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EDITOR’S NOTE Phuket
Dear readers, index.com
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During this February – April 2017 issue there are many events happening in Thailand – the biggest being Songkran. And it’s summertime… the perfect time to travel, when everything is bright and cheerful. It’s also school holidays and a special time of year for parents. In this issue we feature five of the island’s best kids’ clubs. In Phuket this is the best time of year to go to the beach, to wander through the old town, to take classic photos, to enjoy a seafood buffet, to shop at leisure and many other enjoyable pastimes.
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GM Talk
Speaking of going to the beach – Phuketindex.com recently took a day trip to Banana Beach on nearby Coral Island and had a great time. Read about it in this issue. Our signature dish – try stewed pork belly or Moo Hong Phuket Style at Novotel Phuket Phokeethra.
Shopping – features a new shopping destination; The Shilla Duty Free Phuket, where you can find luxury watches, Korean cosmetics and high-end cosmetic brands. And take the time to read about these enthusiastic guys - Sittichai Tanakorncharoen DMD of SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL, a man with a passion – Porada (Paul) Srisuwanporn General Manager of The KEE Resort and Singaporean Executive Chef – Alfie from Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa. As usual we have photos of social events so as you can keep up with the island’s movers and shakers. Here comes summer!
Phuketindex.com’s Team
Publisher Guide Vision Limited Editor in Chief Jormnapa Utuchkul Phuketindex.com Team Arnat Utuchkul, Nunghatai Cholchawalit, Sirisawan Hemtanon, Paradorn Promkird Advertising Enquiries dos@guidevision.com Subscription Enquiries subscription@guidevision.com Tel. +66 (0) 99 391 4056, +66 (0) 61 749 9392 Fax. +66 (0) 76 240 750
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Contents FEB 2017 - APR 2017
People People Focus
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12 - Sittichai – An enthusiastic guy, working with his heart and soul Sittichai Tanakorncharoen DMD of SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL
City Focus 16 - Tourism Trends: Breaking Down the Numbers
Charity 34 - UWC Thailand Scholarship
Mindset 38 - Do we Really Have no Mindfulness?
Chef Talk
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Executive Chef, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa
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GM Talk 64 - A man with a passion Porada (Paul) Srisuwanporn General Manager, The KEE Resort and Spa
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38 www.phuketindex.com
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40 - Alfie Jerome Mossadeg
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Lifestyle & Travel Restaurant Guide
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50
44 - Acqua Restaurant 46 - Baan Kalim Restaurant 48 - Savoey Seafood
Signature Dish 50 - Stewed Pork Belly Phuket Style (Moo Hong Phuket)
On the beach 52 - Banana Beach
The Kids Club 54 - Five of the Best Kids’ Clubs in Phuket
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Duty Free
52
60 - The Shilla duty free Duty Free shopping in tropical heaven
Social 24 - Event Photo Albums
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Lifestyle - People Focus
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Lifestyle - People Focus
D
uring his seven years with SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL, Khun Bird,or Sittichai Tanakorncharoen, has focused his full attention from the beginning on design, sales and marketing – even the construction – in order to reach his high standards and to provide the best service to his guests.
What was li�e like be�o�e SLEEP WITH ME? “Like many others, I started working as an ordinary offi ce guy and fi nally moved into the factory business.” These various experiences taught him to be an expert on sales, marketing, productions and even logistics.
Why the hospitality business? “One day, I was thinking about being more of a professional and decided that the hotel business was my best choice”, said Khun Bird. At the beginning he did not even see the overall picture in this business but as time passed it became clearer and clearer and he could perceive the challenge of developing this hotel.
Image Copyright SLEEP WITH ME
“
Setting goals and making today the best is the key
”
is to make today the best day possible. These two factors must complement each other in order to achieve goals in life.”
The sto�� o� SLEEP WITH ME “Five or six years back, SLEEP WITH ME was only a small 20room Serviced Apartment. After discussing with the owner and investors, we realized that Patong is one of the most potential places to develop in the hotel and tourism business. Therefore, we agreed to develop this place up to be a 258-room hotel.”
Li�e a�ter Wo�k He’s addicted to his working life, “Hanging out is my favorite hobby. Not only to relax but also to get new ideas from different restaurants and places for further improvement in the hotel.” He keeps getting new ideas whether related to the hotel or not, such as in the property business which he believes can be combined in order to develop his overall business.
How to enjoy a success�ul li�e? “Setting goals is very important. People must have targets to reach in a certain period. Another equally important thing
Image Copyright SLEEP WITH ME
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Lifestyle - People Focus
Hea�t o� Management “In terms of business, there are only three important parts in being successful. The fi rst is sales and marketing in order to get as much income as possible. Second is accounting and finance which need to be carefully controlled, and the final part is the operations or the performance of the employees. If you can efficiently combine these three factors you can definitely achieve your goals.”
T�ends in the o� tourism business “From my point of view in a short period trends don’t changed so much, obviously meaning the Asian market. But for Europeans and Russians things are increasing due to the better value of their money and this will result in benefits for both Phuket and Thailand. The decreasing of ‘Zero dollar tours’ in the Chinese market only affected some hotels. But this can be replaced with the
“ ”
We keep in mind our social responsibilities
direct bookings and better quality tourists; it’s a situation which needs to be closely monitored in the future.”
Expectation “During our three years of operating, we’ve built a team with potential and we realize
that we need to grow up to be a bigger or better organization. We therefore try our best to accommodate them by setting up one more SLEEP WITH ME in the near future.
Small Hotel, Big Responsibility “SLEEP WITH ME is a local hotel which targets itself to become an internationally known one, hence the ongoing internal improvements. Moreover, we keep in mind our social responsibilities. The CSR with the local community is always being focused on and factored in.”
Image Copyright SLEEP WITH ME
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Image Copyright SLEEP WITH ME
Image Copyright SLEEP WITH ME
Lifestyle - City Focus Image Copyright Sofiaworld, 2017 Used under license from Shutterstock.com
T
he Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus recently held a project called ‘Phuket Tourist Experience Index’ (PTEI) to study about tourism trends in Phuket. The project involved two questionnaires held at Phuket International Airport; the first before the tourist season (July 2016) and the latter during the season (December 2016). This project collected information by quota sampling and interviewing tourists by nationality.
TOURISM TRENDS:
BREAKING THE NUMBERS
5%
Whe�e do they come ��om?
12%
16% Asian (not counting Chinese) – 12%
13%
European (not counting Russian) – 13% Australian – 13%
17%
13%
Chinese – 24% Russian – 17%
24%
Thai – 16% Other – 5%
Phuket Tourists’ Nationality
Score
Patong – Kamala Expectation 4.11 Reality 4.14
Nai Yang – Nai Thon Expectation 3.94 Reality 4.03
Kata – Karon Expectation 4.19 Reality 4.26
Maikhao Expectation 3.95 Reality 4.11
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3.95
4.06
3.94
4.01
3.93
2 1 0
t Pa
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4.26
3
Surin – Bangtao Expectation 3.93 Reality 4.01
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4.19
4
4.14
Kata and Karon are the most popular beaches on the island in terms of ‘expectations’ and anticipation.
Expectations vs Reality
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What they think?
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Beaches
Expectation Reality
Lifestyle - City Focus What they a�e inte�ested in? A large percentage of tourists rate local food higher than the island’s beaches, while many cite the locals’ friendliness as another main attraction.
Accommodation Friendly Local People
12% Outdoor/Adventurous/ Beach Activities
10%
10%
Sightseeing
14%
7%
15%
Tourist Attractions
Spa/Wellness & Heath Treatment
6% 5%
16% Local Food & Seafood
5%
Affordability/ Value for money
Heritage/ Art/Culture
Shopping
Image Copyright Ersler Dmitry, 2017 Used under license from Shutterstock.com
Whe�e does this in�ormation come ��om? In this era of advanced communication, no one can deny the importance of social media in forming tourists’ awareness. This is once again confirmed by the findings of the Phuket Tourist Experience Index. From a total of 1,221 tourists, social media is ranked as the top information source along with influences from families and friends.
35%
Social Media
24%
Family and Friends
19%
Travel Agents Offline Media Past Experience
9% 8%
Source: Phuket Tourist Experience Index Project, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism (2016) Team: 1. Associate Professor Dr. Prathana Kannaovakun Project Leader 2. Dr. Tatiyaporn Jarumaneerat Project Member 3. Dr. Pornpisanu Promsivapallop Project Member 4. Miss Chatchavan Wongwattanakit Project Member 5. Miss Tanyarat Runjul Secretary To update and get more information: www.facebook.com/PTEI2016 www.phuketindex.com
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Lifestyle - City Focus The Phuketindex.com team inte��iewed five �ep�esentatives ��om five hotels �ega�ding tourism t�ends and �ecent hotel news.
Angkana Thanasiriphong (Meow) Business Development Executive Sri panwa Phuket
MEOW
In 2016 Sri panwa Phuket launched a new project ‘The Habita’, with 20 Pool Suites and 10 70-140sqm Penthouses. Each accommodation features a private pool and luxury facilities at reasonable prices. The project also features a 44m pool with a waterfall.
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Nationwide, Sri panwa also boasts two luxury beach clubs; ‘Baba Beach Club Phuket’ and ‘Baba Beach Club Hua Hin’ as well as residence villa properties that are developed and managed by Sri panwa. Launch is set for July 2017. In 2016 we were extremely popular with couples, families and groups of friends as well as with wedding groups too. Our demographic consists of Thai 40%, Chinese 20% and other 40% are US, Japan, Hong Kong, UK, South Korea and Australia. Mostly our guests stay with us for two-tothree nights. For 2017 we will largely have the same targets as 2016 and we also expect many return guests. Our new zone The Habita is the best choice for MICE and group bookings; with a large number of rooms and friendly prices.
NANCY
Lifestyle - City Focus
Meeporn Oeawpanich (Nancy) Cluster Di�ector o� Ma�keting & Communications - Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Gol� & Spa Reso�t - Novotel Phuket Phokeethra - ibis Styles Phuket City We just opened the first Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Old Town. The hotel is situated close to the old quarter with its classic architecture, Buddhist temples and Taoist shrines. This hotel offers travellers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a time when prosperity first arrived on the island – not from tourists, but from settlers who came from the Arabian Peninsula, China, India and Portugal, leaving behind a rich heritage and a vivid blend of architecture. In February 2017, we will open ibis Styles Phuket City, located within walking distance of the heart of Phuket Town. The hotel has 137 rooms and suites featuring colourful and inspiring designs on every floor. Guests can enjoy generous-sized duvets and great amenities in every room, an international buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, as well as many other facilities. Families are welcome here. The hotel’s guests are from various nationalities, especially Thai people, Asian and European. FIT and MICE guests are the main target. In the next few years we plan to expand these markets.
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Lifestyle - City Focus
Panchan Noimeecharoen (Pui) Public Relations and Ma�keting Communication Manager Phuket Marriott Reso�t and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
PUI
Last year we announced the opening of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach. The 180-room resort was completely refurbished and currently we welcome discerning travelers who are looking for authentic Thai hospitality within a transformed and modern Marriott.
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In 2017 we plan to promote our unique restaurants and bars which offer both Thai and international cuisine with personalized service and talented local chefs; these are The Andaman Kitchen and Big Fish Restaurant & Bar. As regards guests, we seem to have mixed nationalities. We have couples, honeymooners and family guests in a healthy balance so we’re not crowded during the day at the pool or on the beach. Phuket welcomes approximately 12 million visitors per year, mostly tourists from European and Asian countries bringing around 200 billion baht to the country each year. The opening of Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, will address the needs of both local and international travelers.
Lifestyle - City Focus
APPLE
Natchaya Deekaew (Apple) PR & Sec�eta�� to General Manager The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa Our 350 guestrooms enjoy an ideal location in the centre of Patong Beach with fantastic views from the top of the hotel. Last year we renovated many sections of the hotel to keep our brand image up to date and guests appreciated this and commented on the changes. For 2017 we plan to renovate the rest of our rooms with modern facilities and to add more value. In the last three years 43.8% of Chinese tourists travelled with tour companies and 56.2% travelled by themselves as FIT (Foreign Individual Tourists). Most of our guests in 2016 were couples who contacted us through online bookings and travel agencies. The guests’ demographic breaks down to European 30%, Japanese 10%, Australian 5%, Korean 5%, and Thai 10% and 10% other nationalities. As the economic crises in Europe and Russia still affect the market, I think that in 2017 tourists from Asia; China, Japan and Korea will travel to Phuket and will increase in numbers.
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ONNY
Lifestyle - City Focus
Onanong Promchit (Onny) Assistant Ma�keting Communication Manager The KEE Reso�t & Spa The Kee Resort & Spa is well known as a trendy hotel with a modern SinoPortuguese theme in Patong Beach. It’s not only popular for its accommodation choices; the in-house Kee Sky Lounge is also a busy nightlife spot. The demographics from last year show that guests traveling with friends represented the top spot, followed by couples, then solo travellers. Australian guests are still the number one nationality followed by Israel and the United Kingdom In 2017 digital tourists will be leading the way through online media such as Hotel Facebook fan page, Instagram and Tripadvisor and Smartphones. All of these will bring customers in contact with us meaning that there’ll be an increase in numbers of guests making a direct booking with the hotel after reading online reviews.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
A week of Modernitalian Culinary Delights @Sri panwa Phuket Sri panwa Phuket invited the Phuketindex.com team to the event “A week of Modernitalian Culinary Delights” which was held 1 – 7 th December 2016. Executive Chef Stefano Baiocco of the Villa Feltrinelli visited Sri panwa for a week and durng this event the guest chef’s dinners featured an eight-course menu, with Italian wine pairing and cocktails.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Sunday Fun Brunch at XANA Beach Club On 4 December 2016, XANA Beach Club invited the Phuketindex. com team to join their Sunday Fun Brunch. This premium-quality buffet has the largest number of live stations in Phuket with spectacular views of Bangtao Bay view. The Brunch starts from 12.00-15.30 every Sunday.
Full Moon Party Vol.7 @Xana Beach Club On Saturday 17 December 2016, Xana Beach Club held a Full Moon Party Vol.7@Xana Beach Club. Xana Beach Club once again brought Thailand’s world-famous Full Moon Party to Phuket.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
King Bhumibol and The Thai Royal Family in Lausanne Paperback - Press Conference On 15 December, Hotel Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort held an event promoting the new book ‘King Bhumibol and the thai Royal Family in Lausanne’ by Lysandre C. Seraidaris. Cleon Seraidaris’s professional life as a polymath private tutor to two monarchs, King Rama VIII and the reigning King, His Majesty King Bhumibol, spanned twenty-six years. It is a story as fascinating as it is unique. The author, Cleon’s son, takes us on a journey highlighting both personal and public events from a world not before revealed.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Three Years Anniversary Thank You Party @Sleep with me Hotel On 16 December – Sleep With Me Hotel held a Three-Year Anniversary Thank You Party at Sway With Me garden restaurant & bar to celebrate thank yous to their guests, tour agencies and Phuket media.
Donate for Child with SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL PATONG On Monday 30 January 2016 – SLEEP WITH ME HOTEL PATONG held the Donate for Child event at Education Centre of Phuket (for children with special needs). The centre is located at 75/5 Moo 6. Vichitsongkram Kathu. In this event, many of Phuket’s media and Phuket Tourism and Sports personalities joined in the donating along with the hotel.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Ngok-Ngam Fair at Kalapattana School Phuket On 23 December, Kalapattana School held a Ngok-Ngam Fair, a school fair at which students showed their projects and their performances regarding what they learned in the first terms of 2016.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Sunday Family Brunch Buffet @Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa On Sunday 15 January 2017 – Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa invited Phuket Media to their Sunday Family Brunch Buffet. The Sunday Family Brunch experience will allow diners to enjoy a relaxing time by the pool, surrounded by nature, and spectacular views of the tropical gardens and lagoon, together with an unlimited selection of international and Asian delights, and family activities – nothing short of a family holiday. Available every Sunday from 12:00 onwards.
Sunday Brunch @Dream Beach Club On 12th February 2017, Phuketindex.com were invited to join Sunday Brunch at Dream Beach Club. Dream Beach, located on the stunning Layan Beach, Phuket. The guest can join “the Brunch” 12.00 15.00 every Sunday.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
“Callebaut The Belgian Gourmet Chocolate” at Siam Deli @JW Marriott Phuket JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa held an event ‘Callebaut The Belgian Gourmet Chocolate’ at Siam Deli. The weeklong event from 16 – 22 January featured Jean-Marc Bernelin from Belgian chocolate maker and technical advisor from Callebaut. Jean-Marc held afternoon chocolate cooking demonstrations at Siam Deli throughout the Callebaut chocolate week, a hands-on activity. Holding a great passion for pastry making, Jean-Marc’s extensive experience includes being a pastry chef in Paris and Singapore.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Cocktail Master Class @The Nai Harn Phuket On 24 January – The Nai Harn held a Cocktail Master Class at Cosmo Restaurant. This sunset cocktail master class was about how to make cocktail with a legendary ex-Savoy London Bartender Salim Khoury, and his signature cocktails based on artisanal Thai Craft spirits. The guests learned to concoct four cocktail recipes as Lady Nai Harn, Blushing Monarch, Nai Harn Sunset and Nai Harn Cooler.
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Lifestyle - Event Photo Albums
Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival – Press Conference On Thursday February 9, at Angsana Laguna Phuket’s XANA Beach Club – Laguna Phuket, in collaboration with Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Province, Phuket City Municipality and the Thai Peranakan Association, hosted a press conference to unveil the details of the inaugural Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival, scheduled this year on Friday 3 – Sunday 5 March.
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Lifestyle - Charity Officer from various international schools in Phuket and lately Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok. She has joined the UWCT team in July 2016 and brings passion, enthusiasm and humour to empower the community to achieve UWCT’s vision and mission.
Miss Kanok Chupak or K�u Kanok the School Di�ector o� UWC Thailand International School.
UWC Thailand Scholarship
T
oday the Phuketindex.com team interviewed Miss Kanok Chupak or Kru Kanok the School Director of UWC Thailand International School. UWC Thailand or United World College Thailand practices the concept of aiming for education to be a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future
A Brie� Histo�� o� the United Wo�ld Colleges (UWC)
The current President of UWC is Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan. Her Majesty’s commitment to international understanding and in particular to peace-building initiatives is an inspirational example to members of the UWC international movement.
“Confidence in effort, modesty in success, grace in defeat, fairness in anger, clear judgement even in the bitterness of wounded pride and readiness for service at all times.” Kurt Hahn Founder of the UWC movement
Please explain the UWC Educational P�ogramme
United World Colleges (UWC) was founded in 1962 with the vision of bringing together young people whose experience was of the political conflict of the cold war era. The first UWC college, the United World College of the Atlantic, located United Kingdom, was founded by Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist. Hahn had been invited to address at the NATO Defence College, where he saw former enemies from several nations working together towards a common goal. Hahn realized that if young people from different nations could be selected purely on merit and potential, regardless of race, religion, nationality and background brought together in a similar way it may bring understanding and peace to the world.
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The School offers a holistic educational programme that embeds SELM; Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness into our curriculum, it also emphasizes Service Learning, Outdoor Education and Activities. UWCT is a full three-programme IB (International Baccalaureate) community of learners: a Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programmes, welcoming students aged 18 months to 18 years. Our holistic educational programme has been designed for the students to grow as principled, resilient and committed individuals who have the skills to ‘Make a Difference’. They are the catalysts for change and for shaping a better world. There are now 379 students coming from 59 different nationalities.
A�e students involved in Se��ice p�ojects help�ul to society?
Could you give us some o� your backg�ound? “Sawasdee kha, my name is Kanok Chupak, the director of UWC Thailand International School.” Kru Kanok has a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Chulalongkorn University. She has been building on her experiences both in education, Leadership Team, Head of Thai Department, a Qualified Onesqua Accreditation Officer and Child Protector
class health and sports resort. UWC Thailand became the 16th member of the prestigious UWC movement on 1 August 2016.
UWC Thailand is a none-profi t school founded in 2009 as Phuket International Academy by Klaus Hebben, a German entrepreneur, who has also contributed to the development of Phuket through the creation of Thanyapura, a world-
We are lucky as Phuket provides fantastic learning environments and landscapes. With an extensive range of service learning activities taking place off campus, and wit the varied culture of Phuket, learning is certainly not confined to the classroom. Students embark on many excursions and field trips throughout the year and there are camps that focus on adventurous training, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their experience, putting their learning into practice.
Lifestyle - Charity
Recently a group of our G11 students decided to take initiative and invest their time working with two NGOs from Southeast Asia and had a service experiences in Bangkok and Cambodia. They spent their time volunteering at the Mercy Centre (www.mercycentre.org). The Mercy Centre, founded by Father Joe Maier, works within the slums of Bangkok, creating opportunities of education for the children from these communities. Then they left Bangkok and headed to Phnom Penh , Cambodia where they had the chance to work as teachers, using their background and creativity as a way to lead the classes and manage the communication barrier at Green Umbrella (www.greenumbrella-khmer.org).
Can you explain about SEL&M ? At UWC Thailand, we nurture the positive qualities in children so that they are better able to experience intellectual, emotional and physical balance. In this way, we attend to the ‘whole child’ Good Heart,
Balanced Mind, Healthy Body concept by integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness into our educational approach. With mindfulness, we learn to give ourselves the breathing room we need to take in what’s happening in our inner
process. As for teachers, our school widely welcomes every nationality from around the world to work with us. UWCT believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable future, our staff members create international and intercultural understanding. Teachers have been contributing wholeheartedly to the vision and ethos of the School. They are like jigsaw pieces to fulfill the school’s shape. Passionate teachers create motivated students and they allow student leaders a wide range of activities and initiatives. We are seeking teachers and staff members who are motivated and encouraged to use their initiative to drive the organisation forward.
and outer worlds, and see it more clearly. It encourages creating a space before speaking or acting in order to choose how to respond wisely in a way that is skillful, kind and compassionate to those involved, including ourselves.
Tell us about the Phuket Community and UWCT 2017 Scholarship
What about the school staff? We have both Academic and Administrative staff to support the students’ learning
PSG or The Parents Support Group recently held a charity Gala-night to raise funds for a scholarship. We are off ering a full three-year scholarship for an underprivileged Phuket student to join Grade 10 in August 2017. The successful
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Lifestyle - Charity
applicant will live together with our boarders in the boarding house, in order to fully immerse themselves at UWC and the student is encouraged to perform their highest potential in both academically and socially to create a more peaceful and sustainable future. Kru Kanok visited seven schools to explain about the ‘Phuket Community and UWCT 2017 Scholarship’ and has already received some applications for that scholarship. There will be an interview of applicants from 12-13 February 2017. The applicants must participate in activities involving problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills with the current students.
UWC Thailand makes education a �o�ce to unite people, nations and cultu�es � o r p ea c e a n d a sustainable �utu�e.
What is cove�ed by the UWCT scholarship? The average cost of the three-year program (including boarding, monthly allowance for living expenses and English language support) is approximately US$65,000 (2.3M baht). This fee covers only tuition, room, board, and books.
What oppo�tunities can a UWCT scholarship benefit ��om the UWC experience a�ter �eceiving my IB diploma? All UWCT students are expected to remain committed to the goals and ideals of the UWC movement throughout their lives in ways they see fit to drive change in the world around them.
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So far, around 55,000 students have graduated from the United World Colleges. They can be found in all walks of life medicine, business, politics, education, international relations, non-governmental organizations, arts and the media - and they all share a determination to make a diff erence. UWC graduates also share a resolve to give back in some way to their home country - perhaps soon after they graduate or when they have acquired the necessary skills to make a significant contribution. UWC is also privileged to have our students accepted into the world’s top universities and more than 50% have postgraduate qualifications. Our graduates are also proud to have received support from philanthropic organizations such as the Davis United World Scholars Program. This scholarship scheme is intended specifically for UWC graduates who are admitted to one of the 94 universities and colleges in the USA that participate in the Davis Program. Graduates of UWC schools, who gain admission to selected universities in the USA, Canada, and many other countries, may qualify for needs-based support. Students who wish defer their university studies may pursue a ‘Third Year Option’ as a volunteer in service of communities in some developing countries. Third Year Options may be in the form of building school houses in Ecuador, teaching English in a remote community in Asia, or
providing community service in an Inuit community in the Northwest Territories, Canada.
Who a�e behind the UWCT Scholarship Selection Committee? We are a group of UWCT staff and volunteer parents of the school. The selection panel comprises 3-4 UWCT parents and 3-4 UWCT staff and invited guests.
I am not fluent in English, does this matter? Your English is not important for applying. Do not be discouraged from applying to UWCT because of a lack of fluency in English. It is not a requirement but it can be one of the factors evaluated during selection. UWCT uses English as their teaching language. Apply now; we are looking forward to see you shine here! Khob khun maak kha Kru Kanok
UWC Thailand International School 115/15 Moo.7, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 76 336 076 Fax: +66 (0) 76 336 078
9.00-24.00
Lifestyle - Mindset
Do we Really Have no Mindfulness?
I
n Buddhism, mindfulness is one of the key tools for enlightenment. Yet the understanding of mindfulness in the worldly context may differ to those thinking in the spiritual sense. Some people claim they’re sometimes unmindful but is this really true? And what exactly does mindfulness mean? Why do we need to have it? And how can we evaluate if the mindfulness we possess is a right sort?
more and more to avoid a state of less mindfulness that consequently leads to unwholesome and harmful actions. It is worth noticing that mindfulness stems from a fear from the natural fact that our lives are impermanent and that conditions don’t remain forever – they keep changing every minute. When we realize that life is never stable, we seek a solution to get out of this vicious cycle. That’s why dhamma practice is an answer. If we have the right view of the impermanence of life, we will be naturally be attracted to dhamma practice without force or the feeling of oppression to do so. Hence the right mindfulness
Theoretically, mindfulness is the state of being awake and realizing or being aware of one’s surroundings. If we recognize mindfulness in its natural condition, it moves along with intention. If we intend to be happy, we need to drive our mindfulness forward to reach the point of happiness. Practically, mindfulness is with us every single second around the clock and it never goes away from us. As long as we’re alive, it’s always with us. For example, when we walk across a bridge, we’re aware enough not to walk and fall down because we behold the
situation with mindfulness. Whatever we do, we normally possess a certain amount of mindfulness hence it’s not possible for someone to say that he/ she is unmindful.
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“
Mind�ulness is normally moving together with the intention to �each a goal o� any action.
Some people may question the above example and might say that it’s a question of instinct not to fall down off the bridge. But what’s the difference between mindfulness and instinct? Mindfulness consists of wisdom which can’t be found in instinct; an animal lives by its instinct but is unable to develop its wisdom. Or when we drive a car and suddenly brake, how did we realize how to do it if we had never learnt how to drive before? Hence, mindfulness is normally moving together with the intention to reach a goal of any action. That is a reason why we must develop our mindfulness to have it with us
”
will be natural and not a pretext. We will have a goal of our dhamma practice and take action to reach it by, for instant, being willing to wake up every morning to practice dhamma ourselves without laziness since we realize what the natural truth of life is. Hence, dhamma practice achieves the right mindfulness to ensure that we can live with both happiness and suffering to finally reach the ultimate wisdom (enlightenment) and supreme state of liberation (Nirvana).
By Maha Bannok Meditation Centre, Hadyai, Songkhla, Thailand
Lifestyle - Mindset
Backg�ound o� Chantawong Suphattakalyanee Meditation Center Bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) Orawan Maneeratanachot or Mae Chee Ning is currently a meditation instructor with the right attitude, technique and methods to inspire all interested laypeople to be able to profoundly practice meditation. Her teaching at Chantawong Suphattakalyanee Meditation Centre focuses on breathing meditation (Anapanasati). The centre welcomes all priests, and practitioners who are interested in learning the practical methods of breathing meditation. The first branch of the meditation centre has been established in Haadyai, Songkhla Province with the objective to disseminate breathing meditation (Anapanasati), discovered by our Lord Buddha, to place in Buddhists’ hearts accordingly.
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We �ealize what the natural t�uth o� li�e is.
”
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Travel - Chef Talk
Alfie Jerome Mossadeg Executive Chef, D�eam Phuket Hotel & Spa
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Travel - Chef Talk
“
I think cooking is very special. When you cook for someone to eat, it is a responsibility. You can make friends with strangers when talking about food and make better friends when you serve them and let them try your dishes.
C
hef Alfie has been in Phuket with Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa for a few months now. This Singaporean chef has strong and passionate views about Asian food. Let’s see what his inspiration is and how he’ll bring Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa to its next chapter. “I’m Alfie Jerome Mossadeg, I’m 44 years old and am now working in Phuket for the fi rst time as an Executive Chef in Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa,” he began before we continued to talk about why he
wanted to become a chef. And here is how the story goes: “When I was 8-12 years old, my parents were separated and I stayed with my dad. He had to work in the morning and came back at night. I had to help with making dinner for three of us; my sister, dad and myself. My dad would usually call my grandmother, ask her for recipe and cook it up. I always had to help.” “One day when I was 12 years old, my dad came back from work very late. The dish we prepared was
”
shepherd’s pie which we’d done it many times before with my father but I’d never cooked it myself, only the preparation. So that day he came back home late so I decided just to do it because my sister was crying hungrily. When my father came back he asked me ‘Why is the kitchen so clean? And where is everything?’ and I said ‘I cooked already’. Alfie’s father was surprised, asking him how come he knew how to cook. The chef replied, ‘I see you cook all the time. I thought it was very late so I helped you.” His father then asked the chef to bring the food out. “My father was a policeman. You have to understand this; he’s very strict like Gordon Ramsey.”
Food is special. It helps you �o�ge a special connection. Image Copyright Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa
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Travel - Chef Talk
Che�’s �ather was surprising asking him how come he knew how to cook. bottom and then slowly grow up. So now I have been cooking for 13-14 years already.
“My father saw the food and he ate it. He cried and said ‘thank you’,” the chef recalls. “That was the first time I understood that food can make an angry person a nice guy. I also understood that food brings people together.”
“Also, now I’m more inspired as because I getting to learn more about Thai cooking.” He admits that conception of Thai food was limited before.
“So that how I was inspired to be a chef. Actually I didn’t really want to be a chef but I was in some ways forced to be a chef.”
“When I came to Thailand, I discovered that this country has many kinds of food not to mention street food. It’s so amazing. I’m very happy to be here.”
“It helped me to realize that food is very special. You don’t have to be a chef, but food forges a special connection.”
New menu at D�eam Phuket Hotel & Spa
“Later on, I was granted a free scholarship at the government’s special cooking school. After that I went to work ‘with a chef, not as a chef’. You have to start from the bottom even though you have the papers. You have to start from the
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“I think cooking is very special. When you cook for someone to eat, it is a responsibility. You can make friends with strangers when talking about food and make better friends when you serve them and let them try your dishes.”
“I’m thinking doing Southeast Asian foods over here. So when the guests come here, they will have a taste of Singapore laksa, Singapore chili crab, a bit of Malaysian desserts like Cendol, a bit of Thai food, Thai street
Image Copyright Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa
foods is also brought to the restaurant. It’s a kind of dining experience at all levels. Asians share some names of dishes but they’re different. I’d like to feature Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, all Southeast Asia cuisines. We will have a little bit of Western Cuisine but the highlight will be Asian dishes after all.” Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa has four F&B outlets: signature restaurant Trilogy, Pool Bar, Vu Rooftop Pool & Bar and Indulge lounge. For more information, please visit www.dreamhotels.com/phuket 11/7 Moo 6, T.Cherngtalay, A.Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand. For reservations, please call +66 76 609 888
www.phuketindex.com Image Copyright Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa
Travel - Restaurant Guide
Acqua Restaurant Alessand�o Frau
Following a black-and-white theme that gifts the restaurant clean lines and a good sense of proportion, Acqua’s design fully complements an all-round satisfying dining experience. The restaurant has imaginative lighting, nowhere more so than at the bar. Trendy without being gratuitously chic, cutting edge without going over the top and spacious without being cavernous, Acqua’s décor balance practicality and aesthetics in a fine dining environment in Phuket.
Che� and Owner
Acqua Restaurant is the first of a series of restaurants designed by Alessandro Frau, as Alessandro dedication for culinary doesn’t stop to cooking but also to project and design restaurants and concepts. Chef Alessandro Frau was the Winner of Iron Chef Thailand on November 2013. Find more about Alessandro by visit www.fraualessandro.com In 2013 Acqua Restaurant was appointed as one of the Best Italian Restaurant in Phuket and Thailand from Ospitalita’ Italiana in the World.
Guide Cuisine: Italian Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: every day from 16:00 – 23:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit cards: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 127 E-mail : reservations@acquarestaurant.com GPS/DD: 7.916537, 98.290996
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Recommended Dishes 45-minute slow cooked egg on a Parmesan cheese fondue, fresh black truffle and crispy pancetta powder
Sous-vide cooked octopus salad, marinated in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and vinegar, fennel leaves, celery and taggiasche olives DOP
Pan-fried USA scallops with duck liver, chili jam and truffle pumpkin sauce
Trenette pasta with Alaskan king crab in its own jus with sliced Sardinian tuna bottarga
Wood-fired roasted suckling pig, saffron and violette potatoes, broad beans in its own sauce
Â
Where Italian dining experience meet art and passion
324/15 Prabaramee Road – Kalim Bay - Patong - Phuket Tel 076 618127 email: reservations@acquarestaurantphuket.com www.acquarestaurantphuket.com
Travel - Restaurant Guide
Baan Kalim Restaurant Wanlop Phothong
Baan Kalim Restaurant and Seafood offers a mouthwatering and taste bud tingling array of Executive Che� dining choices ranging from seafood, to Chinese dishes, Royal Thai cuisine, and western classic dishes to suit all tastes, all under the guidance of a highly experienced Chef and professional seafood restaurant team. Great emphasis is placed on Thai hospitality service with a lot of interaction between the service staff and diners. The restaurant has an array of fresh seafood, ranging from live lobsters, tiger prawns and crab, along with a rich variety of local fish prepared in many manners to suit diners’ taste. The restaurant has stunning views overlooking the beautiful Andaman Sea and a panoramic view of Patong Bay. The sunsets at Baan Kalim have to be seen to be believed – with stunning, breathtaking views.
Guide Experience: Seafood, Royal Thai cuisine, Phuket traditional and international dishes Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 11:00 – 24:00 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 618 125 E-mail: baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com GPS/DD: 7.906419, 98.297476
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Recommended Dishes Boiled fish balls with garlic sauce Deep-fried Phuket style sausage ‘My grandma’s fish’ and ginger soup with a dash of sesame oil Num-prik-khung-sod Crab curry served with mee hoon noodles Fried crab with garlic and pepper Stir-fried lobster with garlic, butter and white wine sauce Baked mixed seafood Steamed mussels with Thai herbs Deep-fried fish with sweet and sour sauce
Travel - Restaurant Guide
Savoey Seafood Supit Jararith Asst. Manager
Open since 1980, Savoey Seafood is considered one of the landmarks of Patong Beach. This popular and bustling restaurant not only has a wide array of fresh seafood but also offers competitive prices.
Baked lobster with butter and garlic sauce
Savoey Seafood is a large, open-plan restaurant with a seating capacity of 400 plus, but you would never know. Despite its size, with 50 staff members the service is excellent, polite and considerate.
Tom yum koong
Savoey Seafood is very popular and getting there early is recommended. It would be a real shame if you missed the opportunity to dine at this first-class seafood restaurant during your stay on Phuket.
Stir-fried crab with spring onions, ginger and garlic
Guide Experience: Seafood and Thai cuisine Reservation: Recommended Dress Code: Smart-casual Open: 10:30 – 24:30 Mobile phones allowed: Yes Car parking: Yes Credit card: Accepted Tel: +66 (0) 76 341 171 – 4 E-mail: info@savoeyseafood.com GPS/DD: 7.894471, 98.295719
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Recommended Dishes
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Stir-fried crab with curry powder
Steamed fish with lime juice and chili sauce Deep-fried fish with sweet chili sauce Stir-fried mussels or clams with roasted chili paste sauce Oven-barbecued fish Stir-fried mixed vegetables in oyster sauce
Travel - Signature Dish
Stewed Pork Belly Phuket Style
MOO HONG PHUKET
(Moo Hong Phuket)
Method
Pork belly
300gm
Shiitake mushrooms
30gm
Bok choy
50gm
Garlic
10gm
Black pepper
5gm
Coriander
5gm
Anise
5gm
Cinnamon
5gm
Powdered spices
5gm
Soya sauce
10gm
Oyster sauce
10gm
Cane sugar
30gm
Red soy sauce
5gm
experience
Get
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- Select the best pork belly. Cut into 100gm per piece - Pound black pepper, garlic, coriander roots
Recipe Ingredients
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- Marinate pork for one hour with black pepper, garlic, coriander roots, five-spice powder, red soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce and cane sugar - Stir ingredients over medium heat until fragrant and cook with anise, cinnamon, add the stewed mushrooms with a little water over low heat for about two hours - The result is soft pork belly that melts in the mouth. Serve garnished with red chili and coriander.
Novotel Phuket Phokeethra Tel: +66 (0) 76 397 777 | Fax: +66 (0) 76 397 700 | Email: H9932@accor.com
Travel - On the beach
Image Copyright Banana Beach
Banana Beach
P
huketindex.com recently took day trip to Banana Beach on nearby Koh Hey (Coral Island). We’re due to depart by boat from Chalong Pier and it’s easy to find the Banana Beach boat at the pier as their logo is a banana leaf. We arrive early so the staff invites us to take a break at Kan Eang @ Pier Restaurant with its cool views. At 8.30 it’s time to get going and after only 15 minutes we arrive at the island as it’s so close to Phuket. Normally the departure times from Phuket are 8.30 and 10.00. Banana Beach is so beautiful with white sands, crystal-clear water and blue skies. It’s a very peaceful place and not crowded. Our day trip package
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includes a life jacket and mask for snorkeling and sea kayak activities. The water is very clear here and we can see lots of colourful fish. There are many more activities such as scuba diving, a banana boat, sea walking and parasailing. Along with the activities the package also includes lunch at the restaurant. Our set menu is for two people; we have tom yam seafood soup, deepfried chicken, fried shrimp with spicy sauce, som tam (papaya salad), deep-fried fish with chili sauce and a fruit platter as dessert. At Banana Beach Koh Hey folks think about preserving nature so they
use eco-friendly construction materials and build to fit into nature’s harmonic design. There are three main buildings, two with a hornbill theme – there is a colony of these fascinating birds on the island – with the last building themed on a hornbill’s egg. All in all, it’s an amazing day out and everything is near perfect; the beach, staff members, the food and the weather. As mentioned, this paradise is only 15 minutes from Phuket… so add a trip to Banana Beach to your holiday program!!!
Travel - On the beach Facilities 1. Restaurant: The menu is a smart mix of laid back Thai specialties 2. Restroom and toilet: Clean and well-designed restroom and toilet, it is not just a toilet
About Banana Beach Koh Hey
Activities 1. Sea Kayaking: Combines peace, quiet, exercise, and sightseeing all at your own pace 2. Snorkeling: The beautiful coral and sea life are waiting for you 3. Diving: Professional instructors will teach you and guide you to the best spots 4. Banana Boat: If you like speed and thrills, you’ll love this. 5. Parasailing: Nothing beats the view from over 100 feet up in the air 6. Zip Line: Adventure like no other... with a great experience.
Reservation Tel: +66 (0) 81 416 7555 Fax: +66 (0) 76 280 333 IG: bananabeachphuket Facebook: Banana Beach Email: relax@bananabeachkohhey.com
www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - The Kids Club
Five of the Best Kids’ Clubs in Phuket Dedicated family hotel and resorts in phuket are able to keep everyone in the family happy. Selecting a hotel and resort with a well fitted-out kids club in phuket will enable you to take a break �rom your �ull-time parenting responsibilities. There are good options in phuket, so here are five of the best…
* Some activities are chargeable **Please contact the hotel about terms and conditions
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Travel - The Kids Club Discovery Time @ Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
{
}
It’s Discovery Time for your kids from 9.0018.00 every day. At Renaissance Phuket they offer many kind of activities for kids according to four concepts: Be Active, Stay Curious, Go Explore and Just Relax. And please note that their kids’ swimming pool is very cool.
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DAY/TIME
10.00 – 11.00
13.00 – 14.00
15.00 – 16.00
MONDAY
Soccer Game
Play Dough
Sand Art
TUESDAY
Bracelet Making
Thai Origami
Movie Time
WEDNESDAY
Fish Feeding
Fancy Mask
Kids Mocktail
THURSDAY
Kids Yoga
Sand Art
Sculpture Painting
FRIDAY
Paper Mache
Towel Folding
Mug Painting
SATURDAY
Fancy Mask
Handkerchief Painting
Treasure Hunt
SUNDAY
Thai Language
Paper Mache
Kids Mocktail
Be Active
Stay Curious
Go Explore
Just Relax
More information:
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Mai Khao Beach, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 363 999
www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - The Kids Club Amazing Sea View Kids’ Club @ Amari Phuket
{
Amari Phuket off er a Sea View Kids’ Club with various activities every day from 10.00 – 19.00. The children can play games, make their own handicrafts, and learn Thai culture or swim at their beautifully landscaped sea view swimming pools. And don’t miss the movie night every Sunday from 19.00 onward...
}
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DAY/TIME 10.30-11.30
11.30-12.30
14.00-15.00
15.00-16.00
16.00-17.00
19.00-20.30
MONDAY
Origami
Plaster Painting
Bag Painting
Sand Art
Princess Crown
-
TUESDAY
Finger Painting
T-Shirt Batik
Tie Dying
Easy in Thai
Matching Card
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WEDNESDAY Beadwork
Umbrella Painting Cap Painting
Tissue Dolly
UNO
-
THURSDAY
Fancy Mask Art
Jewelry Making
Key Ring Painting
Tattoo Time
Nail Painting
-
FRIDAY
Colouring & Drawing Bag Painting
Jelly Candle
Thai Dance Class Jar Making
SATURDAY
Tissue Dolly
Glass Painting
Handkerchief Painting Tattoo Time
Kids’ Muay Thai
SUNDAY
Face Painting
Key Ring Painting
T-Shirt Batik
Hair Braiding
More information:
Amari Phuket
Patong Beach, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 340 106-14 ext 8047
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Origami
Movie Night
Travel - The Kids Club Wonderful World @ Swissotel Resort Phuket Patong Beach
{
Every day 10.00 – 18.00, children and teens can enjoy the wonderful facilities at the resort’s 480sqm Kids’ World along with fun group activities on offer, all with the emphasis on learning and enjoyment, under the guidance of the experienced hotel staff members. There’s a princesses’ dressing room for girls and games capsule for boys… so cool!!!
}
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DAY/TIME 10.00-11.00
11.00-12.00
14.00-15.00
15.00-16.00
16.00-17.00
MONDAY
Clay Model Painting
Crayon Drawing
Jelly Candle Making
Cupcake Decoration
Play Dough
TUESDAY
T-Shirt Batik Painting Puzzles
Pizza Cooking Class
Cookies Making
Dress up
WEDNESDAY Canvas Painting
Bingo
Face Painting
Cupcake Decoration
Monopoly Game
THURSDAY
Mosaic Art
Hide and Seek
Pizza Cooking Class
Cookies Making
Hula Hoop
FRIDAY
Necklace Making
Paper Doll Puppet Bracelet Making
Canvas Painting
Towel Animal
SATURDAY
Sticker Tattoo
Jenga Game
Saa Paper Painting
Handkerchief Batik Painting
Kids Dancing
SUNDAY
Nail Painting
Dominoes
Balloon Art
Handbag Painting
Coloring Paper
More information:
Swissotel Resort Phuket Patong Beach, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 337 000
www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - The Kids Club Unique and Closer @ Andara Resort & Villas
{
Set in an exclusive property at Kamala Beach, the unique kids’ club Andara Kidz is fully equipped with a warm and friendly staff. The activities here are aimed at children from four to 12 years old and include painting, cooking and creative arts. At Andara Resort & Villas you and your kids will enjoy stunning sea views and private infinity pools.
}
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DAY/TIME 9.00-10.00
10.00-11.30
13.00-15.00
15.00-16.00
16.00-18.00
MONDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Make a Picture Frame
Make a Owl
Cleaning Time
Pizza Making
TUESDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Umbrella Painting
Figure Painting
Cleaning Time
The POP-UP Card
WEDNESDAY Welcome to kids fun activities
Candle Creation
Nail Painting
Cleaning Time
Shirts Chic Pumps
THURSDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Batik Painting
Make a Monkey
Cleaning Time
Balloon Painting
FRIDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Make a Heart Mobile
Fancy Balloon
Cleaning Time
Pizza Making
SATURDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Fan Painting
Hair Braid / Face Painting Cleaning Time
Hat Painting
SUNDAY
Welcome to kids fun activities
Stone Painting
Bracelet Making
Movie Time
More information:
Andara Resort & Villas Kamala Beach, Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76 338 777
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Cleaning Time
Travel - The Kids Club Fantastic Holiday @ Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
{
This family holiday resort is located at Nai Yang Beach just a few minutes from Phuket international airport. The kids’ club is open daily from 9.00 till 18.00. Children can enjoy facilities and group activities supervised by the hotel’s experienced associates. Take a swim with your child in the hotel’s sprawling outdoor pool for a fantastic time.
}
KIDS’ ACTIVITIES DAY/TIME
10.00-11.00
11.00-12.00
14.00-15.00
16.00-17.00
MONDAY
T-Shirt Batik Painting
Dominoes
Canvas Paiting
Paper Origami
TUESDAY
Necklace Making
Coloring Pater
Bracelet Making
Bingo
WEDNESDAY
Jelly Candle Making
Kid Printable
Handkerchief Batik Painting
UNO
THURSDAY
Mosaic Art
Genga Game
Clay Model Painting
Dominoes
FRIDAY
Handkerchief Batik Painting
Dominoes
Jelly Candle Making
Dominoes
SATURDAY
Clay Model Painting
Bingo
Mosaic Art
Kids Printable
SUNDAY
Clay Model Painting
UNO
Necklace Making
Genga Game
More information:
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach Tel: +66 (0) 76 625 555
www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - Duty Free
Brands Luxury Fashion Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, Moschino, Versace, etc. Cosmetics and Perfumes Aupres, Benefit, Sulwhasoo, Laneige, La Mer, Shideido, SK-II, etc. Luxury Fashion Watches Baum &Mercier, Omega, DKNY, Tissot, Swatch, etc.
Duty Free shopping in tropical heaven Shilla presents an unparalleled duty �ree shopping experience in phuket.
O
n vacation in Phuket? Then be sure to make time for shopping as Phuket offers a wide selection of souvenirs and maybe the best place to check out is the Shilla Duty Free Phuket downtown store that stocks almost everything you could possibly need, from local products to luxury goods. Quality local brands and products that shouldn’t be missed such as Thai food produced by OTOP village communities across Thailand featuring dried fruits and snacks, health and wellness products, balms, herbal teas, textiles, batik, and handicrafts.
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You’ll also fi nd luxury watches, Korean cosmetics and high end cosmetic and perfume brands such as Bobby Brown, Elizabeth Arden, Gucci, Hermès, Laneige and much more.
Sun, Rain and Sand Quality Thailand local brands and products that shouldn’t be missed are several to shop as Thai food which produced by OTOP village communities across Thailand such as dried fruits and snacks, Thai aromatic, Thai health & wellness products, balm & Thai herbal tea, Thai textile; Fai Mud Yom , Batik, and Thai handmade.
Sunglasses Alexander McQueen, Boss, Puma, Rayban, Gucci, Michael Kors, etc. Fashion Accessories Adidas, Paul Frank, Lee, Lacoste, Hush Puppies, Guess, etc. Thai Food Baan Makam, Banana Society, Lobo, Manora, Mrs. Flower, Thaipattana, etc. Electronics and Gadgets Avantree, Bose, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Philips, Samsung, etc. Liquor and Tobacco Bacardi, Ballentines, Chivas Regal, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Krongthip, Krungthong, etc. Exotic Thai Products 1000 Roads, Aiyara, Anita Silk, Komol, Prachar, Thai Vetro, etc. Spa Products Akaliko, Bath 7 Bloom, BSAB, Panpuri, Harn, etc. Wellness Products Banana Boat, Coconut Products, Dentiste, Dove, Twin Lotus, etc.
Travel - Duty Free Complete your holiday shopping list at Shilla.
DUTY FREE
The Shilla Duty Free Phuket downtown store is inspired by three essential elements… Golden Sun: The warm and inviting entrance has a golden fish symbol to represent the sun that radiates light. Give you a warm welcome with the luxuriousness and sense of fashion. Silver Rain: Silver rain sparkles from the ceiling at the entrance guiding you to the luxury jewelry and watches. Walk among the silvery shining of world class brands of watch & jewelry; Chopard, IWC ,Piaget and more. Crystal Sand: Crystal sand offers you a variety of souvenirs in the shape of confectioneries, liquor and tobacco along with unique Thai-designed products and lavish cuisine.
Three Easy Steps Don’t forget your passport There are three easy steps when it comes to shopping at Shilla: First present your passport at the register counter to get your shopping card. Then present your card to the sales staff when making a purchase. Then collect your merchandise on departure at Phuket International Airport if you have bought ‘white-tag’ goods – you must present your passport and receipt of purchase. If you have bought ‘gold-tag’ goods you can receive them on the day of purchase. You can get a VAT refund for gold-tag merchandise with a minimum purchase of 2,000 baht.
South Dynasty Restaurant International Buffet with Nice Atmosphere South Dynasty provides international buffet with the highest quality fresh ingredients to bring out the best taste. Luxury design in contemporary style, guests will sense a perfect integration of oriental and modern ways. The restaurant can accommodate up to 600 participants at events such as weddings ceremonies, reunions or staff parties.
Shilla Duty Free Phuket welcomes everyone. If you want to buy duty-free items but don’t have any plans for an overseas trip, Shilla also provides gold-tag merchandise that you can buy and take directly from the store. www.phuketindex.com
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Travel - Duty Free
Information
Shilla - Korea’s leading travel retailer since 1986
SINCE
Since its opening in 1986, The Shilla Duty Free has positioned itself as Korea’s leading travel retailer by offering trendy products at reasonable prices and high quality services to various international visitors. With stores in Seoul, Incheon International Airport, Jeju. The Shilla Duty Free offers over 550 world-famous luxury brands in boutique items, cosmetics, fashion, jewelry, watches, etc.
1986
Korea Stores
Seoul Store: About 500 Luxury brands. Incheon Airport Store: Enjoy a onestop shopping experience at Incheon Airport! Jeju Store: Newly renovated Jeju’s duty free
Overseas Stores
Singapore Changi Airport branch store: The biggest store for cosmetic and perfume in Changi Airport Macau Airport branch store: Luxury brands and local cosmetic brands Phuket downtown store: Duty Free shopping in tropical heaven
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The Shilla Duty Free Phuket
888 Moo1, Kathu District Kathu, Phuket, Thailand Contact Centre: +66 (0) 76 683 155 Opening Hours: 10.30 – 21.30 Facebook: www.facebook.com/theshilladutyfreephuket GPS-DD: 7.907674, 98.356154
Travel - GM Talk
A man with a passion
Porada (Paul) Srisuwanporn
General Manager, The KEE Resort and Spa
W
e recently talked with the GM of the KEE Resort and Spa, Porada Srisuwanporn (or Paul). He speaks from his heart about his life in the hotel industry and his positive energy impressed and inspired us.
Please tell us about yourself “I was born in the northern part of Thailand, in Chiang Rai. When I was nine years old I went to study in Boston, USA and spent about 21 years there. I came back to Thailand about five years ago. My very first job in Thailand was in Samui as an F&B Manager. From then on I grew up in hotel industry. I went on to Koh Chang for two years and then came to Phuket two years ago.”
What motivated you to jump into hotel industry? “To tell you the truth, I never thought about hotels before. My experiences in America were mostly in restaurants. I’ve worked in restaurants since I was 13 years old. But when I came back to Thailand I didn’t know where else to start. Five years ago, my friends told me that with my English and my restaurant skills I could make it in the hotel industry. They recommended Samui because the island has a lot of foreigners and it was also a place where I could use my skills in restaurant management to work in the Food and Beverage Department.”
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Travel - GM Talk
I’m a supportive leader. I’m not the bossy type.
What do you like the most about your job? “The most satisfying thing about my job is to see my customers happy. Every day when I see them lounging in a pool chair, or laughing at the pool bar,
to deal with problems so we can manage to find our way out of them. Another thing with all hotels and with all jobs the most challenging thing is the people; how to keep our people happy; how to keep our people very well motivated and developed so that they can provide the best service to
at all. Sometimes we fix a lot of problems here in the hotel with new techniques that come from our staff of which they’re very proud of afterwards. They’re right in front of the problems every day and it’s my job to see if a particular idea could fix the problem and if it doesn’t go against the policy of the hotel, then go for it.” “The other thing is that I try to recognize everybody all the time. I have about 250 staff and I can remember everybody’s name. If they are doing something wrong, you have to take them aside and teach them in private. But when they are doing something good, you have to praise them in public. Little by little they will feel the recognition in their life and it makes a difference in the hotel.”
What are your strengths?
having drinks at the sky lounge, getting a massage and eating a wonderful meal at our restaurants, that satisfied look on their faces makes you feel like you are doing something right and you’re part of their fun and memorable experience and wonderful holiday. That’s a great thing for me.”
our customers. So we undergo regular training programmes to ensure that our high standards of service are always there.”
What are the most challenging issues you face in your current job?
“I would say that I’m a supportive leader. I’m not the bossy type. I listen to my staff, listen to their problems and I support them. I challenge them to be the best and to think outside the box.
“The most challenging issue right now would have to be the unstable economic and unstable tourism trends. You can’t predict what’s coming. So I think the most challenging aspect is to be prepared for the unknown. I think now we’re getting used to how
how would you describe your leadership style?
“Sometimes a lot of people have to have their comfort zone but I’m very supportive. If they have an idea that they think will work, I would support them to try it out. It’s better for them to try it and fail rather than not trying
“I think my strength is that I listen to people. Sometimes when you’re in the position to make decisions all the time you forget to listen. But when you listen, you’ll have a better idea of what the problem is and how to make the right decision. I listen well and I take everything into account. I don’t make rush decisions. I know that you have to get to the root cause of the problem to fix it. I listen to my staff because they’re out there facing problems everyday so they know better than I do. By getting that information, you can make the operation better and can provide better service.” “The other thing is that I can see the good in people when I look at my staff. I know what they are good at and know how to draw it out of them. I know that if I develop them this way, it will bring the best out of them. As a general manager, I have to know where to put people. You have to put the right man on the right job.”
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Travel - GM Talk What is your personal philosophy?
Describe a time when you turned a negative situation with a guest into a positive situation
“I believe in Karma. I think that if we do good things, good things come back to you. If you do bad things, bad things come back to you. It’s my personal philosophy because it makes you to want to do only good things. It doesn’t mean that you have to be a monk or a nun. By doing good things you can make people happy every day. You can smile, be honest about your job, and give it all every day at your work. You can make the life of your staff members happy. That’s doing good things. I think Karma works in mysterious ways. If you lift yourself everyday with good deeds, good deeds will always come back.”
Can you talk about success�ul work projects last year? “I think the most successful project for last year was balancing the budget. Last year we had a very tough budget to meet and my team and I achieved the budget and we did well in the profit area. The whole team worked together. We had the same target, the same goals, we were able to move forward together and everybody pitched in. Everybody lent a hand. My revenue division, my cost division, we worked together to meet the budget and everybody was very happy.”
The most satis�ying thing about my job is to see my customers happy.
The KEE opened six years ago and we have guests that come back every year or many times in a single year. And it feels like it’s their second home and I want that feeling for every guest. Every time we have returning guests, we put a little message on their bed
At work, what puts a smile on your face? “What puts a smile on my face is when I know that guests are happy when I see smiles on their faces or when I they see my staff working with a smile from afar. You can actually hide and watch them to see how they work. When they are doing that without noticing that you are watching, that puts a great big smile on my face.”
how do you want guests to feel when they stay at your hotel? “I want guests to feel like they are coming to their second home. Many of our guests are return guests.
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that says ‘welcome home’. We make sure everybody makes them feel at home, not only for guests but for our staff too. Because if you think about it, they probably spend more time here at work than at home so if they feel that this place is their second home, they can provide better service, be very helpful and friendly and then in return my guests will feel like it’s their second home too.”
“I remember one guest who was very unhappy because he felt like our hotel is too loud in its central Patong location. So he was very upset that our hotel wasn’t right for him. I remember that me and FO Manager took him to about six rooms just let him feel and see that which one he’d be happy in. He finally settled on one room and then after that I checked on him every day to make sure he was happy during his stay. When he checked out he said that he’d never had better service anywhere. Most people wouldn’t care, but I feel that’s not right. I feel like with us, we have to make sure from beginning to end that their experience is a memorable one. After that he recommended many guests back to us just because he knew and he was confident that we will do them right and that we provide the best service that we can.”
What advice would you offer to those who are inspired to be success�ul in the hotel industry? “One thing is that you have to love it. You have to have the passion. My advice is to think about what you want to do and ask yourself if it’s something that you want to give 100% for. Because the hotel industry is not something where you say ‘let’s try it out, I might like it or maybe I won’t.’ You have to go in, be committed and love what you do. If you are a person who doesn’t smile, you are a person who hates people bothering you or asking you for requests, this is not for you. If you think you are good at the numbers, good at sales, but you are not good at service, it’s not for you. You have to be very well rounded, have compassion and understanding of people’s needs as well as your team’s needs. All of this together, you have to be 100% committed or else you won’t make it in the hotel industry.”