Fah Thai Magazine Jan-Feb 2017
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
JAN-FEB <strong>2017</strong>
HM<br />
&<br />
The New Golden Era
<strong>Thai</strong>land has entered a new chapter<br />
in history as His Royal Highness<br />
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn<br />
acceded to the throne on<br />
December 1, 2016.<br />
Words: Anjira Assavanonda<br />
The proclamation for our new<br />
King came seven weeks after the<br />
passing of his much-revered<br />
father, His Majesty King Bhumibol<br />
Adulyadej, the world’s longest<br />
reigning monarch.<br />
A formal invitation from<br />
parliament began the accession<br />
process, concluding with a<br />
ceremony at the Dusit Palace in<br />
Bangkok. The Crown Prince, 64,<br />
accepted the invitation from the<br />
Head of the National Legislative<br />
Assembly and agreed to become<br />
King. He is now King Rama X,<br />
the tenth sovereign of the Chakri<br />
Dynasty with the official title “His<br />
Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn<br />
Bodindradebayavarangkun.”<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> Prime Minister Prayuth<br />
Chan-ocha announced to the<br />
nation that the heir to the<br />
throne graciously accepted the<br />
invitation. “I would like to accept<br />
(the invitation) in order to fulfill<br />
His Majesty’s wishes and for the<br />
benefit of all <strong>Thai</strong>s,” the new<br />
King stated.<br />
“A kingdom should not be<br />
without a monarch on the throne,”<br />
said Gen Prayuth, announcing the<br />
commencement of the new reign to<br />
begin on October 13, 2016.<br />
His Majesty as A Young Boy<br />
His Majesty King<br />
Maha Vajiralongkorn<br />
Bodindradebayavarangkun was<br />
born on July 28, 1952 at Ambara<br />
Villa of Dusit Palace. He is the<br />
only son of His Majesty the late<br />
King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her<br />
Majesty Queen Sirikit.<br />
The 13th Supreme Patriarch<br />
of the Rattanakosin era gave<br />
the newborn prince his first<br />
name as “Somdej Phra Chao Luk<br />
Ya Ter Chaofa Vajiralongkorn<br />
Boromchakrayadisorn Santatiwong<br />
Thewetthamrongsuboribal<br />
Abhikkunupakornmahitaladulyadej<br />
Bhumibolnaretwarangkun<br />
Kittisirisombunsawangwat<br />
Boromkhattiyarajakuman.”<br />
As a child, His Majesty had<br />
been neat and orderly, who always<br />
respected rules and regulations.<br />
Whenever he saw a sign indicating<br />
“Shoes Off First”, the young<br />
prince would immediately<br />
follow instructions. His sense of<br />
discipline grew stronger as he<br />
grew up.<br />
He developed a fondness for<br />
military affairs at an early age. As<br />
a young prince, he often visited<br />
the military garrison and asked<br />
questions to those in the services<br />
as he inspected their uniforms<br />
and orderliness. His Majesty once<br />
asked his father, the late monarch,<br />
to build a small mock-up military<br />
camp in the palace. He spent a lot<br />
in this camp, either cooking for<br />
himself or enjoying meals with<br />
those around him.<br />
On December 28, 1972, at the<br />
auspicious time of 12:23 pm, in<br />
accordance to a centuries-old<br />
tradition in the Ananta Samakhom<br />
Throne Hall, he was proclaimed<br />
Crown Prince.<br />
As he accepted the title, the<br />
Crown Prince gave his oath to<br />
the people and promised, “I will<br />
perform my duties to the best of my<br />
intelligence and ability, and also<br />
with devotion, for the peace and<br />
prosperity of <strong>Thai</strong>land.”<br />
His Education<br />
His Majesty King Rama X<br />
received his early education at<br />
Chitralada School in the Dusit<br />
Palace, followed by King’s Mead<br />
School in Seaford, Sussex, and<br />
continued on to Millfield School in<br />
Somerset, Great Britain.<br />
Because he had always expressed<br />
a strong interest in military affairs,<br />
the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej<br />
approved the Crown Prince’s<br />
attendance at a military course<br />
at the King’s School in Sydney,<br />
Australia in 1970.<br />
In 1972, he entered the Royal<br />
Military College, Duntroon in<br />
Canberra, Australia. The two-part<br />
curriculum had a military training<br />
course designed by the Australian<br />
Army and a bachelor’s degree<br />
under the supervision of the<br />
University of New South Wales. He<br />
graduated from the college in 1976<br />
with the rank of lieutenant and a<br />
degree in liberal arts.<br />
Training programmes in special<br />
forces, demolition, unconventional<br />
warfare tactics and advanced<br />
aviation training in Australia and<br />
the United States enhanced His<br />
Majesty’s military background.<br />
His Military and<br />
Aviation Skills<br />
Through intensive flight training,<br />
His Majesty became a qualified<br />
military pilot and gained<br />
recognition as “the first fighter jet<br />
pilot prince” of the Chakri Dynasty.<br />
After returning to <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
he served as a career officer in<br />
the Royal <strong>Thai</strong> Army and attended<br />
the Command and General Staff<br />
College in 1977. He also served as<br />
a staff officer in the Directorate<br />
of Army Intelligence, and in 1978,<br />
became head of the King’s Personal<br />
Bodyguard Battalion.<br />
With expertise in aviation, His<br />
Majesty used his knowledge to<br />
develop a flight training curriculum<br />
and also helped train pilots in the<br />
Royal <strong>Thai</strong> Air Force on modern<br />
flight techniques.<br />
His Majesty also enrolled in a<br />
Commercial Pilot Licence Course at<br />
the Civil Aviation Training Centre.<br />
In 2005, he earned his wings as a<br />
pilot for the Boeing 737-400, and<br />
received a pilot certificate from<br />
the Department of Civil Aviation.<br />
In May 2009, he celebrated 3,000<br />
hours of commercial flight time on<br />
the Boeing 737-400.<br />
Prior to His Majesty’s accession<br />
to the throne, he held the ranks of<br />
General in the Royal <strong>Thai</strong> Army,<br />
Admiral in the Royal <strong>Thai</strong> Navy and<br />
Air Chief Marshal in the Royal <strong>Thai</strong><br />
Air Force.<br />
Upholder of the<br />
Buddhist Religion<br />
His Majesty strongly upholds the<br />
tenets of Buddhism. On November<br />
6, 1978, he was ordained as a<br />
monk at the age of 26, with a<br />
ceremony at the ordination hall<br />
of the Temple of the Emerald<br />
Buddha. He was given the name<br />
“Vajiralongkornno” and went<br />
on to stay at Wat Bovoranives<br />
Vihara for 15 days, during which<br />
His Majesty devoted himself to<br />
Buddhist studies. He also went<br />
out for alms in many places<br />
and strictly followed Buddhist<br />
practices as a monk.<br />
Over the years as Crown Prince,<br />
His Majesty accompanied his<br />
father, the late King Bhumibol,<br />
to several religious events. When<br />
King Bhumibol took on fewer<br />
public engagements because of<br />
frail health, the Crown Prince<br />
stepped in to perform religious<br />
rituals on his behalf.<br />
In his show of commitment<br />
to the <strong>Thai</strong> people, we wish His<br />
Majesty a blessed and<br />
prosperous reign.
เมื่อวันที่ 1 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2559 สมเด็จพระบรม-<br />
โอรสาธิราชฯ สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร ทรงมีพระราชดำารัส<br />
ตอบรับการขึ้นครองราชย์ ตามคำากราบบังคมทูลเชิญ<br />
ของประธานสภานิติบัญญัติแห่งชาติ ทำ าหน้าที่ประธาน<br />
รัฐสภา นับเป็นย่างก้าวสำาคัญสู่หน้าประวัติศาสตร์ใหม่ของ<br />
ประเทศไทยภายใต้รัชกาลที่ 10 หลังจากที่พระบาทสมเด็จ<br />
พระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช ผู้ทรงเป็นที่รักยิ่งของ<br />
ปวงชนชาวไทยเสด็จสวรรคตเมื่อวันที่ 13 ตุลาคม พ.ศ.<br />
2559 โดยทรงมีพระราชโองการโปรดเกล้าโปรดกระหม่อม<br />
ให้เฉลิมพระปรมาภิไธยว่า “สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิรา-<br />
ลงกรณ บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร”<br />
พระราชประวัติโดยสังเขป<br />
สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิราลงกรณ<br />
บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร เป็นพระราชโอรส<br />
เพียงพระองค์เดียว ในพระบาทสมเด็จพระ<br />
ปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช และสมเด็จ<br />
พระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ ทรง<br />
พระราชสมภพ เมื่อวันที่ 28 กรกฎาคม<br />
พ.ศ. 2495 ณ พระที่นั่งอัมพรสถาน<br />
พระราชวังดุสิต<br />
ทรงมีพระนามตามที่ สมเด็จพระ<br />
วชิรญาณวงศ์ สมเด็จพระสังฆราชเจ้าองค์<br />
ที่ 13 แห่งรัตนโกสินทร์ถวายว่า “สมเด็จ<br />
พระเจ้าลูกยาเธอ เจ้าฟ้าวชิราลงกรณ บรม<br />
จักรยาดิศรสันตติวงศ์ เทเวศธำ ารงสุบริบาล<br />
อภิคุณูประการมหิตลาดุลเดช ภูมิพล<br />
นเรศวรางกูร กิตติสิริสมบูรณสวางควัฒน์<br />
บรมขัตติยราชกุมาร”<br />
ตั้งแต่ยังทรงพระเยาว์ ทรงโปรดใน<br />
ความเป็นระเบียบเรียบร้อย และทรงสน<br />
พระทัยในเรื่องการทหารเป็นอย่างมาก<br />
บางครั้งจะเสด็จไปยังกองทหารรักษาการณ์<br />
รับสั่งถามถึงการกินอยู่ ทรงตรวจสอบการ<br />
แต่งกายและความเป็นระเบียบของทหาร<br />
ทรงเคารพในกฎระเบียบ ไม่ทรงฝ่าฝืนข้อ<br />
บังคับหรือคำ าสั่งใดๆ และเมื่อเจริญพระวัย<br />
ขึ้นก็ยิ่งทรงมีวินัยมากยิ่งขึ้น<br />
เมื่อทรงเจริญพระชนมายุครบ 20<br />
พรรษา ทรงได้รับการสถาปนาเป็น สมเด็จ<br />
พระบรมโอรสาธิราชฯ สยามมกุฎราชกุมาร<br />
ในวันที่ 28 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2515<br />
เมื่อพระชนมายุได้ 4 พรรษา ทรง<br />
เข้ารับการศึกษา ณ โรงเรียนจิตรลดา ใน<br />
พระราชวังดุสิต จนถึงชั้นมัธยมศึกษาปีที่ 1<br />
จากนั้นได้เสด็จพระราชดำ าเนินไปทรงศึกษา<br />
ต่อที่โรงเรียนคิงส์มีด เมืองซีฟอร์ด แคว้น<br />
ซัสเซกส์ และที่โรงเรียนมิลฟิลด์ เมือง<br />
สตรีท แคว้นซอมเมอร์เซท ประเทศ<br />
อังกฤษ ตามลำาดับ<br />
จากการที่ทรงสนพระราชหฤทัยใน<br />
กิจการทหารเป็นอย่างมาก พระบาทสมเด็จ<br />
พระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช พระ<br />
ราชบิดา จึงทรงพระกรุณาโปรดเกล้าฯ ให้<br />
เสด็จพระราชดำาเนินจากประเทศอังกฤษไป<br />
ทรงศึกษาวิชาทหารยังประเทศออสเตรเลีย<br />
โดยขั้นแรกทรงเข้ารับการศึกษาในโรงเรียน<br />
คิงส์สกูล นครซิดนีย์ ก่อนจะทรงเข้า<br />
ศึกษาในวิทยาลัยการทหารที่ ดันทรูน กรุง<br />
แคนเบอร์รา โดยทรงสำาเร็จหลักสูตรในภาค<br />
วิชาการทหารด้วยยศร้อยโท และสำ าเร็จการ<br />
ศึกษาในภาควิชาสามัญ สาขาอักษรศาสตร์<br />
เมื่อ พ.ศ. 2519<br />
นอกจากนั้น ทรงเข้ารับการฝึกฝนและ<br />
ศึกษาวิชาทางการทหารเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับ<br />
การกระโดดร่ม อาวุธยุทธวิธี การรบพิเศษ<br />
การลาดตระเวน การบินขับไล่ทางยุทธวิธีขั้น<br />
พื้นฐานและขั้นสูงจากประเทศออสเตรเลีย<br />
และสหรัฐอเมริกา ทั้งยังทรงเข้าศึกษาใน<br />
โรงเรียนเสนาธิการทหารบกของไทยจน<br />
ครบหลักสูตร ทรงเข้ารับราชการเป็นนาย<br />
ทหารประจำากรมข่าวทหารบก และในปี<br />
พ.ศ. 2531 ทรงดำารงตำาแหน่งผู้บัญชาการ<br />
หน่วยบัญชาการทหารมหาดเล็กราชวัลลภ<br />
รักษาพระองค์<br />
ด้วยพระปรีชาสามารถด้านการบิน<br />
สมเด็จพระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิราลงกรณ<br />
บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร ทรงได้รับการยกย่องว่า<br />
เป็น “เจ้าฟ้านักบินขับไล่ไอพ่น” พระองค์<br />
แรกแห่งราชวงศ์จักรี ทรงทำ าการบินกับ<br />
เครื่องบินของกองทัพอากาศทุกรูปแบบ<br />
และได้ทรงพระราชทานการฝึกสอน<br />
ถ่ายทอดวิชาความรู้และเทคนิคการบินสมัย<br />
ใหม่ให้แก่นักบินกองทัพอากาศ นอกจาก<br />
นั้น ทรงเข้ารับการศึกษาหลักสูตรการบิน<br />
พลเรือน ทรงฝึกบินในฐานะนักบินโบอิ้ง<br />
737-400 จนทรงได้รับใบอนุญาตนักบิน<br />
พาณิชย์เอก<br />
ก่อนขึ้นทรงราชย์ ทรงดำ ารงพระยศ<br />
พลเอก พลเรือเอก และพลอากาศเอก<br />
ในกองทัพบก กองทัพเรือ และกองทัพ<br />
อากาศ ตามลำาดับ<br />
ด้านศาสนา ทรงมีพระราชหฤทัยศรัทธา<br />
เลื่อมใสในพระพุทธศาสนาอย่างมั่นคง<br />
ทรงผนวชตามพระราชประเพณี เมื่อวันที่ 6<br />
พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2521 ณ พระอุโบสถ<br />
วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม จากนั้นเสด็จไป<br />
ประทับ ณ วัดบวรนิเวศวิหาร ตลอดระยะ<br />
เวลาที่ทรงผนวช ทรงสำ ารวมและปฏิบัติ<br />
ตามพระธรรมวินัยอย่างเคร่งครัด ทรงพระ<br />
ดำาเนินด้วยพระบาทไปทรงรับภัตตาหาร<br />
บิณฑบาตจากผู้ที่ทูลเกล้าฯ ถวายตามที่<br />
ต่างๆ หลังจากทรงปฏิบัติพระองค์อย่าง<br />
เคร่งครัดในสมณสารูปครบ 15 วันแล้ว<br />
จึงทรงประกาศลาสิกขา โดยทรงเสด็จ<br />
พระราชดำาเนินแทนพระราชบิดาไปทรง<br />
บำาเพ็ญพระราชกุศลและประกอบพระราช<br />
พิธีต่างๆ ทางพระพุทธศาสนาอยู่เนืองๆ<br />
ด้วยพระราชหฤทัยอันแน่วแน่ที่จะทรง<br />
ปกครองแผ่นดินไทยและปวงชนชาวไทย<br />
ให้อยู่ดีมีสุข ข้าพระพุทธเจ้า สายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส และนิตยสารฟ้าไทย<br />
ขอถวายพระพร ขอพระองค์ทรงพระเจริญ<br />
ยิ่งยืนนาน<br />
Photos: Thewin Chanyawong
Welcome On Board<br />
letter from the president<br />
Happy New Year to you all.<br />
Last year marked a momentous<br />
change and transition for <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
We lost a beloved “Father of the<br />
Nation,” His Majesty the late King<br />
Bhumibol Adulyadej and our country<br />
continues to mourn.<br />
Yet our spirits have been lifted<br />
as his heir has acceded to the<br />
throne and we congratulate our<br />
new sovereign, His Majesty King<br />
Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.<br />
With our new<br />
ruler, we usher in a new golden era<br />
of the Chakri Dynasty.<br />
On behalf of Bangkok Airways,<br />
Asia’s Boutique Airline, I’d like to<br />
welcome you to the year <strong>2017</strong><br />
and also the Lunar New Year of the<br />
Rooster. We wish you have many<br />
chances to travel as a way to<br />
energise yourself both physically<br />
and mentally, and to be ready for a<br />
good start in all aspects of life and<br />
throughout the year.<br />
Bangkok Airways is committed<br />
to giving passengers our very best<br />
service. Last year, we opened new<br />
routes; with direct flights from<br />
Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son and<br />
from Bangkok to Danang thereby<br />
making it more convenient for all<br />
passengers. This year, we plan to<br />
upgrade our services to meet your<br />
needs for more travel satisfaction.<br />
In 2016, we obtained 7 of the<br />
latest ATR72-600 planes to join<br />
our fleet, increasing capacity to<br />
service both domestic and Southeast<br />
Asian routes.<br />
For this year, we’re improving<br />
our inflight menus and presenting<br />
the concept of a “<strong>Thai</strong> Asean<br />
Menu,” with <strong>Thai</strong> and Asean gastronomy<br />
classics such as Tom Yum<br />
Kung, Seafood Somtam, <strong>Thai</strong> Green<br />
Curry with Chicken and Chicken<br />
Massaman Curry. The menu is<br />
created by renowned <strong>Thai</strong> chef,<br />
ML Sirichalerm Svasti (Chef McDang),<br />
in support of the government travel<br />
policy to promote <strong>Thai</strong> culture and<br />
cuisine. We hope our passengers<br />
will be impressed with this special<br />
service.<br />
On behalf of the Bangkok<br />
Airways committee, executives and<br />
staff, I would like to thank every<br />
one of you from all over the world<br />
who voted in support of Bangkok<br />
Airways for the Skytrax, Smart<br />
Travel Asia and the TGG Travel<br />
Awards.<br />
Finally, I’d like to wish all of you<br />
happiness in the journey of life<br />
throughout the year. We hope to<br />
continue to be a part of it and to<br />
have the opportunity to give you<br />
service that is unique and done to<br />
the best of our ability.<br />
สวัสดีปีใหม่ครับทุกท่าน<br />
ปีที่ผ่านมาเป็นปีที่ประเทศไทยมาถึงจุดเปลี่ยนผ่านครั้ง<br />
ยิ่งใหญ่ นับเป็นความสูญเสียของคนทั้งชาติที่พระบาทสมเด็จ<br />
พระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช รัชกาลที่ 9 เสด็จสวรรคต<br />
แต่แผ่นดินทองของเราก็ได้รับพระมหากรุณาธิคุณจากสมเด็จ<br />
พระเจ้าอยู่หัวมหาวชิราลงกรณ บดินทรเทพยวรางกูร รัชกาล<br />
ที่ 10 ที่ได้ทรงตอบรับเป็นพระมหากษัตริย์พระองค์ใหม่ของแผ่น<br />
ดินไทย ปวงข้าพระพุทธเจ้าทั้งหลาย ขอพระองค์ทรงพระเจริญ<br />
ยิ่งยืนนาน<br />
ผมในนามของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส เอเชีย บูทีค<br />
แอไลน์ ขอกล่าวต้อนรับท่านผู้โดยสารทุกท่านเข้าสู่ปี<br />
พุทธศักราช 2560 หวังว่าทุกท่านได้มีโอกาสเดินทางพักผ่อน<br />
เติมพลังชีวิตเพื่อเริ่มต้นปี 2560 ด้วยสุขภาพกายแข็งแรง<br />
สุขภาพใจที่สดชื่นนะครับ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ยังคง<br />
มุ่งมั่นในการบริการจากใจ เพื่อสร้างความประทับใจให้กับการ<br />
เดินทางของทุกท่าน โดยเมื่อปีที่ผ่านมาเราได้มีการเพิ่มเส้นทาง<br />
บินใหม่ เส้นทางบินตรง เชียงใหม่-แม่ฮ่องสอน และ กรุงเทพ-<br />
ดานัง (ไป-กลับ) เพื่อการเดินทางสะดวกสบายรวดเร็วยิ่งขึ้น<br />
ส่วนปี 2560 นี้บริษัทฯ มีแผนการพัฒนาการบริการ<br />
ต่างๆ เพื่อเตรียมพร้อมที่จะตอบสนองความต้องการของผู้<br />
โดยสาร โดยเมื่อปี 2559 นี้เราได้รับเครื่องบินแบบ ATR72-600<br />
รุ่นใหม่ล่าสุดสำหรับให้บริการมาแล้วทั้งสิ้นจำนวน 7 ลำ จาก<br />
จำนวนสั่งซื้อใหม่ทั้งหมด 9 ลำ เข้ามาเพิ่มในฝูงบิน ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่ง<br />
ในการเตรียมความพร้อมและยกระดับความสามารถในการให้<br />
บริการ ทั้งเส้นทางบินภายในประเทศและภายในภูมิภาคเอเชีย<br />
ตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ นอกเหนือจากนี้การบริการอาหารบนเครื่อง<br />
บินประจำปี 2560 ที่นำเสนอภายใต้แนวคิด “<strong>Thai</strong> Asean Menu”<br />
ที่ชูความเป็นไทยและกลิ่นอายของความเป็นเอเชีย อาทิเช่น<br />
ส้มตำกุ้ง ต้มยำทะเล แกงเขียวหวานไก่ มัสมั่นไก่ เป็นต้น โดย<br />
แนวคิดดังกล่าว ม.ล. ศิริเฉลิม สวัสดิวัตน์ (เชฟหมึกแดง) ได้<br />
สร้างสรรค์ขึ้นเพื่อสนับสนุนนโยบายของภาครัฐในการส่งเสริม<br />
เรื่องการท่องเที่ยวของประเทศ เราหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าผู้โดยสาร<br />
จะรู้สึกประทับใจกับบริการพิเศษนี้นะครับ<br />
ผมในฐานะตัวแทนคณะกรรมการ ผู้บริหารและพนักงาน<br />
ทุกคนขอแสดงความขอบคุณสำหรับทุกๆ คะแนนโหวตจาก<br />
ผู้โดยสารทั่วโลกที่ทำให้สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้รับ<br />
รางวัลจาก Skytrax, Smart Travel Asia และ TTG Travel<br />
Award รางวัลเหล่านี้นับเป็นกำลังใจให้เรามุ่งมั่นพัฒนางาน<br />
ด้านบริการต่อไป สุดท้ายนี้ขออวยพรให้ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านมี<br />
ความสุขทั้งสุขภาพร่างกายและจิตใจ ประสบความสำเร็จตลอดปี<br />
2560 โดยสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ขอเป็นส่วนหนึ่งที่จะ<br />
ช่วยคอยดูแลและบริการผู้โดยสารทุกท่านด้วยความเต็มใจและ<br />
เต็มความสามารถตลอดไป<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Captain Putthipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />
14 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Contents<br />
OUR NEW KING<br />
OVERTURES<br />
Features<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land finds much to<br />
celebrate with a new<br />
sovereign, His Majesty<br />
King Maha Vajiralongkorn<br />
Bodindradebayavarangkun.<br />
A life in photos traces<br />
candid scenes with<br />
members of the royal family<br />
and days of royal duties and<br />
aviation training.<br />
24 Connect<br />
From the new year candlelights<br />
created during Meak Bocha<br />
to the shine of a lacquerware<br />
exhibit, know what’s causing a<br />
cultural stir around you.<br />
28 beautify<br />
Carry on in style with<br />
discoveries of the latest<br />
fragrances and the greatest tips<br />
to maximize your looks with<br />
long-lasting makeup brands,<br />
especially during this season of<br />
festivities and love.<br />
30 STYLE<br />
Be a stylish globetrotter<br />
with the latest ensembles<br />
and accessories easily put<br />
together from the newest<br />
fashion offerings.<br />
32 Good Cooks<br />
Make it a cosy Chinese New<br />
Year gathering with a double<br />
recipe feature of Tom Yum<br />
Kung and Chinese Dumplings.<br />
With easy instructions from<br />
Chef Alyssa, impressive<br />
results are guaranteed.<br />
40 Chinese treats<br />
How you love that nian gao<br />
cake you’ve been savouring<br />
during Chinese New Year<br />
depends on whether it’s<br />
made from a traditional<br />
recipe in Guangdong or<br />
elsewhere in China. Learn<br />
which dialect group’s varying<br />
traditions still translate into<br />
the same meaning and fun.<br />
48 Fantasy Realm<br />
Floor to soaring ceiling<br />
display windows in New<br />
York offer up a fantasy world<br />
of merchandising done in<br />
surprising ways. We talk<br />
about how ‘paper cuts’ and<br />
their aesthetic assemblage<br />
create all things great and<br />
small in store windows.<br />
56 Another Road<br />
A recently screened<br />
movie inspired a long<br />
and adventurous roadtrip<br />
to Mandalay. Colonial<br />
history and unexpected<br />
nature deepens a writer’s<br />
connection to Myanmar.<br />
64 Awakening<br />
A visit to Koh Samui can<br />
go beyond the worship<br />
of the sea and sun to<br />
learning the practice<br />
of loving kindness. It<br />
takes just a few days<br />
at the Dipabhavan<br />
Meditation Centre to be<br />
enlightened.<br />
72 Rising Up<br />
Bagan always moves<br />
in mystical ways when<br />
you soar above the<br />
countryside in a hot air<br />
balloon. Photographer<br />
Simon Bond captures<br />
the magic at dawn’s<br />
early light.<br />
72<br />
Balloons<br />
Over Bagan<br />
16 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
11 17
Contents<br />
Happenings<br />
Corporate<br />
Our insider access to goings on in the region,<br />
plus tips in entertainment and getaway<br />
destinations.<br />
84 Bangkok<br />
88 CHIANG MAI<br />
92 SAMUI<br />
96 PHUKET<br />
98 PATTAYA<br />
100 HONGKONG<br />
104 SINGAPORE<br />
106 KUALA<br />
LUMPUR<br />
107 MYANMAR<br />
108 Danang/<br />
Siem Reap<br />
110 MUMBAI<br />
112 MALDIVES<br />
116 news<br />
Bangkok Airways events and outings<br />
126 ROUTE MAP<br />
CHecking out<br />
Guangzhou’s rising metropolis blends<br />
traditional places and futuristic spaces<br />
This month’s<br />
cover:<br />
King Rama X<br />
of the Chakri<br />
Dynasty<br />
LONG LIVE THE KING<br />
56<br />
Find Your Way<br />
to Mandalay’s<br />
Treasured Spots<br />
18 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
The Team<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC<br />
COMPANY LIMITED<br />
99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road,<br />
Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok<br />
10900, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
www.bangkokair.com<br />
ADVISORY BOARD<br />
Mr. Prote Setsuwan<br />
Vice President - Marketing<br />
Ms. Sumalee Chaitientong<br />
Vice President - Ancillary Revenues<br />
Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj<br />
Director Advertising and Creative<br />
Mr. Benjamin Sirirat<br />
Manager - Branding and Creative<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
MPMI Group Ltd.<br />
1 Soi Lasalle 23/2,<br />
Bangna, Bangkok 10260, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Tel. +66 2 744 4975<br />
Fax. +66 2 744 5271<br />
Managing Director<br />
Chaovanee Ajanant<br />
Email: chaovanee@mpmith.com<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Email: editorial@fahthaimag.com<br />
Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong<br />
Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert<br />
Senior Editor Nawa Acosta Wright<br />
Associate Editor Rathaya Atthaoraek<br />
Contributors<br />
Kay Choomongkol<br />
Thomas Tsui<br />
Nawa Acosta Wright<br />
Chalotorn Payomyol<br />
Simon Bond<br />
Tanistha Dansilp<br />
Nadia Willan<br />
Anjira Assavanonda<br />
Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Chantich Chuaychoo<br />
Ricky Zehavi<br />
Jesper Haynes<br />
Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />
Thitiphan Kantawilaskul<br />
ART<br />
Creative Director JyeShen Koo<br />
Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag<br />
Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul<br />
Production<br />
Colour Separation: Soontorn Film<br />
Printer: WPS (<strong>Thai</strong>land) Co., Ltd.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
advertising@fahthaimag.com<br />
Media Director: Pradub Prasertsri<br />
Advertising Hotlines<br />
Bangkok: Chaovanee 092-270-9528<br />
Samui: Penzy 087-055-7048<br />
OVERSEAS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES<br />
Australia<br />
The Media Company<br />
Leanne Richardson<br />
Tel: +612 9909 5800<br />
leanne@themediaco.com.au<br />
cambodia, laos,<br />
myanmar<br />
Kittikun Adunsirisaward<br />
Tel: +668 9468 2440<br />
kittikun@bangkokair.com<br />
Hathaiwan Chieochankitjakan<br />
Tel: +668 6900 5278<br />
hathaiwan@bangkokair.com<br />
CHINA,HONG KONG,<br />
MACAU<br />
China Media Options<br />
Co., Ltd.<br />
Rebecca Tsang-Pereira<br />
Tel: +852 2321 9788<br />
rebeccaCMOsupport@gmail.com<br />
france, germany,<br />
switzerland<br />
Infopac Media House<br />
Jean Charles Abeille.<br />
Tel: +331 4643 0066<br />
jcabeille@infopac.fr<br />
india, maldives<br />
RMA Media<br />
Faredoon Kuka<br />
Tel: +9122 2925 3735<br />
kuka@rmamedia.com<br />
Korea<br />
Medirep Co.<br />
Soohoon Oh<br />
Tel: +822 734 0786<br />
soohoonoh@medireponline.com<br />
Japan<br />
Publicitas Japan K.K.<br />
Hiroko Minato<br />
Tel: +8150 8882 3456<br />
hiroko.minato@publicitas.com<br />
Malaysia<br />
MPMI Sdn Bhd<br />
Alvin Tan<br />
Tel: +603 7880 2185<br />
mpmimy@gmail.com<br />
Singapore, indonesia<br />
MPMI Pte Ltd<br />
S. S. Hoo<br />
Tel: +65 6464 6261<br />
mpmisg@gmail.com<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Major Media Ltd.<br />
David Hammond<br />
Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884<br />
david@majormedia.co.uk<br />
USA<br />
The Multimedia Inc.<br />
Fernando Mariano<br />
Tel: +14 0790 3500<br />
fmar@multimediausa.com<br />
“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Ltd. All articles and<br />
photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers<br />
at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the<br />
airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the<br />
publication of such articles and photographs.<br />
All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this<br />
magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in<br />
any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok<br />
Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Ltd.<br />
20 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Overture<br />
Essential Notes To Guide Your Travels<br />
Chinese New Year<br />
Make your world a ‘redder’<br />
place with our primer for the<br />
Chinese new year. Create a<br />
festive meal, increase your<br />
cultural insight and gather<br />
essential knowledge to keep<br />
you au courant.<br />
News and events 24 / beauty and health 28 / style 30 / on the menu 32 / fruitful finds 34 / arts & cultural matters 36<br />
23
Overtures<br />
news and events<br />
12-14<br />
jan <strong>2017</strong><br />
MALAYSIA<br />
CAFE MALAYSIA <strong>2017</strong><br />
This is the 3rd time around for the<br />
international exhibition of cafe equipment,<br />
supplies & technology to be held in KL.<br />
Cafe Malaysia <strong>2017</strong> lets coffee industry<br />
professionals source supplies, discover<br />
business opportunities, as well as stay<br />
up-to-date with the latest innovations and<br />
developments in the coffee business. The<br />
event also seeks talented baristas to compete<br />
and the winner of this year will represent<br />
Malaysia on the world stage. cafe-malaysia.com<br />
DIGITAL<br />
MARKETING<br />
WORLD FORUM<br />
The constantly<br />
evolving world<br />
of digital and<br />
social marketing is<br />
providing business<br />
professionals new<br />
and effective<br />
ways to sell their<br />
products. Join global<br />
marketing leaders in<br />
discussing exciting<br />
new challenges in a<br />
2-day forum held at<br />
Singapore’s iconic<br />
Marina Bay Sands.<br />
At the same time,<br />
virtual reality experts<br />
will be gathering for<br />
a summit at<br />
the Suntec<br />
Convention and<br />
Exhibition Centre.<br />
digitalmarketingconference.com,<br />
virtualrealitysummit.<br />
com<br />
28-30<br />
jan <strong>2017</strong><br />
LAOS<br />
LAO FOOD FESTIVAL<br />
The Lao Women’s Union and Lao<br />
Businesswomen’s Association are holding<br />
the 11th Lao Food Festival in Vientiane.<br />
Everyone is invited to come along and<br />
sample a variety of delicious and unique<br />
dishes found in Lao cuisine. Much of the<br />
cuisine is centred around traditional staples<br />
like sticky rice, soup or noodle-based dishes,<br />
but you can also expect the presence<br />
of internationally influenced foods like<br />
baguettes. tourismlaos.org<br />
NOW UNTIL<br />
23<br />
jan <strong>2017</strong><br />
HONG KONG<br />
The World Of Tim Burton<br />
If you are a fan of Tim Burton, don’t miss this!<br />
This fantastical exhibition features a collection<br />
of over 500 original items and creations from<br />
the legendary film director’s work. This film<br />
director/artist has been the brains behind films<br />
like Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before<br />
Christmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and<br />
many more. This unique exhibit will be presented<br />
in sections that examine Burton’s themes, motifs<br />
and projects. All creations are curated from<br />
his personal archives, starting from the artist’s<br />
childhood to the present day.<br />
theworldoftimburton.hk<br />
12-15<br />
jan <strong>2017</strong><br />
singapore<br />
SINGAPORE MOTORSHOW<br />
Save the date for the Singapore<br />
Motorshow. The 4-day event is<br />
expected to wow car enthusiasts with<br />
more than 20 top vehicle brands,<br />
automotive accessories, lifestyle<br />
products and services and much more<br />
in the automotive-related industries.<br />
This year’s tickets are priced at $6 per<br />
entry on weekdays and $8 per entry on<br />
weekends with complimentary tickets for<br />
children. motorshow.com.sg<br />
24 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
25
Overtures<br />
news and events<br />
18-19<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK EDGE<br />
BangkokEdge Festival, Bangkok’s now<br />
popular ideas festival is back! This year’s<br />
festival is loaded with activities like<br />
talk sessions led by acclaimed <strong>Thai</strong> and<br />
international speakers on various topics<br />
ranging from literature, urban culture,<br />
environment, design, urban development<br />
to technology. There also are creative<br />
workshops, cooking demonstrations,<br />
a short film competition and music<br />
performances by leading <strong>Thai</strong> artists.<br />
bangkokedge.com<br />
16<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
MALE<br />
MIDNIGHT RUN <strong>2017</strong><br />
If you love running and enjoy doing it in<br />
the darkness of the night, this is definitely<br />
the right event for you! Organised by<br />
AKH Eventus, it is the Maldives Island’s<br />
only midnight run and one of the biggest<br />
annual running events in the country. Join<br />
a community of both skilled and amateur<br />
runners to accomplish a new goal. You<br />
can choose to participate in the 5K, 10K<br />
and 21K half marathon and is open to<br />
everyone. facebook.com/MaleMidnightRun<br />
1-<br />
28<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
THAILAND<br />
Chiang Mai Flower Festival<br />
Every year Chiang Mai organises the flower festival<br />
which features beautiful blooms and decorative plants<br />
from the area. The festival celebrates the glory of the<br />
flora which blossoms around the end of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
winter season, sometime in early <strong>Feb</strong>ruary. The venue<br />
is transformed into an open-air exhibition centre<br />
which boasts magnificent floral displays. A highlight<br />
will be the decorated floats that parade around the city<br />
to show off the vibrantly coloured flowers, complete<br />
with entertainment such as traditional dances.<br />
tourismthailand.org<br />
16-<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
18<br />
MAR <strong>2017</strong><br />
HONG KONG<br />
HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL<br />
This year sees the 45th edition of Hong<br />
Kong’s Arts Festival, renowned for<br />
the diversity of its performances from<br />
contemporary ballet to Cantonese opera.<br />
Highlights in <strong>Feb</strong>ruary include the Czech<br />
opera and orchestral music, dances from<br />
the Bavarian State Ballet and a mix of<br />
funk, rock and jazz performances with<br />
American drummer and diva Terri Lyne<br />
Carrington. hk.artsfestival.org<br />
26 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Overtures<br />
Beauty and health<br />
IN FULL<br />
BLOOM<br />
STOCKISTs<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A woman in love<br />
and a bottle of floral<br />
fragrance equal the<br />
perfect match. For<br />
every date that counts,<br />
the fragrance of<br />
blooming flowers are<br />
always a nice touch for<br />
romance.<br />
Calvin Klein<br />
M Floor, Siam Paragon<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 690 1000<br />
Miu Miu<br />
G Floor, Central Embassy<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 160 5748<br />
Prada G Floor,<br />
Central Embassy<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 160 5744<br />
Mimosa Eau de Toilette<br />
100ml from Prada<br />
(5,400 Baht)<br />
Available in the iconic<br />
vintage bottle, this alluring<br />
scent is dedicated to the<br />
striking mimosa blossom<br />
with notes of a woodsy<br />
base. It’s a classic twist!<br />
Miu Miu Eau de Toilette<br />
50ml from Miu Miu<br />
(3,950 baht)<br />
The first Miu Miu<br />
fragrance emphasises<br />
the combination of lily<br />
of the valley and the<br />
Akigalawood®. It’s natural<br />
and timeless in a very<br />
contemporary way.<br />
Iris Eau de Toilette<br />
100ml from Prada<br />
(5,400 Baht)<br />
Another classic design<br />
from the Prada house.<br />
The fresh scent of the iris<br />
flower defines the new Eau<br />
de Parfum as the perfect<br />
touch for every date.<br />
Eternity Eau de Toilette<br />
100ml from Calvin Klein<br />
(3,000 Baht)<br />
Suitable for everyday wear,<br />
this feminine fragrance<br />
brings out the romance and<br />
charm of orange blossom<br />
and bergamot.<br />
Candy Florale Eau de<br />
Toilette 80ml from<br />
Prada<br />
(5,300 Baht)<br />
This Candy collection is<br />
an exciting floral blend<br />
containing notes of<br />
limoncello sorbet, peony and<br />
musk. It‘s just like smelling<br />
a bouquet of flowers sitting<br />
on the counter of an ice<br />
cream shop.<br />
Words ALEXIS Style Saranya Ariyakul Photo Chantich chuayChoo<br />
Flawless First Date<br />
Because first impressions count, be sure to get your makeup right.<br />
These are the best helpers that never let you down.<br />
It’s such a celebration as Guerlain has just launched an exclusive<br />
edition of Météorites Perles de Légende! Formulated with a diamond<br />
powder in microspheres, the three shades can create a pure and<br />
endless glow on your skin. While pink is for refreshing, gold for<br />
illumination, and blue for colour-correction, the pearls are delicately<br />
fragranced with a note of violet and housed in a precious new case<br />
with a blue and gold design.<br />
‘Capture Totale<br />
- DreamSkin’<br />
Perfect Skin<br />
Cushion Broad<br />
Spectrum SPF 50<br />
from Dior<br />
(2,800 Baht)<br />
The first 24-hour wear<br />
foundation for lasting<br />
perfection. The result<br />
is a long-lasting clear<br />
complexion perfect for<br />
when lovebirds meet.<br />
Radiant Creamy Concealer<br />
from Nars (1,290 Baht)<br />
An exclusive version with three shades to<br />
colour-correct and illuminate your skin.<br />
Dinner will be wonderful with the added<br />
glow of your face!<br />
Couleurs Couture’<br />
Eyeshadow Palette from<br />
Dior (2,700 Baht)<br />
The ultimate accessory for a perfectly<br />
sculpted face. Its formula highlights<br />
your facial contours and makes them<br />
more impressive than ever.<br />
‘Diorblush’<br />
Light &<br />
Contour<br />
Sculpting Stick<br />
Duo from Dior<br />
(1,550 Baht)<br />
This beauty tool uses<br />
a formula enriched<br />
with microfibres to<br />
reproduce the effect<br />
of lash extensions. Its<br />
wax texture coats the<br />
lashes for even more<br />
shape and volume.<br />
‘Teint Idole<br />
Ultra 24H’<br />
Wear &<br />
Comfort<br />
Retouch-<br />
Free Divine<br />
Perfection<br />
Makeup<br />
SPF 15 from<br />
Lancôme<br />
(price upon<br />
request)<br />
The legendary<br />
palette that gives<br />
free rein to your<br />
creativity to achieve<br />
your perfect makeup<br />
results. Bring your<br />
confidence up!<br />
28 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 29
Overtures<br />
STYLE<br />
Vivid<br />
Wonder<br />
Lovey-<br />
Dovey<br />
When the boys are in<br />
love, getting dressed in<br />
colourful shades brings<br />
a good sign for every<br />
relationship. It’s playful<br />
yet charming!<br />
FOR HIM<br />
Clutch from<br />
Kate Spade (5,900 Baht)<br />
Sunglasses from Coach<br />
(9,200 Baht)<br />
Passport holder<br />
from Jack Spade<br />
(7,550 Baht)<br />
Necktie from<br />
Jack Spade (6,550 Baht)<br />
Shorts from<br />
Jack Spade (7,550 Baht)<br />
Long-sleeved pullover<br />
from Scotch & Soda<br />
(4,995 Baht)<br />
Card holder from<br />
Jack Spade (3,950 Baht)<br />
Jacket from<br />
Scotch & Soda (12,995 Baht)<br />
Leather sneakers<br />
from Coach (14,500 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTs<br />
Coach<br />
1st Floor,<br />
Zone Groove,<br />
Central World<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 646 1263<br />
Jack Spade<br />
1st Floor,<br />
Zone Atrium,<br />
Central World<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 658 6574<br />
Scotch & Soda<br />
2nd Floor,<br />
Central Embassy<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 160 5807<br />
words ALEXIS Style Saranya Ariyakul Photos Chantich Chuaychoo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
words alexis Style Saranya Ariyakul Photos Chantich Chuaychoo<br />
Let’s spread your girlish<br />
love around with<br />
clothes and accessories<br />
that shine their vibrant<br />
and sweet colours.<br />
By that way of<br />
expression, love would<br />
be defined even more!<br />
FOR HER<br />
top Handle bag from<br />
Kloset (15,550 Baht)<br />
Sunglasses from<br />
Kate Spade (6,950 Baht)<br />
Glitter high heels from<br />
Chiara Ferragni @ Disaya<br />
(14,950 Baht)<br />
iphone case from<br />
Kate Spade (2,250 Baht)<br />
Necklace from<br />
Kloset (8,850 Baht)<br />
Diary from<br />
Kate Spade (2,450 Baht)<br />
Long-sleeved top<br />
from Matter Makers<br />
(price upon request)<br />
Bag from<br />
Jimmy Choo (52,400 Baht)<br />
Shorts from Kloset<br />
(price upon request)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Chiara Ferragni @ Disaya<br />
2nd Floor, Zone Groove,<br />
Central World<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 646 1828<br />
Jimmy Choo<br />
M Floor, Siam Paragon<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 610 9944<br />
Kate Spade<br />
1st Floor, Zone Atrium,<br />
Central World<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 646 1260<br />
Kloset<br />
3rd Floor, Siam Centre<br />
Tel. +66 (0) 2 658 1729<br />
Matter Makers<br />
G Floor, Siam Centre<br />
30 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 31
Overtures<br />
on the menu<br />
A Feast<br />
from the Soul<br />
A meeting of two cultural favourites creates the<br />
perfect celebration meal.<br />
After years of being away from <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
time came for Chef Alyssa Han to return<br />
to her motherland. Always in the<br />
comfort of the culinary world, she was<br />
a successful chef in Norway and Finland<br />
and also a restaurateur in both Shanghai<br />
and Hong Kong. Alyssa is now back,<br />
choosing Bangkok and Phetchaburi as the<br />
places to make her dreams come true.<br />
FAB-A, Food and Arts by Alyssa offers private cooking events<br />
in Bangkok and Phetchaburi; a town just two hours away from<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong> capital. Her programme includes visiting local farms,<br />
boat paddling in the nearby river and making mini clay stoves<br />
from scratch.<br />
For a taste of her talent, here is Chef Alyssa’s soulful recipe<br />
that can be easily done at home. She features a classic soup<br />
recipe from <strong>Thai</strong>land, known as Tom Yum Kung and Jiao Zi, the<br />
ever popular dumplings that originated in China.<br />
“As a chef, I created this fusion menu for the family to cook<br />
together. Since the Chinese New Year regularly takes place<br />
around <strong>Jan</strong>uary and <strong>Feb</strong>ruary, Tom Yum Kung and Jiao Zi are<br />
one of the most traditional and popular dishes for both <strong>Thai</strong> and<br />
Chinese people to enjoy.<br />
“Tom Yum Kung is also a popular <strong>Thai</strong> dish for the Chinese<br />
people. It’s truly a meaningful way to celebrate the Chinese New<br />
Year in <strong>Thai</strong>land,” explained Chef Alyssa.<br />
For Dumpling Fillings:<br />
• 300g of chicken breast (finely chopped)<br />
• 200g of shrimp (coarsely chopped)<br />
• 1 tsp of finely chopped galangal<br />
• 1 tsp of finely chopped lemongrass<br />
• 1 tsp kaffir lime zest<br />
(use a cheese grater or microplane)<br />
• 1 finely julienned kaffir lime leaf<br />
• 1 egg<br />
• 1 tbsp of finely cut spring onions<br />
• 1 tbsp of fish sauce<br />
• 2 tsp of white sugar<br />
• 1 tsp of chilli paste<br />
(for a children’s version, skip the chilli paste)<br />
• 1 tbsp of tamarind juice (1 pulp squeezed<br />
in 1 cup of warm water)<br />
• 1 tsp of finely chopped garlic<br />
• 1 tbsp of finely chopped shallots<br />
• 50g of coriander leaves (2 bunches);<br />
cut and coat with 1 tsp of vegetable oil<br />
Mix all the above ingredients well. Chill for 1<br />
hour while making the wrappers.<br />
For the Dough<br />
(kids can join in the activity)<br />
• 300g of plain flour<br />
• 150ml water<br />
• Pinch of salt<br />
How to Make the<br />
Dumpling Wrappers<br />
(You can skip this part and buy dumpling<br />
wrappers from a supermarket)<br />
Mix the flour, salt and water together,<br />
then knead it into dough. When it feels<br />
bouncy and soft, let the dough rest for a<br />
while to get it to stretch better.<br />
Sprinkle all-purpose flour on the<br />
chopping board. Create a hole in the<br />
middle of the dough with your finger.<br />
Use the hole to grip and turn the dough<br />
until it becomes a circle. Find a spot to<br />
cut the dough into strips. Rub it to<br />
stretch and make the dough smaller,<br />
then cut into small pieces. (1 inch long)<br />
Time for the kids to help in<br />
making Jiao Zi wrappers<br />
Use your palm to flatten each piece, then<br />
use your thumb to hold the dough in the<br />
middle. And use your right hand to hold<br />
the rolling pin and roll it. Use your thumb<br />
to turn the dough and make the dough<br />
into a small round shape that is thick in the<br />
centre and thin at the edge. Sprinkle flour<br />
if the dough becomes sticky. Roll it until<br />
each small piece of the dumpling wrapper<br />
will be the same size of your palm. Make<br />
6 pieces; 3 pieces for one portion of the<br />
Tom Yum soup and 3 for your kids to eat<br />
(the kids can help you make more) after<br />
cooking them right away.<br />
How to Cook the Jiao Zi<br />
Cook the dumplings by boiling 3 cups<br />
of water for 6 pieces first. Sprinkle salt<br />
into the water while it is boiling in order<br />
to protect the wrapper from breaks and<br />
to make it chewy. Put the dumplings in<br />
one by one. Wait for few seconds then<br />
stir the water gently and don’t touch the<br />
dumplings directly. Fill the pot with cold<br />
water after the dumplings are boiled. The<br />
dumplings are fully cooked when they are<br />
floating and expand in size. Take them out<br />
to rest.<br />
Remarks: The kids can eat Joai Zi now with<br />
soy sauce. For adults, make a <strong>Thai</strong> chilli sauce<br />
by mixing 1 tsp of chilli paste (Phanthai<br />
Norasingh or Mae Pranom brand), 1 tsp of<br />
chopped shallots, 1 tsp of chopped galangal,<br />
1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of honey and 1<br />
lime wedge. Blend together well.<br />
What You Need for Tom Yum kung<br />
For the Tom Yum Soup, use the original clear<br />
broth for the dumplings.<br />
Ingredients for 2 Portions<br />
• Broth from boiling shrimp shell, 3 cups<br />
(Shrimp shells are from 200g of shrimp that were<br />
previously chopped for the filling: half for the broth,<br />
and half for frying.)<br />
• River Prawns (size 20g each), 4 pieces<br />
• Straw mushroom (cut in half ),3/4 cup<br />
• Lemongrass (young), 1 stalk<br />
• Kaffir lime leaves (young), 3 leaves<br />
• Coriander root, 1 root<br />
• Shallots (small), 5 bulbs<br />
• Fish sauce (preferrably Tipparos), 2 tbsp<br />
• Fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp<br />
• Small <strong>Thai</strong> chillies, 4 pieces<br />
• Fresh coriander, 1/2 cup<br />
• <strong>Thai</strong> chilli paste, 2 tsp<br />
• Palm sugar 1 tsp<br />
Steps to Soup<br />
Boil 3 cups of water with shrimp shells, and<br />
add 1 tsp of salt for 15-20 minutes under<br />
low heat.<br />
Separate and fry the shrimp fat with mild<br />
crushed peppers in 2 tsp of cooking oil.<br />
Clean the veins from the back of 4 river<br />
prawns. Leave the heads and tails.<br />
Diagonally cut the young lemongrass to the<br />
size of one bite; bind the old leaves into a<br />
bundle and pour on some lime juice. Tear the<br />
kaffir lime leaves from their veins; gently<br />
pound the coriander roots, just for them to<br />
break. Roughly cut the onions into small pieces;<br />
cut off the chilli stalks and break them open<br />
before soaking them in the lime juice.<br />
Filter the shrimp shell broth and boil it. Once<br />
the soup is boiled — add shrimps, mushrooms,<br />
coriander roots, onion, kaffir lime leaves, and<br />
fish sauce into the boiling soup. Once the soup<br />
is boiled, turn off the heat before putting and<br />
submerging the <strong>Thai</strong> chillies, lime juice and<br />
cilantro in the soup.<br />
Plate the Bowl<br />
Plating, which is the art of food presentation, is<br />
equally important to please the eye and sense<br />
of smell. Start by laying three cooked dumplings<br />
anywhere in the bowl, then add two prawns with<br />
their heads sitting past the rim. Ladle in the Tom<br />
Yum soup and garnish with coriander and chillies.<br />
For more information:<br />
www.foodandartsbyalyssa.com/contact-us<br />
For more information: www.foodandartsbyalyssa.com/contact-us<br />
32 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 33
Overtures<br />
on the menu / fruitful finds<br />
words & photos kay Choomongkol<br />
Oranges<br />
are for<br />
Auspiciousness<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> and Chinese cultures<br />
regard oranges as the symbolic<br />
fruit of luck and prosperity.<br />
This ‘golden’ fruit always takes<br />
the leading role on the dining<br />
table or presented as gifts or<br />
as offerings to spirits, gods and<br />
goddesses for every auspicious<br />
occasion.<br />
In <strong>Thai</strong>land, oranges ( called som) are available in<br />
fresh markets and supermarkets year round but<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>uary and <strong>Feb</strong>ruary show off their richest tastes.<br />
The country is blessed with many varieties and<br />
the smallest and most sour kumquats or Som Jeed<br />
are used by <strong>Thai</strong> people to season and enhance<br />
meals. Also small but juicy is Som Sai Namphueng<br />
which possesses a smooth, thin skin but reveals a<br />
uniquely sharp yet sweet and sour flavour. Mid-size<br />
sweet oranges have a rough, thick skin known as<br />
Som Cheng with a pale yellow pulp. And don’t judge<br />
a orange by its unappealing skin! Even though Som<br />
Khiew Waan Bang Mod looks less attractive when<br />
compared to other types of oranges, it is highly<br />
appreciated for its unique and unbeatable honeyed<br />
taste. Consider yourself lucky if you find Som<br />
Khiew Waan these days – this local orange is fast<br />
disappearing due to its vulnerability to disease.<br />
Som Shogun is considered to be one of the<br />
most famous orange varieties in <strong>Thai</strong>land. This<br />
award-winning fruit has a stronger fragrance and<br />
flavour and is slightly bigger than Som Khiew Waan<br />
— but just as easy to hold and peel. Betong, the<br />
southernmost district of <strong>Thai</strong>land, has some of the<br />
finest quality Som Shogun because of its weather,<br />
soil and natural water resources and produces a<br />
superlative fruit that is globally coveted.<br />
All oranges are high in vitamin C, antioxidants<br />
and dietary fibre and help cool down body<br />
temperatures, reduce dehydration and is simply<br />
refreshing. So grab some oranges and try one that is<br />
special to <strong>Thai</strong>land!<br />
34 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Overtures<br />
arts & cultural matters<br />
until<br />
<strong>Feb</strong><br />
<strong>2017</strong><br />
Heart<br />
to Art<br />
Maneerat Srikampa has gone<br />
beyond still life painting<br />
of food to portraits of her<br />
mother wearing a colourful<br />
sarong wrap. The artist got<br />
a pleasant surpirse when<br />
people responded favourably<br />
to her concept. In fact, people<br />
have asked to see more<br />
paintings with the colourful<br />
sarongs that women in Khon<br />
Kaen in <strong>Thai</strong>land wear, whose<br />
prints feature beautiful and<br />
unique batik patterns. Some<br />
of her paintings were bought<br />
by Malaysian art collectors<br />
who want to support artists in<br />
order to keep them working.<br />
“Like other watercolour<br />
artists, I began with painting<br />
beautiful flowers. Next came<br />
objects in my surroundings<br />
and from them, inspiration<br />
just pops in my head. It can<br />
even come from a head of<br />
garlic or an onion given by<br />
my mum when I visit her in<br />
Khon Kaen,” says Maneerat.<br />
She currently lives in the<br />
southern city of Hat yai but<br />
draws her inspiration from<br />
her hometown of Khon Kaen<br />
in Songkhla province.<br />
11<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
1-28<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
Cambodia<br />
Meak Bochea<br />
Just like Buddhists in <strong>Thai</strong>land, Loas and Myanmar, every year, Buddhists<br />
in Cambodia celebrate Meak Bochea Day on the full moon in the third<br />
month of the Khmer calendar. They join candlelight processions within<br />
temple grounds to commemorate the spontaneous visit of 1,250<br />
enlightened monks and to hear Buddha’s teachings on the three main<br />
principles dating back 2,500 years ago. You can join and observe a<br />
Buddhist temple ceremony or visit Oudong Mountain, located about<br />
45 kilometres north of Phnom Penh. Here, you’ll see hundreds of<br />
monks gather to perform Meak Bochea Day rituals on a grander scale.<br />
tourismcambodia.org<br />
THAILAND<br />
SUKHOTHAI SMILE<br />
The striking design of Mothana Ceramics may capture your eye at<br />
once. The company has been exclusively creating tableware to hotels<br />
in Phuket and Koh Samui for many years. They have been supplying to<br />
restaurants and gift shops since their establishment in 1999, straight out<br />
of Sukhothai, the oldest capital city of the <strong>Thai</strong> Kingdom.<br />
Not only are there various kinds of celadonglazed<br />
and oxide-glazed stoneware<br />
presented at their factory, but Mothana<br />
Ceramics also offers DIY activities for<br />
clients, children or adults to create their<br />
own pieces. Here, the fun and great<br />
experience is the chance to shape the<br />
clay and let your imagination run free.<br />
Mothana Ceramics: 9 Moo 12, Thung Siaw,<br />
Si Samrong, Sukhothai or call<br />
Khun Kai +66 (0) 94 714 6145<br />
19-20<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
LATE EARLY<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>-<strong>Feb</strong><br />
VIETNAM<br />
Welcoming the First<br />
Morning of the Year<br />
This is the most important celebration in<br />
Vietnamese culture. Tet (in short) means<br />
“the first morning of the first day” and is<br />
the Vietnamese version of the Lunar New<br />
Year, which originated in China. It takes<br />
place from the first day of the first month<br />
of the Vietnamese calendar (around late<br />
<strong>Jan</strong> or early <strong>Feb</strong>) until at least the third<br />
day. Many Vietnamese families prepare<br />
for Tet by cooking special foods, cleaning<br />
their homes, worshiping ancestors, wishing<br />
everyone New Year greetings and marking<br />
the occasion with family reunions.<br />
vietnamtourism.com<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
A Floating Feast of the Senses<br />
Ushering in the Chinese New Year of the Rooster, this iconic<br />
annual event is held on a floating platform at Singapore’s<br />
Marina Bay. This lively festival allows visitors to immerse<br />
themselves fully in Chinese culture by enjoying mouthwatering<br />
culinary delights to seeing giant lanterns handcrafted<br />
on site by experts from China. There will also be Chinese opera<br />
and street performances and – of course – that most Chinese<br />
of inventions: fabulous fireworks displays. yoursingapore.com<br />
Photo ERWIN SOO<br />
36 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
37
Overtures<br />
arts & cultural matters<br />
11<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
HONG KONG<br />
Love and Spring is in the Air<br />
Falling on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival is also<br />
known informally as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. In the past, singles would play<br />
matchmaking games on what is regarded as a particularly auspicious day. Nowadays,<br />
visitors can enjoy a visual array of beautiful coloured lanterns hung in numerous<br />
places, from parks to hotels, flower markets and restaurants. discoverhongkong.com<br />
<strong>Jan</strong>/<br />
<strong>Feb</strong><br />
HONG KONG<br />
BRUCE LEE, ART AND LIFE<br />
The life and work of<br />
legendary martial arts and<br />
film superstar Bruce Lee is<br />
celebrated at Hong Kong’s<br />
Heritage Museum, located<br />
in Sha Tin. Over 600 items<br />
of memorabilia mark the<br />
star not only as an actor and<br />
martial artist, but also as a<br />
true cultural phenomenon.<br />
In addition, visitors to the<br />
museum can take in beautiful<br />
Chinese paintings and trace<br />
the development of Cantonese<br />
opera. heritagemuseum.gov.hk<br />
1-28<br />
FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
thailand<br />
All About the Gloss and<br />
Sheen of Lacquer<br />
“Vision to Lacquer” will present various types<br />
of lacquerware from countries known for the<br />
craft like Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia<br />
and <strong>Thai</strong>land. Visitors learn how sap from<br />
lacquer trees is obtained to the finished<br />
lacquerware pieces. On view are styles ranging<br />
from lacquered and gilded pieces with gold leaf<br />
to those decorated with glass or works with<br />
mother-of-pearl inlay.<br />
The ongoing show ends April <strong>2017</strong> at the<br />
International Crafts Gallery by the Support of the<br />
Arts and Crafts International Centre of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
or the SACICT.<br />
38 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Chinese new year<br />
Words: Thomas Tsui<br />
The Gorgeous Diversity of Chinese New Year<br />
40 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
41
Chinese new year<br />
Bangkok’s<br />
Chinatown adopts<br />
an even more<br />
frenzied and festive<br />
air as it becomes<br />
the definitive<br />
place to load up on<br />
necessities for the<br />
Chinese New Year.<br />
Firecrackers, red<br />
envelopes, lion<br />
dances, symbolic<br />
fruits, blooms of<br />
flowers, festive foods<br />
and boisterous relatives<br />
— Chinese New Year<br />
can be a full-on sensory<br />
experience. From the<br />
outside, it might look like<br />
another cookie-cutter<br />
holiday. Yet the festival<br />
is actually celebrated very<br />
differently, varying from<br />
country to country and<br />
from one dialect group to<br />
another, with colourful<br />
customs and long-observed<br />
traditions. The holiday<br />
starts on the first day of the<br />
lunar calendar, marking the<br />
arrival of spring and end of<br />
winter with different dates<br />
each year.<br />
A Matter of Taste<br />
One of the many differences in<br />
celebration is most evident in<br />
the food prepared for the big day,<br />
and ethnic Chinese take their<br />
food seriously.<br />
The Old Market on Yaowarat<br />
Road, or Bangkok’s Chinatown, can<br />
be difficult to navigate days before<br />
Chinese New Year as <strong>Thai</strong> Chinese<br />
in the capital descend into the<br />
small alleys flanked by stalls selling<br />
fruits, pickles, sweets and anything<br />
remotely Chinese. Here, one of the<br />
most ubiquitous sight would be<br />
khanom kheng, or nian gao as it is<br />
called in Mandarin.<br />
The cake is made with glutinous<br />
rice and usually comes in a small<br />
cup made with folded dried leaves,<br />
looking like a rustic cupcake.<br />
Khanom kheng is sweet, with brown<br />
sugar thrown into the rice flour mix<br />
before steaming. The popular type<br />
of nian gao in <strong>Thai</strong>land can trace its<br />
roots back to Guangdong, since the<br />
majority of <strong>Thai</strong> Chinese ancestors<br />
hailed from the Southeastern part<br />
of China, notably from Teochew,<br />
Hakka, Hainanese and Cantonese<br />
dialect groups.<br />
DO’S and<br />
Don’ts of<br />
CHINESE<br />
NEW YEAR<br />
Chinese New Year<br />
embodies many beliefs<br />
and traditions. So keep<br />
the following in mind<br />
to live a longer and<br />
prosperous life.<br />
Do’s<br />
Do clean your house<br />
before the New<br />
Year to ward off evil<br />
spirits. Gone with<br />
the old, welcome<br />
the new.<br />
Do wear red and<br />
bright coloured attire;<br />
don’t turn up in black,<br />
especially when<br />
visiting the older<br />
generation Chinese<br />
relatives.<br />
Do light up – literally<br />
and figuratively.<br />
The Lantern Festival<br />
marks the end of<br />
Chinese New Year<br />
celebration. Lanterns<br />
of all shapes and<br />
sizes are lit and hung.<br />
This is a time when<br />
family members<br />
would gather again to<br />
meet and eat sweet<br />
dumplings.<br />
Don’ts<br />
On New Year’s day<br />
itself, don’t wash or<br />
cut hair or even do<br />
laundry. Doing so<br />
means washing away<br />
good luck for the<br />
coming year. The use<br />
of knives and scissors<br />
may lead to the<br />
cutting of fortune.<br />
Don’t say anything<br />
“bad” during the<br />
Chinese New Year<br />
since verbal blunders<br />
are believed to have<br />
a negative effect<br />
on your life. Words<br />
like “Si” or “Four” in<br />
Chinese means “to<br />
die” so you must<br />
refrain from using the<br />
number four.<br />
Unlike its nian gao cousins in the<br />
north, particularly in Shanghai, it<br />
is never prepared as a savoury dish.<br />
Instead, Chinese mums – and it is<br />
usually the almighty mothers – who<br />
would dip it in egg before frying.<br />
Coating it further with sugar is<br />
optional. And unlike dessert in the<br />
West, khanom kheng is eaten with<br />
other main dishes.<br />
Food served during Chinese<br />
New Year always comes loaded<br />
with meaning. It is considered good<br />
luck to eat nian gao – which can be<br />
loosely translated as “reaching a<br />
new height every year” – for your<br />
career and wealth, not to mention<br />
the calorie level.<br />
Something Fishy<br />
The Chinese obsession with<br />
symbolism traverses borders.<br />
Yusheng, reportedly a Teochew-<br />
Cantonese hybrid dish, is practically<br />
unheard of in <strong>Thai</strong>land, but<br />
widely consumed in Malaysia and<br />
Singapore.<br />
Yusheng literally means raw fish.<br />
The pronunciation also sounds like<br />
“abundance,” hence the popularity.<br />
The dish reportedly came from the<br />
Chaoshan region, known for its<br />
bountiful seafood. Think fish ball<br />
noodles, fish maw soup, and fish<br />
porridge. The tradition started with<br />
fishermen coming back with their<br />
catch on the seventh day of the<br />
Chinese New Year. Fish is cut into<br />
thin slices and eaten fresh.<br />
Legend has it that the modern<br />
version of yusheng appeared on<br />
the culinary scene in the 1940s in a<br />
popular restaurant in Malaysia. It<br />
consists of 27 key ingredients, such<br />
as jellyfish, white radish, carrots,<br />
chopped peanuts, red pepper,<br />
turnips, red pickled ginger, toasted<br />
Places like<br />
Singapore and<br />
Malaysia loudly toss<br />
“yucheng” for good<br />
luck throughout the<br />
year and families<br />
enjoy their mother’s<br />
best versions of nian<br />
gao, a traditional<br />
rice cake (bottom).<br />
Don’t give a clock<br />
as a present, it’s<br />
akin to escorting<br />
someone to the<br />
grave! Gifts like green<br />
hats, handkerchiefs,<br />
umbrellas and<br />
scissors — even a<br />
pear fruit — are also a<br />
no-no.<br />
Don’t lend money or<br />
something of value;<br />
anyone who does<br />
gets stuck doing it<br />
all year.<br />
42 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
43
Chinese new year<br />
sesame seeds, and spice powder, to<br />
name a few. The main ingredient<br />
of wolf herring, the original fish<br />
of choice, gave way by popular<br />
demand to salmon and tuna.<br />
Celebrants toss the ingredients<br />
while chanting “lo hei” in<br />
Cantonese which means “scoop up”<br />
– hoping that their fortune too will<br />
be lifted up in the coming year. So the<br />
higher the toss, the better the luck.<br />
Enthusiastic<br />
well-wishers say<br />
“Gong Xi Fa Cai<br />
(Mandarin) and<br />
Gong Hey Fat<br />
Choy (Cantonese)<br />
to mean Happy<br />
New Year. Despite<br />
the difference in<br />
pronunciations,<br />
both are written<br />
with the same<br />
characters.<br />
Paper Prosperity Meets<br />
Digital Love<br />
We have seen how food takes<br />
centre stage in the Chinese New<br />
Year celebration. While joss paper<br />
(sheets of paper meant to represent<br />
material goods and burned in<br />
traditional ceremonies) might<br />
not be edible – it is one of the<br />
highlights of Chinese New Year.<br />
Paper money with more zeroes<br />
than some hyper-inflationary<br />
developing currencies are burnt<br />
as offerings to deceased ancestors<br />
and relatives, along with paper<br />
cars (with paper drivers) and paper<br />
mansions with Ionic columns. It is<br />
believed that the ancestors will be<br />
able to receive these gifts in their<br />
afterlife. As with food, different<br />
groups have different quirks.<br />
In Hokkien communities, who<br />
Chinese ancestry traces back to<br />
Fujian, joss papers are folded into<br />
the shape of pineapples. Pineapples<br />
in the Hokkien dialect is “ong lai,”<br />
which sounds like the auspicious<br />
phrase “arrival of prosperity.”<br />
But no Chinese New Year<br />
is complete without that most<br />
important paper – real money.<br />
At the heart of the food and<br />
hong bao bonanza is the family —<br />
an excuse for loved ones to gather<br />
and catch up.<br />
Bills are put into red envelopes<br />
and handed out mostly to children.<br />
Each group has its own approach to<br />
giving red envelopes. In Hong Kong<br />
culture, married couples give hong<br />
bao to younger relatives. Hokkiens<br />
take a more economic approach -<br />
only the youngest relatives receive<br />
ang pao.<br />
These practices though are far<br />
from being religiously followed. At<br />
the end of the day, customs give<br />
way to pragmatism and modern<br />
technology. This is most evident in<br />
how red envelopes are being sent<br />
via messaging apps. Last Chinese<br />
New Year’s Eve alone, WeChat,<br />
a popular messaging platform in<br />
China, recorded more than 1 billion<br />
hong bao transactions.<br />
Happy Gathering<br />
At the heart of the food and<br />
hong bao bonanza is the family.<br />
Chinese New Year is almost an<br />
excuse for loved ones to gather<br />
and catch up. The energy is what<br />
lends this special period its charm.<br />
Children return home to reconnect<br />
with parents, and grandparents<br />
meet their grandchildren after<br />
perhaps several months of<br />
44 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Chinese new year<br />
าจด้วยเสียงประทัดหรือเสียงกลอง<br />
เร้าใจในขณะเชิดสิงโตที่ทำให้<br />
ตรุษจีน เทศกาลเฉลิมฉลองปีใหม่<br />
ของชาวจีนดูจะเป็นงานฉลองที่ครึกครื้น<br />
กว่าใครเพื่อน จนหลายคนอาจเข้าใจไปว่า<br />
ชาวจีนไม่ว่าชาติไหนๆ คงจะฉลองตรุษจีน<br />
เหมือนกันไปหมดทั่วโลก<br />
แต่แท้ที่จริงแล้วในความเหมือนนั้นมีความ<br />
ต่างแทรกอยู่เสมอ การเฉลิมฉลองเทศกาล<br />
ตรุษจีนในแต่ละท้องที่ มีสิ่งละอันพันละน้อย<br />
ที่แตกต่างกันไปตามพื้นเพ ความเชื่อและ<br />
เชื้อสาย จากรุ่นสู่รุ่นที่สืบทอดต่อเนื่องกัน<br />
มายาวนาน<br />
เริ่มจากขนมเข่งที่เป็นดังนางเอกของ<br />
เทศกาลตรุษจีน โดยปกติขนมเข่งถือเป็นหนึ่ง<br />
ในขนมมงคลที่ทุกคนไม่ควรพลาดในช่วง<br />
วันขึ้นปีใหม่ ด้วยคำว่าขนมเข่ง หรือ<br />
เหนียนเกา ในภาษาแมนดารินหมายถึง<br />
ความสมบูรณ์พูนสุขในชีวิตและความ<br />
ก้าวหน้าในหน้าที่การงาน หลายท้องที่อาจ<br />
ถือว่าขนมเข่งเป็นอาหารประเภทขนม<br />
แต่สำหรับทางตอนเหนือของประเทศจีนโดย<br />
เฉพาะที่เซี่ยงไฮ้แล้ว ขนมเข่งจะถูกจัดขึ้นโต๊ะ<br />
ร่วมกับอาหารจานหลักอื่นๆ โดยหั่นเป็นชิ้น<br />
บางๆ ก่อนจะนำไปชุบไข่ทอดน้ำมัน<br />
ขณะที่มาเลเซียและสิงคโปร์จะให้ความ<br />
สำคัญกับจานปลาหรืออาหารที่ทำจากปลา<br />
มากกว่า ไม่ว่าจะเป็นก๋วยเตี๋ยวลูกชิ้นปลา<br />
กระเพาะปลา หรือโจ๊กปลาก็ตาม แต่ที่นิยม<br />
มากที่สุดเห็นจะเป็น ปลาดิบ หรือ ยูเช็ง ที่<br />
การออกเสียงในภาษาจีนพ้องกับคำที่มี<br />
ความหมายถึงความอุดมสมบูรณ์นั่นเอง<br />
หลังจากกราบไหว้เทพยดาฟ้าดินและงด<br />
รับประทานเนื้อในวันแรกของการฉลอง<br />
ปีใหม่ วันถัดมาจะมีการเผากระดาษเงิน<br />
กระดาษทองและสิ่งอำนวยความสะดวกอื่นๆ<br />
ที่ทำจากกระดาษถึงบรรพชนผู้ล่วงลับ<br />
แต่ตรุษจีนจะสมบูรณ์แบบไปไม่ได้ หากขาด<br />
เงินจริงๆ เข้ามาเกี่ยวข้อง แน่นอน ซองอั่งเปา<br />
สีแดงพร้อมเงินสดจะถูกแจกจ่ายให้แก่ลูก<br />
หลานญาติมิตรทุกคนอย่างพร้อมหน้า<br />
การฉลองที่กินเวลายาวนานร่วม<br />
สองสัปดาห์หรือ 15 วัน เต็มไปด้วยความสุข<br />
และการแบ่งปัน ตลอดจนถึงการพบปะ<br />
เยี่ยมเยือนในหมู่ญาติมิตรและบรรดา<br />
บุคคลที่นับถือ ก่อนจะปิดท้ายเทศกาลแห่ง<br />
ความสุขนี้ด้วยการแขวนโคมไฟประดับ<br />
ประดาทั่วไปอันเป็นเครื่องหมายของการ<br />
สิ้นสุดงานเลี้ยง เพื่อกลับเข้าสู่โลกของการ<br />
ทำงานอันเป็นวิถีชีวิตปกติอีกครั้งหนึ่ง<br />
The red colour<br />
of the envelope<br />
symbolises good luck<br />
and is supposed to<br />
ward off evil spirits.<br />
Red envelopes are<br />
usually given out<br />
by married couples<br />
to single people,<br />
regardless of age,<br />
or by older to<br />
younger ones.<br />
being apart. Activities such as<br />
dumpling making, buying flowers<br />
at markets and house cleaning<br />
bind family members together.<br />
The interactions extend beyond<br />
the living too as ancestors are<br />
remembered and honoured.<br />
Fifteen Days of Celebration<br />
Traditionally the entire Chinese<br />
New Year celebration lasts 15 days.<br />
During this period, relatives and<br />
friends will pay house visits and<br />
host lunches and dinners. The<br />
first day is reserved for the elders.<br />
Guests are welcomed with tea<br />
and sweet treats to sweeten the<br />
upcoming year, usually served<br />
on a round or octagonal tray,<br />
indicating togetherness. This<br />
tray is most commonly called the<br />
“tray of togetherness.” The first<br />
couple of days see lion dances<br />
and firecrackers. The fifth day<br />
is universally celebrated as the<br />
birthday of the God of Wealth,<br />
and the Lantern Festival wraps up<br />
Chinese New Year. Most people<br />
will be back to work on that day,<br />
as businesses open their doors.<br />
Cleaning and sweeping the floor are<br />
no longer forbidden activities and<br />
life is back to normal.<br />
46 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Jay Soonthornsawad<br />
Pop Goes<br />
Photos: Ricky Zehavi<br />
Words: Nawa Acosta Wright<br />
the<br />
Other-wordly visual<br />
displays capture window<br />
shoppers’ imaginations come<br />
holiday time.<br />
Holiday<br />
Photo: Jesper Haynes<br />
Windows<br />
W<br />
hen night falls<br />
on New York City<br />
during the Christmas<br />
holidays, the retail<br />
wonderland of Fifth Avenue near<br />
Central Park twinkles brighter<br />
and the atmosphere sizzles<br />
with festiveness. It’s also the<br />
perfect backdrop when Bergdorf<br />
Goodman, the old world glamour<br />
department store, lifts its<br />
curtains to reveal magical retail<br />
windows. The wow factor shows<br />
attention-grabbing mannequins<br />
wearing extravagant fashions<br />
and retail merchandise playing a<br />
theatrical role in this visual feast.<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> joined a long queue of people to<br />
gawk as a store window tourist recently and<br />
wondered who’s behind the magic. Enter<br />
Bangkok-born Jay Soonthornsawad, who was<br />
the perfect guide to the ‘show business’ of<br />
window displays. A visual display designer<br />
in New York, he works on visibly prominent<br />
projects like the iconic holiday windows of<br />
Bergdorf Goodman.<br />
Jay’s been a visual display designer for<br />
over 15 years, a technical sounding title yet<br />
his métier elevates store merchandise from<br />
a functional use to playing a more in depth<br />
role within the four glass walls of a store<br />
window. He explains the details that make<br />
these store windows so amazing when we meet<br />
on the LES, the lower east side of Manhattan,<br />
at a <strong>Thai</strong> restaurant. We had khan toke, the<br />
traditional northern <strong>Thai</strong>land meal on footed<br />
wood trays bearing roasted chilli dips and<br />
steamed vegetable crudite.<br />
Jay’s been involved with the Bergdorf<br />
Goodman store windows for over a decade<br />
to create works that define Christmas in<br />
New York. Every year, the fashion world’s<br />
biggest designers join in the festivities with<br />
Opposite page<br />
From a majestic<br />
eagle to the regal<br />
lion, the large scale<br />
display is made<br />
entirely of paper.<br />
48 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
49
Jay Soonthornsawad<br />
extravagant Christmas window<br />
displays that the public wait as<br />
long as an hour to see. While<br />
New York stores do their holiday<br />
windows to win the attention<br />
of local and visiting customers,<br />
Bergdorf’s, as it’s fondly called<br />
by New Yorkers, dresses up their<br />
legendary windows with more<br />
opulence.<br />
Jay exudes a quiet and calm<br />
demeanour yet his work as a visual<br />
display designer presents explosive<br />
colours and detailed-filled scenes.<br />
One season featured a window<br />
named “The Crystal Ball,’ with a<br />
mannequin fortune teller, next to<br />
Swarovski crystal-studded objects.<br />
There’s “Teacher’s Pets,” from a<br />
past window done in a black and<br />
white colour scheme scattered<br />
with ‘pets’ like rabbits, a zebra, an<br />
ostrich, and other creatures made<br />
from organic materials while the<br />
mannequin dons a sequined dress<br />
by fashion brand Marchesa.<br />
Such spectacular displays are<br />
an annual treat for people familiar<br />
with the holiday windows. Jay<br />
is modest about sharing in the<br />
accolades that accompany window<br />
scenes that are never subdued, but<br />
also can be sublime.<br />
The projects with Bergdorf<br />
had themes like “Inspired”. Each<br />
window featured “The Arts”<br />
Right<br />
One must peruse<br />
at a leisurely pace all<br />
the details featured<br />
in each fairy tale<br />
window.<br />
in its category of Literature,<br />
Photography, Music, Theatre, Film,<br />
Sculpture and the “Literature”<br />
window had a collection of famous<br />
writers’ needlepoint portraits<br />
in different shades of red. The<br />
“Theatre” window showcased a<br />
mannequin wearing a beaded gold<br />
gown on a backdrop of colourful<br />
neon lights designed to resemble<br />
the theatre district of Broadway’s<br />
billboard lights. Any window<br />
onlooker simply stops and stares<br />
at the wondrous sight.<br />
“We’re not selling a product,<br />
but a store’s image,” Jay explains,<br />
of Bergdorf’s visual feats. A person<br />
walking from a distance or sitting in<br />
a taxi can take a look out from their<br />
window to our window and see the<br />
products and know what the store is<br />
about, he says.<br />
Jay also points out that it’s<br />
David Hoey, Bergdorf’s resident<br />
‘window dresser,’ who leads<br />
Bergdorf’s,<br />
as it’s fondly called<br />
by New Yorkers,<br />
dresses up their<br />
legendary<br />
windows with more<br />
opulence than the<br />
nearby stores.<br />
50 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Jay Soonthornsawad<br />
Above<br />
“Season’s<br />
Greetings,”<br />
had an alternative<br />
take on<br />
communications<br />
while “Sleepwalking”<br />
was<br />
elaborate in its<br />
dream-like state.<br />
the team and brings the holiday<br />
spectacle to life and makes<br />
the ultra-chic store a prime<br />
destination for their Christmas<br />
window displays. Window dressing<br />
normally is defined as the<br />
decoration of a store window and<br />
a profession that’s been around<br />
since the early 20th century.<br />
And Bergdorf redefined it with<br />
an enthusiasm for resplendent<br />
displays. Every year is obviously<br />
a different theme — imagine a<br />
window called Compendium of<br />
Curiosities that’s inspired by Alice<br />
in Wonderland with characters and<br />
props made entirely of paper.<br />
Jay confirms that these<br />
creations are done by real artists<br />
skilled in their craft, like sculptors<br />
who do pieces for that year’s<br />
theme. The concepts are done<br />
in house and features the store<br />
merchandise and even one-of-akind<br />
outfits especially created for<br />
the window display.<br />
In 2015, the store collaborated<br />
with Swarovski — known to most<br />
of us for their crystal jewellery<br />
— to celebrate the season and the<br />
company’s 120th anniversary.<br />
This resulted in dazzling store<br />
windows with crystal-encrusted<br />
suits of armour, a cave dotted<br />
with amethyst crystals, a giant<br />
pearl-encrusted sculpture of god<br />
of the underwater world Neptune<br />
himself and more. That should<br />
indicated just how large the store<br />
windows are.<br />
Attention is also drawn at a<br />
practical level to the store since<br />
the short holiday means a need<br />
for increased retail sales. So every<br />
year for about six weeks, from<br />
mid-November until early <strong>Jan</strong>uary,<br />
the Christmas windows of New<br />
York’s most famous stores attract<br />
millions of visitors. Jay says that<br />
the team starts thinking about it<br />
at the beginning of the year with<br />
other departments from Bergdorf.<br />
“Around Christmas, we feed off<br />
the atmosphere of the season and<br />
it helps with the inspiration and it<br />
builds momentum for the rest of<br />
the year.”<br />
Jay admits to being a<br />
perfectionist, a trait not well-suited<br />
to a Buddhist, he points out with<br />
quiet humour, because it brings<br />
on dissatisfaction. No matter his<br />
feelings, such admirable work as a<br />
visual display designer brings joy to<br />
onlookers every year.<br />
This is the same store featured<br />
in the documentary “Scatter My<br />
Ashes at Bergdorf,” a store so<br />
luxurious and glamorous that one<br />
could happily spend eternity there.<br />
Jay tried to scurry away from the<br />
camera. “I didn’t want to be filmed,<br />
so I tried to duck away from the<br />
cameras.” A little unsuccessfully,<br />
he says with a rueful smile since he<br />
can be seen in some scenes.<br />
52 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Jay Soonthornsawad<br />
So does it take a craziness to<br />
produce something beyond the<br />
ordinary? He corrects it to say<br />
there’s got to be a quirky-ness.<br />
“So I guess I may have a bit of<br />
that,” he says contemplatively.<br />
To do something ordinary can<br />
easily be overlooked, it can be<br />
taken for granted, he points<br />
out. Jay also possesses a striking<br />
sartorial style which is testament<br />
to the creative spirit in his work.<br />
As for inspiration for such big<br />
ideas? “I don’t seek it — it comes.<br />
I don’t go for walks through city<br />
streets looking for something that<br />
would strike me as inspiring. Instead<br />
it comes in moments when my mind<br />
is clear. And that is usually before<br />
I go to sleep. The ideas just keep<br />
coming,” he says with a laugh.<br />
Although there are some places<br />
that Jay enjoys spending time<br />
in. One is the Parisian-style café<br />
Buvette in the neighbourhood<br />
of the West Village, a short walk<br />
from his home in the East Village.<br />
Buvette’s atmosphere is of vintage<br />
France, with a small plates menu<br />
of classic French specialties of<br />
open-faced tartines with pates and<br />
terrines.<br />
How else does he express his<br />
creative spirit and what of the<br />
future? “I like gardening. It’s what<br />
I do when I go to Bangkok. I enjoy<br />
going to Chatuchak (Bangkok’s<br />
weekend market) and picking out<br />
plants,” he smiles.<br />
It’s a quiet enjoyment before he<br />
goes back to the vibrancy of luxury<br />
store windows. He confirms that<br />
every year, ‘it’s exciting.’<br />
าไทย พาคุณมารู้จัก เจย์ นพณัฐ<br />
สุนทรสวัสดิ์ วิชวลดีไซเนอร์หนุ่ม<br />
ไทยเพียงหนึ่งเดียวในทีมนัก<br />
ออกแบบของห้าง Bergdorf Goodman ที่<br />
ระดมความคิดสร้างสรรค์ตกแต่งดิสเพลย์<br />
ให้กับช่องกระจกโชว์ของห้าง จนเป็นที่<br />
เลื่องลือมากว่า 15 ปี<br />
งานวินโดว์ดิสเพลย์ของห้าง Bergdorf<br />
Goodman ซึ่งตั้งอยู่บนถนนสาย<br />
ประวัติศาสตร์ฟิฟท์เอฟเวนิวในละแวก<br />
เซ็นทรัลปาร์คแห่งนี้ปลุกชีวิตชีวาและสร้าง<br />
บรรยากาศเฉลิมฉลองให้กับมหานคร<br />
นิวยอร์กมานับครั้งไม่ถ้วน ทั้งยังได้ชื่อว่า<br />
เป็นดิสเพลย์ที่สวยงามและโด่งดังที่สุดใน<br />
โลก ดึงดูดสายตาผู้ชมนับล้านจากทุกแห่ง<br />
หนให้แวะเวียนกันมาเยี่ยมชมเสมอ<br />
โดยเฉพาะในช่วงคริสมาสต์ของแต่ละปี และ<br />
เจย์คือผู้อยู่เบื้องหลังความสำเร็จนั้น<br />
เจย์เล่าให้ฟ้าไทยฟังว่า “เราไม่ได้จัด<br />
ดิสเพลย์เพื่อโชว์สินค้าหรือขายของ แต่<br />
เป็นนำเสนอภาพลักษณ์ของห้างมากกว่า”<br />
เมื่อถามถึงแรงบันดาลใจในการสร้างสรรค์<br />
ผลงาน เจย์ตอบว่าเขาโชคดีมากที่ไม่ต้อง<br />
ออกไปค้นหาจากภายนอก เพราะส่วน<br />
ใหญ่ความคิดดีๆ จะแวบเข้ามาในหัวเวลา<br />
ที่เขารู้สึกสงบนิ่ง สบายใจ ซึ่งมักเกิดขึ้นใน<br />
เวลาได้ทำกิจกรรมโปรด ซึ่งนอกจากการ<br />
ไปเดินเลือกต้นไม้ที่สวนจตุจักรเวลากลับ<br />
เมืองไทยแล้ว แรงบันดาลใจของเจย์จะพรั่ง<br />
พรูท่วมท้นเมื่อได้ปล่อยอารมณ์สบายๆ ที่<br />
Buvette คาเฟ่สไตล์ปารีเซียงใกล้ที่พักใน<br />
ย่านเวสต์วิลเลจที่เขาคุ้นเคย<br />
Above<br />
Teacher’s Pets<br />
showcases<br />
a black and<br />
white extravaganza<br />
of animals<br />
that redefine the<br />
word ‘pets.’<br />
54 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
mandalay<br />
Screening<br />
Words & Photos: Chalotorn Payomyol<br />
Nostalgia<br />
and Nature<br />
A film on Mandalay and its<br />
less visited sights beckons all<br />
to picturesque surroundings.<br />
56 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 57
MANDALAY<br />
Aletter never<br />
serves its purpose<br />
unless it is read<br />
and to hold on to<br />
them for 50 years without<br />
being opened? This is the<br />
mystery that inspires Pin,<br />
the female lead of the<br />
movie “From Bangkok<br />
to Mandalay” to go on<br />
a journey to Myanmar,<br />
clutching ten unopened<br />
envelopes to unravel her<br />
grandmother’s love story.<br />
The road trip movie was<br />
shot in many stunning<br />
and unseen places around<br />
Mandalay and nearby towns<br />
and after watching it, you<br />
might want to grab your<br />
backpack and set off on a<br />
similar path to such beauty,<br />
just like <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> did.<br />
Part of my journey follows a<br />
grandmother’s last wish in the movie<br />
that they get read in the order in the<br />
place they were written and posted.<br />
The trip begins in Mandalay, the<br />
last royal capital before it was<br />
annexed by the British Empire.<br />
Answers to the letters are gradually<br />
uncovered in this well received<br />
movie, and marks a first time<br />
collaboration between <strong>Thai</strong>land and<br />
Myanmar under the direction of<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> director Chartchai Ketnust.<br />
Top right Buddhists in Myanmar press gold<br />
leaves on the Mahamuni Buddha image.<br />
It just hit the screens in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
and Myanmar around the end of<br />
last year.<br />
The movie inspired further<br />
spiritual awakening in me,<br />
although it began with a rude<br />
one when I found myself on the<br />
back of motorcycle taxi that came<br />
earlier than the appointed time.<br />
Making our way through the<br />
darkness and empty streets – it<br />
took only 5 minutes to reach the<br />
destination. My watch showed<br />
that it was 3:50 am and while I was<br />
wondering maybe it was too early<br />
— surprisingly, a crowd of Buddhist<br />
devotees were already gathered at<br />
the Mahamuni Buddha temple.<br />
The daily face washing ritual<br />
of the Mahamuni Buddha image,<br />
a much revered figure, holds great<br />
significance for the people of<br />
Mandalay.<br />
At around 4:30 am, a senior<br />
monk started the ablution. People<br />
began praying and offering food<br />
and flowers to pay respect while<br />
monks and male devotees<br />
performed the sacred ritual.<br />
Be it my faith or curiosity, it was a<br />
true blessing to be a part of this<br />
sacred ceremony and to witness<br />
the local people’s strong faith<br />
in Buddhism.<br />
I moved on to a place that<br />
survived World War II, to<br />
Shwenandaw monastery whose<br />
structure is made from teak wood.<br />
Also known as the Golden Palace<br />
Monastery, it is famed for its<br />
beautiful wood carvings too. The<br />
building is deteriorating but retains<br />
its exquisiteness. Though it is not<br />
as grand as the Mandalay palace, its<br />
teak wood simplicity gave a sense<br />
of calm and detached me from the<br />
noise of tourist groups.<br />
The monastery’s distinctive<br />
architecture and artistic wood<br />
carvings are truly amazing. It<br />
was also impressive to see local<br />
people praying and meditating in<br />
the monastery, making this place<br />
even more sacred. I just couldn’t<br />
help reminisce about those days<br />
when King Mindon spent his last<br />
days here.<br />
From the tranquility of<br />
Shwenandaw, I went to where it was<br />
quite hectic at the Mayan Gyan jetty<br />
on the bank of Ayeyarwady river.<br />
In the morning local people start<br />
their day as usual, while travellers<br />
prepare to board boats to Mingun,<br />
a town in the Sagaing region about<br />
11 km upriver from Mandalay.<br />
This town was my next stop<br />
because Mingun had such appeal in<br />
the movie and I couldn’t miss it.<br />
I decided not travel by road<br />
like in the movie but opted for a boat<br />
ride along the Ayeyarwady river<br />
instead. As the boat approached<br />
the river bank, the town of Mingun<br />
gradually revealed itself, looking<br />
small and modest in size, but there<br />
was actually more to it than meets<br />
the eye. Once you’re off the boat,<br />
unique and eco-friendly bullock<br />
cart taxis await passengers. Despite<br />
the heat, going on foot down the<br />
road seemed best as all attractions<br />
are within walking distance.<br />
“This is the unfinished pagoda,<br />
never finished,” says a young boy<br />
who kept following me from the<br />
Top Mingun Pahtodawgyi remains unfinished<br />
up to this day, owing to the belief that its<br />
completion would bring death to the king.<br />
riverbank. His hand sweeps in<br />
motion towards the huge pagoda of<br />
Mingun Pahtodawgyi, as though he<br />
were a guide and I had to politely<br />
refuse since the structure required<br />
no explanation. Its remarkably<br />
massive size makes the pagoda<br />
immediately recognisable despite<br />
its quick appearance in the movie.<br />
Legend has it that the completion<br />
of the pagoda would cause death to<br />
the King and collapse the kingdom.<br />
58 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 59
MANDALAY<br />
Stunning white pagoda of<br />
Hsinbyume was built in 1816 by<br />
Prince Bagyidaw in memory of<br />
his beloved wife Hsinbyume and<br />
was nicknamed the “Taj Mahal<br />
of Myanmar” since.<br />
Top A half hour drive<br />
from Pyin Oo Lwin<br />
leaves you at the huge<br />
Dat Taw Gyaint or<br />
Anisakan waterfall,<br />
best seen from the<br />
View Resort.<br />
Thus the pagoda is left forever<br />
unfinished at 50 metres high. It<br />
is probably its incompleteness<br />
that makes this place unique and<br />
attracts many visitors these days.<br />
I walked further from Mingun<br />
Pahtodawgyi and through its village<br />
to where the beautiful white pagoda<br />
of Hsinbyume or Myatheindan<br />
pagoda stands gracefully. It is<br />
uniquely stunning in its shape and<br />
its white simplicity like no other<br />
pagodas in Myanmar with a design<br />
that is based on the mythical<br />
Sulamani pagoda on Mount Meru.<br />
The pagoda was built in 1816 by<br />
Prince Bagyidaw in memory of his<br />
wife Hsinbyume, who died during<br />
childbirth. People have nicknamed<br />
it the “Taj Mahal of Myanmar” as<br />
another monument to love.<br />
So I climbed up to the top of<br />
the terraces to where the two main<br />
characters in the movie walked.<br />
Feeling the wind against my face,<br />
somehow the story behind the<br />
pagoda and the movie takes less<br />
relevance because this place is just as<br />
romantic! No wonder it was included<br />
as one of the film locations.<br />
Next is Pyin Oo Lwin, a town<br />
surprising in a way that changed<br />
my perception about Myanmar.<br />
Unlike the country’s other cities,<br />
the area is famous for its nature,<br />
rather than temples or pagodas.<br />
The weather is pleasant year round<br />
and a perfect place to calm the<br />
mind. Pyin Oo Lwin is also known<br />
as Maymyo and formerly a British<br />
hill station. Many travellers usually<br />
take a train to Hsipaw at Pyin Oo<br />
Lwin train station. I hopped on the<br />
train, following the movie trail to<br />
the Gokteik viaduct, the highest<br />
bridge in Myanmar. Luckily, a<br />
kind ticket officer recommended<br />
reserving in advance a seat on the<br />
left side of the train to get a better<br />
view of the viaduct bridge.<br />
Excitement built up as the train<br />
slowly approached the bridge.<br />
In the movie, this is where one of<br />
the letters is read. Even without<br />
a ‘letter,’ one can still indulge<br />
in the spectacular view of green<br />
mountains below the viaduct and<br />
capture the moment. As a train<br />
enthusiast, it was a most exciting<br />
ride for me. It was a refreshing<br />
experience because such an epic<br />
journey can be found nowhere else<br />
but here.<br />
One highlight destination<br />
captured in the movie is Dat Taw<br />
Gyaint or Anisakan waterfall.<br />
This location is quite a significant<br />
scene in the movie but I can’t<br />
spoil the story! The best point<br />
for a panoramic view of this huge<br />
waterfall is at the View Resort,<br />
just about a 30 minute drive from<br />
Pyin Oo Lwin.<br />
It took the motorcycle taxi<br />
driver a little while to find this<br />
60 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
MANDALAY<br />
Top and bottom<br />
All Saints’ Church<br />
with the red brick<br />
exterior stunningly<br />
brought us back into<br />
colonial times.<br />
exact location and we were struck<br />
by heavy rain for almost 30 minutes.<br />
That was not my lucky day but<br />
once we reached the resort, the sky<br />
cleared and the fresh air after the<br />
rainfall lingered. The viewpoint is<br />
just stunning with a good spot to<br />
sit, relax and enjoy.<br />
Afterwards my adventurous<br />
spirit called for a hike to the bottom<br />
of the waterfall for a closer view.<br />
On the way down, I met a local guy<br />
and while we couldn’t speak the<br />
same language, it seemed he said<br />
something about a shortcut to the<br />
waterfall. Not wanting to go alone, I<br />
asked him to go down too. The trail<br />
was a total mess with slippery mud<br />
and it was so steep that one could<br />
fall off the path easily. Without<br />
the help of this stranger, I wouldn’t<br />
have made it to the bottom of the<br />
waterfall.<br />
And the waterfall is impressive<br />
as expected. Yet it is also the<br />
kindness of a stranger that is<br />
a beauty in itself. I began to<br />
understand how the director fell in<br />
love with Myanmar and its people<br />
and his decision to make this movie<br />
to bring two countries closer.<br />
Back to Pyin Oo Lwin, the<br />
former British hill station whose<br />
colonial building can be seen across<br />
town. Exploring with a bicycle and<br />
map included a visit to All Saints’<br />
Church. It was an Anglican church<br />
in colonial times and took awhile to<br />
find. A few people were asked for<br />
directions but they didn’t know this<br />
place. No one else was there when<br />
I arrived.<br />
The church looks mystically<br />
beautiful with its red brick<br />
exterior and colonial architecture<br />
set amidst the trees. It was like<br />
travelling back in time and to the<br />
scene in the movie with its vintage<br />
vibe. A hidden gem indeed and a<br />
perfect place to end this movie<br />
location trip.<br />
There are more places featured<br />
and explored in the movie, like<br />
Yangon, Bagan and Hsipaw.<br />
Myanmar has its own charm and<br />
character and is surprisingly<br />
impressive. And to the director who<br />
said, “From Bangkok to Mandalay”<br />
is the movie that brings the people<br />
of two countries closer, I couldn’t<br />
agree more. No letters needed.<br />
องไปในมัณฑะเลย์ตามปกติธรรมดาว่า<br />
เพลิดเพลินแล้ว การได้ซอกแซกแกะรอย<br />
ไปตามเส้นทางและสถานที่ที่ปรากฏใน<br />
ภาพยนตร์เรื่อง From Bangkok to Mandalay<br />
กลับเป็นเรื่องสนุกสนานท้าทายยิ่งกว่า<br />
From Bangkok to Mandalay หรือ<br />
“ถึงคน...ไม่คิดถึง” ในชื่อภาษาไทย เป็น<br />
ภาพยนตร์ไทยเรื่องแรกและเรื่องเดียวที่ได้รับ<br />
อนุญาตให้เข้าไปถ่ายทาตามสถานที่ท่องเที่ยว<br />
สาคัญต่างๆ ในเมืองหลวงเก่าแก่ของพม่าใน<br />
อดีตก่อนถูกยึดครองโดยอังกฤษ มัณฑะเลย์<br />
เป็นเมืองใหญ่ลาดับที่สองรองจากย่างกุ้ง<br />
ที่เต็มไปด้วยเรื่องราวของกาลเวลาและสถานที่<br />
สาคัญทางประวัติศาสตร์มากมายที่รอดพ้น<br />
จากยามศึกสงคราม อีกทั้งยังคงดูขรึมขลังใน<br />
ความรู้สึก ยิ่งเมื่อปรากฏอยู่ในหลายซีนของ<br />
ภาพยนตร์รักโรแมนติกเรื่องนี้<br />
นอกจากเจดีย์และวัดสาคัญอีกมากหลาย<br />
อาทิเช่น วัดมหามัยมุนี วัดโกสุดอว์ ฯลฯ ที่<br />
ชาวพุทธในพม่ายังคงแสดงให้เห็นถึงศรัทธา<br />
อันเหนียวแน่น พระราชวังมัณฑะเลย์ที่เคยได้<br />
ชื่อว่าเป็นพระราชวังไม้สักที่งดงามที่สุดใน<br />
เอเชียและพระตาหนักไม้สักชเวนันดอร์ที่สลัก<br />
เสลางดงามก็เป็นสถานที่ประกาศความงาม<br />
ของศิลปะพม่าดั้งเดิมได้ชัดเจนที่สุด รวมไปถึง<br />
สะพานไม้สักอูเบ็งอันเป็นสะพานไม้ที่ยาวที่สุด<br />
ในโลก หนึ่งในสถานที่เฝ้ารอชมพระอาทิตย์<br />
ตกดินที่โรแมนติกที่สุดด้วยเช่นกัน<br />
ความงดงามตามธรรมชาติของมัณฑะเลย์<br />
ยังคงมีให้ผู้มาเยือนได้ตักตวงความสุข<br />
ไม่เฉพาะที่มัณฑะเลย์เพียงแห่งเดียว ยังมีสถาน<br />
ที่ท่องเที่ยวสวยงามให้แกะรอยตามฉากเด็ด<br />
ในภาพยนตร์อีกมากมาย จึงไม่น่าแปลกใจต่อ<br />
เสียงสะท้อนความรู้สึกว่าแผ่นดินทั้งสองประเทศ<br />
ถูกเชื่อมเข้าไว้ด้วยกันจากเรื่องราวของ<br />
จดหมายรักใน “ถึงคน...ไม่คิดถึง” โดยแท้<br />
From Bangkok to Mandalay<br />
ถึงคน...ไม่คิดถึง<br />
Ten letters are sent from a man in<br />
Myanmar to a woman in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
who he loves and misses so much.<br />
But the letters are left unopened for<br />
50 years. Until one day, the woman’s<br />
granddaughter is given those letters<br />
and asked to go and read every letter<br />
only from where they were written.<br />
This is how the impressive love<br />
story begins.<br />
Starring: <strong>Thai</strong> actress Pilaiporn<br />
Supinchompoo and Myanmar superstars;<br />
Sai Sai Kham Leng, Nay Toe and Wut<br />
Hmon Shwe Yi<br />
Director: Chartchai Ketnust<br />
62 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
SAMUI<br />
FIND<br />
YOUR<br />
Photos: Dolnapa Ram-Indra /<br />
Thitiphan Kantawilaskul<br />
Words: Tanistha Dansilp<br />
MISSING<br />
PEACE<br />
You get the sea, sand and sun on the beautiful island<br />
of Koh Samui, but in addition to that, how about<br />
some happiness and inner peace? On a hilltop is the<br />
Dipabhāvan Meditation Centre, a place that offers your<br />
mind and spirit a chance to get renewed through the<br />
process of mindfulness.<br />
I<br />
recently visited the Dipabhavan<br />
Meditation Centre, also referred<br />
to as the Development of Light<br />
Hermitage in Koh Samui in the<br />
province of Surat Thani in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
The retreat overlooks the beauty of<br />
Lamai beach and since its inception<br />
in the year 2005, more than 30,000<br />
foreign visitors from all over the<br />
world have come to this place to<br />
find fulfillment through dhamma<br />
practice. To make it to Dipabhavan,<br />
a red minibus takes me up the hill.<br />
From here on, I leave the real world<br />
behind — the busy streets, the<br />
beautiful beaches, the drinking and<br />
dancing and loudness of Chaweng or<br />
Lamai beaches.<br />
The plan is that in seven days,<br />
there will be only you with a mind<br />
cleared of worries and a feeling of<br />
calmness. People come to the Centre<br />
to spend time with nature, listen to<br />
the sound of their heartbeat, feel the<br />
wind and hear the birds, and slowly<br />
isolate from the outside world. At<br />
the retreat, you get to go deep inside<br />
yourself — to observe, be conscious<br />
of your thoughts and be honest with<br />
yourself. The teachings are based on<br />
Ajarn (<strong>Thai</strong> for teacher) Buddhadasa,<br />
a revered monk who taught the<br />
principles of Buddha-Dhamma.<br />
The day begins at 4:00 am<br />
and spreads out with meditation<br />
and basic activities that ends with<br />
bedtime at 9:00 pm. This comes to<br />
17 hours a day and 119 hours a week!<br />
Not much strenuous activity goes on<br />
except for the simple task of sitting,<br />
sleeping, walking and eating. Yoga,<br />
a walking meditation and dhamma<br />
completes the day. A climb of some<br />
200 steps takes place five times daily<br />
as part of the mindfulness practice.<br />
The monastery bell becomes the<br />
official timekeeper and helps you<br />
with the counting of walking steps.<br />
Serenity takes over<br />
when one practises<br />
mindfulness.<br />
64 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 65
SAMUI<br />
OPEN TO A NEW EXPERIENCE<br />
“Our mind is like a monkey, and not<br />
a simple monkey but a drunken one!<br />
Watch your mind and your thoughts<br />
because it will become your action!<br />
– Buddha teaching<br />
On the last morning of the English<br />
course at the Centre, people can finally<br />
talk and share their experiences,<br />
complete with big smiles on their<br />
faces. After all, it is seven days of<br />
being silent – no use of social media,<br />
no mobile phone, no television, no<br />
book to read and only two vegetarian<br />
meals are taken in a day.<br />
And I wondered what had<br />
happened in the last six days to our<br />
minds. I wanted to know whether<br />
something really did happen and<br />
where it took us. It’s an interesting<br />
question that I asked participants.<br />
Wadey, an Australian biologist<br />
who lives in Malaysia felt much<br />
more aware of things after six<br />
days and says, “I decided to come<br />
for meditation without knowing<br />
anything about Buddhism or<br />
meditation. I only know it is a good<br />
opportunity. I loved the chance to<br />
calm my mind.” Another enlightened<br />
person who also spent a week at<br />
the retreat tells me, “My mind feels<br />
energetic and works very fast and<br />
adds with conviction that meditation<br />
is a good way to observe our minds.<br />
Victoria Semenova, who lives<br />
in Israel says, “I feel completely<br />
happy. I don’t know why I can’t<br />
stop smiling.” She heard about the<br />
meditation retreat some four, five<br />
years ago from friends and finally<br />
did the course. “Definitely I will<br />
come to <strong>Thai</strong>land again, just for<br />
meditation,” she says.<br />
ANOTHER STEP IN LIFE<br />
‘Nothing lasts forever,’ even things<br />
that you like or didn’t like. Treat them<br />
with the same sense of lightness and<br />
awareness of impermanence.<br />
– Buddha teaching<br />
Linus Khan says he came to<br />
Dipabhavan to seek ‘spiritual<br />
enlightenment, spiritual<br />
inspiration’. “Basically this is a<br />
learning trip for me,” says Khan,<br />
a thirty year old participant from<br />
Pakistan who chose the meditation<br />
retreat in <strong>Thai</strong>land as a first step<br />
of his spiritual journey in Asia. He<br />
had planned the year ahead to work<br />
on his mind, body and spirit and<br />
as part of the process, and plans to<br />
go to China to study kung fu and to<br />
Peru for knowledge on shamanism.<br />
All this follows after he finished the<br />
meditation class at Dipabhavan.<br />
“I would like to work on my mind,<br />
because it will take care of your<br />
whole life.”<br />
“Meditation is never easy for newcomers — there are beautiful results yet with difficult<br />
adjustments,” says one participant.<br />
WHAT DO<br />
WE LEARN?<br />
Every teaching<br />
and practice at the<br />
centre is within<br />
the framework of<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa’s<br />
teachings. As one of<br />
the most influential<br />
Buddhist teachers,<br />
he gets to the<br />
heart of Buddha’s<br />
teachings in a<br />
simple, direct and<br />
powerful metaphor.<br />
Dhamma talk such<br />
as ‘atta’ (self, soul<br />
or ego), ‘dukkha’<br />
(dissatisfaction,<br />
distress, suffering)<br />
and ‘upadana’<br />
(clinging, attachment)<br />
are explained by<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa<br />
and all the dhamma<br />
principles can be<br />
summarised thus:<br />
upadana is the<br />
cause of dukkha,<br />
dukkha is born out<br />
of upadana. So it is<br />
best if we profoundly<br />
understand this<br />
matter of upadana.<br />
MEDITATION<br />
The meditation<br />
technique taught<br />
here at Dipabhāvan<br />
is ‘Mindfulness’<br />
with Breathing’<br />
(Anapanasati in the<br />
Pali language).<br />
Participants<br />
will learn:<br />
• how to practise<br />
mindfulness<br />
through breathing<br />
• how to develop<br />
concentration to<br />
produce tranquility<br />
of mind<br />
• mind purification<br />
to see the supreme<br />
wisdom of<br />
understanding<br />
things as they are<br />
• insight<br />
development<br />
to free our minds<br />
from attachment<br />
and suffering, i.e.<br />
‘Insight orVipassana-<br />
Meditation’<br />
Apart from the<br />
‘Mindfulness through<br />
Breathing’ practice,<br />
the daily programme<br />
at the hermitage<br />
will include yoga,<br />
Buddhist chants and<br />
the practice of ‘Loving<br />
Kindness Meditation’.<br />
Khan also wanted to handle<br />
situations like anger, anxiety,<br />
worry and the list goes on. He<br />
actually wanted to reach his true<br />
potential and meditation seems<br />
to help him fine-tune emotions.<br />
For him, only one hour of<br />
meditation a day can empower<br />
him to handle the rest of the day.<br />
The youngest practitioner<br />
was eighteen year old Ishaa<br />
Adrian from Malaysia. He<br />
chose meditation as a defining<br />
moment and the next step in life<br />
before attending university in<br />
Australia. He booked the ticket to<br />
specifically come for the retreat<br />
and learn how to treat life’s<br />
discomforts by replacing it with<br />
feelings of gratitude, optimism<br />
and overall lightness of being.<br />
But meditation for<br />
newcomers is never easy. There<br />
will be beautiful results yet with<br />
difficult adjustments. Ishaa<br />
had every strong intention to<br />
join the retreat, yet he found<br />
moments when he really wanted<br />
to quit. It was trying, despite<br />
the knowledge that learning<br />
the principles of patience and<br />
kindness will bring him great joy<br />
and big rewards.<br />
66 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
samui<br />
DAILY SCHEDULE:<br />
04:30 Wake up<br />
05:00 Morning<br />
Reading<br />
05:15 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
05:45 Yoga/Exercise<br />
07:00 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
07:30 Breakfast<br />
and Chores<br />
09:30 Dhamma Talk<br />
10:30 Walking or<br />
Standing<br />
Meditation<br />
“Loving kindness or ‘metta’<br />
required more than sitting<br />
on a cushion and wishing<br />
others well…”<br />
“I was thinking of leaving once<br />
or twice, but now, I’m feeling so<br />
relaxed. I also like the concept of<br />
silence. It is a bit difficult at first<br />
as I am not used to keeping quiet,”<br />
said Ishaa. “This is a good place<br />
for a good experience and I really<br />
enjoyed the food!” said Ishaa.<br />
11:00 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
11:30 Lunch<br />
and Chores<br />
14:00 Meditation<br />
Instruction<br />
and Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
Below<br />
Group activities<br />
can be basic<br />
housekeeping<br />
done in meditative<br />
silence, to sharing<br />
knowledge of<br />
learned teachings.<br />
SHARING IS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL<br />
Most foreign practitioners said they<br />
were very impressed with food that<br />
was well-prepared and made with<br />
love by nuns and volunteers during<br />
breakfast and lunch. The menus<br />
offer brown rice, a vegetarian<br />
curry, various vegetable gravies or<br />
different kinds of salad decorated<br />
with edible flowers. It not only<br />
fulfilled the participants’ stomachs<br />
but also their eyes and minds too.<br />
At the retreat, both men and<br />
women chose a daily chore. I<br />
would never forget the scene when<br />
everyone did some kind of work<br />
after breakfast for about 20 minutes<br />
every day. Some chose to clear up<br />
dining tables, sweep the floors, and<br />
others even willingly cleaned toilets<br />
– all in a happy manner.<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa’s teachings<br />
had said that the practice of loving<br />
kindness or ‘Metta’ in Pali, required<br />
more than just sitting on a cushion<br />
15:00 Walking or<br />
Standing<br />
Meditation<br />
15:30 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
16:00 Walking or<br />
Standing<br />
Meditation<br />
16:30 Chanting<br />
and Loving<br />
Kindness<br />
Meditation<br />
17:30 Tea<br />
19:30 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
20:00 Group<br />
Walking<br />
Meditation<br />
20:30 Sitting<br />
Meditation<br />
21:00 Bedtime<br />
21:30 Lights Out<br />
PREPARE YOUR<br />
BODY AND MIND:<br />
Doing a seven-day<br />
retreat for a beginner is<br />
not easy, so preparing<br />
your body and mind is<br />
highly recommended.<br />
Remember you have to:<br />
• have commitment,<br />
determination and<br />
discipline<br />
• practise getting<br />
up early<br />
• adjust with the<br />
schedule which<br />
everybody must<br />
follow<br />
• live on two<br />
vegetarian meals<br />
a day<br />
• deal with physical<br />
discomfort<br />
• experience a lot o<br />
your own emotional<br />
ups and down<br />
during the retreat<br />
and wishing others well. The revered monk reminds<br />
us that we should also practise and put it into action.<br />
You could prepare food or do good things to others,<br />
show your friendliness, goodwill, benevolence,<br />
fellowship, peaceful friendship, inoffensiveness and<br />
non-violent acts, all of which is a way to practise<br />
loving kindness.<br />
Garlar Below, a twenty four year old German<br />
visitor, shared the principles he learned when he<br />
invited people to join activities at the retreat centre<br />
and similar interests put them on the same path after<br />
the course finished. He’s joined with others to ride<br />
their motorcycles from Phuket to Koh Samui for a<br />
“peace of mind” journey.<br />
“Nothing makes me happier than sharing and<br />
doing something together. It is not only meditation,<br />
but also something else that I can {do to} support<br />
others. I understand that I can change no one but<br />
myself. For that reason, I can help them to change<br />
themselves by opening doors for them.”<br />
FIND YOUR MISSING PIECES/PEACE<br />
Below sees a connection between past knowledge<br />
and a new sense of understanding when one is<br />
enlightened. He senses the power of seeing things in<br />
a new way and he describes it as a big awakening of<br />
his former self.<br />
Hansar Moment of Happiness<br />
Samui, Bangkok, Pranburi, Khao Yai, Cha Am<br />
www.hansarhotels.com<br />
68 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
samui<br />
By the end of the<br />
retreat, people<br />
experience a<br />
lightness of being,<br />
that is part of a selfawakening.<br />
“It’s really hard to explain.<br />
Just come here and experience<br />
it by yourself. It does not matter<br />
what I say, but how you perceive it<br />
and that’s what we’ve learnt,” he<br />
describes of his awakening.<br />
Simon Kok, a half Swedish, half<br />
Vietnamese teacher from Sweden<br />
explained his awakening after he<br />
finished the retreat. He believed<br />
that Buddhism and the dhamma<br />
teachings of Ajarn Buddhadasa<br />
connected him more with his roots,<br />
and especially to his Vietnamese<br />
mother.<br />
“When I was young, I didn’t<br />
understand my mother at all. It’s<br />
hard for a teenager to understand<br />
Buddhism because it’s not about<br />
output, but the input,” Kok<br />
explained. “Every time I encounter<br />
a new experience or situation, I<br />
always pictured my mum in my<br />
head. I travelled back in time into<br />
YOUR ADVISORS:<br />
Each day there will be a session on the theory and practice<br />
of mindfulness through breathing. A variety of tips<br />
and ways of dealing with problems or obstacles will be<br />
discussed. Ajarn Pho and Dhammavidu Bhikkhu (an English<br />
monk) will address the group regularly, talking about<br />
meditation and the dharma.<br />
AJARN POH<br />
Ajarn Pho is the former<br />
abbot of Suan Mokkh,<br />
also called the Garden<br />
of Liberation in Surat<br />
Thani province. It was<br />
founded in 1932 by<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa with<br />
the goal of teaching the<br />
true heart of Buddhism.<br />
For almost a century, it<br />
has served and become<br />
one of the most revered<br />
Theravada Buddhist<br />
temple in <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
and the founder of<br />
Dipabhāvan. During<br />
the retreat, participants<br />
are welcomed to ask all<br />
questions, talk and seek<br />
advice from Ajarn Pho in<br />
English.<br />
Find more of Ajarn<br />
Buddhadasa’s teachings at:<br />
http://dhammavidu.com/DV/<br />
Translations.html<br />
http://www.suanmokkh.org/<br />
books/<br />
my memory bank and I could pick<br />
a good part of hearing my mum’s<br />
voice echoing in my mind. That’s<br />
my insight. How I start to feel my<br />
mum even when she’s not around<br />
me. It was very beautiful,” he says.<br />
Kok said this wouldn’t be<br />
his first and last time here at<br />
Dhammavidu Bhikkhu<br />
It’s always great to<br />
have a monk who has a<br />
Western background and<br />
understanding in order to<br />
explain and share dharma<br />
principles to foreigners.<br />
Dhammavidu Bhikkhu is<br />
originally from England and<br />
lives at Suan Mokkh temple<br />
in Southern <strong>Thai</strong>land. He<br />
helped teach meditation<br />
to foreigners at the Suan<br />
Mokkh International Dhamma<br />
Hermitage and the<br />
Dipabhāvan Meditation<br />
Centre at Samui Island since<br />
the last decade.<br />
Dhammavidu Bhikkhu has<br />
been rendering the works of<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa into English<br />
since 2010. As his study of<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa’s teaching<br />
deepens, he is beginning to<br />
translate from ‘The Dhamma<br />
Proclamation Series,’ a<br />
multi-volume collection of<br />
Ajarn Buddhadasa’s major<br />
teachings.<br />
CLASSES<br />
AVAILABLE:<br />
English-language<br />
Retreat<br />
Opens twice<br />
a month:<br />
• 1 week retreat<br />
starts from the<br />
20-27th of every<br />
month<br />
• 3-day retreat<br />
starts from the<br />
7-10th<br />
Russian-language<br />
Retreat<br />
• from 1st-7th of<br />
every month<br />
Retreat Booking:<br />
Dipabhāvan.org<br />
COURSE FEES:<br />
This programme is<br />
free of charge, but<br />
you can donate what<br />
you want when the<br />
retreat is finished.<br />
This will help to<br />
maintain and run this<br />
hermitage for others<br />
who can travel to<br />
have the Centre’s<br />
great experience.<br />
HOW TO<br />
GET THERE:<br />
Since the meditation<br />
centre is located on<br />
the hill and difficult<br />
to reach, everyone<br />
goes to a meeting<br />
point. It’s either at<br />
the Dipabhāvan<br />
Foundation office<br />
located at ‘The Icon’<br />
in the small village<br />
of Hua Thanon or<br />
go to ‘Utopia Resort’<br />
on Lamai Beach.<br />
From there, the<br />
red minibus will be<br />
available and free of<br />
charge to take you to<br />
the centre, located<br />
around 13<br />
kilometres away.<br />
Dipabhavan, since he thought it<br />
was nice to surround himself with<br />
good people. “But in the beginning<br />
you need good guidance more or<br />
less, and then it become less and<br />
less. That is the main purpose.”<br />
าหรับนักเดินทางที่มุ่งแสวงหาความ<br />
สงบแห่งชีวิตด้านในแล้ว ต่างรู้ดีว่า<br />
จุดหมายปลายทางยังเกาะสมุย<br />
แห่งนี้ มิได้มีเพียงฟ้าใสกับหาดทรายขาว<br />
ทอดยาวเคียงคู่ไปกับทะเลสีครามสะอาดตา<br />
คอยท่าผู้มาเยือนเท่านั้น<br />
หากบนยอดเขาชะอุ่มเขียวที่เรียงราย<br />
ลดหลั่นกันไปทั่วเกาะแห่งนี้ ยังมีอีกหนึ่ง<br />
ความพิเศษของเมืองสมุยซ่อนอยู่อย่าง<br />
สงบงามท่ามกลางธรรมชาติรายล้อม<br />
อันได้แก่ อาศรมปฏิบัติธรรมนามว่า<br />
“ทีปภาวันธรรมสถาน”<br />
ทีปภาวันธรรมสถาน เป็นที่รู้จักกันดี<br />
ในหมู่นักเดินทางทางจิตวิญาณทั้งชาวไทย<br />
และต่างประเทศมาระยะหนึ่งแล้ว ซึ่งหาก<br />
นับเนื่องจากปี พ.ศ. 2548 ที่ทีปวันธรรม<br />
สถานเริ่มเปิดดาเนินการฝึกอบรมปฏิบัติ<br />
ธรรมมาจนถึงทุกวันนี้ พบว่า นอกจาก<br />
ชาวไทยแล้ว ยังมีชาวต่างชาติถึงกว่าสาม<br />
หมื่นคนที่ได้มาเข้าร่วมปฏิบัติธรรมฝึก<br />
สมาธิหรือรับการอบรมอานาปานสติ<br />
ตามแนวทางของท่านอาจารย์พุทธทาส<br />
ผู้ยึดหลักคาสอนขององค์พระสัมมา-<br />
สัมพุทธเจ้าอย่างเคร่งครัด<br />
อันที่จริงแล้วการอบรมที่ทีปภาวัน<br />
สถานจัดขึ้นนั้นแบ่งออกไปสาหรับหลาก<br />
หลายกลุ่มด้วยกันทั้งสาหรับชาวต่าง<br />
ชาติและคนในพื้นที่รวมทั้งประชาชน<br />
ทั่วไปจากที่ต่างๆ และสาหรับนักเรียน<br />
ในเกาะสมุยก็จะมีการอบรมจัดขึ้นในวัน<br />
อาทิตย์ที่ 1 และที่ 3 ของทุกเดือนที่สวน<br />
ธรรมเภรี โดยการอบรมในวันเสาร์แรก<br />
และวันเสาร์สุดท้ายของเดือนเรียกว่า<br />
“สัปดาห์แสวงหาอริยทรัพย์” ส่วนการ<br />
อบรม “หาสุขได้จากทุกข์” จัดให้มีขึ้นใน<br />
วันที่ 12-17 ของทุกๆ เดือน<br />
สาหรับชาวต่างชาติ การอบรมจัดให้<br />
มีขึ้นในวันที่ 20-27 ของทุกๆ เดือน โดย<br />
กิจกรรมแรกของการฝึกปฏิบัติธรรมเริ่ม<br />
ต้นขึ้นตอนเช้ามืดในเวลาตีสี่และจบลง<br />
เมื่อเวลาสามทุ่ม รวมทั้งสิ้น 17 ชั่วโมง<br />
สาหรับการปฏิบัติในหนึ่งวัน หรือ 119<br />
ชั่วโมงตลอดทั้งการอบรม โดยในหกวัน<br />
แรกผู้เข้ารับการอบรมต้องทบทวน<br />
อยู่กับตัวเอง สังเกตสภาวะของจิต<br />
ตลอดจนความรู้สึกนึกคิด อยู่ในความ<br />
สงบเงียบ ปราศจากโทรศัพท์ โทรทัศน์<br />
หนังสือ หรือแม้กระทั่งการติดต่อสื่อสาร<br />
ใดใดก็ตาม ทั้งนี้เพื่อให้ผู้ปฏบัติได้มุ่งเจริญ<br />
สติภาวนาอย่างเต็มที่ในทุกๆ ตาราง<br />
กิจกรรมที่ร่วมฝึกปฏิบัติ<br />
จากนั้น ในเช้าวันที่เจ็ดทุกคนจะได้รับ<br />
โอกาสให้พูดและแสดงความคิดเห็น โดย<br />
ต่างสะท้อนออกมาเป็นเสียงเดียวกันว่า<br />
จะกลับมานั่งสมาธิปฏิบัติธรรมที่นี่อีก<br />
แน่นอน เพราะรู้สึกสงบและเป็นสุข พบว่า<br />
จิตใจผ่องแผ้วและกระตือรือร้นต่อชีวิต<br />
และการงานขึ้นกว่าเดิมมากมาย<br />
70 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
gallery<br />
Words & Photos Simon Bond<br />
Today, one of the highlights of a visit to Myanmar<br />
is taking a hot air balloon over the temples of<br />
Bagan. Ballooning in Myanmar is not just a modern<br />
phenomenon though, since traditional fire lanterns<br />
have launched throughout the country.<br />
It’s an amazing and exhilarating experience to float anywhere above land,<br />
let alone somewhere as beautiful as Bagan, or indeed Mandalay. Ballooning<br />
takes time to learn as my balloonist Allie Dunnington explained, “Training<br />
depends on the amount of flying hours that the student can achieve. The<br />
minimum for a hot air balloon licence is 16 flight hours, but many students<br />
take 25 hours and spread it over 2 years time of learning. We also need to pass<br />
written exams, have a medical and do a tether.” In my case, it’s great to fly with<br />
someone with such experience and passion for ballooning.<br />
72 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 73
GALLERY<br />
CLOCKWISE FROM Left<br />
Getting a bird’s eye view of the temples in Myanmar is<br />
the best way to see them - the geometric shapes they<br />
make with the line up of pagodas are amazing. In this<br />
photo, you can see Khutodaw Pagoda, with Sandamuni<br />
Pagoda in the distance.<br />
Much larger than the lanterns often seen in other<br />
parts of Asia are the fire lanterns launched in<br />
Myanmar. These large lanterns, which can be as big as<br />
the hot air balloons launched in the 19th century, need<br />
a much larger flame to lift off. The best place to see<br />
them is at the Taunggyi fire lantern festival.<br />
Mandalay hill is one of the most iconic sights in<br />
Mandalay, when viewed from either side of it, from it,<br />
or in this case, above it. The hill stands at 240 metres,<br />
has numerous temples and pagodas on it, and at its<br />
peak is Sutaungpyei Pagoda.<br />
74 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 75
GALLERY<br />
The plains of Bagan at dawn<br />
are a mystical sight, with<br />
sunrays shining through<br />
mist-shrouded temples.<br />
There are over 2,000<br />
Buddhist sites in this area,<br />
with Ananda temple being<br />
the finest. Those wishing to<br />
fly by balloon will need an<br />
early start, as take off is<br />
at sunrise.<br />
bottom images<br />
Sandamuni Pagoda is surrounded<br />
by lots of smaller stupas. The<br />
stupa has an important meaning<br />
in Buddhism, where the shape<br />
represents Buddha sitting in<br />
meditation on a lion throne.<br />
Bagan has full moon festivals that<br />
rotate through the major temples,<br />
during which you can see people<br />
launching lanterns into the sky.<br />
And if you’re lucky, they’ll include<br />
the larger fire lanterns. The most<br />
accessible is the Ananda Pagoda<br />
festival in early <strong>Jan</strong>uary.<br />
76 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
GALLERY<br />
Mandalay has a serene feel to it once you head<br />
out into the country - this image was taken north<br />
of Mandalay hill. Allie often flew her balloon<br />
over Mandalay and told me, “Most of my flights<br />
in Mandalay were challenging as winds tend to<br />
be variable and it can be quite tricky to stir the<br />
balloon into open spaces for landing. Many times<br />
I had to cross the river and landed on a sandbank<br />
or I flew out to the north and landed in tiny<br />
villages that had never seen foreign visitors.”<br />
78 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> 79
GALLERY<br />
There are now 21<br />
balloons that fly over<br />
Bagan every morning<br />
from October to March;<br />
these are operated by 3<br />
companies. The balloons<br />
drifting over the temples<br />
are amazing to watch<br />
from ground level as<br />
well, especially against<br />
the morning light and<br />
the coloured sky.<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
CM<br />
MY<br />
CY<br />
CMY<br />
K<br />
About the photographer<br />
Simon Bond is a travel photographer based in<br />
Asia, but originally from the UK. His worked has<br />
been published in many respected magazines,<br />
including National Geographic. He’s always<br />
looking for the story in his images, and likes to<br />
apply creative photography techniques to the<br />
scene in front of him to enhance the message<br />
to his audience. You can learn more about his<br />
photographic techniques through his book<br />
“Simple Scene, Sensational Shot,” or for more<br />
advanced photography methods, you could<br />
check out his blog www.creative-photographyschool.com.<br />
He has photographed in almost<br />
every country in Asia, and you can see his travel<br />
photography portfolio at<br />
www.simonbondphotography.com<br />
80 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Happenings<br />
Know Before You Go<br />
Hong Kong<br />
Seek the modern in<br />
old, familiar places<br />
like Hong Kong. Here<br />
is a metropolis where<br />
high-rise condos<br />
and traditions sit<br />
comfortably with<br />
sky-high aspirations.<br />
bangkok 84 / chiang mai & up north 88 / samui & Krabi 92 / phuket 96 / pattaya 98 / hong kong 100 / singapore 104 /<br />
kuala lumpur 106 / yangon & mandalay 107 / danang & siem reap 108 / mumbai 110 / maldives 112<br />
83
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
In Bangkok,<br />
Jamie’s Italian<br />
Jamie Oliver’s got a new home<br />
in Bangkok. Rather, it’s his<br />
new eatery in town called<br />
Jamie’s Italian. This is the<br />
first restaurant in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
for the UK celebrity chef<br />
and down-to-earth food<br />
pioneer, and the latest dining<br />
option to his outlets in 25<br />
international locations.<br />
Jamie’s Italian is the<br />
perfect post shop, drop<br />
and dine destination in the<br />
heart of Bangkok’s retail<br />
wonderland. Bangkok’s status<br />
as a truly cosmopolitan city<br />
is most strongly felt within<br />
the retail-therapy wonder<br />
of the newly revamped<br />
Siam Discovery – The<br />
Exploratorium; a lifestyle<br />
shopping concept that creates<br />
communal spaces where<br />
international and local brands<br />
rub retail shoulders.<br />
The offerings of Jamie’s<br />
Italian serve up gut-busting<br />
burgers, wonderful sharing<br />
plates of homemade pasta<br />
and artisanal pizzas, along<br />
with antipasti delights and<br />
deli-styled goodies served on<br />
a long plank. Superfood salads<br />
and robust entrees such as<br />
smoky grilled meats cooked<br />
under a brick round out the<br />
Italian repertoire.<br />
Light and airy in vibe,<br />
Jamie’s Italian has a relaxed<br />
cafe ambiance by day with<br />
industrial chic and vintage<br />
design details. In the evening,<br />
this cool, ground floor bistro<br />
is an Italian food lover’s<br />
beacon, lit up with hipster<br />
hanging Edison light bulbs.<br />
Open for drinks at 11:00 am,<br />
the kitchen opens at 12:00 pm,<br />
and the restaurant closes at<br />
10:00 pm. jamiesitalian.co.th,<br />
+66 (0) 2255 5222<br />
Eco-Lounge in Tranquility<br />
Located only 65 kilometres from Bangkok and a ten<br />
minute drive from the famous Damnoen Saduak<br />
floating market, the asita eco resort resides amidst<br />
peaceful nature. Designed to preserve the rural<br />
countryside, the resort is adjacent to a large tranquil<br />
canal. It’s a chance to escape the congested city and<br />
relax while surrounded by countless pine trees. Stay<br />
in a traditional <strong>Thai</strong> house or villa, all prepared with<br />
eco-friendly amenities. A private swimming pool in front<br />
of the porch provides for the ultimate in relaxation.<br />
And for a particularly atmospheric touch, the nearby<br />
Amphawa district is well-known as a place to see<br />
thousands of fireflies sparkling at night along the<br />
riverbank. asitaresort.com<br />
84 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
bangkok<br />
Dining on the River<br />
No trip to Bangkok is complete without a cruise on the<br />
Chao Phraya River — the city’s major water artery that<br />
flows into the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land and the best way by far to<br />
enjoy it is by taking a two-and-a-half hour dinner cruise.<br />
This provides a perfect opportunity to see two of the <strong>Thai</strong><br />
capital’s best-known sights — the Temple of Dawn (Wat<br />
Arun) and the Grand Palace — which are illuminated after<br />
dark. At the same time, guests feast on a variety of <strong>Thai</strong><br />
dishes accompanied by musical entertainment from an<br />
onboard band. www.thairivercruise.com, +1 855 275 5071<br />
Artistic Dining<br />
Perfectly located on<br />
Khao San Road, the<br />
Mango Vegetarian<br />
and Vegan Restaurant<br />
and Art Gallery is a<br />
charming and intimate<br />
option for all those<br />
who would rather not<br />
eat meat. A wide menu<br />
ranges from curries and<br />
soups to passion fruit<br />
kombucha and chocolate<br />
pancakes with vegan<br />
coconut sauce. Adding<br />
to the charm are the<br />
restaurant’s two resident<br />
cats. www.facebook.com/<br />
MANGO-Vegetarian-<br />
Vegan-Restaurant-and-<br />
Art-Gallery, +66 82 457<br />
9071, +66 84 908 4881<br />
Floral Culture<br />
In a quiet residential area of the Dusit district sits the Museum of<br />
Floral Culture, the brainchild of internationally renowned <strong>Thai</strong> floral<br />
artist Sakul Intakul. Created specially for lovers of flowers, nature<br />
and those with an interest in <strong>Thai</strong> art and culture, the museum<br />
focuses on floral culture — an important part of the <strong>Thai</strong> way of life.<br />
Find unique exhibits of floral cultures from civilizations across Asia.<br />
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, the structure itself is a beautifully<br />
preserved, 100 year-old teak mansion with colonial architecture. The<br />
Museum and its atmospheric garden, complete with a traditional<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> pavilion and the charming Dok Mai <strong>Thai</strong> Salon du Thé, can be<br />
rented to provide a unique setting for special events. floralmuseum.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Bigness of Miniatures<br />
They’re the talk of the town. How does Anfield Stadium from Liverpool and Hoover Dam from the US get to the<br />
neighbourhood of Ekamai in Bangkok? They’re in miniature sizes versions brought by Stanley MiniVenture, an<br />
edutainment company specialising in 1:87, which is a measurement for miniature scale models.<br />
They’ve recently launched the first miniature town in <strong>Thai</strong>land and the largest of its kind in Asia. Apart<br />
from familiar landmarks around the world, there’s a model railroad roundhouse, even tiny figurines of people<br />
in day-to-day activities.<br />
Despite the small scale size of this “town,” it still spans over 1,000 square metres on the second floor of<br />
the Gateway Ekamai shopping mall in Bangkok. Stanley MiniVenture comes with 11 theme zones, including a<br />
desert, beach, cave, residential life, historical places and the airport. A <strong>Thai</strong> zone features popular locales like<br />
Chinatown and Victory Monument too. Day tickets for adults are 650 Baht and 450 Baht for children who are<br />
80-130 centimetres tall.<br />
stanleyminiventure.com, now until May 31, opens daily 12:15 pm - 8:00 pm<br />
86 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
CHIANG MAI / chiang rai / mae hong son<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Time for Tea<br />
For half a century, Choui Fong Tea has been well-known for the top quality<br />
of its traditional teas which are cultivated in its own gardens in Chiang Rai.<br />
The region is regarded as the agricultural centre of the Kingdom of <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Choui Fong Tea grows several distinctive types of tea and produces assam,<br />
green, oolong and black teas in the highlands at 1,200 metres above sea<br />
level. There, the ideal climate and soil conditions permit the cultivation of<br />
excellent teas. A visit to the plantation provides an excellent way to discover<br />
the stunning scenery of Chiang Rai province and also a chance to sample and<br />
purchase some wonderful brews. chouifongtea.com<br />
Moroccan Romantic<br />
If you and your loved one are into Morocco yet have not had a chance to visit, here’s a<br />
place that gets you close enough to the country to make some memories. Sheik Istana,<br />
a luxury hotel in Chiang Mai, whose design was inspired by Moroccan architecture, sits<br />
on the bank of the Ping river which runs through the city. You can dine in the romantic<br />
atmosphere surrounded by Moroccan gardens at the restaurant terrace overlooking the<br />
Ping river. Also take in the stunning scene of Wat Chedi Liam, one of the ancient temples<br />
in Wiang Kum Kam, a view that can also be enjoyed from your guestroom terrace. An<br />
added plus: from New Year’s Eve until the end of <strong>Feb</strong>ruary, get a 50 per cent discount for<br />
the second night. sheikistanahotel.com, +66 (0) 53 273 142, +66 (0) 89 851 2929<br />
In Coffee We Trust<br />
We now have more good reasons to<br />
enjoy our morning coffee, and with<br />
help from Dhepprathan Coffee. A<br />
morning cup of coffee or tea may do<br />
more than just perk you up. Some<br />
studies say that caffeine acts as an<br />
antioxidant and helps prevent the<br />
damaging effects of free radicals that<br />
have been linked to heart disease and<br />
Alzheimer’s. Dhepprathan’s coffee<br />
beans are sourced from an organic,<br />
family-owned plantation in the Sob<br />
Moei District of Mae Hong Son in<br />
Northern <strong>Thai</strong>land. This means that<br />
this fine Arabica coffee plant is grown<br />
at 1,035 to 1,250 metres above sea<br />
level. Its high-quality medium to dark<br />
roast beans give a complex aroma and<br />
exquisite taste; the perfect choice for<br />
coffee connoisseurs.<br />
Dhepprathan Coffee<br />
provides only one<br />
blend in three<br />
types of packaging:<br />
ground coffee or<br />
whole roasted<br />
coffee beans in a<br />
250g paper bag and<br />
15g ground coffee<br />
in a portable and<br />
specially designed<br />
bag. dhepprathan@<br />
gmail.com; LINE ID:<br />
DHEPPRATHAN or<br />
+66 (0) 84 009 3366<br />
88 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
Hilltribe Discoveries<br />
Northern <strong>Thai</strong>land is noteworthy for its various hilltribes and<br />
many visitors take extensive treks to be with the tribes. A good<br />
way to begin learning about the unique history and culture of<br />
the tribes is at the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre in<br />
Chiang Rai. In addition to an informative slide show, visitors can<br />
learn about typical traditional clothing, their use of bamboo,<br />
histories and the various community projects the museum helps<br />
fund. www.pdacr.org<br />
Become a Yoga Pro<br />
The Yoga Teachers Training Course<br />
programme, designed by the Wise<br />
Living Yoga Academy (accredited by<br />
Yoga Alliance, USA & The International<br />
Board of Yoga, India) intends to provide<br />
a strong foundation in Yoga for those<br />
who are interested regardless of ages<br />
and nationalities. The 200-hour courses<br />
(International Programmes) are held<br />
several times a year at the Yoga centre<br />
in Chiang Mai and will provide an<br />
internationally recognised Yoga Certificate<br />
for participants who successfully<br />
complete the course.<br />
teachertraining.wiselivingyoga.com<br />
Festive Artisan Umbrellas<br />
Located six kilometres from Chiang<br />
Mai town, the Handmade Umbrella<br />
and Handicrafts Festival is held on the<br />
third weekend in <strong>Jan</strong>uary. This annnual<br />
event is a celebration of the more than<br />
100-year-old tradition of umbrella making<br />
in the village of Bo Sang. It is said that a<br />
monk travelling in Myanmar learned of<br />
a unique technique of using saa paper<br />
for making umbrellas. Saa paper has<br />
unique properties for umbrella making<br />
– it is lightweight, durable and its grain<br />
structure prevents water from easily<br />
seeping through. The monk brought this<br />
technique to the artisans of Bo Sang<br />
who were already known for the quality<br />
of their work. As a result, they used their<br />
artisan skills and turned saa paper into<br />
umbrellas that has become a uniquely<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> craft. +66 (0) 53 338 956,<br />
+66 (0) 53 338 049<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Chiang Mai by Night<br />
One of the best ways to discover Chiang Mai is to participate in a three-hour privately<br />
guided night tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, participants will first visit a Buddhist<br />
temple and see chanting monks during meditation. After the temple, the guide brings<br />
participants to a six-course dinner of delicious Northern <strong>Thai</strong> specialities in a charming<br />
garden setting. For dessert, this will be sampled in true <strong>Thai</strong> fashion from street vendors at<br />
Warorot Market. The tour includes round-trip hotel transport by private vehicle. viator.com<br />
Photo: Wongtawee Taweepasas<br />
90 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
samui<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Burger Challenge, Anyone?<br />
Organically Samui<br />
Little convincing is needed on the benefits of organic produce,<br />
and going on holiday should not mean going without such<br />
options. In Samui, there’s a green market that’s held every six<br />
weeks for anyone to continue conscious eating. Find your vendors<br />
at the Elysia Boutique Resort at the Fisherman’s Village on the<br />
island’s north coast. Visitors are introduced to different kinds of<br />
healthy foods that are locally sourced and grown, not to mention<br />
getting locally made crafts as well. The experience includes great<br />
music, accompanied by lots to eat and drink.<br />
samuimala.org, +66 (0) 86 909 0373<br />
It can’t be anywhere else but Stacked if<br />
you’re a burger lover who loves a challenge.<br />
Located in front of OZO Hotel at Chaweng<br />
beach on Samui island, Stacked offers<br />
a diverse cuisine from seafood to steak.<br />
Among their activities is a burger challenge<br />
that’s become popular and lets you<br />
gauge just how much you can eat.<br />
Stacked challenges you to eat 4<br />
burgers served with double fries<br />
and double slaw in 20 minutes. If<br />
you can clean the plate in time,<br />
the burger will all be yours –<br />
free of charge. If not, you pay<br />
the price! stacked-samui.com,<br />
+66 (0) 7791 5222<br />
Just the Two of Us<br />
How about considering a<br />
getaway to rediscover true<br />
romance? Book yourself a<br />
holiday at Amari Koh Samui<br />
and take them up on the offer<br />
of a romantic package, “Just<br />
the Two of Us”, which includes<br />
three nights accommodation<br />
and round-trip transfers from<br />
Samui International Airport.<br />
Complimentary wine, fruits<br />
and flowers awaits, while<br />
an hour long signature<br />
massage at Breeze Spa<br />
relaxes you both before the<br />
candlelight dinner. The<br />
rate begins from THB<br />
36,000 per couple<br />
for a three-night stay.<br />
The offer is valid through<br />
August 31, <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
amari.com/koh-samui,<br />
+66 (0) 77 230 077<br />
Sea Kayaking<br />
When you fly into Koh Samui,<br />
take note of the small clusters<br />
of islands that’s part of the<br />
Ang Thong National Marine<br />
Park. For a closer look, how<br />
about taking a journey on a<br />
sea kayak along the coastline<br />
of one of its islands, Koh Mae<br />
Hok? During this organised trip,<br />
you get to cruise beneath huge<br />
overhanging rocks and enjoy<br />
some of the most beautiful<br />
beaches in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Other<br />
attractions include one of the<br />
greatest sights - that of a former<br />
enormous cavern whose ceiling<br />
has since collapsed – and<br />
now a saltwater lake. Called Tai<br />
Plao, the lake is now a haven<br />
to a wide variety of marine<br />
life. To ensure a better look, an<br />
exciting snorkelling experience is<br />
available as part of the trip.<br />
tourismthailand.org/About-<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land/Destination/Ko-Samui<br />
92 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI / KRABI<br />
Red for Roosters, Red for Love<br />
Bring on the celebration or create some romance if you decide to go to Krabi for either<br />
the Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day. Make it a holiday getaway at the Centara<br />
Grand Beach Resort & Villas. For Chinese New Year, they’ll serve a buffet of Asian<br />
specialties. Come Valentine’s day, the menu features surf and turf, not to mention<br />
the freshest seafood, barbecue, and pieces de resistance of strawberry and chocolate<br />
desserts. Nestled within its own bay, the resort is accessible by boat only. But once<br />
there, you can experience the stunning views and ambience of understated luxury.<br />
centarahotelsresorts.com<br />
Cave Offerings<br />
While many visitors to Krabi’s Phra<br />
Nang beach simply go there to enjoy<br />
the white sand and stunning scenery,<br />
there is much more to the area. Visit a<br />
cave to make offerings to Phra Nang<br />
herself, the Princess Goddess. They say<br />
that she lives underneath a cliff that’s<br />
found towards the end of the beach.<br />
This belief goes back many centuries<br />
and visitors should be mindful that this<br />
is a sacred place to be respected. And<br />
do as the locals do by visiting the cliff<br />
to make an offering or wish for luck or<br />
safe travels.<br />
tourismthailand.org/About-<strong>Thai</strong>land/<br />
Destination/Krabi<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Last Resorts to Luxury<br />
There’s no such thing as too much of a good<br />
thing when we’re talking about beach resorts.<br />
Last December, Celes Beachfront Resort Koh<br />
Samui debuted next to its sister, Samui Palm<br />
Beach Resort on Bophut beach. This area was<br />
once a village and home to former <strong>Thai</strong> and<br />
Chinese communities. Now the re-developed<br />
area has a laid back and contemporary deluxe<br />
boutique, with luxurious beachfront pool<br />
villas. Their beachfront runs 270 metres<br />
long with a stunning view of Koh Phangnan.<br />
In the neighbouring area lies the pristine<br />
Bophut beach with the equally luxurious<br />
Celes Beachfront Resort Koh Samui, whose<br />
beachfront pool villas serve as getaways for<br />
couples and families. You can hire boats<br />
to neighbouring islands, a nearby national<br />
marine park, and even other villages. Or<br />
engage in the true beach tradition of reading<br />
and relaxing by the pool. There will be a<br />
special theme on Chinese New Year, and a 3<br />
days 2 nights package offering from 15 <strong>Jan</strong> to<br />
31 Mar. The surrounding areas are great for<br />
nature lovers. celesresorts.com, +66 (0) 77 425<br />
494-5, +66 (0) 77 900 999, samuipalmbeach.com,<br />
+66 (0) 77 425 494-5<br />
94 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Phuket<br />
Perfect Bodies<br />
If you have always wanted to undergo fitness training in <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
the Bikini Bods Group Trip, conducted at the Tiger Muay <strong>Thai</strong> Camp,<br />
is the perfect way to attain that perfect bikini body. And it’s not only<br />
for ladies, as men are more than welcome to attend. A whole range<br />
of classes include Muay <strong>Thai</strong>, crossfit, yoga, cardio, beach classes<br />
and weight training. But it’s not just all about training as there will be<br />
plenty of opportunities to go on boat trips and explore the delights<br />
of Phuket yourself. bikinibods.com.au, <strong>Jan</strong>uary 4 to 10<br />
Mindful Wellbeing<br />
The idyllic setting of Phuket is the destination for those wishing to improve the quality<br />
of their lives and aim for a perfect state of physical and emotional wellbeing. Mare &<br />
Mindfulness offers an evolutionary holiday and a chance to experience a different type of<br />
tourism that combines a bit of Eastern philosophy.<br />
Vacation with a programme that offers training in the five main principles of mindfulness<br />
and a special nutrition menu that will also ensure physical detoxification. Breakfast and<br />
dinner are included in the programme, but a complimentary lunch can be arranged to comply<br />
with the dietary guidelines delivered at the start of the holiday. Those who want to lose<br />
weight can join a special programme, while at the same time enjoy the pleasurable discovery<br />
of delightful <strong>Thai</strong> cuisine. www.ritiroinparadiso.com, <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 18 to 26<br />
Marine Experience<br />
Marine Expedition <strong>Thai</strong>land offers the<br />
unique experience of enjoying activities<br />
above and below the warm blue waters<br />
of the Andaman Sea. Participants can<br />
sail along <strong>Thai</strong>land’s beautiful western<br />
coast and at the same time join in a<br />
marine research expedition. Participants<br />
will receive an education in marine<br />
science with topics covering manta rays,<br />
sharks, coral and plankton. On board is<br />
an experienced skipper who will teach<br />
sailing and coastal navigation while<br />
sea life will be covered by a marine<br />
biologist. www.dr-olaf.com, <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 12<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Salt Life Palette<br />
Zoe Olivia Young, a rising talent in the Sydney art scene,<br />
is now an artist in residence at one of Samui’s top<br />
boutique hotel. Her unique work entitled “Salt Life” is<br />
on display at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale gallery until the end<br />
of April. Zoe’s paintings are marked by her eclectic use<br />
of colours and eye for landscapes, along with her still life<br />
compositions depicting a more natural and slower<br />
pace of life.<br />
Instagram @zoeoliviayoung<br />
96 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
pattaya<br />
Clifftop Splendour<br />
Located on a cliff headland overlooking<br />
the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land, the InterContinental<br />
Pattaya Resort is just a two-hour<br />
drive away from Bangkok. In addition<br />
to the wide range of facilities to be<br />
expected from the hotel, guests have<br />
a choice of dining at the Infiniti and<br />
Elements restaurants. Furthermore,<br />
launching on <strong>Jan</strong>uary 1 is the Club<br />
InterContinental®, a remarkable and<br />
exclusive haven within the resort.<br />
It is an unprecedented blend of intuitive<br />
service, exclusive benefits, unparalleled<br />
luxury, stylish signature décor and<br />
enhanced thoughtful amenities,<br />
featuring assistance and guidance from<br />
a 24-hour personal butler, as well as<br />
private check-in and -out convenience.<br />
intercontinental.com/pattayaresort,<br />
+66 (0) 38 259 888<br />
Yacht Charters<br />
Chartering a yacht is one of the most<br />
exciting and yet relaxing ways to<br />
discover the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land. Pattaya’s<br />
surrounding coastline has numerous<br />
islands little known to most tourists and<br />
all boat charters from Pattaya Yacht<br />
Charters are permitted to anchor off<br />
some of the most spectacular beaches<br />
on the Pattaya archipelago. Destinations<br />
include Koh Khram, Koh Rin and Monkey<br />
Island with vessels ranging from sailing<br />
yachts to party boats. Deep sea fishing is<br />
also offered. pattayayachtcharters.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Wonderfruit<br />
Festival Goes<br />
Green<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s biggest art,<br />
music and life festival<br />
has set new dates on the<br />
field of Siam Country<br />
Club, Pattaya. The<br />
upcoming 4-day festival<br />
is jam-packed with<br />
various artists such as<br />
Rudimental, Lianne La<br />
Havas and Shura, JUNUN<br />
featuring Shye Ben Tzur<br />
& the Rajasthan Express<br />
and the return of Molam<br />
Bus by Jim Thompson Art<br />
Centre. Other interesting<br />
activities include; multisensory<br />
installation over<br />
the lotus pond, organic<br />
painting, giant mandalamaking,<br />
Wushu, Shoalin<br />
Kungfu, Taichi and wood<br />
carving workshop. This<br />
year Wonderfruit also<br />
aims for carbon positive<br />
by investing in the<br />
Rimba Raya Biodiversity<br />
Reserve in Indonesia.<br />
Wonderfruit ticket holders<br />
are participating in an<br />
ecologically-conscious<br />
event meanwhile having<br />
fun. <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 16-19,<br />
wonderfruitfestival.com<br />
98 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
hong kong<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Deliciously<br />
Demonic<br />
He may have named<br />
himself the Demon Chef,<br />
but there is so much<br />
more to Alvin Leung’s<br />
cuisine than mere<br />
provocation. Located in<br />
the bustling district of<br />
Wan Chai, the restaurant<br />
Bo Innovation sports<br />
three Michelin stars and<br />
promises diners “X-treme<br />
Chinese Cuisine” and<br />
an experience which<br />
is, in the words of its<br />
founder, both “exotic<br />
and erotic.” A former<br />
engineer, Leung came late<br />
to the restaurant business<br />
but has in recent years<br />
certainly made up for lost<br />
time. In addition to his<br />
Hong Kong restaurant,<br />
Leung has carved out<br />
a successful television<br />
career as well. Visitors<br />
to Bo Innovation can<br />
sample such creations as<br />
the “Baby Food” black<br />
truffle, “chian dan chee”<br />
(basically a spam egg<br />
sandwich with a twist),<br />
foie gras “mui choi” with<br />
green apple and ginger<br />
and, as is to expected,<br />
Leung’s special take on<br />
the distinctive Chinese<br />
soup dumplings, “xiao<br />
long bao.” Bo Innovation,<br />
1/F J Senses, 60 Johnston Rd.,<br />
Wan Chai, +852 2850 8371<br />
Dragons and Lions<br />
Welcome <strong>2017</strong><br />
Hundreds of dragon and lion dancers<br />
bring their game on with a parade on<br />
<strong>Jan</strong> 1 while fierce competitions<br />
with high flying lion dance techniques<br />
follow on <strong>Jan</strong> 2. Later in the month,<br />
a Night Parade in the streets of<br />
Tsim Sha Tsui on <strong>Jan</strong> 28 celebrates<br />
the Chinese New Year, concluding with<br />
fireworks displays to announce the Year<br />
of the Rooster.<br />
100 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
HONG KONG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Ngong Ping 360 Closed for Maintenance<br />
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is scheduled to suspend its service from early <strong>Jan</strong>uary <strong>2017</strong> for rope<br />
replacement. The maintenance project should complete in early June <strong>2017</strong>. The Ngong Ping Rescue<br />
Trail also will not be open to visitors during the replacement period to ensure public safety.<br />
However, Ngong Ping village with their shops and entertainment venues remain open.<br />
Visitors can buy the bus tour package at the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal or take other modes of<br />
transport to Ngong Ping village and beyond to Tian Tan Buddha statue, and Po Lin monastery.<br />
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong MRT Corporation recently extended the Kwun Tong Line to the new<br />
Ho Man Tin and Whampoa stations. During weekday non-peak periods, the average train service<br />
frequency is three minutes for all Kwun Tong Line stations.<br />
Let’s join the locals in exploring Hong Kong further!<br />
Photo Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong<br />
High End High Tea<br />
At the Mandarin Oriental’s Clipper Lounge,<br />
it’s all about elegant takes on high tea<br />
classics that pay homage to their British<br />
roots. These include smoked salmon and<br />
cream cheese on homemade pumpernickel<br />
bread, ham and picallili baguette, pork and<br />
fennel sausage rolls or choux buns filled<br />
with coronation chicken. Sweet treats<br />
include blueberry cheesecake, strawberry<br />
mousse and the hotel’s much-loved opera<br />
cake. Top it all off with plain or raisin<br />
scones served with Devonshire clotted<br />
cream and the hotel’s own rose petal jam.<br />
Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental<br />
Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Rd., Central,<br />
+852 2825 4007<br />
Longines Master Riders<br />
Following events in Los Angeles and Paris, this elite showjumping<br />
event culminates in Hong Kong at Asia-World Expo, where the<br />
world’s best riders, decision makers and VIPs will gather for three<br />
days of sporting action. Visitors can experience innovative and<br />
exhilarating world-class showjumping competitions, while at the<br />
same time enjoy a wide range of culinary and cultural events,<br />
including activities for the young ones. <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 9-12,<br />
longinesmasters.com; booking at cityline.com and +852 3761 6515<br />
102 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Let’s Rock<br />
Located just a short walk<br />
from the beach and a part of<br />
Resorts World Sentosa, the<br />
Hard Rock Hotel features<br />
fun and fantastic decor<br />
inspired by rock and roll<br />
culture. The hotel boasts an<br />
infinity swimming pool, a<br />
6,500-seater ballroom, 30<br />
function rooms and a 24-hour<br />
fitness centre. Guestrooms<br />
keep with the rock and roll<br />
theme, along with ensuite<br />
bathrooms designed like<br />
backstage dressing rooms.<br />
Diners can enjoy the Starz<br />
Restaurant which offers<br />
an international lunch and<br />
dinner buffet and also the<br />
Rock Pool Bar and the Rock<br />
Bar with live entertainment.<br />
Resorts World Sentosa<br />
includes Universal Studios,<br />
the world’s largest<br />
oceanarium, a waterpark<br />
and the Maritime<br />
Experiential Museum.<br />
8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa<br />
Island, +65 6577 8888<br />
Mexican Favourites<br />
It is true that Singapore is home<br />
to a whole wide range of cuisines,<br />
but Mexican may not be the most<br />
obvious — unless it is Margarita’s<br />
at Dempsey Hill. The restaurant<br />
has declared its goal to serve<br />
unpretentious good food prepared<br />
in the special Mexican way. And it<br />
is food that is both great to look<br />
at and taste. How about starting<br />
off with a cheese fondue with taco<br />
chips? Then follow this with main<br />
courses such as roasted sweet<br />
potato and chilli japaleño, baked<br />
crab enchiladas or a “kitchen sink”<br />
burrito. @margaritasdempsey, 11<br />
Dempsey Rd., +65 6471 3228<br />
Exuberant Chingay Parade<br />
Singapore’s Chingay procession is the largest street performance<br />
and float parade in the whole of Asia and is an extravaganza which<br />
epitomises the dynamism of Singapore’s vibrant and multicultural<br />
society. <strong>Feb</strong>ruary 10-11, chingay.org.sg/chingay-<strong>2017</strong><br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Breathtaking CÉ LA VI<br />
Elevated above the SkyPark Observation Deck of Marina Bay Sands, CÉ LA VI offers breathtaking<br />
panoramic views of the city skyline and the Singapore Straits to enhance a truly fine dining<br />
experience. The multi-level CÉ LA VI Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, providing a<br />
la carte menu options as well as tasting menus that allow diners to sample a selection of dishes<br />
created by international chefs. Enjoy elegant indoor dining while looking out from floor-toceiling<br />
windows or choose an al fresco table adjacent to the SkyBar on the terrace. The SkyBar is a<br />
vibrant circular bar where talented bartenders shake, stir and serve up classic and signature<br />
CÉ LA VI cocktails. celavi.com, +65 6508 2188<br />
Middle Eastern Delights<br />
The restaurant has been on the receiving end<br />
of multiple rave reviews – and this is in itself an<br />
achievement in a city obsessed with food. The<br />
Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine at artichoke<br />
restaurant most certainly does not fail to<br />
disappoint. In addition to a wide range of “mezze”<br />
plates (such as figs with goat cheese), hungry<br />
diners should try delicacies like slow-roasted<br />
lamb shoulder, Wagyu beef with a chilli harissa<br />
dip, hot skillet prawns and duck kebab tacos with<br />
innovative avocado hummus.<br />
artichoke.com.sg, +65 6336 6949<br />
Soaring Success of Symphony<br />
In recent years, through its performances in Singapore and around the world — not to mention a growing<br />
portfolio of recordings — the Singapore Symphony Orchestra has been garnering a well-earned reputation<br />
for excellence. Now the orchestra teams up with the charistmatic Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel<br />
for a gala concert in the island nation’s durian-shaped Esplanade concert hall. <strong>Jan</strong>uary 5-6, sso.org.sg<br />
104 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
Myanmar<br />
yangon / mandalay<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Pawn Room<br />
With an atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient Chinese pawn shop, The Pawn<br />
Room takes visitors back to a 1920s Shanghai, decorated with paper lanterns,<br />
rattan chairs and herbalist cabinets. And the pawn shop concept doesn’t just<br />
stop there. On certain nights, visitors may choose to trade their belongings or<br />
services to work at the bar in exchange for cocktails. A wide range of cocktails<br />
include those with a particular Asian focus and ingredients, including that of<br />
kaffir lime leaves, pandan syrup and cream. And should you wish for a change<br />
of scene, try out The Private Room wine lounge located on the same street,<br />
operated by the same management. www.facebook.com/tprttdi, +60 13-483 8863<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Top Chef by the Lake<br />
Leading Swiss chef Boris Granges is now at the helm of Le Planteur, a<br />
restaurant in a stunning colonial-era waterfront property on picturesque<br />
Inya Lake. Fine dining continues despite several incarnations since<br />
the restaurant’s modest opening in 1998. Le Planteur consists of several<br />
dining and drinking venues to suit all tastes with their upscale restaurant,<br />
a bistro, wine bar and a tearoom for high teas. The excellent menu ranges<br />
from a tender fillet of cod and foie gras with pear chutney to a dessert of<br />
wasabi ice cream. leplanteur.net, +95 1 514 230<br />
Afternoon Teas<br />
Asian destinations with a strong colonial<br />
past have revived the delights of an<br />
extensive afternoon tea, especially Kuala<br />
Lumpur. Charming spreads include dainty<br />
sandwiches and scones with jam and<br />
clotted cream. Locations offering a superior<br />
afternoon tea experience include Lounge<br />
On the Park at the Mandarin Oriental,<br />
Serena Brasserie at the InterContinental,<br />
The Drawing Room at the St. Regis and the<br />
Orchid Observatory at the Majestic. For a<br />
Malaysian-inspired menu, try OneFiveSix at<br />
the InterContinental.<br />
mandarinaoriental.com, kualalumpur.<br />
intercontinental.com, stregiskualalumpur.com,<br />
majestickl.com<br />
A Taste of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
It’s always good to eat <strong>Thai</strong> food and nowhere is it<br />
better in Kuala Lumpur than at Baan Kanom Jeen,<br />
with its focus on different combinations of thin rice<br />
noodles with curries, gravies and sauces. Try the<br />
Kanom Jeen Set with noodle balls,<br />
sauces, boiled eggs, anchovies and<br />
leafy herbs and vegetables.<br />
Other delicious items on<br />
the menu include green<br />
curry with fried rice<br />
and fish, phad thai<br />
and a mouthwatering<br />
selection of desserts.<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
baankanomjeenmy<br />
Contemporary by Tradition<br />
Mogok Pauk Pauk, a Myanmar transgender fashion designer in Yangon, is now on the list<br />
of top Southeast Asian designers. After graduating from renown fashion design institutes<br />
in Milan and Paris, she returned home and dedicated her work to creating awareness of<br />
the traditional Myanmar textile design known as luntaya acheik. At Pauk Pauk’s studio in<br />
Mandalay, villagers create traditional patterns with old weaving methods. In collaboration,<br />
she adds design touches into the patterns to give a sense of the contemporary to the<br />
textiles. www.mogokpaukpauk.com; Yangon +95 9 2522 4048; Mandalay +95 2 666 28<br />
Garden of Spices<br />
Justifiably proud to be the only Indian-Myanmar fine dining<br />
restaurant in Mandalay, the Spice Garden is an elegant restaurant<br />
serving Myanmar, Northern and Southern Indian cuisines with a<br />
strong focus on poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Guests<br />
can dine on such Myanmar delights as refreshing salads and<br />
curries. Desserts include Indian favourites like rasmalai, gulab<br />
jamun and kheer. Food enthusiasts can even learn how to prepare<br />
the restaurant’s dishes in specially organised cooking classes with<br />
the resident chefs. hotelredcanal.com<br />
106 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
107
HAPPENINGS<br />
vietnam / cambodia<br />
danang / SIEM REAP<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Lie-in For<br />
Harmony<br />
Work on your mind and<br />
body without having<br />
to move an inch. Lie<br />
down to the ultimate<br />
experience at HARNN<br />
Heritage Spa that’s at the<br />
InterContinental Danang<br />
Sun Peninsula Resort and<br />
let spa therapists work<br />
to restore the natural<br />
balance to your body and<br />
mind. Methods here are<br />
inspired by the practice of<br />
traditional Asian medicine<br />
and naturopathy.<br />
The finest botanical<br />
ingredients also inspire<br />
restorative harmony and<br />
health. You’ll also feel more<br />
relaxed to know that the spa<br />
was crowned<br />
in 2016 as Asia’s Best<br />
Resort Spa at the World<br />
Spa Awards. Dash through<br />
the terminal to de-stress<br />
because treatments are<br />
also available in the VIP<br />
departure lounge of<br />
Danang International<br />
Airport.<br />
danang.intercontinental.com<br />
Cambodian Luxe for Two<br />
Thoughts for two this <strong>Feb</strong>ruary? Consider a Heritage Package<br />
meant for two people by the Sokha Siem Reap Resort. Centrally<br />
located in Siem Reap, the resort is done in traditional Cambodian<br />
decor with French colonial touches. Travellers can discover the<br />
very best of the Angkor archaeological park with the package<br />
offering a one-day sightseeing tour to a definite must – the Angkor<br />
Wat Complex — complete with a tour guide. Afterwards, enjoy a<br />
30-minute foot massage, dinner for two at Lotus Restaurant, and<br />
complimentary use of spa facilities.<br />
sokhahotels.com<br />
Swing with a View<br />
This is the second year for the Vietnam Golf Trophy (VGT)<br />
tournament, following its previous success in Hanoi in 2016.<br />
VGT <strong>2017</strong> tees off in Danang, Vietnam’s fourth largest city for 5<br />
days, 4 nights and 3 rounds of golf in a selection of 3 world-class<br />
golf courses set in natural settings and unique landscapes in an<br />
area that boasts one of the best coastlines. Choices for the 3 golf<br />
courses include the Danang Golf Club, designed by Australian<br />
golf legend Greg Norman, and lies close to 2 of Vietnam’s most<br />
historic destinations – UNESCO World Heritage sites Hoi An<br />
and Hue. Swing that golf club to magnificent views of the Marble<br />
Mountains, the East Sea and the Cham Islands. Another golf<br />
course is the Montgomerie Link, designed by Scottish golfer<br />
Colin Montgomerie, located near the renowned China Beach,<br />
and Ba Na Hills Golf Club by Luke Donald; surrounded by<br />
picturesque hills.<br />
<strong>Feb</strong>ruary 12-16,<br />
vietnamgolftrophy.com<br />
108 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
109
HAPPENINGS<br />
INDIA<br />
mumbai<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Caving In<br />
For a change of pace from Mumbai’s exhilarating energy, it is worthwhile to<br />
escape to a plethora of deep, ancient and mysterious caves not far from the<br />
city. The Elephanta caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on an island 11<br />
kilometres away from Mumbai and reachable via a charming boat journey.<br />
Easily reached as well are the Kanheri caves on the outskirts of the city and<br />
hidden in lush green hills which clearly traces the development of Buddhism<br />
in Western India. Finally, there are the Shaiva caves at Borivali known as<br />
Mandapeshvara. Explore the awe-inspiring formations that have stood the<br />
test of time and offer a tranquil break from the city. maharashtratourism.gov.in<br />
Designer Dining<br />
Eat in bi-level style in a space designed by Kapil Gupta, one of India’s<br />
leading architects, Tote on the Turf is set amidst a lush canopy of<br />
100-year-old trees with a stunning backdrop of historic buildings and<br />
the green of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course. Integrating cuttingedge<br />
design techniques with traditional elements, making Tote an<br />
award-winning venture in architecture, design and hospitality. And<br />
there’s Neel, the specialty Indian restaurant on the ground level of<br />
Tote, whose focus pays homage to the rich and evolved cuisine of<br />
old Nawabi families from Lucknow, Hyderabad and Kashmir. The<br />
blend of authentic flavours, textures and colours of the dining space<br />
indeed creates a sensational culinary experience. thetote.in<br />
Fashionable Favourites<br />
Mumbai can clearly be designated as India’s<br />
most fashionable metropolis and visitors<br />
have a wide range of retail options in order<br />
to bring home something exotic, colourful<br />
and distinctive. In addition to browsing<br />
markets and roadside stalls just where are<br />
the coolest spots in the city? Bungalow 8,<br />
housed in an austere concrete mansion, is a<br />
three-floor lifestyle shop containing a wide<br />
range of Asian homeware and fashion. Wellknown<br />
for its desirable menswear it also has<br />
its own in-house fashion line, The Bungalow.<br />
Le Mill is a former rice mill from the 1930s<br />
in the docklands and in addition to fashion<br />
houses a florist and café. Bombay Electric,<br />
just around the corner from the Taj Mahal<br />
Palace Hotel, features fashion from up-andcoming<br />
Indian designers, jewellery and even<br />
retro Bollywood posters. bungaloweight.com,<br />
lemilldindia.com, bombayelectric.in<br />
110 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
HAPPENINGS<br />
MALdives<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Real Retreat<br />
How about getting away from it all by retreating to the superb resort of Sun<br />
Aqua Vilu Reef? Accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight in which guests<br />
can truly discover the beauty of the area from the air, this excellent resort<br />
offers guests a multitude of activities such as snorkelling around the natural<br />
reefs, excursions to local untouched islands and canoes that guests can use<br />
to explore the islands themselves. A wide range of bars and restaurants<br />
include the popular Dhoni Boat buffet which is located right on the beach<br />
and serves delicious fresh seafood. www.sunaqua.com, +960 676 0011<br />
Underwater Bikers<br />
By far one of the best – and most unusual – ways to discover the<br />
undersea wonders of the Maldives is a scooter three metres below<br />
the surface. Working on an upside-down cup principle where<br />
the helmet is filled with air, both one and two-seater scooters are<br />
available for the 30-minute experience. The scooters require no<br />
prior training and even children from the age of ten are allowed to<br />
ride them. www.underwater-scooters.com, +687 79 73 99<br />
A Place of Remembrance<br />
Holidays should be a time for fun and relaxation but when visiting the Maldives, it is well<br />
worth taking the time to remember the terrible 2004 tsunami that afflicted the Indian<br />
Ocean. The Tsunami Monument in Malé is dedicated to all those who lost their lives on<br />
December 26, 2004. It is notable for its unique design including a core of iron rods, each<br />
of which represents a life lost with the victim’s name engraved on it. The monument is a<br />
worthy place for peace and contemplation. Boduthakurufaanu Magu, 960 Male’<br />
112 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Corporate<br />
bangkok airways news 116 / flyerbonus 124 / route map 126 / aircraft info 128<br />
115
Bangkok Airways NEWS<br />
Bangkok Airways organises<br />
a memorial ceremony to<br />
honour HM King Bhumibol<br />
A memorial ceremony honouring<br />
His Majesty the late King Bhumibol<br />
Adulyadej was organised by Bangkok<br />
Airways Public Company Limited and<br />
led by President Capt. Puttipong<br />
Prasarttong-Osoth, with the attendance<br />
of the executive management<br />
and staff on November 10, 2016.<br />
Mr. Puttipong read a tribute<br />
to His Majesty and joined with every<br />
staff member for a moment of<br />
silence. In respectful homage,<br />
everyone gathered together and<br />
sang the royal anthem “Sansoen Phra<br />
Barami” for the late King. The<br />
ceremony took place at the Head<br />
Office of Bangkok Airways on<br />
Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สจัดพิธีถวายอาลัยแด่<br />
พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพล<br />
อดุลยเดช<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จากัด (มหาชน)<br />
หรือสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นาโดย<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
กรรมการผู้อานวยการใหญ่ พร้อมคณะ<br />
ผู้บริหารและพนักงาน จัดพิธีถวายอาลัย<br />
เบื้องหน้าพระบรมฉายาลักษณ์ พระบาท-<br />
สมเด็จพระปรมินทรมหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดช<br />
เพื่อน้อมราลึกในพระมหากรุณาธิคุณ<br />
อันหาที่สุดมิได้ โดยมีนายพุฒิพงศ์กล่าว<br />
บทกลอนถวายอาลัย และร่วมกับพนักงาน<br />
ยืนสงบนิ่งถวายอาลัยเป็นเวลา 99 วินาที<br />
ต่อด้วยการร้องเพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี<br />
ณ สานักงานใหญ่ สายการบินบางกอก-<br />
แอร์เวย์ส ถ.วิภาวดีรังสิต<br />
116 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been<br />
honoured as the “Father of <strong>Thai</strong> Rice Research and<br />
Development” for his great contributions which led to<br />
food security and economic, social, and cultural stability.<br />
On October 2016, the <strong>Thai</strong> cabinet accorded<br />
His Majesty the new honorary title in the field of rice,<br />
along with his late grandfather King Rama V, who was<br />
also honoured as the “Father of <strong>Thai</strong> Rice Reform.”<br />
King Rama V brought major changes to rice farming<br />
together with improvements to the state’s management<br />
of the rice trade and transportation.<br />
His Majesty King Bhumibol commenced rice research<br />
and development in various royally initiated projects.<br />
He suggested the re-introduction of the annual Royal<br />
Cultivating Ceremony and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony<br />
to boost the morale of <strong>Thai</strong> farmers.<br />
Today, <strong>Thai</strong>land is a major source of rice cultivation<br />
with the largest amount produced for global markets.<br />
It is also recognised as the centre for research and<br />
study of rice varieties.<br />
Photo: Thewin Chanyawong<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s prized<br />
products, such as<br />
rice, are part of an<br />
ongoing government<br />
campaign to<br />
bring increased<br />
awareness in<br />
regional and<br />
global markets.<br />
The Glorious <strong>Thai</strong> Rice<br />
Rice has long been <strong>Thai</strong>land’s traditional food crop<br />
whose history can be traced back 5,500 years<br />
alongside the birth of <strong>Thai</strong> civilisation. Archaeologists<br />
found traces of rice husks in clay used in making<br />
ancient pottery at the archaeological sites of<br />
Ban Chiang in Udon Thani province and in<br />
Khon Kaen province.<br />
Presently in <strong>Thai</strong>land, round-grain rice is grown<br />
in northern rice fields, while long-grain rice is more<br />
common in the central and southern parts of the<br />
country. Mostly harvested in the northeast is <strong>Thai</strong><br />
jasmine rice, considered the world’s best.<br />
Royal Contributions in Rice Farming<br />
Over the years, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol<br />
Adulyadej paid great attention to the preservation<br />
of <strong>Thai</strong> rice. His Majesty’s active work in quality rice<br />
development has been globally renowned. In 1996, the<br />
International Rice Research Institute conferred him with<br />
a gold medal of International Rice Award, the first and<br />
only one to be given by the institute. Throughout his<br />
reign of over half a century, the late monarch played<br />
a vital role in promoting and improving rice production,<br />
as well as supporting research and the development of<br />
rice varieties.<br />
อันว่าข้าวไทยนั้นเป็นที่ขึ้นชื่อเลื่องลือมานานนับในตลาดโลก<br />
ถึงความหอม นุ่ม อร่อย ยิ่งต่อมาได้รับการสนับสนุนส่งเสริมงาน<br />
วิจัยในด้านการทำนุบำรุงและพัฒนาพันธุ์ข้าวตลอดระยะเวลา<br />
กว่าครึ่งศตวรรษจากองค์พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรมินทร-<br />
มหาภูมิพลอดุลยเดชด้วยแล้ว ข้าวไทยจึงยิ่งโดดเด่นด้วยคุณภาพสูง<br />
จนเป็นที่ยอมรับกันไปทั่วโลก สถาบันวิจัยข้าวนานาชาติ (IRRI)<br />
จึงได้น้อมเกล้าฯ ถวายเหรียญทอง “International Rice Award”<br />
แด่พระองค์ท่าน ในปี 2539 เพียงพระองค์แรกและพระองค์เดียวในโลก<br />
ปัจจุบันข้าวไทยมีหลากหลายพันธุ์ สามารถนำไปแปรรูป<br />
และประกอบอาหารได้หลายรูปแบบ ทั้งขนมและคาวหวาน<br />
ในมื้อหลักต่างๆ นานาแทรกอยู่ในทุกวัฒนธรรมอาหารการกิน<br />
ทั่วโลก รัฐบาลถือเป็นนโยบายสำคัญที่จะผลักดันให้ข้าวไทย<br />
ก้าวไกลอย่างมั่นคง เพื่อเป็นการสานต่อพระปณิธานในพระองค์<br />
ท่านที่จะดูแลอาณาประชาราษฎร์ให้อยู่เย็นเป็นสุขอย่างสถาพร<br />
สืบไปนั่นเอง<br />
118 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Bangkok Airways NEWS<br />
Bangkok Airways Hosts 2 Annual<br />
Royal Kathina Ceremonies<br />
Dr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth, the CEO of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited, presided over the ceremony of the Royal Kathin Robe Offering at<br />
Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai province, <strong>Thai</strong>land. The tradition to offer robes<br />
and other essentials to monks following Buddhist Lent took place on<br />
October 27, 2016.<br />
Participants included Bangkok Airways President Capt. Puttipong<br />
Prasarttong-Osoth, airline committee members, executive teams and their<br />
staff, together with Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, Mr. Boonyavet<br />
Sripuangchai, senior government officials and honorary guests.<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จากัด (มหาชน) ถวายผ้า<br />
พระกฐินพระราชทาน ประจาปี 2559 โดยมีนายแพทย์<br />
ปราเสริฐ ปราสาททองโอสถ ประธานคณะผู้บริหาร<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อานวย-<br />
การใหญ่ คณะกรรมการ คณะผู้บริหาร และ<br />
พนักงานบริษัทฯ พร้อมด้วย นายบุญเวทย์ ศรีพวงใจ<br />
รองผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัดเชียงราย ข้าราชการชั้นผู้ใหญ่<br />
และแขกผู้มีเกียรติ เข้าร่วมในพิธีเมื่อวันที่ 27 ตุลาคม<br />
พ.ศ. 2559 ณ วัดพระแก้ว จังหวัดเชียงราย<br />
Mrs. Dennapa Prasarttong-Osoth and Capt. Puttipong<br />
Prasarttong-Osoth (4-5th from left), Mr. Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
and Mrs. Vanli Prasarttong-Osoth (7-8th from left)<br />
Bangkok Airways also hosted<br />
another Kathina Ceremony held<br />
at Mingun Tipitaka Nikaya<br />
Monastery in the Sagaing region in<br />
Myanmar on November 1, 2016.<br />
The ceremony was presided by<br />
Bangkok Airways executives and<br />
their family members with the aim<br />
to make merit and strengthen<br />
religious ties between Buddhists<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land and neighbouring<br />
country.<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จากัด (มหาชน)<br />
จัดงานเทศกาลกฐินประจาปี 2559 โดย<br />
มีนายแพทย์ปราเสริฐ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
ประธานคณะผู้บริหาร นางวัลลีย์ ปราสาท<br />
ทองโอสถ นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททอง-<br />
โอสถ กรรมการผู้อานวยการใหญ่ และ<br />
นางเด่นนภา ปราสาททองโอสถ เข้าร่วมใน<br />
พิธีเมื่อวันที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2559<br />
ณ วัดมิงกุนโมเมกกงเหม่ สถาบันศึกษา<br />
พระไตรปิฎก รัฐสกาย สาธารณรัฐแห่ง<br />
สหภาพเมียนมาร์<br />
120 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
Bangkok Airways NEWS<br />
Popular <strong>Thai</strong> star<br />
Yaya-Urassaya<br />
Sperbund joined<br />
the Bangkok<br />
Airways Youth Art<br />
Camp in Sukhothai,<br />
with over 50<br />
students and<br />
teachers<br />
participating from<br />
local schools.<br />
YOUTH ART CAMPS<br />
Bangkok Airways Public Co., Ltd. recently organised<br />
the “Bangkok Airways Youth Art Camp” in both<br />
Sukhothai and Trat provinces to emphasise and expand<br />
on the local culture and arts. To help build a stronger<br />
sense of community, Bangkok Airways created outreach<br />
programmes for the youth living in areas around the<br />
Sukhothai and Trat Airports.<br />
The art camps had the aim to encourage the local<br />
youth to preserve community uniqueness together with<br />
its invaluable arts and culture. By promoting a love for<br />
the arts, the programmes fostered a sense of belonging<br />
among the local youth in both provinces.<br />
Art Camp activities at Wat Tha Som, Trat Province, where 10<br />
selected paintings were exhibited at Trat Airport.<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) เปิดโครงการค่ายศิลปะ<br />
ภายใต้หัวข้อ “สืบสานงานศิลป์ รักษ์ถิ่นบ้านเกิด” เพื่อส่งเสริมและ<br />
สนับสนุนให้เยาวชนในท้องถิ่นอนุรักษ์ศิลปวัฒนธรรมและงาน<br />
ศิลปะที่เป็นอัตลักษณ์ของชุมชน ณ โครงการไร่เกษตรอินทรีย์<br />
สนามบินสุโขทัย จังหวัดสุโขทัย โดยมี ญาญ่า - อุรัสยา เสปอร์บันด์<br />
เข้าร่วมกิจกรรม โดยมีการเชิญคณะครูและนักเรียนจากโรงเรียน<br />
ในพื้นที่โดยรอบสนามบินสุโขทัยกว่า 50 คนเข้าร่วมกิจกรรม<br />
ต่างๆ มากมาย อาทิ “สัมผัสวิถีเกษตรอินทรีย์” ชมการทำสวน<br />
เกษตรแปลงผักอินทรีย์แบบดั้งเดิม นั่งรถราง ปั่นจักรยานรอบ<br />
เมืองสุโขทัยเพื่อชมมรดกโลก รวมถึงเรียนรู้ศิลปะและประวัติศาสตร์<br />
ความเป็นมาเบื้องต้นของจังหวัดสุโขทัย<br />
นอกจากนี้ยังจัดค่าย “สืบสานงานศิลป์ รักษ์ถิ่นบ้านเกิด”<br />
ขึ้นที่โรงเรียนวัดท่าโสม จ.ตราด ซึ่งมีผลงานที่ผ่านการคัดเลือก<br />
จำนวน 10 ผลงาน ที่ถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวของชุมชนตำบลท่าโสม<br />
ได้เป็นอย่างดี และผลงานดังกล่าวได้ถูกนำไปจัดแสดงที่สนามบิน<br />
ตราด เพื่อให้นักท่องเที่ยวได้ชื่นชมอีกด้วย<br />
BRINGING A CANAL BACK TO LIFE<br />
Members of a<br />
fund-raising<br />
programme supported<br />
by Bangkok Airways<br />
gather next to the<br />
irrigation canal that<br />
has been brought<br />
“back to life” to<br />
provide water to<br />
crops once it<br />
was fixed.<br />
“A Life Canal” has been a short but very meaningful water-related<br />
project for Bangkok Airways and the community of Tungsalieum<br />
district in Sukhothai province. People who relied on water from the<br />
Mae Bor Thong dam in the Klang Dong area experienced problems with<br />
damaged irrigation canals for several years. Insufficient water from an<br />
upstream reservoir, Mae Mok, affected the quality of agriculture and<br />
reduced productivity, especially to areas downstream that covered over<br />
850 rai (about 150 households).<br />
“คลองส่งน้ำมีชีวิต” คำสั้นๆ แต่มี<br />
ความหมายอย่างยิ่งสำหรับชุมชนอำเภอ<br />
ทุ่งเสลี่ยม จังหวัดสุโขทัย เนื่องด้วยตลอด<br />
หลายปีที่ผ่านมา กลุ่มเกษตรกรผู้ใช้น้ำ<br />
จากฝายแม่บ่อทอง ตำบลกลางดง<br />
อำเภอทุ่งเสลี่ยม ประสบปัญหาเรื่อง<br />
คลองชลประทานชำรุดเสียหาย ทำให้ไม่ได้<br />
รับน้ำจากอ่างเก็บน้ำฝายแม่มอกอย่าง<br />
พอเพียง โดยเฉพาะพื้นที ่ทำการเกษตร<br />
ปลายน้ำซึ่งใช้ปลูกข้าวเป็นหลัก ชุมชนจึงมี<br />
รายได้ไม่เพียงพอต่อการดำรงชีพ<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้เล็งเห็นความสำคัญ<br />
ของกลุ่มเกษตรกรในพื้นที่ดังกล่าว จึงได้<br />
สนับสนุนงบประมาณเพื่อซ่อมแซมคลอง<br />
ส่งน้ำที่ชำรุดเป็นระยะทางกว่า 20 เมตร<br />
ทำให้คลองส่งน้ำแห่งนี้กลับมามีชีวิตขึ้นอีก<br />
ครั้ง และช่วยหล่อเลี้ยงพื้นที่การเกษตรได้<br />
ทั่วถึงและยั่งยืนต่อไป<br />
122 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
flyerbonus<br />
winners from the “FlyerBonus Ten Years of<br />
Magical Journeys” Campaign ANNOUNCED<br />
Awards programme FlyerBonus, led by Mrs. Darunee Debavalya,<br />
Senior Director – Marketing Loyalty & Service (1st from left) congratulated<br />
Mr. Anusorn Thorasin (2nd from left), the lucky FlyerBonus member on<br />
winning a three days, two nights travel package to Luang Prabang<br />
from the “Ten Years of Magical Journeys” campaign. The ceremony was<br />
held at Bangkok Airways’ Ticketing Office in Lampang. The three days,<br />
two nights travel package to Luang Prabang is the grand prize from<br />
October 2016, sponsored by Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang. The value<br />
of the prize is 89,655 Baht.<br />
The “Ten Years of Magical Journeys” is a campaign to celebrate<br />
FlyerBonus’ 10th anniversary, offering FlyerBonus members travelling<br />
between December 10, 2015 and December 9, 2016 a chance to<br />
win an array of great prizes. The drawings took place on the 10th of<br />
every month throughout 2016.<br />
รายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัส ของสายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยคุณดรุณี เทพวัลย์ ผู้อำนวยการอาวุโส<br />
ส่วนกลยุทธ์ลูกค้าสัมพันธ์และการบริการ (ที่ 1 จากซ้าย) จัดพิธี<br />
มอบรางวัลแพ็กเกจท่องเที่ยวหลวงพระบาง ซึ่งเป็นรางวัลที่หนึ่ง<br />
ประจำเดือนตุลาคม 2559 จากแคมเปญ “Ten Years of Magical<br />
Journeys” แก่สมาชิกฟลายเออร์โบนัสผู้โชคดี ณ สำนักงาน<br />
ออกบัตรโดยสาร สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส สำนักงาน<br />
ท่าอากาศยานลำปาง<br />
สำหรับรางวัลที่หนึ่งประจำเดือนตุลาคม 2559 คือ<br />
รางวัลแพ็กเกจท่องเที่ยวหลวงพระบาง 3 วัน 2 คืน สำหรับ 2 ท่าน<br />
มูลค่า 89,655 บาท ได้รับการสนับสนุนที่พักจากโรงแรม<br />
Burasari Heritage Luang Prabang โดยสมาชิกผู้โชคดี<br />
คือ คุณอนุสรณ์ ธรสินธุ์ (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย)<br />
124 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
126 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
127
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
Bangkok Airways operates four types of aircraft<br />
Take me home.<br />
COMPLIMENTARY COPY<br />
JAN-FEB <strong>2017</strong><br />
AIRBUS A319<br />
Number of fleet : 12<br />
Number of dual class :<br />
4 (Business & Economy)<br />
Passenger capacity :<br />
12 seats & 108 seats<br />
number of single class :<br />
4/4 (Economy)<br />
Engine : IAE V2500<br />
Passenger capacity :<br />
138/144 seats<br />
Length : 33.84 m<br />
Wingspan : 34.1 m<br />
height : 12.17 m<br />
cruising speed : 920 km/h<br />
Max operational altitude :<br />
39,800 ft<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> is the inflight magazine of Bangkok Airways.<br />
It is YOUR MAGAZINE. It is distributed complimentarily on all<br />
Bangkok Airways flights. We hope you enjoy the magazine.<br />
AIRBUS A320<br />
Number of fleet : 8<br />
Length : 37.57 m<br />
Wingspan : 34.1 m<br />
height : 12.17 m<br />
Engine : IAE V2500<br />
cruising speed :<br />
870 km/h<br />
Max operational altitude :<br />
39,800 ft<br />
passenger capacity :<br />
162 seats<br />
•••••<br />
Too much baggage?<br />
Read<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong><br />
online!<br />
atr 72-500<br />
Number of fleet : 6<br />
Length : 27.17 m<br />
Wingspan : 27.06 m<br />
height : 7.65 m<br />
Engine : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />
Pratt & Whitney<br />
Canada PW127F<br />
cruising speed :<br />
509 km/h<br />
Max operational altitude :<br />
25,000 ft<br />
passenger capacity :<br />
70 seats<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> also comes in a digital format.<br />
You can read <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> at<br />
fahthaimag.com<br />
And feel free to send us your feedback.<br />
Your voice is our inspiration!<br />
atr 72-600<br />
NEW<br />
Number of fleet : 7<br />
Length : 27.166 m<br />
Wingspan : 27.050 m<br />
height : 7.72 m<br />
Engine : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />
Pratt & Whitney<br />
Canada PW127M<br />
cruising speed :<br />
509 km/h<br />
Max operational altitude :<br />
25,000 ft<br />
passenger capacity :<br />
70 seats<br />
OUR SCHEDULE FLIGHTS AND FREQUENCY<br />
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS<br />
Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai :<br />
Numerous flights every day from a variety of destinations<br />
Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Hat Yai :<br />
2 flights per day from Phuket<br />
Koh Chang/Trat : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Krabi : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Lampang : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Mae Hong Son : 10 flights per week from Chiang Mai<br />
Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Sukhothai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS<br />
Chengdu : 7 flights per week from Samui<br />
Danang : 4 flights per week from Bangkok<br />
Dhaka :<br />
1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Guang Zhou : 7 flights per week from Samui<br />
Hong Kong : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />
Kuala Lumpur : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Luang Prabang : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Male’ :<br />
1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Mandalay : 1 flight per day from Bangkok ;<br />
4 flights per week from Chiang Mai<br />
Mumbai : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Nay Pyi Taw : 6 flights per week from Bangkok<br />
Phnom Penh : 6 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Siem Reap : 5 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Singapore : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />
Vientiane : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
128 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>
checking out<br />
Guangzhou,<br />
Edgy by the River<br />
The industrial port on the Pearl<br />
River fast forwards itself as an<br />
architecture destination with<br />
structures like the avant garde<br />
Guangzhou Opera House.<br />
130 <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>