that I think our aim is to go back to Australia and repeat that. So I hope he will go back and defend his title and hopefully we can take one more barista from here with him. It’s a great opportunity for someone from Thailand to go
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bit of critical mass we will possibly look central and with regards to the North, possibly around the Chengtalay area. I think there would be a good opportunity in this area because the expat crowd that are there tend to stay around that area and I don’t feel they would travel out just to come to The Coffee Club. However, if they had something there I’m sure they would fit us into their routine. If you haven’t already visited The Coffee Club here in Phuket, next time you’re in Patong or Mai Khao beach please look out for them and stop and have a look at what’s on offer. There really is something for everyone and the quality is a cut above the rest. Look out for new branches opening soon!!
Freshness GUARANTEE
Thai, Chinese, Continental Cuisine Prepared By Highly Experienced Chefs Patong Beach
McDonald
Soi Bangla
Thaweewong Rd. Siam City Bank
Safari Hotel Raat-U-Thit Rd.
136 Thaweewong Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 76 341 171-4 Fax. +66 (0) 76 340 231 www.safaribeachhotel.com savoey@safaribeachhotel.com
People
Fo c u s
Born in the Philippines, award winning chef Ronnie Macuja is the executive chef at “Vset”. He has taken his own unique style of Western fusion cuisine to this “Extraordinary” restaurant. Here Chef Ronnie tells about the concept of Vset and why it differs so much from other restaurants on the island. You are one of the most experienced and successful chefs in Thailand, what do you try to bring to “Vset” to set it apart from other restaurants on the island? Vset’s main goal is to fill a market that no other restaurant in Phuket has tried before. We serve unique and high quality dishes which are influenced by modern western cuisine and serve them in an attractive and relaxed environment. I think that is the key element, we want our guests to be comfortable and feel they can come here whenever they wish, not having to worry about dressing up or having to plan ahead, but still be able to enjoy food that can’t be found anywhere else on the island.
Mann
Western
Fusion Cuisine @ 22
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People Focus
What makes Chalong such a special place for businesses and restaurants such as Vset? Chalong is still growing and has so much potential that nobody saw at first. The facts that it has the pier, and also that Chalong circle connects it to many other major areas in Phuket are very important.
You worked in Patong for 10 years before coming here, how does Chalong differ from Patong?
Chalong and Patong are two completely different places. Patong is an area that is completely driven by tourism. Chalong, although growing rapidly for many years, has still retained its original culture and identity. You can still feel that Chalong has a sense of community, even though many of its businesses are tourist focused. Also the local people still have a very strong and deep presence here, this is something you will not feel in Patong.
What do you, as a chef, see in Vset’s future? Vset has a dynamic menu that will constantly evolve and make ideal use, not only of my experience and the fantastic ingredients we have available here, but also from the feedback and reactions we receive from our guests. It is our plan to keep the most popular items on the menu, but continue to introduce new and exciting dishes. We also want to provide a satisfying dining experience time and time again, making Vset not only a restaurant but an extraordinary dining destination, and also to increase recognition both nationally and internationally.
Vset means “extraordinary” in Thai, what does the restaurant have that makes it deserve its name? Vset’s extraordinary feature is most definitely its menu. Everything is fresh of course, especially the seafood, and we also specialise in fresh beef and lamb, which reflects on my personal background from my time working in New Zealand. We would also like to consider Vset as a restaurant that sets a standard for everyone else to follow. For instance, our blue swimmer crab ravioli is made with Asian wanton wrapper ingredients, which makes it very light and remarkably different from European ravioli, which is usually quite heavy. This is what makes Vset deserve its name.
Vset Restaurant
Chalong pier, Phuket next to Kan Eang @pier Tel: +66 (0) 76 381 159, +66 (0) 89 970 7348 E-mail: info@vsetrestaurant.com
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The Island’s Best Shopping Center
Eat & Fun Chef Talk
Boonsong
Srihakul
Talented but humble Passionate about Vietnamese cuisine
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Boonsong Srihakul Sous Chef, Indochine Phuket
Born in the city of Ayutthaya in central Thailand, Boonsong Srihakul is the talented but humble Souse Chef for IndoChine Phuket’s Waterfront Restaurant, Bistro SaVanh and Deli Café. Boonsong’s interest in cooking began from a very early age when he tells us he regularly visited the many festivals held in Ayutthaya, which even up until now, include cooking contests of Thai food (main dishes and desserts) and auspicious food in various categories; for example, a contest of making spicy sauce, cooking tamarind flavoured soup (Kaeng Som), in which the contestants come from food shops, restaurants, and hotels in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. Each time he visited he became more and more inspired to be like the chefs he saw performing and hoped that one day he would be able to compete in the contests himself. A goal he still wishes to achieve even today.
Eat & Fun Chef Talk
His career as a chef began when he joined the team at Thailand’s most prestigious members only Rajapruek Golf Club. Here he worked his way up from kitchen assistant to Souse Chef at their exclusive Golf Dinning Room, where they served well-prepared ‘a la carte dishes which focused on the best ingredients and healthiest herbs. It was whilst working at Rajapruek that a friend of Boonsong’s told him of a position, as Souse Chef, which was available within the ever growing IndoChine group. However, if Boonsong wanted the position it would mean he would have to leave his homeland, as the vacancy was for Indochine’s three restaurants in Malaysia. This didn’t deter Boomsong and he jumped at the opportunity and took the position. During his time in Malaysia Boonsong grew to love and become passionate about Vietnamese cuisine. This was due to what Boonsong learnt from Head Chef Chookiat Kantha, who is an acclaimed specialist in Vietnamese Cuisine. He taught Bonsong the precise balance of
flavours together with fine ingredients and attractive presentations that personify the true taste of Indochinese cuisine. Boonsong’s career with IndoChine has now lasted more than ten years, which included a short relocation to the group’s two restaurants in Singapore, before moving back to his home country. It is Boonsong’s aim to become Executive Chef for the group. When he is not busy in the kitchen, Boonsong likes to lead an easy going life and tries not to take things too seriously. “Life is too short to be serious all the time” he says. In his spare time Boonsong likes to go bars and restaurants and listen to his favourite bands play Thai country music, another thing in life that he is very passionate about. We wish Boonsong the best of luck in achieving his goal of becoming Executive Chef.
This didn’t deter Boonsong
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Eat & Fun Arti c l e
Is
Thai Food good
for you? Many people enjoy Thai food more than any other type of meal. The reasons for this, Thai food is one of the best tasting foods on the earth, due to the fact Thai food has been developed for years and influenced by different cultures. Everyone can find something they like to eat as a basic part of Thai cuisine. Furthermore, this food is considered healthy by many who stick to it, even when takeaways are taken into account. This is because Thai food uses meat of small animals, which is low-fat, sliced and mixed with different vegetables, creating a healthy explosion of taste which make your senses go wild. Also, Thai food is served with noodles or rice, thus being without all the harmful substances we eat through bread, white flour etc. Nevertheless, not to jump to conclusions, Thai food’s healthy values depend on the type of food eaten in the first place. So, read on to find which Thai cuisine will provide you with best nutrients and least fat.
Good or Bad? There are Thai meals which are greasy as they come with pork slices and other fatty meats. However, there are plenty which are perfectly balanced. In fact, Thai food is known for its balancing of meals, usually, if the main dish is spicy, other dishes will compensate for that, being mild and pleasant for a hungry palate. This balance has contributed to the popularity of Thai food since it adds different tastes and variety.
Many Thai recipes use turmeric, which is a good source of antioxidants, treating and preventing numerous diseases and infections. Thai ginger does wonders for our digestive system, being a valuable ingredient in many Thai dishes. Coriander, which is also used a lot in Thai kitchens, encompasses both of the values the previous two ingredients have, adding some by protecting your heart from many diseases and boosting your appetite. Coconut oil boosts our immunity and metabolism, providing us with priceless omega3 fatty acids. Finally, lemongrass is yet another part of Thai cuisine which protects us from diseases like cold and flu, as well as arthritis, fungal infections and many others. Therefore, you can only benefit from consuming Thai dishes, since, in many aspects; these are superior to most other.
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Eat & Fun Art ic le
Some Basic Details about
SEAFOOD
Being here in Thailand, possibly the most popular choice of food when dining out is Seafood. Chill that bottle of white wine and let us take you on the underwater journey to Seafood Heaven.
Seafood is defined as edible fish or shellfish. The variety of species living under water is incredible, and this is why seafood is a delicacy; once you acquire the taste, is hard to beat.
ALL ABOARD!
Shrimp
Most people have tried shrimp at some point, possible because it’s the most well-known crustacean. Shrimp is best served warm, grilled with a combination of garlic, olive oil, a hint of lemon, some pepper, and some spices of your own preference. But shrimp keeps its taste most when fried.
Scallops
Scallops are a delicious shellfish with a delicate taste. Scallops can be prepared in seconds when flash frying over high heat. They can be pan seared, boiled, grilled, and sautéed. They are delicious any way they are prepared. The scallop has such a great flavour it is often prepared and served very simply so as not to overwhelm the taste of the scallops.
Lobster
Lobster, although expensive, is many fish lovers favourite. The most popular way of cooking lobster is boiling or steaming as this will provide a perfect balance between taste and tenderness. Some chefs prefer to steam lobster because boiling it often adds a watery taste that many people who eat it aren’t fond of. Lobster may also be barbecued. All the same, most will eat it in any shape, form or fashion.
Crab
Crab has to be the king of seafood. Crab is in much greater demand than other seafood, which to some extent explains its price. Crab can be cooked in the same ways as lobster.
Dive in Seafood is a great addition to any diet. If you are already a seafood lover, you do not need convincing. If you haven’t acquired a flavour just yet, then try each one slowly, cooked, boiled or grilled with a sauce or base that will lessen the aroma of, well, fish. Before you know it, you will develop an insatiable desire to dive in deeper.
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Eat & Fun
Kitchen Plus HomePro Village, Chaofa (West) Rd., Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130 Tel/Fax: + 66 (0) 76 383 244
Index Dining
The Real Thai Taste Kitchen Plus is a newly established Thai restaurant by three owning partners who fell in love with the delicacy and depth of Thai cuisine. Inspired by their own characters, the restaurant interior becomes the perfect place to sit for either relaxation or hearty dining with a selection of delectable dishes and drinks.
Open: 11.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m. daily Established: October 2009
Mai Khao Beach
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Phuket Villa 2 Kw
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Phuket Zoo
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Kitchen Plus serves a wide array of Thai cuisine for over 200 items ranging from tourist favourite dishes like Fried Spring Roll, Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry Soup etc. to local delights such as Som Tam, Red Curry Soup, Stir-fried Seafood with Curry Powder etc. All cooked to Thai spicy standards without compromise unless you request. Added in the menu are some international dishes like soups, steaks, spaghettis etc. The freshest ingredients are guaranteed. There is live entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays nights.
Home Pro Village
Kitchen Plus
Khao Khad View Tower To Cape Phanwa
Kitchen Plus
Chalong Circle
Location: HomePro Village, close to Chalong roundabout. For taxi: ร้านอาหารคิชเช่นพลัส อยู่ในโครงการโฮมโปรวิลเลจ ใกล้ห้า
แยกฉลอง
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Eat & Fun Arti c l e
Top
Brainfood tips
T
he food you eat affects how your brain performs. By eating the right food, you can boost your IQ, improve your mood, sharpen your memory and keep your mind active. When you feed your brain the right things, you’re able to improve concentration, think quicker and retain more information. What’s more, preparing the right food doesn’t have to take up all your time and can be fitted in around your everyday life.
Get into the breakfast habit
Up the iron To work at their best, brain cells need oxygen. A lack of iron can reduce the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, reducing the amount supplied to your brain. Not getting enough iron can also cause problems such as poor concentration, lack of energy and tiredness. Lean red meat is an excellent source of iron. Good vegetarian sources of iron include egg yolks, red kidney beans, lentils, dried apricots, broccoli, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread.
Fish for brains Oil-rich fish like salmon, sardines and fresh tuna contain Omega 3 fats which help your brain cells talk to each other. As a guide, try to eat at least one portion of oil-rich fish a week. But remember while fresh tuna contains Omega 3 fat, tinned tuna doesn’t, so opt for tinned salmon instead.
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Don’t rely on coffee to get you going in the morning. Take time to eat a decent breakfast and you’ll reap the rewards during the day. For a balanced diet, eat a cereal like porridge or muesli with semi skimmed milk or wholemeal toast with eggs.
9.00-24.00
Eat & Fun Arti c l e
Popular Cocktails with a Twist
California Lemonade The great thing about lemonade is that it’s the ideal drink when it’s hot. It’s refreshing, thirst-quenching and it packs a kick. That said; why not spruce up the old favorite with some quality mixers? California Lemonade does just that.
Ingredients:
1 oz vodka ¼ oz London Dry gin ¼ oz cognac ¼ oz grenadine 2 oz orange juice 1 splash lime juice 1 splash sugar syrup 1 wedge lemon
How to prepare it:
Pour vodka, London Dry gin, cognac, grenadine, orange juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup into a shaker and agitate. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Electric Screwdriver A screwdriver with a twist! Ingredients: ¾ oz tequila ¾ oz vodka 2 oz orange juice 1 oz energy drink 1 slice orange
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How to prepare it:
Fill a glass halfway with ice. Add tequila, vodka, orange juice, and energy drink. Stir well and garnish with the orange slice.
Eat & Fun Art i c l e
2
steps to help you choose a wine
You’re invited to a dinner party and you’re stuck as you have no idea what wine to buy or where to start. The world of wine can be daunting to the uninitiated, but don’t worry: follow these simple rules and you can turn you from a rank amateur to, at least, a skilled novice. So here are 2 steps on how to choose wine.
Know what you’re eating
Narrow down to a varietal
When pairing wines with food, all you need are a few simple pairing rules.
Varietal describes a wine made from a single grape variety, and the varietal tells you a lot about what’s in the bottle.
Pair light white wines with fish and chicken and some pork, and reds with beef and game. This is a good rule for beginners, but after some experience you’ll be ale to go a step further. As an example, some light-bodied reds pair nicely with fish and chicken. If the menu is spicy, go for a sweet wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Grigio.
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• Cabernet Sauvignon is a full and rich red wine it pairs well with red meat and tomato-based pasta sauces • Pinot Noir is as softer red but pairs the same as Cabernets • Merlot is one of the lightest reds • Chardonnay is an elegant white with a nice buttery taste, and pairs well with chicken and creamy pasta sauces; • Sauvignon Blanc is white, great for sipping on summer days and pairs with fish; • Riesling is a sweeter white - the Germans make the best but the Californians are also good.
GOOD FOOD GREAT SERVICE EXCELLENT COFFEE
The Coffee Club is a welcoming, relaxed meeting place offering All Day Breakfast, Gourmet Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta from 165 baht, Grills, Light Meals and Thai dishes for 100 baht. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a relaxing coffee and cake. With two great locations in Phuket we look forward to meeting you at The Coffee Club. :: FREE WI FI :: NO SERVICE CHARGE
JUNGCEYLON SHOPPING COMPLEX , Patong Beach T: 07 629 2036
@thecoffeeclubth
TURTLE VILLAGE Mai Khao Beach T: 07 631 4305
The Coffee Club Thailand
Phuket’s Coolest Bar and Restaurant
Cool Cocktails-Cool Cuisine-Cool Sounds-Cool Cruises
14 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 (0)76 371 900 Fax. +66 (0)76 613831 E-mail: rsvn@serenityphuket.com www.serenityphuket.com
a west place to relax in ne ’s et uk Ph is rie se Bras u are atmosphere, where yo warm and welcoming l. Our ur time over your mea encouraged to take yo an oyster rnational cuisine and te in rs fe of nt ra au st re e and offer a comprehensiv & lobster bar. We also of e wines and a variety fin of n io ct le se le ab afford bar Beers in an extensive 30 exclusive Belgian lounge area.
18 Rassada Road, T.Talandnua, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)7621 0511 Fax: +66 (0)7638 345 Email: info@brasseriephuket.com www.brasseriephuket.com
Eat & Fun
Feat u r e
Blue Elephant Restaurant established
in London in 1986 One of the most magnificent examples of Sino-Portugese architecture is the house built for tin baron Phra Pitak Chinpracha, a wealthy Chinese descendant, who was born in Phuket. The mansion is known as ‘Baan Chinpracha’. The old mansion was built in 1903, in the reign of King Rama V. The distinctive character is not only reflected by the white building situated amidst shady trees, but also its history. The mansion was originally built to use as a bridal house (home for a newly wed couple), but after its completion, they did not reside there, as the mansion was far away from the market and other family members. The house was then used for guests and accommodation. Above the door, is a wooden sign with Chinese letters that reads ‘Lean Bee’ meaning ‘Lotus’. This is in commemoration of the hardship & struggle of ancestors. The house faces
south, enabling air to flow through. This reflects the wisdom & expertise of the architect. A well is situated in the middle of the mansion which also helps ventilation, in addition to many windows. Decoration in Baan Chinpracha today is not much different from the original style. Most furniture & decorative items were imported through Penang. In the old days, shipping trade via Penang to Phuket was flourishing. This included gate material from the Netherlands, tiles from Italy & pearl engraved wooden furniture from China. Phra Pitak Chinpracha was recently taken on by the Blue Elephant restaurant chain. The crumbling 100-year-old, 20-room mansion had been empty for decades. Now the international Thai restaurant chain, established in London in 1986, allocated $2m to renovate the mansion. “Basically we are keeping as many of the original features of the house as possible, but we need to bring it into the 21st century in terms of its facilities,” says Thaviseuth Phouthavong, the Blue Elephant vice-president.
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Tradition & innovation Nooror Somany Steppe, founder of the Blue Elephant Group and a world class chef, has been known as the unofficial culinary Ambassador of Royal Thai Cuisine since 1980. She has vast, in-depth knowledge and experience of Authentic Thai Cuisine finding. This is possibly due to her upbringing and the culture in Chachoensao, a city a little East of Bangkok.
Her “Thai Cooking of the Past”, her “Thai Cuisine of Today”, and her vision of the “Thai Kitchen of Tomorrow” makes her one of the most creative and interesting Chefs in the Kingdom and her ideas have now been spread across the Blue Elephant chain. Nooror Somany Steppe has now passed on her vast knowledge and experience to Chef Sombat Prongthong, who is in charge of local cuisine at the Phuket branch. The spectacular dishes on offer at the Blue Elephant Phuket can only be described as authenticity accomplished by Thai chefs prepared dishes with ingredients of the highest quality, all from the home-country. Tradition and innovation, most recipes are centuries old, faithfully handed down through generations. Others are new, creative, and unique variations on traditional themes. Presentation of visually
Eat & Fun
Feature
stunning dishes artistically presented with carved fruits and vegetables. Elaborate dishes beautifully presented and subtly spiced are sure to please and this fine place to dine has an array to please all from different tastes and textures to different ranges of spiciness. Innovative dishes include Chor Muang, a steamed flower shaped dumpling, Laab Salmon, a salmon tartar, Doi Kham Salad, a purple eggplant salad with grilled scallops and Black Chicken Crispy Spring Rolls as starters. Gastronomic delights continue with Nooror’s Massaman Lamb is a coconut milk curry of lamb, potatoes, peanuts and cashew nuts, Black Chicken Green Curry, Phad Sator Koong, prawns with parkia in shrimp paste, Duck with Tamarind Sauce. The unique serving dishes of plates and bowls may include a bamboo case or pandus leaves.
Blue Elephant Restaurant
96 Krabi Road, Tambon Taladyai, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 354 355, +66 (0) 76 354 357 Fax: +66 (0) 76 345 393 E-mail: info@blueelephantphuket.com
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Eat & Fun
Feat u r e
Homemade Produce from Acqua Here at Acqua Restaurant Kalim we not only take pride in the best quality produce imported from around the world, we also take pride in the top quality homemade produce made here direct at Acqua. Our staff are trained to make homemade produce using the traditional Italian methods. We would like to guide you as to how we here at Acqua make our own homemade Organic Buffalo Milk Caciotta Cheese and also provide you with our favourite serving suggestion, which will also include our homemade sundried tomatoes marinated in extra virgin olive oil and various herbs and spices. We will also give you of a couple of dishes which include our homemade Organic Buffalo Milk Ricotta
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Cheese. A small selection of the great dishes on offer here at Acqua using the best homemade produce!
Homemade Organic Buffalo Milk Caciotta Cheese Ingredients: Organic buffalo milk (from Chiang Mai), salt and 1 dessert spoon caglio liquido (Italian lactic acid bacteria). Pour organic buffalo milk into a pan a start to warm slowly. Once warm add 1 dessert spoon of caglio liquid and salt to taste and mix well. Keep warming slowly; it is important not to heat too quickly so the milk does not burn. As the milk warms you will gradually see the curdling process taking place. Once the mixture has reached around 35 degrees the solid form (the curd) will be completely separated from the liquid components (the whey). Remove from the heat and allow to cool. The curds are then drained from the whey and placed in perforated serving size cheese moulds where more whey will be expelled as the curd draws together. The curds are then pressed so the curd reaches the correct consistency and placed in the refrigerator to allow the curds to ripen and the cheese to be produced. It’s as easy as that!
Eat & Fun
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Homemade Organic Buffalo Milk Caciotta Cheese with Parma Ham, Sardinia sausage and Puglian Olives Place a bed of various herbs on a wooden serving board and on top of the herbs place a serving of organic buffalo milk caciotta cheese and top with a small serving homemade sundried tomatoes marinated in extra virgin olive oil and herbs and spices. Dress the board with an assortment of fresh tomatoes, sliced Parma ham, sliced Sardinian sausage and serve together with a small bowl of Puglian giant olives.
Home made Organic Buffalo Milk Ricotta Cheese served with fresh Artichokes and Sardinian Bottarga Scoop a generous size helping of homemade organic buffalo milk ricotta cheese onto a plate and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. In a small bowl mix together sliced cooked artichokes with extra virgin olive oil and salt, once the artichokes are well coated place on top of the ricotta cheese. Randomly place sliced grey mullet Sardinian bottarga (salt and air dried roe from grey mullet)) and decorate with wild fennel.
Cannoli Siciliani Cannoli consists of tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough (made of wheat, butter, sugar and Sicilian Marsala wine). Mix together ricotta cheese, homemade candied orange and chocolate shavings) once mixed pipe into the cannoli tube, place a small piece of candied cherry at each end and decorate with powdered sugar.
ACQUA RESTAURANT 324/15 Prabaramee Road - Kalim bay - Patong 83100 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 127 Fax: +66 (0) 76 618 129 reservations@acquarestaurantphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com
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PHUKET DINING GUIDE
Find food & wine news and reviews on restaurants,
recipes, cooking, desserts, chefs, fine dining, cuisine, and more.
http://dining.phuketindex.com
Offering 3 types of fully equipped airconditioning room with facilities and services provided such as swimming pool, taxi service, tour desk, and WiFi internet. This is a boutique hotel where you can stay at ease in Patong. Located in Soi Sansabai, just 100 metres away from Jungceylon (biggest shopping complex) and famous Bangla (night entertainment).
Area : Patong
"We
Do More Than Websites"
Custom/professional web design E-business strategy consultation Strategic internet marketing Copy write service
No. of rooms: 25
Luxurious boutique serviced apartment and hotel, located at the heart of Phuket town. Every guest can enjoy 180 degree view of green area from private balcony, accommodated with large in-room space and fully equipped pantry. Baan Suwantawe will bring you to the memorable ‘JUST @ Home’ atmosphere/experience. Address: 171/8 Soi Sansabai, Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Rd., Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 T. +66 (0) 76 344 141, +66 (0) 81 638 8787 F. +66 (0) 76 344 649 E. reception@whitepatong.com, ssomkiet@whitepatong.com www.whitepatong.com
Area: Phuket town Studio: 26 Penthouse: 4 Address: 1/10 Dibuk Rd., Taladyai, Muang, Phuket T. +66 (0) 76 212 879 F. +66 (0) 76 215 541 E. baansuwantawe@yahoo.com www.baansuwantawe.com
Take your brand or business to the next level with us. Find our portfolio at
www.guidevision.com Guide Vision Ltd.
9/98 Moo 3 Rassadanusorn Road, Rassada, Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 89 866 6189 info@guidevision.com
Salvatore’s
Italian Restaurant The true taste of Italian cuisine in Phuket Town
Great tasting original Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere! Salvatore’s Ristorante Italiano is open twice daily Tuesday to Saturday
from 12p.m-2.30p.m and 6.30p.m-11p.m and Sunday and Monday
from 6p.m-11p.m only!
Reservation
076-225958
15 Rasada Road, Tambol Taladyai, Phuket Town, Phuket. Or mail to: info@salvatorestaurant.com www.salvatorestaurant.com
Health & Beauty
Advert o r i a l
Nail Club by Thanya All you need for Beautiful Nails
N
ail Club by Thanya offers high quality nail services. If you’re looking for nails, Acrylic nails, Gel nails, Nail Art, Manicures or Pedicures, you’re looking in the right place! Nails are our speciality. Acrylic and Gel Nail Enhancements (Extensions), Nail Art, Manicures and pedicures are our world. Nail art is not just our speciality it is our passion! Your nails are our canvas. Let us create your very own masterpiece. All of our staff are trained to a very high standard in both Nail Enhancements and Natural Nail Care. You’ll find we
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offer a professional yet relaxing service at one of our two salons, or alternatively, if you wish, we can visit you in your home or resort and provide the treatments there. Either way, you can be sure of receiving a high quality salon service. Manicures & Pedicures at Nail Club by Thanya A regular manicure or pedicure keeps nails tidy and improves the appearance. It also helps the nails to grow and stay strong. We offer several types of manicure and pedicure:
Health & Beauty
Advertorial
Nail club by Thanya offer a wide range of Nail Art, from a diamante, nail transfers, or hand painted designs using acrylic paints. We use various brushes and implements to give the desired look. We can do many different flags of the world, lines, flicks, flowers and much much more. We offer the Nail Art service for Natural Nails & Nail Enhancements. We also offer the service on Toe Nails or as a perfect end to a pedicure. If you visit one of our salons we have many examples of our Nail Art Boards on display.
Nail Club by Thanya Big C Supercenter, 1st Floor (Supermarket Floor)
Nail Club by Thanya No 2
Sawatdirak Rd.
La Flora Resort
Nail Club by Thanya No.2 @ The Kee Plaza Bangla Rd.
Rath-u-thit 200 Pi Rd.
The Kee Resort (in front of La Flora Resort Patong) Call: +66 (0) 81 797 2286 or +66 (0) 76 248 095 Out Call Service Available
Taweewong Rd.
• Basic Manicure & Pedicure • Spa Manicure & Pedicure • Paraffin Wax Manicure & Pedicure • Gel Nail Extensions • Acrylic Nail Extension
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Health & Beauty Fea t u r e
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a technique used for gaining donor hair for Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), where separate follicular units are harvested directly from the donor area, without the need for a linear incision. In this hair restoration procedure, a 1-mm punch is used to make a small incision in the skin around the upper part of the follicular unit, which is then extracted directly from the scalp.
function of this technique is to camouflage a widened linear donor scar from a previous hair transplant procedure. In this technique, hair is extracted from the area around a linear donor scar and then placed directly into it. Patients differ significantly with respect to the ease in which follicular units can be removed from the scalp. In some patients, extraction results in unacceptable levels of transaction (damage due to cut hair follicles). While the FUE has grown in popularity, largely due to the minimally invasive way, the standard strip excision method is still the most popular hair transplant procudure
Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction are sometimes viewed as being two totally different procedures. FUE, in fact, is a type of FUT where the follicular units are taken directly from the scalp, rather than being microscopically separated from a strip that has already been removed. To say it another way, in Follicular Unit Transplantation, individual follicular units can be obtained in one of two ways; either through single-strip harvesting and stereo-microscopic dissection, or through FUE. Therefore, when comparisons are made between FUT and FUE, what is really being compared is the way the follicular grafts are gained (i.e. strip harvesting and dissection vs. direct extraction) rather than placed into the scalp. However, the harvesting technique does have implications for the procedure such as the transection (damage) rate, distribution of follicular units, number of grafts per session, post-op care and the total graft yield. Because FUE does not leave a linear scar, it may be appropriate for patients who want to wear their hair very short. The procedure is also good for those who have healed poorly from traditional strip harvesting or who have a very tight scalp. Possibly the most important
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For more information regarding FUE or any other hair loss treatments please contact: Absolute Hair Clinic The Royal Place, Tesco Lotus Intersection, 96/39 moo 1. Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 612 762, +66 (0) 860 411 336 Fax: +66 (0) 76 612 763 E-mail: Drlaorwong@hotmail.com info@absolutehairclinic.com
Health & Beauty Feature
Head Massage
for the Ultimate in
Relaxation
Massage is probably the most relaxing activity you can enjoy. After a day at work, sometimes filled with stress and pressure, having your partner massage you will help to eliminate the negative energy held within your body. Although the back, arms and legs are the most popular areas for massage, the head and scalp is possibly the most relaxing place of all. If you’re the person receiving the head and scalp massage, here are a few ways to help you enjoy the massage to the maximum:
1.Understand the head and scalp is one of the best areas to get a massage. The top of the head is one your most sensitive areas and possibly the most responsive to the touch, so instruct your partner to gently knead this area as well.
2.Relax and make yourself comfortable. To receive the maximum benefit you should really let go and be prepared for a relaxing time. See in your minds eye all the stress and pressure release from your body. It is best to be sat upright with your feet up.
3.Choose a room with good ambience. For a totally relaxing experience, play some relaxing music which you both enjoy, light some scented candles too and turn off the lights and of course your phones.
4.Know what to expect. The massage should start at the neck, with gentle circular kneading motions using the fingertips. Move up towards the center of the head, then go down to the ears. After, massage the top of the head, pay particular attention to the forehead hairline and the sides of the head. Finally, go back down to the neck, and then the shoulders. This should be done for a minimum of fifteen minutes to receive full benefits. All motions should be gently, in small, circular motions using the fingertips. This due to the fact the head is a sensitive area. After, your head will feel lighter; due to the fact the kneading motions improve blood circulation around that area. There you have it! These are just some of the ways to enjoy a head and scalp massage. Good luck and we hope this helped you out!
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Eat & Fun
Feat u r e
Homemade
Beauty Products For oily skin
Oily skin needs special care to ensure the skin is moisturised without becoming too oily. Oily skin is also prone to break-outs so the ingredients in these home made beauty products are designed to soothe and purify troubled complexions.
Acne Facial Mask 1/4 grapefruit (seeded and peeled) 1/4 lemon 1/4 apple (cored, do not peel) 20 green seedless grapes 3 tblspns chopped watercress 1 egg white Blend all the ingredients together in a blender on medium speed for 2 minutes or until pureed. Apply gently to the face and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
Toner 2 tbspns chopped mint leaves 8 sage leaves 1/4 cup chopped parsley 2 tblspns fresh thyme leaves 2 stalks fresh bok-choy (with leaves) 6 tblspns witch hazel 1 tblspn lemon juice 1 cup water In a saucepan boil 1 cup of water together with some sage, parsley and thyme. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. While still warm, pour the liquid into a blender with the bok-choy, witch hazel and lemon juice and blend on medium speed for 2 minutes. Strain mixture through a coffee filter or paper towel and pour liquid into a small cosmetic bottle. Apply to face with a cotton wool ensuring you blot all over.
Moisturizer 1 tspn lemon extract 1 tspn orange extract 1 tspn lime extract Combine all ingredients in a small cosmetic bottle and shake vigorously. Using a pipette put 3 drops of mixture onto a fingertip and gently apply to face using a blotting action. Use less formula on T-zone.
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Health & Beauty Tips
Simple ways to
improve your workspace
Are you tired of talk about the economy? Are you one of those currently employed who has been handed an excessive workload due to staff cut-backs? Though there’s no room for complaint if you’re still lucky enough to have a steady income, you and your workspace could possibly use a little mood booster. Why not turn your workspace into a place you actually enjoy spending 40 (or more) hours a week. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it’ll work wonders for your attitude. Having a fun, welcoming workspace is also a great way to showcase your personality. It might seem a small thing and a little bit silly, but treat yourself to your very own box of tissues – real three layer Kleenex tissues, not the cheap one layer type that offices usually provide, if at all. Not only will you be comfortable when your sinuses start playing up, you’ll also attract the attention of other sore-nosed co-workers who are eager for softness! It’s also amazing what a little splash of colour from something as mundane as a tissue box can bring to your desk.
Put a smile on your face
Surround yourself with great memories. Having pictures of family, friends and even pets can improve attitudes remarkably. Simply looking at a favourite picture can put a smile on your face, so why not have a few on display in your workspace?
Lighting is also important. A normal office features the washed-out glow of florescent bulbs as a form of illumination, and it’s hard to live with that day in and day out. Why not use a lamp that uses a standard light bulb, changing the tone of the lighting may bring warmth to your space. Plants - Don’t panic if you are not green fingered, some plants are nearly impossible to kill and are very much suited to an office environment. It doesn’t matter about the time you spend on it or what light it receives. Plants you can find in your grocery store stand up to just about anything. They’re used to artificial lighting and minimal attention. Buy a nice colourful plant pot to place on your desk, and there you have it. Instant décor!
Feel more at home
Have your own mug. Many European offices require this now as they believe it to be more environmentally friendly than using the old style plastic cups and yes it’s a wonderful idea. Drinking out of a real mug can make you feel more at home while you’re working, and that’s a good thing taking into account how long we spend in the office. Simple little touches like these add instant appeal to your space. So rather than bringing work home, why not bring a bit of home to work?
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Health & Beauty Feat u r e
Becoming Aware of Your Own
Intuitive Wisdom
A
nswer this questionnaire to determine whether you are intuitively tuning into your soul and empowering your life.
Important Note: Even the most awakened beings throughout history only attuned with their soul’s intuitive wisdom intermittently. Do not be discouraged if you feel these occurrences don’t happen every day. 1.Have you ever thought of someone or something and then ran into them or observed it as if by synchronous magic? 2.Have you ever thought of someone, only to hear the phone ringing and when you answered the phone the person you had been thinking of was on the other end of the line? 3.Have you called someone, only to find out that they were picking up the phone at that instant to call you? 4.How many times have you asked yourself a most unusual question like, “I wonder how many miles away the Moon is?”, only to turn on the television or radio and hear them respond “The Moon is . . . miles away from Earth”? Or you pick up a magazine or book and it has the information you wanted right before your eyes?
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5.Have you mentioned someone you haven’t thought of about for many years, and then suddenly bumped into them on the street, or has another person told you news about this individual straight after you thought about them? 6.Have you ever been in someone’s company and both said exactly the same thing at the very same time in an ‘out of the blue’ fashion that caught you both by surprise? 7.Have you visited a close friend or family member only to find when you arrived at their house that they had purchased something exactly the same as you had purchased recently? 8.Have you ‘accidentally’ encountered someone from out of your past only to discover that amazingly coincidences in dates, places or people ran through both of your lives (i.e., you both had a child born on the same day which you had given the same name, got married to your partners on the same day, etc.? 9.Have some of the most profound events in your life, like the way you met your partner been so fateful that they appear to be designed by destiny? 10.Have you had a strong intuition about something, which you ignored, only to find out later that your intuition was right and you made a ‘mistake’ not to heed it?
Health & Beauty Feature
11.Have you been thinking of someone as you walked down the street, turned the corner only to discover that person was walking straight toward you? 12.Have you lost something only to find it again a long time later, under the most bizarre conditions? 13.Have you ever awoken in the morning with a sense that something wonderful (or something ominous) was going to occur during that day. . . and it did? 14.Have you ever had your inner sense whisper to you to take a different route to work that day and then later discovered you ‘saved’ yourself from a traffic jam or potential accident?
If you were able to answer yes to 8 of these above questions you are probably beginning to listen well to your soul. It might be wise to start keeping a journal of all such synchronicities events in your life. If you were able to answer yes to 12 of these above questions you are becoming adept at attuning to your soul’s intuitive promptings. You are probably using your ability consciously and taking advantage of its guidance wisely. If you were able to answer yes to 15 of these above questions you are attuned. Your soul is your consistent companion. You have learned to take advantage of your most powerful source of inspiration and wisdom.
15.Have you ever gone to bed at night worried about a problem and awoken in the morning, with a knowing that something was going to happen to resolve the problem, and that something occurred? If you were able to answer yes to only 4 of these above questions you are probably not listening to well to your soul. It might be wise to pay a bit closer attention.
Article courtesy of Dr John Demartini human behavioural specialist, educator and author. For more information about Dr Demartini and his Methologies please visit: www.drdemartini.com or contact: info@drdemartini.co.za or call 0110119093 (Johannesburg)
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Health & Beauty Feat u r e
Personal
Development
Tips for Everyone We all have our own personality and unfortunately, we are not all born with pleasing character traits. However, we can all do something to make them better. Our individual personality begins its development after our birth. Each of us has a different set of characteristics and traits due to the fact we are born from different parents and under a variety of biological, physical and environmental factors .The development of these traits are influenced by several factors, like temperament, education, biological systems, environmental factors, cultural beliefs and family background, and ongoing interaction to these factors lead to the development of our own individual personality. In the competitive world, in which we live, there are certain jobs that require applicants to have pleasing personalities for them to be employed within that job. Individuals’ personalities are not solely limited on the physical attributes of a person, like beauty, body structure, height and weight, but they
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also include intelligence, communication skills, emotional intelligence, work skills and many more. Developing yourself and your individual personality does not only help you get the job you want, but also helps you to become a better person. Self development does not occur automatically, and improvement only begins when you are old enough to have control of your life. You have to accept your flaws, the traits that you lack and plan on how to change and improve yourself.
There are numerous ways of developing yourself, here are some examples: • Take a speech course - this can help you improve
communication skills, a major factor when wanting to be successful.
• Participate in community and school activities
- by participating in these kinds of activities, you can gain new friends and gain a variety of experiences in many different areas.
Health & Beauty Feature
• Take a personality improvement course
- This type of course can teach you about business writing, personal letter composition and conversing with different types of individuals’. It can also help you with some issues with regards to problem solving.
• Hiring professional life coaches - they can help
you identify your strengths, weaknesses and abilities. They can assist you in developing your own personal goals and encourage self-development. (Hiring the best life coach can help but is often not enough because you as an individual need to have certain qualities to become successful.)
Personal skills which help you to become a successful individual: • Confidence - successful people have the
confidence to pursue whatever goals and aspirations they desire, they do not fear failure.
• Persistence – successful individuals have the
persistence to pick themselves up every time they fall. They are not afraid to find means to solve the obstacles and challenges they come up against.
• Emotional intelligence - you must have the
temperament to handle problems and obstacles with coolness and to think and act calmly and efficiently even in an emergency situation. With this trait, you can become a good leader.
• Creativity - this will allow you to address
problems in an interesting way. With creativity, you can find different ways to solve problems and to make a business more profitable.
• Inquisitive nature - successful individuals always
ask many questions. They want to know what happens to every action done. By asking questions, they can have deeper understanding of the problems at hand.
• Handle Fear - successful individuals are willing
to take risks. They are not afraid to venture in business. They are not afraid to make mistakes, of failing or of being ridiculed. They do not tire and give up easily. They experience fear but their education and abilities enable them to solve the problems at hand.
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Health & Beauty Feat u r e
Eating brown rice will ease the need to take medication.
F
or more than half of humanity, rice is life. It is the grain that has shaped the history, culture, diet, and economy of billions of people of Asia. In Thailand, rice is the essence of life. It permeates all aspects of the life of people from all walks of life. In most rice-growing countries of Asia, the spirit of rice resides in the Rice Mother or the Rice Goddess. In Thailand, the Rice Goddess is Mae Posop. The birth and life of Mae Posop appear in the legend and folklore of all regions of the country. Mae Posop is the goddess who is the protector of rice. Thai people, since ancient times, believe that rice is important for their survival. The rice seeds we are able to buy are known as “rough� to rice farmers. At one time, the rough was enclosed by a hull or husk. During the process of milling, the hull and various bran layers of kernel are removed, and the rice is polished, giving the resulting seed a bright, white, shiny coating.
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WHITE RICE White rice is by far the most common of all types, consumed in all countries of the world. White rice is dehulled, has all bran and germ layers removed, and is often enriched, giving it more nutritional value than it holds on its own.
Health & Beauty Feature
BROWN RICE Because the outer coating of brown rice contains added minerals and protein, brown rice is considered to hold greater food value than its white grain counterpart. Brown rice does not get milled, thereby keeping its darker color. Like white rice, brown rice has its husks removed during the cultivation process. Brown rice contains 8-percent protein and is a good source of thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, iron and calcium. In addition to the foregoing, brown rice has many nutrients that can help virtually every system in the body works effectively. It also helps to prevent and alleviate many health problems such as:
• Reduces obesity • Eases constipation • Hypercholesterolemia • High blood sugar or diabetes • Itching skin • Low immunity or allergic asthma • Improves muscle strength • Leg cramp • Rheumatoid arthritis • Fatigue & depression • Nervous irritability • Chronic headache • Anemic pale • Symptoms of menopause such as fatigue, dizziness, nervousness & hot flashes
• Amnesia • Nervous system disorders • Aging. • Hair loss or premature graying
Nongtanan Tephabutra
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Health & Beauty Feat u r e
Do
What You Need to Know About
Skin Cancer Awareness Fast Facts about Skin Cancer
M
ay is National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with over one million people diagnosed each year! It is also an issue close to my heart as my bother lost is battle against this at the age of 30. Living here in Phuket, with the climate as it is, we should all be aware of the risks of skin cancer and how they can be prevented.
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• Skin cancer and melanoma account for about 50% of all types of cancers diagnosed combined. • Skin cancer, if we are sensible, is one of the more preventable types of cancer. • More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. • 1 person dies from skin cancer per hour. • One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.
Skin Cancer and Melanoma Basics
Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although serious, non-melanomas are much less life threatening and are much easier to treat.
Health & Beauty Feature
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
• A small lump (spot or mole) is shiny, waxy, pale in colour, and smooth in texture. • A red lump (spot or mole) that is firm. • A sore or spot that bleeds or becomes crusty. Also look for sores that don’t heal. • Rough and scaly patches on the skin. • Flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown in colour. • Any new growth that is suspicious. • One half of a mole doesn’t match the other half. • A mole’s edge is ragged or irregular. • A mole’s colouring varies throughout. • A mole’s diameter appears larger than a pencil end. If you suspect that a lump, spot, or mole is suspicious of skin cancer, seek advice from your doctor immediately and get the area looked at. When detected early, it is highly treatable.
Preventative Measures:
1. Generously apply sunscreen, with an SPF of at least 30, everywhere that might be exposed to the sun-even on cloudy days.
2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours-and immediately after perspiring or swimming. 3. Avoid the sun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m this is always the hottest time of the day. But don’t worry you will still have time to catch the sun it just won’t be so hot and intense. 4. Always keeping infants under six months old out of direct sunlight. 5. Make sure children are well covered, wearing a brimmed hat and protective clothing. 6. Put sunglasses on your children to protect his/ her eyes and eyelids. 7. Remember sand can reflect up to 85% of dangerous rays. And don’t forget: whatever applies to you, more importantly applies to your children, so respect the dangers of the sun’s rays and act accordingly.
By Matthew Pond
DoN’t
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Home & DĂŠcor
DĂŠcor Items
Dream Gallery
BOAT LAGOON No. 23/122Moo 2, Thepkasatri Rd., T.Koh Kaew, A.Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 76 27 34 87 Email: gallery@asiansourcingallery.com www.thedreamgallery.asia
Hand made decorative fish cushions which represent good fortune.
Hand made silk top made with 100% pure Chinese silk. Embroidered with silk thread. Each piece takes approximately one and a half months to complete.
Hand made 100% Thai silk sarong.
Hand made and hand painted Chinese porcelain ashtrays.
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Home & DĂŠcor DĂŠcor Items
19th century hand carved miniature display unit made from soft wood.
19th Century hand made hanging rail, made from soft wood and iron.
19th Century hand carved table made from soft wood.
19th Century hand carved corner table made from soft wood. 19th Century hand carved miniature display cabinet made from elm wood with 3 draws and decorative brass handles.
The Dream Gallery
has now relocated to Boat Lagoon Marina Koh Kaew due to the company increasing its business activities within Thailand, and to assist in the development of its sales network in Phuket, for its imported high range antique products. www.phuketindex.com
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Home & Décor
Décor Items
(Silky Lady) Jewellery The Dream Gallery is pleased to announce the launch of its first collection of hand made “Limited Edition” Jewellery, under its very own brand name Silky Nu (Silky Lady). All the unique pieces in the collection are made using ceramics originating from the Wan Qing dynasty, and are between 100 and 150 years old. They are all designed by the owner of The Dream Gallery and are finished in plated white gold. The Dream Gallery will have a second collection available soon which will feature a further 30 or 40 pieces. Both the first and second collections are and will be available either at the gallery or at selected exclusive 5 star resorts.
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Home & Décor Décor Items
The Dream Galley can also offer customers bespoke pieces of jewellery where you can go and choose the piece of ceramic that you like and they will design and make the master piece for you. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to “The Lion Club of Phuket Pearl”, a charity which has been set up to help under privileged people living in Phuket.
Dream Gallery
BOAT LAGOON No. 23/122Moo 2, Thepkasatri Rd., T.Kohkaew, A.Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel : +66 (0) 76 27 34 87 Email: gallery@asiansourcingallery.com www.thedreamgallery.asia
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Home & Décor
Dé c o r It e m s
SOFA BED
Wooden Tripod Lamp
Whether used as a sofa in the lounge or an extra bed in the den or bedroom, the unusual design of this sofa bed makes it a striking piece of furniture. Made from banana leaf but getting its inner strength from a stainless steel frame, it provides comfort for either function. Popping in for coffee, or unexpectedly staying overnight, your guests will appreciate your taste.
The lamp bears the classic look of an old wooden tripod for a turn-of-the-century camera crafted in solid wood and accentuated with solid cast aluminum. This well appointed floor lamp features a machine-turned gear mechanism, a telescopic tripod base with adjustment so that it can stand on a table or the floor. Comes with a black lamp shade.
ems Recommended It
y r u x u L l a c Tropi
Eco Wood Stool These small stools are available in a natural finish, and are perfect for living room or garden decor. Hand-carved from sustainably harvested solid wood, the bench has a smooth surface and is well finished for easy cleaning. These versatile accent pieces can be side tables or extra seating.
DECORATIVE BRANCH Elegant and stylish this creation is purely artistic. What used to be called a ‘conversation piece’ perhaps, but with a great deal more sophistication. Viewed by day it is a natural element to your home, and spot lit by night, a pleasing form of subdued lighting.
Home & Décor
Cozy Company
1/1 Lagoon Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket Thailand 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 270 847 Fax: +66 (0) 76 270 633 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 970 8272 Email: cozy_company@yahoo.com
WIRE CHAIR Intriguingly out of the ordinary, these wire chairs are eye-catching and definitely different. Nevertheless they are extremely strong, surprisingly comfortable, light and cool without cushions.
Resin Lady Figurine This lady figurine with a meaningful gesture has been crafted using a relatively lightweight resin mix with a wonderfully authentic bronze and gold finish. This piece will make a stunning focal point in any home.
Figurative Lady Sculpture
What a meaningful piece manifesting a woman face down on her knees. The contemporary design is in beautiful bronze tones, this sophisticated figure would make a stunning feature in a modern home, yet is sure to add something to any space.
DAY BED Again, for the den perhaps, or if used as a functional but somewhat decadent sofa in the lounge, this piece is perfect to give a good night’s sleep to those guests who call in unexpectedly and maybe have a little too much to drink to drive home. Can be split into two separate beds.
Décor Items
Home & DĂŠcor
Fea t u r e
Why use UPVC windows rather than wood Energy efficient Little or no maintenance Durable and simple to maintain
U
nfortunately, uncontrolled and unregulated exploitation of forests and the felling of trees for commercial use has lead to mass deforestation. This has resulted in the price of timber and wood based products multiplying many times over in the last decade. More over the spectre of global warming and climate change is hanging like a shadow over our senses, to which we have been a great contribution. Property designers, developers as well as home owners are on constantly looking out for environmentally friendly, cheaper and viable alternatives to wood and wood based products, chiefly due to the price factor and also due to the frequent maintenance need of wood doors, frames and windows.
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Home & Décor
Naruemit Engineer & Surveyor Co., Ltd.
Index Contractor
26/8 Thepkrasatri Rd., Moo 5, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 76 239 155-6 Mobile: +66 (0) 83 968 9185 Email: naruemit@phuketphetjue.com Website: www.phuketphetjue.com
Construction & Maintenance Services Naruemit Engineer & Surveyor Co., Ltd. is a leading construction service company in Phuket. We have focused on building excellence for our clients for over two decades, by delivering the highest quality projects at competitive prices in the required amount of time. Our team of qualified and experience engineers, project managers and supervisors pledge to pay close attention and are willing to dedicate themselves to satisfy your needs at every level. Beyond engineering, we also offer services for legal consultations, building permits, project management, site supervision, turnkey projects, cost control To Airport and quality control. Airport
g an
i Ha n
Fa r
Boat Lagoon Muslim Wittaya Phuket School
Naruemit Engineer & Surveyor
Bang Tao Beach
Pa Khlok 4025 4025
-U thi t
pra k
ha
To Phuket Town
Pr ac
Ch alo em
d.
Karon Beach
5R
Phuket City
d.
.(B yp as s)
Naruemit Engineer & Surveyor
iat
Patong Beach
Rd
Kamala Beach
ri R satt Kra ep Th
Services: • New construction and minor new works • All trades and property maintenance • Engineering design and assessment • Project management and supervision
Mai Khao Beach
So
Open: Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Close: Weekend
Location: Located on Thepkrasattri Rd., 300 metres approx away from Soi Han Farang in Koh Kaew. For taxi: จากถนนบายพาส บ. นฤมิต วิศวกร และนักสำ�รวจ จำ�กัด อยู่ในตำ�บล
เกาะแก้ว บนถนนเทพกระษัตรี ซ้ายมือ ก่อนถึงซอยห่านฝรั่ง ประมาณ 300 เมตร www.phuketindex.com
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Home & DĂŠcor
Feat u r e
Over recent years, Un-Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, or as more commonly know UPVC, has grown in to possibly the most popular material of choice in the construction design industry. Any sensitive builder and home owner is sure to think about the materials he would use when they are building the home or building, due to a assortment of reasons mainly the cost, security and the estimated life span of the material. Designers choose UPVC over other materials like aluminium, wood and other available options for the window and door designs mainly due to its weather resistant properties as much as it offers strength and helps ease of use and maintenance. The frames of windows and doors are also made of UPVC due to its sturdy nature in addition to its properties of withstanding diverse and extreme weather conditions.
Durable and simple to maintain Energy efficiency: The UPVC windows provide excellent insulation when it is cold and at the same time keep the room temperature low during the summer. This is possible because they are able to give good thermal insulation as compared to aluminum or wood. During the summer they reflect the heat of the sun and keep you cool. All this results in money saved in energy consumption in your house as the prices of energy are touching the skies these days. In the event of replacing the UPVC window, it may be recycled making it eco-friendly. Little or no maintenance: Wooden frames need maintenance as you have to paint and refill the frames to prevent them from rotting. Aluminum frames are relatively easier as they are flexible but they tend to rust after some time. The UPVC windows are quite durable and simple to maintain. As they are mostly made from plastic there is only a small possibility of damage. They are also easy to clean as can clean them using a wet cloth and light cleaning liquids, meaning there is little hassle. The multi boundary set up of UPVC windows and door units aid to create the extra acoustic insulating properties, which is unfounded in other materials in use. Windows and doors made of UPVC offer more advantages than that of their alternatives as it does not rot, warp or peel like wood and unlike aluminium, it wouldn’t rust. And the quality and longevity of UPVC windows and frames is many times more compared to their counterparts.
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Home & Décor
Phuket Awnings Services Co., Ltd.
Irav
Bang Tao Beach
ni
a
Phuket Awnings Services
g
Yaowarat Rd.
Phuket City
Karon Beach
an
Rasada
Wat Samkong
Patong Beach
• We can supply awning systems including:
Phuket Rajabhat University
Ph
Phuket Awnings Services
4025 4025
Kamala Beach
e
tri R d.
Pornthip Sea Store
ade
Krasa
Airport
Thep
Mai Khao Beach
Chalerm Phra Kiat R.9 Rd . (B ypa
Services: • Awnings: Complete service from design, manufacture and installation. • Shades: Complete service from design, manufacture and installation. • We can supply premium fabrics and materials including:
Index Awning
ss Rd. )
108/92 Moo 5 Chalermprakiate R.9 Road, Tambol Rassda, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 76 612 870 Fax: +66 (0) 76 612 869 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 788 1639 Email: sunshadesystems@yahoo.com Website: www.phuketawnings.com
Mission Hospital
Tesco Lotus Phuket International Hospital Big C
Yao w
ara
t Rd
.
Location: From Tesco Lotus intersection, on By-pass road, Phuket Awnings Service office is located at 200 metres before reaching Porntip Sea Store. For taxi: จากสี่แยกโลตัส ออกสู่ถนนบายพาส 200 เมตรก่อนถึงพรทิพย์ซีสโตร์ www.phuketindex.com
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Home & Décor
Fea t u r e
10
Top
Gadgets for the Home
While companies try to recover from global financial crisis, the market is still full of new and cutting edge gadgets implementing the latest discoveries and developments. Today we take a look at 10 of the coolest gadgets on the market.
Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control with 3.5-Inch Color Touch Screen The Logitech Harmony 1100 gives you powerful home-entertainment control through a customizable, 3.5-inch full-color touch screen. Controls are easy to access and are backlit, so you can easily find them in the dark. The on-screen commands are customizable, so you get the commands you want, when you want them. The Harmony 1100 supports more than 5000 brands and over 225,000 devices.
HP TouchSmart 600 All-in-One Desktop PC The ideal All-in-One PC for all your Multimedia needs. Perfect for the kitchen and for sharing with guest. Features include: built-0n wireless, TV-tuner, 23-inch touch-screen technology, webcam, Bluetooth, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, 4GB Ram, 750GB hard drive, DVD drive, media card reader
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Nintendo Wii – Black Consisting of a stylish black Wii console, black versions of the Wii Remote, Nunchuk and Wii MotionPlus accessory (new), a copy of Wii Sports Resort (new) and the original Wii Sports game, it is a whole new way to start or expand a Wii party in your home. Stream movies instantly through your Wii with disc-based Netflix functionality
Braun 790CC Electric Shaver, Series 7 Series 7, the “first of a new kind” - a new top of the line shaving system from Braun and a revolution in shaving technology. It has been uncompromisingly engineered to capture more hair with every stroke, even problem hairs, for Braun.s closest and most comfortable shave ever.
Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 Rechargeable Toothbrush The Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 with SmartGuide provides Oral-B’s most advanced cleaning technology for ultimate plaque removal and features a wireless SmartGuide to help maximize your brushing performance. Now with the NEW Deep Clean mode which removes up to 99.7% of plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
Home & Décor
Numsang Hi-Fi
Index Home Automation
33/7-9 Vichitsongkram Rd,. Talad Nua, Muang, Phuket, 83000 44 Phang Nga Rd., Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: +66 (0) 81 892 2807, +66 (0) 86 662 7766, +66 (0) 76 219 406 Email: info@numsang-hifi.com Website: www.numsang-hifi.com
Music, video & home automation - anywhere life takes you
Wac hi ra Rd.
Rd . nit
Su
SB Design Square
sa
n
Rang Hill
Rd
B i Rd .
Ek wa
Big C
Chalerm Phr
International Hospital
Airport
Wachira Phuket Hospital
Central Festival
Ko
Bang Tao Beach Surakul Stadium
4025
Si
m
.
an Rd.
d.
son
gkh
ram
Fa
hR
Vic hit
Rd.
ao
Patong Beach
Patiphat Rd.
Mae Lu
4025
Kamala Beach
Ch
Phuket City
Numsang Hi-Fi
Ranong
Rd.
a Rd
.
Numsang Hi-Fi
than
Karon Beach Wirat Hong Yok Rd.
Phat
Products & Services: • Home Theatre System • HiFi System & Component • Multi-room audio system • PA/commercial system • Computer speaker / I-pod Dock • 3D / LED / LCD TV • HD cable TV • 3D Hi-def player • 3D / Bluray discs • Pro DJ
Mai Khao Beach
Chao Fah Rd.
Numsang Hi-Fi is operated in a friendly and service - minded manner. We are prompt for sales service. It is as easy as just picking up the phone and calling! or if needed, we can visit your site. We are here to help.
a Kiat R.9 Rd.
Numsang Hi-Fi, the trusted audio visual provider since 1990. We offer services ranging from retrofitting a simple home AV system to the most complex multi zone AV system either in a residential villa, in a resort or in an entertainment complex . We have a large selection of competitively priced products to fit your every need. It’s time to expect more from Home theatre.
Bangkok Rd.
Location: One branch of Numsang Hi-Fi is located on Phang Nga Rd. Another is on Vichitsongkram Rd. For taxi: นำ�แสงไฮไฟสาขาแรกอยู่บนถนนพังงา ตรงข้ามกับร้านดอกหญ้า
สาขาที่สองอยู่บนถนนวิชิตสงคราม
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Home & Décor
Feat u r e
ASUS Eee Slate EP121-1A010M 12.1-Inch Tablet PC The ASUS Eee Slate EP121 keeps you entertained, productive, and connectedanywhere. Experience crisp, clear high definition entertainment and navigate seamlessly on the 12.1-inch pressuresensing capacitive LED-backlit HD display with multi-touch. Plus, it has Flash 10.1 support to bring you the full beauty of the Web. And what’s more, the Eee Slate has a wide 175-degree viewing angle-making photo, video, and content sharing enjoyable from all sides. Using latest Bluetooth v3.0, the Eee Slate completes its premium package with a complimentary Bluetooth keyboard and folio case that lets you stand it up like a monitor for a desktop-ready setup wherever you go.
Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV Get a true cinematic experience without going to the cinema with a Samsung plasma HDTV. This Samsung PN63C8000, with Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio makes sure every frame is saturated with dense, rich color. Samsung is also ENERGY STAR compliant so you are assured that your 63 -inch plasma HDTV is helping the environment by using less energy while saving you money.
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ViewSonic PJD6531w DLP Projector - 3D Ready, 3000 Lumens Offering remarkable value for you money, the 3D Ready DLP Projector is clear and bright in virtually any setting with 3,000 lumens and 3200-1 contrast ratio. Other features include 120Hz, HDMI, Ethernet port, integrated speakers, 1280x800 WXGA native wide resolutions, and more.
Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master – Night Vision Security System Finally a security system that records HD resolution (960x720), has night-vision, weather-proof, can record audio and video without a PC, can be watched live over the Web or on your Smartphone for free, can be expanded up to 6 cameras, the installation is simple and takes just minutes, and most importantly very affordable.
iRobot 330 Scooba Floor-Washing Robot It’s time to stop mopping. From iRobot comes a revolutionary new way to clean your hard floors. Meet iRobot Scooba Floor Washing Robot, the world’s first floorwashing robot for the home that preps, washes, scrubs, and dries your floor--all by itself. Scooba not only does the job for you, but does it better. Unlike mop and bucket methods that just spread dirty water around your floor, Scooba uses fresh Clorox Scooba cleaning solution from start to finish. Scooba is simple to use, and safe on all sealed hardwood, tile, and linoleum flooring
Land & Property Feature
“Bringing a Different Shopping Experience to Phuket” Mrs. Sarawee Bodharojtham
GM of Lux’s Manor Co., Ltd. developer of “The Sixth Phuket”
S
arawee Bodharojtham was born and raised by her parents in Bangkok; she studied Business at University and graduated with a Masters Degree in Business (MBA). Her initial work experience was with the family business in Bangkok. Her parents were developers of condominiums and villages within the Thai capital. She gained 10 years of experience in property developing before she decided to venture out, with her husband (Hok), and got involved with the renovation side of the property industry. It was at this time that Lux’s Manor Co Ltd was born.
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Land & Property
Feat u r e
Although she has always resided in Bangkok, Sarawee has visited Phuket for holidays, with her husband. They had discussed and decided when the time came to retire; it would be Phuket where they would like to come. However, due to a phone call from a contact in Phuket, the time for them to come to Phuket was quicker than expected and it was not, unfortunately, to retire.
A very rare piece of land A contact here in Phuket, told Sarawee of a very rare piece of land that had come up for rent. It was rare in the fact that it was a 1 rai area of land, on the corner of Soi Bangla, Patong Beach. Luckily, Lux’s Manor already had an in-house team of designers who put together some plans, very quickly, and ensured Lux’s Manor won the bid to guarantee this plot of land.
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Land & Property Feature
“Lux” means six and Sarawee’s husbands name is “Hok” (Thai for six), it was decided the name for the project should be “The Sixth Phuket.” This prime-location lifestyle shophouse suits for dining establishments, chic café, gallery, beauty parlor, and all lifestyle ventures. Soon The Sixth Phuket will become a new attraction for upscale local and trendy visitors whilst retaining Phuket’s cultural essence. The construction has accomplished about 60% completion and the buildings will be ready and in use by late 2011. We at Phuketindex.com wish Sarawee and her team the best of luck with The Sixth Phuket.
The plans that the team put together were for a very unique style of shopping complex for Phuket. Lux’s Manor saw there were enough shopping “Plazas” already within the region, so decided they wanted to bring the concept of ‘Lifestyle Shop Houses’ to the center of Patong. These Shop Houses have been designed in a Sino-Portuguese style; with the aim of bringing back some of Phuket’s local cultural identity.
Ready and in use by late 2011 At the time when the plans were drawn up and submitted to the land owners, due to the fact the Chinese word
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Land & Property
Feat u r e
A complete paradise lifestyle “The Square X” project was started as a result of the success of The Square’s original project “The Square Kuku” in Phuket Town. With sales of more than 95% prior to completion, and the construction at this time having progressed significantly, the developers have been amazed. Due to the great success the developers have bought forward their idea to develop a second project, “The Square X”, in a new location, and respond to the needs of customers requiring condominium type residencies. Therefore, the second project has now commenced in the area of Chengtalay. The executive team talked to phuketindex.com about their latest (but certainly not their last) project.
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Could you tell us about ‘The Square X? “The Square X” is strategically situated in the landscape of the tropical living area of ChengtalayBaan Don. We want to offer people a complete paradise lifestyle, with an assortment of restaurants, a sophisticated shopping arcade and white sand beaches. The combination of a quality community, great residential neighborhood and the most convenient transportation make this the perfect condominium location. The Square X is a development of residential condominiums. It will offer 72 units, in six styles, ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms. Each unit will be fully furnished. The units will be housed within a 7-storey building. It has been designed with a modern resort style in mind and will be equipped with full amenities and excellent security system.
Land & Property Feature
In your opinion, what is a good condominium for the Phuket market? With condominiums, like other products sold in the marketplace, customers expect their money to have been well spent. For Phuket the quality of life is an important thing that everyone needs. The purchasing power of the condo market in Phuket is high level. This enables businesses to create a wide range of condo levels, ranging from affordable for the local community to the luxury condo for foreigners. But for everybody the condo must be of very high quality in all areas such as the design, decoration, facilities and location. But the difference for us is we have to know the condo is “Worth the Price”. Because of this we will be able to target a larger variety of customers and it can be proved that the condos are of good quality and that the cheap price is for real. For us this is the meaning of good condominium.
Why do you define “The Square X as a magic charm of the square? Our product is a condominium; people often relate the symbol of a square to a room. But we have a special square which responds to every need of the customers. If your needs are simply a beautiful fully functional room or a quiet location, not far from the zone of trade and business, all your needs are not far away. The words “Magic Charm” for us mean something very special that you will love and be affordable at a very good price. All executives used all of their experience and vision to provide a quality condominium and real value for consumers. The consumer can decide and select a place that offers a good quality of life for them.
A statement from the executives to our readers Trust us and you are invited to come and get to know our condominium and be sure to remember the brand “The Square” because we will create excitement again with new projects in the future.
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Thai-Balinese Style Luxury 4 Bedroom Private Pool Villas
A
re you considering bringing your family here to the warmth of Phuket Island? Phuket Island is a naturally abundant land, well known worldwide for its attractive scenery, white sandy beaches, clear Blue Sea and excellent choice of facilities. Green Hill Villas Phuket is located opposite to Phuket International Academy School
and is set in a secluded, private and peaceful atmosphere. The Green Hill Vilas project is surrounded with lush beautiful green hills. The villas have been designed in a Thai-Balinese style and each offers living space of 460sqm (based on a 4 bedroom villa). Villas offered range from
4 -7 bedrooms. The fully equipped kitchen and dining area is open plan so you can enjoy the company of your guests whilst cooking your favourite dishes. You can also enjoy al-fresco dining on your luxurious and spacious decking area which is perfectly situated right next to your infinity swimming pool. High spec security systems are installed in each villa and cover all locations within the property, ensuring confidence that your family are secure and well cared for and makes sure that every day becomes your relaxation day.
Green Hill Villas For further information please contact: Phone: +66 (0) 81 396 9307, +66 (0) 83 391 3669, +66 (0) 87 468 0580 Fax: +66 (0) 76 373 389 Email: forcepkt@yahoo.com
www.greenhillvillasphuket.com
Recreation & Rooms Fea t u r e
An invitation to
explore an
undiscovered side to Phuket
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An inspired landscape of natural wonders
Anantara! The word in Sanskrit (classical language of Indian) means “without end� and evokes the freedom, movement and harmony that are the spirit of the Anantara Experience.
Recreation & Rooms Feature
From
beachside yoga to villa
romance
The Anantara Experience is a luxury holiday immersion into the culture, heritage and natural beauty of some of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Since opening in October 2008, guest response and rave reviews have confirmed Anantara’s luxury Phuket resort as one of the most desirable destinations in Thailand.
Anantara Phuket Villas is nicely situated between the sun-kissed beaches and green forests of Sirinath National Park. Here you can begin a journey that can be as leisurely, culinary or adventurous as you want it to be. The location is only 15 minutes away from Phuket International Airport and only seconds away from the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea.
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Recreation & Rooms Fea t u r e
Nestled within home-grown jasmine and orchids gardens The resort offers 83 one-bedroom pool villas are nestled within home-grown jasmine and orchids gardens and birds of paradise. The private pool villa is a first step to excursions through the green
tropical mangroves of areas nearby. The resort is designed to recall a charming Southern Thaistyle village, the locally inspired architecture complements its natural setting, with open-air spaces and arched ceilings to take a cool sea breeze.
Anantara-Open the doors to laid-back luxury !!!!!
Choose the perfect hideaway from one of the four villa types: 25 Pool Villas, 23 Garden Pool Villas, 23 Lagoon Pool Villas and 11 Sala Pool Vilas Which ever of the one bedroom pool villas you choose you can be sure each will include magnificent features such as: 180sqm of private living space, bedroom including daybed, dressing room, indoor bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, and private pool with terrazzo bathtub, hardwood decking and an open air living sala. Your private, walled villa will also benefit from the wide range of Anantara amenities featuring: Resident’s wine cellar, Resident’s bar, filled with snacks & Beverages, sun loungers with umbrellas, Wi-Fi & LAN internet access, iPod docking station, LCD TV and DVD system with surround-sound and an espresso machine.
Located on a stretch of Mai Khao Beach on the island’s more secluded northern coast, Anantara Phuket Villas is now part of the landscape of an area of natural beauty that has remained untouched for generation and unlike any other resort on the island, compels you to create unforgettable stories along the Andaman coast.
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Culinary delights at Anantara Phuket Outside of your private pool villa, you will be presented with some of the very best offerings in Phuket dining.
Recreation & Rooms Feature
La Sala
At breakfast, Anantara’s signature restaurant will get your day off to a superb start with live cooking stations, homemade pastries, fresh pressed juices and a gourmet a la carte selection. At lunch and dinner La Sala comes to life with Italian flair, offering delicious dishes, Sicilian specials and tops it off with the best Italian and Mediterranean wines. Authentic Thai dishes are also on offer, featuring Phuket specialties with all-time national gourmet favorites. A tribute to the two most celebrated cuisines worldwide.
Infinity
Dive into Infinity pool bar where mixologists are on hand to concoct martini cocktails, shakes, energizers or revitalizes to taste. Light bites including fresh salads, wraps and charcoal sticks help maintain your energy levels as you revel in beachfront bliss.
The Tree House
Take in the views from this lofty height, and enjoy Thai fusion tapas while chilling to lounge mood music in comfy oversized chairs. Daytime gourmet coffees and sorbet teas give way at night to champagne, wine by the glass, mojitos and margaritas.
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is the ultimate interactive gourmet dining experience. Indulge in the Chef’s individually designed menus including specialty cheese and charcuteries, paired flawlessly with the perfect bottle of wine selected by the Resident Wine Guru.
Sea.Fire.Salt
Succulent seafood, fiery BBQ’s and a tableside Salt Sommelier are the inspiration for Sea.Fire.Salt offering a unique and sophisticated blend of design, music, lighting and innovative menu selections.
Spa at Anantara
At Anantara Spa, locally-sourced ingredients combine with world-renowned therapies to create soothing or invigorating experience. The Anantara Spa Phuket has been created as a haven of peace, calm and serenity where you can leave behind the stresses and strains of everyday life and begin to synchronize the subtle energies of your being.
Anantara Phuket Villas 888 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 336100-9 Fax: +66 (0) 76 336177 Email: phuket@anantara.com www.anantara.com
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Recreation & Rooms
GM Talk
“This is a very special resort”
Andrew Turner GM Anantara Phuket Villas Would you like to introduce yourself for us? I’m Andrew Turner and I’m from a place just outside of Sydney Australia called Hunter Valley. Due to the fact I was sent away to school in Sydney, from a young age, I pretty much call Sydney home. Upon leaving school I studied hotel management. I studied hotel management for 3 years and once I had graduated I joined the Ritz Carlton Group, whom I worked with for around 14 years. I was based in Australia for 5 years and then travelled through the USA. I then moved on to China and Doha, Egypt and Ireland. Moving to Ireland was a great experience for me and after being based there for about three and a half years felt I wanted to come back to South East Asia and be nearer to home. The growth of Anantara really appealed to me and here we are today, in beautiful Phuket.
Where were you educated in hotel management? I was educated at Southern Cross, which is a hotel school based in Sydney. Here I studied the British City and Guilds course which was 3 year course and once I graduated from there I want straight to working in hotels. When I first started working I went in as a bell captain, so I was basically responsible for parking people’s cars and carrying their bags. I actually really enjoyed it and I was lucky because I think a bellman gets to see parts of a hotel that maybe other people don’t get to see. You are never out of place as a bellman, you can be found anywhere in the resort but still get away with it. When I was in hotel school I majored in Room division, as part of the program i worked in the housekeeping department, so I would be cleaning 13 rooms a day.
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Andrew Turner GM Anantara Phuket
Recreation & Rooms GM Zenith Talk Holiday
to customers they want to do what they want to do. What we offer here is a garden walled villa with its own pool, beautiful bedroom and bathroom which opens out onto the pool. If people want to eat in their villa’s we can make a BBQ for them in the grounds of their villa and we offer full room service facilities when it comes to dining. We have some guests that once they are in their villa, never want to come out.
What is the favourite aspect of your job and why? I love dealing with people, not only the guests that stay with us, but also the employees. I think it is one thing to build a beautiful resort but to bring a building to life you need to put the heart and soul into it and that’s in the form of well trained and caring employees. I enjoy coming to work every day and helping
This was great grounding for me as you really appreciate what the employees go through everyday to take care of the customer and you can understand a lot about the business at the ground level. It made me realise this is the heart and soul of the business.
What do you think of the resort here at Anantara and how does it compare to other resorts where you have worked? This is a very special resort, it is very intimate. The villa concept we have is very exclusive, other resorts may offer villas but they are only a component to their resort, where as we are purely villas. I think we are able to offer a service which is very personal, intimate and private. We are able to customize the service to what the guest is looking for and I think this is important in today’s market. When you speak
someone, either guests or an associate. I often say to my team when you go home at night to reflect on the day ask yourself who you helped today. I think this will help them grow and improve themselves just that little bit more and that’s what I really get a kick out of. Also I thoroughly enjoy when a guest checks out and tells me it was the best experience they’ve ever had. Often it’s about the employees they have come into contact with. Guests often comment about how beautiful our resort is but generally speaking most people have had an interaction or experience with a member of staff and that’s what they are going to remember. Six or twelve months down the line they may not remember what colour the curtains were in their villa, but I can pretty much assure you they will remember what their dining experience was like in the restaurant, because of an interaction with an employee. They will always live with that memory. I think it’s about creating a story and when people leave they feel
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Recreation & Rooms
GM Talk
that they have made a connection with you. Not just connection with you but a connection with Anantara. Then if they are thinking of booking another holiday, hopefully they will automatically think of Anantara, no matter where they are going I hope they will look and see if there is an Anantara resort and go to a place where there is, specifically because they have previously experienced the Anantara service. That’s what drives me everyday making sure those customers becomes loyal to our brand.
What are the biggest problems you come up against in your job and how do you overcome them? I think in any business it revolves around people. I think we have to keep innovating our business levels; I really try to put us in a position where we can control the decisions and not be forced to make decisions. Also by looking at market trends, making sure we are living up to the expectations of our guests on a daily basis, or actually on an hourly basis. It really is one of those things you really have to push by the minute and strive for excellence every day. I also want to keep the team around me motivated to want to come to work everyday. What’s important to me is generally having an environment where the staff wakes up every morning and they come to work not because they have to but because they want to. I like to give my staff, from the bottom level, the power to make decisions for themselves; I really think that helps their morale to want to come to work.
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In your opinion what does it take to make a good resort/hotel GM? You really need to have an equal balance of work and play and you need to be very passionate about what you do. It’s a pretty time taxing industry I work in and you don’t know what is coming around the corner. You need to be able to drive the business at the top end and also make sure that the employees are motivated and engaged. I think that in our business over the last 10 or 15 years things have somewhat changed in regards to how work gets done and by empowering all levels of staff. The team want to be respected and involved. I personally think that’s what sets a good foundation for any business.
Is there any aspect of your job you would like to change? As I said before, it is a time taxing business, but one thing I have seen change over the years is that originally the managers had to be seen to be in the office at 7 o’clock in the morning and stay there until 8 o’clock at night, because the boss was there. It still is that type of business because it starts early and finishes late, but as a GM I work to get great people around me and getting the right balance between work and play really helps with this. People are always more effective when they have been able to spend time with their families or doing a hobby they like to do or whatever it may be that you enjoy to do. So I always try to get people to get the right balance but still making sure that everybody’s responsibilities are done and our guests and associates are well cared for.
“Spoil your senses!” @ The Chava Resort Surin Beach
The Chava resort is located on Phuket’s exclusive Surin Beach, which features perfect white sand and crystal clear waters. A crescent shaped bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs, this is Phuket’s premier beach and has become one of the most desirable and exclusive holiday destinations. The Chava combines modern comforts and 5-star facilities in a relaxed tropical setting just a stroll away from the white sands and crystal waters of Phuket’s exclusive Surin Beach. The Chava is the perfect destination for pleasure or business. Whether you’re a family, couple or on business, The Chava Resort’s luxury apartments will relax your mind, spoil your senses and fulfill your every need!
The Chava Resort
113 Moo 3, Tambon Cherng Talay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 372600 Fax: +66 (0) 76 372606 Reservations: reservations@thechavaresort.com
Recreation & Ro oms
GM Talk
Introducing Tony Pedroni
newly appointed GM of JW Marriott Phuket Would you like to tell us about yourself?
Tony Pedroni GM of JW Marriott Phuket
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Sure, I was born in Ireland and grew up mainly near the Curragh in Co.Kildare, where my father used to breed race horses. At a pretty early age I realized that I didn’t have a gift for horses and as I loved to travel, decided that working in hotels would be a great career choice. I studied in Switzerland and joined the industry in 1990 as a management trainee for Forte Hotels in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. I’m married to Annie and have two boys Callum and Danny.
Recreation & Rooms GM Talk
And how about your career to date? I started out in Food and Beverage at the Watergate Hotel in Washington DC with Forte Hotels before transferring back to the UK and working with the same company in Stratford upon Avon and Torquay (No Fawlty Towers comments please). I joined Marriott in 2000 at the JW Marriott in Kuwait and have since held General Manager positions in Hawaii and most recently at the Renaissance Hotel in Seoul.
Why have you been brought in to be GM at the JWM Phuket? That’s difficult to say. I believe I have a good track record in generating new business opportunities at the previous hotels where I have worked and generally have been quite successful at adapting to the people and places of wherever life has taken me. Like so many of
my colleagues the chance to live and work in Thailand has always been a dream so I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity.
How do you think the job here will compare with others? Moving from a city center property to a resort environment certainly requires a different focus. There is perhaps an even greater responsibility managing a resort as we have to recognize that in most cases our guests have planned their trip for a long time, maybe for a honeymoon or a once in a lifetime family holiday. As such we have to work hard to ensure that their dream holiday exceeds expectations in the hope that they will share their experiences with friends and family and hopefully one day return.
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Recreation & Rooms
GM Talk
What do you think is going to be your main task? I would say ensuring all guests experience the holiday they hoped for. We have guests with very different needs whether they are families with young children, couples on honeymoon or retirees. Ensuring that we have personalized and tailored experiences around the resort that will support the needs of all our guests will always be my primary focus.
Is there any aspect of your job that you like more then the other and why? Anything and everything that keeps me out of the office, whether connecting with guests around the resort or attending associate events. It’s very important to be visible and accessible to guests and associates and this can only be achieved by regularly walking the resort.
What do you think are the most important aspects of your job? I would say communicating clearly and consistently is the most important aspect of my job. Sharing the
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vision for the hotel in a way that is readily understood will hopefully ensure we deliver great guest experiences consistently.
What are the biggest obstacles you come up against in your job and how do you overcome them? I would not say there are obstacles, but as in every new assignment the most important first step is to learn as much as possible about the local culture and to respect and adapt to that culture as quickly as possible. A much smarter person than me once said that wisdom begins in wonder and I think that by being naturally curious and asking questions just about everything can be overcome.
Do you have a personal goal now that you are here at the JW Marriott Phuket? Beyond the business goals, I hope I have the opportunity to travel a little in Thailand and South East Asia generally.
What do you do in your spare time, if you have any? Not too much at the moment for sure however my real passion is Soccer/Football whether watching it or playing it badly. I don’t mind the odd game of golf either.
a k i d s c l u b at i t s b e s t Welcome to the new Juk’s Adventures™ Kid’s Club offering your children a membership with unlimited access – Features include Mini Golf, Pool Slider, Climbing Walls, Ball Room, Latest Playstation & Wii Games, Internet, Pool Billiard, Foosball, Daily Arts & Crafts Activities, Beach Volleyball, Supersized SpringfreeTM Trampoline, Outdoor Playground, Enormous Swimming Pool with
different depths for Toddlers & Adults, Professional Fitness Studio as well as special Benefits and Vouchers (Helicopter Sightseeing Flight, Girls Beauty Spa Day, Accommodation, Spa Treatments, Birthday Party for 20 kids and more). Visit our website or call us for a guided tour on 076 336 500. www.twinpalms-club.com
Twinpalms Club @ Baan Yamu Phuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Family Resort 171/23 Moo 7, Paklok, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand t +66 (0) 76 336500, f +66 (0) 76 310558 e book@twinpalms-club.com
Recreation & Rooms Interv i e w
Pongsapak
“JJ” Upatising Sales and Marketing Manager Phuket Villa Patong
My name is Pongsapak “JJ” Upatising and I was born
Can you tell us about the concept of Phuket Villa?
here on Phuket Island. I attended what was Dulwich International College on Phuket before it became the British International School. However, my parents decided to send me to America for my university education and I enrolled at the University of Massachusetts at Amhearst where I studied both accounting and psychology. I graduated with a double degree.
We like to say our concept is to offer the ultimate in luxury condominiums, designed in a modern tropical style. Our design focuses on transparency, allowing light to reach every corner of every room. We install green-tinted glass which helps reduce the brightness of the sunlight. We also pride ourselves on the floor plans which are well designed allowing good space allocation whist making the room look spacious.
Khun Pongsapak is now Sales and Marketing Manager for his family’s most recent project, Phuket Villa at Patong Beach, a seven story, 201 suite condominium near Jung Ceylon Shopping Center.
How about your location?
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
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Our condominium is located in the best location of Patong Beach. We are located only 5 minutes walk away from the beachfront and also to the nearest
Recreation & Rooms Interview
fully furnished with elegant internal decorations in each individual room. We offer a mixture of 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom and 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom units designed in eight different styles. The unit sizes vary from 42 to 81 square metres.
And what facilities do you have? We believe we offer a complete range of facilities at Phuket Villa comprising of a fully equipped fitness club, a swimming pool which is surrounded by a lush green garden, we offer all guests and owners a laundry service and we have a car park with 100-car parking spaces. Our security measures include CCTVs in all communal areas and key cards to each unit, as well as 24-hour protection from security guards.
places of convenience, including the Jungceylon Department Store, as well as Bang La Street and Wall Street Patong, a popular pedestrianised street.
What type of accommodation do you offer here? Our seven-storey condominium building houses 201 units. Each unit will come
Phuket Villa Patong Beach 190 Pang Muang Sai Gor Road T. Patong A. Kathu Phuket 83150 Tel: +66 (0) 76 342 738 Fax: +66 (0) 76 342 739 www.phuketvillapatong.com
Pongsapak “JJ� Upatising Sales and Marketing Manager Phuket Villa Patong
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R ecreation & Rooms Feat u r e
Our Top
5
View points
on the island Phuket offers stunning views that would make any artist drool, and the best thing about it is that you don’t have to travel too far around the island to enjoy them. Whether it’s to watch a sunset, get a 360-degree view of the south of the island, see great sights from the top of Phuket Town or a glance the acres of sultry greenness, it’s all here, and can be reached in minutes. The only thing required is a car or motorbike. It all depends on what you want to see, as we are all individual and all have our own ideas of what is a wonderful view. So we have taken some which we think will suit all tastes. Here are some of Phuket’s Top viewpoints for you to check out.
Khao Khad View
Tower
5. Khao Khad View Tower @ Cape Panwa
Rang Hill
There is a large parking area here along with cafes and shops. There are some quite steep steps to climb, but once you have reached the top the panoramic views of Southern Phuket are stunning.
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4. Rang Hill This location is very popular with all people. Here, surrounded natural beauty, you will find the statue of Kosimbee na Ranong, the Phuket governor from 100 years ago.
At the top there is a two-level view tower which provides eight photo maps, in both Thai and English, so this will tell you exactly what you are looking at.
There is an exercise area, which is a popular place for students to get together. There is also a small cafe so you can enjoy some refreshments whilst you are here. A mahogany stairway made of old railway sleepers takes you to a great restaurant called Tunk Ka Cafe. Here you will also get a great view out over Phuket.
Chalong Bay is to the south, Makham Bay and Cape Panwa are to the east, Phuket Town to the north and in the distance you can see Ko Nakkerd which is the home of the islands famous big Buddha.
Rang Hill is a very shaded area which makes it popular for people taking exercise. There’s plenty of seating both in and out of the shade.
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Recreation & Rooms Feature
3. Karon View Point In Thai this viewpoint is known as Kho saam haad, which translated means ‘Hill of the three beaches’. This is due to the fact that the hilltop looks down over Kata Noi, Kata beach and Karon beach, as well as Pu Island, off Kata Yai Beach. Located on the road between Kata and Rawai, it is quite a popular place which provides car parking spaces, beautiful gardens, eateries and two large Salas where you can sit, relax and enjoy the north facing views.
Karon View Point
The road is fairly quiet and it is actually possible to walk up to this viewpoint from Nai Harn and Rawai although some people may find this a bit of a struggle.
2. Big Buddha This is possibly the most famous landmark on Phuket island. The huge Buddha statue is perched on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 metres high it is easily seen from far away. Due to the natural height of the area, here you will get the best panoramic view the island has to offer. Big Buddha is easily accessible via a six-kilometre road. Big Buddha is a must-visit island destination. Known by locals as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha in full, it is 25 meters across at the base. The whole body is layered with beautiful white Burmese marble that shines in the sun, making it a natural symbol of hope.
Big Buddha
1. Phromthep Cape This is probably Phukets most photographed and perhaps best-known location, Phromthep Cape. Many people, both local and tourists, come to see possibly the most spectacular sunset Phuket has to offer. There is also a lighthouse here which provides spectacular views over the east and southeast of the island and its environs.
Phromthep Cape
Phromthep Cape also houses an Elephant Shrine which is a shrine to the Hindu god Brahma that is surrounded by thousands of wooden elephants of every size. It’s all meticulously taken care of and the arrangement is photogenic, colourful and impressive.
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Social Responsibility Environme n t a l
Turtle Conservation on Phuket
beaches. Other threats include accidental drowning in fishing gear, over-harvesting of turtles and eggs, and predation of eggs and hatchlings.
Marine turtles have lived in the oceans for over 100 million years. They are an integral part of the traditional culture of many coastal indigenous peoples throughout the world. Marine turtles migrate long distances between their feeding grounds and nesting sites. They have a large shell called a carapace, four strong, paddle-like flippers and like all reptiles, lungs for breathing air. The characteristic beak-like mouth is used to shear or crush food. All marine turtle species are experiencing serious threats to their survival. The main threats are pollution and changes to important turtle habitats, especially coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests and nesting
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Of the eight species of marine turtles in the world, five can be found in Thai waters:
• • • • •
Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
We are happy to inform readers that there are two resorts on this wonderful island who have taken this serious matter to heart and are both taking serious action, with the help of Phuket Marine Biological Centre and Third Naval Area Command to raise funds and awareness of the plight of these ancient creatures.
Social Responsibility Environmental
Laguna Annual Turtle Conservation Programme 1994 - On-going A program that includes a study of nesting behavior and tracking and analysis of turtle migration via microchips attached to released turtles. Since 1994, over 1 million Thai Baht has been raised and donated to their research program. The turtle release event attracts large audiences from the local community and the resort’s international clientele. The initial aim of the project was to release juvenile turtles into the Indian Ocean in the hope of increasing the future number of nesting turtles. As the results have yielded little benefit thus far the research direction has changed to invest more heavily in the tracking research and less in the number of turtles that are released. It is hoped that this knowledge will further increase the efforts for turtle conservation.
Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation 2002 – On-going In conjunction with the grand opening of the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa in 2002, Marriott donated $45,000 to launch the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. Their numbers have been severely depleted over the last twenty years and the local Mai Khao villagers work hard to protect these magnificent animals. During the breeding season from November to February, sea turtles, particularly the giant leatherback, return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Local villagers patrol the beach at night during the breeding season, protecting the turtles while nesting, and keeping records of the number of eggs laid. When necessary the eggs are taken to a hatchery where the baby turtles are protected from elements of nature and human exploitation, and are then released in a special ceremony during the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in April.
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Social Responsibility Environme n t a l
Green
is Good At
IndoChine Group such as whaling and the killing of dolphins, shaped Michael’s attitude toward the environment early on through volunteering to become an activist for organizations like Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund as well as being an ambassador for IUCN, a global non-governmental organization, which is active in addressing environmental and developmental issues.
Michael Ma
M
ichael Ma lives and breathes a green philosophy that permeates throughout his successful IndoChine Group restaurant and bars like the swirling mist of a peaceful Phuket sunrise. Ma, his surname, means “force, solid ground,” but Michael’s attitude toward building IndoChine has, in fact, been influenced by, and revolves around, the lakes, sea and rivers of Asia-water is important. Many of IndoChine’s establishments in Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand and Hamburg, Germany are situated beside water. “In our family our names mean I am a river, my older brother is a bigger river, the next one is a lake and my youngest brother is a pond.” Marine life and issues,
This philosophy is evident in IndoChine’s signature dishes, which are heavily fish-based, but you will not find caviar from stugeon, sharks fin soup or blue or yellow-finned tuna-all endangered-on the menu anywhere. An early love of fine wine, and a realization that in the 1990s diners wanted simple, Asian cuisine, particularly in warmer Asian climates, drove development of IndoChine’s unique “lifestyle” experience. The environmental theme extends to IndoChine building designs, which includes heat exchange systems for hot water, LED light and the use of antique furniture and decorations. In the early days his desire to make a strong statement, meant Michael having the confidence and drive to beat the competition. “Being cheeky I said to myself I could outrun these guys. From the outset I wanted to be at the top. I sized myself up against others regionally and globally.” And he has been doing that ever since, injecting an environmental element into all aspects of IndoChine’s operations and services.
IUCN
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A “must restaurant to visit”
Kan Eang @pier, Chalong bay, Phuket
Call : + 66 (0) 7638 1212, + 66 (0 ) 8 3173 1187
E-mail : sales@kaneang-pier.com www.kaneang-pier.com
VSET, pronouce “V- sate”, Chalong bay’s very first gastronomic restaurant, serving “Modern Western Cuisine” created by celebrated Master Chef Ronnie Macuja. Its name has a wonderful Thai meaning of “Extraordinary” A “restaurant at its
best”
VSET Restaurant Chalong pier, Phuket (next to Kan Eang @pier ) Tel + 66 (0) 7638 1159 , + 66 (0) 8 9970 7348 E-mail : info@vsetrestaurant.com
Shopping
& Mart Adverto r i a l
Celebrate the new
look of
Central Festival
Phuket
C
entral Festival Phuket has now been open for nearly 7 years. Late in 2010 its owners Central Retail Cooperation invested 350 million Baht to renovate the shopping mall both inside and outside making this popular shopping venue more appealing and modern. The objectives were to magnetise lots of overseas tourists, mainly from Russia, China including Hong Kong, South Korea, and Europe, and to increase a new group of members who are trend followers. The company has increased the overall space from 40,000 square meters to
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53,000 square meters covering four floors of the complex, up from three floors previously. The number of tenant stores at Central Festival Phuket has increased by 15 per cent, with 30-40 new outlets opening now that the renovation works are complete. The company expects to increase shopper traffic at Central Festival Phuket by between 20 and 25 per cent. The mall now attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 shoppers a day, of whom 40 per cent are foreign tourists.
Perched above Kata Beach on the West coast of Andaman Sea, amidst a world class tourist destination, sits the striking and exclusive Sea & Sky Condominium. Sea & Sky Condominium boast an ideal location, nestled between the surrounding mountains and serene ocean, under a stunning sky. The property will houses 53 units. All with virtually 180 degree views of Kata Bay. The condominium will comprise of 6 floors and the units will range in size from 39sqm to 101sqm, with either one or two bedrooms. Elegant and understated in design and stature, Sea & Sky Condominium has presented a unique integration of sunlight, blue sky, rippling water and distant vistas. Construction will commence January 2011 with completion around mid 2012. For Further information please visit: Sea & Sky Condominium Sales Office 5/2 Patak Soi 12, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Or contact: Tel: +66 (0) 76 396 308 or +6 (0) 86 282 3355 info@seaandskyphuket.com www.seaandskyphuket.com
Shopping
& Mart Adverto r i a l
Central Department Store has improved all floors and all departments to show its new look as following:
• To enlarge the space of the basement floor. • To increase home décor, tools, car equipment,
luggage, lamp departments. • To adjust its lay-out and redecorate Women and Men’s departments on the 2nd and 3rd floor respectively. • To open the kid and family department covering all space of 4th floor, consisting of toys, gift shop, Sanrio departments and Bunditnoi Club. The enlarged retail space in the fourth floor and increased all over space from 40,000 square meters to 53,000 square meters now includes the following:
B1 Floor
More learning centers “EDU Planet”: The world of learning inspires children with dazzling colours of architecture and interior design. They can select as many centers as they like such as Gymboree, Yamaha Music School, ECC Language School, Children Art Center and Computer Click.
1st Floor • International Brand Fashion & Cosmetic Zone: Central
Festival Phuket provides various fashion and fashion accessory brands in over 40 shops including Panach, Dorothy Perkins & Paul Frank.
• The Central Food Hall: This is the first food store in the Southern Thailand and the best in Asia with a space of
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3,500 square meters. Central Food Hall serves Phuket people and international visitors with premium worldwide food products.
• Dining Circle & Lan Lom Bar: This is the newest
outdoor restaurant and bar designed by the concept of “Alfresco Dining & Bar Circle”. The customers can indulge 10 international modern restaurants and bars with a 360-degree panorama view, such as Pimento Bar and Wine Connection.
2nd Floor
Asian Art & Crafts: A new area dedicated to offering Asian products such as fashion apparel and accessories.
3rd Floor
Family Restaurant: The customers can enjoy eating all menus with reasonable price in Food Terrace including the newest Chinese restaurant namely Mandarin Hoho Sek.
4th Floor
Health & Beauty Zone: It is the largest beauty center in Southern Thailand, covering over 4,500 square meters, consisting of a total of 20 Beauty Clinics and Beauty Salons such as Romrawin Clinic, Wuttisak Clinic, Nitipon Clinic, Meko Clinic, Pan Clinic, Cut & Curl, 2B1 Hair Studio, Marie France Body Line, Slim Up Center, Skin Doctor & Sparsha Sliming Center.
Practical living in Layan
“Peykaa�
, our latest villa project is more affordable than ever.
Starting at only 13,650,000 Thai Baht, the villas offer over 300 square metres of usable area comprising of 3 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, open-plan living and dining areas, private pool and a covered carport.
the same neighbourhood as the Laguna Resorts and Residences, one of the most well-known addresses in Phuket.
Located 5 minutes from Layan beach, this project is situated in
Come visit us to see what we mean by practical living.
We have built and delivered over 100 villas, so you can purchase off-plan with complete confidence.
Erawana 19/10 Moo 6, Soi Khok Tanode 2, T.Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0) 76 275 022-3 Fax: +66 (0) 76 275 022-3 Mobile: +66 (0) 89 729 2989 | Email: info@erawana.com www.erawana.com
Exclusivity you can afford
The Square X, Chengtalay, Phuket “The Square X� is strategically situated in the landscape of the tropical living area of Chengtalay-Baan Don. The Square X is a development of residential condominiums. It will offer 72 units, in six styles, ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms. Each unit will be fully furnished. The units will be housed within a 7-storey building. It has been designed with a modern resort style in mind and will be equipped with full amenities and excellent security system.
Contact
+66 (0) 76 615 544 +66 (0) 87 462 2588
Price Starting from 2.2 Million Baht The 6 unit types 1 1 2 1 1 3
Bedroom @ 37sqm - 40 units Bedroom @ 60sqm - 7 units Bedrooms @ 75sqm - 15 units Bedroom Duplex @ 60sqm - 6 units Bedroom Duplex @ 90sqm - 1 unit Bedrooms @ 125sqm -3 units
“ B E S T
V I E W
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T H A I L A N D ”
An exquisite 5 star design situated across the bay from Patong Beach in a prominent location, exclusive beach front with breathtaking sunset city and magnificent ocean views, surrounded by rainforest and natural butterflies and bird-life. Intimate seclusion, familiar pleasures with great restaurants, bar, night club and cafe. IndoChine Resort & Villas • 328/81 Prabamaree Road, Kalim Beach +66 76 380 800 • www.IndoChinePhuket.com
IndoChine Phuket
Ocean View Villas
Boutique Hotel Rooms
5 Bed Room Pool Villa
Waterfront Restaurant, 1 Empress Place Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore +65 6339 1720
Clarke Quay, Singapore +65 6557 6268
SaVanh Bistro • Lounge • Restaurant 47C Club Street, Chinatown +65 6323 0503
Waterfront Restaurant Hamburg Neumühlen 11, 22763 Hamburg (+49) 040 39 80 78 80
Cafe Siem Reap, Holland Village 44 Lor Mambong, Singapore +65 6468 5798
Restaurant + SupperClub fX lifestyle X’nter f8, Jakarta, Indonesia +6221 300 30 330
info@IndoChine-Group.com • +65 6323 1043 • www.IndoChine-Group.com
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Surin Beach Club, StereoLab Surin Beach South, Front Beach Walk +66 086 476 1170
IndoChine Hotels + Resort, Phuket 328 Prabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel : (+66) 76 380 800
BEST RESTAURANT IN SINGAPORE WINNER 2000 - 2010
FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN ASIA
WINNER 2005 - 2006
SINGAPORE TOP RESTAURANT AWARD
WINNER 2001 - 2006
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2000
NIGHTSPOT OF THE YEAR 2001
2004 - 2005
VOTED NO.1 BAR & RESTAURANT 2002