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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 />

Soohoon Oh<br />

Tel: +822 734 0786<br />

soohoonoh@medireponline.com<br />

JAPAN<br />

PUBLICITAS JAPAN K.K.<br />

Hiroko Minato<br />

Tel: +8150 8882 3456<br />

hiroko.minato@publicitas.com<br />

MALAYSIA<br />

MPMI SDN BHD<br />

Alvin Tan<br />

Tel: +603 7880 2185<br />

mpmimy@gmail.com<br />

SINGAPORE, INDONESIA<br />

MPMI PTE LTD<br />

S. S. Hoo<br />

Tel: +65 6464 6261<br />

mpmisg@gmail.com<br />

UNITED KINGDOM<br />

MAJOR MEDIA LTD.<br />

David Hammond<br />

Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884<br />

david@majormedia.co.uk<br />

USA<br />

THE MULTIMEDIA INC.<br />

Fernando Mariano<br />

Tel: +14 0790 3500<br />

fmar@multimediausa.com<br />

“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />

Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Ltd. All articles and<br />

photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers<br />

at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the<br />

airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the<br />

publication of such articles and photographs.<br />

All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this<br />

magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in<br />

any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok<br />

Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Ltd.<br />

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 />

102


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 />

104


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 />

110


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 />

114


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 />

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กล่าวเสริม<br />

เส้นทางบินกรุงเทพฯ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก ให้บริการ<br />

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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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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


Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket<br />

A world of distinctive experiences awaits<br />

Gracious hospitality inspired by authentic <strong>Thai</strong> values enriches every stay at<br />

Dusit Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Immerse yourself in luxury and experience artfully delivered,<br />

personalised service in China, Kenya, Maldives, Philippines, <strong>Thai</strong>land, U.A.E., U.S.A., and more<br />

prestigious destinations. With four distinctive hotel brands to choose from, catering perfectly to<br />

business and leisure, no detail goes unnoticed in our pursuit of hospitality perfection.<br />

Destinations: China • Egypt • Kenya • Maldives • Philippines • <strong>Thai</strong>land • U.A.E. • U.S.A.

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