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FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT IN BANGKOK
August 2012 08 INSIGHT News, letters, monthly planner, and more 14 DARA LOY Dara Loy lights up the stage at the Conrad Bangkok 30 SCHOOL REPORT A round up of news from Bangkok’s best international schools 37 EXPAT WOMEN An interview with the new GM of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Plus - a catch up with Jen Su! 47 GOURMET A round up of all the best restaurant deals and gourmet events in Bangkok 80 CRACKDOWN ON PASSPORT FRAUD Exclusive report by Maxmilian Wechsler 85 WHAT’S ON exhibitions, performance, sport, networking – we’ve got this month’s best events all wrapped up 95 SOCIAL Last month’s best events in pictures 111 DIPLOMATS Australia’s Ambassador James Wise talks candidly about his country’s relationship with Thailand 120 MOTORING We test drive the new BMW 320d 125 TRAVEL Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations
WRITE
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The management and staff of BigChilli would like to wish Her Majesty The Queen best wishes, good health and happiness on the occasion of her birthday.
www.thebigchilli.com
The magazine for expat men and women, here and overseas
THROUGHOUT the 12 years since it was launched, The BigChilli has remained absolutely committed to its original purpose – to provide this country’s expatriate community, men and women, with a showcase for their many activities here. As the first magazine in Thailand to cover this affluent and rapidly growing market segment, we have built a readership base that not only includes foreigners currently living and working in this country, but also those who have returned to their homelands but wish to stay in contact with expatriate life here. Quite naturally, our editorial format has changed considerably over time, with various re-designs to keep the magazine visually fresh and appealing, along with a broader cross-section of stories to interest, entertain and occasionally educate our many readers. And it is thanks largely to their comments and suggestions that we feel able to continually introduce all kinds of improvements. For example, we have recently expanded and upgraded our popular Expat Women section, transformed the restaurant guide into a comprehensive culinary feature called Gourmet, and we’ve added Diplomats to highlight the work of this important international group. We also write extensively about sport, fashion, schools, cars and favorite travel destinations like Pattaya and Hua Hin. Today, The BigChilli is read by more people than ever before – Thais as well as foreigners, men and women. We know this in part from feedback information from our website (www.thebigchilli.com) and the emag version of the magazine, which is rapidly building a unique overseas readership base of great significance. Far from suffering from the effects of the digital media, The BigChilli is actually benefitting from these social networks since they enable us to reach an even bigger audience. As always, The BigChilli is THE expatriate magazine in Thailand.
Golden times for Australia and Thailand
CYNICS who believe that free trade agreements do not work, or
only work erratically, should read our exclusive interview with Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand James Wise (page 112). He notes that since the Thailand Australia Trade Free Agreement (TAFTA) came into force in January, 2005, trade between the two countries has more than doubled. Moreover, Australia has moved from being Thailand’s 12th largest trading partner to its sixth largest. At the same time, Thailand has moved from being Australia’s 12th largest trading partner to its ninth largest. The good news continues with the Ambassador’s revelation that the investment relationship has boomed, especially during the past two or three years. Interestingly it is overwhelmingly Thai investment into Australia, around 422 billion baht. The balance of trade, however, favors Thailand, with Thai exports to Australia growing enormously since the TAFTA came into effect. What may astonish many readers, though, is that the biggest/most valuable export for both countries is gold. And that’s down mainly to the Akara gold mine in Phichit province, which is a major Australian investment in Thailand. After final processing in Australia, some of the gold finds its way back here to be used in the Thai jewelry industry. Mr. Wise gives credit for the free trade agreement to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. “We have fond memories of the contribution that he made to relations between Australia and Thailand.”
Who’s going to help the dogs now?
THE trade in smuggled dogs is as repulsive as it is illegal. But it is also flourishing, with more than 1,200 dogs being recently rescued in two separate raids in northeast Thailand. It seems that the animals, some of whom wore collars to indicate they were stolen and not strays, were on their way to Vietnam to be sold as dog meat. The charity that now has the responsibility to care for them is desperately short of funds. While most of us will say the dogs’ treatment is repugnant, and should be stopped, how many will also put their hands in their pockets to help? See page 12 for details.
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Publisher Colin Hastings colin1066@hotmail.com MANAGING Editor Adam Purcell adambigchilli@gmail.com Editor Nina Hastings ninabigchilli@gmail.com Associate Editor Narumol Trachoo aombigchilli@gmail.com Sales & Marketing Manager Rojjana Rungrattwatchai sendtorose@gmail.com Account Executive Thana Pongsaskulchoti thanabigchilli@gmail.com Accounting Manager Saranya Choeyjanya fatcatbigchilli@gmail.com Art & Production Arthawit Pundrikapa, Jaran Lakawat Putthipong Merrigan Photography Mini Bike Gang and WJ Contributing Writers Anette Pollner, Johanna DeKoning, Maxmilian Wechsler, Paul Hewitt
Our online handle is ‘thebigchillimagazine’. Simply type this into Facebook’s search box, find the image of our magazine, then just click add.
We are now on Twitter. Find out what’s happening around town, which events to attend, parties to be seen at, and read all the juicy gossip! Follow us at ‘TheBigChilliMag’ No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from The BigChilli Co., Ltd. The opinions and views of the writers are not necessarily the views of the publishers. All details are deemed correct at the time of print, the publisher, the editor, employees and contributors can not be held responsible for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may occur. The editor reserves the right to accept, reject or amend any submitted artwork, photographs, illustrations and manuscripts. The BigChilli welcomes unsolicited contributions but assumes no responsibility for the safe-keeping or return of such materials damaged or lost in transit.
The BigChilli Company Ltd., 1/7 5th Fl. Room 504, Siboonrueng Bldg. 2, Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02 233 1774-6, 02 266 7141 Fax: 02 235 0174 e-mail: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com AD Amontre_May11.indd 1
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INSIGHT INBOX
letters It’s your
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WRITE & WIN! Pen the letter of the month and we’ll send you a B1,000 voucher from Food by Phone! thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
FIGHTING CRIME
■ THANKS for bringing to light the increase in street theft (BigChilli July 12). I have two female friends who were recently targeted by the so-called snatch thiefs. My friends were walking together near Sukhumvit 33 at around 11pm when two guys on a motorbike rode onto the path. The guy on the back tried to grab one friend’s handbag and, when he failed, targeted my other friend. Again he failed, and the bike sped away. Fortunately my friends were unharmed, but they were still shaken up by the experience. It just goes to show that whilst Bangkok may seem safer than most big cities, there’s still an undercurrent of danger that can bubble up and catch you by surprise. Of course, one of the best ways of preventing street crime is by raising awareness amongst pedestrians, and it’s great to see police helping in this regard through their poster campaign. If they really want to tackle the issue, though, they should simply station a couple of cops after 10pm in the problem areas. Sure the crime might move elsewhere, but at least the police would be actively pursuing it instead of clocking off early to eat their dinner while the thiefs continue to operate with no fear of being caught. Jenny, Bangkok
FINANCIAL ADVICE ■ THE story about Thailand’s economic cops was an interesting read (BigChilli July 12). Since moving to Thailand I’ve received loads of phone calls from so-called financial experts who reckon they have the wizardry to triple my money in a matter of months. When something’s too good to be true, it normally is. My advice - if you ever receive a phone call from a financial company you’ve never heard of, simply hang up. That’s the real way to save yourself a fortune. Jim, Chiang Mai
TRADING PLACES ■ NICE article from
WRITE AND WIN! 1,000 baht Food by Phone voucher could be yours! Have you seen or heard something interesting/strange/weird in Bangkok that you just have to share? Have an opinion/rant/rave that you want to see in print? Write to us and you could win a 1,000 baht voucher from food delivery service Food by Phone! To win, simply write what we reckon to be the best letter of the month, and we’ll send you a voucher. Write to us at: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com Deadline for Sept issue is Aug 21. For more info about Food by Phone and its partner restaurants see: www.foodbyphone.com
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Harrow Student Raimy Shin in last month’s issue (‘Expat living in Bangkok: A student’s perspective’). I have two teenage daughters going to international school here (we’re from the UK) and I’ve always wondered what they’ve thought about moving here – they always say they’re fine but they’re at that age where ‘it’s not cool to talk to mum.’ I must admit that I, as an adult, share some of Raimy’s sentiments – the fear of missing out back home, the strange split personality that arises from moving to a new country and culture. I just didn’t realize that kids would feel the same. A real eye-opener. Linda, Bangkok
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INSIGHT NEWS
Student kills herself after ‘disappointing’ plastic surgery
Drugs smuggler with “learning difficulties” to serve rest of sentence in UK ■ A BRITISH drugs smuggler sentenced to 99 years in a Thai prison after attempting to smuggle 3,400 ecstasy tablets hidden in facial cream jars through Don Muang airport eight years ago has been allowed to return to the UK to serve the rest of his sentence. Michael Connell, 27, from Bury in Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty in 1994 and became the first Briton to be charged under new, harsher laws introduced by the government a year earlier. At the time of his arrest it was claimed he had learning difficulties. His sentence was reduced to 30 years and then to 20 years on appeal, and since then he has been jailed in the Bang Kwang Prison. Described in a 1994 BBC documentary ‘The Real Bangkok Hilton” as a thin and frail supermarket worker, Connell will serve half of the remaining sentence – six years – in the UK before being released on parole. Connell’s father Derek is now campaigning for his son’s remaining jail term to be reduced, arguing that a life sentence given to a British prisoner abroad is classed as 10 years by the UK government. Mr Connell said his son had become involved with drug dealers in his neighbourhood who had offered him a holiday to Thailand if he took the pills with him. “He was a “naive kid with learning difficulties. He was stupid to do it – he knows he was stupid to do it.” Asked how Michael had fared in Bang Kwang, Mr Connell said: “He coped admirably with it. He’s very grown up. He committed the crime and has never denied it. When he came back to the UK, he felt it was very cold.”
■ A STUDENT of Bangkok’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University allegedly hanged herself after experiencing extreme disappointment with the results of cosmetic surgery she had undergone. Benyapa Senachan, 22, had often complained about the reconstructive work on her nose, chin and lips, according to her parents.
Life for Thai lady who killed lover
■ A THAI woman has been jailed for life in the UK for
killing her pensioner lover after he changed his will to leave her 16 million baht. Bunthawee Rimmer, 49, bludgeoned Paul Norfolk to death with a hammer as he slept. A widow, she became friendly with Mr. Norfolk after her husband died in 2010. The two men were close friends. Bunthawee met her late husband while apparently selling cakes on a beach in Thailand. She had moved to the UK in 1998.
UK rocker booted off rehab in Chiang Mai ■ CONTROVERSIAL musician Pete Doherty, former boyfriend of model Kate Moss, has been kicked off a rehabilitation programme in Thailand designed to beat his longrunning drug addiction. The former Libertines frontman checked into The Cabin in Chiang Mai with his manager Andy Boyd at the end of June. After three weeks’ treatment, his behavior was apparently proving so disruptive, counselors told the British rocker to leave mid-way through the course.
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INSIGHT NEWS
Model faces jail for beating Troublesome Thailand, for Brits up his Thai girlfriend ■ A MALE model who once
ran a fresh orange juice company in Bangkok is facing jail after being found guilty of beating up his Thai girlfriend in London because he caught her having sex with another man during a swingers party. Patrick Ribbsaeter, 32, whose mother is Thai and father comes from Sweden, had been with Miss Wachirapom Sara-Pod at a ‘Killing Kittens’ sex party in Soho when he found her in a toilet cubicle with another man. The attack happened later in the couple’s car. Ribbsaeter, who also operated an events company in Thailand called Universal Player, has a history of violence, having once attacked the chauffeur of his former girlfriend, Saudi princess Sara Al-Amoudi. He was also jailed for 16 months in Sweden for assaulting two people, including his then girlfriend. The former model, who has worked for leading fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Armani, claimed that his Thai girlfriend made up the story because he dumped her that night.
■ THAILAND has been ranked as the second most likely country where British nationals would need consular service, according to the annual British Behaviour Abroad Report published by the UK’s Foreign Office. The Philippines is the first. The report also indicates that British nationals are most likely to be hospitalized in Greece, followed by Thailand. And they’re most likely to be detained in Spain, followed by USA and then Thailand. British Ambassador to Thailand Asif Ahmad says that insurance for travel and health is essential. “Medical bills can run to thousands of pounds and the ordinary British tax payer cannot meet the uninsured costs of fellow citizens who have chosen to venture abroad. Make sure you read the small print – riding a motorbike or other activities could invalidate the insurance policy.” Out of the 296 deaths of Britons in Thailand over the last year, about 75% were residents, many of whom had retired in Thailand. However, after natural causes, the second most frequent cause of death was road traffic accidents. In recent years in Thailand, said the report, there was an average of 12,000 deaths per year from road traffic accidents, of which about 70% involved motorbikes. Many accidents are due to poor safety standards of vehicles and drivers travelling at night.
Saved from the meat smugglers, 1,200 dogs now need public support to live ■ MORE than 1,200 dogs have been rescued from smugglers in two separate raids conducted by Thai police, border patrol police and animal activists in the Ban Phang District of Nakorn Phanom Province in northeast Thailand. While the majority of the dogs rescued are homeless, some wear collars indicating they may have been stolen from residential homes. All of the animals were destined to be sold as dog meat. A call has now gone out for urgent funds to help care for the dogs. The condition of the dogs was poor, despite being captured for only a short time, said Soi Dog Foundation, the animal charity. “The dogs had been kept in the jungle for several days without food and water and are very weak,” said foundation spokesman John Dalley. “The only viable option was to transport
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these dogs to the shelter facilities in Nakhom Phanom. However, the Governor of Nakhom Phanom when contacted stated that the funds were not available to care for and feed these dogs. Soi Dog Foundation has committed to cover the immediate costs. “Soi Dog and Animal Activists Alliance, Thailand are supplying vets and other staff as well as 1.4 tons of food. In addition all 1,200 plus dogs require urgent vaccination. A course of three vaccines for each dog will cost over 360,000 Thai baht alone! Without vaccination there is a grave danger of them being wiped out by distemper and parvo virus as has happened with other
dogs rescued from the smugglers.” The ongoing cost of caring for the dogs is estimated to be over 500,000 baht per month. “Thanks to efforts of Animal Activists Alliance, Thailand, enormous progress is being made,” said Mr. Dalley. “The value of these dogs alone in Vietnam is well over three million baht. The smugglers are losing a lot of money but we need to raise a lot to be able to help these dogs and others who may well join them in coming weeks.” Soi Dog Foundation is asking people to join the Trade of Shame campaign to end the dog meat trade. Monthly donations from as little as US$15 are sought. Contact John Dalley at john@soidog.org Website www.soidog.org
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REVIEW DIPLOMAT BAR
BRIT-THAI SINGER DARA SEIZES THE MOMENT WITH HER DEBUT SONG Conrad Bangkokʼs star attraction at the Diplomat Bar LIGHTING up the Conrad’s Diplomat Bar every Friday and Saturday evening is beautiful Dara Loy, a Thai-British singer who’s also winning legions of fans on Youtube with her debut single ‘Love Today’ (watch it on The BigChilli TV section of our website). Her enormously varied repertoire reflects a love of singing that goes back to her earliest years in Saudi Arabia, where she was born to an English father and Thai mother, and filled her childhood enjoying the music of Michael Jackson, Disney movies and popular West End musicals.
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“I was born singing,” says 25-year-old Dara, who recently linked with Chris Craker of Karma Sounds Studios in Bang Saray to help promote her career. “And it’s always been my dream to be a successful singer.” Today, after four years living here on a permanent basis, she calls Thailand home and “the land of opportunity.” Dara and her family left Saudi Arabia when she was 11. For the next seven years Dara lived in Blackpool, Lancashire, where her parents ran holiday flats, before going to Manchester University and earning a degree in marketing and management. Right now,
she lives with her mum in Bangkok, while her dad and younger sister continue to run the family business in the UK. Her love of music, performing and teaching has taken Dara to New York, where she appeared in shows at Trump Tower, London for live shows and TV, and now in Thailand, where, in addition to concerts and gigs at top hotels, she teaches singing and piano. Ask her for the songs she loves to perform most, and the list is almost endless. “Anything from Moulin Rouge, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Disney’s most popular tunes,” she says.
“But then I also love jazz, pop ballards – I’m very emotional, you know.” Her idols include Rihanna and David Guetta. Her Youtube hit ‘Love Today,” written by DJ Ash and Akash, ’ is all about seizing the moment, and enjoying what you have, says Dara, a talented young lady who’s clearly practicing what she’s preaching. Catch Dara performing at The Conrad Bangkok’s Diplomat Bar, every Friday and Saturday night until the end of September. 87 Wireless Road ☎ 02 690 9299 email: reserve@conradbangkok.com
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INSIGHT NEWS
King, Sandwich giel, BBQ l Division na io ss fe Mark Gry t in the Pro placed firs
Frank Desomer placed first in the People’s Choice Awa rds
BigChilli Cook-Off hotter than ever! ■ THE Great American BigChilli
Cook-Off, one of the highlights of the annual American Independence Day Picnic held at KIS International School, drew a record number of contestants this year – 19 bars and restaurants in Bangkok that serve a variety of chilli dishes. A panel of eight judges, under the direction of Dana Caron, gave their expert verdicts in three categories: 1. Professional Division; 2. People’s Choice; and 3. Showmanship Award. The winners in each category
were 1. new entrant BBQ Sandwich King; 2. Frank Desomer, another newcomer; and 3. Roadhouse BBQ. The judges commented later on the high quality of the chillis, and praised Dana for organising this popular event. The judges included: Phil Robinson, Trevor MacKenzie, Colin Hastings, Dave Cardin, Mike Diamente, Jamie Cuminskey, Charles Hughes and Kurt Kahrs. The winners and two runnersup were presented with handsome commemorative plaques.
rmet House, Chef Daniel, BAC Gou fessional Division Pro the in d placed thir
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Chris and Eddie , Pintsman Pub, placed third in the Peop le’s Choice Aw ards
Roadhouse BBQ placed first in the Showmans hip Award
K.Tammy, Coyote Bar & Grill , placed second in the Professiona l Division
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INSIGHT NEWS
Want to interact with your favourite magazine? Check out our new look website!
■ THE BigChilli website recently underwent a digital makeover and we’re so happy with the results that we thought we’d brag about it here. Still a work in progress, the website will just keep getting better every day – filled with more juicy pictures of Bangkok’s best parties, and more videos of events, musicians, and personalities on our brand new BigChilli TV (where you can currently check out our cover star’s hot new music video, Love Today). Exciting events and promotions will be posted on the site’s What’s On pages, and we even plan to feature additional content on top of our usual features – extended Q&As, audio clips and the like.
If you want to read the latest issue of The BigChilli you’ll find our emag waiting for you on the website’s homepage. Click on the top banner and you’ll even be directed to Issuu.com, our online newsagent, where you can also read back copies for free. Best of all – we’re shifting the focus of the website to be less about us and more about you, our readers. We want to give you a platform where you can share your thoughts, comment on stories, and easily get in touch with us and other expats. The new BigChilli Forum is perfect for this, allowing you to sign in as a member and share your views and post classifieds – for free! We look forward to interacting with you. The BigChilli
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INSIGHT BUSINESS
The magic behind the Brand Experience Connecting with customers can reap big rewards for businesses. Pacharee PantoomanoPfirsch, a Marketing Consultant at Brand Now, explains how the top brands do it
■ MY family and I just spent the day at Disneyland Paris. I’ve been to several Disney parks in the past, but this was one of the most exciting trips for me because it introduced our little girls to the enchanted kingdom. I have to say Mickey and Minnie lived up to their promise and made it magical. Visiting Disneyland Paris is more than just a day’s entertainment for me. Disney and all the characters bring back the innocent years where an elephant can fly and a princess lives happily after with her prince. When we got back to our hotel, I reflected upon the brand experience I have had with Disney through the years. When I was a kid, there were the traditional Disney cartoons on TV. These were reinforced by other touch points such as a Disney character in a Happy Meal and a Disney puzzle in a cereal box. I had countless t-shirts and shorts with Disney characters. As I got older and outgrew the cartoons, I watched Disney movies. These ranged from Roger Rabbit to Pirates of the Caribbean. A brand experience is produced when the consumer engages the brand and both are active participants. Marketers have long recognized the importance of creating deeper consumer and shopper engagement. In recent years, Effie Worldwide created a new category for its award; the brand experience category is the
most-entered in its entire competition since its inception in 2009. The 2011 winners of the brand experience category were Starbucks and Old Spice. Starbucks took a social approach by emphasizing its role in the community and igniting community action. The campaigns ranged from voting and getting a free cup of coffee to donating part of its sales to the Red Charity which fights AIDS in Africa. The P&G Old Spice brand was much more playful and lighthearted. Leveraging on “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” advertising campaign which went viral on social media, the P&G team and its agency filmed 186 responses to fans and celebrities via youtube.com in real time. It made the response campaign one of the most talked about brand experiences. Pacharee Pantoomano-Pfirsch is a Marketing Consultant at Brand Now, a marketing and PR agency. If you’d like to send her four tickets to other Disneyland Parks around the world, drop her an email at pacharee@brandnow.asia. Please don’t forget the plane tickets and accommodations too!
READ THE BIGCHILLI FOR FREE ONLINE www.issuu.com/thebigchilli www.thebigchilli.com
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EESE
CHALK ’N’ CH
Tale of two heroes – one British, the other French
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O one produces sporting heroes like Britain. Including the French. The latest Brit to capture the imagination is the wonderfully named Bradley Wiggins. Wiggins, you might recall, recently became the first Brit to win the Tour de France, the world’s most grueling cycle race, a mind-boggling 2,713 miles up and down mountains and across French countryside. His mighty victory on French soil had the locals shuddering in disbelief and spluttering in their Pernod. Everything about ‘Wiggo’ is so utterly British, and thus un-French. Tall, gangly and given to few well-chosen words, his nose protrudes and he wears his sideburns long and thick, like a 60s rocker. Below knees the shape of pineapples, his socks are mid-calf, black and seriously unfashionable. Raised on a tough council estate in London, he now lives in the village of Eccleston in England’s grimy industrial northwest. And that name surely belongs in a boys’ adventure comic from the 1950s. He is totally understated – except, of course, for that outstanding victory. Then comes along France’s newest hero – the man they call ‘Rollerman.’ Clad in a gleaming high-tech body suit, fitted with 31 rollerblade-like wheels on the torso, back, and most of the major joints, this Gallic daredevil is every boy’s fantasy as he reached speeds of almost 100kph on hair-raising mountain roads in Tianmen Mountain in southern China. Cultured, handsome and dashing, he’s the antithesis of British cyclist Wiggo and personification of French chic. Even his name is cool – Jean-Yves Blondeau. Heroes both of them – one typically British, the other typically French. Vive la difference.
Quotes of the month
WORD WONDERS
• Newspaper columnist Eleanor Mills, warning young and naïve Brits in her column in The Sunday Times about the potential dangers awaiting them when travelling overseas. “Our youngsters are unprepared for corrupt police; in Thailand officers are said to be infamous for planting drugs in travelers’ rooms so they can insist on bribes to avoid prosecution. “Often, lulled into a false sense of security by the holiday vibe, the sunshine and the laid-back air of the locals, travelers underestimate the risks and misunderstand the legal situation; full moon parties may be an established part of the Thai island scene, for instance, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get busted for taking drugs.” • From the book At Home by Bill Br yson “The fear was that educating the poor would fill them with aspirations to which they were neither suited nor, frankly, entitled. Sir Charles Adderley, who was in charge of government education policy in the late 1850s, stated flatly: ‘ It is clearly wrong to keep ordinary children of the working-class at school after the age which their proper work begins.’ To do so ‘would be as arbitrary and improper as it would be to keep the boys at Eton and Harrow at spade labour’.
RING OF TRUTH
When grapes were grown in chilly England
USING data from tree rings, German researchers have concluded that the world has been on a long-term cooling trend for almost two millennia. They add, however, that this period of cooling was interrupted by two spells of warmer weather. And that explains why the Romans were able to grow wine-growing grapes during their occupation of northern England almost 2,000 years ago – it was hot enough. Apart from another briefer period of warmer weather, the researchers suggest the world has actually been getting colder ever since. Hopefully, these findings will force the global warming brigade to think again.
MIXED SIGNALS
Road sign’s wrong – I’m right
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OME people in this town just don’t like to be seen to be wrong. Take the example of the driver who decided to take a short cut down an extremely narrow road that for at least a decade has been clearly and sensibly signposted as one way – and not in his favor. When another vehicle going the right way attempted to tell the fellow he was going against the flow, his response would have been laughable if it had not been so typically perverse. “The sign’s wrong,” he insisted huffily. “I live near here so I should know.”
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INSIGHT SHOPPING
THE WORLD’S THINNEST NOTEBOOK
OPPO SLIMS UP ■ YOU’VE seen the world’s thinnest notebook on this page, now check out what’s probably the world’s thinnest smartphone. At only 6.65mm thick, and featuring a 4.3inch screen, the OPPO Finder X9017 barely makes a bulge in your pocket. Useful functions include Super Amoled Plus technology (480x800 pixels), Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, RAM 1GB, 8mp camera (front and back), and up to 16 GB memory. The phone retails for B14,990. For more info, contact OPPO Thai Co., Ltd., Tel: 02 450 1466
■ JUST when you thought notebooks couldn’t get any slimmer, Samsung’s gone and released the ‘New Samsung Notebook Series 9’ at the super slim size of 12.9mm – about as thick as an adult’s ring finger. Despite the computer’s small size and light weight (1.16kg), it certainly packs plenty of features, including a 13’ HD+ SuperBright Plus screen, third generation Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB memory, 128GB SSD and optimized wireless hub. Plus, booting up the system only takes 9.8 seconds. The retail price? A cool B42,900. For more info, Samsung Contact Center 1800 29 3232 (toll-free) or Tel 02 689 3232 www.samsung.com/th
Talking
Shop Hot products and stores demanding your attention
LUXURY FACIAL BEAUTY SET BY ELEMIS ■ DON’T know what gift to buy mum this Mother’s Day? Then check out the new combined facial beauty set by leading luxury British spa and skincare brand Elemis. A great gift option for any occasion, the set helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and at the same time adds moisture to skin. Packaged within a silver box, the set includes Anti-aging Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal (15ml), a light Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum (10ml), and a Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (30ml). The gift set is now available at Elemis Spa at St. Regis Bangkok, Anantara Spa, Mandara Spa, The Spa by MSpa at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, and Royal Garden Spa at Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa.
TOYWATCH GOES GOLD
■ TOYWATCH’S ‘Spring-Summer 2012’
SHADES OF PAUL SMITH ■ OFFERING a choice of a wood, jungle or urban camouflage colour schemes, Paul Smith’s new unisex collection of sunnies layer a touch of Rambo-style masculinity on top of a geeky metrosexual frame, and they get away with it in style. Each pair comes with Paul Smith’s signature imprint and the word ‘smile’ on the left tip of the temples. Available now at Central Chidlom branch, Siam Paragon, and leading eyeglass shops. Tel: 02 712 7895 www.wedo.asia www.paulsmithspectacles.com 24
collection has hit Thailand’s stores and it’s a new step in the ‘bling’ direction for the brand, which is famous for its simple designs and use of primary colours. Called ‘ToyWatch Mesh,’ each watch in the collection features an ultra-flat steel watchband coated in gold, contrasted with a round, white face. Numbers 3, 6, and 9 come in either bright green or bright orange. Two sizes are on offer: 40mm and 28mm. Each is B7,400. Available now at all ToyWatch counters in leading department stores including Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom, Central World. Tel: 02 655 1575-6
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Jokes ENTERTAINMENT HUMOUR
JOKE OF THE MONTH
LOVER’S SURPRISE
A MAN picks up a gorgeous woman at a bar and they go back to her place. The man is surprised to see how many teddy bears and stuffed toys the woman has at her apartment – every surface is piled high with them. After a night of passion the man rolls over and says: “So. How was I?” The woman replies: “Take any prize off the bottom shelf.”
LIFE-LONG CELEBRATION
I WAS at a party with my missus. She said, “Look at that guy, drinking and dancing.” I asked her, “Who is he?” She said, “Twenty-five years ago he proposed to me and I rejected him!” I said, “Bloody hell, he’s still celebrating!”
THE PRICE AIN’T RIGHT
A WOMAN picks up a jumper in a clothes store. “This is a little overpriced, isn’t it?” she says to the shop assistant. “Not really, madam,” the assistant replies. “The wool comes from a rare breed of albino sheep only found in the highest mountains of Tibet. It’s a beautiful yarn.” “Yes,” replies the woman. “And you tell it so well.”
HTS THOUG E OF TH MONTH
1. I recently bought 51 per cent of a vampire hunting company. I’m now the main stakeholder. 2. Went to a global warming conference the other day. The atmosphere was terrible. 3. They’ve re-launched the Coalition. You can re-launch puke as street pizza – it doesn’t mean anything. – Sean Lock 4. Apparently I need foot surgery – but I’d prefer the doctor to use his hands. – Milton Jones 5. I’ve worked out that my new shadow puppet theatre could make millions, but that’s just projected figures.
NAIL BITING STUFF
A LITTLE boy is always biting his nails. In the end his mum gets cross and says: “If you carry on biting your nails, you’ll get bigger and bigger until you blow up like a balloon!” A few days later the little boy is on a bus when a very pregnant woman sits opposite him. After a few minutes she realizes the boy is staring at her. “Do you know me?” she asks. “No,” says the boy. “But I know what you’ve been doing.” Send your jokes to thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
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INSIGHT CALENDAR
August planner
Networking, tradeshows, performances, and sport here’s the month ahead planned and charted Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
5 6 7 8 AMCHAM: YPC Networking, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, 7pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thailand’s Best Buys. Aug 8 – 12 at BITEC. See p.94 AMCHAM: Social Networking, Hansar Bangkok, 6pm
Thursday
13 14 15 16 Thai International Travel Fair. Aug 16 – 19 at QSNCC. See p.94
Urban Shopping and Japan Mania. Aug 16 –19 at QSNCC. See p. 94
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
21 22 23 24 Home Buyers’ Expo. Aug 23 – 26 at QSNCC. See p.94
AMCHAM: Monthly Luncheon: Dr Seree Supratid on Flood Protection Measures, noon
Mozart Magic & Musical Concert (Aug 21-22). Thailand Cultural Center. See p.87
Wednesday
Cosmetics & Beauty Brand. Aug 23 – 26 at QSNCC. See p.94
AustCham: Key Issues Dinner with Barry Petersen, 6.30pm
FTCC and TICC: Networking Cocktail, Novotel Bangkok Silom, 6.30pm
Thursday
Friday
AMCHAM: Greater Phuket Chapter: Best Green Tourism Practices Seminar For Phuket, Holiday Inn Patong, 4pm
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AMCHAM: Government Appreciation Dinner with Prime Minister Yingluck, 6pm
Thai Teaw Thai. Aug 30 – Sept 2 at QSNCC. See p.94
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AustCham: Phuket Sundowners, 6pm
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Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 2 3 4
All Chambers Sundowners, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, 6pm
Thailand’s Grand Sale. Aug 4 – 12 at IMPACT. See p.94
HomeWorks Expo. Aug 2 – 13 at BITEC. See p.94
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9 10 11 12 H.M. Queen’s Birthday
FCCT: Bangkok Business Connections (BBC) www.bnow.org/bbc_new.html
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
17 18 19 20 Made in Thailand. Aug 18 – 19 at IMPACT. See p.94
AustCham, AMCHAM, BCCT: Joint Eastern Seaboard Networking, 6pm
Sports World Expo. Aug 18 – 26 at IMPACT. See p.94
Saturday
Sunday
Queen’s Cup Hua Hin International Triathlon. See p.88 www.ama-events.com
Monday
Tuesday
25 26 27 28 Lady Gaga. Rajamangala National Stadium. See p.88. www.Thaiticketmajor.com
Performance
Overdrive Day 4: Gus G. Live in Bangkok. Bangkok Convention Center, Central Plaza Ladprao. See p.87
Sport
• AMCHAM: American Chamber of Commerce. www.amchamthailand.com • BCCT: British Chamber of Commerce. www.bccthai.com • AustCham: Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce. www.austchamthailand.com • FTCC: Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce. www.francothaicc.com
Networking
Tradeshow
• FCCT: Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. www.fccthai.com • BITEC: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center. www.bitec.co.th • IMPACT: Impact Convention Center. www.impact.co.th • QSNCC: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. www.qsncc.co.th
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INSIGHT SCHOOL REPORT
Circus-style fun for infants at Harrow
THE Early Years Center at Harrow International School is set to host a fun circus event for families with kids aged from 18 months up to 18 months old. Scheduled for Sat Sept 1 from 10am-12 noon, the event will feature arts and crafts, face painting, cooking, games, and an appearance from a clown. A free shuttle bus will be provided from central Bangkok locations. Details upon request. Tel: 02 503 7222 email: joannie_k@harrowschool.co.th www. harrowschool.co.th
St Andrews International School, Sukhumvit 107 granted IB status
Australian education on display
CETA Worldwide Education, Thailand’s only Overseas Secondary school specialists, recently organized the Australian Secondary School Exhibition and Cocktail Party at Plaza Athénée Bangkok. Over 28 top Australian secondary schools participated in this exhibition. CETA also organized the Front Page Newspaper Contest in which students won study trips to Australia. Picture shows CETA Managing Directors Andrew Gray (far right, second row) and Tracey Gray (second right, second row) with some of the judges (ML Laksasubha Kridakorn, centre), representatives from the schools and some of the Thai students who won the contest.
THE International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland has granted St Andrews Sukhumvit 107 official authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Beginning August 2012, the school will be offering the prestigious pre-university IB Diploma Years programme for 16-18 year olds in Years 12 and 13. For more info see: www.standrews-schools.com
Raffles to hold open house in September
RAFFLES International College will host an open house and ‘Branding Your Idea’ workshop on Saturday 8 September from 1pm-4.30pm. The Open House will provide information on all Raffles’ programs given by the college’s Academic Director with the guidance to possible future careers in six design fields (Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Interior Design, Product Design, Multimedia Design and Graphic Design) and five major business programs (Business Management , Business Marketing, Banking & Finance, Tourism & Hospitality Management and Events Management). Visitors will also get to meet and chat with successful alumni as well as current Raffles’ students and lecturers. A “Branding Your Idea” workshop held on the same day will teach visitors how to turn an idea into reality. Five scholarships worth 50,000 baht are available for the first five students who register on the open house day. Admission is free. Raffles International College Bangkok, Silom Center 5th Floor (BTS Saladaeng Station or MRT Silom Station). Tel: 02 632 7666 www.raffles.ac.th
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IPN EVENT Aug 28 Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18
How to practice positive discipline with kids
THE International Parenting network’s latest event will feature behavioral expert Alison Owen discussing the benefits of positive discipline – a way of teaching children to behave appropriately without the use of punishment – and how parents can implement it at home. The event begins at 6.30pm and ends 8.30pm. Cost: Free for IPN cardmembers and B550 for non-members. Tel: 081 826 2399 email: ipn@ipnthailand.com
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SCHOOL REPORT Event in focus
Thailand English Teaching Project 2012
THE British Council, together with Thailand’s Ministry of Education, launched the “Thailand English Teaching Project 2012” with a special dinner event at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The project has been established to bring UK undergraduates and recent graduates to support the teaching and learning of English in Thai schools. The first 65 British volunteers arrived in Bangkok last month to take part in an induction programme, and until-mid September they will work as English Teaching Assistants in host schools around the country. The welcome dinner was presided over by H.E. Asif Anwar Ahmad, British Ambassador to Thailand. For more info see: britishcouncil.or.th
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SCHOOL REPORT Q&A
TEACHER ON THE MOVE After nine years as Head of Upper School at Harrow, Denry Machin is now moving on to take on two new roles – one helping the school with its overseas expansion, another helping Keele University set up its courses in Thailand. At the same time he even plans to study, too. Itʼs a lot of work, but as we recently discovered, Denryʼs relishing the challenge When did you first come to Thailand and what brought you here? I arrived in Thailand in 2003. I had visited a year earlier and, as the well-worn cliché goes, fell in love with Thailand’s many and multiple charms. My long-term partner, Sally, moved with me back in 2003. My brother joined me in 2006. With both of their sons living here my parents have become regular visitors. Where were you based before you came to Thailand? Thailand is my first (and, as I now consider it home, perhaps my last) overseas posting. Prior to Harrow I was at Bloxham School, a small UK independent boarding school. You used to sell lingerie for Marks and Spencer before becoming a teacher. What prompted the career change? Believe it or not selling ladies lingerie was just not that exciting! For a young twenty-something manager it was a great experience (I learnt a lot about managing…and about underwear!), but I decided I wanted to do something that mattered more than how many bras we sold – that something was teaching. Both management and teaching run in the family, my mother trains teachers and my father runs his own businesses. I tried the latter and decided that the former was more important and more rewarding. What was the best experience you had working at Harrow? Every day brings new and different challenges – that is the joy of teaching. It would be impossible to single out one
experience that stands above all others; having played a part, however small, in the development of students into young adults, ready to face the challenges of life, is what I will remember most though.
within Thailand and Keele offers what we believe to be the highest quality programme of its type. Most Asia based UK accredited You’re now moving on to take on two new programmes offer limited face-to-face project development roles. Please can you content with tutors, Keele offers 20 days of taught content (with its UK lecturers) with tell us more about these and whether or additional access to locally based support. not you will still be based at Harrow? It also offers credit for previous teaching For some of my time I will be workexperience – a feature that brings the cost ing at the offices of Harrow International and time commitment down, making Management Services Ltd., (HIMS), but it much more accessible for experienced for the most part I will be working from teachers who simply need to professionalise home (well, probably Starbucks, TCDC (and certificate) their practice. and the like!). For the very many teachers working Both roles involve project developin language centres, bilingual schools and ment: for HIMS this is assisting in the development of its current and any future tutor centres across Thailand, the PGCEi offers an ideal route into the lucrative schools across Asia, and for Keele I will world of international schooling – it is no help in developing their post-graduate surprise that places are going fast. courses in the region, such as its PGCEi (teacher training course). We hear that you’ll also be doing some studying of your own? If so, how do you Has Harrow always had strong links plan to fit this in with your busy work with Keele University? schedule? Keele started its MBA in Thailand Yes, I will also be undertaking a Phd three years ago; I was part of the first with Keele. I am hoping that my project cohort of international students. From development work will have some synergy there we developed the now very strong with the Phd work, but with all of my link with Harrow. As well as the PGCE various commitments I am not expecting a Keele and Harrow would like to develop holiday any time soon! other courses in the region. I will be part of those developments. Finally, when you’re not busy with work how do you like to spend your free time? Has the initial response to the PGCEi Sorry, ‘free time,’ you will have to been good? explain that concept to me. Very good. There is much demand (and much need) for teacher training courses For more info: harrow.asia & keele.ac.uk
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INSIGHT EXPAT LIFE MADE EASY
LIVING IN BANGKOK 2012
NOT TO MISS! SEPT 15TH
Families with children can meet representatives from leading international schools and educational institutions, extracurricular and learning support programmes that serve kids of all ages.
the beaten path or a fan of the road less travelled, experts from Connecting Asia and other providers will share some great ideas for discovering Thailand and the Asia region. They’ve created some tempting offers just for the event. Cycling is one of the best ways to travel, and the aficionados from Spice Road Cycle Tours will introduce a variety of options for healthy two-wheeled exploring across the Kingdom and beyond.
Smoother transitions
Community ties
Annual event helps Bangkok expats make connections
At the event, representatives from Krungsri Volunteering is a great way to help will help expats apply for credit cards and others and feel more at a home in a new other services, and they’ll have a special offer city. Visitors will discover community THE idea of moving to a new city may sound thrilling, but the reality of moving tends to be a highly stressful experience that continues long after the boxes are unpacked. Fortunately, the Living in Bangkok event is just a few weeks away. The 14th edition of the annual event takes place on Saturday, September 15 from 9am to 5pm at Bumrungrad International Hospital on Sukhumvit Soi 3. Living in Bangkok 2012 brings together people, organizations and resources that make living in Bangkok a happier, more fulfilling experience for expats and their families.
Whole-in-one day This year’s event brings together nearly 50 organizations, companies and community groups to facilitate meaningful connections for nearly every aspect of expatriate life -- property and relocation, sports and recreation, health, wellness and nutrition, home interior decoration, and financial and insurance services.
of no credit card joining or annual fees. There will be a number of products, services and organizations for making greener living a healthy reality. Organic Farm will showcase organic foods and organic produce that’s grown using environmentallyfriendlier materials and processes. The distributor of WeWOOD will offer the brand’s trendy avant-garde eco watches at special prices for the event. Event co-organizer ThaiCraft once again brings a large selection of its Fair Trade products crafted in villages across Thailand. Artisans will demonstrate their traditional Thai crafting techniques.
Educational pursuits Parents can discover a wide range of educational resources at the event. Leading international schools will be on hand, and the Kid’s Corner organized by Bangkok Patana School will offer fun activities for kids (parental supervision required). Whether you’re a traveller who prefers
organizations and charities that welcome expat volunteers. Whether you’re interested in music and theatre, are looking for a support group or want to volunteer at a favourite charity, you’ll surely find at least one or two that fit just right.
Entertainment and prizes There will be great entertainment throughout the day, including music and stage performances from international schools and community groups. This year the lucky draw offers a double winning opportunity, with one ticket from the Sky Lobby site and a second from the main building site. Prizes include gift vouchers from Food by Phone, free holiday trips and hotel stays, luxurious spa treatments, gift hampers, and more. Fans of outdoor barbecuing will be grilling like the pros after winning the Grand Prize -- a Billabong double burner fire grill valued at Baht 17,000 courtesy of The Barbecue Store.
Living in Bangkok 2012 takes place on Saturday, September 15 from 9am to 5pm at the ground floor of Bumrungrad’s main hospital building and at the Sky Lobby (10th floor, Clinic building). Admission is free, and complimentary shuttle bus service from the BTS Nana station, exit 1 along Sukhumvit Road runs throughout the day. For more info: www.bumrungrad.com/livinginbangkok 34
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FITNESS CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL MEDICINE • Back / neck pain • Headaches due to stress • Office syndrome • Abnormal muscle contractions • Tension on the spine • Degeneration of the spine • Wear and tear of ligaments • Pain in arms / legs • Abnormal bone curve or scoliosis • Sciatica pain • Herniated Nucleus Pulpous
NECK AND BACK PAIN? TRY THE NON-SURGICAL SOLUTION Chiromed offers an alternative way to deal with modern-day physical problems THE way people live in today’s fast-paced world is generally far better than what they could have expected in the past. But there are exceptions and modern living has its drawbacks, especially in terms of stress and tension, excessive use of certain body joints from sport and other physical activities, and also what is commonly known these days as ‘office syndrome’ – long hours of sitting badly and incorrectly in front of computers. Although most sufferers turn to traditional hospitals
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for treatment, there is a now a truly worthwhile alternative in Bangkok – the Chiromed Medical Center, a nonoperative clinic specializing in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) integrated with rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, therapeutic massage and physical capacity improvement for a unique structural rehabilitation. Conveniently located at Bangkok Mediplex on the corner of Sukhumvit 42, with direct access to the Ekamai BTS Skytrain
station, Chiromed provides treatments that are specifically designed for each individual and conducted by a team of professional physicians led by Dr. Montanat Rojanasrirat, a certified chiropractor. Open four years, Chiromed specializes in dealing with pain from joints whose soft tissue has degenerated through excessive use, poor posture or using too much force. “This is often the result of improper use of muscle, including sporting injuries, and even inadequate preparations before some kind of physical activity,” says Dr. Montanat. “But for many of our patients, the cause is simply from sitting too long in offices.” The clinic also provides individual care for athletic spinal injury at every level of recovery with innovative treatment in physical balancing and effective functioning. The treatment emphasizes muscle, joint, tissue and spine therapy. Chiromed offers a range of therapies to restore health and reduce bone affection. The most common symptoms are the following:
Dr. Montanat believes that Chiromed’s non-surgical solution to neck and back pain is wholly complementary to conventional medicine. “One is not the absolute solution,” he says. Amongst the therapies offered by his clinic are traditional massage, Chinese acupuncture and properly
supervised physical exercise in Chiromed’s superbly equipped on-site fitness facility. Dr. Montanat recognizes that Chiromed may not be able to help every patient, in which case he will recommend surgery at a traditional hospital. But for most sufferers, a course of treatment at Chiromed lasting between two and eight weeks will solve their particular ailments. Chiromed Bangkok Center, 3rd Floor, Bangkok Mediplex Building (BTS Ekamai), Sukhumvit 42 Road, Bangkok ☎ 02 713 6745-6 chiromedbangkok.com facebook.com/chiromedbangkok
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Expat WOMEN p Put your feet up and indulge
Three women, three fascinating lives. From left to right: Amanda Hyndman, new GM of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok; Vasithy Moshi, the girl with the godess tattoo;and Jen Su, ‘The Mad Hatter.’ Page 38
Lady at the helm We speak to Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s new GM, Amanda Hyndman Page 38
Mad Hatter
Bangkok’s one-time indispensible socialite enjoys a brief stay Page 42
Agony aunts
Professional counselors Anette and Johanna help readers with problems Page 44 TheBigChilli
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EXPAT WOMEN Q&A
‘Dream come true’ for Amanda, The Oriental’s new GM In fact, a lady in charge is nothing new for Bangkok’s iconic riverside hotel
■ FOR the fourth time in its 136-year history, Bangkok’s venerable Mandarin Oriental has a lady General Manager – Briton Ms Amanda Hyndman, who takes over the reins from Jan D. Goessing (see Ladies at the helm). It’s a ‘dream come true’ for the 48-year-old hotelier, who first stayed at The Oriental 22 years ago on an extended trip around Thailand. “As a young manager working in Scotland it was my first trip to Asia,” recalls Ms Hyndman, “and I had been staying in very mid market accommodation in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Phuket and had saved up to stay just one night at The Oriental. The experience just blew me away. I was so impressed. So, coming here years later is really a dream come true.” Ms Hyndman joins Bangkok’s oldest and most celebrated hotel from her most recent role as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, a three-year posting that required “considerable cultural readjustment.” “The way things were done in the US and Washington DC were quite different from what I had been used to,” she
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says, without elaborating. She proved equal to the challenges nonetheless, for she went on to be named General Manager of the Year at the Hotel Association of Washington DC – “Stars of the Industry” Awards. Her career in hospitality began in 1986 at Copthorne Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland. Rising through the ranks, she became the first female and youngest ever GM of the Copthorne Hotel, Aberdeen (1992-1995) and Copthorne Hotel, Glasgow (1995-1999) respectively, prior to joining the Millennium Hotel Group as GM of properties in London’s Knightsbridge and Kensington from 1999-2001. In 2001, Ms Hyndman took over The Waldorf, Aldwych, London as GM under Le Meridien before Hilton International took over from 2004-2007. Her career with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group began in 2007 as GM of the Excelsior, Hong Kong. What was your reaction on learning of your appointment as General Manager of such a famous hotel? I wasn’t shocked but I was quite emotional. Walking around this beautiful hotel, I almost have to pinch myself to believe that I am the General Manager. It’s a dream come true. What do you see as your biggest challenge? Although I’ve stayed at the hotel nine times before, it’s my priority to get to know my colleagues, guests and the hotel’s supporters. My colleagues here are the people who take care of our guests and deliver the phenomenal levels of service which is what the hotel is all about. Are women more ‘natural’ hoteliers than men? I couldn’t comment on that. However, I believe one of the most important skills of leadership is communication. It is critical to communicate clearly, openly and honestly with colleagues, partners, and guests, and to get their hearts and minds on your side. I know some excellent women hotel general managers, and interestingly they’re all very good communicators. How and why will your experience benefit such a famous hotel? I’ve worked in Europe, US and Asia, and these are key feeder markets for The Oriental. Also, the hotels I worked
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for in Scotland and London were both over 100 years old, like the Oriental, so I am acutely aware of the importance of our heritage. What changes are you planning to implement? It’s way too early to say. I’m the new person on the block here. However, since I introduced the concept of senior management’s lobby presence in the Mandarin Oriental, Washington, the Waldorf in London and Excelsior in Hong Kong, you can expect to see a lot of me meeting and greeting guests here in our lobby. How is the hotel performing right now? Extremely well and while our large base of European and US visitors remains very important, we are welcoming more and more visitors from within the region, China, Australia and Japan. The Oriental was once voted the world’s best hotel. Is it still? Absolutely. It’s 136 years old and virtually no other hotel here can trump that. The location is magical, the service is world class and it is an enduring classic. Which hotels here do you see as The Oriental’s major competitors? I don’t know yet. From my personal experience, hotels have competitors for different markets. Our name is so well known, it’s aspirational and we are ideally positioned to grow our market share. Is Bangkok as attractive as a tourist destination as in the past?
Certainly. Bangkok was recently voted by Travel & Leisure the world’s best leisure city. It is a city of such stunning contrasts – beautiful temples juxtaposed against modern high-rises, traditional markets and great street food. Bangkok has incredible variety and pace and vitality. You can add on a couple of days to enjoy beautiful beaches in the south or mountains in the north, so in short, Bangkok has more than ever going for it. Has the kind of person visiting Bangkok changed in recent years in terms of their expectations etc? These days people are much better travelled and have higher expectations. So it’s all about service delivery, personalization and creating moments of delight. And in all those senses, The Oriental is perfectly placed.
Other ladies at the helm of The Oriental AFTER a break of 60 years, The Oriental has a lady at the helm once again. The first woman charged with running Bangkok’s most famous hotel was Madame M.O. Bujault (nee Toni), General Manager from 1906-1910. She was immediately followed by Maria Maire, who later became Mrs. Maria Robins when she married an Englishman in 1932. Ms Maria was the GM for 22 years until 1932. Ms Germaine Krull took over at the end of World War II in 1946 and was in charge until 1962. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500 ☎ 02 659 9000 mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
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EXPAT WOMEN SHE’S A CHARACTER
Girl with the godess tattoo With the Japanese goddess of artists tattooed on her back, Vasithy Phothysene certainly stands out at Bangkok’s parties. Turns out she’s controversial on the internet too – in 2009 she released a single in French called ‘Bouge’ (Move), which, with its raunchy lyrics, caused quite a stir online… ■ DANCER, singer, art director, clothes designer – Vasithy Phothysene is blessed with artistic talent. Born in Laos and raised in Belgium, she embraced the arts at a young age and has enjoyed a career that’s taken her around the globe, dancing in nightclubs, with bands, and even taking on modeling contracts. In Bangkok you may have seen her busting a groove in one of the city’s top nightclubs. But she hasn’t always had it easy – back in 2009 Vasithy released a hiphop single in French called ‘Bouge’ (Move) which came under fire on internet message boards due to its raunchy lyrics about the birds and the bees. The video even sees her rolling around on a bed in her underwear while a guy with abs of steel does his best to look serious and sexy. Like Marmite, the song garnered a mixed reaction: “Le refrain reste en tête” (I can’t get the chorus out of my head!), writes one happy viewer on Youtube; “Ces quoi cette merde” (What is this s***) writes another, obviously not so impressed. But what exactly is it like to release a controversial single? Here Vasithy explains… “The music project came out of a mix of circumstances. At that time, I didn’t have any plans to make music or become a “singer.” I met the producer during a video shoot for a new French rapper in France and the rest went very fast. “In three months the single was recorded, the video was shot and right away they put it on the internet. To my surprise, we hit more than 15,000 views in about two weeks, which helped us to get several proposals for collaborations with different projects on TV and for brands etc. Then
we had a contract with a publisher who put my single on a US TV show the “L Word,” and a deal with a press agent who broadcasted the single on 4 music channels in France over a few months. “We invested our money and time and collaborated with people who believed in this project to get it done without any particular expectations. So the ‘controversy’ about it was simply just a result, not an expectation. “But I have to confess, we weren’t prepared for the follow up. We had to deal also with the bad aspect of this business with contracts, deals and critics. “I learned how difficult this project’s process would be and to produce good results. “The good thing is that this experience gave me the will to make more music as a new form of expression. “It taught me to stay stronger mentally because when you put all your artistic energy into something, and in front of all kind of critics, you really want to defend what you’ve done. Creating something requires a lot of time, a lot of work, and a lot of sacrifice from your social and personal life. It makes you reflect on yourself and teach yourself discipline. “I think one of the most important things, as a creative person, is to be to be around the right people. People who believe in you and what you’re doing, and who will support you and help you improve your work and yourself. It’s important to have fun too!” Vasithy is now based in Bangkok and is currently planning a series of art and dance collaborations. Find out more about her at: www.yeloagency.com
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EXPAT WOMEN Q&A
Hats off – Jennifer Su’s back in town Bangkok’s one-time indispensible socialite enjoys an all too brief stay in her favourite city ■ FOR eight years, Thailand’s social scene was dominated by an attractive Chinese-American lady with an extreme penchant for hats. It was often said that if Jennifer Su didn’t appear at your event, it wasn’t up to much. And it wasn’t just parties that she graced from 1996-2004 with her exuberant and eccentric style; she was also a high profile entertainer and singer with four albums to her credit, a senior news anchor on Thai TV Channel 11, DJ at two radio stations, frequent guest on various talk shows and popular MC at countless gala dinners. Born in Pennsylvania, US, and educated in both Taiwan and the US, Jen is married to Del Levin, an executive at Colgate-Palmolive, and they have two sons, Sammy and Michael. Today the family lives in South Africa. Last month, the lady known as ‘Bangkok’s Mad Hatter’ was back in town and chatted with the BigChilli about her life since leaving Thailand. So Jen, what brings you back to Bangkok? I’m back for vacation and some relaxation after an incredible year of work! I can’t believe it’s been eight years since I last lived in Thailand. My kids are on their school holiday, so we decided to enjoy it in the Land of Smiles. What have you been up to? Mainly relaxing and catching up with friends. I’ve had a chance to see some wonderful friends, including Dr. Jindarat Jumsai na Ayudhya, M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon, P’ Tonya Srethapramote, Vinder Balbir, Annabelle Daokaeow, Ann Musigchai, Nuchareekorn Kornkirati, Deer Felgate, and many others. I stayed at Lak’s gorgeous Baan Laksasubha resort in Hua Hin and went
swimming every day! The kids have been to the Yamaha School, the Little Gym, and also to art camps at La Lanta and Attic Studios. It has been a stressful but exciting year in South Africa so I am going to make the most of my time in Thailand to just have fun! What have you been up to work-wise over the past eight years since you left Thailand? I moved to Hong Kong eight years ago and worked as a news anchor for Star News Asia. I also worked at Radio Television Hong Kong as a radio presenter for RTHK Radio 3, and emceed many corporate events. There were also lots of parties, and I quickly became quite a ‘Mad Hatter’ around Hong Kong. After four years in Hong Kong we moved to South Africa where I’ve been fortunate enough to continue working in TV and radio. On TV, I’m a news anchor for Sky News’ “The African Business Report” broadcast to millions worldwide. On radio, I’m a presenter of “The Hollywood Report” on 5 FM’s Gareth
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Cliff Morning Show, which is the number one breakfast show in SA. And I still wear hats to parties in South Africa too! Are you and your family enjoying South Africa? We love it! Fabulous blue skies, warm friendly people like the Thais, and the food and wine is cheap and amazing. But it wasn’t easy in the beginning... Why? Because of Black Empowerment (South Africa’s affirmative action to allow job priority to black nationals), I was told by many that it would be impossible to find work. Plus there had never been an Asian-American Thai/Chinese speaking person in the local news or entertainment scene! I would go to parties, and everyone would just look at me and whisper “who’s that girl?” As an Asian with an American accent, I blended in perfectly fine in Thailand and Hong Kong but I stuck out like crazy in South Africa. I didn’t even need a hat, and people would stop and stare! I applied for jobs and sent out my CVs and there were a lot of “Wow, you have an amazing TV showreel, but we don’t know where we can place you...” But I really got lucky with the timing and opportunities. Star News Asia in Hong Kong was affiliated with Sky News and Summit TV and there happened to be an opening for a financial news anchor when I applied. I was introduced to Gareth Cliff at 5 FM and proposed the idea of the “Hollywood Report” to him, and he had me come into the station and do a demo with him the next day. I’m still with the team and I thank him so much for all of his support and believing in me. The SABC then contacted me to be a main presenter of their entertainment news and corporate MC jobs are now non-stop. South Africa is very much a “rainbow nation,” their media is quite advanced and wide-reaching, and they are really at a turning point now where they want to embrace new faces, colours, and voices. I have been lucky to be in the right place at the right time, but I’ve definitely needed to work very hard!
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So it’s obviously not an easy place for an Asian lady to live and work? Not at all. There are no other East Asian women (ie Chinese or Thai) on the local media scene in South Africa and, now being a public figure, I’ve had to endure my fair share of inappropriate remarks and “hate” speech on social networks. Now I’ve got over 50,000 followers on my various social networks and millions of TV and radio viewers so when one person starts on “Jen Su,” it really gets going! Plus there is the security aspect, especially as I live in Johannesburg and work late at night in the city. Luckily, I have a positive attitude and I have been in the public eye for most of my life, so I know how to focus on the compliments. I know that when I’m getting more and more corporate MC jobs, and requests to fly me to London or New York for international events, that there must be something going right in the formula! What has been the most pleasing aspect of your work in South Africa? The opportunity to meet and work with some of the
warmest, friendliest people in the world. Being the first AsianAmerican woman to present on local South African TV and radio, as well as the first non-South African presenter of this year’s South African Music Awards and other major TV events, has been an amazing platform to represent our people and help bridge relations between Africa and Asia. It’s also given me a platform to help many others in need and work with a number of South African charities. I still remember having the rare opportunity to meet Nelson Mandela at a press conference in Bangkok many years ago, when I was an anchor for IBC Action News. This year, I had the opportunity to record “Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela” with some of South Africa’s top artists and presenters. I never thought I would ever live in SA, but I am so grateful for the experience because it has made me a much stronger and more open-minded person. You have lots of friends there? I do. I have many friends in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. One of my best friends there is Liezel van der Westhuizen, who is a fantastic TV presenter and model. When I’m in South Africa, my work life is so hectic that I don’t get to see my friends too often, except for parties! But it is necessar y for you to have a bodyguard, right? Well, it is...Unfortunately, Johannesburg is not a safe city though if you’re cautious and vigilant, you can get around without a bodyguard too. I opt to not take chances. What do you miss most about Thailand? I miss my friends, the lifestyle and the food! It’s so amazing to be going out shopping at 11 o’clock at night, or partying till the wee hours and not worrying about how I’m going to get home. My friends in Thailand are amazing and truly my best friends for life. I also miss Thai food, and delicious Italian dishes in restaurants like Biscotti at the Four Seasons Hotel. And I miss the politeness of the Thai people and their gracefulness. It’s the best in the world! In the past you were known for your hats. However, we note they’re no longer an automatic accessor y for you these days. What happened? I still wear hats out to parties, but with my news anchoring, I’ve needed to be in the studio so much that I’m not always able to wear a hat, for fear of ruining my hair style. I’ve become quite recognizable in South Africa now, and the hat just makes people recognize me from miles away so I actually try to downplay it by not wearing a hat! But don’t worry, I will always be the Mad Hatter!!! Where do you see you and your family eventually settling down? Quite honestly, I don’t know. When and where the next adventure takes us will be a new journey! When it finally comes down to it, though, I hope that it will be right here in the Land of Smiles. Thailand would be my ideal place to live forever.
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EXPAT WOMEN PROBLEMS SOLVED
Ask the experts Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
Real Problems Real Solutions
Expat life getting you down? Don’t suffer in silence. Send in your problems and get advice from professional counsellors Anette and Johanna • Anette Pollner Adv. Dipl. Couns., is one of seven international counsellors at NCS Counseling Center in Saphan Kwai. She trained in London and the US and worked as a staff counsellor at Bart’s Hospital in London.
Haunted by street crime
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HE article in last month’s Big Chilli has encouraged me to come forward and tell you about my own story. I was robbed in the street a few years ago, and I was also unable to defend myself, let alone get my property back. Two guys on a motorcycle on one side and a big old van on the other side hedged me in and as I was turning to see what was going on, one of the guys on the motorcycle forced my briefcase out of my arms (I was holding onto it with two arms, and I am quite strong). As soon as the thief had it, the motorcycle driver accelerated. I screamed involuntarily and the guy turned around and laughed. The van stayed by my side, edging a little closer, until the motorcycle had disappeared. Reading about other, very similar cases, brought back all my feelings about that time. I can now see that, apart from losing a lot of money and my laptop with all sorts of important information, the worst part of the experience was my feeling of helplessness. I was subjected to violence in a peaceful street in my own neighbourhood at lunch time, within view of other cars and pedestrians! I also feel shame that I, as a man, was unable to defend myself. I know it is a few years ago, but now I feel it all again ‘as if it was yesterday.’ Is this normal? What can I do? Ethan, 41, from Ireland
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Anette says: ■ Dear Ethan, Violence is a psychological injury. Violence rips the fabric of our lives. We are confronted with the reality underneath our comfortable day to day assumptions. We are forced to realise that everything can be taken away from us in a second. Violence challenges us to create meaning. Maybe we fail. We need to process the experience and somehow integrate it into the narrative of our lives, the story we tell ourselves to be able to survive and act every day. When a traumatic event from the past (in your case, the violence of the street robbery) is remembered, the memory carries the feelings that were originally attached to it. Your mind, ever helpful, is presenting you with as much complex information as possible, so that you can base your present actions on it. Unfortunately, some of these feelings are helplessness and shame. The reason why these feelings can be so strong, or even overwhelming, and why they are so vivid, is because they have not been completely processed, and because they correspond to feelings you have in the present – triggered by but not necessarily attached to the traumatic event. One reason could be that your feelings of helplessness and shame mask a deeper feeling, maybe one of anger (or even rage) that has no place to be expressed. Another reason could be that being unable to control a situation is unacceptable to you, either because of the way you were brought up (‘boys don’t cry’) or because of the way you live the rest of your life (‘I am defined by my success’). What is your attitude towards failure? What do you feel about the big things in life none of us can control, like illness, war, or death? Or, perhaps on a slightly smaller scale, violent crime? Most people find it difficult to accept the fundamental uncertainties of life, but maybe you have a specific reason why it is even more difficult for you. Is it normal? Yes, if it comes up through a trigger
and then fades away again. If the feeling persists and starts to influence your daily functioning, you might have a mild form of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome), and it could be a good idea to seek professional help. PTSD is a well known issue and there is a lot that can be done about it. You are certainly not alone. But even if the painful memory is short term and can be quite easily re-integrated, you could see it as an opportunity to encounter a deeper reality. You will encounter it anyway, again, at some point, but right now you have the choice whether you want to engage with it or not – and that should bring back some control.
Overbearing mum ruining my life
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am so unhappy. My mum does not want me to be an adult. She tells me what to do, how to do it and when. She criticizes me all the time. I am sick of listening to her. I would like to have a good relationship with her, let her be a grandma to my daughter, but every time she calls or sends a letter I am crushed by her critical comments. She phones every day and rambles on for at least an hour. She makes me depressed and I start to doubt myself. I become very tense and whatever I do, I can’t help thinking: “how would mum have dealt with it?” My husband tells me not to worry and that she’s just being herself, and after all we live far away from her overseas, but I can’t do that. She is my mum and every daughter should have a mum who supports her! She expects me to stay at her place when we plan to visit during the holidays but my husband doesn’t want to stay with her. According to him, it won’t be relaxing and he wants a break to get ready for the next term in his demanding job. I don’t understand why my mum is so negative and critical. How can I change her? Vera, 27, from Belgium
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• Johanna DeKoning MS is the Clinical Director of NCS Counseling Center. She trained in the Netherlands and Australia.
Johanna says: ■ Dear Vera, The heart of your problem seems to be a development issue. Somehow you have never properly ‘separated from your mum’ and become an independent adult. Although you moved thousands of miles away, emotionally you didn’t go anywhere and mum traveled inside your head with you. Mum is still your emotional beacon and in fact you are constantly looking for her approval, and this includes on how to raise your daughter. When we are children and depend on our parents it is normal to look for approval and ‘please the parents.’ In our teenage years we start to develop our own ideas and opinions. For some parents this is hard to deal with as they don’t want to let go of the influence they had on their child’s life. Some mums even live their own life through that of their child. That becomes their secondhand fulfillment in life. The fact that you moved away may have been very hard for your mum and now she is trying to stay with you through phone, emails and letters. Could it be that she is upset by the fact you moved so far away, and instead of expressing that she misses you, she is clinging to you through being negative? You ended your letter with the question ‘how can I change her?’ Well, unfortunately you can’t change her. We cannot change other people. But you can change yourself!
First of all, evaluate why you think you need your mum to agree with you and approve of you. How is your self esteem? Second, you will probably have to accept that your mum is not the kind of mum that will approve of you. Ideally all daughters would have mums that are supportive but often this is not the case. You seem to be one of them. This is a disappointment in your life (you could call it the loss of an ideal of the supportive mother) and you have to live with that reality. Third, focus on the support that you actually do have in your life: your husband. He stands next to you, so connect more with him and enjoy his approval. If you feel uncertain about how you raise your daughter ask him what he thinks and whether he has good suggestions. Support him in turn by agreeing to stay somewhere else when you go and visit your mum. This will help your mother to accept that her daughter is an adult. At some point, you will have to overcome your need for approval from mum and dare to be who you are. You are an adult and a mother yourself and you raise your child according to the principles you and your husband have. It is ok to do things differently from the way your mother did. I hope you will find the strength and courage to become who you are and realize that you are quite capable of being responsible for your own family. All the best.
Contact info Web: ncs-counseling.com Email: anette.p@ncs-counseling.com, Tel: 02 279 8503 Send your problems to: thebigchillimagazine@gmail.com
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Gourmet p Wine and restaurant news
Look tasty? You’ll find this and many other exciting creations at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok’s upcoming World Gourmet Festival. Page 50
What’s Cooking A round up of this month’s best gourmet deals. Yummy! Page 48
Meet the chef We speak to Landmark Bangkok’s Executive Chef, Philippe Gaudal Page 70
Dining out
Our favourite restaurants reviewed and listed Page 76 TheBigChilli
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GOURMET NEWS
What’s Cooking
Bangkok’s hottest dining deals and news
Tapas and wine
TAPAS Y VINO, AVAILABLE NOW
■ STARTING this month, you’ll find plenty of promotions to sink your teeth into at Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel’s Spanish restaurant. Every Mon-Sat, a Tapas Set Lunch features three items from Chef Joan’s special Tapas selection, such as tortilla, paella, Barcelona bomb and salmon salad (B400++ per person, including drinks). For dinner, there are two options to choose from: Tapas Flow priced B850++ per person with Tapas and free flow of house wine (only on Thurs-Sat); or Free Flow House Wine at B590++ per person (available daily), 6pm-10.30pm. Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, 30 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road 02 204 4158 : grandmillenniumskv.com
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Molecular Thai set menus SRA BUA BY KIIN KIIN, AVAILABLE NOW
■ PROVING that Thai food can go molecular, Siam Kempinski’s Sra Bua serves up some mind-blowing cuisine and is a must visit for all avant-garde foodies. Three new set menus are now on offer: a four-course set lunch at B1,600++ per person; six-course set dinner at B1,800++ per person; and a 10-course set dinner for B2,400++ per person. Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 991/9 Rama 1 Road 02 162 9000 : kempinski.com
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New Indian degustation menu RANG MAHAL, AVAILABLE NOW
■ THE Rembrandt Hotel’s award-winning Indian restaurant has introduced a new eightcourse degustation menu served alongside premium wines. Priced B3,700 per person, the dinner includes dishes such as Tandoori prawns, Goan soup, Masala crusted scallops, and Seared foie gras with fennel seed. Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, 19 Sukhumvit 18 Road 02 261 7100 : rembrandtbkk.com
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Ramen festival
HAGI JAPANESE RESTAURANT, AUG 14-24
Highlights of Szechwan LOK WAH HIN, UNTIL AUG 31
■ VISIT Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok’s Japanese restaurant during this 10-day promo and you can enjoy Ramen (Japanese noodles) starting at B250++ per dish. Highlights include Traditional Hiyashi Ramen, TonkatSu Ramen, and a Thai-style Hot and spicy Ramen. Lunch is served 11.30am-2.30pm; dinner from 6pm-10.30pm.
■ FANS of authentic Szechwan cuisine are in for a treat this month at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square’s Chinese restaurant (see review on page 58). New Chef Leung is offering a special menu featuring dishes such as Szechwan-styled stir fried prawns, Fried chicken with dry chili, and Deep fried black garoupa fish served with black vinegar sauce.
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phaholyothin Road 02 541 1234 ext 4018 : centarahotelsresorts.com
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 6 02 209 8888 ext. Lok Wah Hin novotelbkk.com :
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Two-for-one lunch deal
BLUE SPICE RESTAURANT, AVAILABLE NOW
All about Salmon
THE GLASS HOUSE, AUG 16 - SEPT 30
■ EVERY Fri-Sun during the promotional dates above, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn’s international buffet will feature a variety of special dishes made using premium salmon from Scotland, Norway and Tasmania. Highlights include Traditional Nordic Gravadlax, Classic smoked salmon, Japanese teriyaki salmon, Poached salmon in a homemade Hollandaise sauce, and more. Buffet is B1,199++ per person (special discounts for kids under 16).
■ A GOOD option for lunch in the Asok area is the new buffet at Blue Spice Restaurant, Grand Centre Point Hotel and Residence Sukhumvit-Terminal 21. If you think the hotel name’s a mouthful, wait till you see what it has in store on its international buffet – a wide range of European and Asian cuisines including seafood, salad, pasta, cold cuts, cheeses, pizza and desserts. B580+ (B638) per person. Go two persons and you pay only for one.
Chinese wine dinner
Grand Centre Point Hotel and Residence SukhumvitTerminal 21, 2, 88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02 681 9000 ext.4440 : grandecentrepointterminal21.com
The Sukosol Bangkok, 477 Si Ayuthaya Road, 02 247 0123 ext. 1820 sukosolhotels.com :
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LIN-FA, UNTIL AUG 31
■ THE Sukosol Bangkok’s Chinese restaurant is now offering a choice of two wine-dinner sets featuring gourmet Chinese cuisine paired with wines from Australia and Chile. Choose five-courses for B2,500 or fourcourses for B1,300. Available daily, 6pm-10.30pm.
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Okonomiyaki Japanese Pizza HIIRAGI JAPANESE RESTAURANT, AUG 20-29
■ HEAD to this nine day promotion at Novotel Bangna Bangkok’s Japanese restaurant and you’ll be able to enjoy Japanese-style pizza, cooked tableside, starting at just B250++ per dish. Among the options are Seafood Okonomiyaki, Tuna Okonomiyaki, Pork Loin Okonomiyaki and Oyster Okonomiyaki. Available for both lunch and dinner.
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, 33/1 South Sathorn Road 02 210 8100 : eastingrandsathorn.com
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Novotel Bangna Bangkok, 333 Srinakarin Road
366 0505 ext.1470, 1471 ☎ 02novotel.com/asia
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Afternoon delights LOBBY LOUNGE, UNTIL SEPT 30
Two-for-one lunch buffet THE HUB, UNTIL SEPT 30
■ TAKE a friend to enjoy the international lunch buffet at Ramada Encore Bangkok’s trendy restaurant, The Hub, and you’ll pay for just one person. This works out at just B450 for two persons dining. The buffet includes a wide range of international cuisines such as Japanese, Italian, American, and Thai, as well as a salad bar and desserts. Ramada Encore Bangkok, 21, Sukhumvit Soi 10 02 615 0999 ramadaencorebangkok.com :
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■ FOR the next two months the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is offering special promotions on its afternoon tea sets. Served daily from 2pm-6pm, the sets on offer are The Chocolate Boutique Afternoon Tea (B750++) and The Classic Afternoon Tea (B650++). Expect an array of sweet treats such as scones, cakes and pastries served with the finest tea and coffee. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road 02 236 9952 shangri-la.com/bangkok :
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GOURMET NEWS
Mother’s Day Specials Where to treat mum on August 12 Family feast
MUM dines for free when accompanied by three paying adults on August 12 at The Terrace@72 Buffet restaurant, Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok. What’s more, each mum will get a family photo, a one-pound cake decorated by her children, and 25 per cent discount at Dessert Dream Bakery. The buffet is B900++ per adult and B450++ per child aged 5-12.
2074 Charoenkrung Road 02 688 1000 ext 118 ramadaplazamenamriverside.com
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Fusion special
PARTY House One at Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa is offering a free buffet lunch for mums who go to the restaurant to dine with family members. The buffet is B750 per person, and mum can opt for a special fusion set menu specially created for the occasion by the hotel’s Executive Chef. 856 Rama 1 Road, Wang Mai, Patumwan 02 217 3070 partyhouseone.com
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Not to miss! World Gourmet Festival ■ HERE’S a morsel of good news to whet your gourmet appetites: The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is set to host the 13th addition of its annual World Gourmet Festival from Sept 3-9.
Eight chefs will be making the journey from around the globe to Bangkok to showcase their signature styles of cuisine for two nights each at the hotel.They will be joined by Master of Wine Jeannie Cho Lee, Eleveur de Fromage (cheese maker) Jean-François Antony, and mixologist and ambassador for Dilmah Tea, Robert Schinkel. Chefs taking part in this year’s festival are: • Shiqin Chen, La Rei restaurant, Il Boscareto, Piedmont, Italy • Diego Irrera, 1884 Restaurante, Mendoza, Argentina
49 Soi Ruamrudee, Phloenchit Road 02 618 9000 aetashotels.com
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Complimentary cakes
ALL mums get a complimentary cupcake when dining any day this month at Maison Chin, Bandara Suites Silom.
75/1 Saladaeng Soi 1, Saladaeng Road
☎ 02 636 1281 maisonchin.com
Four Seasons Bangkok, 155 Rajadamri Road 02 126 8866 fourseasons.com/bangkok
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Enjoy a great deal at Rossini’s
■ IF you’re an avid fan of the Iron Chef Thailand TV show you will have no doubt seen Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit’s Chef Stefano Merlot recently winning over the judges with a mouthwatering menu of Italian food made using prime Ponyangkham beef. Until the end of the month, Chef Stefano will be cooking up the same prize-winning recipes at the hotel’s Rossini’s Italian restaurant. His ‘Iron Chef Menu’ includes Beef tartare in bark with truffle mayonnaise and flavoured napkins; Sambuca-scented bull’s testicles with apple, succulent tobacco; Slow cooked and half grilled beef tenderloin; and Hot sanguinaccio foam, a unique Italian dessert made from blood and chocolate and served with Bacardi and crushed ice. Italian sommelier, Giulio Saverino, will also be on hand to recommend wines to complement the cuisine from “PrimoVino by Rossini’s,” a brand new concept introducing diners to ‘top shelf wines at cellar prices.’ The Iron Chef menu is priced B2,800 (dishes are also available a la carte). Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road
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In addition to the World Gourmet Festival dinners, guests this year will be able to enjoy lunches, a Wine Master Class, a Cérémonie des Fromages with Jean-François Antony, and a tea mixology event. For more info see: www.worldgourmetfestivalbangkok.com
New menu, new concept
Magic moments
MOMENTS Restaurant at The AETAS Bangkok, Soi Ruamrudee, is offering a free buffet lunch for mums who dine with a group of four or more diners. The buffet is B399 per person inclusive of coffee and tea. Advanced booking is recommended.
• Galvin Lim, Les Amis restaurant, Singapore • Igor Macchia, La Credenza restaurant, Piedmont, Italy • Michael Mina, MICHAEL MINA restaurant, San Francisco, USA • Víctor Quintillà Imbernón, Lluerna restaurant, Barcelona, Spain • Masa Shimakawa, ONYX restaurant, Los Angeles, USA • Frédéric Vardon, LE 39V restaurant, Paris, France
☎ 02 649 8888 Sheratongrandesukhumvit.com
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GOURMET NEWS
Dinner feasts
Where to get your all-you-can-eat fill this month Wednesday wow dinner deal
EVERY Wed until Aug 31, Terrace@72 Restaurant at Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside will offer its extensive international buffet dinner for just B555 per adult and B395 per child aged 5-12.
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2074 Charoenkrung Road 02 688 1000 ext 118 ramadaplazamenamriverside.com
All in Thai taste
PATHUMWAN Princess’s all-day-dining restaurant, Citi Bistro, has introduced a new Thai dinner buffet featuring a wide range of Thai dishes cooked at live cooking stations. Available daily for dinner, the buffet is B890 per person. 444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road 02 216 3700 ext 20100 pprincess.com
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70 dishes allyou-can-eat
NISHIKI Japanese Restaurant at Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel now offers an all-youcan-eat dinner featuring 70 Japanese specialties for B799++ per adult and B400++ per child. Set menus are also available ranging from B300++ to B700++. Each set includes Zensai, Sashimi, Yakisakama, Nimono, and Tempura. A ‘Come 2 Pay 1’ deal is on offer every Sun, and a ‘Come 3 or 4 Pay 2’ is available on Mon-Sat, both lunch and dinner. 92 Soi Saengcham, Rama 9 Road goldentulipbangkok.com
TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
■ LOVE tea? Then the TWG Tea Salon and Boutique at the Emporium Shopping Complex might just become your second home. Set up by the Singapore-based luxury tea brand to give consumers the chance to experience tea in all its glory, the Boutique offers a wide variety of top quality blends to try, tea accessories to buy, and a food menu featuring dishes infused with select TWG Tea blends, such as Seared Foie Gras Salad drizzled with Chocolate Tea infused vinaigrette, and TWG Tea Lasagna served with a fresh basil sauce infused with Moroccan Mint Tea. Designed to look like a luxurious old-fashioned café, the Boutique is certainly an elegant place to grab a superior cuppa. And the rotating tea wall is most impressive – when turned, it reveals TWG Tea signature yellow artisan tea tins filled with more than 450 of the most celebrated tea blends in the world. TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 622 Sukhumvit Road. Open Mon-Sun 10am-9.30pm. 02 259 9510
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Admiral’s Pub and Restaurant ■ WHO said all expat pubs in Bangkok had to be carbon copies of England’s inner city bars? Head to this unique establishment at Hotel Mermaid (just a few metres into Sukhumvit Soi 29) and you’re in for a wonderfully refreshing change. A nautical theme ensures it’s unlike anywhere else in town, with seafaring items dotted all around the bar – a ships’ wheel, ship’s bell, portholes, and
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Free wine for four diners
UNTIL Aug 31, Party House One at Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa is offering a free bottle of wine to groups of four diners. Every Wed, an allyou-can-eat Mexican dinner is priced at B750 per person. Every Friday, a seafood buffet is B1,199 per person.
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New on the scene
856 Rama 1 Road 02 217 3070 partyhouseone.com siamatsiam.com
photographs from the turn of the last century. Venture down the stairs and there’s a wine cellar with a cave-like design – the perfect place for wine tastings and private gatherings. A breezy terrace, meanwhile, overlooks the pool and has great views over Bangkok. Owners Bent Laasholdt and his wife, Na, are avid foodies, and the menu they offer reflects this, featuring an excellent selection of Thai and international cuisine, plus Scandinavian favourites. Open daily from 11am – midnight Mermaid Hotel, 6, Soi 29 Sukhumvit Road 02 260 9026 Bent@admiralspub.dk
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REVIEW MULLIGANS IRISH BAR
MULLIGANS IRISH BAR, KHAO SAN ROAD The real home of Bangkokʼs 24-hour party people MULLIGANS Irish Bar is an insomniac’s dream come true. Why? Well since it first opened three years ago the pub has never closed, opting instead to serve drinks and eats 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While all-night bars usually have a reputation for being sleazy, you’ll find nothing but squeaky-clean fun to be enjoyed here. Located on the second floor of the Buddy Group Complex on Khao San Road, the pub draws in a well mixed crowd of tourists, expats and locals who not just come for the after-hours parties, but also for big portions of traditional pub grub like Beef and
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Guinness Puff Pie (B240+), Fish & Chips (B330+), and Irish Stew (B340+). A new menu of Thai favourites features highlights such as Pork knuckle with spicy sauce (B180+) and Goong Pun Mee (Prawns wrapped in crispy noodles. B180+), both of which are excellent renditions of Gub Glam – tasty Thai food that’s just perfect to nibble alongside a nice cold beer. Cold beer is a given at Mulligans. The pub recently installed a top-of-the-range Glycol Chiller System (the first pub in the Khao San Road area to do so), so every pint that’s poured holds its head, keeps its flavour, and is wonderfully cool to boot.
As well as the usual local labels, Mulligans stocks Irish favourites Guinness and Kilkenny, and popular Belgian brews like Hoegaarden and Leffe. The pub also has a long list of signature cocktails which come in a variety of vibrant colours and with a high concentration of booze. Daily Happy Hours are held twice each day – once at 3pm-8pm when selected beer and wines are only B99 per pint/glass; and again from 2am-4am when selected draught beers are B150 and also buy-one-get-one-free. Alongside the drinks and food, what really fuels the party atmosphere at Mulligans is the live music. Every Mon-Sat from 9.45pm-2am, one of the pub’s three house bands (The Boss, City Beat, Universal) takes to the stage to perform a range of international rock and pop hits. And even during the times they’re not playing you’re free to select your own music on a digital jukebox loaded with hits from the ’70s to today. Adding to the offerings and
ensuring the pub has something for everyone, at any time of the day, are big-screen TVs showing live international sports, two pool tables, and even a few car racing arcade games. And speaking of cars – getting to Khao San Road, if you live in the center of town, is not always as hectic as you might think. We clocked our last taxi journey from the pub to Phrom Pong BTS at just 25 minutes, and that was at 8.30pm, on a Friday, in the rain. Head home from the area after a late night party, and the journey’s sure to be even quicker. 265 Khao San Road 02 629 4477 mulligansthailand.com
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REVIEW BACCHUS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT
BACCHUS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT Hearty international eats and daily drinks promos are just two of the highlights at this popular hangout on Soi Ruamrudee
NAMED after the Greek god of wine, Bacchus was the city’s first genuine wine bar when it opened in 2006. Since then it has survived several changes of ownership and today is bigger, better, and busier than ever before – a great achievement that’s not to be sniffed at. Especially when you consider the city’s recent wine bar boom, which has seen many oncepopular bars becoming deserted because their regular barflies have all swarmed to feed on the novelty of the new venues. What’s kept Bacchus buzzing in spite of the increased competition, though, is the sheer variety it offers. Not just in wine (which, at around 200 bottles, is certainly a healthy selection), but also in atmosphere, food, and many tempting drinks promotions. The fun starts on the
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ground floor at the wine bar, a trendy and cozy den with polished concrete walls, tall tables, a few comfy couches, and subdued lighting. A small stage by the door plays host to a live acoustic duo every Wednesday-Friday night. Go up one floor and there’s a mock-outdoor dining area on one side and a pool table on the other. On the next floor up, a VIP room complete with sofas and a karaoke machine is great for small parties; and up the adjacent
staircase, you’ll find a small loft decked-out with large white mattresses – the perfect spot for a laid-back and decadent candlelit meal. Served in portions designed to fill, all meals at Bacchus offer great value for money. Over 100 international dishes are on offer, ranging from pizzas, pastas and tapas, to steaks, burgers, and authentic Thai dishes (including a particularly good Laab Tuna). There are even a few unique creations specially designed by Bacchus’ owner/ manager, Khun Tan, a self confessed ‘food monster’ who, after taking over Bacchus two years ago, has gained a glowing reputation for the high quality of her cooking. On our most recent visit we spied several customers eating Slow cooked lamb shank with red wine sauce
(B690++), and it smelt and looked so good we just had to follow suit. Its deliciously soft flesh, the result of over three hours cooking, was superb; the thick homemade sauce drizzled over it, the perfect accompaniment. Other faves here include BBQ Pork Ribs (B390), Bacchus Pennette (Penne pasta with chicken and prawns in a creamy tomato sauce. B360); and Risotto black ink with calamari, prawns and mussels (B390). The latter was a real surprise, arriving at our table jet black but betraying its colour with a delicious creamy taste that we just couldn’t get enough of. To help wash down these
hearty portions, you’re going to need some drinks, and you’ll find plenty to quench your thirst here. Daily Happy Hours from 4pm-8pm offer selected drinks at two-for-one, and any time from 8pm-1am you can still enjoy Hoegarrden for just B199++ per pint. Every Wednesday night is ‘Ladies’ Night,’ with free cocktails and selected drinks for the girls; and, starting this month, every Thursday night is ‘Man’s Night,’ with the same deal for the guys. A big anniversary party is planned for August 20 – when Khun Tan will not only celebrate two years of operating Bacchus, but also her birthday. Expect an open bar, cool music, and a horrendous hangover the next day. 20/6-7 Soi Ruamrudee, Ploenchit, (near Ploenchit BTS) ☎ 02 650 8986 bacchus.tv
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REVIEW LOK WAH HIN
AUTHENTIC TASTE OF CHINA AT LOK WAH HIN New Hong Kong chef brings authentic dishes and oodles of creativity to this longstanding favourite at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square contemporary Chinese dishes and signature highlights from both China and Hong Kong. Along with the a la carte menu, Chef Leung whips up a batch of more than 60 dim sums, many of which highlight his own personal interpretation of this traditional Chinese favourite. You can enjoy these a la carte or opt for to an ancient Chinese chef, Leung, a Hong FOR pundits of the All-you-can-eat dim courtyard – one that’s Kong native who traditional Chinese sum lunch (B620++), redolent with the aromas uses his skill to create cuisine, Lok Wah Hin which includes soup, a of Chinese cuisine. The traditional provincial Chinese restaurant of choice of fried rice or Chinese dishes as Novotel Bangkok on harmony of space and noodles, and dessert. well as a selection of Siam Square offers more light is enhanced by contemporary highlights Chef Leung’s Dim than 300 time-honored overhead red lanterns, that reflect today’s tastes Sum recommendations selections from Shanghai, bird cages, floor to include Steamed prawn and changing trends. Canton and Szechuan in ceiling windows, and dumpling, Steamed fish lighting that comes With more than an atmosphere inspired and ginger wonton, by a traditional Chinese from shrouded windows 30 years’ experience in under the eaves of Chinese restaurants and Fresh prawn “Har village. Chinese dwellings, luxury hotels throughout Gou’, Salted egg yolk Cross the Chinese sweet custard bun, and where heavy timber and Hong Kong, Sri Lanka arched bridge and Chinese rice noodle iron doors open into six and Thailand, Chef cobblestone floor into stuffed with Chinese private dining rooms. Leung brings with him the main dining room and your senses are Dishes are prepared an impressive repertoire dough. Chef Leung’s immediately transported by the restaurant’s new of both traditional and 58
signature highlight at Lok Wah Hin is his rendition of the traditional Peking BBQ Duck, with its succulent meat accompanied by crispy marinated skin and traditional condiments. Since opening 22 years ago Lok Wah Hin has received countless accolades from food critics and journalists, and for the last 11 years it has featured in Thailand Tatler’s Best Restaurant guide. If you’re an oriental gourmet seeking a rare culinary journey of traditional provincial Chinese cuisine, visit this restaurant and you’re sure to be delighted. Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Siam Square Soi 6 ☎ 02 209 8888 novotelbkk.com
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REVIEW LEAPFROG RESTAURANT AND BAR
LEAPFROG RESTAURANT AND BAR Looking for a rooftop meal at great value? Then itʼs time to leap to Leapfrog WHEN most people think of rooftop bars in Bangkok they usually think of the tried-andtested venues such as Vertigo at the Banyan Tree, or Sirocco at Lebua. But there are plenty of other rooftop bars in town which are well worth a visit, including the trendy Leapfrog Restaurant and Bar at Ramada Encore Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 10. Located on the hotel’s eighth floor, Leapfrog may not boast the same heady heights as found at the restaurants mentioned above, but it still offers a chic dining atmosphere, stunning views of Chuwit Park, and very good value for money. Stlylishly decorated, the restaurant wouldn’t look out of place in any of New York’s trendiest districts. The indoor
dining room is decked out with modern furniture, has glass walls looking directly into the hotel’s saltwater pool, and has another window looking into the kitchen where chefs can be seen hard at work cooking a wide range of fusion dishes. Diners can even go casual and enjoy their meal in an alfresco area decked out with comfy couches. In charge of the kitchen and responsible for most of the recipes is Executive Chef Bunmee Nueangchaiyos. Using the experience he gained working for restaurants overseas and in Thailand, he produces exciting new dishes which he calls ‘CalifornAsian’ cuisine – food which takes Californian cuisine and gives it an Asian twist. While there are plenty of standalone dishes to choose
from, the best way to eat at the restaurant is by selecting its new three-course dinner menu, which is great value at B990 per person and even better value if you dine as a couple – 50 per cent discount! The menu features delicious starters such as Ahi tuna salad with balsamic reduction; mains like Slow-cooked lamb shank with pommes croquettes; and devilish desserts with tantalizing names – Sexy cheese
IT’S A DEAL The Frog’s Trees Tapas deal offers a choice of 3 tapas items for B390 and 5 tapas items for B575. Highlights include Marinated ‘Bilbao baby octopus, Wild frog’s legs tempura ‘Thai style,’ and Salmon bites spicy dip. Every Mon, Salsa Bachata Night with DJ Pepe offers drinks at B150 with complimentary nachos (7pm-11pm).
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cake, anyone? Other popular items on the menu include Caesar salad with salmon skewer, Wild barramundi with baby vegetables, and Peach melba dessert. To wash down the food there are plenty of signature cocktails to experience, and these are available in three sizes: L for B320, XL for B550, and XXL for B999. Our fave is the Honey Bunny (B320), a tasty blend of vodka, parfait d’ amour and mixed berries, served in a fish bowl. Open 6pm-1am Ramada Encore Bangkok 21 Soi 10, Sukhumvit Road (BTS Asoke) ☎ 02 615 0999 leapfrogbkk.com
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REVIEW BAWARCHI
THE REAL TASTE OF INDIA Bawarchi Chidlom serves curries in style OPENING a restaurant serving foreign cuisine in Bangkok is no mean feat. To succeed and build up a loyal following of customers you have to be consistently good. And the award-winning Bawarchi Indian restaurant chain, which first arrived in Bangkok 13
years ago and now operates four restaurants here, as well as three in India, can certainly claim to be that. The secret to Bawarchi’s success lies in its unwavering emphasis on producing high quality food. This ranges from bringing dishes to life with saffron, one of the world’s most expensive herbs, to importing genuine Indian spices from Bawarchi’s very own spice
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factory in Delhi. Adding to the authenticity is Bawarchi’s team of Indian chefs who, before coming to Bangkok, all underwent rigorous training in Bawarchi’s fine dining restaurants in India. For the most part, Bawarchi’s cuisine reflects the
traditional Mughlai cuisine of North West India, which is famous for its tandoori meats and rich, thick curries. While you’ll find the same great food available at all of Bawarchi’s restaurants in town, our personal favourite is the flagship branch. Not just because of its handy location next to the Intercontinental Bangkok, a short walk from Chidlom BTS, but because
delightful creamy taste. The restaurant’s curries are equally as good. Cooked using olive oil, they have minimal grease and are rich and thick without being too heavy. A wide range of meat and of its wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, elegant décor, and vegetarian options are on offer, both spicy and non spicy. live Bollywood-style music Our favourites include which, on busy evenings, Rogan Josh (Kashmiri style sometimes results in diners lamb curry. B499), Dal putting down their cutlery to Makhani (black grains cooked get up and boogie. At the rear of the restaurant, overnight on slow fire.B245), an open kitchen offers a window Saag Paneer (homemade cottage cheese in spinach. into the the restaurant’s true B375), and Lamb Tikka heart – a clay tandoor oven Massala (B499). which cooks homemade naan If you can’t decide what breads and skewered tandoori meats (seafood, lamb, chicken) at to eat, just ask the service staff. a scorching 800 degrees Celsius. Their knowledge of the food is just as good as the chefs’, and Bawarchi’s chefs marinate they’re bound to find a dish to all meats overnight for suit your tastes. maximum flavour, and this shines through in dishes such Bawarchi Chidlom, Tandoori chicken (B580), Intercontinental Hotel (President which is cooked over charcoal Tower Arcade) B-level, 973 and is fragrant and slightly Ploenchit Road spicy, and Murgh Malai chicken kebab (pictured ☎ 02 656 0102-3 bawarchiindian.com above. B350), which has a
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REVIEW BEERVAULT
BEERVAULT: PAIRING BEER WITH FOOD WITH DELICIOUS RESULTS
Barʼs new signature dishes are just perfect for pairing with international ales
of each beer is really brought to life – much like when wine is paired with food. Every second Tuesday of each month until the end of the year, BeerVault is taking this beer pairing concept further by offering a special ‘beer pairing menu’ featuring a choice of three dishes, each paired with one of the bar’s highlighted beers. Each pairing will be priced B450. Another good promotion at the bar is the ‘Beer O’Clock’ Happy Hours, which are held each day from 5.30pm-9.30pm and offer two-for-one drinks and complimentary dips and tapas. Other deals are held during IF you’re bored of supping all the usual local and imported beers served at most Bangkok bars, take yourself along to BeerVault at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15, and you’ll be able to quench your yeasty cravings with a great selection of over 100 imported bottled beers served straight from the vault – a.k.a, the bar’s nice cold fridge. The fact that most of the supping is done from the comfort of large comfy couches is a definite bonus, as is the option to now pair your beer with a brand new selection of great-value pub signatures such as Foot long hot dog (B150), Ploughman’s platter (sausages, salami, cheese and baguette. B200), Braised lamb shank burger (B250), Salmon burger (B250), and Salmon Grissini (Italian breadsticks wrapped with salmon which comes served with a choice of fruit beer. B250). In true pub-grub tradition, all of the meals come served atop a wooden chopping board and can be eaten prim-and-proper with knives and forks, or, the best way, by grabbing them with your hands and feasting like a Viking. And you will feel like a Viking because the portions are huge,
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especially the burgers. In fact, the pub should offer some kind of award to diners who can wrap their mouth around a Braised lamb shank burger without looking like a ravenous warrior. It’s delightfully decadent, and a real hunger buster, too. Served with homemade bread (toasted bread buns for the burgers, a foot-long baguette for the hot dog) and made using top quality ingredients, most dishes in the pub’s signatures selection have been specially developed to pair with a beer. Sink a German Krombacher Weizen alongside a Ploughman’s, for example, or a Dutch Bavaria 8.6 Gold with one of the burgers, and the rich flavour
sporting events, which the pub screens live on LCD TVs at the bar. But if you miss these deals don’t worry; with bottled beers ranging from just B120-B130, and pints of draught beers from just B120-B270, you’ll always enjoy great value here. Adding to the drinks selection are a choice of wines, spirits, and cocktails, which, like the beers, are all available for more than reasonable prices (for a full list see beervaultbangkok.com). BeerVault, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 ☎ 02 309 3000 beervaultbangkok.com
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GOURMET PERSONALITY
Herve plots his comeback After great success on Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s best known French chef is planning his long-awaited return with the new Le Beaulieu on Ruamrudee Q. It’s seven months since Le Beaulieu closed. What was the reason – and when is the new Le Beaulieu opening? Let’s just say our five-year lease was up, and we had to find some new premises. Actually, it was a blessing in disguise, as we were offered a great location in the Athénée Tower office lobby, with nearly three times more space. We expect to open late August, early September. Q. Same name, right? We are keeping the Le Beaulieu name as the main
brand. Under this umbrella we will have three outlets: LB restaurant, LB Patisserie and LB Terrasse wine bar al fresco style. Q. Will you get your old regular customers to come back? Of course we want to have our clientèle back...and we hear from them on a regular basis. However, our new location with dual access between Ruamrudee and Wireless road will attract many new customers from all around us. Q. So it’s a better location than before? Just a bit! We have moved from a “hard to find location” with no walk-in traffic to a very busy location. We have Ploenchit BTS two minutes’ walk away, and we are surrounded by embassies, new hotels, offices like All Seasons Place and a large shopping district – not to mention a huge residential area. So we have to be a little bit optimistic, n’est-ce pas?! Q. More seating than before, plus the same mezzanine level? Yes, a lot more! The total dining capacity inside will be around 70 seats, including two private rooms on the mezzanine floor, and a private “chef ’s table” with eight seats, adjoining the kitchen. Outside on the al fresco Terrasse/Wine Bar we have around 60 seats including four private salas. Q. What about the menu and your previous no-corkage policy? We want to continue to offer quality produce at very reasonable prices – an honest French Bistro. We are reviewing our corkage policy, which will be a fair deal for our customers. It’s a very competitive market in Bangkok, and we have to move with the times. Q. Will you be using the same suppliers? Of course. They’re our friends and relationships are important for the success of Le Beaulieu. They know that
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Brunch bonanza Where to enjoy Sunday Brunch this month
Thai Market Brunch
One of France’s most famous ‘Chocolatiers’, Patrice Chapon, dropped by Herve’s under-construction restaurant recently. He was joined by talented cake and pastry chef Thierry Dieumegard, also visiting Bangkok from Morocco. From left: Thierry Dieumegard, Herve Frerard, Patrice Chapon and Champ Phanichkul
when it comes to quality, I am very involved. We will also import some really interesting new products from around the world. Watch this space! Q. What else will be different? We’re adding a bakery, The Patisserie, which is already open, and the Terrasse wine bar. Our new bakery has French baguettes, Croissants and Macaroons, plus an amazing range of cakes and patisseries. The The Terrasse will have some outstanding wines. We’re going to be very busy…we hope! Q. Herve, you’ll still be in charge of the kitchens? Chef is Chef! I am in charge. Chef is always right!! We are going to have a lot more staff than before – anybody looking for a job?! Q. Will you be able to reclaim your reputation as one of the best independent restaurants in Bangkok? Every restaurant wants to be the best, but at the end of the day it’s your clientele who decides. Of course we’re going to try and reclaim that reputation, but certainly we will not change our emphasis on quality and value for money. Q. Which other Bangkok restaurants do you admire? There are many. For example, Gianni for Italian; Le Bouchon French Bistro; L’Element Okura for fine cuisine; Scarlett; Artur; Quince; Oskar; Fey Ya at Renaissance; Mitsumori of Tokyo; Beccofino; Bacco; Biscotti at Four Seasons; The Reflexions at Plaza Athénée; Bolan for the best Thai cuisine; Café Tartine is my favourite café; Hyde and Seek for cocktails; and Opus wine Bar in Silom. And my two favorite patrons are M. Serge from Le Bouchon and Mr Rossano of Rossano’s.
ANANTARA Bangkok Riverside’s new Sunday Brunch concept is a Thai food lover’s dream come true. Featuring many gourmet renditions of classic and contemporary Thai favourites, the buffet features a collection of a la minute ‘food stalls’ offering everything from Wagyu beef sausages, imported oysters, and Alaskan king crab, to organic shrimp, Kurobuta pork, veggies from the Royal Projects, and much more. On top of this, there’s also an a la carte menu designed by celebrity chef Chumpol Jangprai (best known for his recent appearance on Iron Chef). A local band performs popular Thai songs, there’s a handicraft workshop for kids, and the all-round good vibe makes it a lovely place to spend a long-and-lazy afternoon. B1,400++ per adult including a free flow of soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee (B500++ for kids aged 4-12). Add B400 extra for free flow beer and Thai wines.
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257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road 02 476 0022 ext.1416 bangkok-riverside.anantara.com
Weekend feast
ALOFT Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11’s all-day-dining restaurant, Crave, has launched a new weekend brunch priced B600 per person. Go either on a Saturday and Sunday from noon-3pm and you’ll find a large buffet loaded with international fare such as rock lobster, New Zealand mussels, BBQ pork buns, Hong Kong waffles, and much more (available every weekend until Oct 31, except Aug 11-12).
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35 Sukhumvit Soi 11 02 207 7080 alofthotels.com/bangkoksukhumvit11
Bangkok’s Biggest Brunch
SET between three different restaurants (Parkview, Kacho, and Imperial China) and offering over 300 dishes representing 20 countries across the world, ‘Bangkok’s Biggest Brunch’ at The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel certainly lives up to its name. Buffet is B2,100 per adult including free flow drinks, or B1,600 (food only). Kids under 10 dine free when accompanied by two paying adults. A new indoor playground offers plenty of fun activities for the kids. 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22 ☎ 02 261 9300 ext. 4162 imperialhotels.com
Cocktail Sundays
FOUR Seasons Hotel Bangkok has spiced up its Sunday Brunch by introducing four new signature cocktails made using Thai ingredients. So while you’re enjoying gourmet dishes from the hotel’s signature restaurants you can now also sip Pomelo Martini, Apple Mar-thai-ni, Mango Basil Martini, and Pineapple Ginger Mojito. Brunch is served 11.30am-3pm. B2,700++ per adult and B1,200++ per child aged 5-11 (free for kids under 4). 155 Rajadamri Road
☎ 02 126 8866
fourseasons.com/bangkok
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GOURMET NEWS
Gourmet scrapbook
Last month’s wine events in focus Rotary gets cooking
■ Rotary Club of Bangkok South marked the final regular meeting of the club for the 2011/2012 Rotary Year by hosting an ‘Iron Chef ’ competition at Witch’s Tavern, Soi Thonglor. The competition comprised four teams of Rotarians and their wives, each receiving the same ingredients to create a dish in 20 minutes. The event was judged by Wanit Mekdhanasarn, Andrew MacPherson, Marco Casanova and Frank Crocker. The winning team were Don Lavoie and Danielle Lavoie.
Christian Ham Wine Dinner ■ FIN wines marked the launch of Dusit Thani Bangkok’s new Sommelier Selection by hosting an exclusive dinner at D’Sens Restaurant, where guests enjoyed an exquisite 10-course wine dinner prepared by executive chef Christian Ham, and sampled 16 boutique wines from the new collection.
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Choice Foods at 40 ■LONG term expatriate Bob Coombes celebrated the 40th anniversary of his company, Choice Foods, with a private food show at the Grand Hyatt Erawan. Suppliers from as far afield as Spain, Singapore and Australia were on hand to display their food products in the hotel’s Residence function rooms.
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GOURMET MEET THE CHEF
P U G N I V SER l, Executive Chef, uda Philippe Ga mark Bangkok The Land
Best way to complete a great meal: If it’s chocolate, with a glass of sweet wine like Banyuls from the south of France. If it’s cheese, a nice Merlot.
Favourite herb: Tarragon. It’s a bit sharp, but very interesting to work with.
Favourite dish: Fish and chips, provided the cod is fresh! Actually I like anything that’s simple and fresh. I learned that from my parents.
Food to avoid: I don’t eat spicy food, which is a nightmare for my Thai wife.
Favourite bar: I rarely drink these days – only the occasional glass of wine with dinner.
Most useful cooking utensil: A heavy iron pan.
French with flair
Favourite wines: Burgundy or Cotes du Rhone for red, Sancerre for white.
Favourite restaurant: Le Beaulieu and Philippe, not just because of the food but also the ambience they generate.
Favourite sauce: Chicken juice, such as you get after roasting in a pan.
Most influential chef: Alain Chapel from Lyon, who was a nice, gentle man who took his time to teach. I never worked with him but I like his philosophy. Best food supplier: Whoever doesn’t lie to me and tries their best to serve me.
■ THERE’S no mistaking Chef Philippe’s origins. His barrel chest, long face and matching nose, laughing eyes and, most especially, the almost comical way he rolls his ‘Rs’ deep from the throat when he speaks English set him apart as a quintessential Frenchman. His early career is thoroughly French too. In the city of Lyon, he worked with the legendary Jean-Paul Lacombe at his famed restaurants, Le Bistrot de Lyon, Le Bouchon Aux Vins and the Michelin-starred Le Leon de Lyon. After a stint at Les Santons in Grimaud in the south of France, Philippe moved to Miami Beach for three years before relocating to the Intercontinental in Hong Kong to reopen Le Belvedere as a chef de cuisine. For the past 12 years he’s been based in Thailand, first at The Landmark for seven years, then in Phuket for three years, and now back again at The Landmark.
New approach to Brunch on Sunday ■ CHEF Philippe recently launched a new type of Sunday Brunch at the RR&B, The Landmark’s premier restaurant. Instead of simply loading up the tables with a vast array of food, Philippe cooks five main courses that allow him to showcase his culinary tastes and talents. Typically, these a la minute dishes feature seafood, chicken, duck, lamb or imported beef, and a pasta dish. Diners can order any, and as much, of these as they wish. What really sets his Sunday Brunch apart, though, are the delicious tapas-style dishes Philippe and his team continuously provide at strategic locations around the restaurant. These include saucer-sized dishes like Belota chorizo, potato salad and smoked paprika; Beetroot marinated salmon/gravlax with beetroot salad and crème fraiche; Needle bean salad, with Spanish anchovy; and Skagen salad in Chinese Man Tho. Also on the menu are soups, salads and seafood (including fresh oysters and lobster), desserts, and a decent selection of imported cheeses. The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Road,
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☎ 02 254 0404 thelandmarkbangkok.com
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GOURMET Q&A
Bar Banter This month: Khun Tawee Mahakhuntree
The beverage manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok talks cocktails, romance, wine buffets and more When did you first join the hotel? Well I first worked at the hotel from 1983 to1989, and I came back again in 2003. Before I came back I worked at Don Muang Airport as operations manager in the airport’s executive lounge.
this line of work I first took a bartender course and then, after graduating, I went to study in Sydney, Australia. After that I came back to Thailand and landed my first job as a bartender at Busaracum Thai restaurant. That was back in 1982.
What is your role at the hotel and what are your responsibilities? I’m the hotel’s beverage manager, so I’m responsible for all of the beverages served as well as managing the bartenders.
We love the hotel’s Blue Sky rooftop bar and restaurant. Do you plan to hold any interesting promotions there over the next few months? Yes we do. Visit any Tuesday or Wednesday from 7pm-9pm and you can enjoy our free-flow wine buffet deal for just B599++.
At what age did you discover you were interested in the hospitality trade? How did you go about landing your first job? I’ve always been interested in meeting new people and making new friends and the hospitality trade gives me the chance to do just that. To get into
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Will you be offering any signature/ unique cocktails? We offer many popular and unique creations, including our signature ‘Thai Smile,’ a refreshing mix of Meakhong
Rum, fresh lime, sweet basil, white sugar, and soda. What nights are best to visit Blue Sky and why? Every night’s a great time to visit Blue Sky, but the best time is when there’s a full moon – so romantic. Any other highlights about the hotel’s bars you’d like to mention? A live acoustic band plays in our lobby lounge every Tuesday to Saturday from 9pm-11.45pm. The singer is beautiful and she has a beautiful voice, too. Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, ☎ 02 5411234 centarahotelsresorts.com
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Recipe of the month
Tortellini Emiliani Rolling pins at the ready! Andrea Bernardi, Head Chef at il Bolognese Trattoria e Pizzeria, shares his recipe for a traditional Italian favourite
cut out and keep
GOURMET NEWS
Ingredients (for six persons) For the dough (feeds 6 people) • Flour 600g • 6 Eggs For the filling • Ground pork 120g • Ground veal 120g • Italian sausage 120g • Parma ham 80g • Mortadella 40g • 1 egg • Grated parmesan cheese 120g • Breadcrumbs ½ tablespoon • Butter 30g • Salt to taste • Nutmeg to taste
Method Prepare the filling 1. Grind the veal, pork and sausage. Grind ham and mortadella separately 2. Melt the butter and cook the ground beef for a few minutes. Add salt, drain the water, and let it cool
3. Mix the cooked ground beef with the raw ham, mortadella, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg. Stir well and put in the refrigerator Prepare the pasta dough 1. Sift the flour 2. Arrange the flour in a small circular shape on the counter top - so it’s basically a well with nothing in the middle 3. Pour the eggs into the middle and add a pinch of salt 4. Beat the eggs with a wooden fork, then slowly mix with flour from the edge of the well 5. Knead the mixture for 15-20 mins until it’s well mixed
6. Sprinkle in a little more flour 7. Continue this until the dough is firm 8. When you begin to see bubbles in the dough, pick it up and form a ball 9. Rest the dough in a bowl for 30 mins 10. Roll the dough to form a large disc 11. Leave it for 10 mins and cover with a damp tea towel 12. Cut the dough with a wheel in 3-4cm square shapes 13. Put the filling into the center of each square. Fold the dough into a triangle shape Make sure the edges stick well, and then stick the tips firmly together 14. Cook in boiling water
About the chef
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LIKE all good Italian chefs, Andrea Bernardi is passionate about creating authentic cuisine from his homeland by using only the freshest and best ingredients. He first came to Thailand in 2007 when he joined the Bacco Company. Today he’s in charge of the kitchens at il Bolognese Trattoria e Pizzeria, which offers plenty of Italian favourites in a lively, homely atmosphere. il Bolognese Trattoria e Pizzeria, 139/3 Sathorn Soi 7 Tel: 02 286 8805
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GOURMET NEWS
Bangkok Beefsteak & Burgundy
A real Swiss feast at Chesa
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ANGKOK B&B’s lunch on the first Tuesday of July is always a special event as food master Thomas Nowak’s birthday falls in the same week. In keeping with tradition, we found our way to Chesa, home from home for many of Chesa’s regular patrons and 21 of us were rewarded with seven great dishes. Rene Kuhn, Thomas’ partner, dug out his chef ’s outfit (possibly finding it a little tighter than last time he wore it), and ensured that a non-stop flow of tasty snacks (fried oysters, cheese-filled pastry and crispy wafers) found their way in our direction along with Prosecco Tintoretto until the last of the guests arrived. The first course to be savoured was Alaskan crab and avocado, on rocket lettuce with balsamic cream. Our Swiss guide to the menu, Reto Condrau, named this course ‘Al Capone’ but there were few signs of any prohibition in force. Our winemaster recommended Chapoutier Pino Grigio 2009 to accompany this which Oliver Schnatz (and others) found to be a good match for the salad. A dish fit for Kings, ‘Louis XV’ to be precise, came next: Seared Scallops and duck foie gras, wrapped in Prosciutto on celeriac mash. This was turning out to be a feast, even for those who would
normally spurn veggies. With this we enjoyed Angove Long Row Chardonnay 2005, which although elderly for such a wine, retained a delightfully fruity nose. The ‘Halloween Course’ was a cup of Cream Soup of Butternut-Squash, topped with an espuma of aged Brie cheese. My sole regret was that it came in a cup, not a bowl. The Best’s Great Western Merlot 2005 was an inspired choice and found favour with Oliver and our band of wine connoisseurs. To provide a sorely needed intermission, Rene produced a sherbet of Bloody Mary and Neil Pawsey further enlivened the proceedings with an impromptu auction of wines needing a good home for solitary drinkers with one or two bottles to spare (the tasting notes mentioned, for example, ‘seafood lunch on the beach with Brad Pitt’s girlfriends comes to mind...’). The main course, ‘Five Stars Sumo,’ earned them and won deserved praise for the kitchen: Marinated Sous-vide style Veal loin with wild mushroom sauce and horseradish flavoured potato gratin. Reto found this extremely slow cooked dish superb, and the same sentiment was shared by everyone else. With this came D’Arenberg Footbolt
Shiraz 2004. Jeremy Oliver, the doyen of Australian wines, speaks of ‘A juicy, assertive and brightly presented young shiraz without a hint of over-ripeness’; I could not disagree with Jamie, nor did Oliver Schnatz. Chesa still had a couple of surprises left. Guest chef for the day, Eric, produced a very beautiful dessert featuring Mille-feuille pastry with raspberries, custard and whipping cream which was served with Ordoro fortified wine. And finally a cheese platter with a selection of Swiss and French-style soft and hard cheeses was paired with Johnny Walker 15 years Green Label whisky, generously presented by Harald Sauer to celebrate the successful replacement of his knee. As ever, the Chesa staff worked hard and efficiently throughout the meal and deserved both the praise and tips presented on completion of the lunch. Many Happy Returns to Thomas and to Uiy, who shared the birthday with Thomas. Chesa Restaurant, 5 Sukhumvit Road Soi 20.
chesa-swiss.com ☎ 02 261 6650 :
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GOURMET DINING OUT
Where to eat
Your ultimate dining companion
Recommended restaurants and bars Seafood
Steakhouse Baan Klang Nam
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Thai/Chinese seafood dining at its best, this restaurant may be hard to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Frequented by Thais and farang who know a clam from an oyster, it puts most of the city’s seafood emporiums to shame. The menu is large and so are the portions. All of the fish is good, but so are the scallops, river prawns and deep-fried soft-shell crab. Casual and laidback, there is live entertainment in the evening, and the open-air setting on the river is cool and refreshing. At the end of Soi 14, Rama III, near the Montien Riverside Hotel Tel: 02 292 0175
Lord Jim’s
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RR&B Rib Room and Bar
•The Rib Room and Bar has taken grill restaurants in Bangkok
to new heights. Located on the 31st floor and decked out in Ferrari red, the restaurant boasts a stunning interior and the views provided are spectacular. Steaks from Australia, the USA, Japan and Thailand prepared in an open kitchen and accompanied by a delicious supporting cast are what this place is all about. Expensive, but the good food and rush provided by the setting make it worth the price. Landmark Hotel, Sukhumvit Rd between Sois 4 and 6 (BTS Nana) Tel: 02 254 0404
Fireplace Grill
Seafood, views of the Chao Phraya, and the rush that comes with dining at the Oriental are what Lord Jim’s is all about. There is a good buffet at lunch featuring all sorts of seafood, including sashimi, sushi and oysters. In the evening, it goes a la carte and becomes one of the best places in the city for classic Western seafood dishes. For those who don’t enjoy seafood, there are other items on the menu. The wine list is first class and there is live music in the evening.
This restaurant has been at the same location for eons, but underwent radical surgery along with the renovation of the hotel. The interior is no longer that of an English country inn but is now ultra chic, modern and subdued with an open grill featuring loads of gleaming stainless steel. It serves excellent steaks and seafood, has a massive wine collection, and great service to match.
The Oriental Bangkok (BTS Saphan Taksin, then complimentary hotel shuttle boat) Tel: 02 659 9000
InterContinental Hotel on Ploenchit Road (BTS Chidlom) Tel: 02 656 0444
Bouchot
Prime
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Set in the basement of Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24, Bouchot has fast become popular with locals and expats due to its delicious continental cuisine with a particular emphasis on mussels. The setting looks like a modern French bistro, complete with contemporary fixtures and fittings, lots of mirrors and windows, exposed brickwork, picnic-style tables and chairs, a well-stocked bar, and a lovely outdoor terrace. Like a fisherman that’s just returned from a lengthy stint at sea, Bouchot boasts a wealth of deep sea bounty: oysters, scallops, fish, lobster, crab and much more – all at reasonable prices.
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Magnificent views of the Chao Phraya, prime US and Australian beef, over 2,000 wines, a fabulous selection of desserts, and a modern, but seductively warm interior, Prime has it all. If you’re in the mood for a memorable and romantic night on the town, this restaurant is hard to beat. If you and the apple of your eye are confirmed carnivores, you can share a 1080gm Aussie Porterhouse for 3,900 baht. But it is not all beef at Prime; there are numerous other items on the menu, including primo lobster and fresh oysters.
B1 Floor Oakwood Residence, 15 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Klong Ton,Tel: 02 258 5510 email: info@bouchot-restaurant.com http://bouchot-restaurant.com
Millennium Hilton on the Chao Phraya (BTS Saphan Taksin then complimentary hotel shuttle boat), Tel: 02 442 2000
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International cuisine
Italian cuisine
Loop Italian Restaurant Terrace and Bar
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This Italian dining spot is under the operation of Chef Charles Christiaens. He hails from Belgium and has rich experience working in Michelin starred restaurants in his home country as well as top establishments here in Bangkok, such as Harvey and RR&B. His gourmet Italian cuisine is made using only the finest ingredients and never disappoints. If you are feeling relaxed and casual, dine outside adjacent to the pool. For a more formal experience, sit in the air-conditioned comfort of the nicely decorated dining room. The restaurant’s proximity to the MBK Shopping Centre makes it convenient for a great meal after a hard day’s shopping. Poolside on 8th floor of Pathumwan Princess Hotel (BTS National Stadium), Tel: 02 216 3700 ext. 20818
Angelini
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Not just another Italian restaurant, Angelini has a large menu, excellent food, and a feeling of verve and excitement that is punctuated with live music in the evening. The restaurant is enormous, but the servers are courteous and attentive. The menu is contemporary and exciting and often strays far from what is typically Italian, but always includes traditional pizza and pasta favourites. A bar near the entrance is an integral part of the restaurant and serves a great selection of drinks and snacks.
Kuppa
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Notable for its trendy conversion of a warehouse, Kuppa has concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable couches, marbletopped tables and a massive coffee roaster ensconced in the middle of things. Selected Thai dishes and a collection of international items designed to appeal to educated foodies dot the menu. Rich desserts and excellent coffee roasted in the big machine are house trademarks. Kuppa is hard to find, but worth the effort. Sukhumvit Soi 16, accessed from Ratchadapisek Rd, (BTS Asoke or MRT Sukhumvit). Tel: 02 663 0495
Bistro M
• The good ‘ol fashioned Bistro
concept is given a modern twist at Bistro M. Sit on the sundrenched terrace, or in the bright and airy dining room, and you can tuck in to a range of dishes from Thailand, India, Italy, France and more, all set at reasonable prices. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven score particularly good marks, and start from just B185. Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park – Bangkok, 90 Sukhumvit Soi 24 (BTS Phrom Phong), Tel: 02 302 5555
The Shangri-la Hotel, (BTS Saphan Taksin) Tel. 02 236 7777
Spasso
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Spasso is a Chameleon: It’s filled with shoppers and office-types at lunch, family diners in the early evenings, and revelers late at night when the entertainment starts. It offers set lunches and numerous Italian dinner options, including signature dishes like Roasted lamb loin in herb crust. Don’t want a full meal? There’s a large selection of appetizers, pizzas and pastas. The cocktail selection is enormous and several beers are available on tap. After 10pm, except on Sunday, the live entertainment starts, often with bands from North America. Lower level of the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Rajdamri and Ploenchit Roads (BTS Chidlom) Tel: 02 254 1234
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GOURMET DINING OUT
Mexican cuisine Coyote Bangkok2
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equila, Margaritas and Mexican food are what this place is all about. The tequila collection is the largest in Thailand and over 75 different margaritas are served. The menu is diverse and not only possesses the requisite Tacos, Enchiladas, and Burritos, but also more elaborate items like Empanadas Carnitas - cornmeal pastries stuffed with spicy pork and a roasted tomato salsa. Although popular at lunch, the Coyote really howls in the evening when the after work crowd stumbles in for margaritas and a bite to eat. The best news is that there are now two branches – one located on Convent road, and one near the entrance of Sukhumvit Soi 33. Coyote on Convent: Convent Road, about 100m from Silom Road, (BTS Saladaeng) Open daily 11.00 - 01.00 Tel. 02 631 2325 www.coyoteonconvent.com Ladies Night on Wednesday, 6-8pm and Saturday 10-midnight. Coyote Sukhumvit: near the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 33 (BTS Phromphong) Open daily 11.00-01.00 Tel. 02 662 3838 www.coyotebangkok.com. Ladies Night on Thursday, 6-8pm.
Japanese Cuisine Kisso Japanese Restaurant
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Popular with Japanese tourists, Kisso has survived several changes in the hotel’s management - a sure sign they’ve got things right. The setting is modern, but intimate. Especially popular at lunch when there are numerous set lunches available. The sushi and sashimi get good reviews. On Sundays, local Japanese families arrive for the buffet brunch that features over 60 different selections and a variety of activities to occupy the kiddies while mum and dad eat. Westin Grande Sukhumvit on Sukhumvit Rd at Soi 19 (BTS Asoke or MRT Sukhumvit) Tel: 02 207 8000
Benihana
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Benihana’s Teppanyaki tables always offer a funpacked culinary show, with chefs performing magic tricks, juggling salt shakers, and even catching ingredients in their hats. The food’s just as impressive, and alongside the sizzling meats (set menus range B455++ to B4,500++) you’ll also find an extensive selection of handcrafted sushi and sashimi. Don’t miss the Fireball (B350++), a spicy tuna tartar and avocado roll laced with Thai sriracha hot sauce, spicy mayo and shaved scallions. Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, 257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Tel: 02 476 0022 (complimentary shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS), Open daily 11.30am – 2.30pm, and 6pm – 10.30pm.
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French cuisine Artur Restaurant
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Artur’s recipe for success is simple: give diners what they want and never compromise on quality. And this is certainly the case at his eponymous restaurant on Soi Tonson, where gourmet French cuisine and excellent service come as standard. The restaurant looks like a classic Manhattan style steakhouse that’s been given a Parisian twist, so it’s the perfect setting to indulge in fine wines, fabulous eats, and feel like a movie star whilst doing so. Try the Aiguillettes of French Mallard Duck in two honey and raspberry reduction (B690++), which is carved tableside and tastes simply delicious. 9 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Rd. (only 200 meters from Chidlom BTS), Tel: 02 658 6288 email: Artur@ArturRestaurant.com www.arturrestaurant.com
Aubergine
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Serving a selection of French inspired dishes from the stunningly converted residence that formerly housed Le Bistingo, Aubergine is an attractive option on the local dining scene. Proprietor Nunteera Cox, herself a trained chef, has a French chef with sterling credentials in the kitchen. Set lunches are around B500 and include three courses and a glass of wine. Dining here in the evening is romantic, but relaxed and convivial. A large bar dominates the main room and is ideal for quaffing one of the numerous wines offered by the glass. Saladaeng Soi1/1, 50m Soi Saladaeng, (BTS Saladaeng or MRT Silom), Tel: 02 234 2226
Paris Bangkok
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French food lovers should definitely take the time to seek out this hidden gem on Sala Daeng 1/1. Located in a wonderfully renovated town-house with a modern Asian design, it has a French chef with Michelin star experience in the kitchen and offers up a wide range of traditional French dishes with a touch of creative flair. Highlights include Warm salmon with potatoes and anchovies (B230++); Salmon and tuna ceviche with avocado and tomatoes (B380++); and Duck leg confit, new potatoes, parsley and garlic (B420++). There’s also an extensive selection of wines. 120 Soi Saladeang 1/1, Silom, Bangrak, Tel: 02 233 1990 email: dany@parisbangkok.com www.parisbangkok.com
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FEATURE PASSPORT FRAUD GANGS
THAILAND’S CRIME-BUSTERS SET SIGHTS ON PASSPORT FRAUD GANGS Recent arrest of Pakistani ‘kingpin’ highlights the international menace of passport forgers, writes Maxmilian Wechsler
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TERRORISTS, fugitives, drug smugglers and illegal arms dealers are among those using passports stolen in their millions across the globe to assist in their criminal activities. Ronald Noble, Secretary-General of Interpol, the world’s largest international police organization, once called passport fraud the “biggest threat facing the world.” Thailand has unfortunately gained a reputation as one of the major centers for the forgery/alteration and trade of stolen passports. A number of foreign syndicates based in Thailand are buying and selling stolen passports – both altered and unaltered – for use mainly by criminals based in other countries. The syndicates set up shop here because until recently this very profitable enterprise has been given little attention by the Thai authorities. A new unit established by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to target these gangs hopes to cancel their profits and their ability to operate in the Kingdom. Called the Transnational Crime Intelligence Operation Centre (TCIC), under the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Transnational Crime, the new unit is staffed by highly experienced and dedicated investigators who, prior to joining the unit, all scored notable successes against the highly sophisticated gangs. Tinawut Slilapat, who leads the unit, said: “The syndicates are well organized and sophisticated, so it’s important to have a law enforcement agency whose personnel are able to gather accurate intelligence which can suppress their networks. With the formation of the TCIC, passport syndicates who have been active in Thailand for decades might now be spending decades behind bars.”
High-profile arrests
Mr. Tinawut and his team have gained international recognition for cracking some major passport cases. The most high-profile of these resulted in the arrest and conviction of Muhammad Ather Butt, known as Tony, a Pakistani national. Also arrested were his wife and two other Pakistani nationals. Mr. Butt was the leader of a gang which had operated out of Thailand for 10 years, supplying passports and fake documents to terrorists and other criminals. He and his Thai wife were arrested in Nong Khai on November 30, 2010, as they were about to cross the border into Laos. It was a routine trip for the pair as they normally went to Laos once a month to deliver passports to customers. The operation, called Operation Alpha by DSI, created headlines around the world after the gang was linked to terrorist groups in Spain responsible for several bombing and arson attacks, including the 2004 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people. The gang also allegedly provided forged passports for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which has been accused of plotting the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, in which 10 militants killed at least 164 people and injured more than 300, and to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam separatist group in Sri Lanka. “Mr. Butt was labeled as the ‘kingpin’ of the trade and he was the biggest operator in Thailand,” said Mr. Tinawut. “His business expanded year after year until he was the most famous passport forger in Thailand. Everyone in the business admired and feared him because he developed contacts with some influential Thai officials and had a lot of money. “After the arrests, we searched Mr. Butt’s two-room apartment in Rat Burana in Bangkok. One room was like a small factory, with computers, a highdefinition scanner, and a printer. We found almost 1,000 pieces of evidence, including passports from several countries, photos, counterfeit data pages for EU, Canadian, Chinese and Israeli passports, visa stickers for the US and Schengen Agreement countries and various visa stamps,” Mr. Tinawut said. “Among the seizures were over 100 passport-size photos of people who look like they are from the Middle East. These photos were sent to him by post and by other means, probably to insert into stolen passports. “He selected Thailand as a base because it is easy to enter and leave and, more importantly, some officials don’t regard passport forgery as a serious offence. Their attitude is, ‘they are dealing only with foreign passports, but not Thai, so why should we worry.’ “Mr. Butt had been doing this business for 10 years, so you can imagine how big his network was and how many customers he had. Hundreds of people
Tinawut Slilapat, head of the TCIC
in many countries, including in the Middle East were involved with his group, which comprised about 10 people,” Mr. Tinawut added. On June 13 this year Mr. Butt was convicted and sentenced by the Criminal Court to 31 years in prison, but as he confessed to his crimes the sentence was reduced to 15 years and 6 months. His two accomplices received 24 and 21 years in prison but because they also confessed, their sentences were similarly reduced. Mr. Butt’s wife has made no confession and her case will go to trial. The TCIC led the investigation of another recent major passport fraud bust -- a joint operation also involving the Pattaya Tourist Police, Special Branch police and the Narcotic Suppression Bureau, with the assistance from the Canadian Border Services Agency. The collaboration resulted in the arrest of Iranian national Seyed Ramin Paknejad in Pattaya on June 8. Mr. Seyed was high on the wanted lists of international law enforcement agencies. According to Mr. Tinawut, Mr. Seyed is suspected of being the leader of a syndicate that has been forging and selling passports on a large scale for eight or nine years. His illegal activities enabled hundreds of cases of illegal migration and human trafficking from Thailand to many destination countries, including EU, US and Australia. Computers seized from his condominium in Central Pattaya and a small house he rented in Naklua held a database of thousands of people who had already been issued passports. Police also discovered counterfeiting equipment, biopages for passports, visa stickers and other forged documents. Also seized were a shotgun and a brown
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FEATURE passport fraud gangs
Origin of passport fraud in Thailand THE forging of passports in Thailand started in the early 1980s to cash in on the influx of foreigners carrying traveler’s cheques (TC) and credit cards (CC). Because many tourists carried them on their person or in their luggage, or left them in hotel rooms, this opened up a whole new industry for Thai criminals. Several gangs employed prostitutes, hotel staff, tour bus attendants and others to steal or otherwise fraudulently obtain TC and CC. The big problem the gangs had with TC and CC was finding a way to use them; most of the cheques and cards were made out to foreigners. At about that time several gangs that employed mostly foreigners came on the scene, and worked with Thai gangs to cash the TC or use the CC. These people were called “drivers,” and the Thai crooks who recruited them taught them to forge signatures so they could countersign the cheques and use the credit cards. However, most reputable businesses also required supporting identification, and this is where the forging of passports and other official documents began. The forgers changed photos and altered the original signatures (where possible) and gave the altered passports to the drivers, who used them to cash TC at banks, money changers, hotels, shops, etc, as well as buy items in shops with CC. These forgeries were much less sophisticated than the ones produced today, but they were often good enough. Sometimes the Thais would give the driver supporting documents like counterfeit student ID cards, international driving licenses, etc. In the late 1990s when TC became almost obsolete in favour of CC (which had better security), the Thai gangs began to focus on passport fraud, which was showing great money-making potential. They got in touch with foreigners who were looking for stolen passports. Some of these foreigners are still here and running the passport fraud gangs. Today the way the business works is that thieves steal passports from tourists and sell them to Thai or foreign criminals. Some lost and stolen passports are sent from abroad to the foreign gangs. The worldwide demand for fraudulent passports means that these gangs will continue to operate in Thailand as long as they can evade international and local law enforcement agencies.
powder believed to be heroin. Police suspect that Mr. Seyed provided passports to foreign drug couriers and that he had been involved in passport fraud in Thailand for almost a decade. Much to the surprise of the DSI and other law enforcement agencies involved in the case, Mr. Seyed was granted bail by the Pattaya Provincial Court on June 13.
Rapid response to transnational crime
The TCIC is a small and highly specialized division of the DSI, formed to respond rapidly to highly sophisticated transnational crimes, especially those involving migration offences. Its parent organization, the DSI, which was set up in October 2002, is a civilian law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Justice and modeled upon the US-based Federal Bureau of Investigation, with a mission to investigate complicated and sophisticated crimes. Mr. Tinawut served with the Special Branch police before joining the DSI in 2004, and has been investigating mainly passport fraud since 2008. He is confident that TCIC will be an effective deterrent against the passport syndicates. With a couple of successful operations besides the two mentioned above already under his division’s belt, the confidence seems justified. “The unit presently consists of eight officers who are specialists in various fields of law enforcement. We have authorization for 15 officers, so we will recruit seven more specialists. The quality of our officers is more important than their number. The structure of the TCIC is designed to respond to transnational and organized crime using primarily intelligence capabilities. “The TCIC is divided into three sections: Intelligence Administration and Coordination; Data Management and Network Systems Development; and Operations. Each section will eventually be assigned five investigators. “After we recruit more specialists, we will expand from migration crimes to other transnational crimes. As for the former, we now have a lot of valuable information. We are involved in migration fraud that includes forgery and alteration of passports and other identification documents. Most of our work deals with organized crime involving foreigners and requires cross-border investigation. “Terrorists, drugs or weapon smugglers, or people committing other crimes obviously don’t want to use their own identification documents. We are focusing on syndicates who have the resources and manpower to commit serious crimes, not on one individual who decided to commit a crime. “We are also cooperating with about 10 foreign law enforcement agencies and a number
Just some of the passports the TCIC has uncovered on its operations
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of local ones. International cooperation is very important and crucial to put a stop to these kinds of criminal activities. According to the Special Case law, the DSI can request assistance from any Thai government agency. I must say that we are receiving excellent cooperation from all Thai government agencies. “Migration fraud is usually complicated and cases require a lot of time to crack. We are looking for the kingpins, and not out to arrest a courier or a worker. Normally it takes six to eight months to conclude an operation.” Mr. Tinawut said intelligence gathered by his division indicates there are about 20 foreign groups that deal mainly with passport fraud in Thailand at this time, and they are spread all over the country. “Nationals from South Asian and Middle Eastern countries are most likely to be involved in passport fraud, and to lead syndicates,” said Mr. Tinawut. He added that some of the leaders of these gangs came here 20 years ago or more and started legal enterprises such as jewelry shops, tourist agencies, import-export and garment businesses, which became fronts for criminal activities.
It’s not just passports the TCIC finds on its raids; fake stamps and visa stickers are also common
“We have six cases at this moment. We are constantly collecting intelligence from local and foreign sources. We have seized over 1,000 passports, some already altered, from 10 countries. About 90 per cent are stolen, but some are sold by the owners.” The gangs supply passports to customers inside and outside Thailand. Clients often travel here to purchase passports or they are delivered by couriers. With few exceptions the passports are used to commit crimes outside of Thailand. Sometime passports are stolen abroad and sent to Thailand for alterations, such as replacing photos, said Mr. Tinawut. Counterfeiters will also supply other fake ID items such as drivers’ licenses. “It is hard to identify which people come here with bad intentions,” said Mr. Tinawut. “Most foreigners arrive here on tourist visas and it is hard to check the criminal background of every foreigner at the immigration checkpoints. Tens of thousands of people arrive, transit or depart everyday at airports and other checkpoints. “Secondly, it is easy for criminals to find a Thai partner and use them as an assistant, for example to open bank accounts in order to conceal assets obtained by committing criminal activities. When the police arrest the criminal they can’t seize his or her assets immediately because they are in the name of a Thai person who usually has no legal connection to the criminal, even though they may be living together. “Finally, it is easy to buy any kind of sophisticated equipment in Thailand to make forgeries. All you need is money, and we are talking about a very lucrative revenue source for criminal organizations. “One stolen passport, if in good condition and with three to five years left before its expiration date, sells for US$1,500 to $3,000, with extra charges for changing photos, adding counterfeit Schengen stickers, rubber stamps, etc.”
Criminals adopting ‘imposter’ strategy
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Mr. Tinawut said the syndicates don’t just sell counterfeit passports, as they did in the past, but often add only some counterfeit parts. What’s more, stolen passports are increasingly sold without the syndicates changing anything. In such a case the passport will be used by a person of similar appearance, an imposter who hopes to fool officers at immigration checkpoints, whether departing, transiting or arriving. “In these cases the passport gangs don’t change the photo or any other information,” said Mr. Tinawut. “They just look through their stock of passports and select a suitable one to fit the customer. So the passport is genuine in every way. It is the person using it who is the fake,” said Mr. Tinawut. This development makes it very difficult for law enforcement agencies. “If you have another person’s passport in your pocket, I can’t arrest you because I have to first prove the passport was stolen, altered or counterfeited. Only the embassy can confirm that and this is logistically impossible find out on the spot. It takes time. The criminals know this. “The bosses behind the transnational crime syndicates are professionals. They know the weak points of law enforcement, the gaps in the law, and the limits of our regulations, and they know how to exploit them. “The technique of law enforcement today should be to develop intelligence. We never enter the wrong premises when making an arrest or a search because before we go we know exactly who is there and what kind of illegal items we will find. “After we make arrests and seize evidence, we will examine everything, check all phone numbers and email addresses that have been used. They can lead us to other members of the syndicate or to other syndicates. The people behind passport fraud are all connected in some way. We never throw anything away. Our unit ideology is ‘intelligence leads the way.’ We keep every piece of information because it can be useful in other cases. “For various reasons, Thailand is still the best place for foreign syndicates to operate passport fraud, and they cooperate with each other. There is a big demand for passports, and identity fraud is a tool to support other criminal activities. “When we started to go after the syndicates for the first time in 2008, we sent a strong message to them. The syndicates now know very well that we are after them, but the money is too good for them to stop. That’s why they don’t care that their products will get into the hands of terrorists and other criminals. They cause big damage to the reputation of Thailand,” said Mr. Tinawut. “Our message to the syndicates remains the same: ‘The DSI won’t allow you to do business in Thailand as you did in the past. We will watch you and it is only a matter of time before we arrest you. And we are not alone in this pursuit – we have the cooperation of many international law enforcement agencies as well.’”
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Y O U R U L T I M A T E W H A T ’ S O N G U I D E F O R A U G U S T 1 2
What’s on pArt pPerformance pSport pFootball pMovies & Albums pBooks
The Queen’s Cup International Triathlon returns to Hua Hin on August 19. Page 88
Indie rock
Bangkok indie-scene favourites The Standards to perform on Aug 24 Page 87
Mozart magic
The Bangkok Grand Opera to serve up an evening of classics Page 87
Thailand Open The popular annual tennis tournament returns on Sept 22 Page 88
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WHAT’S ON THE ARTS
Exhibitions UNTIL AUG 31 SOMBAT PERMPOON GALLERY
SOMBAT COLLECTION SAWASDI TANTISUK
HERE’S a chance to view over 29 paintings by one of Thailand’s great cultural treasures, Sawasdi Tantisuk. The artist has exhibited his work throughout Europe and Asia and picked up several honours, including Artist of Distinction in Painting from Silpakorn University. He also holds a diploma in painting from the Academy of Fine Arts, Rome, Italy. 12 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Klongtoey Nua. sombatpermpoongallery.com
☎ 02 254 6040-6
UNTIL AUG 31 PARICHART COURT, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK
ROMANCE OF THE GROTESQUE
THAI artist Pomm Jitpratuk presents his most provocative series of explicitly charged paintings to date. Inspired by western occult symbolism and influenced by the 19th century illustrations of Aubrey Beardsley, who challenged the conservative repression of Victorian Britain, Pomm’s finite linear paintings in acrylic and India Ink on paper revel in the imperfect and the bizarre.
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155 Rajadamri Road. 02 126 8866 fourseasons.com/Bangkok
AUG 9 – SEPT 2 ARDEL’S THIRD PLACE GALLERY
AUG 25 – SEPT 30 ARDEL GALLERY OF MODERN ART
INSPIRED by the human body, famous singer, songwriter and artist Tik Chiro presents a series of quirky nudes and portraits which are bound to leave you mesmerized.
BURNING Sunlight by Anurak Thangsomboon presents mixed media sculptures exploring both natural and manmade forms. Through his works, Anurak also reflects on his own life lessons and contemplates the importance of sharing emotions.
NUDE ME & MORE
Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor Soi 10. Open Tues-Sat 10.30am-7pm; Sun 10.30am-5.30pm (closed Mon). 02 422 2092 ardelgallery.com
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BURNING SUNLIGHT
Boromratchonnee Road. Open Tues – Sun 10.30am-7.30pm (closed Mon). 02 422 2092 ardelgallery.com
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UNTIL SEPT 2 GARDEN GALLERY, NEILSON HAYS LIBRARY
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
NICOLE Kircher, an American artist now based in Bangkok, exhibits a series of paintings she completed this summer at the Art and Cultural Studies Laboratory in Yerevan, Armenia. Her figure-based paintings explore how, within each person, there are conflicting beliefs, desires, and values. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Road. Open Mon-Sun 9.30am-6pm. 02 233 1731 neilsonhayslibrary.com
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5 hot choices
Aug 26 Bangkok Convention Center, Central Plaza Ladprao
Aug 24 The Robin Hood Pub
The Standards
BANGKOK indie-scene favourites The Standards return to The Robin Hood Pub this month to belt out their own dance-inducing repertoire of sexy-electronic tunes, rock and roll, and loud Britpop. Followed by DJ Yark spinning indie, Britpop, and ’60s tunes. Free entry.
Robin Hood Pub, Sukhumvit 33/1 (near Phrom Phong BTS). (For more info about the band: : thestandardstunes.com)
☎ 02 662 3390
Overdrive Day 4: Gus G. Live in Bangkok
THE Overdrive guitar contest returns to Bangkok with a day of performances and workshops (starting noon) capped by a concert by Ozzy Osborne and Firewind guitarist, Gus G. Tickets: B1,500 from : Thaiticketmajor.com
Aug 21 & 22 Thailand Cultural Center
Mozart Magic & Musical Concert
EXPECT an evening of romance, tragedy, comedy, and pathos, when the Bangkok Grand Opera, under the artistic direction of Stefan Sanchez, presents excerpts from many of the greatest international operas and musicals. Mozart’s Magic Flute will serenade Lloyd Webber’s Cats, and Rossini’s Barber of Seville will have a very close shave with the Fiddler on the Roof. Tickets: B600 (B400 for students). Available from : Thaiticketmajor.com. Shows start each night at 8pm.
Sept 5 Goethe Institute Auditorium
Sept 5 Bangkok Convention Center, Central Plaza Ladprao
Piano Recital by Atsuko Seta
OSAKA-born pianist Atsuko Seta has won many outstanding prizes, including top prize of the Masterplayers International Music Competition in Italy. She performs in Europe every year and through her performances helps support Peace Concert & Charity for Asian children. Catch her performing a varied programme which includes works by Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, and Alberto Ginastera. Tickets; B500 (B250 for students) from Robinson Piano in Siam Discovery Center (5th floor) 02 658 1080-1 Performance starts 8pm.
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The Larry Carlton Quartet Live in Bangkok
GRAMMY-award winning American guitarist Larry Carlton fronts a four-man group featuring Travis Carlton on bass, Dennis Hamm on piano, and Gene Coye on drums. Gates open 7pm. Tickets range B1,500 to B3,500 from : Thaiticketmajor.com
Coming soon! Sept 10 – Oct 14
14th International Festival of Dance and Music. Look out for more info in next month’s issue!
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WHAT’S ON OUTDOOR FUN
Sport Aug 19 Hua Hin
Queen’s Cup Hua Hin International Triathlon
THE fourth edition of this increasingly popular triathlon will take place in Baan Kao Tao, an idyllic fishermen’s village located 10km south of Hua Hin. The event celebrates Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday and the royal family’s commitment to sports. With over 500 racers expected, it’s set to become one of the largest triathlons in South East Asia. A prize money purse of 200,000 baht will be awarded to the winners in different categories. The event is supported by the Hua Hin municipality, Sport Bicycle Company Limited, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Thai Hotel Association (THA). :huahintriathlon.com or :ama-events.com
Sept 22 – 30 Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani
Thailand Open 2012
THIS popular annual tournament returns next month with more of the top names in tennis. Leading the field, competing for $608,500 in prize money are world number eight Janko Tipsarevic; 2009 champion Gilles Simon (pictured); crowd favourites Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils, and Richard Gasquet; and the two hottest young stars in the game: Australia’s Bernard Tomic and Canadian sensation Milos Raonic (ranked number 24). Tickets: Start at B300 from :Thaiticketmajor.com
Premier League Fixtures Sat Aug 18
Arsenal v Sunderland Everton v Manchester United Fulham v Norwich City Manchester City v Southampton Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur Queens Park Rangers v Swansea City Reading v Stoke City West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool West Ham United v Aston Villa Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Sat Aug 25
Aston Villa v Everton Chelsea v Newcastle United Liverpool v Manchester City Manchester United v Fulham Norwich City v Queens Park Rangers Southampton v Wigan Athletic Stoke City v Arsenal Sunderland v Reading Swansea City v West Ham United Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion
Sat Sept 1
Oct 19 – 21 Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel
Asia Fitness Convention Sept 26 and Oct 6 CHIANG MAI AND HUA HIN
PowerPlay Golf
THE fourth round of the dynamic nine-hole golf tournament, PowerPlay Golf, will be held at Chiang Mai’s Star Dome Golf Club on Sept 26. This will be followed by the Thailand Finals on Oct 6 at Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Golf Club. For more info: :asiangolfevents.com
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HELD under a theme of “Inspiration + Passion = Transformation”, this year’s Asia Fitness Convention will have a line-up of around 40 world-class fitness and health experts who are living testaments of the theme, such as Peter Twist, a successful trainer and performance coach; Steve Cotter, a world-renowned martial artist and strength and conditioning specialist; and Dr. Emily Splichal, a human movement specialist, expert lecturer and TV personality who has appeared several times on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Before Sept 30, registration for three days is B12,990; two days is B11,190; and one day is 8,290.:asia-fitness.com
Chelsea v Reading Liverpool v Arsenal Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers Newcastle United v Aston Villa Southampton v Manchester United Swansea City v Sunderland Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City West Bromwich Albion v Everton West Ham United v Fulham Wigan Athletic v Stoke City
Sat Sept 15
Arsenal v Southampton Aston Villa v Swansea City Everton v Newcastle United Fulham v West Bromwich Albion Manchester United v Wigan Athletic Norwich City v West Ham United Queens Park Rangers v Chelsea Reading v Tottenham Hotspur Stoke City v Manchester City Sunderland v Liverpool
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WHAT’S ON sport
Thai Premier League
Soccer pundit Paul Hewitt examines what’s happening in the world of Thai football
Thinking the unthinkable
SO it’s official: there is match fixing in the Thai Premier League. That is to say, a referee has been suspended for four years for taking a bribe to influence the outcome of the Chainat v BEC Tero Sasana game in May. The problem is that the referee in question, Manop Bansakorn, has been tried, convicted and sentenced on evidence which wouldn’t satisfy the courtrooms of any country in the world that has even the slightest pretence to democracy. Mr Manop failed a lie detector test – specifically one question: “Did you receive money to influence the outcome of the game?” The machine ‘proved’ he was lying and on that ‘evidence’ he was banned from his profession for four years. There was no direct evidence; no circumstantial evidence and, most disturbingly, no hint or suggestion of who were the paymasters behind the bribed referee. Just one ‘failed’ answer according to Jerry Springer’s favoured weapon of choice. I don’t wish to sound flippant. It is vitally important that any match-fixing is rooted out and the perpetrators dealt with, but this is surely not the way. Referees are a soft, easy target; they are also the small fry. It would take far more resources and guts to go after the club chairmen, presidents and local politicians who are likely to be the source of any such corruption. It is also crucial that any investigation monitors the potential involvement of players. A glance at the dark history of football match-fixing reveals that players were implicated in the majority of scandals – very few solely involved referees acting alone. But to think such thoughts will require a change in mentality by the Thai football authorities and paying public. Thai players are the aristocratic golden boys who can do no wrong. Behave how they might – dive, feign injury, time-waste, verbally and physically abuse officials – they will still get applauded by both sets of fans after the match. Meanwhile, the referees are the medieval village idiots – there to have verbal rotten tomatoes thrown at them; to be mocked, scorned and, now, mistrusted. Convincing the authorities and fans that their players don’t walk on water and are more likely to be corrupt than referees is likely to be an even bigger challenge than passing a lie detector test.
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League One in focus
WITH every passing week it seems more and more likely that Muangthong United will run away with the 2012 TPL title race. Time, therefore, to give League 1 (formally known as Division 1) some attention. Only one of the capital’s clubs is in the promotion race. That club is Bangkok United, who are in sixth place and three points off the third promotion place at the time of writing. The club from the other side of the river, Bangkok FC, have spent big on players but are firmly rooted in lower mid-table. Thai National Team striker Sarayoot Chaikamdee arrived at the Bang Mod Stadium from Army United in the transfer window but has so far been unable to inspire a change of fortunes for the Bulligans. They should have enough talent in the squad to stay up, though. It’s a sign of the success of the Regional League that Bangkok-based clubs are few and far between in the second tier these days. Bangkok’s United and F.C are the only clubs left in the capital proper. Air Force United, who play just outside Bangkok in Pathum Thani, look set for a mid-table finish, and JW Rangsit (currently playing in Nakhon Nayok despite their name) will do well to avoid the drop. But it is provincial clubs dominating in 2012 with two out of the current top three only promoted from the Regional League last year: Ratchaburi and Krabi. The former are well clear at the top and have only lost once this season. Promotion seems a certainty for The Dragons.
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Stadia of Bangkok, part 1: The Rajamangala National Stadium FOOTBALL grounds have been a passion of mine since I discovered Simon Inglis (Google him!) in my teens. Thus this new series is more an architectural tour than a matchday guide for fans. First up is the biggest stadium in Bangkok. The Rajamangala National Stadium: any number of hyperbolic adjectives could be used to describe this astonishing structure. But owing to the exterior’s vast expanses of arcaded grey concrete, without a shred of glass or scrap of metal to soften its lines, ‘beautiful’ is not one of them. The Rajamangala and surrounding sporting facilities were purpose-built for the 1998 Asian Games, and the main stadium in Hua Mak has been used on and off by the national team since then. It was also a venue for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. Unusually, for a stadium this size and in this day and age, we find floodlight pylons – two of them. Each gantry sits
atop two staggeringly tall legs, like a one-third-amputated War of the Worlds Martian. The arena itself is a continuous, elliptical construction on a grand scale. The roofless eastern side is two-tiered. The lower tier is relatively modest when compared with the immense upper tier which looms above. Its height peaks level with the halfway line and dramatically falls away as the tribune curves round to the identical north and south ends. In the middle of each end, the ever narrowing upper tier, now just a dozen or so rows deep, is interrupted by a monolithic white concrete block. At the northern end this ugly lump is topped by an Olympic torch; at the southern end the face of the block has a scoreboard mounted on it. Presumably both blocks were originally intended to get scoreboards. As it is, they rudely disrupt the flowing, undulating line of the upper tier, and the stark appearance of the block
at the northern end is somewhat inexplicable. Beyond these blocks, the upper tier rises up once more to form the towering west stand. The same dimensions as the east, the west benefits from being fully covered by a gigantic, arching, cantilever roof. A wide, decorative, crisscross fascia gives the roof added distinction. This stand houses the press boxes, VIP seats and, within, all of the facilities one would expect from a major national stadium. The current capacity of the stadium is just under 50,000, reduced from its original 65,000 after seats were installed in the north, south and east sides in 2007. It’s not a beautiful stadium, and it’s by no means the only large multi-purpose bowl in the region. But thanks to its dramatic sweeps and curves, and its sky-scraper-like height, there’s nothing quite like it.
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WHAT’S ON SCREEN AND STEREO
Movies & music AUG 2 SCI-FI
TOTAL RECALL
AUG 9 DRAMA, MUSICAL
ROCK OF AGES
ROCK of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and city boy Drew (Diego Boneta), who meet on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and more.
AUG 23 ANIMATED ADVENTURE
RECALL the scene with the three-breasted woman in the Arnold Schwarzenegger 1990 original? Well that scene makes a comeback, but expect lots of new visual thrills in this mind-bending Sci-Fi adventure starring Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid, who takes a mind-trip procedure that goes horribly wrong, and then finds himself on the run from the cops as he attempts to find out who he really is, and why he’s a wanted man.
AUG 16 ACTION
THE EXPENDABLES 2
THE PIRATES: BAND OF MISFITS
HUGH Grant stars in his first animated role as the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain – a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side (Martin Freeman, Brendan Gleeson, Russell Tovey, and Ashley Jensen), the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) to the much coveted Pirate Of The Year Award.
THE beefiest stars of the action movie genre are getting together for the second time to blow things up in style. Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) – with newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan) – are enlisted by Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) for a seemingly simple job which, of course, turns into a full scale battle with the odds stacked against them.
Movie screenings are subject to change. Keep up to date at movieseer.com
MEMORYLANE
NEW MUSIC DETOX DR DRE
TWELVE years in the making, Dr. Dre’s follow-up to his monumental, six-million-selling 1999 album, 2001, has been delayed so many times that Hip Hop fans thought it would never see the light of day. Fingers crossed it’ll be worth the wait. (Release date: Aug 6)
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THE SPIRIT INDESTRUCTIBLE (DELUXE) NELLY FURTADO
FURTADO’S first English studio album since 2006’s Loose features collaborations with Nas, Fraser T. Smith, Mike Angelakos, and the Kenyan Boys Choir. Expect an upbeat sound blending elements of urban, alternative, and reggae, much like Furtado’s smash hit debut, ‘Whoah! Nelly.’ (Release date: Sept 14)
MUSIC FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION AEROSMITH
THE rock veterans’ 15th studio album will be their first to feature all-new material since 2001’s Just Push Play. With first single ‘Legendary Child’ suggesting the band hasn’t lost any of its charm or swagger, we reckon this will be a winner. (Release date: Aug 28)
TOPPING THE UK CHARTS AUG 1982
1. Duran Duran – Save A Prayer 2. Soft Cell – What 3. Rocker’s Revenge – Walking On Sunshine 4. Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry 5. Kids From Fame – Hi-Fidelity 6. Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King – Love Come Down 7. Toto Coelo – I Eat Cannibals Part 1 8. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message 9. David Christie – Saddle Up 10. Haircut 100 – Nobody’s Fool
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WHAT’S ON BARGAINS GALORE
Tradeshows Aug 2 – 13 BITEC
HomeWorks Expo
RETAIL giants HomeWorks and PowerBuy join forces for a big sale featuring top brand home products and electrical goods at specially reduced prices. www.homeworks.co.th
Aug 4 – 12 IMPACT
Thailand’s Grand Sale
FURNITURE, fashion, wedding packages, electronics and more go on sale at this huge annual fair. www.unionpan.com
Aug 8 – 12 BITEC
Thailand’s Best Buys
A SHOPAHOLIC’S dream come true, this popular sale features a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and brand name products from local and international manufacturers. www.thaibestbuys.com
Aug 16 – 19 QSNCC
Thai International Travel Fair
WITH “Amazing Winter” as its theme, this event will feature bargain winter tour packages from leading local and international tourism industry operators, along with hotel packages, resorts, spas, tourism-related equipment, car rental firms, and representatives of international tourism boards. Open each day 11am-8pm. www.titf-ttaa.com
Aug 16 –19 QSNCC
including all types of houses and condominiums in every imaginable location and price range. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.home.co.th
SHOP from a wide range of Thai and International products such as fasionable clothing, jewelry, electronics, toys, leather shoes and bags, health and beauty products, and more. A special zone will feature top Japanese brands. Open each day 10am-9pm. www.mac-exhibition.com
Aug 23 – 26 QSNCC
Urban Shopping and Japan Mania
Aug 18 – 19 IMPACT
Made in Thailand
THAILAND-based manufacturers showcase their wares and offer special discounts here. Among the product categories on offer are health and beauty, home and garden, electronics and auto parts, and food and beverages. Open each day 10am-9pm. www.madeinthailandfair.com
Aug 18 – 26 IMPACT
Sports World Expo
A SHOWCASE of Thailand’s sporting industry, where local and international sporting equipment and accessories, and all sports related products and services, will be on sale. Open Mon-Thur, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sun (and holidays) 10am-11pm. www.impact.co.th
Aug 23 – 26 QSNCC
Home Buyers’ Expo
BROWSE through a multitude of special promotions on over 300 new residential properties,
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Cosmetics & Beauty Brand
A MUST visit for health and beauty enthusiasts, this big fair features a vast array of products and services from leading Thai and imported brands, including cosmetics, perfumes, dietary supplements, beauty products, massage/spa/slimming services, massage machines, fitness equipment, beauty technology, dental clinics, and more. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.mac-exhibition.com
Aug 30 – Sept 2 QSNCC
Thai Teaw Thai
PLANNING a holiday? You’ll find plenty of tantalizing options at this comprehensive travel fair featuring deals to international destinations. Open each day 10am-9pm. www.pkexhibition.com
Sept 1 – 9 IMPACT
Bangkok Wedding Fair
jewelry from many international brands go on sale at this popular fair. Open each day 11am-9pm. www.worldfair.co.th
Sept 1 – 9 IMPACT
Bangkok Furniture Fair
FIND all the gear you need to deck out your condo or home at this big sale featuring furniture to suit all tastes. Open each day 11am-9pm. www.worldfair.co.th
Sept 5 – 7 BITEC
Oil and Gas Thailand
THIS specialized oil and gas technology event brings together an international congregation of oil and gas companies and supporting industries. www.oilgasthai.com
Sept 5 – 9 IMPACT
National Herb Expo
FIND out more about the medicinal properties of herbs and shop from a wide range of herbal products and services. Open each day 10am-8pm. www.natherbexpo.com
The details:
WEDDING planners, caterers, photographers and all related businesses/services showcase their wares and offer special promotions. Open each day 11am-9pm. www.worldfair.co.th
• Impact Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Road, Banmai Subdistrict, Pakkred District, Nonthaburi. Tel: 02 833 4455 www. impact.co.th
Sept 1 – 9 IMPACT
• Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok. Tel: 02 229 3000 www.qsncc.co.th
Fashion and Jewelry Fair
• BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trad Road (Km.1), Bangna, Bangkok. Tel: 02 749 3939 www.bitec.co.th
CLOTHES, accessories, and
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Social Last month’s best events in pictures
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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS
INDEPENDENCE DAY PICNIC
AmCham Thailand’s Independence Day Picnic at KIS International School pulled in a crowd of around 2,500 people who enjoyed a great day of games, music, food and drinks, and lots of great prizes.
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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS
BOB COOMBES MARKS 40 YEARS WITH CHOICE FOODS
Friends and customers of Choice Foods, run by Bob Coombes, were invited to a cocktail party at the Grand Hyatt Erawan to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary and also to sample some of the products on display at a two-day food show held at the hotel earlier.
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ALOFT’S CRAVE SHOWCASE
Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 hosted a special event to celebrate Crave restaurant’s new menu. Called ‘Crave Showcase,’ the event gave guests the chance to try the new dishes alongside high quality wines, and also featured a spectacular cooking show by Executive Chef Nine and his culinary team.
FITNESS FUN IN HUA HIN
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa invited hotel guests and Hua Hin residents to join the official grand opening of its new Sheraton Fitness programme, which has been set up in partnership with renowned training experts Core Performance. Guests at the event took part in a series of fun fitness games followed by a healthy food tasting and a Thai massage. For more info see: www.sheraton.com/fitness.
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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS
ROADHOUSE TURNS SIX
The popular Roadhouse Barbecue on Surawongse Road celebrated its sixth anniversary with a big party featuring a sumptuous buffet of the restaurant’s famous meats, as well as free flowing drinks.
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COTTON BAR’S JAZZ IMPRESSIONS
Cotton Jazz Bar at Shanghai Mansion Bangkok gave music fans plenty to get excited about when it hosted a two night jazz festival called ‘The Impression Night.’ Various singers and performers took to the stage on each night to perform jazz renditions of many international hits.
Every Monday Buy 1 Get 1 Free TOP PLACE IN TOWN
Christie’s Club Happy Hours 5pm. to 9pm. Beer B90/drink
Good time Great atmosphere Stylish venue
Catwalk Model Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33 Tel. 02-258-5730, 02-258-5728 www.christies-club.com
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SOCIAL LAST MONTH’S BEST EVENTS
ROTARIANS END YEAR IN STYLE
Rotary Club of Bangkok South held its annual Installation Dinner at the Dusit Thani Bangkok on Saturday 30 June. During the dinner, outgoing President Mark Butters reported on the Club’s activities for 2011/2012, and members with 100% attendance during the year received recognition. Also during the event, Past President Nart Liuchareon, Rtn. Vinai Phuttinin and Rtn. Gary White each received Honorary Paul Harris Fellows for their services to the Club. The evening concluded with the installation of Nick Pisalyaput as the Club President of 2012/2013, and the Board of Directors for the year.
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REMBRANDT MARKS 19 YEARS
The Rembrandt Hotel celebrated its 19th anniversary with a day-long event which started in the morning with a traditional Thai monk ceremony, followed in the afternoon by an award ceremony granting service awards to Rembrandt’s associates.
BYPS AT DOLCETTO & CO
The Bangkok Young Professionals networking group gathered at Dolcetto & Co, Sukhumvit 39, for a fun night of networking held under the concept of “La Dolce Vita.” Fine wine, tasty tapas and delicious desserts were served in true Italian style, and DJ Esquire added plenty of atmosphere with his eclectic selection of peppy Italian music. For details about future BYP events see: www.midas-pr.com.
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I AM GIANT AT HARD ROCK
London based New Zealand rock band I Am Giant put on a thrilling performance when they took to the stage at Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok for a one-off gig. Highlights of the set were the band’s hit singles City Limits and Let it Go.
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THAILAND’S BEST SOMMELIER
The fifth edition of the annual ‘Thailand’s Best Sommelier’ competition once again brought together the nation’s top sommeliers for two-days of exams at the Dusit Thani Bangkok. As usual, the event was capped with a grand wine tasting and cocktail reception attended by VIPs, celebrities and big players in the international wine trade. The winner of this year’s event was Mr. Chalong Songkroh, sommelier at Anantara Phuket Villas. Coming in joint second-place were Mr. Suvit Chanphen, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, and Mr. Yongyuth Sripintha, The Peninsula Bangkok. The event was sponsored by Riedel Wine Glass, and the opening was presided over by Mr. Anuchit Saeng-on, Group Product Manager, representative of Italthai Food and Beverage Solutions.
LEVELS RAISES THE BAR
The hip new Levels Club & Lounge, Sukhumvit 11, celebrated its grand opening with a huge party attended by celebs and VIPs. Located next to Aloft Bangkok on the sixth floor, the club covers 1,000 square meters and is divided into four zones: Levels Club, Levels VIP, Levels Terrace, and Levels Lounge. For more info: www.levelsclub.com
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MOVERS & SHAKERS AT ANANTARA RIVERSIDE The Movers & Shakers monthly charity networking events are the talk of the town at the moment, so it was no surprise to see that the group’s June edition at Trader Vic’s restaurant, Anantara Riverside Bangkok, drew another big crowd of, well, movers and shakers. Free-flow drinks and lots of tasty food provided plenty of fuel for the networkers, who all enjoyed swapping contact details and talking late into the night. The event was sponsored by the Tulip Group. For details about next month’s event see: www.moversshakerscharity.com
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SZECHUAN FLAVOURS AT CUISINE UNPLUGGED Chinese food fans were treated to a gourmet feast last month when Pullman Bangkok King Power hosted a “Szechuan Food Festival” at Cuisine Unplugged. Cooking up dishes for the event was guest chef Wan Jingson, Executive Chef at Beijing Earls Golf Club, who had been flown to Bangkok especially for the occasion.
GOURMET TREATS AT PULLMAN Bangkok gourmets ventured to Pullman Bangkok King Power’s Infinity Room to enjoy an exquisite ‘Château Faugères Wine Tasting and Dinner.’ The event was hosted by the hotel’s GM, Marc Begassat, together with Silvio Denz, owner of Château Faugères, and Alain Dourthe, Master of Wine.
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AUSTALIAN PUB’S BIG BIRTHDAY BASH The Australian Pub and BBQ celebrated its third anniversary in true Aussie fashion with a big party featuring free drinks and food and some great music.
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WINE DISCOVERY AT WINE CELLAR
Wine Cellar’s first Wednesday of the month wine tasting events always draw big crowds and last month’s event was no exception. Each month the tastings feature a different selection of wines to try and plenty of tasty nibbles. For more info see www.winecellarbkk.com.
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GOLDEN TULIP CELEBRATES THE GOOD LIFE
Golden Tulip Mandison Suites on Sukhumvit Soi 20 celebrated its grand opening by inviting mainstream media, celebrities, and Bangkok’s elite to see the property and experience its hospitality. The hotel is the kingdom’s third, and newest, property to be licensed under the Golden Tulip Hospitality Group, one of the world’s leading international hotel chains from France.
AUSTCHAM’S ALUMNI GET TOGETHER AustCham’s Alumni Get Together was attended by a large number of Thais who enjoyed sharing their experiences of studying in Australia and showcased the creative skills they’d learnt.
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Diplomats p Meet the people uniting nations
Australian Ambassador James Wise talks candidly about his country’s relationship with Thailand. Page 112
Czech trade
How the Czech Republic plans to build relations in the region Page 116 TheBigChilli 111
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DIPLOMAT AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR
A word with Australian Ambassador James Wise With this year marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and Thailand, His Excellency James Wise, Australian ambassador to the Kingdom, gives his thoughts on a variety of important topics
By Maxmilian Wechsler
• Hopes to find a way around the proposal to relocate the Australian embassy to a more secure site in Bangkok • Prime Minister Yingluck “impressive” in her meetings with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other ministers, and also in her engagement with the Australian business community • Australia has “fond” memories of the contribution Thaksin Shinawatra made to relations between the two countries when he was Thailand’s PM • Since the Thailand Australia Trade Free Agreement (TAFTA) came into force in Januar y, 2005, trade has more than doubled, with Australia moving from being Thailand’s 12th largest trading partner to its sixth largest • The major Thai export to Australia is gold, and the major Australian export to Thailand is also gold • The murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith in Phuket in June got a lot of coverage in the Australian press, and it will affect people’s perceptions of Thailand
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AUSTRALIA’S embassy, located on 1.2 hectares on South Sathorn Road, is an amazing place. Designed by Australian architect Ken Woolley, its architecture and landscaping are breathtaking. The ambassador’s residence, where this interview was conducted, is a tastefully decorated house with a beautiful garden surrounded by a large pond. The compound is so quiet and serene, it’s almost like being in a tropical forest – until you look up and spot several multi-storey towers that weren’t there when the embassy opened in 1979. It has to be one of the most attractive embassies in Thailand, but for security reasons the Australian government has decided to relocate. “It is a very nice embassy,” agreed Mr. Wise. “And we are lucky to have it, but there is a proposal that we move, which is unfortunate. After the bombings in Bali and against our embassy in Jakarta, the Australian government came up with a new security template which says embassies should be set back from the perimeter fence by at least 30 metres on all sides. Sadly, this embassy doesn’t have that. “A plot of land for the new embassy has been identified. It is actually bigger than this one. However, I still like to think that
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we can find way around it (to move),” added the ambassador. “The embassy in Bangkok is one of our biggest in the world, with about 60 Australians and about 120 Thais working here. It has water, the greenery – you can’t believe that you are in the middle of Bangkok. It is pity that we might have to move, and I would love to think that we won’t.” Born on Flinders Island about 20 kilometres northeast of the island of Tasmania, Mr. Wise studied at University of Tasmania in Hobart before transferring to Melbourne University to study Indian history. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in1982. Mr. Wise is a career diplomat with 30 years of service and a strong interest in the history and politics of India. This is partly for personal reasons, as he explained: “I once travelled to India to collect some material for my history project, and I collected a wife as well. Her name is Teresa. We have two adult children, a son Matthew and a daughter Anita.
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“My career at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade began with a posting as third secretary in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from 1983 to 1985. The second assignment was in Moscow where I was second and then first secretary (19871991). My third posting was in Bangkok as the deputy head of our embassy (1995-1998). My first ambassadorial posting was in Kuala Lumpur as Australia’s High Commissioner (2003-2007). I returned to Bangkok in August 2010 as ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand.” Mr. Wise has also held various positions in Canberra, including senior analyst at the Office of National Assessments (1991 to1994); director, Russia, East Europe and Central Asia Section (1994 to 1995); assistant secretary, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Branch (1998 to 1999) and first assistant secretary of South Pacific, Africa and Middle East Division (2001 to 2002). His last position before coming to Thailand was in the ministry’s head office in Canberra, where he was first assistant secretary, Corporate Management Division, from 2007 to 2010. He talked of his posting in Moscow in the early 90s: “To be in the Soviet Union during the Gorbachev period was so stimulating. We didn’t always understand at the time, but it was a revolutionary period. The collapse of the Soviet Union was indeed revolutionary. I think history will judge it as one of the most peaceful revolutions ever. It was a huge structural change across a large part of the world’s surface. “With some notable exceptions, during the late 1980s and early 1990s momentous change happened very peacefully. So it was naturally a very interesting time to be in Moscow,” explained the ambassador, who prior to his Moscow posting, learned to speak and write Russian. “Currently, I am trying to learn Thai but as yet I’m not very good at it.” Mr. Wise’s first visit to Thailand was in December 1978 while on his way to India. His first posting here ran from January 1995 to January 1998. “I witnessed two and half years of the economic boom and the first six months of the financial crisis,” he says. “Our ambassadorial terms are normally three years but it is not uncommon for it to be extended for a year. I was lucky to serve four years in Kuala Lumpur. I would very much like to get four years in Bangkok, but that depends on decisions in Canberra. “I try to travel outside Bangkok as often as I can but not often enough. One of the hazards of diplomatic life in most places is that diplomats spend more time than they should in the capital and not enough time in the rest of the country, and this is especially true here. To understand Thailand effectively you really do need to speak to people outside Bangkok, especially in the populous areas of the Northeast and the North. I have also visited the South on several occasions and been twice to the three southernmost provinces,” the ambassador said.
were elevated to embassy status in 1955. The Australian embassy later moved to Silom Road. The current embassy was officially opened on Australia Day, January 26, in 1979. “As for the celebration of Australia – Thailand 60th anniversary of relations, the pinnacle was the official visit by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck to Australia last May,” said Mr. Wise. “PM Yingluck made a very good impression in her meetings with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other ministers, and also in her engagement with the Australian business community. About 70 Thai business people accompanied her. Business was a very important focus for the visit. If you have to point to one element of the visit that portends well for the future it is in the area of commercial relations. A lot of good business was done during that visit. Khun Yingluck is a very pleasant person and easy to get on with,” Mr. Wise said. “When Thaksin Shinawatra was the prime minister we also enjoyed very good relations with Thailand. During his administration we negotiated the free trade agreement which has made a major contribution to bilateral relations. We have fond memories of the contribution that he made to relations between Australia and Thailand. “I can say without any hesitation at all that the real strength of Thailand is the quality of its public officials. It is very hard to find any country in the region which has as high a quality of civil servants as Thailand. Whether it is foreign or other ministries, if we have an issue we want to raise we can be very confident that we will meet with people who understand the issue and who are keen to understand Australia’s perspective. “Equally important, Thai officials understand fully what Thailand’s interests are. They will always very professionally present that perspective, so we fully understand where there might be differences. The professionalism of the foreign ministry and the civil service is really impressive.” This cooperative attitude is reflected in security alliances between the two countries as well. “We continue to have strong defense relations with Thailand, but another element of the security relationship which has grown is strong cooperation on law enforcement. Thai officials are very open to cooperation because, like us, they realize that if we cooperate on law enforcement we make both Thailand and Australia safer.”
“I can say without any hesitation at all that the real strength of Thailand is the quality of its public officials. It is very hard to find any country in the region which has as high a quality of civil servants as Thailand.”
Bilateral relations
Australia and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1952. The first Australian chancery was opened in the same year at 124 Gottsche Lane (Sala Daeng Soi 1) and the Thai mission opened in Canberra at roughly the same time. Both missions
Partners in Trade
“In the last seven years, the big story in Thai-Australian relations has been expansion in trade. We have become very important trading partners. Since the Thailand Australia Trade Free Agreement (TAFTA) came into force in January, 2005, trade has more than doubled. Australia has moved from being Thailand’s 12th largest trading partner to its sixth largest. And Thailand has moved from being our 12th largest trading partner to our ninth largest. “More recently, especially during the past two or three years, the investment relationship has boomed. Investment between our countries totals more than A$15 billion, or 487 billion baht. Quite interestingly it is overwhelmingly Thai
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investment in Australia, around A$13 billion (422 billion baht),” the ambassador said. “The total trade between Australia and Thailand in 2011 was just a little under A$20 billion (649 billion baht). The balance of trade favors Thailand because, since the TAFTA came into effect, Thailand’s exports to Australia have grown enormously. We opened up our economy to Thailand and Thailand has taken advantage of that, especially in the manufacturing sector, motor vehicles in particular. “What we in Australia call ‘utilities’ and here ‘pick-up trucks’ are exported from Thailand, as well as car parts. Also equipment and machinery, air conditioners and products like that. A lot of gold is traded both ways. “On the Australian side, our biggest exports tend to be commodities like aluminum, copper, coal, zinc and also foods like beef and dairy products. There has also been some growth in manufacturing goods.” Asked whether trade between Australia and Thailand will be affected when Thailand integrates into the Asian Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, Mr. Wise answered: “I think it will. There’s a growing awareness in Australia that the emergence of the AEC means that over time there will be a more integrated market of 600 million people rather than the 10 separate markets that exist at the moment within ASEAN. “Trade goes where the price is good. It is a transaction. If Thailand is still able still to sell its products at a competitive price, then Australia will be ready to buy them. If other countries in the region offer better prices, then we will buy from other countries. The same goes for Thailand; if it can buy coal cheaper somewhere else it will. This is the nature of trade.” Interestingly, the major Thai export to Australia is gold and the major Australian export to Thailand is also gold, says the ambassador. “This is unusual. We are a very big gold producing country and Australian gold is used in the Thai jewelry industry. But Thailand has the Akara gold mine in Phichit province, which
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is a major Australian investment here. Gold from the Akara mine is exported to Australia for final processing.
Tourism Mr. Wise said: “A lot of Australian tourists come to Thailand in general and to Phuket in particular, because now there are direct flights from Australia to Phuket. Last year on these direct flights alone about 270,000 Australians visited Phuket. The total number of Australian visitors to Thailand last year was 856,000. Growth has been incredible, as the year before it was 723,000, with 660,000 visitors in 2009. So you can see a quite dramatic increase. As for Thais visiting Australia, 85,400 people visited in 2011. “We estimate that between 25,000 and 30,000 Australians are in Thailand on any day of the year. Most of them are tourists, but we have here quite a big business community as well as a number of retired people. Our 2006 census showed that around 30,000 people living in Australia were born in Thailand. “Naturally, if you have 856,000 people a year visiting Thailand, some of them will lose their passports or get into trouble of some sort, have an accident, and so on. Bangkok is by far Australia’s busiest consular post. “In dealing with these issues, our consular staff gets a lot of support from the Thai government and the Thai private sector. In Thailand we have three Honorary Consulates: in Phuket, Chiang Mai and on Koh Samui. “With so many Australians here, regrettably not every one of them is well behaved. Most of them are. I would say 99% or more of them observe Thai laws, have a very good time and go home with very positive impressions of Thailand. I hope they make a positive impression on Thais too. “Unfortunately, very small numbers get themselves into some sort of difficulty or break Thai laws. When visitors come to Australia we expect them to observe Australian laws. Equally, when Australians travel abroad they should follow the laws of
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the land they are visiting,” the ambassador stressed. Commenting on the murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith in Phuket in June and its effect on tourism, Mr. Wise said: “Sadly, a murder like that, for obvious reasons, gets a lot of coverage in the Australian press. The image it creates is negative. Such a tragic event gets so much coverage. It will affect people’s perceptions.”
Education and culture “Education is another impressive element of our bilateral relationship. Around 21,700 Thais studied in Australia last year. They are studying in Australian universities, vocational colleges, English languages programs, primary and high schools. “That’s a massive improvement from the mid-1990s, when we struggled to attract 2,000 Thai students. The educational relationship has broadened as well. There are very good links between our universities, much more research collaboration, many more exchanges between Australian and Thai professors, researchers and academics. “Cultural exchanges are also a feature of bilateral relations, involving musicians, artists, exhibitions and so on. It is not a big exchange but it is important. “More recently, we have been collaborating with Thailand in things like surf lifesaving and swimming programs. Australia has a well-known reputation in this area. We have shared our experiences and expertise to help Thailand establish swimming programs for young people and good life saving arrangements on the beaches.” This cooperation has occurred under the auspices of the Australia – Thailand Institute (ATI), set up by the Australian government as a mechanism for funding activities which reinforce the existing bilateral relationship, build institutional linkages and also stronger people-to-people linkages. “This is undertaken through a series of projects. The funding comes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade but the ATI has a board whose members are drawn from the community. One is a public servant; the rest of the board is made up of people from the worlds of business, media, culture, education, and so on. So a wide range of people decides how the money will be spent,” said Mr. Wise.
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Professional and private life in Thailand Mr. Wise keeps abreast of developments in Thailand through the media, with the help from Ms Korbua Laorujijinda, the embassy media officer. “Khun Korbua goes through Thai newspapers and brings to our attention articles that give a good picture of what is going on in Thailand, both politically and economically. She also brings to our attention any articles that are relevant to bilateral relations.” As with most diplomats, Mr. Wise’s social life is in many respects an extension of his work. “It is rare if I am not out for a function in the evening. I get a lot of invitations and try to select ones which present an opportunity to do something useful for Australia – Thailand relations or to find out more about Thailand. Our job as diplomats is to try to understand the country where we are posted. So my job is to understand Thailand, what makes the country what it is, and to try to interpret Thailand to the Australian government. “Similarly, we have an important obligation to try to interpret Australia to Thailand, to ensure that people in Thailand, especially the Thai government and the Thai commercial sector,
Community man: Mr. Wise had no qualms about giving up his time to help people affected by last year’s floods
understand what Australian positions are and also understand what Australian strengths are. “What I like most of all about being in Thailand is the opportunity to work on a major bilateral relationship. From a professional point of view it is always more rewarding if you are dealing with something that has real substance, as our relationship with Thailand has. As I’ve said, this is one of our biggest embassies. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead it. There are a lot of professional rewards from this job. “On a personal level, I enjoy living in Thailand. I find it not only congenial but also very stimulating. It would be hard to name a culture which is more different from Australia’s than Thailand’s is, so you are constantly challenged. You constantly have to think in terms which are outside your normal experience. To try to understand these differences, and what they mean for Australia – Thailand relations, is truly stimulating. “The other thing that strikes me is that, notwithstanding the differences, Australians and Thais find it very easy to get on with each other on a personal level. This is partly because Thais, like Australians, are pragmatic people. They are interested in results. But also like Australians, they like to have a good time, which helps to explain why at the people-to-people level Australians and Thais tend to get on very well. “I don’t have any complaints about Bangkok, but I would say it is a pity that Bangkok doesn’t have more parks like Lumpini Park. My wife and I love this park. We walk there every morning. It is a very special place. “The traffic doesn’t bother me. When I was here in 1990s it was much, much worse. At that time, Bangkok didn’t have the BTS or MRT, or some of the expressways that are here now. But they were being constructed in the mid-1990s, which meant that many existing roads were closed for construction. So it was very difficult. Traffic now is much easier.” What are his biggest achievement and disappointment in Thailand? “I don’t think there’s anything at all I want to point to as a big achievement. If people are successful in their professional lives, it tends to be through the accumulation of small achievements rather than a very rare opportunity for some big thing. I am still waiting for the big one. But I hope that I will be able to achieve a few small things which cumulatively make some difference in the bilateral relationship.” As for disappointments, Mr. Wise said there are “really not any in terms of this posting. But, like everybody else here at the time, I was upset to see the impact of the floods last year on the lives of the people of Thailand. In Ayutthaya and Lopburi, I saw firsthand how massive the floods were. I also saw firsthand how magnificently people responded – the victims themselves, their communities, the local officials and the government in general.”
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DIPLOMAT MILAN HUPCEJ
Czech Republic has high hopes for building relations in the region Thailand is the main focus, but Cambodia and Myanmar offer great opportunities
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THIS is a busy time for Milan Hupcej, minister-counsellor and head of the Economic Section of the Czech embassy in Bangkok. His duties are to look after trade, investments and development cooperation between the Czech Republic and Thailand, as well as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. His schedule promises to get even more hectic as preparations for the coming ASEAN Economic Cooperation (AEC) intensify. The recent positive political changes in Myanmar present great opportunities for Czech businesses. The Czech Republic has an excellent man for the job in Mr. Hubcej, an experienced diplomat and no stranger to Asia. During the interview he was relaxed and confident but is clearly excited about the possibilities for his country to play an active role in this dynamic region. The Czech Republic is a highly developed industrial country in the centre of Europe, with a population of about 10.5 million and an area of 78,866 square kilometers. It excels in the production of goods ranging from military trainer jet aircraft, passenger cars, machinery and weapons to fine crystal and, of course, beer. Apart from beer, all these items and more are imported into Thailand. Mr. Hubcej joined the diplomatic service in 1985 in what was then Czechoslovakia. After the country separated into the Czech and Slovak republics in 1992, he entered the Czech Foreign Service in the capital Prague on January 1, 1993, although he is in fact Slovakian. “I have spent many years as a diplomat abroad. I can read and write Korean, so I was posted on the Korean peninsula for more than 10 years, first in North Korea for four years from the late 1980s. Then in 1996, I spent six years in South Korea as head of the diplomatic mission there. “When I returned to headquarters in Prague I worked in the Asian Department as head of the Far East Division. In 2004 I went abroad again, this time to Shanghai. I was a consul general in the People’s Republic of China until 2008. I learned some Chinese, finding some of the words similar to Korean, and I can speak what could be described as ‘survival’ Chinese,” said Mr. Hubcej. After returning again to Prague he worked for three years at the policy department of the Foreign Ministry, and just last year, on July 1, came to Bangkok. Mr. Hubcej said relations between the Czech Republic and the four countries he represents in the region are at varying
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By Maxmilian Wechsler
levels and stages. “Thailand is, of course, our main partner and that’s why we are here. Our second quite important partner is Cambodia. The Czech Republic has ten priority countries in terms of developmental assistance. Cambodia is one of the two in Asia, with the second being Mongolia. Most of the other countries are in Africa.” Mr. Hubcej said the Czech government is giving financial support for different types of projects, including in health care and social security in Cambodia. “Cambodia is also important for us because His Majesty King Norodom Sihamony studied in Czechoslovakia. He went there in 1962 and stayed until the mid1970s. He still speaks fluent Czech and his connection with our country is very strong,” said Mr. Hubcej. “As for Laos, we don’t have any substantial projects there. Our trade is very limited, less than one million US dollars a year both ways. We are trying to maintain relations there with people who studied in Czechoslovakia and who can speak the Czech language. We also provide scholarships for young people and bring them to the Czech Republic to study. “In the beginning of November this year, the 9th AsiaEurope Meeting (ASEM) will be held. More than 50 heads of government from Europe and Asia are expected to arrive in Vientiane, probably including the Czech President Vaclav Klaus. So we think that this will also be a boost for our bilateral relations with Laos,” Mr. Hupcej said. “Concerning Myanmar, we are looking forward to the changes that are now taking place. In the past Czechoslovakia maintained very extensive economic relations with this country. For example, in early 1980s the Czechoslovak government granted a big loan to the government of what was then Burma, and Czech companies built businesses such as factories to make tires, tractors and fuel injection systems for engines – also a sugar mill, brewery and hydro-power station. These are still operating, so we would like to take part in their modernization. “With the new situation in Myanmar we are quite optimistic and hope it will continue to progress on the way to democracy. We would like to use this opportunity to also develop economic relations. That’s why I am organizing a trade mission of Czech companies to Myanmar sometime in October. We consider Myanmar to have big potential for economic cooperation,” Mr. Hupcej said.
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DIPLOMAT CZECH REPUBLIC
Thai-Czech relations “Thailand is a very important partner for us. Last year exports from the Czech Republic to Thailand amounted to over US$135 million, making Thailand our second biggest market in ASEAN after Singapore. “Many of our exports to Thailand are related to machinery, including different kinds of pumps, bearings and machine tools. Another significant group is agricultural products, like dairy, including a large quantity of dried milk. “But probably the most important exports from the Czech Republic to Thailand are military products. These include guns, mostly pistols, especially the CZ-75 model. This gun is very popular with Thai provincial police departments, many of which have been equipped with it. “There are some other Czech guns in use here. Recently CZ (Ceská Zbrojovka) introduced an assault rifle and a small semiautomatic gun called the ‘Scorpion,’ which is mostly used by special forces or anti-terrorist units. “Recently, there was a presentation of CZ products in Thailand which received a good response. There is a big chance that the Royal Thai Army or special forces will make some new purchases. CZ is paying a lot of attention to Thailand because this could be quite a good market for them. They are also selling a lot of products in other Asian countries. “For the Defense & Security 2012 exhibition held in Bangkok in March, we brought 12 Czech companies who offered to the Thai armed forces various military equipment such as radar, surveillance systems and one for detection of chemical weapons,” said Mr Hubcej. He added that in the mid-1990s his country sold Thailand 36 L-39 Albatrosses, a Czech-made high-performance military jet trainer aircraft. They are currently undergoing a general overhaul, which is being done by the Czech companies involved.” Mr. Hubcej noted that Škoda cars are one of the up-andcoming Czech-made products which are gaining a lot of recognition and respect worldwide, but unfortunately they are not well known in Thailand. “They are not selling in the volumes we would like. However, they are popular in other Asian countries like China, Singapore and Malaysia, and also in Australia, New Zealand and in Europe. “There are a few reasons for the sluggish sales in Thailand, including a lack of advertizing and high import taxes. This makes the cars lose their competitiveness. It is hard to penetrate the Thai market due to very strong protection measures,” Mr. Hupcej said. On the other side, about half of Thailand’s exports to the Czech Republic are electronics and computer parts, followed by machinery parts and natural products like rubber and foods including tuna and dried fruits. The trade balance is about 10 to one in Thailand’s favour, according to official statistics which value Thai exports at US$1.346 billion and Czech exports at US$135.5 million. But Mr. Hubcej said this is “only on paper.” He explained: “Although the trade balance looks negative for the Czechs, our economy is very much based on manufacturing. A lot of parts are imported into the Czech Republic to use for producing various items, including computers and electronic devices like televisions, which are later exported back to Thailand or to other countries.”
Mr. Hubcej noted that there are several distributors of Czech crystal brands such as Preciosa and Moser in Thailand. Preciosa is the world leader in the production of cut crystal. Mr. Hubcej said he knows of two Czech companies operating in Thailand. One is Tegamo (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a modern and rapidly growing international company that has been recycling industrial waste in Europe since 1999. The other is BTL Medical Technologies (Thailand) Ltd. which manufacture medical equipment and other related goods. “We also have in Thailand several Czech tourist agencies. There are about 35,000 Czech tourists visiting Thailand every year and they come here mainly through these agencies. There is very big potential for Thai tourism in the Czech Republic, but the number is still below those of Czech tourists coming here. “However, over the last year the numbers have been going up, partly due to a top Thai romantic comedy series called ‘Kon Rak Luang Jai’ (‘Tricky Love’), which was filmed in Prague and starred the popular actors Janie Tienphosuwan and Theeradeth “Ken” Wongpuapan. “The series attracted many Thais to Prague. This year the number of visa applicants is three times higher than in the same period last year. The majority of Thai tourists are well off, so it could be a very good for our economy. “The Czech land is famous for its natural beauty and historical places. It is time to have direct flights between Bangkok and Prague, maybe by Thai Airways International. There has been some negotiation already and we hope it might happen sometime next year. It would bring more Czech tourists here and Thais to our country.” Mr. Hubcej said that in general Thai business people are quite good partners although sometimes difficult to negotiate with at first. A bigger problem has been working out a formal economic agreement with the government. “We have prepared an agreement on economic cooperation and the negotiations were concluded seven years ago, but it is still not signed due to events on the Thai side. We hope that this could happen this year.”
Probably the most important exports from the Czech Republic to Thailand are military products. These include guns, mostly pistols, especially the CZ-75 model.
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FEATURE MOTORING BMW 320d Modern Engine type/cylinders /valves Injection type/charging type Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) Top speed (km/h) Average consumption (km/l)
Price B2,899,000 In-line/4/4 Diesel engine with 3rd generation Common-rail direct injection, Twin Power Turbo technology (Variable Geometry Turbo Technology) 7.6 230 22.7
The BMW 320d pictured outside another German favourite: Bei Otto Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 20
BMW 320d puts innovation on the road
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By Maxmilian Wechsler
More space, a state-of-the-art engine, and lots of nifty gadgets take BMW’s latest 3 Series to a whole new level of class THE eagerly awaited 2012 BMW 3 Series 320d sedan is now available in Thailand in three trims: Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line, allowing customers to select a style and adapt it to their individual preferences. Each choice offers subtle differences in interior and exterior appointments, while all three lines are powered by a diesel engine assembled locally at a factory in Rayong. Petrol engine models will follow later. Courtesy of Millennium Auto Co. Ltd., The BigChilli was the first media organization in Thailand to road test the new 3 Series (Modern Line). I had full use of the car for several days, and I have to say up front that it exceeds all expectations. New 3 Series models were unveiled to the media by Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President of BMW Group Thailand, at a press conference in February, and the Thai public had the opportunity to view and examine the cars the following month at the 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show 2012. According to BMW dealers, orders for the car started coming in immediately after its debut, which is no surprise.
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This is the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series sedan, and it’s the world’s best-selling premium car. Around 12 million have been bought around the world since the first generation was introduced in 1975. Going through various test drive reviews published in Europe and the United States, where the cars went on sale earlier, most were unsparing in their praise of the car, although a few complained about the automatic start/stop function – a complaint I found legitimate.
Technical details Normally I try not to describe too many technical details and specifications of test cars in order not to bore readers, but some of the innovative features of the 320d Modern deserve special mention. These include the high-output BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that gives cutting-edge performance at 184hp and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, but
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reduces fuel consumption to only 22.7 km/litre. The state-of-the-art engine with composite aluminum crankcase sets a standard as one of the world’s cleanest and most economical diesel engines. The 8-speed automatic gearbox boasts extremely fast shift and reaction times and direct downshift capability. In fact, BMW is the first carmaker to offer an 8-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment. The car’s larger dimensions (length 93mm; wheelbase 50mm) mean rear passengers enjoy extra legroom and headroom compared to the car’s predecessor. And there is more space overall with the wide variety of storage compartments. The large pockets in the front doors, whose lines and surfaces open up towards the instrument panel, now have space for drinks containers up to one liter. Two large drinks holders are now integrated in the centre console in front of the gearshift lever. The boot capacity is 480 litres, 20 more than the last model. Another thing that sets the 320d apart is its Driving Experience Control (DEC) switch. You can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes. Each of these predefined set-ups activates different settings for the relevant powertrain and suspension components. In SPORT mode, for example, throttle response is even faster and the steering becomes even more direct. The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, supports an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style by changing the accelerator mapping so
that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. The ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%, with a corresponding increase in driving range. As for the DEC, the driver is able to vary the overall character of the car depending on the driving situation or to suit personal preference. By using the DEC switch, the driver can customize the accelerator response and the power steering characteristics, engine response and Dynamic Stability Control thresholds. From the outside the 320d looks a lot like a scaled-down 5 Series crossed with its own 3 Series top-selling predecessor. The interior is superbly finished and equipped with everything you could ask for, including iDrive, a feature that integrates a large number of functions with switches located at a central point. Although the 320d has grown in all dimensions compared to its predecessor, it retains a perfect balance of sportiness and elegance. And this still compact sedan delivers in performance as well, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds and capable of a top speed of 230 km/h. In terms of handling, acceleration, braking and balance in sharp turns, the car leaves nothing to be desired. The engine does identify itself as a diesel by the typical noise when driving slowly, but gets
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FEATURE MOTORING provided under a sliding centre-armrest lid. The exterior mirrors with turning lights look very flashy and elegant.
Stop the Stop/Start As impressed with the 320d as I was overall, as mentioned previously I agree with reviewers who have knocked its start/stop feature. It may be a great idea on paper, but in practice it is a nuisance. For example, when stopping at a traffic light the engine is automatically shut down to save fuel and cut pollution. It restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal. However, every time the car restarts it shakes a little. If you have to stop every few meters while driving on congested Bangkok roads, this shaking becomes quite annoying. Also, the engine sometimes doesn’t shut down much quieter as the speed picks up. In comparison with the BMW 525d, this diesel engine is definitely quieter (see review in January 2012 issue). The average fuel consumption registered in the EU test cycle of 22.7 km/litre and CO2 emissions of 117 g/km is a remarkable improvement on previous 3 Series models with no reduction in power. And speaking of power, you can even tap into more of the car’s potential by opting to shift gears manually. One innovation which fascinated many people who saw the car during our test period was its automatic boot lid. This can be opened without the use of a key or your hands. As long as you’re in possession of the car’s Comfort Access Control unit, all you have to do is stand behind the car, move your foot underneath the centre of the rear bumper, and the boot automatically unlocks and springs open. This might sound gimmicky, but it is very practical and something to be appreciated, especially when your hands are full. BMW ConnectedDrive allows passengers to display emails via the operating system iDrive. Incoming emails are shown on the on-board monitor and can also be read out using the optional Text to Speech function. Furthermore, the telephone function allows contacts lists, including image files, to be transferred from mobile phones into the car’s information system via a bluetooth interface. The BMW Connected app also allows driver and passengers to access features such as web radio, Facebook and Twitter via integrated Apple devices. Personal playlists stored on external audio devices can be accessed using iDrive. The steering wheel is very light and responsive, something Nina Hastings from the BigChilli appreciated when she took her turn behind it. Her overall verdict was: “The Germans have done it again. The car is beautiful both outside and inside and everything in the cabin is well thought and practical.” Indeed, all instruments surrounding the driver inside the cabin are well positioned and easy to reach. This is really the superb organization the Germans are known for. The orange lighting of the instrument panel is pleasant, and the sound of the horn is distinctive. Other noticeable features are the up-scaled interior, with contrasting materials and trims; the multi-function screen mounted in the centre of the dashboard; and USB port, aux-in connector and smart phone docking
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The new 3 Series model was unveiled to the media by Mr. Matthias Pfalz, President of BMW Group Thailand, at a press conference in February
at stops. According to the manual, it depends on various conditions, but it can leave the driver not knowing what to expect. Fortunately the function can be turned off via a button above the ignition. I also found the suspension a bit hard while driving on deteriorating bumpy Bangkok roads. When driving in SPORT mode, the suspension gets even stiffer and so does the steering wheel, which as Nina mentioned is otherwise pretty light. After a while I switched back to COMFORT mode because it does exactly what it says. Finally, a lot of force is required to shut the door. Despite these few complaints, though, I will summarize this road test as “Sheer Driving Pleasure,” which is of course the BMW slogan. (Visit thebigchilli.com to see more photos of the car and read the views of a senior sales representative from Millennium Auto, the largest of five BMW dealers in Bangkok). The BigChilli would like to thank Otto Duffner for allowing us to take photos of the car at his Bei Otto German Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 20
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Travel
p Deals and news from Thailand’s hottest destinations
Hilton Pattaya Spa has gained international recognition in the World Luxury Spa Awards. Page 136
Mate’s Rates
Friends or family visiting Bangkok? Let them know about these deals! Page 138
Hua Hin
Read more about the town’s best resorts and restaurants Page 128
Pattaya
A round up of hot news and deals from the Eastern Seaboard Page 136 TheBigChilli 125
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TRAVEL BANGKOK
Bangkok
and Beyond
Mandison Suites opens on Sukhumvit THE Golden Tulip Mandison Suites has now opened on Sukhumvit Soi 20 offering 105 guestrooms split between Deluxe, Executive Suite, Residential Suite, and One-bedroom Suite categories. Each room features a 32” flat screen TV connected to internet service, multi-function DVD players with MP3, and all the usual mod-cons. The hotel’s main facilities include all-day-dining restaurant OPIO, swimming pool, and boardrooms. 70/1 Soi Sukhumvit 20, Tel: 02 636 5888 www.Goldentulipmandison.com
Magnolias Residence announced for Ratchadamri
LOOKING for a slice of luxury real estate in Ratchadamri? The Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard may be just the ticket. Secheduled for completion in 2015, the five hundred million baht project is set to offer 316 private units with a wide range of residential facilities such as an exclusive lobby, concierge desk, meeting room, garden-view library, jogging track, fitness center, media center, 24-hour security guards, and more modern amenities. The project is being developed by Magnolia Finest Corporation Limited and will include the 5-star Waldorf Astoria Bangkok in the same location. For more info, Tel: 02 652 2111 www.magnolias-ratchadamri.com
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AirAsiaExpedia aircraft launched
LOW cost air carrier AirAsia and online travel agent Expedia celebrated the first anniversary of their joint venture by launching a new aircraft called ‘AirAsiaExpedia.’ The companies plan to introduce exlusive international flights and more hotel packages in the near future. Meanwhile, the Expedia branded Airbus A320 will be flying routes across AirAsia’s extensive network which covers nearly 70 destinations across 20 countries.
Wine Connection opens in Samutsakhon
Mother’s day getaway in Phuket MERCURE Phuket Deevana
WINE retail company Wine Connection has opened its latest wine shop at Porto Chino Villa in Samutsakhon, on the outskirts of Bangkok. The shop stocks over 600 wines from around the world, and, until Aug 31, it is celebrating its soft opening by offering a complimentary ‘Wine pump set’ gift box for customers spending a minimum of B3,000.
is celebrating Mother’s Day until Aug 31 by offering a package deal for B6,300 which includes two-nights’ accommodation in a Superior Pool View room, daily breakfasts for two, a buffet dinner for two, welcome drinks, an exclusive Cooking Class for two, and 10% discount on F&B.
Open: 11am-9pm, 99/10-11 Moo 4 Kogkam, Muang, Samutsakhon Tel: 034 110 724 www.wineconnection.co.th
Tel: 076 302 1009 email: info@mercurphuket.com www.mercurephuketdeevana.com
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TRAVEL
HUA HIN
Beauty retreat at Hilton ■ THROUGHOUT the month, Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is offering a new head-to-toe pampering package called Rejuvenating Ritual. The two-hour treatment includes a Sea salt body scrub, Aromatic massage and a mini Facial treatment by Thalgo. B3,500++ per person and B6,350++ per couple. Tel: 032 538 999 www3.hilton.com
Golf tournament at Banyan Golf Club ■ BANYAN Golf Club is marking the arrival of this year’s Hua Hin/Cha Am Golf Festival (Aug 1 – Sept 30) with a golf tournament on Sun Aug 26. Entry of B1,950 includes golf cart and caddy. For more info, Tel: 032 616 200 email: reservations@banyanthailand. com www.banyanthailand.com
Dining treat for mums at Villa Maroc ■ FROM Aug 11-13, Casablanca Restaurant at Villa Maroc Resort, Pranburi will celebrate Thai Mother’s Day by offering an ‘Unconditional Love Set Menu’ featuring two choices: a Thai Set Menu for two at B1,500 with 30 per cent discount on all spa treatments; and a Thai Set Menu for four persons at B3,000 with a complimentary 30-minute back shoulder massage for mum, a family photo, and 30 per cent spa discount for three persons. Served 11.30am-10pm. Tel: 032 630 771 email: rsvn@villamarocresort.com
Deals for mums all month at Dune
■ DUNE Hua Hin Hotel is celebrating Mother’s Day until the end of the month by offering special accommodation deals. Spend two consecutive nights at the hotel on the weekend and you’ll get the following rates: B4,200 per Superior, B5,200 per Deluxe and B7,500 per Pool Villa Suite. Stay for three consecutive nights between Mon-Fri and rates are: B3,800 per Superior, B4,800 per Deluxe, and B7,000 per Pool Villa Suite. All rates include breakfasts for two and a bath robe embroidered with mum’s initials. Tel: 032 515 051-3 email: md@dunehuahin.com
Havana theme night at Hilton Hua Hin ■ GET ready to party, Havana-style, this Aug 10 at Hilton Hua Hin at the town’s first modeling and fashion show. Held in association with Hua Hin Event Entertainment, the event will be held at the hotel’s White Lotus Restaurant and Bar and will feature a sumptuous buffet, live music, and a glamorous fashion show hosted by Natalie Glebova (Miss Universe) and Ning Kamala (Miss Thailand). Special guests on the night include Lena Christensen, Piacher Christensen, and saxophonist Woody Widowaha. DJ Bobby Richard will keep the party going between performances, and the night will end with a demonstration of Spanish Flamenco Dance. Entry to the event is just B2,990 and includes dinner buffet and free flow wine and cocktails. Dress code: Black, White & Red - Havanna Style. For more info Tel: 032 538 999
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REVIEW VERANDA GRILL
BEACHFRONT DINING AT VERANDA GRILL
Tasty Thai seafood and succulent steaks are the order of the day at this popular restaurant overlooking Hua Hin Beach resort’s owner, Khun Mae, is clearly doing what she loves. Ask her about any dish on her menu and she’ll most likely break into a wide smile and tell you how, after first discovering the recipes when she was a child, she has spent the rest of her life tweaking them to be as good as she can make them. She certainly isn’t short of fresh ingredients. Veranda Grill is located in the middle of Hua Hin Beach so literally everything she needs is right on her doorstep. Those meaty prawns you see coming from ESTABLISHED 10 years ago the kitchen – caught by a local as simply a hobby restaurant, fisherman. Ditto the crab, fish, Veranda Grill has gone on squid and lots of other delicious to become one of Hua Hin’s deep sea bounty available on the most popular Thai seafood extensive menu. restaurants and now even Among the many options operates its own boutique on offer are delicious spicy resort, Veranda Lodge, which is salads like Som tam with located in the verdant gardens prawn or crab (B240), fish behind the premises. dishes such as Sea bass with The restaurant’s success is Thai herbal sauce (B350), and testament to how doing what tasty nibbles such as Prawns you love can reap big rewards, with garlic butter (B380). A because the restaurant and huge plate of Prawn ceviche,
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marinated with garlic and Thai spices, always goes down a treat, as does the Chicken curry (B240), made using a recipe from the King Rama V era and packed with tamarind, fragrant chillis, potatoes and onion. If Thai food doesn’t take your fancy, don’t worry. There are plenty of western options to choose from, including a large selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and pasta dishes (try the Spaghetti with bacon and anchovies. B180). The options aren’t limited to seafood either. Many tasty steak dishes dot the menu, with highlights such as Tenderloin steak with mushroom sauce (B380), and Pork chop with butter and herb sauce (B350). To wash down your food there’s an extensive selection of beers, wines, and signature cocktails, plus healthy fruit smoothies. Our favourite is the
Beach Girl cocktail (B180) which comes served in a hollowed out pineapple and is boozy and refreshing in equal measure. Located at the front of the resort overlooking Hua Hin
Beach, the restaurant captures the essence of an endless summer with an unfussy décor blending blue walls, terracotta tiles and bamboo. Diners can sit indoor or out on a terrace, with both options offering sea views. Friendly, efficient service comes as standard, food arrives at the table piping hot, and the overall experience is relaxed and enjoyable. All in all, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal by the sea. Veranda Grill, Veranda Lodge Hua Hin Resort, 113 Soi Hua Hin 67, Petch Kasem Road. Restaurant opens daily 7am-11pm. ☎ 032 533678 verandalodge.com
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REVIEW OB-OON PUTAHRACSA HUA HIN designed by Narumol Trachoo
OB-OON: A EUROPEAN BAKERY IN THE HEART OF HUA HIN PUTAHRACSA Hua Hin’s cute little bakery is a veritable treasure trove of European-style baked goods. Wander in at any time of the day and you’ll see the shelves loaded with a variety of breads, cakes, pastries and cookies, all baked fresh on site using the best available ingredients and usually still warm when you select them (translated from Thai, ‘ObOon’ basically means ‘warm baked goods’). Adding to the European selections are illy coffee, a choice of fine teas (English breakfast, Earl grey, Darjeeling, Peppermint, and more), fruit smoothies, and a freezer full of Movenpick ice creams, all of which can either be bought to take away or to enjoy in the comfort of the adjoining cozy coffee shop, a glass-walled conservatory-style room replete with comfy banquettes and sleek wooden tables. In charge of all the creations here is the hotel’s Pastry Chef Frederic Paris, a Belgian national with many years’ experience Pastry Chef Frederic Paris working in the kitchens of top
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hotels, and his sweet treats are heavenly, especially the Mille Feuille (B60), Paris Breast (B60), and Danish Almond (B30). Oh, and Brits shouldn’t miss his Scones with fresh cream or jam (B85) – a real taste of home that’s just perfect with a cup of tea. If you’re looking to make sandwiches back at your hotel or home you’ll find excellent healthy homemade breads to choose from, such as Multi cereal bread (B60) and Avena vital bread (B70). And why not bulk out your home lunch
by adding Coconut cookies (B45 per piece) and a Fruit smoothie (B80) to your order. If you’re looking to eat at the bakery itself, you’ll find a daily set lunch option (which changes every day) plus a choice of several breakfast sets. An Afternoon Tea deal for just B199 comes with a choice of three baked items and a choice of coffee or tea. If you visit the bakery this month don’t be surprised if you see blindfolded customers with ice cream all around their faces – every day from 2pm-6pm the bakery is offering a Movenpick Challenge, which is a blind tasting of six different flavours. Guess each flavour correctly and you’ll win a free choice of items from the bakery. It’s harder than think – one of our guesses was well wide of the mark. But it was great fun, and at B599 per six scoops, a great deal for this world-famous Swiss ice cream. Putahracsa Hua Hin Hotel, 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Road, Hua Hin 77110. Ob-Oon opens daily 9am-6pm. 032 531 470 ext. 777
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TRAVEL
HUA HIN
Hua Hin Where to sleep Evason Hua Hin and Six Senses Spa
The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin
■ This resort-spa is situated at the heart of 20 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and faces the Gulf of Thailand. Pool villas and guest rooms are connected by a series of wooden walkways that meander between lush greenery. This is a retreat for those seeking time to relax and recharge. In The Restaurant guests can sip exotic cocktails, ice-cold beer or boutique wines while watching chefs cook and construct creative appetizers. The award-winning Earth Spa is one of the most visually striking in Thailand.
■ Located in the heart of Hua Hin right next to the beach, this luxury hotel combines comfort and convenience for the perfect escape. Each suite is well-furnished in stylish décor and each has its own private swimming pool. General facilities include a fitness center, a swimming pool, steam rooms, spa, library, and meeting functions. Rocks Restaurant serves up a wide range of international dishes and local favourites, while the beachside bar, and the cigar and whisky bar, mix up some excellent cocktails.
9/22 Moo 5 Paknampran Beach, Pranburi. Tel: 032 632 111
97/2 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600
Villa Maroc Resort Pranburi ■ Inspired by Morocco’s distinctive architecture, Villa Maroc combines Thai beachside living and service with some of the most luxurious furnishings from the North African Kingdom, making it a unique addition to Southeast Asia’s accommodation scene. The resort is located in Pranburi approximately 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin town. You can tuck into European, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisine at Casablanca, enjoy cocktails and shisha pipes at the Sisha Bar, relax in bliss at Sherazade Hammam & Spa, and much more. 165/3 Moo 3 Paknampran, Pranburi, Tel: 032 630 771 email: rsvn@villamarocresort.com
Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas ■ Set within 13 hectares of landscaped gardens, the property dates back to 1923 and is one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned hotels. The luxurious colonial-era beachfront resort features 207 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, each one offering comfort and convenience. The Pool Villas include four Deluxe Spa Villas with queen sized twin bed, lounging area, bathroom with rain shower, and oversized Jacuzzi bathtub. Refined dining is available at Sala Thai, Hagi, the Railway Restaurant, and Palm Terrace. Guests can unwind in the Elephant Bar or Satchmo Club.
S’MOR Spa Village & Resort ■ S’MOR Spa Village & Resort is always a great choice for a relaxing holiday. Located in the center of Hua Hin yet in the peaceful area overlooking the Khao Takiab Mountain with a long beautiful beach, this al-fresco resort features six bungalows and eight bedrooms, each well-equipped with all the mod-cons you could need. The seafront bungalow offers you a choice of private outdoor Jacuzzi or indoor Jacuzzi. The resort’s spa is exclusive and distinctive with an extensive list of treatments including traditional Thai massage. For eats, the beachfront S’MOR Spa Beach Bar & Restaurant serves a wide variety of international and local cuisines. 122/64 Takiab Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 536 800
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa ■ This imposing resort in the centre of Hua Hin is regarded as one of the best family hotels in the region. Accommodation features comfortable rooms and suites, providing guests with a living space that exhibits contemporary Thai design flair and good in-room amenities. There are also 11 Spa Suites available. The award-winning White Lotus on the 17th floor of the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers sky-high dining at down to earth prices. 33 Naresdamri Road. Tel: 032 538 999
1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin. Tel: 032 512 021-38 134
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TRAVEL
PATTAYA
Take a Break deal at Garden Cliff
GARDEN Cliff Resort & Spa, Pattaya has introduced a ‘Take a Break’ accommodation package featuring rates starting at only B1,999 per Deluxe Room. Available every Mon-Fri unit Sept 30. Tel: 038 259 333 www.gardencliffpattaya.com
Lunch with mum at Sheraton Pattaya
ELEMENTS Restaurant at Sheraton Pattaya Resort is celebrating Thai national Mother’s Day on Aug 12 by offering a special Thai lunch set designed for sharing. Featuring Tom Yum Goong, Pla Kapong Sam Rod, Gai Pad Med Ma Muang, Pad Pak Ruam, Khao Suay, and mango with sweet sticky rice, the lunch is B584 per person with a minimum of two-person booking. All mums will receive a signature Sheraton Iced Tea set as a gift. Advanced reservation is required. Lunch is available noon till 4pm. Tel: 038 259 888 www.sheratonpattayaresort.com
Sheraton properties link up to offer free Bangkok transfer
SHERATON Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok has joined forces with Sheraton Pattaya Resort to offer an exclusive round-trip transportation service between the two properties. The complimentary service is available to guests who book accommodation at both hotels. Advanced booking is required. Tel: 02 649 8888 www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com
Iron Chef Peter Lai at Centara Grand Mirage
FROM Aug 8-15, Iron Chef Peter Lai will join the culinary team at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya to create special dishes in celebration of Mother’s Day. Throughout the period, the visiting chef will serve up a wide range of mouthwatering Dim Sum selections at Oasis Restaurant’s Lunch, as well as prepare many signature dishes for dinner at Ginger & Lime. On Aug 12, a Mother’s Day buffet dinner will be on offer at B999++ per person (go as a group of four or more, and mum dines for free). Tel: 038 301 234 ext 4314 www.centarahotelsresorts.com
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Hilton Pattaya’s Spa receives international recognition PATTAYA’S wellness industry was given a great boost last month when the luxury eforea spa at Hilton Pattaya was declared a finalist in the ‘Best Emerging Luxury Spa’ category of the 2012 World Luxury Spa Awards, voted for by spa enthusiasts and operators across the world. Tel: 038 253 000 email: pattaya. info@hilton.com eforeaspa.com
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TRAVEL BANGKOK
• GLOW Trinity Silom: Until Sept 30, an
s ’ e t a M s rate
‘Advance Purchase’ package offers 10% discount on Deluxe Room rates to anyone who books 14 days in advance. Rates start at B1,980. Tel: 02 231 5050 email: rsvn.silom@glowbyzinc. com.
amily f r o s d Frien kok? g n a B visiting now about k Let them e deals thes
• Northgate Ratchayothin Serviced Residence:
• Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit: Until Aug 31,
Book the hotel’s ‘Surprising Saturday’ package and you get 30% discount on room. Rates start at B1,750 per Studio Room and includes breakfast for two (usual room rate is B2,500). Tel: 02 939 7949 email: reservation@ northgatebangkok.com www.northgatebangkok.com
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit:
• The Ambassador Hotel Bangkok: Until Sept
• Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11: The hotel’s ‘One Night in Bangkok’ package
features room rates starting at B2,570++ per Chic Room and B2,871++ per Urban Room, and includes a lunch buffet for two persons, two daily cocktails at wxyz (sm) bar, late check-out, and a free entry to Bed Supperclub and Q bar. Promotion ends October 31. Tel: 02 207 7000 www.alofthotels.com/bangkoksukhumvit11
book a minimum of three nights and you’ll get 30% discount on Best Available Rates. Includes daily breakfasts. The promotion is valid through www.accorhotels.com/7176 Tel: 02 305 6000
Until Aug 31, a ‘Stay & Spa Offer’ features accommodation in Deluxe Room, daily buffet breakfast, a choice of complimentary 60-minute Swedish massage or signature Luk Pra Kob Thai massage at The Grande Spa, and a late check-out. B5,499++ per night for a single occupancy (B1,000++ per night for additional person). Upgrade to Grande Deluxe Room for an extra B1,000++ per night. Tel: 02 649 8888 www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com
30, the hotel is offering two nights stay in a Privilege Suite for families (two adults and two kids aged under 12) for B16,000. Rates include breakfast 10% discount on F&B, 50% discount on spa packages, and a late checkout. Tel: 02 254 0444 ext.1220-4 www.amtel.co.th
• Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom: Until Dec 31, the hotel’s ‘City
Break’ promotion offers special rates of B1,710++ when booking a minimum of two nights stay. Rates include breakfast. Tel: 02 206 9100 email: H7172-RE@accor.com www.novotelbangkoksilom.com
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THAILAND
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