Fah Thai Magazine Nov/Dec 2017
“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Ltd.
“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Ltd.
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NOV-DEC <strong>2017</strong><br />
INDIA FULL<br />
SPECTRUM<br />
IN THAILAND<br />
I THEE WED<br />
PHNOM PENH<br />
CALLING<br />
SPACE<br />
REBORN<br />
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang<br />
CONTEMPORARY<br />
CONVENIENCE<br />
ibis Styles offers guests an energetic vibe,<br />
exceptional comfort, and the simplicity of allinclusive<br />
pricing with all-you-can-eat breakfast,<br />
broadband internet, and additional extras all part of<br />
the standard rate. Contemporary rooms feature all<br />
the essential amenities including working desks and<br />
safes, and available family rooms make it a joy to<br />
travel with children. With each hotel having a distinct<br />
personality that reflects the creativity found in its<br />
local community, ibis Styles delivers a refreshingly<br />
fun experience at a three-star price.<br />
Opening in <strong>Dec</strong>ember, ibis Styles Bangkok<br />
Sukhumvit Phra Khanong is the ideal base for<br />
exploring the galleries, markets, and eateries in this<br />
up-and-coming neighbourhood. With a free shuttle<br />
bus running to the BTS Skytrain station just 300<br />
metres away, it’s also easy to venture to other parts<br />
of Bangkok. Warm and welcoming rooms feature 40-<br />
inch televisions, thoughtful <strong>Thai</strong> design elements, and<br />
the signature Sweet Bed concept for a perfect night’s<br />
rest. Additional conveniences — including a kids’ club,<br />
fitness centre, restaurant, and outdoor swimming<br />
pool with poolside bar — deliver everything travellers<br />
need to enjoy a stress-free and rejuvenating stay in<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong> capital.<br />
Nestled in a lush tropical garden against a backdrop<br />
of breathtaking limestone cliffs, ibis Styles Krabi<br />
Ao Nang is perfect for travellers looking for high<br />
standards at a great value in one of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
most spectacular destinations. Whether enjoying<br />
a morning tea on the balcony or unwinding on sun<br />
loungers around the pool, guests are treated to<br />
postcard-perfect views of mountains and palm trees.<br />
The Cliff Cafe and Restaurant serves authentic <strong>Thai</strong><br />
dishes and delicious international cuisine throughout<br />
the day, with drinks available at Koh Bar overlooking<br />
the pool. Rooms are stylish and comfortable and<br />
include free Wi-Fi and blackout curtains. And all of<br />
this is just five minutes from the beach with the hotel’s<br />
complimentary shuttle.<br />
Experience Bangkok’s vibrant sights without breaking<br />
the bank at the newly built ibis Styles Bangkok<br />
Sukhumvit 50. The city’s only international 3-star<br />
hotel chain offers everything needed for an enjoyable<br />
stay. The rooms are modern and the decor is decidedly<br />
cheerful, with each floor having its own whimsical<br />
motif. The playfulness continues at the airportthemed<br />
Terminal bistro, which serves excellent local<br />
cuisine and drinks. When it’s time to hit the town, a<br />
complimentary tuk-tuk service shuttles you to the<br />
SkyTrain station and from there you’re only minutes<br />
ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong from Bangkok’s wide range of cultural landmarks and<br />
entertainment venues.<br />
ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 50<br />
ibis Styles Phuket City<br />
Bursting with character, ibis Styles Phuket City is the<br />
hip place to discover historic Phuket Town. Immerse<br />
yourself in the local lifestyle with an impressive<br />
number of heritage sites, outdoor markets, parks<br />
and art galleries all within walking distance. And that<br />
same local character is found inside the hotel as well,<br />
with every floor featuring colourful, modern designs<br />
inspired by the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old<br />
Town Phuket. With a focus on comfort, convenience<br />
and outstanding value, ibis Styles Phuket Phokeethra<br />
delivers a truly unique experience, while still only<br />
being a few minutes drive from the island’s beautiful<br />
beaches.<br />
For more information,<br />
visit ibis.com or accorhotels.com.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT<br />
Welcome aboard our Bangkok Airways flight. Over the past years, we have<br />
selected and offered you our best service as we transport you to new destinations.<br />
We do this with pleasure in our quest to offer everyone great service and<br />
memorable journeys. Recently, we launched our Bangkok-Phu Quoc flights in<br />
Vietnam. This new route is available four times a week – every Tuesday,<br />
Thursday, Friday and Sunday.<br />
Phu Quoc Island is famously known for its natural beauty and also referred<br />
to as “Pearl Island” of South Vietnam. We believe this new destination is going<br />
to have its place in your heart.<br />
On another note, we are pleased to let you know that last month, Bangkok<br />
Airways was awarded the “Best Regional Airline”, by TTG Travel Awards <strong>2017</strong>,<br />
an event held annually. It recognises and honours individuals and organisations<br />
in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region for outstanding performance in<br />
various categories.<br />
My staff and I wish all of you the utmost enjoyment in your travels and that you<br />
avail yourselves of our personal service every time you fly with us on Bangkok<br />
Airways – Asia’s Boutique Airline.<br />
Thank You.<br />
สวัสดีครับท่านผู้โดยสาร ขอต้อนรับผู้โดยสารทุกท่านสู่บริการของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ตลอดระยะเวลาที่ผ่านมา เราได้เลือกสรรการบริการและจุดหมายปลายทางใหม่ๆ ให้กับท่านผู้โดยสาร<br />
เพื่อให้ท่านได้สัมผัสการบริการและประสบการณ์การท่องเที่ยวที่แตกต่างออกไป โดยเมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ เราได้<br />
เปิดเส้นทางบินใหม่ กรุงเทพ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก ประเทศสาธารณรัฐสังคมนิยมเวียดนาม ให้บริการสัปดาห์<br />
ละ 4 เที่ยวบิน ทุกวันอังคาร พฤหัส ศุกร์ และอาทิตย์<br />
เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก เป็นเกาะซึ่งยังคงมีความงดงามทางธรรมชาติ ถึงขนาดได้รับสมญานามว่า “ไข่มุกแห่ง<br />
เวียดนามใต้” เราเชื่อว่าจุดหมายปลายทางนี้ จะเป็นอีกหนึ่งในจุดหมายปลายทางที่จะอยู่ในใจ<br />
ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านอย่างแน่นอน<br />
เมื่อเดือนที่ผ่านมา เป็นอีกครั้งที ่สายการบินฯ ได้รับรางวัล “Best Regional Airline” จากการ<br />
ประกาศผลของ TTG Travel Awards <strong>2017</strong> โดยรางวัลนี้จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี เพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่<br />
บุคคลและองค์กร ในอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวที่มีความโดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก<br />
ผมและพนักงานทุกคนขอขอบคุณทุกท่านที่ไว้วางใจและโหวตให้กับสายการบินของเรา ทำให้เราได้รับ<br />
รางวัลจาก TTG Travel Awards อีกครั้งในปีนี้ ซึ่งเราจะรักษามาตรฐาน และพัฒนาการบริการ<br />
ของเราให้ดียิ่งๆ ขึ้นไป<br />
เราหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งให้ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์ที่ประทับใจเมื่อเดินทางไปพร้อม<br />
กับเรา “บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส เอเชียบูทีคแอร์ไลน์”<br />
ขอบคุณครับ<br />
กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />
8
OVERTURES<br />
FEATURES<br />
18 BRAVO BANGKOK<br />
The votes are in with kudos to the<br />
City of Angels. Read more in our<br />
round-up of events that’s happening<br />
around the regional corner of Asia.<br />
23 SCENTS OF STYLE<br />
Make your fragrance the added<br />
touch of confidence before heading<br />
out the door. Sniff out our list of<br />
green and clean to sultry and<br />
come-hither scents.<br />
24 PERFECT TIMING<br />
A good watch may not be about<br />
price but rather about the<br />
impression it makes. See what<br />
head-turning timepieces will keep<br />
you in step.<br />
25 PUTTING ON THE BLING<br />
Let your hands do the talking with<br />
the perfect cocktail ring. Create<br />
a little drama with bigger and<br />
ostentatious – a fun rule when it<br />
comes to such rings.<br />
26 NOT YOUR AVERAGE<br />
CHICKEN SOUP<br />
With mild-mannered looks, the popular<br />
Tom Kha Gai, or chicken coconut soup<br />
packs a punch with its flavours.<br />
28 TROPICAL FLAVOUR<br />
It’s hard to resist the exceptional<br />
goodness and vibrant taste of a<br />
good pineapple. At times tart, but<br />
mostly sweet – this popular fruit<br />
shows up in the best way: fresh,<br />
baked, cooked or in cocktails.<br />
34 PHNOM PENH<br />
A weekend trip to<br />
Phnom Penh sees legacy<br />
architecture that still<br />
stands and heritage spaces<br />
that have been converted<br />
into cool dining and<br />
cultural destinations.<br />
46 COSTUME FIT<br />
Behind every star who<br />
looks sartorially good in<br />
a film is a good costume<br />
designer. From dressing<br />
Keira Knightly to Sarah<br />
Jessica Parker, Arjun<br />
Bhasin lets us in what<br />
inspires his design<br />
ensembles.<br />
56 ON BENDED KNEE<br />
With postcard beaches<br />
and genuine hospitality,<br />
the Land of Smiles is<br />
primed with the very best<br />
in services to cater to<br />
lovebirds from all over the<br />
world who want to get<br />
married in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
70 INDUSTRIAL<br />
PRESENT<br />
The popular concept<br />
of upcycling continues<br />
as warehouses and<br />
factories undergo megaconversions.<br />
Independent<br />
designers and food<br />
enterpreneurs come<br />
together in Bangkok’s<br />
latest creative spaces.<br />
82 COLOUR BURST<br />
India’s colours are endless<br />
in their manifestations.<br />
Photographer Dinesh<br />
Khanna captures moments<br />
in the vast landscape,<br />
from subdued moods to<br />
bolder hues of life.<br />
56<br />
A Million<br />
Lotuses<br />
Bloom<br />
Photo: Udon Thani, <strong>Thai</strong>land, Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
10<br />
11
HAPPENINGS<br />
CORPORATE<br />
No cinema, no worry. Luang Prabang may not<br />
have its own movie theatre – but that won’t<br />
stop them from holding an international film<br />
festival in the cool outdoors. See listings for<br />
such events at various cultural capitals.<br />
92 BANGKOK<br />
96 CHIANG MAI /<br />
CHIANG RAI<br />
100 SAMUI<br />
104 PHUKET /<br />
KRABI / TRANG<br />
108 PATTAYA<br />
110 HONG KONG<br />
114 SINGAPORE<br />
118 KUALA LUMPUR<br />
120 BAGAN /<br />
MANDALAY /<br />
YANGON<br />
124 LUANG<br />
PRABANG /<br />
DANANG /<br />
HOI AN /<br />
HO CHI MINH<br />
126 MUMBAI<br />
128 MALDIVES<br />
34<br />
Phnom Penh’s<br />
Art <strong>Dec</strong>o<br />
Market<br />
132 NEWS<br />
From awards to youth camps, get the latest on<br />
Bangkok Airways activities.<br />
140 ROUTE MAP<br />
142 AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
144 AIRPORT MAP<br />
CHECKING OUT<br />
146 PHU QUOC<br />
Often described as exotic and dreamy,<br />
our spotlight shines on Phu Quoc and what<br />
give the island such qualities.<br />
This month’s<br />
cover:<br />
Dressed in<br />
the amazing<br />
technicolours<br />
of India’s Holi<br />
Festival.<br />
12
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 />
Mrs. Rattanaporn Sa-Nguanjangwong<br />
Business Services - Ancillary Revenues<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
MPMI Group Ltd.<br />
1 Soi Lasalle 23/2,<br />
Bangna, Bangkok 10260, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Tel. +66 2744 4975<br />
Fax. +66 2744 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 />
Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Contributors<br />
Bussara Boonboot<br />
Chalotorn Payomyol<br />
Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
Kay Choomongkol<br />
Korakot Nym Punlopruksa<br />
Marion Bravo<br />
Passakorn Hongthong<br />
Phoowadon Duangmee<br />
Prachi Joshi<br />
Richard Augustin<br />
Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Veena Thoopkrajae<br />
Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Apichat Sukhunnee<br />
Dinesh Khanna<br />
Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />
Permboon Wongpanit<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 />
Media Manager: Daruni Klaprapchon<br />
Marketing Manager: Reza Bizmark<br />
ADVERTISING HOTLINES<br />
Bangkok: Guitar +669 2270 9528<br />
Bob +668 2446 9192<br />
Samui: Penzy +668 7055 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, TAIWAN<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 />
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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 />
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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 />
14
ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS<br />
Bright Lights, Big City<br />
Bangkok’s abuzz with the holiday<br />
spirit and glowing brightly from<br />
constant recognition as being one of<br />
the best destinations in the world. For<br />
architecture buffs, include a pit stop<br />
at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and<br />
appreciate the neo-renaissance style<br />
by architect Mario Tamagno.<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 22 / STYLE 24 / ON THE MENU 26 / FRUITFUL FINDS 28 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 30<br />
17
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
24<br />
CHIANG RAI<br />
RUNNING UP NORTH<br />
Avid runners showed up in full force for the Chiang Rai Marathon, with<br />
SEP <strong>2017</strong> the event kicked off by Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj, Senior Director for<br />
26<br />
Market Communications at Bangkok Airways. The Chiang Rai Marathon SEP <strong>2017</strong><br />
was the 4th event out of the 6 running programmes under Bangkok Airways<br />
Boutique Series <strong>2017</strong>; organised in six of the airline’s destinations in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land, which are Trat (Koh Chang), Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Rai,<br />
Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The series is divided into 2 categories<br />
with 4 marathons and 2 trail programmes.<br />
The starting point for the race began at Chiang Rai city hall with<br />
Mr. Boonwate Sipuangchai, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, presiding<br />
as chairman for the opening ceremony. Four thousand local and foreign<br />
runners did their personal best on their way to marathon victory.<br />
If you’re interested in joining the other two remaining marathons at<br />
Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, please contact Teelakow Co., Ltd. at<br />
www.teelakow.com, T: +66 (0) 95 736 3066 or email: info@teelakow.com.<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK WORLD’S MOST POPULAR<br />
CITY 2 YEARS IN A ROW<br />
Congratulations to Bangkok once again! The<br />
City of Angels is the pride of the nation as the<br />
Mastercard <strong>2017</strong> Global Destination Cities<br />
Index survey recently announced that the capital<br />
of <strong>Thai</strong>land took the No.1 spot, winning as the<br />
most popular destination among travellers from<br />
across the globe. Even more exhilarating is the<br />
fact that this is the second year that vibrant<br />
Bangkok or Krungthep Mahanakhon, has won<br />
over 132 top destination cities – such as London<br />
which ranked second, followed by Paris, Dubai,<br />
Singapore, New York, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and<br />
Tokyo, respectively. According to the index,<br />
Bangkok is projected to welcome nearly 20<br />
million overnight visitors this year.<br />
8-10<br />
DEC <strong>2017</strong><br />
PHUKET<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Sail Away<br />
in Paradise<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember marks the yachting season in Phuket<br />
– Southeast Asia’s leading luxury location and<br />
superyacht hot spot – as various yachts and<br />
superyacht go on show on the island during this<br />
period. Among the events, Kata Rocks Superyacht<br />
Rendezvous (KRSR) <strong>2017</strong> takes place featuring<br />
the yachting and the luxury lifestyle with the<br />
gorgeous idyllic backdrop of Phuket. The first<br />
class three-day programme is open to both<br />
sailing and motor yachts measuring over 24<br />
metres in length, whether they visit or are based<br />
in Phuket. Signaling the opening of Phuket’s<br />
luxurious charter season, KRSR offers superyacht<br />
owners a prime-time opportunity to showcase<br />
their flagship vessels. Participants include<br />
world-renowned yacht builders, including the<br />
famed Dutch superyacht builder Feadship, built<br />
by Benetti from Italy, and Vista Jet, one of the<br />
world’s most innovative private jet companies.<br />
Other partners returning for KRSR <strong>2017</strong> include<br />
Burgess, Azimut Yachts, Hemisphere Monaco,<br />
Northrop and Johnson, Bristol Charter, Princess<br />
Yachts, 77 Design, Lee Marine, Sea-Doo, Seal<br />
Superyachts and The Surin Phuket. katarocks.com<br />
16-20<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong><br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Floral<br />
Extravaganza<br />
It’s time to celebrate and yes, it’s also time to<br />
be surrounded by large and stunning flower<br />
displays in the heart of Bangkok. <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
oldest department store, Central is celebrating<br />
its 70th Anniversary this year with a super fresh<br />
idea that’s equally fragrant. Around this time<br />
of year, the retail branches of Central Chidlom<br />
and Central Embassy will be converted into a<br />
magnificent garden of splendour, with fresh<br />
floral arrangements masterfully created by<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s notable designers. After long hours<br />
of shopping and exploring Bangkok, refresh<br />
your day and wander around the 7 floors of<br />
fragrant, colourful and beautiful displays, with<br />
rare blooms from around the world and an<br />
intricate wall of roses at the stores. Check this<br />
out whether you love floral arrangements or<br />
simply want to take time to smell the roses.<br />
central.co.th<br />
2-15<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong> APR 2018<br />
PHUKET<br />
CHARMS OF THE ANDAMAN<br />
It’s a new chapter for Rosewood Hotels &<br />
Resorts as the new property of Rosewood<br />
Phuket unveils at the beginning of this month.<br />
Nestled along an idyllic 600-metre beachfront<br />
at Emerald Bay in southwestern Phuket, the<br />
resort is offering guests the brand-new package<br />
of the “Charms of the Andaman” which includes<br />
a 2-hour Asaya wellness therapy session, a class<br />
on how to blend essential oils with ingredients<br />
picked fresh from the herb garden, or be part of<br />
a culinary journey at Ta Khai seafood restaurant<br />
and many more. For details, contact<br />
T: +66 (0) 76 356 888, or rosewoodhotels.com<br />
NOW-3<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong><br />
VIENTIANE<br />
SHOW MASKS GO ON<br />
Vientiane, Laos’ capital, plays host to the <strong>2017</strong> IMACO<br />
international conference until <strong>Nov</strong>ember 3. Organised by the<br />
International Mask Culture & Arts Organization (IMACO).<br />
The biennale mask conference aims to promote intercultural<br />
exchanges in the world of mask art, ensuring stronger<br />
cooperation in their performance art and culture. Putting on<br />
a mask is a transformative experience and we have witnessed<br />
and learned from different forms of performance such as:<br />
the carnival in Venice, Guy Fawkes, Tibetan ritual masks, or<br />
the Lao ancestor masks. The city of Vientiane expects 100<br />
international participants from over 30 countries involved in<br />
the world of mask arts, including mask artists and performers.<br />
worldmask.org<br />
18 19
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
12-2<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong> JAN 2018<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
Xmas Tunes on<br />
an Iconic Road<br />
Singapore celebrates the holidays in a major way along its<br />
famous shopping street. Around 30 malls and department<br />
stores make up this retail wonderland that offers more<br />
than 5,000 brands.<br />
Don’t miss a chance to mingle with the crowds at the<br />
most wonderful time of the year if you are in Singapore<br />
during their 6 week celebration of Christmas and New<br />
Year. The seemingly endless 2.88km long Orchard Road<br />
will be thoroughly illuminated with extremely enchanting<br />
light installations. From Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura,<br />
Christmas tunes serenade everyone and spread yuletide<br />
cheer, while fantastic lighting at Orchard Road together<br />
with super fun games from booths along the road<br />
welcome visitors of all ages. More than that, a whole<br />
series of larger-than-life installations will be there for<br />
you to share Instagram shots with everyone.<br />
visitsingapore.com<br />
1-23<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong><br />
ASIA<br />
ED SHEERAN’S ASIAN TOUR TAKES A TURN<br />
1-31<br />
NOV <strong>2017</strong> MAR 2018<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
KL’S FIRST BIENNALE<br />
Kuala Lumpur is ready for its Biennale. The debut art festival is set for the<br />
theme of “BELAS or Be Loved” that recognises, embraces and echoes societal<br />
values and categorised into 5 types of belas (love.) They are Love for Nature<br />
(Belas Alam), Love of Heritage (Belas Warisan), Love for Humanity (Belas Insan),<br />
Love for Animals (Belas Haiwan) and Love for Legendary Icons (Belasungkawa).<br />
The event features an extensive line-up of artists from Southeast Asia, China,<br />
South Korea, Japan and India together with Malaysia’s top 3 artists; Loo Foh<br />
Sang, Long Thien Shih and Wong Hoy Cheong through an exhibition of modern<br />
and contemporary art. The chosen works depict their perspective of a civilised<br />
world that’s inspired by compassion and empathy to ensure the well-being of<br />
mankind. The mega-scale international contemporary art programme will be<br />
shown at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia and various venues.<br />
artgallery.gov.my<br />
Mega-star Ed Sheeran’s World Tour<br />
<strong>2017</strong> is one of the most anticipated<br />
this year in Asia. However, at press<br />
time, the British artist suffered<br />
a broken arm from a bicycling<br />
accident, which could affect<br />
performances in countries starting<br />
from Taipei, Osaka, Seoul and Tokyo<br />
at the beginning of <strong>Nov</strong>ember, and<br />
gigs in cities like Hong Kong, Manila,<br />
Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,<br />
Bangkok, Mumbai and Dubai,<br />
respectively. As a consummate<br />
professional, Sheeran made light<br />
of it – so look for updates on<br />
performance dates. The 26-yearold<br />
singer/songwriter began his<br />
career in 2011 and skyrocketed<br />
to international popularity a year<br />
later. In January <strong>2017</strong>, he launched<br />
his third album “Divide”, kicking-off<br />
the biggest musical comeback in<br />
his dual singles “Shape of You” and<br />
“Castle on the Hill”, hitting the No.1<br />
and No.2 spots across the charts<br />
worldwide while seeing the Suffolk<br />
native break a magnitude of records<br />
along the way. If all goes according<br />
to plan, expect indie singer/<br />
songwriter Lauv as guest artist.<br />
Check out schedules and concert<br />
venues at edsheeran.com.<br />
20
OVERTURES<br />
BEAUTY AND HEALTH<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Secret Seduction<br />
Heading out to party? Then it’s the perfect time<br />
for you to experiment with the proper fragrance<br />
as part of a multi-step strategy to fun. The right<br />
mood needs the right touch of a scent that’s<br />
delicious against your skin as party season begins.<br />
Whatever the occasion, here’s the best fragrance<br />
to go with it.<br />
SOLE DI POSITANO<br />
EAU DE PARFUM<br />
50ML FROM TOM<br />
FORD (8,800 Baht)<br />
Fresh Citrus & Fruits.<br />
Reflects the vibrancy of<br />
sunlight and the image<br />
of a coastal paradise.<br />
BLEU DE CHANEL<br />
EAU DE PARFUM<br />
100ML FROM<br />
CHANEL<br />
(5,000 Baht)<br />
Infused with crisp<br />
citrus notes, it offers an<br />
intense concentration<br />
of scents that are fresh,<br />
clean and vibrant.<br />
Unexpected and<br />
undeniably bold.<br />
In the Mood for<br />
Glitter Rouge<br />
Rouge and glitter can come together as a perfect pair – especially in the holiday<br />
season when you’re dressed your best to go out and celebrate. Glitter on your eyes,<br />
lips and nails easily makes you shine brighter than anyone.<br />
LE VERNIS 604 SCENARIO<br />
LONGWEAR NAIL COLOUR 0.4 OZ<br />
FROM CHANEL (990 Baht)<br />
Not only a colour that’s super-red, but also<br />
formulated with bioceramics and ceramides<br />
that are sure to improve your nail quality.<br />
MAKE BELIEVE IN<br />
YOURSELF EYE & CHEEK<br />
PALETTE (LIMITED<br />
EDITION) 10 X 1.1G/1 X 3G<br />
FROM TARTE (1,850 Baht)<br />
Bring your fairy tale wishes to life.<br />
The highly pigmented hues can be<br />
layered, mixed, or worn alone for a range of<br />
magical looks.<br />
BURBERRY<br />
KISSES SHEER 2G<br />
FROM BURBERRY<br />
(1,250 Baht)<br />
Features a balm-like<br />
gel texture that leaves<br />
your lips with a sheer,<br />
glossy veil of colour in<br />
just one swipe.<br />
SHIMMER DUST 1G FROM<br />
BURBERRY (1,000 Baht)<br />
Gild your look with metallic shine by dotting<br />
shimmer dust beneath the lash line, and finish<br />
off your look with a skin highlighting pen.<br />
UOMO<br />
CASUAL LIFE<br />
EAU DE TOILETTE<br />
100ML FROM<br />
SALVATORE<br />
FERRAGAMO<br />
(4,300 Baht)<br />
Where fresh green<br />
notes interplay with the<br />
powerful woody and<br />
invigorating scents that<br />
shout out dynamism.<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO APHICHAT SUKHUNNEE<br />
➋ JOUES<br />
CONTRASTE 380 SO<br />
CLOSE POWDER<br />
BRUSH 0.21 OZ<br />
FROM CHANEL<br />
(2,000 Baht)<br />
Remarkably silky texture<br />
for easy application<br />
and subtle shading.<br />
Accentuate cheekbones<br />
for a youthful look.<br />
➌ ROUGE ALLURE<br />
LUMINOUS<br />
INTENSE LIP<br />
COLOUR 667 NO.4<br />
0.12 OZ FROM<br />
CHANEL (1,450 Baht)<br />
Dresses your lips up with<br />
unmistakable attitude. It<br />
leaves your lips supple<br />
and protected with lasting<br />
comfort.<br />
➍ CRÉATION<br />
EXCLUSIVE<br />
700 TRAIT DE<br />
CARACTERE<br />
EYESHADOW FROM<br />
CHANEL (2,750 Baht)<br />
Eyes in particular become<br />
more captivating with the<br />
exclusive creation of this<br />
palette of five – all to play a<br />
range of tones for your look.<br />
➎ STYLO YEUX<br />
857 LEGENDARY<br />
WATERPROOF<br />
LONG-LASTING<br />
EYELINER 0.01 OZ<br />
FROM CHANEL<br />
(1,050 Baht)<br />
The gentle, siliconeenriched<br />
formula delivers<br />
smooth and even lining<br />
for your eyes.<br />
LOVE LIGHT<br />
HIGHLIGHTER<br />
9G FROM TOO<br />
FACED<br />
(1,590 Baht)<br />
Turn on your love<br />
light! This combines<br />
the best of powder,<br />
liquid, baked and<br />
cream formulas for an<br />
unparallelled radiance.<br />
Universal shades light you<br />
up all day and night.<br />
KA-BROW! CREAM GEL<br />
EYEBROW COLOUR<br />
WITH BRUSH FROM<br />
BENEFIT (1,000 Baht)<br />
A waterproof cream-gel brow<br />
colour that easily builds<br />
natural-looking to dramatic<br />
brows.<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
SEPHORA<br />
Level1 Siam Center<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2658 1612,<br />
+66 (0) 2658 1616<br />
GF Emquartier<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2003 6400,<br />
+66 (0) 2003 6403<br />
22<br />
23
OVERTURES<br />
STYLE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS APHICHAT SUKHUNNEE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
➑<br />
It’s Show Time<br />
Like many elements of style, it’s the small<br />
details that make a difference. In the case<br />
of the perfect watch, important facets are<br />
almost unnoticeable…just almost. A few<br />
complementary touches are enough to<br />
bring attention to the subtlety, and is<br />
never a distraction. An eye-catching<br />
timepiece speaks of preparation,<br />
confidence, and accomplishment.<br />
FOR HIM<br />
STAINLESS<br />
STEEL WITH GOLD<br />
IP TREATMENT<br />
AND BLACK<br />
CROCO-PRINT<br />
CALF WITH<br />
CONTRASTING<br />
STITCHING FROM<br />
FERRAGAMO<br />
(60,000 Baht)<br />
➋ STAINLESS STEEL<br />
CASE WITH<br />
BLACK RUBBER<br />
AND ANTI-<br />
REFLECTIVE<br />
SAPPHIRE FROM<br />
CHARRIOL<br />
(100,900 Baht)<br />
➌ MOVEMENT<br />
QUARTZ CASE<br />
MATERIAL<br />
STEEL WITH<br />
SAPPHIRE GLASS<br />
AND BRACELET<br />
MATERIAL<br />
STEEL FROM<br />
CHARRIOL<br />
(119,000 Baht)<br />
➍ YELLOW<br />
GOLD-TONE<br />
STAINLESS STEEL<br />
CASE AND<br />
STRAP, GRACE<br />
PATTERN AND<br />
GOURMETTE<br />
CHAIN TO<br />
TOP RING,<br />
LARGE MEDUSA<br />
HEAD TO CENTRE,<br />
SWISS QUARTZ<br />
MOVEMENT<br />
FROM VERSACE<br />
(74,600 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Central Department Stores<br />
Tel: +66 (0) 2730 7777<br />
Emporium<br />
Tel: +66 (0) 2269 1000<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Gems Pavillion<br />
1st FL Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2129 4400<br />
Main FL Emporium<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2664 8606<br />
FOR HER<br />
18K WHITE GOLD,<br />
SET WITH A SOUTH SEA<br />
PEARL AND 1.8 CARATS<br />
DIAMONDS FROM GEMS<br />
PAVILION (246,000 Baht)<br />
➋ 18K WHITE GOLD,<br />
SET WITH 14.93 CARATS<br />
EMERALD AND 10.85<br />
CARATS DIAMONDS FROM<br />
GEMS PAVILION<br />
(7,750,000 Baht)<br />
➌ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 6.02 CARATS OF<br />
FANCY BROWN DIAMOND<br />
AND 0.69 CARATS<br />
DIAMONDS FROM GEMS<br />
PAVILION (1,990,000 Baht)<br />
➍ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 18.56 CARATS OF<br />
BLUE SAPPHIRE AND 4.65<br />
CARATS DIAMONDS FROM<br />
GEMS PAVILION<br />
(5,990,000 Baht)<br />
➎ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 2.2 CARATS IN AN<br />
OVAL SHAPE DIAMOND<br />
AND 160 BRILLIANT-CUT<br />
DIAMONDS TOTALING<br />
0.57 CARATS FROM GEMS<br />
PAVILION (1,750,000 Baht)<br />
➏ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 16.7 CARATS OF<br />
BLUE SAPPHIRE AND 8.04<br />
CARATS OF ASSCHER-CUT<br />
AND 106 BRILLIANT-CUT<br />
DIAMONDS TOTALING<br />
1.24 CARATS FROM<br />
GEMS PAVILION<br />
(15,500,000 Baht)<br />
➐ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 3 CARATS OF PEAR<br />
SHAPE YELLOW DIAMOND<br />
AND 0.68 CARATS OF<br />
WHITE AND YELLOW<br />
DIAMONDS FROM GEMS<br />
PAVILION (895,000 Baht)<br />
➑ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET<br />
WITH 3.77 CARATS OF<br />
EMERALD AND 1.64 CARATS<br />
OF DIAMONDS GEMS<br />
PAVILION (1,290,000 Baht)<br />
A Cocktail<br />
in Hand<br />
Cocktail rings are particularly<br />
awesome for parties with their<br />
glamorous appearance. Make<br />
it a majestic and bold ornate<br />
ring with an interesting history<br />
behind it. Bold, oversized,<br />
and colourful, it’s the modern<br />
masterpiece for the hand, and<br />
guaranteed to be a statement<br />
in any soiree.<br />
24<br />
25
OVERTURES<br />
ON THE MENU<br />
Feasting on a<br />
Flavourful Soup<br />
This light and lovely dish holds much depth<br />
in its creamy appearance. A well-loved dish,<br />
Tom Kha Gai is treasured for its smoothness<br />
and lively flavours.<br />
Words Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Tom Kha Gai or Chicken Coconut<br />
Soup is another local favourite<br />
among <strong>Thai</strong>s and foreigners alike<br />
– a rich soup with coconut milk<br />
that’s infused with the aromatic<br />
essences of galangal, lemongrass,<br />
and kaffir lime leaves.<br />
Best served with steamed<br />
rice, one bowl may never be<br />
enough as the soup comes with<br />
the perfect combination of sour,<br />
salty, and sweet flavours without<br />
the usually bold spicy profile of<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> dishes that can surprise<br />
the palate. Coconut milk, its<br />
quintessential ingredient, plays<br />
a big part in creating the richer<br />
texture of the creamy white soup.<br />
Tom Kha Gai will never be<br />
complete without authentic <strong>Thai</strong><br />
herbs that spices up its flavour<br />
profile to make the creamy soup<br />
stand out. The combination of<br />
key ingredients like galangal,<br />
lemongrass, kaffir lime and, shallots<br />
plays a big part in bringing out the<br />
taste of Tom Kha Gai. Tom Kha<br />
Gai’s mild yet complex broth is also<br />
an ideal base for customisation of<br />
preferred chicken cuts and types of<br />
mushrooms. Now one of the most<br />
asked for dish in <strong>Thai</strong> restaurants,<br />
some places may modify the<br />
Photos Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />
recipe by changing from chicken to<br />
shrimp, striped snakefish, or even<br />
just mushrooms.<br />
When talking about Bangkok’s<br />
most-loved restaurants, the name<br />
of Krua Apsorn on Sukhumvit 26<br />
in Bangkok fondly comes up. It’s<br />
known to locals for almost 40<br />
years and legendary for their<br />
classic <strong>Thai</strong> menus. From its first<br />
branch on Samsen Road close to<br />
Tha Wasukri pier, the restaurant<br />
now operates more than 10<br />
branches nationwide. The place is<br />
best recognised for its homemade<br />
authentic <strong>Thai</strong> dishes with recipes<br />
that cater to everyone’s palate.<br />
Apart from Krua Apsorn’s signature<br />
recipes that balances tastiness<br />
and rich flavours, the restaurant<br />
uses fresh ingredients procured<br />
by a dedicated team with visits<br />
to several markets to ensure only<br />
quality ones in Krua Apsorn’s<br />
dishes; along with its commitment<br />
not to add monosodium glutamate<br />
and other additives. Krua Apsorn’s<br />
most well-known dishes include<br />
Tom Kha Gai with banana blossom<br />
and free-range chicken cuts, and<br />
other menu items like Chicken<br />
Green Curry and Sour Curry with<br />
climbing wattles and shrimp.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 200g chicken breasts, cut into bite size<br />
• 50g water<br />
• 150g thick coconut milk<br />
• ½ cup oyster mushrooms or any<br />
mushroom type of one’s choice<br />
• 5 slices young galangal<br />
• 5 pieces of lemongrass, sliced<br />
• 3 shallots, cut and diced<br />
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn<br />
• 2 dill leaves<br />
• 4 cherry tomatoes<br />
• 3 bird’s eye chillies, slightly ground<br />
• Coriander and dried chillies for garnish<br />
Seasoning<br />
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice<br />
• 1½ tbsp fish sauce<br />
• 1½ tbsp sugar<br />
A Modern Take on<br />
Tom Kha Gai<br />
TOM KHA GAI AT<br />
QUAINT BANGKOK<br />
This fusion restaurant is known for its<br />
meticulous take on <strong>Thai</strong> cuisine with a creative<br />
and interesting twist. Modern in appearance<br />
and ingredients, its dishes are rich in taste and<br />
cooked with authentic <strong>Thai</strong> pastes. Quaint<br />
Bangkok’s Tom Kha Gai is praised by diners for<br />
its deliberate choice of a whole chicken leg, as<br />
this part is tender with the right amount of fat.<br />
Here, the chicken is sprinkled with sea salt on<br />
both sides, and the leg is then seared until it<br />
becomes crispy and is later stewed in chicken<br />
stock with herbs for quite some time, at 90<br />
minutes. The tender and juicy chicken, with<br />
its full herbal aroma, is then roasted further to<br />
finish and served atop the soup.<br />
23 Sukhumvit 61, +66 (0) 2714 1998,<br />
+66 (0) 94 495 6949<br />
Cooking Instructions<br />
Boil water and add lemongrass, kaffir lime,<br />
and shallots before adding chicken meat<br />
and leaving all to cook. Lemongrass, kaffir<br />
lime, and shallots will reduce the smell of<br />
fresh chicken meat.<br />
Pour finished stock into a new saucepan.<br />
Add the thick coconut milk and simmer. Be<br />
careful with the heat: if it’s too hot, the oil from<br />
the coconut milk will separate and float up, and<br />
be unappetising. When the water is boiling,<br />
add all the ingredients in (except the seasoning)<br />
and simmer in medium heat.<br />
Stir all the ingredients, including remaining<br />
ones together, and wait until the vegetables<br />
change in colour, around 5-7 minutes. Turn<br />
the stove off immediately.<br />
Season with lime juice, fish sauce, and<br />
sugar. Serve the soup in a bowl and garnish<br />
it with coriander and dried chillies.<br />
Tip<br />
For delicious Tom Kha Gai, select young galangal for better flavour. Older and hard ones<br />
will only bring out the spiciness and won’t balance the taste of the soup.<br />
26<br />
27
OVERTURES<br />
ON THE MENU / FRUITFUL FINDS<br />
WORDS & PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL<br />
Tropical<br />
Love<br />
The loveable pineapple<br />
has a prickly exterior<br />
yet hides a sweet<br />
juiciness inside.<br />
The taste shouts of<br />
summer, and the fruit<br />
has inspired motifs of<br />
pineapple prints on<br />
plenty of shirts and<br />
shorts.<br />
Thorny spikes known as ‘eyes’ cover its pinecone-shape and the<br />
pineapple’s green spiky leaves need careful handling, yet a bite<br />
of this tropical fruit magically cools you. Sip any tangy fruit drink<br />
with pineapple and it gives you a taste of paradise.<br />
Thought to have originated in South America, the pineapple<br />
was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on the<br />
Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. The fruit travelled to Europe<br />
to be cultivated, but it was better suited to a tropical climate.<br />
By the end of the 16th century, many European colonies with<br />
warmer climes began growing them.<br />
It also made its way to <strong>Thai</strong>land around the same time<br />
and thrived. The sweetest and most popular pineapple is the<br />
Batavia or Si Racha pineapple grown in Chon Buri, Phetchaburi<br />
and Prachuap Khiri Khan. With a juicy yellow interior and bigger<br />
in size, it tastes sweeter than the Phuket pineapple, so named<br />
after its place of origin. The Phuket pineapple shares the same<br />
characteristics with the petite Phu Lae pineapple. Both are pale<br />
yellow, not too juicy but sweet and brittle with a bite. The other<br />
two types are the heirloom Intharachit, found in Cha Choeng Sao<br />
province, and Nang Lae, nurtured in Nang Lae sub-district of<br />
Chiang Rai. Although not that juicy, the latter has a unique<br />
honey scent and tastes very sweet.<br />
The pineapple with its juice that’s sweet and tart is<br />
adored around the world. It can be eaten fresh, juiced,<br />
cooked or preserved, and crucial to a piña colada cocktail!<br />
The fruit serves as a surprising ingredient in some <strong>Thai</strong><br />
savoury recipes such as Pineapple Curry with mussels or as<br />
small bites in the royal cuisine inspired <strong>Thai</strong> canapés called<br />
‘Maa Hor,’ with steamed mince pork on pieces of pineapple.<br />
Try not to overindulge in its sweetness – too much<br />
of the fruit and its enzymes can cause lips and tongue<br />
to experience some sensitivity. Luckily, the delicious<br />
fruit benefits the immune system, aids in digestion and<br />
reduces inflammation.<br />
28
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
Bang Lamphu<br />
Revisited<br />
Housed in a historic<br />
building that used to<br />
be the Wat Sangwet<br />
Printing School,<br />
neighbourhood museum<br />
Pipit Banglamphu<br />
continues telling the<br />
history and lifestyle<br />
of the Bang Lamphu<br />
community in Bangkok.<br />
The area is best known<br />
for its commerce<br />
and local lifestyle<br />
Photos Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />
Words Sarita Urupongsa<br />
and the place where<br />
backpacker mecca Khao<br />
Sarn Road thrives.<br />
The landmark space<br />
created some years back<br />
remains rich in cultural<br />
history, and should be<br />
a consideration on a<br />
Bangkok itinerary as<br />
visitors get stories that<br />
offer a glimpse into the<br />
ever-popular area. It<br />
can now be said that<br />
the Pipit Banglamphu<br />
compound is the biggest<br />
resource on the old<br />
Bang Lamphu district in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land. Alternately, it<br />
serves as a green space<br />
and recreational area for<br />
residents and visitors<br />
interested in learning<br />
about old Bangkok.<br />
The second floor of<br />
the teakwood building<br />
houses the permanent<br />
exhibition of the Bang<br />
Lamphu community.<br />
Stories date back to<br />
the old days when<br />
the canals of Bangkok<br />
were dug and people<br />
started to move into<br />
the area. In the reign<br />
of King Rama V, streets<br />
were constructed,<br />
bringing changes to<br />
the lifestyle of Bang<br />
Lamphu residents. The<br />
exhibition also features<br />
a zone for “Phra<br />
Nakhon Center” where<br />
highlights showcase<br />
specialty commerce<br />
that existed on little<br />
streets and back alleys<br />
from Bangkok’s golden<br />
era, including Nopparat<br />
Tailor, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s first<br />
shirt-making shop.<br />
Exploration of Bang<br />
Lamphu wouldn’t<br />
be complete without<br />
catching sight of the<br />
first Lamphu (cork)<br />
tree in this area, shown<br />
in the last room of the<br />
building. It has been<br />
re-planted from the<br />
remaining section of the<br />
original tree that was<br />
partially destroyed after<br />
the great flood in 2011.<br />
Committed to<br />
delivering a fun and<br />
learning experience,<br />
Pipit Banglamphu<br />
carries information in<br />
the Braille alphabet<br />
for visually-impaired<br />
visitors, as well as audio<br />
guides in 7 languages for<br />
foreign tourists. Guided<br />
tours are also available<br />
every 30 minutes<br />
between the hours<br />
of 10am – 4pm. (The<br />
museum opens from<br />
Tuesday – Sunday from<br />
10am - 6pm)<br />
facebook.com/<br />
pipitbanglamphu,<br />
T: +66 (0) 2281 9828<br />
FOLLOW THE SCENT OF TEA<br />
Located opposite Pipit Banglamphu is Mitramit Teahouse, where fragrant teas<br />
rich with the flavours from Taiwan is served in a charming setting of old-style<br />
architecture. Here, tea lovers can enjoy many choices and <strong>Thai</strong> desserts crafted<br />
from traditional recipes that are not so easy to find these days. Tea sets are<br />
enticingly presented and Mitramit Teahouse also donates all of its profits to<br />
Mayarith Theatre, a theatre and performance space for families and children.<br />
32 Phra Sumen Road, facebook.com/mitramitteahouse<br />
30<br />
31
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
Giving Back with Art<br />
One should get to know Pairoj<br />
Pichetmetakul, a <strong>Thai</strong> artist with<br />
a standout reputation, whose<br />
type of work has garnered unique<br />
recognition. Pairoj’s name is<br />
widely known as a young street<br />
artist whose focus champions<br />
the homeless in places like San<br />
Francisco and New York. It all began<br />
when he pursued a master’s degree<br />
in California. One late night, while<br />
passing a secluded alley on the way<br />
home, he witnessed a homeless<br />
man being attacked. He walked<br />
away in fear and helplessness but<br />
the incident never left his memory.<br />
Be it guilt, or whatever else one<br />
wants to call it, that night became<br />
Pairoj’s defining moment. The<br />
artist started approaching homeless<br />
folks, chatting with them, and ended<br />
up painting their portraits to bring<br />
attention to their situation. He used<br />
these portraits as a way for passers-by<br />
to develop awareness, resulting in<br />
money donations or needed items<br />
for the homeless. From painting one<br />
person, then ten more, and up to<br />
a hundred people later, Pairoj has<br />
provided assistance to the homeless<br />
on a regular basis. We do a Q&A to<br />
learn more.<br />
Photos Jittarat Jintasirikul<br />
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE<br />
INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR<br />
ART PROJECT “THE POSITIVITY<br />
SCROLLS?”<br />
“My idea is to search for interesting<br />
aspects that somehow are overlooked.<br />
They can create inspiration, hope, and<br />
a positive attitude as well as illustrate<br />
stories of people and things. “The<br />
Positivity Scrolls” is inspired from my<br />
work during the first phase in which<br />
I drew homeless people and beggars<br />
from various places. I befriended them<br />
and talked to them before asking them<br />
to model for my paintings. Getting to<br />
talk with them allows me a glimpse into<br />
their life. I then know who they used<br />
to be, and what made them live the life<br />
they are living. Those conversations<br />
morphed into paintings. I only want<br />
to use my creativity to get attention<br />
for such people, and any assistance<br />
(received), I contribute it to them. When<br />
the paintings increased in number, I<br />
came up with the project “The Positivity<br />
Scrolls” in the fall of 2013. It featured<br />
about 400 portraits of the homeless<br />
on big scrolls of paper.”<br />
HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN<br />
PEOPLE REGARD YOUR WORK<br />
AS SOMETHING IMPORTANT<br />
AND CHANGE MAKING?<br />
“I don’t think my art could be that<br />
big to change the world. I only hope<br />
that it will bring on a perspective or<br />
positive attitude to a small group of<br />
people or anyone. When someone is<br />
touched by the work, it brings me joy<br />
and I feel encouraged to continue.<br />
I will be even happier if those who<br />
cherish my work adjust ideas to what<br />
they are doing, regardless of which<br />
aspect (of life) they are in.”<br />
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE<br />
ART HANGOUT IN THAILAND?<br />
“I love the Ratchada Train Market. I like<br />
going there for a meal of spicy papaya<br />
salad and grilled fish while sipping my<br />
beer, watching people, and enjoying<br />
the ambience.”<br />
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW<br />
REGARDING THE ART SCENE<br />
IN THAILAND?<br />
“I feel that the art scene in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
awakened recently, especially in Charoen<br />
Krung where there are new galleries<br />
featuring works of aspiring young artists,<br />
as well as (the presence of ) Bukruk<br />
Urban Arts Festival from last year.”<br />
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO<br />
YOUNG THAI ARTISTS?<br />
“Be yourself as much as you can, and<br />
work hard everyday.”<br />
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM<br />
OR PROJECT?<br />
“I want to be the artist who enjoys<br />
what he’s doing. I also want to share<br />
my knowledge and experience with a<br />
young generation who are committed<br />
to art and are following their dreams.”<br />
Apart from the art project that<br />
gives urbanites a different view of the<br />
homeless, Pairoj also does paintings<br />
of people he meets on the streets or<br />
those whose lifestyle inspires him. The<br />
‘models’ come from all walks of life –<br />
from street vendors, hippies, punks, to<br />
street musicians. He started teaching<br />
at Pratt Institute in New York where<br />
he proposed a personal methodology<br />
in creative work. Pairoj usually shows<br />
art videos whose focus on creativity<br />
gives everyone inspiration to come up<br />
with their own inspired projects.<br />
32
PHNOM PENH<br />
Once a city interrupted, Phnom Penh now shines with fastexpanding<br />
urbanisation and style. In a 3-day weekend, the keen<br />
eyes of a writer note major and dramatic transitions in captivating<br />
traditional sights and a plugged-in culture.<br />
Words Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Photos Permboon Wongpanit<br />
34<br />
35
PHNOM PENH<br />
Cool cafés numbering in the many<br />
can define today’s Phnom Penh.<br />
Appealing restaurants run by some<br />
of the best chefs in the world are<br />
equally represented. Signs of “hipping it<br />
up” are everywhere. Diaspora Cambodians<br />
are moving back into town, creating their<br />
own specialised trendy microcosm while<br />
expatriates loving it here settle down,<br />
creating new leading trends. Phnom Penh<br />
remains on the move, but its finest moments<br />
point to the steady strength and charm of<br />
the local Cambodian people that make this<br />
city uniquely special.<br />
FRIDAY<br />
FIRST, A MEAL<br />
It is best to get settled into the city<br />
with good, hearty food. Start your<br />
trip with lunch at Phnom Penh’s<br />
historic Chinese House, a building<br />
that’s now a very chic bistro, bar<br />
and restaurant. The epitome of<br />
Phnom Penh’s glorious past,<br />
Chinese House is part of the city’s<br />
history when the first concrete<br />
houses were built back during the<br />
1800s for Chinese traders. Now<br />
owned by the granddaughter of<br />
the original owner, the Chinese<br />
House has magnificent details only<br />
a charmed age can confer: faded<br />
French villa-style arched facades,<br />
a traditional Chinese-tiled roof,<br />
original patchwork and hand-hewn<br />
hardwood floor. restaurantphnompenh.com<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
Phnom Penh<br />
converts a colonial<br />
mansion into an<br />
uber-trendy and<br />
chic restaurant;<br />
Closer encounters<br />
with Khmer<br />
architecture can<br />
be had by signing<br />
up with a tour<br />
outfit that provides<br />
comprehensive city<br />
walkabouts; Visitors<br />
can learn more<br />
about Cambodian<br />
history at the<br />
Bophana Center;<br />
Phnom Penh now<br />
offers a variety<br />
of sophisticated<br />
cuisines.<br />
TOURING KHMER ICONS<br />
Phnom Penh was on the verge<br />
of splendid urbanisation right<br />
after Cambodia’s independence<br />
back in 1953. A sudden burst then<br />
of ‘New Khmer Architecture’ was a<br />
movement of inspired Cambodian<br />
architects led by the most prolific<br />
and avant-garde Vann Molyvann,<br />
who recently passed, whose projects<br />
gained support from the late King<br />
Norodom Sihanouk. Some of those<br />
glorious buildings still thankfully stand,<br />
and tours range from architecture,<br />
cultural walking or cycling tours that’s<br />
organised by Khmer Architecture<br />
Tours. Downloads of their free<br />
maps are available to do your own<br />
sightseeing. ka-tours.org<br />
Equally and incredibly valuable<br />
are the audio-visual historical<br />
archives at the Bophana Center.<br />
As any local would tell you, most<br />
of Cambodian history was lost and<br />
only just orally recorded. Bophana<br />
Center, named after a Khmer Rouge<br />
victim, was founded in late 2006 by<br />
Rithy Panh – an Oscar-nominated<br />
Cambodian auteur whose passion<br />
for filmmaking is deeply intertwined<br />
with his country’s untold stories.<br />
The place is open to the public<br />
and has regular arts and culture<br />
programmes. bophana.org<br />
SIGHTINGS AND TRADITIONAL<br />
PROTEIN<br />
Be a connoisseur of various libations<br />
and take your drinks at the superlative<br />
Elephant Bar. Try to spot the hidden<br />
monkey in the ceiling murals while<br />
sipping their famous ‘Femme Fatale’<br />
cocktail, first made for Jacqueline<br />
Kennedy in 1967. If you’re feeling<br />
even bolder, munch on local protein.<br />
Make these a Phnom Penh rite of<br />
passage for real street food: crispy<br />
fried crickets, bloody cockles and<br />
dried beef sausages. raffles.com/<br />
phnom-penh/dining/elephant-bar<br />
Omakase-inspired with a series<br />
of tasting menus, Le Broken Plate can<br />
easily be the hottest table in town.<br />
Chef owner Narith Plong, who’s<br />
Cambodian with restaurant stints in<br />
Canada, creates an inventive cuisine<br />
inspired by fresh local produce and<br />
flavours of the hometown. Choose<br />
from USD$30, $40 or $50 per person<br />
for multi-course meals. Reservation<br />
is essential.<br />
facebook.com/lebrokenplate<br />
Top Left<br />
It may be full of history but modern<br />
dining has made its foray with welldesigned<br />
space.<br />
Top Right<br />
A modern and trendy restaurant design<br />
puts Phnom Penh on par with other<br />
world-class cities and their dining<br />
concepts.<br />
Bottom Left<br />
The dining scene in in this rapidlychanging<br />
city introduces new looks<br />
and new dishes with a menu of fusion<br />
Asian food.<br />
Bottom Right<br />
Japanese-influenced dishes make this<br />
restaurant a destination in Phnom<br />
Penh and one of the many fine dining<br />
establishments.<br />
36<br />
37
PHNOM PENH<br />
SATURDAY<br />
THE LOCAL MOTION<br />
Distinctively big and yellow, the<br />
large dome with four outstretched<br />
architectural arms like a spider<br />
marks Phnom Penh’s Central<br />
Market (Phsar Thmei), yet another<br />
symbol of the city’s past grand<br />
places. Built in 1937, the market is<br />
steadfastly familiar in sight and a<br />
routine spot for its retail offerings<br />
and flavours for local people. Walk<br />
through lines of souvenir shops<br />
towards the back of the market and<br />
choose from the myriad food stalls<br />
and treat yourself to a substantial<br />
local breakfast.<br />
A ROYAL VISIT<br />
Since the year 1865, the Royal<br />
Palace in Phnom Penh served<br />
as residence to the monarchs<br />
of Cambodia, except during the<br />
known periods of turmoil. Now the<br />
premises, except for the Khemarin<br />
Palace where the current king<br />
actually lives, is open to the public.<br />
A personal guided tour for an<br />
additional US$10 is actually worth<br />
it, especially for the personal<br />
historical titbits from a local guide.<br />
A respectful dress code applies.<br />
Top Left<br />
Ornate temples and<br />
the presence of the<br />
Silver Pagoda are<br />
sights to behold with<br />
a visit to the Royal<br />
Palace.<br />
Top Right<br />
The Central Market<br />
takes it design from<br />
art deco.<br />
Bottom Right<br />
The late architect<br />
Vann Molyvann<br />
designed the<br />
National Sports<br />
Complex, which was<br />
completed in 1964.<br />
ONE FINE MEAL<br />
Expect to have a fine dining<br />
treatment in Phnom Penh as it<br />
joins the international ranks of<br />
high-end meals. At the Tiger’s Eye,<br />
the bistro-style restaurant run by<br />
veteran South African chef Timothy<br />
Bruyns, the impeccably prepared<br />
food is Instragram-worthy, and also<br />
indicates that behind the scenes<br />
there’s hard work and almost<br />
everything served is made from<br />
scratch or by hand such as sourdough<br />
breads, smoked butter, preserves<br />
that change daily, egg noodles, and<br />
even miso and tofu. Indulge in his<br />
degustation menus, or simply tuck<br />
into delicious grilled chicken baos.<br />
thetigerseye.online<br />
A NATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX<br />
Among Vann Molyvann’s remaining<br />
masterpieces is the National Olympic<br />
Stadium built during Cambodia’s<br />
heyday in 1964. Inspired by Le<br />
Corbusier’s austere modernism,<br />
the stadium, along with its 60,000-<br />
seat arena, is now the venue where<br />
anyone can still feel the energy of<br />
great modern Khmer architecture.<br />
Join the locals on their evening<br />
aerobic sessions, livened up with<br />
different blasting disco tunes. Or just<br />
be there – before it gets razed and<br />
disappears – and simply soak in the<br />
awesome sight of stark roofs whose<br />
lines create either a zigzag or straight<br />
pattern. Train your sights also on the<br />
eye-catching cantilevered VIP box.<br />
SA SA BASSAC<br />
Another private effort to revive the<br />
Khmer arts scene and strengthen<br />
it is Sa Sa Bassac – an art gallery<br />
and study room. Tucked away on<br />
the upper floors of a nondescript<br />
building, it’s not too far away from<br />
the tourist-dense riverfront and<br />
the Royal Palace areas. Founded in<br />
2011 by curator Erin Gleeson and<br />
the Stiev Selapak artist collective,<br />
Sa Sa Bassac has slowly become<br />
the place for a local art scene with<br />
a broad and international reach.<br />
sasabassac.com.<br />
38
PHNOM PENH<br />
Hansar Moment of Happiness<br />
A sleepy town no more,<br />
Phnom Penh catches up to<br />
other urban cities with trendy<br />
hang out spaces.<br />
DID + BASSAC LANE + DIM SUM FOR SUPPER<br />
Nightlife in Phnom Penh varies greatly. If you are<br />
up for a challenging gourmet experience, try the<br />
pitch-black Dine in the Dark dinner where role<br />
reversal happens between you and visually impaired<br />
guides. With their assistance, surprise meals are<br />
served without being able to see the food and makes<br />
diners more appreciative of the senses usually<br />
taken for granted. Here, what you eat relies on<br />
the skills of guides that excel in the dining space.<br />
didexperience.com<br />
Bassac Lane started off as a small, tuckedaway<br />
speakeasy (Bar.Sito) and now has become a<br />
nightlife destination in a strip lined with strings of<br />
bars, pubs and restaurants. A nearby pizzeria is also<br />
known to have particularly crispy crusts. Don’t be<br />
surprised if your local tuk tuk does not know where<br />
it is, just tell him to go to Malis Restaurant on<br />
Street 308. facebook.com/bassaclanephnompenh<br />
Feeling like having chicken feet after midnight?<br />
Phnom Penh’s own 24/7 diner Sam Doo Cantonese<br />
restaurant is where late night partygoers crawl<br />
in for steaming hot dim sum, congee or wonton<br />
noodle soup before tucking themselves into<br />
bed. samtoorestaurant.com<br />
82 40<br />
Clockwise from Left<br />
The night life and<br />
bar scene here is<br />
on par with other<br />
Asian cities; one<br />
can expect the<br />
same favourite<br />
cuisines using<br />
the same grade<br />
ingredients and<br />
quality.<br />
Right<br />
Dining in the<br />
Dark offers a<br />
unique experience<br />
where your senses<br />
heighten and<br />
guide you through<br />
the meal.<br />
Samui, Bangkok, Pranburi, Khao Yai, Cha Am<br />
www.hansarhotels.com
PHNOM PENH<br />
Top Left<br />
A temple visit is<br />
always worth the<br />
tranquility it brings.<br />
But at Wat Phnom,<br />
be on the lookout for<br />
naughty monkeys<br />
that may disrupt<br />
your reveries.<br />
Top and<br />
Bottom Right<br />
The grand buildings<br />
of the Raffles Hotel<br />
Le Royal offer<br />
a lesson in Khmer<br />
architecture.<br />
The premier<br />
building was<br />
established<br />
in 1929, with an<br />
interior outfitted<br />
with Cambodian<br />
objet d’art style<br />
furnishings.<br />
SUNDAY<br />
BACK TO ITS ORIGINS<br />
Built in 1372, Wat Phnom – named<br />
after the city’s founder Lady Phen<br />
– are both reasons behind the<br />
origin of Phnom Penh’s name and<br />
the city’s central point. Perched<br />
on a 27-metre man-made leafy<br />
hill, the highly-revered temple<br />
is a centre of celebration during<br />
the Khmer New Year and religious<br />
holidays. Don’t miss paying a visit<br />
to the small Lady Phen shrine in<br />
the back of the temple.<br />
PHNOM PENH RAILWAY STATION<br />
If you are into the nostalgic feel<br />
a train station can give, drop by<br />
Phnom Penh’s French-built train<br />
station, with a history harking<br />
back since the early 1930s. The<br />
place had been deeply associated<br />
with Cambodian political changes<br />
as several political meetings<br />
were secretly held here from the<br />
1960s to 1975. Now, with limited<br />
freight and passenger trains to<br />
Sihanoukville back in service,<br />
one can roam about the working<br />
station and take a quick look<br />
into its white arched beams and<br />
memorabilia. Notice the décor in<br />
this old-timer of a train station,<br />
with its wooden double benches<br />
and old school French-made<br />
bridge, a ‘bascule automatique,’<br />
installed at the platform.<br />
WEEKEND INDULGENCE<br />
Restaurant Le Royal is Phnom<br />
Penh’s icon space for its neoclassic<br />
and opulent dining hall;<br />
yet its weekend brunch from noon<br />
until 3pm fits trendy and<br />
contemporary gourmands. After<br />
a huge and assorted smorgasbord<br />
that includes seafood and a la<br />
table cooking of scallops, river<br />
prawns, lamb shank, quail and a<br />
lot more, guests can swim in the<br />
hotel’s signature pools the whole<br />
afternoon. Prices start at US$58++<br />
for food only up to US$78++ with<br />
free flow champagne and wines.<br />
raffles.com/phnom-penh/dining<br />
STAY<br />
RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL<br />
Phnom Penh’s one and only<br />
heritage hotel, Raffles Hotel Le<br />
Royal is a true sanctuary in the<br />
heart of the city. Built in 1929,<br />
the hotel was once the tallest<br />
building in Phnom Penh. Through<br />
wars and the Khmer Rouge period,<br />
Raffles Hotel has been restored<br />
and expanded with a design that<br />
reminisces Phnom Penh’s glorious<br />
past. Impeccable services. Good for<br />
both business and leisure crowds.<br />
raffles.com/phnom-penh<br />
82 42
PHNOM PENH<br />
ในช่วงวันหยุดยาวสามวัน ฟ้าไทยชวนคุณไป<br />
ดื่มด่ำกับสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวประวัติศาสตร์<br />
คาเฟ่สุดชิค ร้านอาหารของเชฟระดับโลก และ<br />
มนต์เสน่ห์ของชาวกัมพูชาที่ทำให้กรุงพนมเปญ<br />
พิเศษอย่างมีเอกลักษณ์<br />
วันศุกร์ เริ่มทริปด้วยอาหารกลางวันที่<br />
ร้านเก่าแก่ของกรุงพนมเปญอย่าง Chinese<br />
House อาคารคอนกรีตหลังแรกของเมือง<br />
พร้อมรายละเอียดอันงดงามที่มาพร้อมกับ<br />
กาลเวลา ด้านหน้าอาคารสไตล์วิลล่าฝรั่งเศส<br />
หลังคากระเบื้องจีน และพื้นไม้เนื้อแข็งสุด<br />
ประณีต ก่อนจะเดินเที่ยวชม ‘สถาปัตยกรรม<br />
เขมรใหม่’ ที่เกิดขึ้นหลังปี 1953 นำโดย Vann<br />
Molyvann ผู้จัดทำโครงการที่ได้รับการ<br />
สนับสนุนจากพระบาทสมเด็จพระนโรดม สีหนุ<br />
ลองค้นหาข้อมูลแผนที่เดินหรือปั่นจักรยาน<br />
เที่ยวชมได้ที่ ka-tours.org<br />
ชมสื่อโสตทัศน์ประวัติศาสตร์กัมพูชาที่<br />
ศูนย์ศิลปะและวัฒนธรรม Bophana Center<br />
ก่อนจะผ่อนคลายด้วยค็อกเทลอันโด่งดังอย่าง<br />
‘Femme Fatale’ ซึ่งคิดค้นขึ้นเพื่อแจ็กเกอลีน<br />
เคนเนดี ในปี 1967 ที่ Elephant Bar ณ<br />
โรงแรมราฟเฟิลส์ เลอ รอยัล แต่หากใครชื่น<br />
ชอบอาหารสไตล์โอมากาเสะ ให้ตรงไปที่<br />
Le Broken Plate พบเมนูอาหารแปลกใหม่<br />
จากวัตถุดิบและรสชาติท้องถิ่นกัมพูชาแท้ๆ<br />
วันเสาร์ ไปเยี่ยมชมสัญลักษณ์ของพระบรม<br />
มหาราชวังเดิมในพนมเปญที่ ตลาดพซาร์ ทเมยร์<br />
ซึ่งปัจจุบันเป็นแห่งค้าปลีก จำหน่ายตั้งแต่ของ<br />
ฝากไปจนถึงอาหารรูปลักษณ์หลากหลาย<br />
จากนั้นไปยลโฉมพระราชวังหลวงที่เปิดให้<br />
เยี่ยมชมได้ทั้งหมดยกเว้นพระมหาปราสาท<br />
เขมรินทร์อันเป็นเขตพระราชฐาน<br />
82 44<br />
ขวาบน<br />
ภาพจิตรกรรมฝาผนัง<br />
ในพระราชวังหลวง<br />
กลางซ้าย<br />
กล้องวิดีโอโบราณที่<br />
ศูนย์ศิลปะและวัฒนธรรม<br />
Bophana Center<br />
กลางซ้าย<br />
‘Femme Fatale’<br />
ซิกเนเจอร์ค็อกเทลของ<br />
The Elephant Bar<br />
ซ้ายล่าง<br />
กงฟี แซลมอน กับ<br />
โฮมเมดมิโสะ<br />
และแตงกวาดอง<br />
ที่ร้าน Tiger’s Eye.<br />
พักทานอาหารคุณภาพระดับนานาชาติที่<br />
Tiger’s Eye ร้านอาหารบิสโตรซึ่งเสิร์ฟ<br />
อาหารที่สุดพิถีพิถันอย่างขนมปังเปรี้ยว มิโสะ<br />
เต้าหู้ และเมนูเด็ดอย่างเบาไก่ย่าง ก่อนจะไป<br />
เยี่ยมชมผลงานชิ้นเอกของ Vann Molyvann<br />
ที่ยังหลงเหลืออยู่ที่ National Olympic<br />
Stadium จากนั้นหาโอกาสร่วมเต้นแอโรบิกไป<br />
พร้อมกับชาวเมืองพนมเปญ ณ อัฒจันทร์ที่<br />
ผสมผสานศิลปะเขมรได้อย่างลงตัวและจุผู้ชม<br />
ได้มากถึง 60,000 ที่นั่ง<br />
ใช้เวลายามค่ำคืนอย่างท้าทายที่ Dine in<br />
the Dark คุณจะได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์รับ<br />
ประทานทานอาหารแบบมองไม่เห็น เพลินไป<br />
กับต่อมรับรสชาติที่คุณอาจมองข้าม โดยมี<br />
ผู้พิการทางสายตาคอยช่วยเหลือ<br />
ก่อนกลับที่พัก ไปเดินเล่นต่ออีกสัก<br />
หน่อยที่ตรอกบาสัก ตรอกเล็กๆ ที ่กลายเป็น<br />
สถานที่ท่องเที่ยวยามค่ำคืนที่ไม่ไปไม่ได้ และ<br />
หากเกิดท้องร้องขึ้นมาตอนเที่ยงคืน ลองแวะ<br />
ไปที่ร้าน Sam Doo Cantonese รองท้อง<br />
ด้วยติ่มซำ โจ๊กคองกี หรือบะหมี่เกี๊ยวน้ำ<br />
ร้อนๆ ก่อนนอน<br />
วันอาทิตย์ ได้เวลาเยี่ยมชมจุดศูนย์กลาง<br />
ของเมืองที่ วัดพนม ศูนย์กลางของการเฉลิม<br />
ฉลองวันขึ้นปีใหม่และวันสำคัญทางศาสนาของ<br />
กัมพูชา ซึ่งตั้งอยู่บนภูเขาเขียวขจีที่มนุษย์<br />
สร้างขึ้น<br />
พักกายให้หายเหนื่อยที่โรงแรมประวัติ-<br />
ศาสตร์แห่งเดียวของพนมเปญ อย่างโรงแรม<br />
Raffles Hotel Le Royal สร้างเมื่อ ค.ศ.<br />
1929 โรงแรมแห่งนี้เคยเป็นอาคารที่สูงที่สุด<br />
ในเมืองหลวง หลังสงครามและช่วงเขมรแดง<br />
โรงแรมได้รับการบูรณะและขยายต่อเติมเพื่อ<br />
สะท้อนอดีตอันรุ่งโรจน์แห่งกรุงพนมเปญ<br />
อย่าลืม ตบท้ายทริปนี้ให้สมบูรณ์แบบ<br />
ด้วยการแวะไปที่ร้านอาหารสถาปัตยกรรม<br />
สไตล์นีโอคลาสสิก Le Royal ที่เสิร์ฟบรั้นช์<br />
ทุกสุดสัปดาห์ตั้งแต่เที่ยงจนถึงบ่ายสามโมง<br />
“Getaways for kids of all ages” at Raffles Cambodia<br />
Immerse yourselves in the culture and history of the Kingdom of Wonder while taking in the heritage of<br />
Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.<br />
ซ้าย<br />
ตลาดกลาง ณ<br />
กรุงพนมเปญ<br />
ขวา<br />
ขอบฟ้าเมื่อพระอาทิตย์<br />
ทาบทาเมืองหลวงของ<br />
กัมพูชา<br />
Create unforgettable memories for the whole family (two, three, four, or more), enjoying Cambodia’s finest swimming pools along with<br />
our fabulous Raffles Spa and lavish Raffles Afternoon Tea - a tasty treat for all.<br />
The grown-ups can also enjoy their favourite pre-dinner cocktails in the hotels’ iconic Elephant Bars, dining in style with the uniquely offered<br />
Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1967 menu in Phnom Penh and the Royal Dynasty Recipe menu in Siem Reap.<br />
Both of our landmark addresses finding the perfect balance of then and now, while delivering a fabulous getaway experience<br />
for colleagues, couples, and families - including Christmas and New Year (with fireworks in Siem Reap) celebrations.<br />
raffles.com/phnom-penh Reservations: T +855 23 981 888 E: bookus.phnompenh@raffles com<br />
raffles.com/siem-reap Reservations: T +855 63 963 888 E: bookus.siemreap@raffles.com
ARJUN BHASIN<br />
DRESSING<br />
THE<br />
PART<br />
An international costume designer lets us<br />
in on his world of dressing the stars with<br />
India as the guiding light for inspiration –<br />
from outfitting the cast of a new Broadway<br />
production in New York to muppets in a<br />
crime comedy.<br />
Photos Courtesy of Arjun Bhasin<br />
Words Marion Bravo<br />
46<br />
47
ARJUN BHASIN<br />
India continues to be a never-ending<br />
assault on the senses and as a designoriented<br />
person, it’s unmatched in<br />
its level of inspiration,” points out<br />
Costume Designer Arjun Bhasin. “I’ve lived<br />
in and out of India throughout my career<br />
and I still find it an explosion of sensory<br />
overload every time I return. Colours<br />
vibrate and come together in never seen<br />
before combinations, textures, tones and<br />
patterns. Inspiration is everywhere: in the<br />
people, food, clothing and architecture.”<br />
While he spends a lot of time in Mumbai,<br />
Bhasin goes where the work takes him,<br />
which is anywhere in the world.<br />
Bottom Left<br />
An intricately carved<br />
doorway, Mehrangarh<br />
Fort, Jodhpur that Bhasin<br />
captured on his travels.<br />
Opposite Left<br />
‘Monsoon Wedding’ the<br />
film brought to the stage<br />
at the Berkeley Repertory<br />
Theatre.<br />
Top<br />
One of the largest forts in<br />
India, Mehrangarh Fort<br />
sits overlooking Jodhpur<br />
city and is a magnificent<br />
and inspiring gem of<br />
Indian architecture.<br />
Photo by Arjun Bhasin<br />
Bottom Right<br />
Bhasin in his Mumbai<br />
flat.<br />
By this time, Bhasin is in Los<br />
Angeles, where he is currently<br />
working on The Happytime<br />
Murders by Brian Henson, a crime<br />
comedy film whose characters<br />
he dresses are humans and<br />
muppets with Melissa McCarthy<br />
in a leading role. He’s also on<br />
hiatus from his work with Sarah<br />
Jessica Parker on HBO’s Divorce.<br />
He once said that his vision was<br />
to dress the actress with an<br />
“elegance, a certain femininity,”<br />
thus vintage styles pointed to the<br />
nostalgia he was aiming for<br />
– something like Grace Kelly or<br />
Katharine Hepburn styles so the<br />
wardrobe for Parker may consist<br />
of pleated trousers and miniskirts<br />
and Seventies boots.<br />
Affable and with a relaxed<br />
demeanour, he chatted about<br />
how the sartorial roads often<br />
lead back to India and how the<br />
sensorial experience and design<br />
inspiration emanates. “Memory<br />
and words seem to fail when<br />
trying to reproduce the India<br />
sensory experience from overseas.<br />
I find that I have to fall back on<br />
the surroundings for example,<br />
for ‘Life of Pi’, and the play<br />
‘Monsoon Wedding,’ I actually<br />
did most of my sourcing in Mumbai<br />
from fabrics, embroideries, and<br />
jewellery to accessories, despite<br />
the fact that so much can now<br />
be found overseas. Costume<br />
design is such a tactile art<br />
that nothing can replace the<br />
physicality of being present in the<br />
creative process,” he says.<br />
It’s a crucial connection as<br />
he recently completed work on<br />
“Monsoon Wedding,” the play<br />
that recently had its Berkeley<br />
Repertory Theatre run in May<br />
before moving to Broadway<br />
next year. Bhasin knew that he<br />
would only be able to draw out<br />
the nuances and authenticity<br />
director Mira Nair was seeking<br />
by going to India to source and<br />
prep for the stage production. A<br />
frequent collaborator with Nair<br />
(The Namesake, The Reluctant<br />
Fundamentalist) and having<br />
worked with Nair on the original<br />
movie on which the play is based<br />
on back in 2001, Bhasin was<br />
very familiar with the storyline<br />
and characters but he had the<br />
challenge to reinterpret it for<br />
a new very different medium,<br />
audience and world. Of course,<br />
he too, was a very different<br />
person, having come so far in<br />
his 20 years since graduating<br />
in film studies from New York<br />
University’s Tisch School of Arts<br />
and having discovered costume<br />
design as a career in his first<br />
undergraduate internship.<br />
The innate knowledge of<br />
growing up surrounded by<br />
intricate textiles and gorgeous<br />
hand-woven fabrics is naturally<br />
ideal training ground for a<br />
costume designer. Bhasin recalls<br />
that while working on “Life of<br />
Pi” with director Ang Lee, a great<br />
detail of importance was placed<br />
on finding the appropriate colour,<br />
weight and texture of the kurta<br />
(or shirt) that Pi wore during the<br />
entire film. “For Pi’s character<br />
alone we had over 200 kurtas that<br />
were aged and used during the<br />
filming each with its nuanced feel<br />
and look necessary to span the<br />
film’s timeframe. It’s that level of<br />
detail and dedication that brings<br />
characters to life so believably.”<br />
Conversely, after a stay in<br />
India for sourcing, or if he has<br />
been working on a Bollywood<br />
film (past work includes Dil<br />
Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi<br />
Dobara and Baar Baar Dekho),<br />
Bhasin draws inspiration<br />
effortlessly from his experiences<br />
and influences overseas. In fact,<br />
he made his mark in Bollywood<br />
with Dil Chahta Hai by bringing a<br />
With almost 20 years experience in the<br />
industry, Bhasin has cultivated lasting<br />
relationships with tailors, embroiderers<br />
and other highly-skilled artisans in India.<br />
young, relaxed but contemporary<br />
look to the Indian screen like<br />
dressing the characters in hip<br />
t-shirts, fitted suits along with<br />
traditional clothing to reflect a<br />
more modern India. The crosspollination<br />
of influences and<br />
inspirations is something Bhasin<br />
is always looking to explore and<br />
draw-upon for each new project.<br />
Bhasin sites Mangaldas<br />
Market, the overwhelming<br />
wholesale fabric maze, in<br />
south Mumbai as the nucleus<br />
of most costume ideas. Bales of<br />
cotton, fields of chiffon, walls<br />
of embroideries and piles of<br />
neatly folded linen are packed<br />
into 9 narrow lanes. With almost<br />
20 years experience in the<br />
industry, Bhasin has cultivated<br />
lasting relationships with<br />
tailors, embroiderers and other<br />
highly-skilled artisans in India.<br />
“I always look forward to that<br />
creative process that can only<br />
occur when I have a true give and<br />
take in the relationship. These<br />
artisans are so experienced and<br />
when I can present some crazy<br />
idea or pattern I may have seen<br />
on some young kids in Berlin or<br />
the Lower Eastside of New York,<br />
they are open and excited to push<br />
48 49
ARJUN BHASIN<br />
Top<br />
Wedding scene,<br />
‘Monsoon Wedding’<br />
by director<br />
Mira Nair.<br />
Right<br />
Bhasin, sitting in<br />
one of Delhi’s best<br />
preserved baolis<br />
or step-wells of<br />
the centuries-old<br />
Agrasen Ki Baoli.<br />
their skills and make something<br />
special and unique. It’s incredibly<br />
satisfying and fun.”<br />
And not forgetting the other<br />
senses, our conversation shifts<br />
to food, “Of course, while at<br />
Mangaldas I always make time<br />
to either eat at Rajasthani Thali<br />
which has the most amazing<br />
Gujarati food, or the treasure<br />
that is Britannia & Co for some<br />
delicious Parsi cuisine such as<br />
dhansak (a lentil, vegetable and<br />
meat curry drawing inspiration<br />
from Persia and Gujarat). After<br />
the market and lunch something<br />
less hectic is probably in order<br />
so I might also stop by some of<br />
the contemporary shops in the<br />
area such as Bungalow 8. Mumbai<br />
can be exhausting since it’s so<br />
full on but I find that especially<br />
after spending time out of the<br />
country, nothing awakens the<br />
senses like India. It almost<br />
makes everywhere else seem<br />
monochromatic!”<br />
That cross-pollination of<br />
worlds and design is the life<br />
Bhasin knows so well. A world<br />
traveller either for work or play,<br />
or challenging himself with<br />
different visual mediums from<br />
stage to screen big and small,<br />
Bhasin is a thriving example<br />
of how a life lived in design<br />
flourishes by fully stimulating all<br />
the senses.<br />
50
ARJUN BHASIN<br />
อาร์จัน บาซิน คือนักออกแบบเครื่อง<br />
แต่งกายระดับสากล ผู้ค้นหาแรงบันดาลใจ<br />
ในการออกแบบจากประเทศบ้านเกิด<br />
สำหรับเขา อินเดียเต็มไปด้วยสิ่งที ่คาด<br />
ไม่ถึง สีสันฉูดฉาด รวมถึงการผสมผสาน<br />
ที่ไม่น่าจะเข้ากันได้ สิ่งเหล่านี้ทำให้<br />
อินเดียเป็นดั่งศูนย์รวมแรงบันดาลใจ<br />
ชั ้นเลิศของโลก<br />
อาร์จัน บาซิน ทำงานในวงการ<br />
ออกแบบเสื้อผ้ามาเป็นเวลากว่า 20 ปี<br />
ตั้งแต่เริ่มเป็นเด็กฝึกงานหลังจากจบ<br />
การศึกษาจาก Tisch School of Arts<br />
แห่งมหาวิทยาลัยนิวยอร์ก ปัจจุบันเขา<br />
ออกแบบเครื่องแต่งกายให้กับภาพยนตร์<br />
คอมเมดี้ฆาตกรรมเรื่อง The Happytime<br />
Murders โดย ไบร์อัน เฮนสัน และซีรีส์<br />
Divorce ทางช่อง HBO เขาเล่าให้ฟังว่า<br />
แรงบันดาลใจในการออกแบบเสื้อผ้าของ<br />
เขาอยู่ที่ประเทศอินเดีย ที่สุดแล้วเขาจำเป็น<br />
ต้องกลับมาสัมผัสความซับซ้อนของเนื้อ<br />
ผ้า งานปัก และเครื่องประดับด้วยตัวเองที่<br />
มุมไบเท่านั้น<br />
อาร์จันสั่งสมความรู้เรื่องผ้าทอมือ<br />
อันมีที่มาซับซ้อนมาตลอดชีวิตของเขา<br />
ช่วงที่ทำงานร่วมกับผู้กำกับระดับโลก<br />
อย่างอั้ง ลี่ ในภาพยนตร์เรื่อง Life of Pi<br />
เขาใส่ใจทุกรายละเอียดด้วยการนำ<br />
ศิลปะการแต่งกายของอินเดียมาเผย<br />
แพร่ให้ชาวโลกได้รับรู้ผ่านเสื้อกูร์ตาที่<br />
ตัวละครเอกอย่างพายสวมใส่มากกว่า<br />
200 ตัว<br />
ขณะเดียวกันเขาได้สร้างมิติใหม่ให้<br />
กับวงการภาพยนตร์บอลลีวู้ด ด้วย<br />
การให้ตัวละครในภาพยนตร์สวมใส่<br />
เสื้อยืดสุดฮิปและชุดสูทเนี้ยบควบคู่ไป<br />
กับเสื้อผ้าอินเดียขนานแท้เพื่อสะท้อน<br />
ความทันสมัยสไตล์ภารตะ<br />
ณ ตลาดแมงกัลดัสทางตอนใต้<br />
ของมุมไบที่คลาคล่ำไปด้วยมัดฝ้าย<br />
ผ้าชีฟอง ผ้าปักแขวนเต็มผนัง และ<br />
ผ้าลินินพับพาดเรียงรายเต็มสอง<br />
ข้างทาง อาร์จันเล่าว่า ช่างฝีมือที่นี่<br />
มากด้วยประสบการณ์และพร้อมเปิด<br />
ใจรับความคิดแปลกประหลาดของเขา<br />
เสมอ จนสามารถรังสรรค์ออกมา<br />
เป็นชิ้นงานพิเศษและมีเอกลักษณ์<br />
อย่างเหลือเชื่อ<br />
แน่นอนว่าไม่อาจหลีกเลี่ยงเรื่อง<br />
อาหารการกินพ้น อาร์จันมักหาเวลา<br />
แวะทานอาหารที่ร้านราชาสถานธาลี<br />
ที่ๆ เสิร์ฟอาหารคุชราตเลิศรส ส่วน<br />
ร้านโปรดอีกแห่งที่เขาจะพลาดไม่ได้<br />
คือร้าน Britannia & Co สำหรับลิ้ม<br />
รสอาหารปาร์ซีอันโอชะ จากนั้นแวะ<br />
ร้านร่วมสมัยอย่าง Bungalow 8 เพื่อ<br />
ผ่อนคลายตัวเองหลังจากเมืองมุมไบได้<br />
ดูดพลังเขาไปอย่างมหาศาล อาร์จัน<br />
ยอมรับว่ายังไม่ชินกับการใช้ชีวิตที่นี่นัก<br />
เนื่องจากเขาย้ายไปอาศัยอยู่ต่างแดน<br />
เป็นเวลานาน อย่างไรก็ตาม เขาไม่อาจ<br />
ปฏิเสธได้เลยว่า อินเดียคือดินแดน<br />
ที่สามารถเปิดประสาทสัมผัสทั้ง<br />
ร่างกายและจิตวิญญาณของเขาได้<br />
อย่างแท้จริง<br />
อาร์จัน บาซิน เป็นนักเดินทางที่เต็มที่<br />
กับงาน การใช้ชีวิต เขามักท้าทายความ<br />
สามารถของตัวเองเสมอ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น<br />
งานคอสตูมในละครเวทีและภาพยนตร์<br />
จอเงิน ไม่เกี่ยงว่าจะเป็นสเกลเล็กหรือใหญ่<br />
เขาคือตัวอย่างของนักใช้ชีวิตท่ามกลาง<br />
การออกแบบที่อาศัยประสาทสัมผัส<br />
อันซับซ้อนได้อย่างเต็มอิ่มและเปี่ยม<br />
ประสิทธิภาพ<br />
ขวาบน<br />
คอสตูมที่อาร์จัน บาซิน<br />
ออกแบบให้กับละครเวที<br />
เรื่อง มอนซูน เวดดิ้ง โดย<br />
ผู้กำกับ ไมรา แนร์<br />
ขวาล่าง<br />
ภาพสเก็ตช์เสื้อผ้า<br />
สำหรับตัวละคร<br />
ชาย-หญิงใน<br />
มอนซูน เวดดิ้ง<br />
ซ้ายบน<br />
วันสบายๆ ของอาร์จัน<br />
บาซิน นักออกแบบ<br />
คอสตูมชื่อดังชาวอินเดีย<br />
ซ้ายล่าง<br />
รายละเอียดเนื้อผ้าที่เขา<br />
ใช้กับผลงานดีไซน์เสื้อผ้า<br />
52
HOLISTIC TREATMENT<br />
NEW HOPE FOR SPINE PATIENTS<br />
Back pain, neck pain, shoulder<br />
pain or pain in any part of the<br />
body may not be as insignificant<br />
an issue as people might think,<br />
especially for patients who normally<br />
buy medicine independently, or<br />
just go to their local reflexology/<br />
massage studio for the treatment<br />
of such pain. When the pain<br />
becomes more severe and<br />
ultimately chronic, patients may<br />
end up having to undergo surgery.<br />
With a commitment to giving<br />
patients options, the Bangkok<br />
Spine Academy at Bangkok<br />
Hospital offers a range<br />
of diagnostic procedures<br />
recommended by an experienced<br />
multidisciplinary team to identify<br />
the source of the pain and ensure<br />
a more effective treatment.<br />
“Patients will come to the hospital only<br />
when their symptoms are severe,” says<br />
Dr. Sarij Srisuparp, Director of the<br />
Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok<br />
Hospital. “Backache ruins daily routines.<br />
For example, sitting in an office for an<br />
hour or so is no longer possible for<br />
patients – after sitting for only 30 minutes,<br />
they need to get up and stretch their<br />
bodies. Within the first 1-2 days after<br />
experiencing such pain, patients tend<br />
to take painkillers. The pain may then<br />
subside because most of it comes<br />
from muscle problems. However, if<br />
the back pain occurs deeper than the<br />
muscle layer and it involves nerves,<br />
painkillers may not offer much relief.<br />
Taking painkillers for a long time also<br />
results in bad health,” he says.<br />
Dr. Sarij continues: “The use of<br />
painkillers will relieve the symptoms,<br />
but the cause of the pain remains. In<br />
addition, the nature of the pain depends<br />
on how the patient describes it, such<br />
as pain that feels like ants crawling on<br />
you, pain that feels like ice touching your<br />
skin, or pain like being hit by nails. The<br />
physician must pay attention to and<br />
process such information for accurate<br />
diagnosis in each patient.”<br />
For this reason, the Bangkok Spine<br />
Academy at Bangkok Hospital offers<br />
patients a holistic treatment by its multidisciplinary<br />
health care team. Dr. Marvin<br />
Thepsoparn (Pain Intervention<br />
Specialist) adds: “Doctors will investigate<br />
the cause of the pain by asking for the<br />
patient’s history, and conducting a physical<br />
examination including a chest X-ray or<br />
MRI scan for additional data to determine<br />
several possible pain intervention<br />
approaches such as taking symptom-<br />
specific medication, resting, taking an<br />
anti-inflammatory medication injection<br />
guided by X-rays and ultrasound<br />
waves, or radiofrequency ablation.”<br />
In the old days, after a patient was<br />
treated according to the level of pain,<br />
his or her symptoms could return. This<br />
would be because the patient could<br />
not change a daily routine or because<br />
of aging. The last treatment step was<br />
usually surgery. Due to the limitations<br />
of medical technology in the past,<br />
which did not always facilitate the<br />
best treatment and did not incorporate<br />
the most up-to-date knowledge, some<br />
patients were not completely cured and<br />
their physical and mental condition<br />
actually deteriorated. To fix this problem,<br />
the Bangkok Spine Academy at<br />
Bangkok Hospital, which adheres to<br />
the international standards established<br />
by Joint Commission International (JCI)<br />
in the United States, is strongly<br />
committed to finding the real source of<br />
a patient’s pain. In doing this, the surgeon<br />
can learn more about the specific area<br />
targeted for surgery and will not<br />
operate beyond the necessary areas.<br />
“With modern techniques in spinal<br />
surgery, using tools such as highmagnification<br />
microscopes, doctors<br />
are able to see the nerves and pathology<br />
that need to be corrected. A small<br />
incision can be performed safely, using<br />
the Stealth Navigation System, which<br />
precisely positions and tracks the<br />
location of surgical instruments<br />
throughout a procedure, and also<br />
Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM),<br />
a tool for monitoring the nervous<br />
system during surgery that warns the<br />
doctor if a nerve is touched during<br />
the procedure, enabling more efficient<br />
surgery, says Dr. Sarij.<br />
Dr. Marvin also adds that “The<br />
synergy between physicians who are<br />
specialised in each relevant area enables<br />
the diagnosis to be more specific. After<br />
they have had surgery, we as pain<br />
interventionists have another primary<br />
mission: to get the patient back to<br />
normal life as quickly as possible.”<br />
‘การรักษาแบบองค์รวม’<br />
ความหวังใหม่ของคนไข้โรคกระดูกสันหลัง<br />
อาการปวดหลัง ปวดคอบ่าไหล่ตามจุดต่างๆ<br />
อาจไม่ใช่เรื่องเล็กอย่างที่คิด โดยเฉพาะผู้ป่วยที่<br />
นิยมการซื้อยาทานเองหรือไปนวดกดจุด<br />
สุดท้ายเมื่ออาการปวดเรื้อรังและรุนแรงมากขึ้น<br />
หลายรายอาจต้องลงเอยการรักษาด้วยการ<br />
ผ่าตัด ด้วยความมุ่งมั่น สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลัง<br />
กรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพจึงนำเสนอวิธี<br />
การรักษาที่ใช้การประมวลคำวินิจฉัยของแพทย์<br />
ผู้เชี่ยวชาญหลากหลายสาขา เพื่อสืบหาสาเหตุ<br />
และระบุแหล่งกำเนิดของอาการปวดเพื่อการ<br />
รักษาที่มีประสิทธิผลมากขึ้น<br />
“คนไข้จะมาโรงพยาบาลก็ต่อเมื่ออาการค่อน<br />
ข้างหนักแล้ว” นพ.สาริจฉ์ ศรีสุภาพ ผู้อำนวยการ<br />
สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลังกรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาล<br />
กรุงเทพ “ระยะแรกคนไข้มักกินยาแก้ปวดแล้วอาจ<br />
ทุเลาลงเพราะส่วนใหญ่เกิดปัญหาที่กล้ามเนื้อ แต่<br />
หากการปวดหลังที่ลึกกว่าชั้นกล้ามเนื้อและ<br />
เกี่ยวข้องกับเส้นประสาท ยาแก้ปวดอาจช่วย<br />
บรรเทาไม่ได้ และส่งผลเสียต่อสุขภาพ ฉะนั้น<br />
แพทย์ต้องวินิจฉัยต้นเหตุของความปวดให้ได้”<br />
ด้วยเหตุนี้ สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลัง<br />
กรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพจึงรักษาผู้ป่วย<br />
แบบองค์รวม ด้วยการทำงานร่วมกันเป็นทีมของ<br />
แพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญหลากหลายสาขา นพ. มาร์วิน<br />
เทพโสพรรณ แพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญในการรักษา<br />
อาการปวด อธิบายเพิ่มเติมว่า “แพทย์จะซัก<br />
ประวัติ ตรวจร่างกาย ส่งเอกซเรย์หรือสแกน<br />
เอ็มอาร์ไอคนไข้เพื่อนำข้อมูลมาประมวลหาวิธี<br />
ระงับความปวด ซึ่งคนไข้อาจไม่จำเป็นต้องเข้า<br />
รับการผ่าตัดตามวิธีดั้งเดิม”<br />
BANGKOK SPINE ACADEMY<br />
ด้วยข้อจำกัดทางเทคโนโลยีการแพทย์ใน<br />
สมัยก่อน ในหลายกรณีคนไข้จึงยังไม่หายขาดจาก<br />
อาการปวดหลัง เพื่อแก้ไขปัญหานี้ สถาบันโรค<br />
กระดูกสันหลังกรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ซึ่ง<br />
ยึดมาตรฐานสากลในการรักษาเฉพาะทางด้าน<br />
โรคปวดหลังจาก JCI สหรัฐอเมริกา จึงให้ความ<br />
สำคัญกับการค้นหาจุดเจ็บที่แท้จริง ด้วยวิธี<br />
Pain Intervention เพื่อหาเส้นประสาทที่มี<br />
ปัญหา แล้วจึงเริ่มต้นการรักษา<br />
แม้ว่าสุดท้ายแล้วคนไข้จำเป็นต้องได้รับการ<br />
ผ่าตัด ผลการรักษาก็น่าพอใจมากขึ้น “ด้วยความ<br />
ทันสมัยของกล้อง Microscope และระบบนำวิถี<br />
Stealth Navigation System ที่บอกตำแหน่งขณะ<br />
กำลังผ่าตัดจริงได้แม่นยำขึ้น รวมทั้งมีเครื่องมือ<br />
ติดตามการทำงานของระบบประสาทขณะผ่าตัด<br />
ช่วยให้แผลผ่าตัดเล็ก ใช้เวลาสั้นลง เสียเลือดน้อยลง<br />
การฟื้นตัวจึงเร็วขึ้นไปด้วย” นพ.สาริจฉ์กล่าว<br />
นพ. มาร์วิน กล่าวทิ้งท้ายว่า “การประสานงาน<br />
ของแพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญเฉพาะทางในแต่ละด้าน<br />
ช่วยให้การวินิจฉัยได้ผลจำเพาะเจาะจงมากขึ้น<br />
คนไข้มีทางเลือกในการรักษามากขึ้น เพราะหาก<br />
รักษาไม่ถูกจุดหรือผ่าตัดเร็วหรือช้าเกินไป<br />
นอกจากอาการปวดจะไม่บรรเทาแล้ว ยังอาจได้<br />
รับผลเสียมากกว่าที่ควร ในฐานะแพทย์ เรา<br />
ตระหนักเสมอว่าหน้าที่ของเราคือทำให้คนไข้<br />
กลับไปใช้ชีวิตตามปกติให้เร็วที่สุด”<br />
www.bangkokhospital.com<br />
Tel. 1719<br />
BANGKOK HOSPITAL<br />
Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road<br />
54 55
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Wedding<br />
Wanderlust<br />
Couples are opting to break from tradition<br />
and marry far from home, bringing friends<br />
and family to exotic locales for memorable<br />
nuptials. We take our readers on the romance<br />
with practical tips required and a passport for a<br />
destination wedding.<br />
Photos Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Words Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
T<br />
hanks to social media, the<br />
world gets smaller and<br />
distances shrink. Postings<br />
from friends, families and<br />
celebrities show dream weddings in<br />
scenic locations far from home –<br />
brought even closer via Instagram,<br />
Twitter or Facebook.<br />
My first destination wedding was<br />
when my best friend arranged her<br />
wedding in a traditional <strong>Thai</strong> teak<br />
house in Ayutthaya instead of a fancy<br />
hotel in Bangkok a decade ago. The<br />
bride looked graceful and stunning<br />
in her traditional <strong>Thai</strong>-style wedding<br />
outfit while her French groom looked<br />
exotic and elegant. With a casual<br />
and traditional <strong>Thai</strong> wedding theme,<br />
guests wore colourful <strong>Thai</strong> ensembles<br />
that kept them cool in <strong>Thai</strong>land’s hot<br />
and humid weather. Happy smiles<br />
and joyous laughter from friends<br />
and families of a cosy wedding<br />
surrounded by nostalgic ambience<br />
remains beautifully engraved in<br />
memory.<br />
56<br />
57
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Top<br />
Fairytale weddings in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land are made up<br />
of the vivid colours of<br />
the tropics. Couples<br />
can create special<br />
memories in scenic<br />
island settings or<br />
any other romantic<br />
background as<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land has them all.<br />
Bottom<br />
A wedding getaway<br />
lets couples engage<br />
in any fantasy<br />
or indulgence they<br />
have for their big day.<br />
Planning a wedding is a task<br />
not for the faint of heart and for<br />
a destination wedding; the bride<br />
and groom would have to plan it<br />
well to make it happen smoothly.<br />
“Isn’t it easier to have a wedding<br />
close to home? Isn’t it cheaper<br />
and more convenient for guests<br />
if you wed in the hotel or a fancy<br />
restaurant in your neighbourhood?<br />
Why don’t you pick the closest<br />
venue that can accommodate<br />
hundreds of our families’ guests?”<br />
Loads of questions abound from<br />
friends and family and leads to<br />
the one big option: ‘Why not a<br />
destination wedding?’<br />
Kevin Lee, founder of Kevin Lee<br />
Productions, who’s one of the top<br />
wedding planners in the United<br />
States says that “a lot of people<br />
would like to go to a destination<br />
wedding. Why? Let’s say you live<br />
in Bangkok - you have been to<br />
20 different Bangkok weddings.<br />
They are all pretty much alike.<br />
Every wedding tends to be the<br />
same. That’s why you want to<br />
marry somewhere like Chiang Mai<br />
or Phuket or different islands,<br />
different cities. You would like (the<br />
wedding) to feel different.” Lee has<br />
designed weddings and events for<br />
A-list celebrities and seen them<br />
attended by the likes of Bill Clinton,<br />
Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, Oprah<br />
Winfrey, Tom Cruise and many<br />
other Hollywood stars.<br />
“That’s why there are so many<br />
times young people look for a<br />
destination wedding – because<br />
they are bored with the same old<br />
thing that happens over and over.<br />
They are bored with the same<br />
environment so they are looking<br />
for a destination location. At the<br />
same time, when you invite all<br />
your friends, you would like to<br />
have the best time with your<br />
friends,” says Lee, whose exuberant<br />
personality creates equally vibrant<br />
events. “Once your mind is set for a<br />
destination wedding, there are a lot<br />
of things to consider because it is<br />
rather more overwhelming than a<br />
traditional wedding close to home,<br />
especially when you’re organising<br />
and arranging so many details<br />
from afar.<br />
At the same time, the farther the<br />
venue is, the costlier it obviously<br />
is when considering the price of<br />
flight tickets and accommodation.<br />
If you just want to get away from<br />
your humdrum environment, going<br />
local is not a bad idea. Sumant<br />
Jayakrishnan, owner of Scenografia<br />
Sumant in Delhi shares tips for<br />
choosing a venue for a destination<br />
wedding. “You are looking for a<br />
place where you don’t have to travel<br />
too much - is it one stop or two<br />
stops? Too much travel and the<br />
guests may not come. The place<br />
should also have the ability to have<br />
“Every wedding tends to be the same. That’s why you<br />
want to marry somewhere like Chiang Mai or Phuket<br />
or different islands, different cities.”<br />
flexibility. It is not good for a place<br />
to be too isolated. The place should<br />
have a vibe and energy of its own. It<br />
has to be exotic, that not everyone<br />
has travelled to.” Jayakrishnan is<br />
an expert on such logistics since<br />
the profession of a scenographer<br />
involves stage design on a TV or<br />
movie set or any event that calls<br />
for space design. “A particular<br />
generation of young people would<br />
like going to places where they<br />
can also party. After the (wedding)<br />
party, they can go to the club.”<br />
So it’s easy to conclude after<br />
talking to the experts that decisions<br />
should be made on the type of<br />
ceremony you want: a small cosy<br />
wedding party with close family<br />
and friends or a big major party<br />
with everyone you’ve known since<br />
primary school. These details<br />
would eventually determine the<br />
kind of stylised theme for your<br />
wedding and also the style of your<br />
wedding outfit.<br />
“An Indian destination wedding<br />
is usually big – it is not small.<br />
European destination weddings<br />
involve a small group of people.<br />
Some of the Indian weddings I<br />
have worked on have had six,<br />
seven or eight hundred people for<br />
a destination. For some people –<br />
which is very few – less is more.<br />
For most Indian clients, more is<br />
more,” says Jayakrishnan with a<br />
smile, who designed one of the<br />
grandest destination wedding for<br />
the daughter of London-based<br />
billionaires Bina and Pramod<br />
Agarwal in Venice with over<br />
800 guests.<br />
“For the wedding day, there<br />
are a lot of things that you have<br />
to think about: the food, the<br />
services, the waiters, the drinks,<br />
the lights, the music, the locations,<br />
the weather. The components;<br />
everything has to (come) together,”<br />
says Lee.<br />
To avoid a destination wedding<br />
nightmare, the bride and groom<br />
have to prepare early, at least<br />
one year before the wedding date.<br />
You have to investigate potential<br />
venues and it is best to visit the<br />
venues at least twice before making<br />
a decision. Check out whether<br />
the venues on your list have onsite<br />
wedding coordinators or a<br />
trustworthy wedding planner.<br />
Top<br />
Fields of blooming<br />
red lotus flowers<br />
and other exuberant<br />
places in nature<br />
provide the perfect<br />
romantic backdrop<br />
that can only be<br />
found in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Left<br />
There’s a reason<br />
why so many<br />
lovebirds<br />
choose islands<br />
as a wedding<br />
destination.<br />
Stunning views are<br />
endless possibilities<br />
for creating the<br />
perfect photograph.<br />
58 59
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
How to Get<br />
If they do, your destination<br />
wedding would be less stressful to<br />
plan. It is a good idea to check out<br />
reviews from other couples using<br />
their services.<br />
You should learn about the price,<br />
transportation, accommodation and<br />
facilities for you and your guests.<br />
Find out whether any of your guests<br />
need special help or requirements<br />
like a wheelchair or an infant crib.<br />
Things like these can be arranged<br />
with the hotel in advance. It is also<br />
a nice gesture to investigate activity<br />
options to please a wide range of<br />
ages and interests for your guests.<br />
You should also find out what<br />
paperwork you'll need to bring to<br />
process your marriage license and<br />
how you could obtain it.<br />
Send out save-the-date cards<br />
at least four to six months before the<br />
wedding day, so your guests could<br />
make a decision whether to join<br />
or not. It’s a good idea to set up a<br />
wedding website or Facebook page<br />
to keep guests informed of details like<br />
flight and hotel special rates, how to<br />
book, what to pack and the itinerary<br />
of the event. If you plan to wed in a<br />
foreign land, add information about<br />
the local culture, passport and visa<br />
enquiries, and so on.<br />
Also, plan a follow-up reception<br />
when you arrive home so your<br />
friends and relatives who couldn’t<br />
manage the trip would not feel left<br />
out. Invite them for a sit-down<br />
dinner at a nice local restaurant or<br />
a small party at your place. Simply<br />
prepare wedding photos and videos<br />
to share with them so they feel as if<br />
they were there.<br />
Top<br />
Couples find<br />
adventure when<br />
they have a<br />
destination<br />
wedding. Together,<br />
they leave the<br />
comfort of home<br />
and embark on an<br />
new exploration as<br />
a united couple.<br />
Left<br />
Ideal spots like<br />
this colourful pond<br />
provide endless<br />
possibilities to<br />
create romantic<br />
memories.<br />
Why Getting Married in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land is Unforgettable<br />
Anuja Jaggi and Vaibhav Varma<br />
Originally from India, the couple from Dubai wedded at Anantara Riverside, Bangkok<br />
“Why chose <strong>Thai</strong>land? We really wanted a destination wedding. <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
was a perfect fit because it has good (transport) connectivity for guests<br />
coming from all over. In addition, <strong>Thai</strong>land offered the best of both worlds.<br />
We could pull off a traditional wedding while offering guests something<br />
new. We got a great variety of food (Indian and international), décor,<br />
entertainment and venues that made <strong>Thai</strong>land our prime choice.”<br />
Anzhelika Timanina and Ivan Vasilenkov<br />
Anzhelika, an Olympic champion and synchronised swimmer<br />
from Russia and her husband, Ivan<br />
“Ivan and I love this country. And I love to travel so my dream was to have<br />
a wedding in a place (that’s) a paradise. Koh Samui is the best place for it.<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> people are very friendly and smiley. They took care of everything<br />
just straight after we got off the plane. We had two different weddings,<br />
European style and <strong>Thai</strong>. The first one was held in the hall of the W hotel<br />
with an amazing view, flowers, our favourite music and the presence of our<br />
friends. The <strong>Thai</strong> ceremony was held in the hotel Santhiya on Koh Phangan.<br />
We decided one day to go back to Koh Phangan. After our <strong>Thai</strong> ceremony,<br />
we planted a tree in the garden of the hotel. We wanted to see how it’s<br />
growing. This is very romantic.<br />
Ultimate Destination<br />
What is the best time of the<br />
year for the wedding ceremony<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land?<br />
With its versatile climate,<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land has multiple<br />
destinations for a wedding at<br />
almost anytime of the year.<br />
Phuket offers some amazing<br />
weather during <strong>Nov</strong>ember till<br />
March, while Koh Samui, just<br />
some 300km away, has its best<br />
season from March to August.<br />
The northern gem of<br />
Chiang Mai has lovely cool<br />
seasons from <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />
to February with beautiful<br />
evening breezes and mild<br />
temperatures during the day.<br />
In short, any time of the<br />
year is great as long as you find<br />
your perfect dream location.<br />
What is so special about<br />
having a wedding in <strong>Thai</strong>land?<br />
It’s easy to say everything<br />
is special with a destination<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land: the charm of<br />
the culture, the warmth<br />
of people and hospitality,<br />
Wedding<br />
Wedding Bliss <strong>Thai</strong>land, one of the top destination wedding planners<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land, offers some tips for lovebirds wishing to have their<br />
dream wedding in a tropical paradise.<br />
some of the best food in the<br />
world, breath-taking views<br />
and 5-star locations. Since<br />
the majority of weddings<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land are destination<br />
weddings, it’s also an amazing<br />
way to combine a holiday<br />
with your friends or maybe your<br />
honeymoon with your wedding,<br />
which creates a truly unique<br />
experience for couples.<br />
How to pick the venue?<br />
Picking the venue is one of<br />
the fun parts of wedding<br />
planning, and it all boils down<br />
to what resonates with the<br />
couple’s personalities. There<br />
are 2 major general types<br />
of wedding venues: hotels<br />
and private villas. Luxury<br />
hotels offer opportunities<br />
of gathering a big party of<br />
people staying together<br />
and the perks of being based<br />
in a 24/7 service facilities<br />
with impeccable service.<br />
Private villas, at the same time,<br />
offer more flexibility with<br />
timings, vendor choices and,<br />
naturally, more privacy for<br />
your special day.<br />
What can one expect for a<br />
destination wedding?<br />
Definitely expect lots of<br />
fun! You can think outside<br />
the wedding day and have<br />
a weekend full of pre- or postwedding<br />
activities – with<br />
yacht trips, area exploration,<br />
cooking classes or spa days.<br />
We even had couples organising<br />
week-long adventure games<br />
for all their friends!<br />
On a more practical note:<br />
be prepared for warm weather:<br />
think light fabrics for your<br />
gowns and suits, make sure to<br />
order enough refreshments,<br />
and have places for your guests<br />
to chill.<br />
How should couples<br />
communicate with the<br />
wedding planner to get a<br />
dream wedding?<br />
Be honest with your wishes,<br />
but be open to suggestions.<br />
You have dreams that your<br />
wedding planner turns into a<br />
vision, and later into reality,<br />
so have trust and faith in the<br />
team you chose!<br />
Best way to communicate<br />
your ideas is through visuals,<br />
so gather all the things you<br />
love on your Pinterest board.<br />
They don’t have to be all<br />
wedding-related: textures,<br />
colours, shapes, mood, food,<br />
- whatever you feel like<br />
resonates with your idea of the<br />
day, and watch the way it all<br />
comes to life!<br />
How does the bride deal with<br />
the wedding dress and the<br />
makeup?<br />
For your destination wedding<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land, choose light<br />
and breathable fabrics:<br />
natural materials are always<br />
the best. Flowy and elegant<br />
silhouettes look more organic<br />
with beach or tropical views,<br />
rather than princess-style<br />
gowns. Whenever possible, do<br />
a make-up and hair trial of<br />
your wedding look to ensure<br />
you’re totally happy with<br />
it before the wedding day.<br />
Foundation on your face is<br />
of paramount importance,<br />
it needs to feel light, yet be<br />
very long-lasting to be safe in<br />
tropical heat.<br />
60<br />
61
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
ตามเข็มนาฬิกา<br />
จากขวาบน<br />
ไม่ว่าชาติไหนก็สามารถ<br />
จดทะเบียนสมรสอย่าง<br />
ถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย<br />
สากลได้ในประเทศไทย<br />
อาหารสำรับไทยตกแต่ง<br />
อย่างประณีตสำหรับ<br />
งานเลี้ยงรับรอง<br />
ภาพสุดโรแมนติก คู่รัก<br />
กับฉากหลังยามอาทิตย์<br />
อัสดงริมชายหาด<br />
ท้องทะเลไทย<br />
ทุ่งนาสีเขียวสดกับเซ็ตติ้ง<br />
งานแต่งที่เข้าถึงวิถีไทยแท้<br />
“ทำไมต้องจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที ่ จัดที่<br />
โรงแรมไม่สะดวกกว่าเหรอ หาที่ใกล้ๆ น่าจะดี<br />
กว่า” คำถามร้อยแปดผุดขึ้นมา พร้อมกับอีก<br />
คำถามที่ว่า “แล้วทำไมจะจัดงานแต่งงานนอก<br />
สถานที่ไม่ได้” เควิน ลี นักวางแผนจัดงาน<br />
แต่งงานระดับโลก ผู้เคยสร้างสรรค์เวทีออสการ์<br />
และจัดงานแต่งให้กับบรรดาลูกค้าระดับ<br />
เอ-ลิสต์ ของโลก อาทิ บารัค โอบามา แบรด<br />
พิตต์ ทอม ครูซ และอีกมากมาย กล่าวว่า คน<br />
รุ่นใหม่ต้องการงานแต่งงานที่รู้สึกแตกต่าง<br />
เพื่อใช้เวลาร่วมกับเพื่อนๆ ให้คุ้มค่ามากที่สุด<br />
แต่การจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที่ก็มีราย<br />
ละเอียดให้จัดการมากกว่า ยิ่งสถานที่ไกลมาก<br />
เท่าไหร่ ค่าเดินทางและค่าที่พักก็สูงขึ้นเป็นเงา<br />
ตามตัว สุมันต์ จายากริชนัน เจ้าของ<br />
Scenografia Sumant บริษัทออร์แกไนเซอร์<br />
จัดงานในนิวเดลี ประเทศอินเดีย ให้ข้อคิดว่า<br />
สถานที่ควรมีความยืดหยุ่น ไม่ตัดขาดจากโลก<br />
ภายนอกมากเกินไป แต่ต้องไม่ค่อยมีคนไป<br />
เที่ยวชมเท่าไรนัก ดังนั้นเจ้าของงานต้องระบุ<br />
ลักษณะงานแต่งงานให้ชัด เพื่อที่จะได้เลือก<br />
สถานที่และรายละเอียดลำดับต่อไปให้เหมาะสม<br />
มีหลายสิ่งที่คู่บ่าวสาวต้องคำนึงถึงในวัน<br />
แต่งงาน ทั้งเรื่องอาหาร การบริการ เครื่อง<br />
ดื่ม สถานที่ และสภาพอากาศ บ่าวสาวจึง<br />
ควรเตรียมการล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อยหนึ่งปี ถ้า<br />
สถานที่จัดงานมีผู้ประสานงานที่เชื่อถือได้<br />
งานก็จะง่ายขึ้นมาก นอกจากนี ้ยังต้องหา<br />
ข้อมูลเรื่องราคา การเดินทาง ที่พัก และสิ่ง<br />
อำนวยความสะดวกอื่นๆ ประกอบด้วย<br />
อนุจา จักกี และ วัยบัฟ วาร์มา เจ้าบ่าว<br />
และเจ้าสาวจากดูไบเลือกจัดงานแต่งงานที่<br />
อนันตราริเวอร์ไซด์ กรุงเทพมหานคร ด้วย<br />
เหตุผลที่ว่า ประเทศไทยมีการเชื่อมต่อการ<br />
เดินทางที่สามารถรองรับผู้ร่วมงานจากทั่ว<br />
โลกได้ ทั้งคู่สามารถจัดงานแต่งตาม<br />
ประเพณีดั้งเดิม พร้อมกับให้ความรู้สึก<br />
แปลกใหม่แก่ผู้ที่มาร่วมงานไปพร้อมๆ กัน<br />
ประเทศไทยถือเป็นตัวเลือกอันดับแรกๆ<br />
ของคู่แต่งงานจำนวนมากเลยก็ว่าได้<br />
เนื่องจากบ้านเรามีอาหารให้เลือกหลาก<br />
หลาย การออกแบบตกแต่งที่สวยงาม<br />
นอกจากนี้ยังเต็มไปด้วยความบันเทิง และ<br />
สถานที่ที่เหมาะสม<br />
สถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานในประเทศไทยมี<br />
ให้เลือกหลากหลายไม่ว่าจะจัดขึ้นในช่วงไหน<br />
ของปี มนต์เสน่ห์แห่งวัฒนธรรม ความ<br />
อบอุ่นของผู้คน อาหารที่เรียกได้เต็มปากว่า<br />
ดีที่สุดในโลก ทิวทัศน์ที่สะกดทุกลมหายใจ<br />
และสถานที่จัดงานระดับห้าดาว แค่คิดก็สนุก<br />
แล้ว เมื่อนึกถึงภาพกิจกรรมวันหยุดทั้งก่อน<br />
และหลังวันแต่งงาน<br />
ด้วยรางวัลการันตีคุณภาพอย่างรางวัล<br />
ผู้วางแผนจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที่ดีเด่น<br />
จาก Asia and Australia Luxury Travel<br />
Award <strong>2017</strong> เดอะ เวดดิ้ง บลิส ไทยแลนด์<br />
นับเป็นมืออาชีพด้านการจัดงานแต่งงานนอก<br />
สถานที ่ ที่ใส่ใจทุกรายละเอียดพร้อมสไตล์<br />
ระดับเวิร์ลคลาส เพียงบอกความต้องการ<br />
ผู้เชี่ยวชาญก็จะสร้างสรรค์งานแต่งงานสุด<br />
พิเศษขึ้นมา พร้อมกับดูแลตั้งแต่กระบวนการ<br />
แรกเริ่มจนเสร็จสิ้นงานมงคลสมรส ด้วย<br />
ความเชื่อที ่ว่าการแต่งงานไม่ใช่งานเลี้ยง<br />
ธรรมดา ทว่าเป็นเรื่องราวแห่งความรักที่คน<br />
สองคนจะจดจำไปตราบนานเท่านาน<br />
Planning a Perfect<br />
Destination Wedding in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
THE WEDDING BLISS THAILAND<br />
Once-in-a-lifetime event, a<br />
wedding needs an attentive<br />
and caring eye looking after<br />
it, that’s why a wedding<br />
planner role is so important.<br />
The Wedding Bliss <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
has everything you can look<br />
for: style, class, an eye for<br />
details, and world-class<br />
© darinimages<br />
professionalism. Clients<br />
from all over the world trust<br />
their expertise, and Lesley,<br />
a beautiful bride who chose<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land for her destination<br />
wedding, was one of them.<br />
She quickly understood the<br />
full advantage of having a<br />
wedding planner, and couldn’t<br />
be happier with The Wedding<br />
Bliss <strong>Thai</strong>land: “Recognise that<br />
you can’t do everything! I’m<br />
a control freak and wanted to<br />
do everything but I realised I<br />
couldn’t. Have faith in your<br />
planners and your bridal party<br />
– they are your best friends<br />
for a reason.”<br />
After all, the wedding is all<br />
about you and your love. Your<br />
ability to relax and immerse<br />
yourself in this atmosphere of<br />
joy, happiness and celebration<br />
is incredibly valuable. “During<br />
the wedding weekend or day,<br />
take quiet moments away for<br />
yourself and your partner to<br />
really enjoy it all,” says Lesley<br />
and we can’t but agree!<br />
With their unceasing<br />
passion, The Wedding Bliss<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land conceptualise unique<br />
ideas, attend to the smallest<br />
details and oversee wedding<br />
planning process from the<br />
beginning to the end. A part<br />
of exclusive Destination<br />
Wedding Planner Congress<br />
community and Winners of<br />
Asia and Australia Luxury<br />
Travel Award <strong>2017</strong> as Best<br />
Destination Wedding Planner,<br />
they understand that weddings<br />
are not just an event, but a<br />
part of a unique and beautiful<br />
love story, one that will be<br />
cherished in a family history<br />
for years to come and deserves<br />
this extra special touch they’re<br />
always ready to offer.<br />
© darinimages<br />
© Madiow Photography<br />
62<br />
Destination Wedding Planner<br />
THAILAND & BEYOND<br />
jess@theweddingblissthiland.com<br />
www.theweddingblissthailand.com<br />
+66 (0) 94 364 6642
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Dreamy Island<br />
Landscapes and An<br />
Unforgettable “I Do”<br />
Where Should You<br />
Get Married?<br />
From warm, sandy beaches to astoundingly blue to green waters, check out our<br />
list of the best locales in <strong>Thai</strong>land to say ‘I do.’ We include everything you need<br />
to know about the best resorts for your needs, to the heaven-sent coordinators<br />
that do all the legwork to make your destination wedding less stressful,<br />
including all the unique and possible ways to exchange your wedding vows.<br />
ANANTARA MAI KHAO<br />
Beach weddings are the<br />
ultimate experience to<br />
remember forever. At the<br />
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket<br />
Villas, saying “I do” means<br />
being surrounded by blue<br />
skies and cerulean waters in<br />
lush island landscapes. The<br />
property sits on the longest<br />
stretch of beach on the island,<br />
called Mai Khao. Given its<br />
advantageous location, the<br />
white sand’s infinite view<br />
creates a dreamy landscape.<br />
It is bordered by the verdant<br />
green of Sirinath National<br />
Park, adding further to the<br />
ambiance of full romance and<br />
the feel of a private hideaway.<br />
Exchange vows on the beach,<br />
in the gardens or at one of<br />
many indoor venues for a<br />
true Phuket wedding, as the<br />
Anantara promises the perfect<br />
intimate setting. Whether it’s<br />
a <strong>Thai</strong> or Western ceremony,<br />
experienced coordinators<br />
and staff are on hand to<br />
help plan every memorable<br />
step. Wedding couples<br />
can have their nuptials in<br />
an elegantly familiar way<br />
that’s meaningful or choose<br />
to declare vows in the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> traditional way with<br />
ceremonies that symbolically<br />
bind two people together,<br />
complete with the pouring<br />
of scented water in the<br />
resort setting that’s also<br />
reminiscent of a traditional<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> village. With such<br />
unforgettable settings at<br />
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket<br />
Villas, dreams can come true<br />
and be brought to life.<br />
BREATH-TAKING CHOICES AT ANANTARA LAWANA<br />
With a range of magnificent wedding venues available at Anantara Lawana<br />
Koh Samui Resort, you can marry on the beach, on the Grand Sea View Terrace,<br />
or on the Rooftop with its breath-taking views. Being in the great outdoors,<br />
the gentle fragrance of garlands and flowers add to the ambiance of the day.<br />
Following your marriage ceremony, sip on refreshing cocktails whilst<br />
sharing everlasting moments with either your partner or with family and<br />
friends, and finally ending the evening with a romantic dinner for two or<br />
making it an unforgettable gala dinner. To find out more, contact a dedicated<br />
wedding consultant on T: +66 (0) 77 960 333 or Email: wedding@anantara.com<br />
LIFE IS A JOURNEY.<br />
wedding@anantara.com<br />
www.phuket.anantara.com<br />
+66 (0) 76 336 100<br />
YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY AT CELES<br />
Having your special occasion simply requires taking a walk of<br />
a few seconds that take you to a white sand beach with its row<br />
upon row of coconut trees. The multi-purpose venue at Celes has<br />
modern and stylish furnishings to make the event memorable.<br />
The setting is just right whether you are planning an anniversary<br />
celebration, a wedding, or a gathering of friends. Celes also<br />
provides extensive technical equipment that guarantees the best<br />
in audio and visual entertainment. A dedicated team is available<br />
to provide support for an event to run smoothly and ensure it’s a<br />
success from start to finish. T: +66 (0) 77 900 999,<br />
Email: info@celesresorts.com<br />
EXCHANGE VOWS HIGH ABOVE THE RESORT<br />
AT CONRAD KOH SAMUI<br />
What distinguishes the Conrad Koh Samui? It’s not just the<br />
idyllic setting but also the presence of different facilities that<br />
are available for special events. The picturesque beachfront is<br />
especially inviting with the soft white sand dotted with coconut<br />
trees. But it’s the spectacular transparent stage over the sound<br />
of lapping water that makes the location particularly dreamy.<br />
The resort offers another scenic option that includes a ceremony<br />
high above the resort, guaranteeing that your first kiss will be<br />
accompanied by stunning views of the azure sea, dazzling white<br />
beaches, and lush jungles of Koh Samui. T: +66 (0) 77 915 888,<br />
Email: conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com<br />
65
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
FLOAT ABOVE THE WATER AT LE MÉRIDIEN<br />
KOH SAMUI RESORT & SPA<br />
Say “I do” in style with an inspiring backdrop literally<br />
floating over the ocean. A wedding at Le Méridien Koh Samui<br />
Resort & Spa unveils the perfect venue to transform a dream<br />
wedding into reality. The resort’s Ocean Pier floating 120<br />
metres over the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land makes for a memorable<br />
day; the unique setting is a spectacular option for couples<br />
to indulge in romantic private dinners, celebratory sunset<br />
cocktails and intimate wedding ceremonies. A professional<br />
and friendly team is provided, and will cater to every bride’s<br />
needs to ensure that the wedding day is flawless from start<br />
to finish. To create these moments, contact T: +66 (0) 77 960 888,<br />
Email: sales.kohsamui@lemeridien.com<br />
THE COLOURS OF PARADISE AT NIKKI BEACH<br />
Nikki Beach Koh Samui has the picture-perfect sunset<br />
overlooking the surrounding the islands that not only attracts<br />
guests seeking a serene setting, but also those embarking on<br />
a memorable occasion to carry with them for the rest of their lives.<br />
The chance to be married on the spectacular sandy beaches<br />
overlooking the clear blue seas of <strong>Thai</strong>land is eagerly made<br />
available by resort staff. Couples will be glad to know that events<br />
can be hosted from 20 to 2,000 people.<br />
Ease the stress by working with a wedding planner who’ll<br />
take care of everything such as the flowers, cakes, menu creation,<br />
table linen and décor, spa and beauty services, entertainment,<br />
all the way up to transportation for guests. T: +66 (0) 77 914 500,<br />
Email: enquiry@nikkibeachthailand.com<br />
A ROYAL TREATMENT AT HANSAR<br />
From themed weddings to traditional <strong>Thai</strong> ceremonies, a Hansar<br />
Samui Resort wedding planner can help cater all your wedding<br />
needs. They’ll offer plenty of options that are considerate of<br />
your budget while ensuring a creative and romantic style like<br />
all brides desire. The Hansar Samui resort offers one of the<br />
best wedding locations along with their team of professionals<br />
who have handled the highest level in guest services. The name<br />
Hansar means happiness and joy in Sanskrit, and the hotel<br />
does their best to ensure that the wedding couple and guests<br />
experience both. T: +66 (0) 77 245 511, reservation@hansarsamui.com<br />
A THAI LANNA WEDDING AT THE<br />
FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI<br />
The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai eases the worry of wedding<br />
planning with specially conceived wedding packages for<br />
couples. Alternatively, if you wish to custom-design your occasion,<br />
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai event coordinators are ready to<br />
offer expert assistance. Whether you dream of a grand gala or an<br />
intimate gathering, they’ll work with you to provide detailed<br />
ideas to spark your imagination. The result is a wedding that’s<br />
an unforgettably unique event with chance for a <strong>Thai</strong> Lanna<br />
wedding procession with traditional <strong>Thai</strong> Lanna music, a blessing<br />
by the Village Elders, a flower bouquet for the bride, and corsages<br />
for the groom and the parents of the bride and groom. A ceremonial<br />
set-up with fresh floral decorations comes complete with a bottle<br />
of champagne for the toast and a 3-tiered wedding cake.<br />
T: +66 (0) 53 298 181, Email: contactus.chiangmai@fourseasons.com<br />
STUNNING BLUE AND LUSH<br />
GREENERY AT THE NAKA<br />
PHUKET<br />
Create your memorable<br />
wedding in paradise when<br />
you choose the romance of<br />
the beach or the welcoming<br />
scenery of a verdant lawn.<br />
The Naka Phuket is the perfect<br />
location for or intimate<br />
wedding ceremonies that<br />
accommodates up to 300<br />
of your friends and family.<br />
A variety of exotic locations<br />
are available from a white<br />
sandy beach to that of a lush<br />
green lawn. Its romance and<br />
uniqueness can be defined<br />
by the fact that it is the only<br />
resort of the island to offer<br />
two natural settings where an<br />
exclusive beach meets with an<br />
unspoiled hillside.<br />
To make sure that the day<br />
runs smoothly, a professional<br />
team of coordinators will be at<br />
the service of the bride while<br />
celebrations and dining can be<br />
tailored to suit all requirements.<br />
T: +66 (0) 76 337 999,<br />
Email: dos@thenakaphuket.com<br />
MAXIMUM ROMANCE AT<br />
THE LIBRARY<br />
Nestled amidst a minimalist<br />
hotel hideaway accented by<br />
a scarlet-red swimming pool<br />
and the deep blue of the sea<br />
beyond, it is nothing short of<br />
breath-taking to arrange a<br />
once-in-a lifetime wedding<br />
at The Library. With a team<br />
of wedding advisors to assist<br />
with every aspect of the big<br />
day, couples can relax in the<br />
knowledge that all important<br />
details have been well taken<br />
care of. From exquisite<br />
flowers and sumptuous<br />
menus to tailor-made<br />
decorations and ultra-chic<br />
accommodations, the Library<br />
will provide ongoing support.<br />
T: +66 (0) 77 422 767-8,<br />
rsvn@thelibrarysamui.com<br />
LOVE CHIC AT PULLMAN PHUKET ARCADIA<br />
A wedding in the modern style property pinpoints the local<br />
beauty of Naithon beach together with a landscape that<br />
offers panoramic views of the ocean. A Phuket wedding here<br />
means an absolute treat for the senses at the resort and<br />
on the beach. The inspiring scenery at this award-winning<br />
Phuket resort is the ideal romantic setting for blissful<br />
nuptials. The Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach offers<br />
various outdoor and indoor venues of different sizes and<br />
ambiance, with fully customised packages for the bride’s<br />
special day.<br />
Further information on wedding packages are available<br />
here T: +66 (0) 76 303 299, pullmanphuketarcadia.com/<br />
wedding-in-phuket/phuket-wedding-packages<br />
66<br />
67
DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Creating the Dream<br />
island wedding<br />
UNFORGETTABLE NUPTIALS AT SANTIBURI<br />
Santiburi Samui offers unmatched romantic beach wedding<br />
packages complemented by personalised services, world-class<br />
accommodation, and delicious cuisine on stunning Koh Samui.<br />
Vows are exchanged with a breath-taking tropical backdrop<br />
to a soundtrack of lapping waves on the champagne shores of<br />
a peaceful bay. Choose a western-style ceremony, or a <strong>Thai</strong>influenced<br />
blessing. T: +66 (0) 77 425 031, Email: weddings@<br />
santiburi-samui-resort.com<br />
AN ULTIMATE BEACH WEDDING AT THE SHERATON<br />
Celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by the<br />
paradise setting of Sheraton Samui Resort. You’ll feel the love<br />
as you exchange vows on the soft sands of Chaweng Noi beach,<br />
surrounded by swaying palm trees and stunning views of the Gulf of<br />
Siam. The resort plans a seamless experience for family and friends<br />
with comfortable and spacious guest rooms within easy reach of the<br />
island’s airport and cultural attractions. Whether you prefer a Western<br />
or <strong>Thai</strong> ceremony, a dedicated team of wedding planners will go above<br />
and beyond to ensure that your big day runs smoothly. Wedding<br />
packages at Sheraton Samui Resort start from THB 78,000++.<br />
T: +66 (0) 77 422 020, Email: reservations.kohsamui@sheraton.com<br />
ROMANCE IS IN THE STARS AT VANA BELLE<br />
Unforgettable romantic moments can be spent in a serene cove<br />
on the soft sands of Chaweng Noi beach, one of Koh Samui’s<br />
most sought-after locations. The suites and villas all feature<br />
private pools and contemporary styling that pays homage to<br />
indigenous culture. A couple’s stroll along the serene beach will<br />
see stars reflected on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Siam.<br />
The property also offers dining that captures the senses with<br />
an authentic menu of local and international flavours. Highly<br />
creative <strong>Thai</strong> and Western wedding celebrations are options to<br />
create unforgettable memories. T: +66 (0) 77 915 555,<br />
Email: luxurycollection.vanabelle@luxurycollection.com<br />
THE BLISS OF LUSH GREENERY AND<br />
BLUE WATERS OF TONGSAI BAY<br />
A wedding is one of the most auspicious<br />
days in your life and Tongsai Bay is making<br />
it their job to provide the bridal couple and<br />
their party with the most incredible and<br />
memorable day. They’ll work with the bridal<br />
couple to determine the best ceremony<br />
that befits your personality and style for<br />
the blessed union. Tongsai Bay’s many<br />
options are available to make the perfect<br />
day and promising the bride that they will<br />
be there at every step. T: +66 (0) 77 913 750,<br />
Email: weddings@tongsaibay.co.th<br />
THE SIGNATURE WEDDINGS<br />
At Signature Weddings, we cater<br />
for luxury, the unique and the<br />
personal. Our portfolio features<br />
five-star villas that grace the<br />
shores of Koh Samui and Phuket,<br />
offering the best in villa private<br />
wedding venues on both islands.<br />
We take all of the wedding<br />
stresses away, putting the bride<br />
in touch with the best contacts we<br />
have painstakingly found. If you<br />
© Julian Wainwright<br />
need an amazing photographer,<br />
we have a varied selection for you<br />
to choose. For the best florists, we<br />
know them all.<br />
We have our own in-house<br />
chefs working in our villas<br />
with top-notch experiences to<br />
create everything and anything<br />
that may be required – from<br />
a lavish seafood barbecue to a<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> style family dinner. Any<br />
kind of dining preparation can<br />
be accomplished. In addition<br />
to barbecues, we cater after<br />
parties, recovery brunches,<br />
welcome cocktails, boat trips<br />
and many more.<br />
Our Events Planner and<br />
the Signature Weddings team<br />
are there in every step of the<br />
planning process for a dream<br />
wedding in the tropical island<br />
settings of Koh Samui and<br />
Phuket; from the initial enquiry<br />
right up to the wedding day.<br />
Our wedding planner will<br />
be your contact person for the<br />
wedding ceremony, reception,<br />
rehearsal dinner, and related<br />
activities. With someone taking<br />
care of you through the various<br />
stages of wedding planning<br />
and helping achieve the perfect<br />
wedding, you can just relax and<br />
enjoy being a bride.<br />
All your wedding information<br />
will be created in a reference file<br />
and follow-ups will be made by<br />
the Signature Weddings team<br />
to make sure that you and your<br />
party have everything needed<br />
for the ceremony.<br />
If you are interested in having<br />
your wedding ceremony in one of<br />
© Julian Wainwright<br />
our stunningly beautiful villas, we<br />
can guide you step by step through<br />
the process of having a tropical<br />
wedding in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
STIMULATING EXPERIENCES<br />
AT SIX SENSES<br />
Can there be a more perfect way<br />
to wed in paradise? The setting<br />
of Six Senses Samui, with the<br />
stunning Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
wrapping around as a splendid<br />
backdrop to a special wedding<br />
day. Unique wedding locations<br />
include the panoramic decks of<br />
the resort's signature restaurant<br />
“Dining on the Rocks”, choose the<br />
beach, or enjoy moments by the<br />
infinity pool. T: +66 (0) 77 245 678,<br />
Email: pagm-samui@sixsenses.com<br />
BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH AT THE W<br />
Here’s a place that’s picture-perfect to say “I do.” The ultimate<br />
destination celebration is defined by a barefoot beachside wedding<br />
ceremony where the first kiss as a wedded couple happens<br />
overlooking a sparkling expanse of ocean in Koh Samui. At<br />
W Beach, beachfront ceremonies at the “Tip of SIP” (the outer tip<br />
of the island) are the best way to exchange vows. Expert wedding<br />
coordinators do the ceremony set-up that includes a wedding<br />
arch, flower petals, a stage and chairs for the comfort of guests.<br />
T: +66 (0) 77 915 999, Email: thanapon.tripataraporn@whotels.com<br />
© Koh Samui Photography<br />
68<br />
The Signature Weddings<br />
UNIQUE VILLA EVENTS<br />
events@thesignatureweddings.com<br />
www.signatureweddingsthailand.com<br />
+66 (0) 81 270 0788
BANGKOK SPACES<br />
Fast-evolving Bangkok transforms from the<br />
run down into the up and coming. Recently,<br />
a creative facelift in neglected neighbourhood<br />
spots means a chance to be more community<br />
in feel and artisan in movement.<br />
From Industrial to Hip:<br />
WAREHOUSES<br />
SHED THEIR<br />
FORMER IMAGE<br />
Photos & Words:<br />
Korakot Nym Punlopruksa<br />
70<br />
71
BANGKOK SPACES<br />
HOW TO FIND THEM<br />
T<br />
he BTS skytrain from the east side at<br />
Bang Chak station to the city centre<br />
stop at Siam Square is over too<br />
quickly. With its super efficiency,<br />
there’s no point to open a book and read – or<br />
even post something on social media. Such is<br />
Bangkok’s modernised transportation that’s<br />
changed life and timetables and made the<br />
once impossible possible. Zipping along on<br />
the rails allows the duration of journeys to<br />
be bearably shorter, with more time each day<br />
to work, run errands, or tour the city more<br />
effectively and beyond. More than that, it<br />
opens travellers to the energy of forgotten<br />
neighbourhoods.<br />
Top Left to Top Right<br />
Merchandise<br />
displays and art<br />
benefit from<br />
large wall spaces<br />
in warehouse<br />
architecture. Little<br />
work has been done<br />
to tamper with the<br />
As a fan of public transportation,<br />
my daily life constantly takes me<br />
on journeys to discover Bangkok. In<br />
addition to the skytrain, the Khlong<br />
(canal) Saen Saeb boats and the<br />
Chao Phraya River express boats are<br />
favourite modes of transport. They<br />
take me to experience Bangkok’s<br />
constant boom in creativity in very<br />
unique ways, by chance and by choice.<br />
original steel<br />
features and<br />
framework. These<br />
buildings may be<br />
converted, but the<br />
design concepts pay<br />
homage to their<br />
industrial heritage.<br />
Right<br />
Prepared on the<br />
spot, the food<br />
at both modern<br />
warehouse<br />
spaces is a sure<br />
palate-pleaser<br />
in freshness and<br />
presentation.<br />
This time, the boats plied a<br />
path straight to Warehouse 30 and<br />
Yelo House, Bangkok’s newest<br />
creative projects. Both underwent<br />
similar renovation bound by a<br />
concept and desire to rescue and<br />
revive old warehouses, turning<br />
them into modern stimulating<br />
spaces that respect and preserve<br />
the architectural wonders in the old<br />
neighbourhoods. Warehouse 30<br />
greets all those who visit on<br />
Charoen Krung Soi 30, close to<br />
the Chao Phraya River while Yelo<br />
House brings something new that’s<br />
opposite the National Stadium and<br />
close to Khlong Saen Saeb.<br />
MODERN CULTURE RISES<br />
BY THE RIVER<br />
Over the past 5 years, I have been<br />
going to the river area around<br />
Khlong San pier and Si Phraya pier<br />
for a fix of the arts in all its forms.<br />
Things started out with The Space,<br />
located on the second floor of the<br />
low-rise building next to the pier<br />
overlooking the Chao Phraya River.<br />
The Space was the first creative<br />
venue along the river, initiated<br />
and supported by world-renowned<br />
photographer James Nachtwey,<br />
where any form of creation had<br />
a ‘space’ in which to happen:<br />
photography exhibitions, miniconcerts,<br />
performances, pop-up<br />
dinners, workshops and more. Then<br />
came (and still is) the next-door<br />
compound of The Jam Factory, run<br />
by Duangrit Bunnag, a top-tier<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> architect who revived a set of<br />
dilapidated old warehouses into a<br />
chic space that’s home to a café,<br />
restaurant, showroom, event space,<br />
and his architecture firm.<br />
A similar approach was applied<br />
to his newest project across the<br />
river, adding more hues to Charoen<br />
Krung’s already colourful and<br />
vibrant art scene. The Warehouse<br />
30 complex is a stunning compound<br />
of World War II-era warehouses<br />
that have been resuscitated into<br />
concept stores with local designer<br />
clothing brand Lonely Two-Legged<br />
Creature, the floral shop Wallflower,<br />
handsomely-made furniture maker<br />
P. Tendercool, as well as purveyors<br />
of collectable vinyls, vintage<br />
cameras, photography books,<br />
and more.<br />
The former editor of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
Elle <strong>Dec</strong>oration magazine, Rungsima<br />
Kasikranund, joined Duangrit in<br />
sourcing the desired objets d’art<br />
alongside offerings for wellbeing<br />
such as the juice bar Raw & Real.<br />
One of the warehouses is a hall of<br />
food and drink, home to The Fox<br />
and The Moon, serving delicious<br />
light salads and soups, and fresh<br />
brews of coffee can be sipped at<br />
A Coffee Roaster by LI-BRA-RY.<br />
Events that give you real food for<br />
thought can be found in the same<br />
warehouse at the Doc Club Theater<br />
with top documentaries from around<br />
the world being shown with guest<br />
speaker talks and seminars. With all<br />
that, an old storage facility becomes<br />
an integrated, modern culture haven.<br />
A bonus is the presence of<br />
delicious Muslim restaurants and<br />
community nearby where I stop in<br />
for some mouth-watering <strong>Thai</strong>-<br />
Muslim food before heading to the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land Creative & Design Center<br />
(TCDC), which is less than a 5<br />
minute walk from there.<br />
HANDIWORK BY THE KHLONG<br />
Soi Kasemsan 1 has never been<br />
known for anything beyond its<br />
budget hotels or convenience to a<br />
skytrain stop, a Khlong Saen Saeb<br />
boat stop, and the Jim Thompson<br />
House and Museum in the next<br />
soi (street) over. Then this past<br />
August, Yelo House launched yet<br />
another innovative space in an<br />
unexpected spot.<br />
Unusual in its location and<br />
unmatched in its offerings, Yelo<br />
House is tucked inside the end of the<br />
soi, away from the ever-busy traffic<br />
and mobs of people at the shopping<br />
Above<br />
Original exposed<br />
beams at<br />
Warehouse 30<br />
provide an airy area<br />
to leisurely shop in<br />
comfort for clothing<br />
from independent<br />
designers.<br />
WAREHOUSE 30<br />
52-60 Charoen Krung Rd,<br />
Bang Rak, Bangkok.<br />
map<br />
YELO HOUSE<br />
20/2 Soi Kasemsan 1 (Opposite<br />
MBK shopping mall) on Rama 1<br />
Road, Bangkok.<br />
72 73
BANGKOK SPACES<br />
malls of the Siam Square area. Yelo<br />
House is situated in an impressive<br />
and surprising warehouse that had<br />
been left abandoned for years. One<br />
of the four artistic partners, Oh<br />
Singhasuvich, fell in love with the<br />
charm of the eroding warehouse and<br />
teamed up his friends, Hans-Werner<br />
Muller, Suwanee Suwansaengroj,<br />
and Sulyawate Prasertwitayakarn<br />
to revolutionise the space. This<br />
480-square metre framework<br />
remains a mix of the original and<br />
additional space under one roof.<br />
Walking in, I feel as if I’m entering<br />
into an artist’s studio. Streams of<br />
light penetrate through the glass<br />
walls and overhead skylights.<br />
The surrounding natural light<br />
encourages a laid-back connection<br />
between Yelo House and its<br />
callers. Besides the colour from<br />
the painting exhibition hanging<br />
on the mezzanine floor to my left,<br />
I also notice the striking yellowcab<br />
colours of steel columns. Oh<br />
tells me it’s meant to celebrate<br />
the original existing space of the<br />
warehouse, contrasted by the black<br />
columns to my right and indicating<br />
to more planned work for a new<br />
expansion. This section will be a<br />
co-working space and seminar<br />
rooms, surrounded by art pieces in<br />
the exhibition area.<br />
We continue walking the length<br />
of the ground floor together. I look<br />
left and right into each room that<br />
is for now being arranged as a<br />
Stylist Market where <strong>Thai</strong> designers<br />
bring their collections of clothing<br />
fashion, home decoration, and<br />
Top<br />
Retail shopping<br />
in converted<br />
warehouses usually<br />
guarantees original<br />
concepts from<br />
emerging designers.<br />
Items are made in<br />
fewer numbers,<br />
giving a shopper<br />
near exclusivity in<br />
the purchase.<br />
Left and Right<br />
One can shop, work,<br />
eat and spend<br />
all day in much<br />
productivity in such<br />
creative spaces.<br />
Neighbourhood<br />
locations offer<br />
accessibility and<br />
easy directions.<br />
Streams of light penetrate through the glass<br />
walls and overhead skylights.<br />
The surrounding natural light encourages a<br />
laid-back connection…<br />
crafts for sale. Both the downstairs<br />
space and the art exhibition floor<br />
are changeable to adapt to various<br />
creative themes. What is permanent<br />
here is a little restaurant called<br />
Hungry Me on the top level and a<br />
coffee corner named Thirsty You;<br />
both look out to the Khlong Saen Saeb<br />
canal with its daily boat traffic and<br />
over to the Baan Krua community on<br />
the other side of the water.<br />
After spending time in such a<br />
cleverly done space, I then follow the<br />
connecting path along the khlong<br />
that leads to the world-famous<br />
silk house and museum of Jim<br />
Thompson, arriving within 1 minute!<br />
I wonder what’s new and wander<br />
further beyond the museum and<br />
cross the slender arching bridge to<br />
Baan Krua community to visit the last<br />
families who are still weaving silk all<br />
these decades later.<br />
The similarities between these<br />
two creative spaces, Warehouse 30<br />
and Yelo House, are the magic keys<br />
that opened doors to neglected<br />
places where the present world<br />
connects to the overlooked past<br />
of Bangkok. By using the old<br />
– namely the warehouses, and<br />
adding an infusion of inventiveness<br />
– a new way to rediscover Bangkok<br />
is born.<br />
74
BANGKOK SPACES<br />
GETTING AROUND ON WATER<br />
If you’ve been curious about taking<br />
the boat taxis along the canals,<br />
here’s an opportunity to do so as you<br />
visit Warehouse 30 and Yelo House.<br />
Khlong Saen Saeb boats are<br />
lifesavers for Bangkokians who<br />
commute to points east and west<br />
in the city. Consider this practical<br />
option that’s straightforward in its<br />
routes along the khlong (canal) and<br />
packs in many scenic points as a<br />
major bonus. From the east side of<br />
Bangkok, the Khlong Saen Saeb boat<br />
runs parallel with Ramkhamhaeng<br />
Road, Phetchaburi Road, and ends<br />
the first section at Pratunam where<br />
the megamalls are located, the likes<br />
of Central World and Platinum.<br />
It’s still the same khlong but<br />
passengers need to switch to the<br />
smaller boats because the bridges<br />
along the way here are lower. They<br />
run until Saphan Phanfa, right next<br />
to the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)<br />
near Democracy Monument, in<br />
the east of Bangkok all the way<br />
to the west in the Bang Kapi area<br />
at Wat Siboonruang, near the<br />
National Institute of Development<br />
Administration (NIDA). Incredibly<br />
cheap, water taxis are a very fast<br />
alternative to road taxis in Bangkok,<br />
whose rides are anywhere from 11 to<br />
20 baht, offering trips from 5:30am<br />
– 8:30pm.<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
Catching a Bangkok<br />
water taxi is just<br />
like catching any<br />
form of public<br />
transport. You’ll<br />
just literally have<br />
to be quick on your<br />
feet and jump into<br />
one for a thrill ride.<br />
Bangkok’s major<br />
attractions like the<br />
Golden Mount (Wat<br />
Saket) and nearby<br />
heritage buildings<br />
can be enjoyed<br />
while cruising on a<br />
boat taxi.<br />
Boats can be packed<br />
in the morning<br />
during rush hour.<br />
For more fun, take<br />
it when the crowds<br />
are fewer and you’ll<br />
wont’ be craning<br />
your neck to catch<br />
the sights.<br />
Fun and fear in riding these<br />
boats go hand in hand – it requires<br />
a quick and steady step in and out<br />
of the boat. Once on the boat, the<br />
journey of an undiscovered Bangkok<br />
unfolds. Enjoy the city skyline and<br />
clear skies from your vantage point<br />
but also know that you’ll experience<br />
the artificial blue of plastic as a<br />
flapping sheet is your best shield<br />
against splashing water.<br />
Yelo House and the Jim Thompson<br />
House are located in the second<br />
section of the route. If you come from<br />
the old town, it’s a straight short hop<br />
to Hua Chang pier. But from the<br />
east part of town, you will change<br />
boats at Pratunam pier and get off<br />
again at Hua Chang pier at the next<br />
stop. Then it’s a short walk on the<br />
footbridge along the canal.<br />
CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT<br />
Travelling on the river in Bangkok<br />
can easily become one of the<br />
favourite ways to get around<br />
the city and comes with a<br />
romance. It’s fast, cooling yet<br />
calming and it will make you fall<br />
in love with Bangkok again. Chao<br />
Phraya River, a main artery in<br />
Bangkok snakes along the City of<br />
Angels from north to south. Flags<br />
of yellow, orange, and green mark<br />
the stops.<br />
From the BTS train at Saphan<br />
Taksin stop, you can switch to a<br />
boat journey at the pier below, to<br />
take the one that comes from the<br />
left; make sure it goes in the right<br />
direction as you face the river.<br />
Departing from the Old Town,<br />
you head straight to the city where<br />
tall buildings, all aligned on the left<br />
side, greet you. The faster boats<br />
cost more with fewer stops. Just<br />
make sure you get off at Si Phraya<br />
pier. Walk to the main street and<br />
turn right for 200 metres, and<br />
you will see the Warehouse 30<br />
compound on the right side.<br />
76
BANGKOK SPACES<br />
ตามเข็มนาฬิกา<br />
จากซ้ายบน<br />
โซฟาสำหรับ<br />
นั่งชมสารดคีที่<br />
Doc Club Theater<br />
ข้าวของทั้งแฮนด์เมด<br />
และกล้องวินเทจ<br />
น่าเป็นเจ้าของ<br />
ร้านดอกไม้<br />
Wallflower และสแน็ก<br />
ผลไม้อบแห้งกรุบกรอบ<br />
ทั้งหมดนี้หาได้ที่<br />
โกดังของ Warehouse 30<br />
รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอสเปลี่ยนแปลงตารางเวลา<br />
และวิถีชีวิตของคนเมือง ทำให้นักท่องเที่ยว<br />
ได้ยลโฉมย่านต่างๆ ในกรุงเทพและได้<br />
พบเห็นความคิดสร้างสรรค์ที่ผลิบานใน<br />
เมืองกรุง ไม่เว้นแม้แต่ซอกหลืบเล็กๆ ที่<br />
สถานที่น่าสนใจเหล่านั้นซุกซ่อนอยู่<br />
วันนี้เรือคลองแสนแสบและเรือด่วน<br />
เจ้าพระยาพาเราไปยังโครงการใหม่<br />
ล่าสุด Warehouse 30 ที่ก่อตั้งขึ้นเพื่อ<br />
ฟื้นคืนชีพโกดังเก่า รักษาความมหัศจรรย์<br />
ทางสถาปัตยกรรมและเปลี่ยนให้โกดัง<br />
เหล่านี้เป็นพื้นที่ใช้สอยสมัยใหม่บนถนน<br />
เจริญกรุงซอย 30 ใกล้กับแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา<br />
และ Yelo House ซึ่งตั้งอยู่ตรงข้าม<br />
สนามกีฬาแห่งชาติ ใกล้กับคลองแสนแสบ<br />
ตลอดห้าปีที่ผ่านมา ผู้เขียนสังเกต<br />
เห็นงานศิลปะรูปแบบต่างๆ ใกล้กับ<br />
ท่าเรือคลองสานและสี่พระยา ไล่มา<br />
ตั้งแต่ The Space ที่ก่อตั้งและสนับสนุน<br />
โดยช่างภาพระดับโลก คุณเจมส์ แนทช์เวย์<br />
เพื่อใช้เป็นพื้นที่สำหรับนิทรรศการ<br />
ภาพถ่าย มินิคอนเสิร์ต และกิจกรรม<br />
มากมาย รวมถึงคุณดวงฤทธิ์ บุนนาค<br />
สถาปนิกอันดับต้นๆ ของไทยที่ได้<br />
เปลี่ยนโกดังเก่าให้เป็นพื้นที่สุดเก๋<br />
สำหรับร้านอาหาร ห้องจัดแสดงงาน<br />
ศิลปะ และพื้นที่จัดกิจกรรม ภายใต้ชื่อ<br />
The Jam Factory<br />
ด้วยแนวคิดที่คล้ายคลึงกัน<br />
Warehouse 30 ได้รับการแปลงโฉมเป็น<br />
พื้นที่สำหรับร้านค้าที่ผสมผสานแนวคิด<br />
สร้างสรรค์อย่าง ร้านเสื้อผ้าแบรนด์<br />
Lonely Two-Legged Creature ร้าน<br />
ดอกไม้ Wallflower ร้านเฟอร์นิเจอร์<br />
P. Tendercool ร้านขายไวนิลสำหรับ<br />
สะสม และร้านหนังสือภาพถ่าย นอกจาก<br />
นี้ยังมีโกดังหนึ่งหลังสำหรับร้านอาหาร<br />
โดยเฉพาะ หรือจะรับอาหารสมองจาก<br />
Doc Club Theater ที่เสิร์ฟภาพยนตร์<br />
สารคดีจากทั่วโลก ทั้งมีงานสัมมนา และ<br />
นักพูดรับเชิญมากมายมารวมตัวกันที่นี่<br />
ใครๆ อาจรู้จักซอยเกษมสันต์ 1 ใน<br />
ฐานะเป็นที่ตั้งของโรงแรมราคาถูกใกล้<br />
สถานีรถไฟฟ้า ท่าเรือคลองแสนแสบ<br />
และบ้านจิม ทอมป์สัน แต่ใครจะรู้ว่าเมื ่อ<br />
เดือนสิงหาคมที่ผ่านมา มีการเปิดตัว<br />
Yelo House ในโกดังบริเวณท้ายซอยที่<br />
ถูกทิ้งร้างมาหลายปี บนพื้นที่ 480<br />
ตารางเมตรผสมผสานพื้นที่เดิมและส่วน<br />
ต่อเติมใหม่ใต้หลังคาโปร่งแสงเดียวกัน<br />
พร้อมแผนการขยายพื้นที่ออกไปเป็น<br />
co-working space ห้องสัมมนา ที่ราย<br />
ล้อมด้วยงานศิลปะและนิทรรศการ<br />
พื ้นที่ชั้นล่างจัดเป็น Stylist Market<br />
ที่นักออกแบบชาวไทยจะนำเสื้อผ้า<br />
ของตกแต่งบ้าน งานฝีมือที่ออกแบบเอง<br />
มาจำหน่าย พื้นที่ทั้งสองส่วนสามารถ<br />
ปรับเปลี่ยนได้ตามโอกาส แต่สิ่งที่อยู่<br />
ถาวรคือร้านอาหาร Hungry Me และ<br />
ร้านกาแฟ Thirsty You ที่หันหน้าเข้าหา<br />
คลองแสนแสบ ให้คุณได้ลอบมองเรือ<br />
สัญจรและชุมชนบ้านครัวฝั่งตรงข้ามได้<br />
อย่างไม่รู้เบื่อ ทั้งหมดนี้อยู่ห่างจากบ้าน<br />
จิม ทอมป์สันเพียงหนึ่งนาทีเท่านั้น<br />
Warehouse 30 และ Yelo House<br />
คล้ายคลึงกันในแง่ที่เป็นกุญแจสู่สถานที่<br />
ที่ถูกลืม เป็นโกดังเก่าที่รังสรรค์ให้เป็น<br />
สถานที่แห่งใหม่ และนั่นทำให้เราได้ค้นพบ<br />
กรุงเทพฯ ในมุมมองที่ไม่มีใครเคยพบเห็น<br />
มาก่อน<br />
78
GALLERY<br />
Colourful Expressions:<br />
India’s Classic Looks<br />
Primal colours in India’s quotidian<br />
life hold a mesmerising joyfulness in<br />
their vibrancy. Photographer Dinesh<br />
Khanna captures the enterprising<br />
hues of vendors and their tantalising<br />
goods and other ‘windows’ of<br />
opportunity to colourful street life.<br />
Words & Photos Dinesh Khanna<br />
Doors, windows and<br />
walls are like the facial<br />
features of a home and<br />
as expressive for me as are<br />
the eyes, mouth and skin of a<br />
human face. I respond to these<br />
instinctively and photograph<br />
them constantly even if I may<br />
be working on another project.<br />
I am attracted by the<br />
colours, the forms and the<br />
materials used for doors and<br />
windows and what strikes me<br />
is the diversity across regions,<br />
whether in India or even abroad.<br />
Yes, colours and forms are<br />
definitely different in different<br />
regions and tend to have a<br />
distinctive traditional style in a<br />
particular area. This, of course,<br />
is true of heritage towns. Modern<br />
areas and colonies tend to be<br />
disparate and their doors and<br />
windows don’t ‘talk’ to me in<br />
the same way as the ones in the<br />
old towns do.<br />
The earthy colours of<br />
Ladakh have a spiritual<br />
depth and texture that mix<br />
together effortlessly.<br />
82<br />
83
GALLERY<br />
TOP<br />
Street food, to my mind,<br />
shows both the culinary diversity<br />
and richness of any society.<br />
BOTTOM<br />
Any nation which has diverse and widely<br />
available street food can pride itself for<br />
being supportive of its entrepreneurs.<br />
After all, that’s what street vendors are.<br />
India, most definitely, is a rich and<br />
egalitarian place by this measure.<br />
Here, I capture a morning to night journey<br />
of street food around the country.<br />
BOTTOM RIGHT<br />
Early on a winter morning, steam rises<br />
from a pot that has seen many winters<br />
as tea is prepared on a charcoal fire for<br />
pilgrims and local residents.<br />
OPPOSITE PAGE<br />
Modern areas and colonies tend to be<br />
disparate and their doors and windows<br />
don’t ‘talk’ to me in the same way as the<br />
ones in the old towns do.<br />
84<br />
85
GALLERY<br />
The narrow lanes of Varanasi<br />
have these unexpected but<br />
charming sights you suddenly<br />
come across as you turn the<br />
corner. Here a family, which<br />
lives within the house, has<br />
set up a vegetable shop with<br />
a really attractive display just<br />
outside their main door.<br />
86<br />
87
GALLERY<br />
“… I must say that the original art<br />
is that of the inhabitants of the<br />
houses, which have these features<br />
{of diversity and colours} and<br />
I feel I create these images in<br />
‘collaboration’ with them, even<br />
though they are not aware of it.”<br />
BOTTOM AND RIGHT<br />
The deep colours of Ladakh contrast<br />
wildly with other parts of the<br />
country. The architecture in areas<br />
around India display their own<br />
brand of fresh brightness.<br />
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
In the early years of his career, Dinesh<br />
sold calculators in Chawri Bazaar in<br />
India; quality checked garments in a<br />
Faridabad factory and cleared tables as<br />
a busboy in an Upper Eastside bar in<br />
New York. This rather chequered career<br />
path was due to his teenage belief that<br />
if he followed in his photographer<br />
father’s footsteps, he would be yet<br />
another victim of the Indian caste<br />
system. This rebellion further led him<br />
to a 12-year-long career as a Client<br />
Servicing Executive in Advertising<br />
where he finally achieved ‘burn-out’<br />
at the ripe old age of 33 years and<br />
which left him with a burning desire to<br />
become a professional photographer.<br />
Twenty-six years into the journey,<br />
photography is not just a profession<br />
and a passion but his means of<br />
understanding and feeling the world<br />
and life around him.<br />
Dinesh is also a Co-Founder and<br />
Managing Trustee of Nazar Foundation,<br />
which has been set up to promote<br />
photography as an art form. You can<br />
check out his work at portfolio at<br />
dineshkhanna.com.<br />
88<br />
89
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO<br />
Mid-way through <strong>Nov</strong>ember,<br />
on the full moon of the<br />
twelfth lunar month, the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> rivers are full and the<br />
moon shines at its brightest.<br />
Celebrations for Loy Krathong<br />
begin as floats made of<br />
banana leaves and lanterns<br />
get released during the night<br />
sky, carrying wishes for good<br />
fortune in the new year.<br />
BANGKOK 92 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 96 / SAMUI 100 / PHUKET, KRABI & TRANG 104 / PATTAYA 108 / HONG KONG 110 / SINGAPORE 114 / KL 118 /<br />
BAGAN, MANDALAY & YANGON 120 / PHNOM PENH 122 / LUANG PRABANG, DANANG, HO CHI MINH & HOI AN 124 / MUMBAI 126 / MALDIVES 128<br />
91
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Nature in a Culinary Hideaway<br />
As nature continues to entice in its<br />
myriad ways, this time its magic has<br />
inspired the team behind Cuisine de<br />
Garden, a Chiang Mai-based dining<br />
destination. Finally opening in the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> capital with its concept of<br />
Cuisine de Garden Bkk, the design<br />
team reiterates the nature-inspired<br />
concept with a dining experience<br />
that’s a combination of food, design,<br />
and philosophy. Chef Leelawat<br />
“Nan” Mankongtiphan marks her<br />
own culinary moment with a menu<br />
that showcases a delightful cuisine<br />
crafted from the finest ingredients<br />
and giving it a modern twist. The<br />
serene space unveils itself in a<br />
bustling Bangkok in the quiet alley<br />
of Ekamai Soi 2. Recipes correspond<br />
to a restaurant concept that promises<br />
to indulge the palate while enjoying<br />
its imaginative and tranquil space.<br />
cuisinedegarden.com,<br />
+66 (0) 61 626 2816<br />
EMBRACE THE NOSTALGIA<br />
Tucked in the historic area of Lan Luang,<br />
Bangkok Publishing Residence (BPR) provides<br />
new boutique-style accommodations in<br />
a converted old publishing house where<br />
legendary Bangkok <strong>Magazine</strong> was created.<br />
Uniquely-renovated, the former shophouse<br />
offers 8 tastefully-decorated rooms and<br />
hardwood furnishings whose luxurious bed<br />
linens guarantee a good night’s sleep amidst<br />
the nostalgic elegance. A stunning rooftop<br />
garden and outdoor jacuzzi makes them the<br />
perfect space to sit back and unwind from the<br />
stress of an urban life. Apart from a memorable<br />
stay and closeness to the past, the Bangkok<br />
Publishing Residence is just a short distance<br />
from city attractions and its current offerings.<br />
facebook.com/bangkokpublishingresidence,<br />
+66 (0) 2282 0288<br />
92
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Haute French and<br />
High Heels<br />
The latest mouth-watering addition<br />
in Bangkok’s international culinary<br />
scene is Brasserie Cordonnier, an<br />
authentic Parisian restaurant in the<br />
heart of the city at Sukhumvit 11.<br />
French for ‘cobbler,’ the brasserie<br />
offers a mixed concept of food and<br />
fashion also inspired by Christian<br />
Louboutin heels; with executive chef<br />
Clement Hernandez’s skills widely<br />
recognised since his days at J’aime<br />
by Jean Michel Lorain. The current<br />
repertoire gives food lovers pleasing<br />
French cuisine along with vibrant<br />
cocktails from the creation of<br />
renowned mixologist Davide Sambo.<br />
With its extensive menus of original<br />
French delicacies, unique dishes,<br />
and fine wines and spirits, Brasserie<br />
Cordonnier certainly has something<br />
for everyone in search of culinary<br />
refinement. cordonnierbkk.com,<br />
+66 (0) 2045 4343<br />
CITY OF ARTS<br />
Following close on the heels of various biennale art festivals<br />
in cities of urban cool around the world, the Bangkok Art<br />
Biennale is set to debut. The premiere fest begins in 2018<br />
showcasing public art displays from more than 70 <strong>Thai</strong> and<br />
international artists under the theme of “Beyond Bliss” from<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 2018 to February 2019. Works from different<br />
aspects of the arts, architecture, cinematography, music, and<br />
performing arts will certainly spark off creativity in the City<br />
of Angels and shine the spotlight on Bangkok as a major art<br />
destination. bkkartbiennale.com<br />
MORE SAVOURY NOODLES<br />
Nai Soie is a household name among<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>s and foreigners when it comes<br />
to succulent beef and pork noodles.<br />
From generous bowls of broth stewed<br />
from beef bones and Chinese herbs,<br />
the place has been serving countless<br />
simple noodle soups and other<br />
delicious choices to satisfy the hungry<br />
stomachs of diners. From its humble<br />
establishment on the side of Phra<br />
Athit Road, Nai Soie Beef Noodle<br />
has unveiled its 2nd branch at Fueang<br />
Nakhon intersection under the name<br />
of 26 Braised Beef. Apart from its<br />
established menus, the new branch<br />
offers the latest addition of hotpots in<br />
either pork or beef as well as Kobe beef<br />
stew in a claypot.<br />
facebook.com/26Braisedbeef,<br />
+66 (0) 81 562 5425<br />
94
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI<br />
Considered one of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
most picturesque and atmospheric<br />
festivals, “Loy Krathong” comes<br />
along annually in the evening<br />
of the full moon and in the 12th<br />
month of the lunar calendar.<br />
This year, it falls on <strong>Nov</strong>ember 4.<br />
People release the “krathong<br />
(floats creatively made from<br />
banana trunk and banana leaves<br />
and flowers) into rivers, canal<br />
and lakes to pay respect to the<br />
Goddess of the River.<br />
In Chiang Mai, the festival<br />
has an extra dimension with<br />
Yi Peng, the Northern <strong>Thai</strong><br />
festival of sky lanterns. Together,<br />
both festivals result in an<br />
impressively glittering night<br />
scene, with breath-taking<br />
sights of the candle-lit krathong<br />
gliding on the rivers while<br />
the Yi Peng floats along in the<br />
night sky.<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Loy Krathong<br />
at the<br />
Four Seasons<br />
For those looking for an ideal<br />
celebration in Chiang Mai, an exclusive<br />
Loy Krathong night at the Four Seasons<br />
Resort Chiang Mai is an all-encompassing<br />
experience. To make it memorable, plan<br />
a stay at the hotel, enjoy a traditional<br />
Lanna-style dinner for two and join in<br />
festival lantern and krathong making<br />
workshops, culminating into the release<br />
of the krathong and wishing lanterns<br />
known as khom loy.<br />
On Loy Krathong Day itself, ride<br />
into town for the Krathong Parade<br />
and witness the delightful sight of<br />
glowing lights in the sky. You’ll also get<br />
the best vantage point by the river to<br />
release lanterns for blessings and good<br />
fortune. The special package covers<br />
accommodations, daily breakfast and<br />
roundtrip airport transfers. fourseasons.<br />
com/chiangmai/offers/loykrathongfestival-of-lights,<br />
+66 (0) 53 298 181<br />
SUSTAINING ECOTEXTILES<br />
For people with a preference for ecological textiles and use of natural dyes,<br />
including handweaving processes or the artisan skills of handicrafts – it’s worth<br />
sparing half a day or even a full day checking out Studio Naenna in Chiang Mai.<br />
Founded by a former UN official Patricia Cheesman, the studio is managed by her<br />
daughter Morna who also designs clothing, while she focuses on textile design.<br />
Their mission is to preserve and revitalise traditional <strong>Thai</strong> and Lao textiles and<br />
promote eco-textiles. The work is carried out in collaboration with local weavers<br />
and the practice of fair trade.<br />
Booking ahead is recommended for those wanting to learn details about<br />
the treasures available there. Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, 38/8 Soi Chang Khian,<br />
Huay Kaew Road, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai,<br />
+66 (0) 53 266 042<br />
96
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI<br />
THE WHITE TEMPLE<br />
Anyone who visits “The Black House” should not miss a trip to nearby “Wat<br />
Rong Khun”, commonly known as “The White Temple”. The contemporary and<br />
unconventionally-styled temple is the private property owned by national artist<br />
Chalermchai Kositpipat, a younger contemporary of the late artist Tawan Duchanee.<br />
These two prominent destinations in Chiang Rai are brainchild projects of the artists<br />
who are from the same art school in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Chalermchai himself designed and<br />
constructed the temple. It’s been said that Tawan’s work represents hell and for<br />
Chalermchai, it’s heaven. T: +66 (0) 53 673 579, (0) 53 673 967, (0) 53 673 539<br />
THE BLACK HOUSE<br />
An extraordinary place for every visitor to Chiang Rai is Baandam<br />
Museum, commonly known among visitors as “The Black House”.<br />
True to its name, black is the dominant colour of the museum.<br />
Home to the late national artist Thawan Duchanee who was born<br />
in the province, the museum best explains the artist’s lifetime<br />
of artworks displayed in aged teak wood buildings, sculptures,<br />
installations and poetry. Most buildings showcase cow and buffalo<br />
skulls and horns as decorative items. Tables and chairs clad in<br />
leopard or bear pelts are also part of the aesthetic at the museum<br />
from his personal stash of collectibles. 414 Moo 13 Nang Lae,<br />
Mueang, Chiang Rai, T: +66 (0) 53 705 834, (0) 53 776 333,<br />
(0) 81 673 1155<br />
C<br />
M<br />
Y<br />
CM<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Parade<br />
of Elephants<br />
At the beginning of this year,<br />
almost 100 funky and colourful<br />
life-size elephant statues<br />
were seen over Chiang Mai to<br />
celebrate the 10th anniversary<br />
of “The Elephant Parade.”<br />
Marc and Mike Spits initiated<br />
the project in 2006, moved<br />
by the story of pachyderm<br />
landmine victim Mosha at<br />
the elephant hospital in<br />
Chiang Mai. Since then, the<br />
project has raised millions in<br />
donations to elephant care.<br />
The exhibition itself delighted<br />
spectators in Italy, England,<br />
Amsterdam, California,<br />
Singapore and Denmark.<br />
The art concept has made an<br />
impact and gained momentum<br />
and now has its own museum<br />
called “The Elephant Parade<br />
Land” in the city where it<br />
all started. An ideal place<br />
for the family, the museum<br />
offers education, information,<br />
shopping and other activities<br />
where visitors can paint their<br />
own elephant replicas. Take<br />
a tour to learn about artists<br />
and celebrities who have<br />
“designed” their elephants<br />
as well, including American<br />
superstar singer Katy Perry.<br />
The museum is packed with<br />
fun facts about these large<br />
mammals. Shop for cool<br />
merchandise – you might<br />
as well take home pieces<br />
of exquisite work from<br />
artists such as Paul Smith<br />
or Virgin Air’s Sir Richard<br />
Branson. Taking photos with<br />
exhibited pachyderms is also<br />
an enjoyable experience.<br />
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm,<br />
180/9 Moo. 7, Tambon San<br />
Phisuea, Amphoe Mueang,<br />
Chiang Mai,<br />
+66 (0) 62 918 9621<br />
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INTRODUCING THE MOST STYLISH<br />
SUNDAY BRUNCH ON THE ISLAND<br />
Enjoy live jazz, free-flowing beverages and savour a fine selection of international cuisine.<br />
Indulge in a spa experience* or relax on the beach* while your children have fun learning<br />
at the kids club. Our Brunch is just one of the unique dining experiences to be<br />
discovered at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.<br />
Find out more at:<br />
fourseasons.com/kohsamui<br />
*additional charge<br />
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HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Everyday I Juggle<br />
Idyllic Samui has gotten more playful<br />
as the circus comes to town. This<br />
one’s a unique and exciting addition<br />
to the island that’s already vibrant<br />
with recreational offerings. Learn a<br />
different kind of performance art with<br />
Samui Circus Studio – a contemporary<br />
school for fire shows and circus<br />
performance. Founded by well-known<br />
performer and juggler Poppy Sanman,<br />
holiday-goers who would love to try<br />
their hand at performing or get as<br />
close to a circus experience as possible<br />
can sign up for courses. The place also<br />
offers tailored classes and services<br />
with choices of activities ranging from<br />
learning circus, dance, and fire show<br />
routines to martial arts. Whether<br />
you’re a first-timer or looking for<br />
engaging activity during a family<br />
holiday – the school with its certified<br />
reputation and professional team of<br />
entertainment experts will teach you a<br />
trick or two! samuicircus.com<br />
RIDE LIKE THE WIND<br />
Fly high with the unforgettable experience<br />
of indoor skydiving. EasyFly Koh Samui,<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s popular operator of fast ride<br />
EasyKart has opened a sister branch<br />
to offer a different kind of action. The<br />
recreational activity involves a wild ride<br />
into a wind tunnel and gets you floating<br />
high. There’s no airplane jump and no<br />
parachute needed, all it takes is for<br />
thrill seekers to join in the fun at<br />
EasyFly’s facility in Chaweng Lake.<br />
Prepare to experience a real free fall<br />
sensation within a vertical wind tunnel,<br />
where the air moves upwards at<br />
approximately 200km/h.<br />
easykart.net/koh-samui/easyfly<br />
NATURE’S TOUCH<br />
Nestled among the pristine nature of Samui, the Tamarind<br />
Springs Forest Spa is known for its dedicated day spa. With<br />
a debut in 1997, the spa is now recognised worldwide for<br />
superb pampering spa programmes and a method to channel<br />
the peaceful rhythm of nature. Their unique treatment<br />
and holistic approach aims at de-stressing the body and<br />
rejuvenation that’s in tune with the serenity that nature<br />
brings. Some of Tamarind Springs Forest Spa’s acclaimed<br />
programmes include the Forest Spa Herbal Steam Saunas<br />
with a unique sauna room built into a natural rock cave,<br />
together with the refreshing presence of rock plunge pools.<br />
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa also offers accommodations<br />
equally relaxing with their tropical-style villas, healthy<br />
restaurant with a spectacular view, and yoga classes and<br />
retreats. tamarindsprings.com, +66 (0) 80 569 6654<br />
100
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Sanctuary of the Mind<br />
Ranging from well-being options<br />
like yoga, detox guidance, holistic<br />
healing to fitness, the Orion Retreat<br />
Centre’s wellness programmes are<br />
noteworthy for its personal approach.<br />
With regimens available year-round<br />
and seasonless in activities, guests can<br />
enjoy physical and spiritual fulfilment<br />
anytime. Orion Retreat Centre offers<br />
wellness programmes that are catered<br />
to fit the needs of guests from around<br />
the world, with full understanding<br />
that everyone has different<br />
goals and expectations when<br />
it comes to wellbeing. Their<br />
attentive care involves a<br />
friendly and professional team<br />
of nutritionists, therapists,<br />
healers, teachers, and skilled<br />
chefs. With the journey at Orion<br />
Retreat Centre, the end result<br />
should be a balanced body and<br />
mind. orionretreat.com,<br />
+66 (0) 93 620 8066<br />
A NEW YEAR AT THE CLIFF<br />
Since its debut on Samui in 2004,<br />
The Cliff Bar & Grill has been one of<br />
the major destinations for savoury<br />
pleasures. The restaurant has garnered<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land Tatler’s <strong>Thai</strong>land’s Best Restaurants<br />
list (<strong>2017</strong>). Blessed with an unobstructed<br />
view of the serene Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
the restaurant offers all-day sophisticated<br />
dining led by executive chef Sergio<br />
Martelli, with an extensive menu<br />
of fabulous tapas and noteworthy<br />
Mediterranean bites.<br />
For this upcoming New Year’s,<br />
the Cliff Bar & Grill is offering the<br />
exclusive New Year’s Eve dinner of a<br />
sumptuous 5-course menu created<br />
from excellent ingredients. The two<br />
seatings for the New Year’s Eve dinner<br />
are at 6-9pm and 9pm until closing.<br />
Complimentary glasses of champagne<br />
accompany the dinner.<br />
thecliffsamui.com, +66 (0) 77 448 508<br />
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HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PHUKET / KRABI / TRANG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Popping on Phuket Layan<br />
From <strong>Dec</strong>ember 15, <strong>2017</strong> through to March 15, 2018, fans<br />
of contemporary Japanese food can enjoy the creative<br />
twists of Zuma, a pop-up restaurant on the beach of<br />
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. Inspired by informal izakaya<br />
Japanese dining, Zuma’s pop-up at Sala Layan, the resort’s<br />
beachfront restaurant offers dishes to be shared and<br />
savoured. Popular choices that made Zuma an international<br />
favourite with their award-winning menu include spicy<br />
beef tenderloin with sesame, yellowtail slices with green<br />
chillies and miso-marinated black cod. Diners can also enjoy<br />
dishes from the robata grill alongside the freshest sushi and<br />
sashimi. phuket-layan.anantara.com, +66 (0) 76 317 200<br />
GET YOUR COLOURS GOING<br />
A Phuket destination exemplifying whole body fitness and strength, the Thanyapura Health<br />
and Sports Resort is organising a ‘Colour Fun Run <strong>2017</strong>’ <strong>Dec</strong>ember 9, <strong>2017</strong> at the Saphan<br />
Hin area of Phuket town. With distances of 2km, 5km, and 10km, this family event is open to<br />
people of all age groups and limited to 1,000 runners. Tickets now available (starting at Bt350<br />
for the 1K distance for early birds) with complimentary T-shirt, colour powders and sunglasses.<br />
All runners who finish will be given a medal for their achievement. The resort will also host an<br />
after-run party. On a similar fitness note, Thanyapura is also collaborating with Phukethon <strong>2017</strong><br />
on several running evens taking place <strong>Dec</strong>ember 8-10, <strong>2017</strong> also at the Saphan Hin area, with<br />
distances of 10km, half marathon (21.1km), and marathon (42.2km). The three-day event is<br />
now open for online registration at http://event.runlah.com/events/c/pkt17. thanyapura.com,<br />
+66 (0) 76 336 000<br />
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HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PHUKET / KRABI / TRANG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
By the Seas of Sikao<br />
Sikao, the northwest district of<br />
Trang province boasts of gorgeous<br />
seashores and a national park.<br />
It’s the go-to beach destination for<br />
locals, and Sikao serves as the spot<br />
where most visitors come as a<br />
hop-off point to Trang or nearby<br />
islands at the main piers of Pak<br />
Meng. But the main treat is also the<br />
pristine Haad Chao Mai National Park<br />
that covers the entire shoreline area<br />
of more than 144,000 rai (or 57,000<br />
acres). The long stretch of white<br />
beaches are open to the public and<br />
as an unexpected sight, see content<br />
cattle as they graze. Make plans to<br />
spend the day at the national park<br />
and bring your own picnic basket<br />
and enjoy the beach. Also nearby is<br />
Kantang - the former main district of<br />
Trang where most of the province’s<br />
trading and commerce happened,<br />
thanks to its seaport. Now Kantang<br />
is a popular one-day trip for those<br />
interested in seeing the glorious past<br />
of the old port and its gorgeous and<br />
historic train station. When it’s time<br />
to dine, sample the district’s famous<br />
eateries. These seafood restaurants<br />
have been dishing up meals to diners<br />
for the longest time and is worth a visit.<br />
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KRABI WELCOMING STRIPES<br />
Throughout the month of <strong>Nov</strong>ember,<br />
Krabi province welcomes the start of<br />
this year’s tourism season, following the<br />
end of the monsoon rains. Traditional<br />
boats locally known as “Hua Tong<br />
(high bow)” gets adorned with stripes<br />
of colourful jersey fabrics. This longstanding<br />
fishermen tradition marks an<br />
HISTORIC HERBAL SHOP<br />
In Phuket Old Town, the main street of Thalang is still the place<br />
that’s best to observe Phuket’s rich legacy in action. Many<br />
descendants of settled Phuket families still live here, hence the<br />
street is dubbed as a living museum. At Nguan Choon Tong, one<br />
can see the original centuries-old Chinese herbal medicine shop<br />
still selling an array of traditional Chinese prescribed cures and<br />
more. Entering into the shop, one is met with the perfume of<br />
aromatic herbs. Open daily (except Sundays): 8am - 5pm<br />
T: +66 (0) 76 215 901<br />
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auspicious moment for these handcrafted<br />
wood boats commonly used<br />
by local seamen to transfer tourists in<br />
and out of the shores as they explore<br />
Krabi’s magnificent islands. The unique<br />
shape and uplifted bow design on the<br />
hua thong boat lets it withstand the<br />
high waves of the Andaman Sea. Be<br />
on the lookout for the boat, as it’s a<br />
common sight around Krabi, Trang and<br />
Phuket. Krabi alone has about 3,000<br />
of the distinctive high-bowed boats<br />
in operation. Anyone interested in<br />
immersing in the local boating tradition<br />
can choose to hire a hua thong next time<br />
a venture to island hop comes to mind.<br />
tourismthailand.org<br />
106
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PATTAYA<br />
INNOVATIVE THEATRE<br />
Your imagination becomes reality in a new<br />
phenomenal entertainment for everyone at Singha<br />
D’Luck Cinematic Theatre. Engaging in this new<br />
cinematic theatre experience in Pattaya actualises a<br />
‘Levitating Theatre’ and is equipped with Asia’s latest<br />
projection system and state of the art technology,<br />
giving you the best theatre experience with seats<br />
that offer maximum comfort. The theatre has four<br />
seating zones with a seating capacity of 1,400<br />
people. At the moment, a “KAAN” show by Singha<br />
Corporation is now at the theatre, with a live<br />
performance that offers an audience the spectacular<br />
theatrical experiences and world of imagination<br />
inspired by classical <strong>Thai</strong> literature. If you’ve no plans<br />
for the weekend yet, a visit to a new kind of theatre<br />
might just do it. d-luck.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Big Fresh<br />
Finding seafood in Pattaya isn’t difficult,<br />
but if you’re seeking the ultimate dining<br />
experience in a perfect atmosphere – not<br />
to mention good music – then it’s Big Fish<br />
you’re after. The restaurant located in the<br />
Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya just<br />
enhanced its seafood buffet with more<br />
premium catches for a quality seafood<br />
BBQ buffet at its best value with free-flow<br />
wine; amid the sea-inspired artworks in a<br />
floor-to-ceiling space spanning 2 floors.<br />
The interior will make you go wow with the<br />
idiosyncratic blend of industrial design and<br />
immersive oceanic colours. Adding a special<br />
touch to the dining experience is superb live<br />
music with performances from well-known<br />
local artists. Fresh seafood, live music and<br />
the company of loved ones will make you feel<br />
indeed like the big fish.<br />
siamatpattaya.com/gastronomy/big-fish<br />
INDOOR FUN OF THE BIGGEST KIND<br />
Remake quality time with the family with<br />
fun time at the playground of Harbor<br />
Pattaya; just the right choice for groups to<br />
experience the largest indoor playground<br />
in Asia. As a new and exceptional<br />
entertainment in Pattaya, the concept of<br />
“The Family Paradise” lets everyone enjoy<br />
themselves in various group activities.<br />
This biggest family entertainment centre<br />
in ASEAN is divided into many different<br />
zones including the Trampoline Park, the<br />
Wall Climbing Gym, SnowLand, RollerLand,<br />
the Laser Battle, the Rink, AdventureLand<br />
and HarborLand. A highlight of Harbor<br />
Pattaya, HarborLand is the largest indoor<br />
playground in Asia whose world-class<br />
standard offers endless fun for kids and a<br />
full family experience. harbor.co.th<br />
108
HAPPENINGS<br />
HONG KONG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Clockenflap Returns<br />
Hong Kong’s premiere music and<br />
arts festival returns once again to<br />
enthral fans. Clockenflap <strong>2017</strong>, which<br />
is celebrating its tenth anniversary,<br />
promises to put on a show like<br />
no other at Hong Kong’s Central<br />
Harbourfront.<br />
Music though remains at the<br />
cornerstone of this music fest and<br />
the organisers this year have spared<br />
no expense to ensure that Clockenflap<br />
delivers what fans have come to expect.<br />
And judging by the eclectic mix of<br />
talents that appeared in previous<br />
events, this year’s festival will not be<br />
short on big names in music.<br />
In addition to headlining musical<br />
talents the likes of Prodigy, Massive<br />
Attack and Feist, Cockenflap <strong>2017</strong> will<br />
also set the stage for Asian musical<br />
talent to shine. Scheduled to perform<br />
during the two-day event this year<br />
are rising Korean R&B artist Dean,<br />
Chinese rap group Higher Brothers and<br />
Taiwanese alternative band Hello Nico,<br />
to name a few. Rock on from 17-19<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember. clockenflap.com<br />
POSITIVE CHARGE<br />
The fourth season of the Formula E<br />
championship kicks off in Hong Kong<br />
with an exclusive double header. Hong<br />
Kong will be the battleground for both<br />
opening rounds of the <strong>2017</strong>-2018<br />
season, as the world’s best drivers arrive<br />
to compete for honours.<br />
With this year’s championship<br />
expanded to 14 rounds, it’s anybody’s<br />
guess who will capture the chequered<br />
flag at the world’s premier all-electric<br />
open-wheel racing series. But if last year’s<br />
debut event in Hong Kong is anything to<br />
go by, fans will definitely be treated to a<br />
grand time.<br />
Not only will motorsport fans get to<br />
see the fastest electric cars lay rubber<br />
on the purpose-built urban track at the<br />
Central Harbourfront against a stunning<br />
city skyline, but they’re also get to enjoy<br />
off-track activities as well at the E-Village.<br />
So just strap in and enjoy the ride. 2-3<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember, hkformulae.com<br />
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HAPPENINGS<br />
HONG KONG<br />
BEST FOOT FORWARD<br />
Covering a distance of 100km,<br />
Trailwalker is arguably the region’s<br />
toughest hiking event in the region.<br />
But challenging athletes is just one<br />
small part of this signature Hong Kong<br />
event as Trailwalker also helps raise<br />
awareness and funds for good causes.<br />
Organised by Oxfam, Trailwalker<br />
stands as one of the largest fundraising<br />
sporting events in Hong Kong. But<br />
lacing up for this hiking trail is no<br />
mean feat as participants are required<br />
to tackle the tough MacLehose Trail<br />
and other trails in Sai Kung within the<br />
span of 48 hours.<br />
To date, close to 100,000<br />
participants have participated in the<br />
event, raising over HK$538 million.<br />
oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk<br />
AWARD-WINNING NOODLES<br />
The Michelin Star has continuously<br />
been the gold standard when it<br />
comes to rating eateries. And when<br />
it comes to top honours for ramen,<br />
only one name truly stands out –<br />
Tsuta. The Tokyo eatery claimed the<br />
distinction of winning a Michelin Star<br />
in 2015, the first ramen restaurant in<br />
the world to do so.<br />
Now, armed with the highest<br />
culinary accolade, Tsuta is setting up<br />
outlets across the globe, beginning in<br />
Singapore and now Hong Kong. For<br />
ramen fans in Asia’s World City, that’s<br />
certainly good news as they only<br />
need to venture to Causeway Bay to<br />
savour this delectable noodles. The<br />
bad news is there’s an omnipresent<br />
queue to get by first.<br />
Granted, the wait isn’t as long<br />
as the original Tsuta in Tokyo but<br />
the outlet does limit its signature<br />
offerings to just 400 bowls per day.<br />
Open 11.30am to 8pm daily, Hong<br />
Kong, Causeway Bay, Tang Lung St,<br />
+852 3188 2639<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Not Your Regular<br />
Take-Out<br />
Hong Kong’s already popular<br />
street food scene is set to gain<br />
more prominence with the arrival<br />
of HAWKR, a grab-and-go dining<br />
concept that delivers the best of the<br />
region. Taking inspiration from the<br />
best hawker centres from Southeast<br />
Asia, this newly-opened eatery<br />
located on the ground floor of Hoi<br />
Kwong Street in Quarry Bay serves<br />
up an impressive array of signature<br />
favourites from the region.<br />
The brainchild of seasoned<br />
restaurateurs, HAWKR prides<br />
itself on serving fresh, healthy and<br />
hearty dishes to its diners. For Asian<br />
travellers who had their fill of Dim<br />
Sum and Roasted Goose, HAWKR is<br />
perfect to pop in to savour something<br />
familiar. And to ensure that its<br />
clientele are duly satisfied, the eatery<br />
is certainly not short on signature<br />
Southeast Asian goodies.<br />
The impressive spread includes<br />
soup noodles from Malaysia and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land, along with Indonesian<br />
Rendang and Vietnamese Baguette<br />
Sandwiches. Salads and wraps are a<br />
key feature in HAWKR, all naturally<br />
made with an Asian spin, of course.<br />
For those looking to dine in, the outlet<br />
houses a small bar counter with views<br />
of the busy street outside. Open daily,<br />
36 Hoi Kwong Street, +852 2994 9033<br />
112
HAPPENINGS<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Party of the Year!<br />
When it comes to parties, few hold a candle to ZoukOut.<br />
And come <strong>Dec</strong>ember, Southeast Asia’s longest running<br />
annual dance music festival returns to get partygoers in<br />
a frenzy with pulsating lights, heart-pumping beats and<br />
booming sets delivered by the best DJs in the world.<br />
This year’s edition will arguably be the biggest yet in<br />
the festival’s 17 year history with a 12-hour dusk-tilldawn<br />
party held at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. To ensure that<br />
the expected crowd of 45,000 fans will be kept happy, the<br />
organisers have already begun assembling an impressive<br />
list of performers to man the decks at this massive<br />
outdoor party.<br />
Already scheduled to perform are the likes of Techno<br />
House maestro Claptone and Electronic Dance producer<br />
and DJ, Marshmello. Also announced to appear are<br />
Flume, Guiboratto and Robin Schulz, with more acts and<br />
artists to be named soon.<br />
8-9 <strong>Dec</strong>ember, zoukout.com/<strong>2017</strong><br />
MEET THE FAMILY<br />
After touring the UK, the Addams Family musical comedy will<br />
land at the MES Theatre at Mediacorp, Singapore for a limited<br />
run. Featuring the iconic characters of the TV series and motion<br />
picture, the new stage musical puts this kooky family front<br />
and centre of a brand new adventure. The Addams Family<br />
will feature in an all new original<br />
story with Gomez Addams,<br />
the patriarch of the family,<br />
having to face his worst<br />
nightmare – the new (and<br />
normal) boyfriend of his<br />
daughter, Wednesday.<br />
15 <strong>Nov</strong>ember<br />
to 3 <strong>Dec</strong>ember,<br />
theaddamsfamily.co.uk<br />
BEST FOR BRUNCH<br />
The owners at PS.Cafe claim that<br />
the restaurant is a “refuge for social<br />
gathering”. And judging by the long<br />
lines waiting to get into the venue at<br />
Harding Road each weekend, there’s<br />
definitely truth to their claim.<br />
A hotspot for the Singaporean brunch<br />
crowd, PS.Cafe prides itself on its hearty<br />
offerings of savoury and sweet classics<br />
that occupy space on its menu. Signature<br />
specials include PS.Cafe’s sinfully-yetdelightful<br />
truffle shoestring fries, as well as<br />
its impressive array of cakes, puddings and<br />
tarts. Open daily 8am-11pm, 28b Harding<br />
Road, pscafe.com<br />
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HAPPENINGS<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
CELEBRATING INDIAN ARTS<br />
For the 16th year running, the best Indian artists and performers in Singapore and the<br />
region will gather on stage to perform at the Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts.<br />
Held at the Esplanade, the festival coincides with the annual Deepavali celebrations<br />
also known as the Festival of Lights.<br />
Despite its humble beginnings in 2002, the Kalaa Utsavam has expanded<br />
beyond its three-day festival format and now takes place across ten days. Designed<br />
and curated to showcase the best of Indian arts, the event presents an extensive<br />
programme made up of classical as well as contemporary performances across<br />
theatre, music and dance.<br />
Scheduled to perform this year include Apsaras Arts, Sharul Channa, Raka Maitra<br />
and Mohamed Noor from Singapore who will be joined by renowned Indian artists<br />
such as Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Daya Shankar, as well as new upcoming artists like<br />
flautist B Vijayagopal and progressive rock band Agam. 17-26 <strong>Nov</strong>ember.<br />
facebook.com/kalaautsavam<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Vintage Diner<br />
With a range of classic rides of both<br />
the two and four-wheeled variety,<br />
Kombi Rocks in Serangoon has been<br />
a gathering space for motorheads<br />
and fans of classic automobiles in<br />
Singapore. The quirky and throwback<br />
feel of the place is indeed charming,<br />
which is why it’s growing as a<br />
prominent venue for both events<br />
as well as weddings.<br />
The diner preserves the cuisine that<br />
was served in the original restaurant<br />
which occupied the premises in the<br />
1970s. As such the menu boasts a<br />
number of Teochew-<strong>Thai</strong> fusion dishes<br />
alongside hearty American desserts.<br />
Complimenting their F&B offerings<br />
is also an extensive merchandise area<br />
with model cars as well as an in-house<br />
barbershop, aptly named Autocutt.<br />
Nevertheless, it is still the cars<br />
that are the stars here, especially the<br />
vintage Volkswagen Kombi van, which<br />
the outlet is named after. Popular with<br />
the Instagram crowd, Kombi Rocks<br />
also rents out their vintage collection<br />
of cars and bikes for events and for<br />
outdoor catering as well. For a true<br />
experience, opt for the Ride n Dine,<br />
which consists of a chauffeur-driven<br />
joyride in 1960s Kombi and a delectable<br />
4-course meal at the restaurant. Open<br />
daily, 11am-12pm, 66 Yio Chu Kang Rd.,<br />
kombirocks.com<br />
116
HAPPENINGS<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
KUALA LUMPUR / BENTONG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Creative Space<br />
From the 1960s to the mid-80s, the<br />
Art Printing Works (APW) carved a<br />
reputation of being one of the most<br />
recognised printers in the greater<br />
Kuala Lumpur area. As businesses<br />
ventured toward the digital era, the<br />
once prominent print factory slowly<br />
disappeared into obscurity.<br />
However, in 2013, APW caught<br />
a second wind, after its owners<br />
repurposed it into a creative space.<br />
Now four years on, the area is not<br />
only a prominent dining destination<br />
for KL-ites but also a highly-coveted<br />
space for events for corporations,<br />
small businesses as well as individuals.<br />
The original Printing Factory is<br />
still retained within the confines of<br />
the premises but the appeal of APW<br />
is largely down to its collaborative<br />
workspaces and meeting spaces that<br />
are offered. The facility is also a<br />
popular hangout for foodies with a<br />
wide variety of cuisine on offer with<br />
outlets such as Proof+, dishing out<br />
fresh oven-baked pizzas and Kaiju,<br />
serving creative <strong>Thai</strong>-Japanese fusion<br />
dishes, also occupying space within APW.<br />
Weekends are when the area truly<br />
comes alive as APW has become a<br />
prominent brunch destination, thanks<br />
to the inventive chefs at the Breakfast<br />
Thieves and well-trained Baristas<br />
at Pulp, a hip and happening coffee<br />
roaster that has made APW their base<br />
of operations.<br />
Open daily, 29 Jalan Riong, Bangsar,<br />
apw.my<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Best of Malaysia<br />
Under One Roof<br />
Nestled within the lush and vibrant<br />
Lake Gardens, surrounded by expansive<br />
trees is this unassuming, yet highlypopular<br />
Malay Restaurant. Situated<br />
on the top floor of a multi-storey car<br />
park, Restoran Rebung could be a hard<br />
find for first-timers, but local diners<br />
continuously make a beeline for this<br />
eatery when the hunger pangs strike<br />
for authentic Malay cuisine.<br />
Owned and operated by local Chef<br />
Ismail, a familiar name in the culinary<br />
circle in the country, Rebung dishes<br />
out a wide array of local delights and<br />
specialities. Do not allow the simple<br />
décor of the restaurant to fool you as<br />
an impressive spread of dishes await<br />
the moment you pass through the<br />
entrance way. For small eaters, there is<br />
a downside as there is no a la carte menu<br />
here as the restaurant caters exclusively<br />
for buffets, but the good news is Rebung<br />
is not short on classic Malay dishes.<br />
Regulars can attest to that Rebung<br />
delivers the best of Malaysia under<br />
one roof, including some hard to find<br />
Malay fare, which can only be found<br />
upon venturing out to the outskirts of<br />
the city. Best of all, they’re all laid out<br />
across an impressive spread for diners<br />
to savour to their hearts content. Just<br />
be prepared to bring an appetite and<br />
you’ll be duly rewarded.<br />
Open 9am to 10pm, Level 5 of<br />
Bukit Aman Multi-Storey Carpark,<br />
restoranrebungdatochefismail.com<br />
RELIVE THE MAGIC<br />
The fantastical world of Harry Potter<br />
comes to life once again with a new<br />
concert series. Harry Potter & the<br />
Philosopher’s Stone in concert will see the<br />
beloved film screened on a large highdefinition<br />
screen whilst accompanied by<br />
live music performed by a full orchestra.<br />
The concert series has already made<br />
its way around the world with sold-out<br />
performances in major cities across the<br />
globe. In <strong>Nov</strong>ember, Malaysia hosts this<br />
exclusive event, which will be performed<br />
by the National Symphonic Orchestra<br />
at the Plenary Hall at the Kuala Lumpur<br />
Convention Centre.<br />
Audiences will not only get to relive<br />
the magic of the film, which kick-started<br />
the highly-popular franchise, but also hear<br />
the mastery of John Williams’ unforgettable<br />
film score performed note for note as the<br />
magic unfolds on screen. 4-5 <strong>Nov</strong>ember,<br />
harrypotterinconcert.com<br />
CHRISTMAS WITH KITARO<br />
Grammy-award winning artiste Kitaro will be entertaining<br />
audiences on Christmas Eve at Resorts World Genting<br />
Highlands. The Japanese supreme instrumentalist, famous for<br />
his brand of contemplative, highly melodic synthesizer music,<br />
will showcase his renowned talents with a latest creative<br />
effort, Kojiki and the Universe.<br />
An experiment in merging music with the movies of the<br />
universe, Kitaro will perform his signature music – which<br />
will be accompanied by dynamic images of the universe that<br />
were provided by both the Kyoto University as well as NASA.<br />
By merging his melodic sounds along with actual time-lapse<br />
images of the cosmos, audiences and fans will undoubtedly be<br />
treated to a multi-sensory feast of the<br />
senses provided by one of music’s true<br />
masters. 24 <strong>Dec</strong>ember, rwgenting.com<br />
118
HAPPENINGS<br />
MYANMAR<br />
BAGAN / MANDALAY / YANGON<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Ayeyarwady<br />
Journey<br />
Feel the first winter breeze greet<br />
your face on the MGRG Express,<br />
the popular express boat that’s<br />
been gliding on the Ayeyarwady<br />
River since 2001. The company that<br />
created the cruise has launched a<br />
new MGRG Express which brings<br />
passengers back and forth between<br />
Mandalay and Bagan. Outfitted<br />
with a new attractive design, a<br />
focus has been given to passenger<br />
safety and comfort along the trip.<br />
Promising a pleasant journey, this<br />
scenic river trip passes pagodas<br />
and Buddhist temples on both<br />
sides of the riverbanks. Just sit<br />
back and seek out sights of serene<br />
river life. The one-day trip departs<br />
Mandalay at around 7am and<br />
arrives Bagan in the evening.<br />
mgrgexpress.com,<br />
+95 2 66204, +95 11 202734<br />
BIKING IN AND AROUND YANGON<br />
Warm up in the cooler season with<br />
a bike ride around Yangon. Apart<br />
from roaming around the city to<br />
see popular tourist attractions, you<br />
can also enjoy seeing Yangon in<br />
a more intimate way. Bike World<br />
Explores Myanmar (BWEM) offers<br />
a Friday night ride in downtown<br />
Yangon or a Sunday morning bike<br />
ride outside of Yangon. The night<br />
ride ambles through the downtown<br />
area with stops at various spots<br />
for drinks and to regroup, with a<br />
return to the starting point around<br />
midnight. You can also enjoy an<br />
entire day cycling on Sunday as the<br />
trip departs at 6.30am. Cyclists are<br />
taken by vehicle to a destination<br />
30 miles north of Yangon where<br />
the off-road ride commences. The<br />
activity ends with a vehicle trip<br />
back to Yangon, arriving about<br />
3pm. cyclingmyanmar.com,<br />
+95 1 527 636<br />
TO MARKET, TO MARKET<br />
Visiting a local food market is one way to observe a bit of local<br />
charm and see artisanal products invitingly displayed. Around<br />
16 kilometres south of downtown Yangon, the town of Thanlyin<br />
formerly known as Syriam, served as a port during the late<br />
1500s and early 1600s. Now it is the well-known site for the<br />
covered area of Thanlyin market. Even though it is situated<br />
close to the country’s new Special Economic Zone, Thanlyin<br />
market is still able to keep its original ambiance. The market<br />
offers fresh seafood at reasonable prices, fresh fruits and<br />
vegetables and local cooking ingredients. Even if you don’t buy<br />
anything, the market is still worth the visit.<br />
Open daily, 16 kilometres south of Yangon<br />
120
HAPPENINGS<br />
CAMBODIA<br />
PHNOM PENH<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The 240 by Maads<br />
For more contemporary fashion<br />
and designs in Phnom Penh, The<br />
240 by Maads offers colourful<br />
selections of designed products by<br />
both local Cambodian, regional and<br />
international artists. The result is a<br />
wide choice of fashion, accessories,<br />
and home decorations that serve<br />
as ideal souvenirs. The bright<br />
yellow concept store is adjacent<br />
to a café, also run by Maads, one<br />
of Cambodia’s leading hospitality<br />
groups with a repertoire of<br />
hotels and restaurants. The<br />
café serves light meals, coffees<br />
and a myriad of drinks. The 240<br />
Starting off as an NGO-based entity back in 1955, Rajana Crafts<br />
was founded to revive the Cambodian arts and design grandeur that<br />
existed from the 9th to 14th century, with an emphasis on resurrecting<br />
the creative talents of the local people. By offering Cambodian people<br />
a sustainable income through their crafts, the organisation has also<br />
offered people a chance to work from home while caring for their<br />
family. Now an independent Cambodian-run nonprofit and social<br />
enterprise, Rajana has two shops in Phnom Penh, one on Street 240<br />
and the other on Street 450. facebook.com/rajanacrafts<br />
features sustainable craft products from<br />
Pomelo for Myanmar, a non-profit craft<br />
shop that supports the livelihoods of 30<br />
disadvantaged group and artisans, as well<br />
as Laurent Villate’s collection of paintings<br />
with the “Views of Phnom Penh,” series.<br />
Vibrant patterned jackets by designer<br />
Anna Lou and a handcrafted map by<br />
Travel Roll from Raphael Seyfried are<br />
among the striking pieces. Eclectic pieces<br />
of furniture are potential buys to surely<br />
change the design mood of your abode<br />
back home. facebook.com/The240pp<br />
GOOD THINGS<br />
On the leafy street of 240 in Phnom Penh sits a special shopping<br />
destination for memorable Cambodian souvenirs. Rajana Crafts dedicates<br />
its inventory to showcasing and selling handcrafted items made and<br />
designed by Cambodian villagers and craftspeople. In one of its stores<br />
on a hip street in Phnom Penh, products range from Khmer-art inspired<br />
jewellery, pottery, clothing, and accessories to Cambodian’s signature<br />
shawls and scarves.<br />
A POOLSIDE CINEMA PARADISO<br />
Enjoy movie classics under the nostalgic<br />
Cambodian sky. From <strong>Nov</strong>ember until<br />
<strong>Dec</strong>ember 20, <strong>2017</strong>, the Raffles Hotel<br />
Le Royal in Phnom Penh is organising<br />
their annual ritual of ‘Cinema Paradiso’,<br />
showcasing film classics by the pool.<br />
The screening schedules beckon movie<br />
buffs with a classic selection, ranging<br />
from Amadeus (1984) on <strong>Nov</strong>ember 15<br />
and Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (1967)<br />
on <strong>Nov</strong>ember 22, to Jackie (2016) on<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 29 and Raiders of the Lost Ark<br />
(1990) on <strong>Dec</strong>ember 6 and Home Alone<br />
(1981) on <strong>Dec</strong>ember 20.<br />
Seating for the feature starts at<br />
6.30pm, while the movie comes on at<br />
7.00pm. Held every year at Raffles Hotel<br />
Le Royal, guests and non-guests alike can<br />
enjoy the hotel’s iconic pool garden. Price<br />
is US$23 per person, inclusive of half a<br />
bottle of wine, finger foods and canapés<br />
or US$35 for half a bottle of Cava. So,<br />
bring a friend, order a whole bottle<br />
and indulge in an evening in the hotel’s<br />
elegant surroundings and its atmospheric<br />
past of the Cambodian capital.<br />
122
HAPPENINGS<br />
LAOS / VIETNAM<br />
LUANG PRABANG / DANANG / HO CHI MINH / HOI AN<br />
ROMAN HOLIDAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
3D Art<br />
Following its success in <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
“Art in Paradise” – the world’s<br />
biggest 3D Art museum – finally<br />
makes it to Vietnam’s booming<br />
resort town of Danang. Its popularity<br />
may transcend that of other cultural<br />
spots like museums as the largescale<br />
three-dimensional art pieces<br />
try to tempt visitors with its brand<br />
of humour and entertainment. Art<br />
in Paradise Danang showcases a<br />
collection of more than 130 unique<br />
and extraordinary three-dimensional<br />
art pieces.<br />
With ‘Art in Paradise Danang’,<br />
you enter a modern white building at<br />
C2 Block at 10 Tran Nhan Tong Street<br />
with anticipation. Then, shoes are<br />
requested to be taken off. Next is a<br />
surprising sight and a mind-blowing<br />
look at 3D art collections like that of<br />
a dark creepy tower, the Smurfs and<br />
a Flying Carpet. They look real,<br />
if startling, in all dimensions.<br />
Distributed in several large rooms,<br />
the artwork done by South Korean<br />
artists is impressive in scale and<br />
dimension. People will try to strike<br />
the silliest pose and before you know<br />
it, you’ll want to do the same, like<br />
trying to tame a lion. Open daily from<br />
9am to 10pm, facebook.com/aipdanang,<br />
+84 91 159 11 00<br />
FULL MOON IN HOI AN<br />
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 45 minutes south of<br />
Danang, will turn off city lights and let moonlight transform<br />
the ancient port town into a magical night; complemented<br />
with flickering light from candles and silk lanterns. The<br />
riverside town, with its mix of eras and styles that range from<br />
wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colourful French<br />
colonial buildings and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge,<br />
celebrates the Hoi An Lantern Festival every full moon night,<br />
and <strong>Nov</strong>ember and <strong>Dec</strong>ember are the best times to enjoy the<br />
fresh air and enjoy the atmospheric town lit up. The two last<br />
full moons of the year are on <strong>Nov</strong>ember 2 and <strong>Dec</strong>ember 1.<br />
vietnamtourism.gov.vn<br />
Known as the capital of motorcycles, Ho<br />
Chi Minh City has more than four million<br />
bikes and another 1,500 are added each<br />
year. The Vietnamese believe their scooters<br />
and mopeds can carry anyone – including<br />
the tourists – to anywhere, anytime.<br />
Like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck<br />
did in “Roman Holiday”, visitors can enjoy<br />
a larger dose of adventure on a vintage<br />
Vespa in Ho Chi Minh City. Tours offered<br />
by Vietnam Vespa Adventures transport<br />
visitors to the city’s lesser-know areas on<br />
beautifully restored vintage scooters.<br />
A well-versed local guide leads halfday<br />
options like the “Insider’s Saigon”,<br />
traversing through the streets for views of<br />
city life including local stops past temples<br />
smoky with incense sticks in the old<br />
Cholon nieghbourhood, or places where<br />
bird owners gather on weekend mornings<br />
as they take their tweeting pets out for<br />
the day. Significant places in history, like<br />
the spot where the Buddhist monk Thich<br />
Quang Duc burned himself to death, are<br />
covered in the tour.<br />
Snarling traffic and negotiating through<br />
historic street blocks and alleys make<br />
motorcycles the obvious vehicle of choice.<br />
When cars and buses stop at red lights,<br />
scooters fill the gaps and try to stay at<br />
the front row. Before traffic lights turn<br />
green, tourists exchange greetings with<br />
local riders and riders themselves flirt with<br />
drivers. Yet the romance is fleeting. As<br />
soon as the lights change, scooters dash<br />
away on their journey. vespaadventures.com<br />
ALFRESCO FILM FEST<br />
The annual Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) returns to the<br />
ancient Lao capital on <strong>Dec</strong>ember 8-13, transforming the fabled<br />
riverside town into an open-air cinema. The festival showcases<br />
a range of feature film screenings, short film programmes, panel<br />
discussions, and events. This year, LPFF audiences and visitors alike<br />
can look forward to a continuation of the SPOTLIGHT programme<br />
with a new focus on <strong>Thai</strong>land, led by Bangkok Post writer Kong<br />
Rithdee. With a current <strong>Thai</strong> film industry flourishing across many<br />
genres, this year’s SPOTLIGHT on <strong>Thai</strong> films should be fascinating<br />
for festivalgoers. One of Asia’s most ambitious cinematic events,<br />
LPFF might be the world’s only film festival held in a location<br />
without a single movie theatre. The festival has become known as<br />
an unmissable event for filmmakers from across the region, with<br />
plenty of networking opportunities with professionals from the<br />
ever-expanding Southeast Asian film industry. LPFF also stands<br />
apart from other film festivals in that it gives audience members<br />
intimate access to filmmakers, whether it be after their screenings,<br />
at public discussions, or at festival events. lpfilmfest.org<br />
124
HAPPENINGS<br />
INDIA<br />
MUMBAI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Eat Street<br />
Mumbai’s dining scene has seen<br />
resurgence lately and whether you’re<br />
looking for global cuisine or Indian<br />
food, the city will not disappoint. For<br />
an innovative take on regional Indian<br />
food, head to The Bombay Canteen.<br />
Feast on the must-have Kejriwal<br />
Toast, a crunchy housemade pao<br />
(bread) topped with creamy egg, and<br />
laced with spicy coriander and chilli<br />
chutney. If you’re dining in a group,<br />
pre-order their succulent Milkbraised<br />
Kashmiri Raan (roast leg of<br />
lamb) served with a fragrant Yakhni<br />
Pulao (rice dish). For an updated<br />
take on the city’s beloved Irani cafés,<br />
check out SodaBottleOpenerWala’s<br />
range of Parsi dishes, from Chicken<br />
Baida Roti (a wrap) and Berry Pulao to<br />
Dhansak (mix of lentils, vegetables,<br />
and meat) and Lagan nu Custard<br />
(baked caramel custard). If you’re<br />
looking for a swinging time, there<br />
are several new watering holes worth<br />
visiting. Toast & Tonic serves up<br />
some excellent gin cocktails. Try<br />
The Herbalist, a generous splash<br />
of gin with basil and orange tonic,<br />
which pairs splendidly with any of<br />
their small plates – we are partial<br />
to the Bajra (millet) and Ricotta<br />
Gnudi, and the Andouille Sausage<br />
(...continued from the front flap)<br />
on Sourdough Toast.<br />
In this explosive<br />
Across<br />
book, bestselling author Shashi<br />
town, at<br />
Tharoor reveals with acuity, impeccable research, and<br />
trademark wit, just how disastrous British rule was for<br />
Kode, partake of some India. Besides examining innovative the many ways which the and<br />
colonizers exploited India, ranging from the drain of<br />
national resources to Britain, the destruction of the<br />
Indian textile, steel-making and shipping industries, and<br />
theatrical ‘three-course’ the negative transformation of cocktails<br />
agriculture, he demolishes<br />
the arguments of Western and Indian apologists<br />
for Empire on supposed benefits of British rule,<br />
– we recommend<br />
including<br />
their<br />
democracy and<br />
take<br />
political freedom,<br />
on<br />
the rule of<br />
law, and the railways. The few unarguable benefits—the<br />
English language, tea, and cricket—were never actually<br />
intended for the benefit of the colonized but introduced<br />
the Bloody Mary, which to serve the interests of the is colonizers. served<br />
Brilliantly<br />
narrated and passionately argued, An Era of Darkness<br />
will serve to correct many misconceptions about one of<br />
the most contested periods of Indian history.<br />
with frozen lime foam and vodka<br />
Q<br />
SHASHI THAROOR is the bestselling author of fifteen<br />
macaron. The Bombay previous books, Canteen, both fiction and non-fiction, Unit besides 1,<br />
being a noted critic and columnist. His books include<br />
the path-breaking satire The Great Indian <strong>Nov</strong>el (1989),<br />
the classic India: From Midnight to the Millennium<br />
Process House, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel;<br />
(1997), and most recently, India Shastra: Reflections<br />
on the Nation in Our Time (2015). He was a former<br />
Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and<br />
SodaBottleOpenerWala, a former Minister 02, of State Ground for Human Resource Floor,<br />
Development and Minister of State for External Affairs<br />
in the Government of India. He is a two-time member<br />
of the Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram chairs<br />
The Capital Building, G Block, Bandra Kurla<br />
Parliament’s External Affairs Committee. He has won<br />
numerous literary awards, including a Commonwealth<br />
Writers’ Prize, and was honoured as New Age Politician<br />
Complex; Toast & Tonic, of the Year Unit (2010) by NDTV. 1, He was Ground awarded the Floor,<br />
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest honour for<br />
overseas Indians. [For more on Shashi Tharoor, please<br />
see www.shashitharoor.in. Follow him on Twitter<br />
Jet Airways-Godrej BKC @ShashiTharoor Building, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Bandra<br />
ShashiTharoor].<br />
Cover painting: OFFICER OF 16TH LANCERS, India, 1846<br />
Kurla Complex; Kode, © MarkChurms.com Unit 11, 1994. All Rights Oasis Reserved City, Gate<br />
Cover design: Bena Sareen<br />
No. 4, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel<br />
`699<br />
ALEPH BOOK COMPANY<br />
An independent publishing firm<br />
promoted by Rupa Publications India<br />
non-fiction<br />
www.alephbookcompany.com<br />
AN ERA OF SHASHI<br />
DARKNESS THAROOR<br />
STAGE CALL<br />
The city’s theatre season comes alive now, with both the premier<br />
venues in the city putting up a scintillating calendar of plays and events.<br />
Whether you choose to head to South Mumbai at the venerable NCPA<br />
(ncpamumbai.com) at Nariman Point, or to the suburban gem of Prithvi<br />
Theatre (prithvitheatre.org) in Bandra, you will be spoilt for choice. And<br />
since last year, a new icon has been added to the city’s theatre scene<br />
– the 100-year-old Royal Opera House recently reopened following<br />
an extensive renovation programme. The plush, three-tier auditorium<br />
has been restored to its Baroque glory, complete with gilded ceilings,<br />
decorated domes, elaborate chandeliers, stately balconies, and deep red<br />
upholstery. It’s quite an experience catching a performance in its regal<br />
ambience. The opera house currently hosts plays and events, though it<br />
did host the Italian opera Il Matrimonio Segreto in July. Check out the<br />
schedule at the three venues for the days of your visit, and book your<br />
tickets online at bookmyshow.com.<br />
‘Rare indeed is it to come across...<br />
history that is so readable and<br />
so persuasive.’—AmitAv Ghosh<br />
BOOK CLUB<br />
n 1930, the American historian and philosopher<br />
IWill Durant wrote that Britain’s ‘conscious and<br />
deliberate This bleeding is of India… also [was the] the greatest crime time when the literati<br />
in all history’. He was not the only one to denounce the<br />
rapacity and cruelty of British rule, and his assessment<br />
was descend not exaggerated. Almost thirty-five upon million Indians the city with not one<br />
died because of acts of commission and omission by<br />
the British—in famines, epidemics, communal riots and<br />
wholesale but slaughter two like the reprisal literature killings after the festivals in the<br />
1857 War of Independence and the Amritsar massacre<br />
of 1919. Besides the deaths of Indians, British rule<br />
impoverished offing. India a Tata manner that beggars Lit belief. Live! (litlive.in) kicks<br />
When the East India Company took control of the<br />
country, the chaos that ensued after the collapse of<br />
the things Mughal empire, India’s off share in of world <strong>Nov</strong>ember GDP was with four days<br />
23 per cent. When the British left it was just above<br />
3 per cent.<br />
of author discussions, book launches,<br />
The British empire in India began with the East India<br />
Company, incorporated in 1600, by royal charter of<br />
Her workshops, Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, to trade writing in silk, spices contests and<br />
and other profitable Indian commodities. Within<br />
a century and a half, the Company had become a<br />
power more. to reckon with The in India. In 1757, festival under the will be held from<br />
command of Robert Clive, Company forces defeated<br />
the ruling Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula of Bengal at Plassey,<br />
through 16-19 a combination of <strong>Nov</strong>ember superior artillery and even this year at NCPA<br />
more superior chicanery. A few years later, the young<br />
and weakened Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, was<br />
browbeaten and into Prithvi issuing an edict that Theatre. replaced his own Come <strong>Dec</strong>ember,<br />
revenue officials with the Company’s representatives.<br />
Over the next several decades, the East India Company,<br />
backed Times by the British government, Litfest extended (timeslitfest.com) its control<br />
takes<br />
over most of India, ruling with a combination of<br />
extortion, double-dealing, and outright corruption<br />
backed things by violence and superior force. a notch This state of with literature<br />
affairs continued until 1857, when large numbers of the<br />
Company’s Indian soldiers spearheaded the first major<br />
rebellion events against colonial interspersed rule. After the rebels were with music and<br />
defeated, the British Crown took over power and<br />
ruled the country ostensibly more benignly until 1947,<br />
when entertainment. India won independence. Catch the action<br />
(continued on the back flap...)<br />
from 15-17 <strong>Dec</strong>ember at Mehboob<br />
Studios in Bandra.<br />
126
HAPPENINGS<br />
MALDIVES<br />
If you’ve got time in Malé before<br />
heading out to your atoll of choice,<br />
consider a tour in the capital city.<br />
A street grid plan makes directions<br />
easy, stroll are easily accomplished in<br />
a few hours, or join a guided tour with<br />
information that can be provided at<br />
your guesthouse or hotel.<br />
Wander around the friendly town<br />
and take in sights like Sultan Park,<br />
which now sits on former palace<br />
grounds in the 16th century and the<br />
President’s palace, Mulee Aage, in<br />
a colonial-style bungalow design.<br />
There’s the National Museum and the<br />
golden-domed Grand Friday Mosque,<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Malé Kind of Day<br />
ULTIMATE BEST<br />
Being praised as Asia’s<br />
Best Airport Hotel by the<br />
International Hotel Awards<br />
three years in a row is of<br />
high accolade. Ticking off<br />
all the right boxes for views<br />
and service and beyond<br />
has propelled the Hulhule<br />
Island Hotel to international<br />
recognition.<br />
Located on the other side<br />
of the Maldivian capital Malé,<br />
a stay at one of the hotel’s<br />
136 luxurious guest rooms<br />
promises unobstructed views<br />
of the magnificent blue sea<br />
and pristine private beach. It’s<br />
among one the top choices<br />
of superstars and VIPs as<br />
the place to recharge before<br />
embarking on their journey<br />
to the islands. To unwind,<br />
there’s the spa’s traditional<br />
Balinese massage for starters,<br />
or a variety of sports such as<br />
golf, beach volleyball, tennis<br />
and basketball as other leisure<br />
time options. If there’s a desire<br />
to visit the capital of Malé, a<br />
shuttle boat service is at the<br />
ready. hih.com.mv<br />
and the historic, 17th century Hukuru<br />
Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), often<br />
described as looking like a wedding<br />
cake. Check beforehand to see which<br />
buildings allow drop-in visitors. The<br />
main market offers a local spectrum<br />
of fresh seafood, enticing fruits and<br />
vegetables, including fabrics and<br />
items every household needs in<br />
colourful displays. At the Malé main<br />
waterfront esplanade and boat<br />
harbour, village ferries and resort<br />
launches run along the strikingly<br />
blue waters to several points in<br />
North Malé Atoll’s numerous islands.<br />
visitmaldives.com<br />
SAVING A NATURAL BEAUTY<br />
Consisting of 26 atolls, all 1,190 islands of the Maldives are inhabited – but not with humans as the<br />
majority. With a total area of about 90,000 square kilometres, the Maldives has a long history as rich as<br />
other places on earth. Once seized by Portugal and later a part of Ceylon before Great Britain, Maldivian<br />
independence came in 1953, followed by a series of reforms and development.<br />
Now, some hotel properties are working hard to ensure that this tropical getaway maintains<br />
its beauty. The blue atolls with their extensive coral islands, and corals are vulnerable to strong waves,<br />
winds, currents and rising temperatures that can wreck or uproot them. They are addressing the issue<br />
of coral bleaching, as the coral is described as being deprived of the algae that provides 80 per cent of its<br />
nutrients. The Centara Ras Fushi, as part of their CSR activity with hotel guests, organises regular<br />
re-planting events and nurseries for such corals. Guests are invited to join their coral recovery programme<br />
in which Best Dives offers educational activities with trained divers who provide guidance through proper<br />
replanting procedures. Two types of corals – hard and soft – are maintained and replanted at the ridges<br />
around the resort, a popular snorkelling spot. centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/crf, +960 664 3880<br />
128
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 132 / ROUTE MAP 140 / AIRCRAFT INFO 142 / AIRPORT MAP 144<br />
131
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
10 LUCKY WINNERS<br />
FROM THE CUSTOMER<br />
SATISFACTION<br />
SURVEY<br />
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />
led by Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth,<br />
President (3rd from Left) together with<br />
Mr. Prote Setsuwan, Vice President<br />
– Marketing (4th from Left) and Mrs.<br />
Darunee Debavalya, Senior Director –<br />
Customer Satisfaction and Relationship<br />
Management (2nd from Left) had the<br />
pleasure of selecting 10 lucky winners.<br />
This resulted from the Bangkok<br />
Airways Customer Satisfaction Survey<br />
1/<strong>2017</strong>. The ceremony was held at<br />
Bangkok Airways Ticketing Office on<br />
Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดยนายพุฒิพงศ์<br />
ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่<br />
(กลาง) พร้อมด้วย คุณพรต เสตสุวรรณ<br />
รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ ฝ่ายการตลาด<br />
(ที่ 4 จากซ้าย) และคุณดรุณี เทพวัลย์<br />
ผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสส่วนบริหารความพึงพอใจและ<br />
ความสัมพันธ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย) เป็นประธาน<br />
จับรางวัลผู้โชคดี 10 ท่าน จากการสำรวจความ<br />
พึงพอใจของผู้โดยสาร ครั้งที่ 1 ประจำปี พ.ศ.<br />
2560 ณ สำนักงานออกบัตรโดยสาร สายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ถนนวิภาวดีรังสิต<br />
1. Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways (Middle) 2. Mr. Michael Chow, Group Publisher – Travel group of TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd.<br />
(2nd from left) 3. Mr. Pierre Quek, Online Publisher, of TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. (2nd from right)<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS VOTED BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE <strong>2017</strong> BY TTG ASIA<br />
Recently, Bangkok Airways<br />
Public Company Limited, led<br />
by President Mr. Puttipong<br />
Prasarttong-Osoth, received<br />
the “Best Regional Airline<br />
<strong>2017</strong> Award.” Mr. Michael<br />
Chow, Group Publisher of<br />
the travel group TTG Asia<br />
Media, presented the award<br />
at the 28th Annual TTG Travel<br />
Awards <strong>2017</strong> Ceremony<br />
and Gala Dinner, held at the<br />
World Ballroom of Centara<br />
Grand at Central World.<br />
Mr. Puttipong said, “On<br />
behalf of everyone at Bangkok<br />
Airways, I am proud to receive<br />
the TTG Travel Awards as Best<br />
Regional Airline this year. With<br />
our years of experience, we<br />
recognise this esteemed award<br />
and our airline is honoured to<br />
be acknowledged. I would like<br />
to extend our thanks to all the<br />
readers of TTG Asia, TTG China,<br />
TTG India, TTG Mice, TTG BT Mice<br />
China, other TTG Associations<br />
and TTG Asia Luxury for<br />
casting their votes for us. This<br />
achievement not only reflects<br />
our internationally recognised<br />
level of service and safety<br />
standards, it also strengthens<br />
our commitment to delivering<br />
excellent services and products<br />
for our passengers and making<br />
Bangkok Airways “Asia’s Boutique<br />
Airline”.<br />
Organised annually by<br />
TTG Asia, the TTG Asia Travel<br />
Awards honours the best of<br />
the best in the Asia-Pacific<br />
travel trade. This prestigious<br />
travel industry event marks<br />
a time for the industry<br />
to recognise exemplary<br />
organisations that raise the<br />
bar of excellence.<br />
เมื่อเร็วนี้ๆ บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ สายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ได้รับรางวัลสายการบินระดับภูมิภาค<br />
ยอดเยี่ยมประจำปี 2560 จากการประกาศรางวัล ทีทีจี ทราเวล<br />
อวอร์ดส์ ครั้งที่ 28 โดยมีนายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ เข้ารับมอบรางวัล ณ ห้องเวิลด์<br />
บอลรูม โรงแรมเซ็นทารา แกรนด์ แอท เซ็นทรัลเวิลด์<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส กล่าวว่า “ผมในฐานะตัวแทนของ<br />
ผู้บริหารและพนักงานบางกอกแอร์เวย์สทุกคนรู้สึกยินดีและเป็น<br />
เกียรติอย่างยิ่งที่ได้รับรางวัลสายการบินระดับภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมใน<br />
ปีนี ้ ผมขอแสดงความขอบคุณต่อผู้อ่านนิตยสาร ทีทีจี เอเชีย (TTG<br />
Asia) ทีทีจี ไชน่า (TTG China) ทีทีจี อินเดีย (TTG India) ทีทีจี ไมซ์<br />
(TTG Mice) ทีทีจี บีทีไมซ์ ไชน่า (TTG BT Mice China) สมาคมใน<br />
กลุ่มทีทีจี (TTG Associations) และ ทีทีจี เอเชีย ลักชัวรี่ (TTG<br />
Asia Luxury) ทุกท่านที่ลงคะแนนโหวตให้เรา ความสำเร็จในครั้งนี้<br />
นอกจากจะสะท้อนให้เห็นถึงคุณภาพการบริการและมาตรฐาน<br />
ความปลอดภัยของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สซึ่งเป็นที่ยอมรับ<br />
ในระดับสากลแล้ว ยังแสดงให้เห็นถึงความตั้งใจของสายการบินฯ ที่<br />
มุ่งมั่นสร้างสรรค์และส่งมอบผลิตภัณฑ์และการบริการที่เป็นเลิศ<br />
เพื่อความประทับใจสูงสุดของผู้โดยสารภายใต้สโลแกน 'Asia's<br />
Boutique Airline' อีกด้วย”<br />
รางวัลทีทีจี ทราเวล อวอร์ดส์ จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี เพื่อเป็น<br />
เกียรติแก่บุคคลและองค์กรในอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวที่มีความ<br />
โดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก<br />
SMOOTH TRAVELS FOR SAMUI<br />
Congratulations were given for the<br />
signing of the Memorandum of<br />
Agreement (MOU) between Universal<br />
Aviation <strong>Thai</strong>land, a global network of<br />
private aviation services and Bangkok<br />
Airways Ground Services, Ltd. (PGGS),<br />
the dedicated ground handler for Samui<br />
International Airport (VTSM).<br />
In the joint cooperation called ‘The<br />
Gem,’ the signed memorandum involves<br />
the exclusive ground handling of private<br />
jets, ensuring exceptional operational<br />
expertise to maximise the VIP experience<br />
for the passengers and crew. For both<br />
business or leisure travellers, hassle-free<br />
travel arrangements ensure more time<br />
and enjoyment on Koh Samui.<br />
A cocktail party took place on<br />
September 12, <strong>2017</strong> at Celes Beachfront<br />
Resort, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, following<br />
the announcement.<br />
ขอแสดงความยินดีกับการร่วมกันเป็นพันธมิตร<br />
ทางธุรกิจระหว่าง Universal Aviation <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
บริษัทที่ดำเนินธุรกิจการบินเอกชน และบริษัท<br />
การบินกรุงเทพบริการภาคพื้น จำกัด (PGGS)<br />
ในฐานะผู้ให้บริการการจัดการภาคพื้นดิน<br />
พิเศษสำหรับเที่ยวบินเอกชนและเที่ยวบินเช่าเหมา<br />
ลำที่สนามบินนานาชาติเกาะสมุย (VTSM) ภายใต้<br />
ชื ่อ “The Gem” โดยในการร่วมมือทางธุรกิจนี ้จะ<br />
ให้บริการพิเศษแก่ลูกค้าวีไอพีและลูกเรือจาก<br />
เที่ยวบินเอกชนต่างๆ ที่เดินทางมาเยือนเกาะสมุย<br />
ได้รับความสะดวกสบายและประทับใจที่สุดไม่ว่า<br />
จะเป็นการเดินทางมาเพื่อทำธุรกิจหรือเพื่อการ<br />
พักผ่อน โดยงานสังสรรค์ พบปะเพื่อแลกเปลี่ยน<br />
มุมมองทางธุรกิจนี้จัดขึ้นมื่อวันที่ 12 กันยายน<br />
2560 ที่ผ่านมา ณ โรงแรมเซเลส บีชฟร้อนท์<br />
อ.เกาะสมุย จ. สุราษฎร์ธานี<br />
132<br />
133
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
FLYERBONUS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH THE NEW<br />
DIRECT ROUTE BETWEEN<br />
BANGKOK AND PHU QUOC (VIETNAM)<br />
Bangkok Airways led by President<br />
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
organised a press briefing event to<br />
announce its direct flight between<br />
Bangkok–Phu Quoc (Vietnam) as well<br />
as the photo exhibition “Phu Quoc…<br />
Pearl of Southern Vietnam.” The event<br />
was held at the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge<br />
of Bangkok Airways, Suvarnabhumi Airport<br />
and attended by many distinguished<br />
guests including H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hai Ban,<br />
Ambassador of Vietnam to the Kingdom<br />
of <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
said, “Located in the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
the beautiful Phu Quoc – known as<br />
Pearl Island, is Vietnam’s largest island.<br />
Phu Quoc has recently been appointed<br />
as a Special Economic Zone by the<br />
Vietnamese government with the<br />
expected annual economic growth up to<br />
25-30%. According to the latest statistics,<br />
in 2016 Phu Quoc has attracted over<br />
1.45 million tourists from all over the world.<br />
With the 30-day visa free policy for<br />
foreigners, Phu Quoc now is one of the<br />
most popular tourism destinations in<br />
Southeast Asia for European travellers,<br />
especially Germany, England, France,<br />
Switzerland and Russia.”<br />
“This new service is considered<br />
another milestone for us as this makes<br />
Bangkok Airways the only scheduled<br />
airline to fly to Phu Quoc from <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
This new launch is not only to enhance<br />
Bangkok Airways’ network to cover the<br />
Indochina region, but also to provide<br />
better flight connections for European,<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> and Vietnamese customers as well<br />
as offering regional connecting routes<br />
to Phu Quoc Island for its long-haul<br />
codeshare partners. Moreover, it is<br />
easier for our passengers to connect to<br />
Phu Quoc and other major gateways of<br />
Vietnam such as Danang, Hanoi and<br />
Ho Chi Minh City.”<br />
Bangkok Airways’ direct flights<br />
between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and<br />
Phu Quoc International Airport started<br />
from 29 October <strong>2017</strong> onwards. The<br />
airline will offer four flights weekly<br />
(Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday).<br />
For reservations, please contact the<br />
Bangkok Airways 24 hrs Call Centre<br />
at 1771 or www.bangkokair.com for<br />
more information.<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส จัดงาน Press<br />
Briefing เปิดเส้นทางบินใหม่ กรุงเทพฯ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก<br />
(เวียดนาม) พร้อมเปิดงานนิทรรศการภาพถ่าย<br />
“เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก... ไข่มุกแห่งเวียดนามตอนใต้”<br />
โดยมี นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ<br />
ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
เป็นประธานร่วมกับ มร. เหงียน ไฮ บัง เอกอัครราชทูต<br />
เวียดนามประจำประเทศไทย ณ ห้องรับรอง<br />
ผู้โดยสารภายในประเทศของสายการบินบางกอก<br />
แอร์เวย์ส ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ<br />
ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
กล่าวว่า “เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก เป็นเกาะที่ใหญ่ที่สุดของ<br />
ประเทศเวียดนาม มีความงดงามทางธรรมชาติ<br />
จนได้รับการขนานนามว่าเป็นไข่มุกแห่งเวียดนาม<br />
ตอนใต้ และเป็นจุดหมายปลายทางที ่ได้รับ<br />
ความนิยมอย่างมากจากนักท่องเที่ยวทั่วโลก<br />
เนื่องจากมีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวทางธรรมชาติที่<br />
อุดมสมบูรณ์และแหล่งท่องเที่ยวเชิงวัฒนธรรม<br />
ที่หลากหลาย รวมทั้งเกาะฟู้โกว๊กยังได้รับการ<br />
พัฒนาจากรัฐบาลเวียดนามให้เป็นแหล่ง<br />
ท่องเที่ยวสำหรับตลาดไฮเอนด์ บางกอกแอร์<br />
เวย์สเล็งเห็นศักยภาพและเชื่อมั่นว่าเกาะฟู้โกว๊ก<br />
จะกลายเป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวที่ได้รับความนิยม<br />
มากอีกแห่งหนึ่งของภูมิภาคฯ จึงเปิดให้บริการ<br />
เส้นทางบินตรงระหว่าง กรุงเทพฯ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก<br />
ตั้งแต่ปลายเดือนตุลาคมที่ผ่านมา เพื่อรองรับ<br />
ตลาดนักท่องเที่ยวจากยุโรปที่เดินทางมาพักผ่อน<br />
ยังเกาะแห่งนี้เป็นประจำ”<br />
“การเปิดเส้นทางบินตรงครั้งนี้ถือเป็น<br />
หนึ่งในกลยุทธ์การขยายเครือข่ายเส้นทางบิน<br />
ของบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ให้ครอบคลุมประเทศใน<br />
กลุ่ม CLMV (กัมพูชา ลาว เมียนมาร์ เวียดนาม)<br />
เพื่ออำนวยความสะดวกให้แก่ผู้โดยสารที่<br />
เดินทางผ่านเที่ยวบินร่วมของสายการบิน<br />
พันธมิตร (codeshare partners) ในการเดินทาง<br />
เชื่อมต่อจากกรุงเทพฯ (สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ)<br />
ไปยังเมืองสำคัญและแหล่งท่องเที่ยวในภูมิภาคฯ<br />
อาทิ พนมเปญ เสียมราฐ เวียงจันทน์ หลวงพระบาง<br />
ย่างกุ้ง มัณฑะเลย์ เนปิดอว์ ดานัง และล่าสุด<br />
เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก ประเทศเวียดนาม สายการบินฯ<br />
หวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าเส้นทางบินใหม่นี้จะได้รับ<br />
ความนิยมจากนักท่องเที่ยวชาวไทย ชาวเวียดนาม<br />
และชาวต่างชาติ โดยรัฐบาลเวียดนามอนุญาต<br />
ให้ชาวต่างชาติเดินทางเข้าสู่เกาะฟู้โกว๊กโดย<br />
ไม่ต้องขอวีซ่าได้นานถึง 30 วัน ซึ่งถือเป็นการ<br />
อำนวยความสะดวกและดึงดูดให้นักท่องเที่ยว<br />
เดินทางมายังเกาะฟู้โกว๊กมากขึ้น” นายพุฒิพงศ์<br />
กล่าวเสริม<br />
เส้นทางบินกรุงเทพฯ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก ให้บริการ<br />
สัปดาห์ละ 4 เที่ยวบิน (อังคาร พฤหัสบดี ศุกร์<br />
และอาทิตย์)<br />
ผู้โดยสารที่สนใจสามารถสำรองที่นั่งได้ที่<br />
คอลเซ็นเตอร์ โทร. 1771 ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง<br />
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ก้าวสู่ยุคดิจิทัลกับฟลายเออร์โบนัส<br />
นับเป็นปีแห่งการก้าวกระโดดของการปรับตัวไปสู่ยุคดิจิทัลอย่าง<br />
เต็มรูปแบบสำหรับการดำรงชีวิตประจำวันในปัจจุบัน ฟลายเออร์โบนัส<br />
ได้เล็งเห็นถึงความสะดวกสบายและใกล้ชิดกับผู้โดยสารได้มากขึ้น<br />
ให้คุณได้สะสมคะแนนโดยแสดงบัตรแบบดิจิทัลที่ง่ายเพียงนิ้วสัมผัส และ<br />
ยังสามารถพกพาเพื่อสะสมคะแนนกับสายการบินและธุรกิจพันธมิตร<br />
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ที่ร่วมรายการ อัพเดตข่าวสารและอ่านข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมได้ที่<br />
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ใกล้ชิดคุณมากกว่าที่คุณคิด<br />
134<br />
135
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
“LOVE EARTH SAVE EARTH” YOUTH CONSERVATION CAMP<br />
The CSR Department of Bangkok Airways in<br />
cooperation with Sukhothai Airport, joined in the “Love<br />
Earth Save Earth” campaign at the youth conservation<br />
camp. Held on September 7-9 at Ramkamhaeng<br />
National Park in Kirimas district in Sukhothai, the<br />
ecological event included 70 secondary school<br />
students, teachers and youth role models from five<br />
schools participating in the event. These included<br />
Nong Pla Mo Wittayakhom, Swan Anan Wittaya,<br />
Sukhothai Wittayakhom, Udom Darunee and<br />
Si Samrong Chanupatham schools.<br />
The youth conservation camp aimed to educate<br />
and bring awareness among them about local<br />
environment conservation, especially in their local<br />
communities. The activities included educational<br />
walking tours through the park trails to experience<br />
the richness of the forest ecosystem, brainstorming<br />
local natural and environmental conservation<br />
projects, and presenting preservation guidelines<br />
for <strong>Thai</strong>land’s wildlife that are near extinction. The<br />
last activity is in accordance with the “United for<br />
Wildlife” project, with Bangkok Airways signing on<br />
to cooperate in wildlife preservation and protect<br />
near-extinct animals. The youth camp also aims<br />
to help cultivate a conscientious awareness in the<br />
younger generation and encourage them to pay<br />
better attention to protect their environment.<br />
เมื่อวันที่ 7-9 กันยายน 2560 ส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อสังคม (CSR) ร่วม<br />
กับสนามบินสุโขทัย จัดกิจกรรม “ค่ายเยาวชนรักษ์บ้านเกิด” ณ<br />
อุทยานแห่งชาติรามคำแหง อำเภอคีรีมาศ จังหวัดสุโขทัย โดยมี<br />
นักเรียนระดับชั้นมัธยมศึกษา คณะครู และกลุ่มเยาวชนต้นแบบ<br />
จังหวัดสุโขทัยจาก 5 โรงเรียน ได้แก่ โรงเรียนหนองปลาหมอ<br />
วิทยาคม โรงเรียนสวรรค์อนันต์วิทยา โรงเรียนสุโขทัยวิทยาคม<br />
โรงเรียนอุดมดรุณี และโรงเรียนศรีสำโรงชนูปถัมภ์ จำนวนรวม 70<br />
คนเข้าร่วมกิจกรรม<br />
วัตถุประสงค์ของการจัดค่ายฯ คือเพื่อให้เยาวชนได้เรียนรู้และ<br />
ตระหนักถึงการอนุรักษ์สิ่งแวดล้อมในท้องถิ่นและชุมชนที่ตนเอง<br />
อาศัยอยู่ ประกอบด้วยกิจกรรมเดินป่าในเส้นทางศึกษาธรรมชาติ<br />
ของอุทยานฯ เพื่อสัมผัสกับความอุดมสมบูรณ์ของระบบนิเวศป่าไม้<br />
การระดมความคิดโครงการอนุรักษ์ธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมใน<br />
ท้องถิ่น รวมถึงการนำเสนอแนวทางการอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าสงวนของ<br />
ไทยที่ใกล้สูญพันธุ์ ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับโครงการ United for Wildlife<br />
ที่บริษัทฯ ได้ลงนามเพื่อร่วมกันต่อต้านการค้าสัตว์ป่าและสัตว์ใกล้<br />
สูญพันธุ์ ถือเป็นการปลูกจิตสำนึกที่ดีให้กับเยาวชนคนรุ่นใหม่ให้<br />
หันมาใส่ใจและร่วมกันอนุรักษ์สิ่งแวดล้อมอย่างยั่งยืนต่อไป<br />
เยาวชน 70 คนร่วม<br />
เดินป่าในเส้นทางศึกษา<br />
ธรรมชาติ ณ อุทยาน<br />
แห่งชาติรามคำแหง<br />
จังหวัดสุโขทัย ใน<br />
กิจกรรม “ค่ายเยาวชน<br />
รักษ์บ้านเกิด” ที่จัดขึ้น<br />
โดยสายการบินบางกอก<br />
แอร์เวย์สและสนามบิน<br />
สุโขทัย เพื่อเรียนรู้และ<br />
ตระหนักถึงความสำคัญ<br />
ของการอนุรักษ์<br />
ธรรมชาติ<br />
136
Dubai<br />
140 141
AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT<br />
AIRBUS A319<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 14<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 />
AIRBUS A320<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 9<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 />
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 />
ATR 72-600<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 9<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 Mai : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Hat Yai :<br />
1 flight 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 : 2 flights per day 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 : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />
Chongqing : 3 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />
Danang : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Dhaka :<br />
1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Guangzhou : 1 flight per day from Koh 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 />
Malé :<br />
1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Mandalay : 1 flight per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day 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 />
Phu Quoc : 4 flights per week 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 />
142
AIRPORT MAP<br />
LEVEL 4<br />
DEPARTURE<br />
ชั้น 4 ผู้โดยสารขาออก<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT, BANGKOK<br />
TAKE ME<br />
HOME<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> is the inflight magazine<br />
of Bangkok Airways. It is YOUR<br />
MAGAZINE. It is distributed with our<br />
compliments on all Bangkok Airways<br />
flights. We hope you enjoy it .<br />
READ<br />
TOO MUCH BAGGAGE?<br />
ONLINE!<br />
LEVEL 3<br />
INTERNATIONAL BOARDING<br />
We also come in a digital format. You can read us at:<br />
FAHTHAIMAG.COM<br />
And feel free to send us your feedback.<br />
Your voice is our inspiration!<br />
LEVEL 2<br />
DOMESTIC AND ALL ARRIVALS<br />
ชั้น 2 ภายในประเทศ<br />
Domestic Baggage Claim<br />
Customs<br />
Oversize Baggage Claim<br />
Security Screening<br />
Departures<br />
International Baggage Claim<br />
Meeting Point<br />
Left Baggage<br />
Waiting Area<br />
Airport Information<br />
Toilet<br />
Immigration<br />
Airline Lounge<br />
144
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