Fah Thai Magazine May June 2018
Read FAH THAI MAGAZINE Online! Fah Thai is the inflight magazine of Bangkok Airways. We also come in a digital format. You can read us at Fahthaimag.com
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MAY- JUN <strong>2018</strong><br />
IN A SHAN STATE OF<br />
COFFEE<br />
BANGKOK ART WORLD’S<br />
NIGHTS OUT<br />
SAMUI’S GOOD<br />
DEEDS<br />
VANN MOLYVANN:<br />
PROLIFIC AND PROMINENT<br />
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
OVERTURES<br />
FEATURES<br />
16 WHAT’S UP<br />
Raise your hands up in the air for<br />
Dua Lipa’s Asian tour. In Cambodia,<br />
raise your eyes to the sky for the<br />
Rocket Festival, among the many<br />
regional events.<br />
20 YOUTHFUL BEAUTY<br />
Armed with the right rejuvenating<br />
products, keep everyone guessing<br />
your real age. Our beauty experts<br />
share their list.<br />
22 TIED TO STYLE<br />
Polka dots or stripes? There’s no<br />
need to get tied up in knots in the<br />
search for the right tie to match the<br />
outfit and the occasion.<br />
24 GIVE CHIANG RAI A TRY<br />
Seek out a gleaming white temple,<br />
climb scenic hills and know more<br />
about the wicked history of the<br />
opium trade in this northern town.<br />
28 TO YOUR HEALTH<br />
Make roselle your drink of choice<br />
as the myriad benefits of this plant<br />
include anti-oxidant and freeradical<br />
properties.<br />
32 DEALS ON WHEELS<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s street carts remain a<br />
reliable source of nourishment and<br />
snacks. With no two carts alike, we<br />
show you the differences.<br />
44 PARADISE<br />
GAINED<br />
Lovers of Samui are not<br />
just visitors but local<br />
residents who make sure it<br />
stays a paradise.<br />
50 ANTHROMORPHIC<br />
TALES<br />
In a commissioned work<br />
for Gucci, a <strong>Thai</strong> illustrator<br />
takes to flights of fancy<br />
with animal characters.<br />
60 FOR THE LOVE OF<br />
ARCHITECTURE<br />
We seek out Phnom Penh’s<br />
heritage architecture and<br />
modernistic buildings<br />
designed by the late<br />
visionary Vann Molyvann.<br />
70 MYANMAR BEAN<br />
TOWN<br />
Pyin Oo Lwin in Myanmar,<br />
while known for its<br />
colonial past, creates<br />
contemporary history as a<br />
coffee-producing area.<br />
78 NIGHTS IN ART<br />
It’s an active year in art for<br />
Bangkok as the city preps for<br />
major art shows, including<br />
the debut of two biennales.<br />
Roving photographer Jesper<br />
Haynes is out on the town<br />
capturing the art crowd.<br />
60<br />
Vann<br />
Molyvann’s<br />
Legacy of<br />
Landmarks<br />
6<br />
7
HAPPENINGS<br />
CORPORATE<br />
A selection of relevant events around Asia.<br />
90 BANGKOK<br />
92 SAMUI<br />
96 KRABI / PHUKET<br />
100 CHIANG MAI /<br />
CHIANG RAI<br />
101 PATTAYA /<br />
KOH CHANG<br />
102 CHINA<br />
104 HONG KONG<br />
106 SINGAPORE<br />
107 KUALA LUMPUR<br />
108 BATTAMBANG /<br />
PHNOM PENH /<br />
SIEM REAP<br />
110 DANANG /<br />
HANOI /<br />
PHU QUOC<br />
112 LUANG<br />
PRABANG /<br />
YANGON<br />
114 MALDIVES /<br />
MUMBAI<br />
118 NEWS<br />
Bangkok Airways announces collaborations<br />
and winners.<br />
127 AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
128 ROUTE MAP<br />
CHECKING OUT<br />
130 YANGON<br />
The city’s strong spiritual flow lives<br />
alongside its modern city feel.<br />
This month’s cover:<br />
Illustrator<br />
Phannapast<br />
Taychamaythakool<br />
features her<br />
signature work of<br />
whimsical animals<br />
drawn in vivid and<br />
elaborate detail.<br />
78<br />
Bangkok’s<br />
Artful<br />
Statements<br />
8
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT<br />
Welcome on board our Bangkok Airways flight.<br />
Currently, the world faces unpredictable weather<br />
conditions – from seasonal changes to severe climate<br />
changes. Because of this, I believe it’s crucial for all of<br />
us to make our health a priority. For that reason, we’d<br />
like to introduce and encourage everyone to engage<br />
in sporting activities, such as the “Bangkok Airways<br />
Boutique Series <strong>2018</strong>” marathon running series,<br />
held throughout the year of <strong>2018</strong> in seven different<br />
Bangkok Airways destinations. Furthering our health<br />
and sports initiative is our latest cooperation with<br />
Borussia Dortmund, one of the most successful<br />
football clubs in Europe, which allows us to leverage<br />
our branding cooperation and tap into the larger market<br />
in Asia. With this partnership, we see the benefits<br />
of education and the creation of opportunities; so<br />
together with Borussia Dortmund, Bangkok Airways<br />
is planning to organise a special football coaching<br />
programme for our <strong>Thai</strong> youth. Other collaborations<br />
extend to many educational institutions such as<br />
Bangkok University and Mae <strong>Fah</strong> Luang University<br />
with the launch of “Bangkok Airways Open House,” a<br />
campaign that reaches out to interested youth with<br />
career goals in the hospitality or aviation industry.<br />
Another important milestone for us includes<br />
expanding the airline networking partnership. Recently,<br />
Bangkok Airways announced a codeshare partnership<br />
with three leading airlines, namely EL AL Israel Airlines,<br />
Lao Airlines and Oman Air, to strengthen networks and<br />
provide passengers more convenient and seamless<br />
access to popular travel destinations both in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
and neighbouring countries.<br />
On behalf of Bangkok Airways, I would like to<br />
give sincere thanks to all passengers flying with us.<br />
We truly hope you receive an experience you’ll find<br />
impressive and convenient wherever the travel may<br />
be. We are determined to delivering better service,<br />
and ultimately the best, for our passengers again in<br />
the future. Thank you.<br />
ยินดีต้อนรับผู้โดยสารทุกท่านสู่การบริการของ<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ช่วงนี้อากาศเปลี่ยนแปลงบ่อย ไม่ว่าจะเป็นผลมา<br />
จากภาวะโลกร้อนหรือเป็นเพราะการเปลี่ยนแปลงตาม<br />
ฤดูกาลก็ตาม ผมคิดว่าการรักษาสุขภาพให้ดีเป็น<br />
สิ่งสำคัญ เราจึงมุ่งส่งเสริมกิจกรรมด้านการกีฬาอย่าง<br />
ต่อเนื่อง เพื่อให้ทุกท่านมีสุขภาพร่างกายที่แข็งแรง อาทิเช่น<br />
การจัดแข่งขันวิ่งมาราธอน “บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส บูทีค ซีรีย์<br />
<strong>2018</strong>” ที่จัดขึ้นใน 7 จุดหมายปลายทางของสายการบินฯ<br />
ตลอดปี 2561 และล่าสุด ได้มีการประกาศความร่วม<br />
มือเป็นพันธมิตรกับ สโมสรโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์ หนึ่งใน<br />
สโมสรฟุตบอลที่ประสบความสำเร็จมากที่สุดในยุโรป<br />
นอกจากความร่วมมือทางการตลาดแล้ว เรายังมองเห็น<br />
ถึงความสำคัญของการสร้างโอกาสและสนับสนุน<br />
องค์ความรู้ทางด้านกีฬาให้แก่เยาวชนและผู้ที่สนใจ<br />
ซึ่งถือเป็นหนึ่งในกิจกรรมเพื่อสังคมที่เราให้ความส ำคัญ<br />
ตลอดมา โดยได้จัดกิจกรรมฝึกทักษะกีฬาฟุตบอล<br />
ให้กับเยาวชนร่วมกับทางสโมสรฯ อีกทั้งยังมีโครงการ<br />
“เปิดบ้านสอนน้อง” ที่เปิดโอกาสให้กับเยาวชนที่มี<br />
ความสนใจ และมีเป้าหมายที่จะทำงานในธุรกิจการ<br />
บริการ และการบิน โดยเราได้มีการลงนามบันทึก<br />
ความร่วมมือทางการศึกษาและพัฒนาบุคลากรกับ<br />
หลายสถาบัน อาทิ มหาวิทยาลัยกรุงเทพ มหาวิทยาลัย<br />
แม่ฟ้าหลวง ฯลฯ<br />
อีกหนึ่งก้าวสำคัญของบางกอกแอร์เวย์สคือ<br />
การขยายเครือข่ายพันธมิตรสายการบิน โดยล่าสุด<br />
เราได้มีการลงนามข้อตกลงในการให้บริการเที่ยวบิน<br />
ร่วมกับอีก 3 สายการบินชั้นนำ ได้แก่ สายการบิน<br />
แอล อัล อิสราเอลแอร์ไลน์ ลาวแอร์ไลน์ และ<br />
โอมานแอร์ เพื่อเป็นการสร้างเครือข่ายความร่วมมือ<br />
ทางการบินให้มีความแข็งแกร่งยิ่งขึ้น อีกทั้งยัง<br />
อำนวยความสะดวกให้กับผู้โดยสารในการเดินทาง<br />
เชื่อมต่อไปยังแหล่งท่องเที่ยวที่มีชื่อเสียงทั้งใน<br />
ประเทศไทยและประเทศเพื่อนบ้านอีกด้วย<br />
ผม ในนามของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ขอขอบคุณผู้โดยสารทุกท่านที่เดินทางกับเรา และ<br />
หวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าท่านจะได้รับความสะดวกสบาย<br />
และประทับใจในการบริการของเรา เราจะยังคงมุ่งมั่น<br />
พัฒนาการบริการให้ดียิ่งๆ ขึ้นต่อไป ขอบคุณครับ<br />
กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />
10
IS THE<br />
GOLD WINNER<br />
PEARL AWARD<br />
2017<br />
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC<br />
COMPANY LIMITED<br />
99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road,<br />
Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok<br />
10900, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
www.bangkokair.com<br />
ADVISORY BOARD<br />
Mr. Prote Setsuwan<br />
Vice President - Marketing<br />
Ms. Sumalee Chaitientong<br />
Vice President - Ancillary Revenues<br />
Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj<br />
Director - Advertising and Creative<br />
Mr. Benjamin Sirirat<br />
Manager - Branding and Creative<br />
Mrs. Rattanaporn Sa-Nguanjangwong<br />
Business Services - Ancillary Revenues<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
MPMI Group Co., 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 />
Chalotorn Payomyol<br />
Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
Jeremie Schatz<br />
Nawarat A Wright<br />
Nicola Hil<br />
Passakorn Hongthong<br />
Phoowadon Duangmee<br />
Prachi Joshi<br />
Richard Augustin<br />
Ron Emmons<br />
Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer<br />
Susan Field<br />
Thawat Tangtienchai<br />
Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Jesper Haynes<br />
Kay Choomongkol<br />
Lesley Fisher<br />
Permboon Wongpanit<br />
Ron Emmons<br />
Sang-arun Champawan<br />
Thawat Tangtienchai<br />
Wichit Kongsiangsung<br />
ART<br />
Creative Director JyeShen Koo<br />
Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag<br />
Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul<br />
Contributing Illustrator Arthit Limpong<br />
PRODUCTION<br />
Colour Separation: Soontorn Film<br />
Printer: WPS (<strong>Thai</strong>land) Co., Ltd.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
advertising@fahthaimag.com<br />
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Tel: +668 9468 2440<br />
kittikun@bangkokair.com<br />
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Tel: +668 6900 5278<br />
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MALAYSIA<br />
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UNITED KINGDOM<br />
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USA<br />
THE MULTIMEDIA INC.<br />
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“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Co., 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 Co., Ltd.<br />
Cover Illustration: Courtesy of Phannapast Taychamaythakool<br />
12
ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS<br />
Crafting Coffee<br />
As a beloved <strong>Thai</strong> beverage,<br />
coffee always had its own<br />
artisanal movement. Street<br />
carts keep the tradition alive,<br />
with minimal equipment to<br />
produce that caffeine kick.<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS 16 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 20 / STYLE 22 / THAILAND TREASURES 24 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 28 /<br />
FRUITFUL FINDS 30 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 32 / CHECKED IN 36<br />
15
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
1-8MAY<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
ASIA<br />
DUA LIPA ‘THE SELF-TITLED TOUR’<br />
British songstress Dua Lipa made quite an<br />
impact during her debut performance in Asia<br />
back in 2017. This month, the singer/model<br />
returns to enthral her fans with a solo show<br />
with major performances in several Asian cities<br />
including Hong Kong (1 <strong>May</strong>), Kuala Lumpur<br />
(3 <strong>May</strong>), Singapore (4 <strong>May</strong>), Seoul (6 <strong>May</strong>) and<br />
Tokyo (8 <strong>May</strong>).<br />
Dua Lipa’s ‘The Self-Titled Tour’ will see the<br />
artiste perform her hit singles that made her<br />
one of the most exciting and most streamed<br />
British female artist in recent history proven by<br />
her five <strong>2018</strong> Brit Award Nominations.<br />
Dua Lipa exploded on the scene last<br />
year with her hit song, “New Rules”, which<br />
topped the charts in the UK. Riding the wave<br />
of popularity, she followed-up with several<br />
popular singles such as “IDGAF”, “Scared to<br />
be Lonely” and “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)”.<br />
dualipa.com<br />
4-8MAY<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
LAOS & ISAAN, THAILAND<br />
ROCKETS FOR RAIN<br />
In Laos and the northeastern provinces<br />
of <strong>Thai</strong>land like Yasothon and Roi Et, no<br />
aerospace engineer is needed to make rockets<br />
fly. Spectators will gather to see the master<br />
creators of rockets, typically monks with skilled<br />
knowledge of gunpowder and a good sense of<br />
motion in space that’s more than enough to<br />
send the rockets hurling upwards to the skies.<br />
Now the much-loved rocket festival or<br />
“Boun Bang Fai” returns to the Lao paddy fields<br />
– where home-made rockets will be launched.<br />
For visitors travelling to Laos in <strong>May</strong> and <strong>June</strong>,<br />
there’s a good chance you may happen upon<br />
the festive and colourful rocket processions.<br />
The festival marks the annual growing<br />
season in Laos, as the monsoon season is<br />
expected in <strong>June</strong>. Ahead of the ploughing<br />
period, the farmers send up the rockets<br />
skywards to please and remind the God of Rain<br />
to send enough to nourish the paddy fields.<br />
Lao folks leave their routine work a few<br />
days before the launch day. Then led by local<br />
monks, who are counted on for genius rocket<br />
engineering, gunpowder gets put inside a long<br />
pipe before firing them in the empty field.<br />
The smaller rockets are fancier in the way<br />
they shoot up into the heavens while the<br />
large ones don’t even look like they’re capable<br />
of flight. The higher the rockets go, say the<br />
locals, the more rain will come down. But it’s<br />
no guarantee every rocket shoots upward<br />
as the God of Rain may have the last word.<br />
tourismlaos.org, tourismthailand.org<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
12MAY<br />
HO CHI MINH<br />
RUNNING HAPPY WITH COLOURS<br />
Think of India’s Holi festival, a 5k fun run and<br />
dance party mixed into one day for a “messy<br />
weekend” in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. La<br />
Vie Color Me Run is uncompetitive fun, and<br />
a most colourful running race. Runners start<br />
the event in white clothing, but by the end of<br />
it become a kaleidoscope of colours having<br />
run, danced and walked through different<br />
zones where they’re pelted with vivid corn<br />
starch-based powders. There will be no hard<br />
feelings of being a loser mingling in the air. The<br />
unclocked run has no winners or prizes, but<br />
runners are showered with coloured powder at<br />
stations along the way. At the ‘finish line,’ the<br />
runners become party-goers and are rewarded<br />
with a DJ-anchored dance. colormerun.vn,<br />
runsociety.com<br />
MID-MAY<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
KRABI<br />
CHAO LAY BOAT FESTIVAL<br />
Lanta island in Krabi is the place where you<br />
can observe an ancient sea ritual still carried<br />
out by Urak Lawoi natives of the island. The<br />
Aboriginal Malay people of Urak Lawoi has<br />
been living in the islands of Phuket and Krabi,<br />
and for centuries they have maintained their<br />
lives circling around the seas with open ocean<br />
fishing. It is not then a surprise that they<br />
would carry on colourful rites and celebrations<br />
at the beginning of each year’s fishing season.<br />
Loi Ruea (Floating Boats) festival takes place<br />
twice a year during the 13th to 15th day after<br />
the full moon of the sixth month or middle of<br />
<strong>May</strong> this year. In this elaborate event where<br />
visitors can witness heavily decorated fishing<br />
boats — real ones and models — that fishermen<br />
make especially for this celebration meant to<br />
ward off all the bad spirits that might affect<br />
their fishing efforts and work throughout the<br />
year. These ‘floating boats’ can also be seen<br />
as a smart solution for fishermen to test the<br />
conditions of the waters. The event brings<br />
back family members that might have moved<br />
further out and here they’ll gather, even for a<br />
few days during the celebration, as a way to<br />
catch up and strengthen rare clan ties.<br />
Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land, Krabi,<br />
T: +66 (0) 89 201 7985, tourismthailand.org<br />
26-27 MAY<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
&<br />
2-3 JUN<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
SINGAPORE<br />
WATER DRAGONS<br />
The sport of Dragon Boat racing dates back<br />
to ancient China. Today, it is a sporting race<br />
widely practised in Asia and renowned for<br />
instilling teamwork, dedication and team<br />
coordination. Singapore, in owing to its large<br />
Chinese community, will once again celebrate<br />
this grand sport with the Dragon Boat Festival,<br />
which takes place at several venues across the<br />
island nation.<br />
Bedok Reservoir and Kallang River will<br />
host several races in <strong>May</strong> and <strong>June</strong> but most<br />
eyes will be fixed on DBS Marina Regatta.<br />
Held against the backdrop of the Gardens<br />
by the Bay, the DBS Marina Regatta, which<br />
is backed by the Singapore Dragon Boat<br />
Association (SDBA), will serve up a carnivallike<br />
atmosphere as teams take to the water<br />
to compete for honour and glory. Marina Bay,<br />
Singapore, sdba.org.sg<br />
1-7JUN<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
CHIANG MAI<br />
INTAKHIN CITY PILLAR FESTIVAL<br />
Inthakin is a Chiang Mai city pillar believed<br />
to be first erected by King Mangrai when the<br />
city was founded in 1296. The sacred pillar<br />
was moved from its original place at Wat<br />
Inthakin to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai’s<br />
city centre in the 1800s. Each year, Chiang<br />
Mai celebrates the incoming rainy season by<br />
worshipping this sacred monument. After<br />
a period of droughts and dry spells, locals<br />
welcome the lusher climes with colourful<br />
celebrations and major merit-making at the<br />
temple. Wishes for a good year ahead abound<br />
as the rains approach, meaning a bountiful<br />
rice crop and healthy harvest. The best spot<br />
to witness this long-time tradition is at Wat<br />
Chedi Luang where hundreds of people will<br />
attend the event either in a formal procession<br />
or as families and individuals. This Brahman<br />
tradition usually last seven days beginning<br />
with ‘Tam Bun Khan Dok’ or flower-blessing<br />
rituals to be followed by dancing, music<br />
performance, carnival games and street fairs.<br />
Wat Chedi Luang, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai,<br />
Tourist Hotline 1672, tatcontactcenter.com/en<br />
16 17
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
NOW<br />
GUANGZHOU<br />
NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL<br />
Guangzhou’s Baiyun International Airport<br />
plans to open its new terminal by <strong>May</strong> <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
At a cost of $2.7 billion US Dollars, the new<br />
terminal supports Guangzhou’s goal to rival<br />
Hong Kong as an international air hub and<br />
economic centre in the Guangdong region. The<br />
new terminal is projected to handle around 45<br />
million passengers annually by 2020 and 100<br />
million by 2025. Growth trends suggest that<br />
the airport, now ranked 13th internationally<br />
for airport size, will soon overtake Hong Kong,<br />
currently in the 8th spot. baiyunairport.com,<br />
+86 20 3606 6999<br />
9-11<br />
MAY<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
HONG KONG<br />
FINE DINING SHOWCASE<br />
Foodies and gourmands will want to pay a<br />
visit to the inaugural Gourmet Asia <strong>2018</strong>. Part<br />
tradeshow and exhibition, the event will serve<br />
up a delicious array of high-end speciality food,<br />
drink as well as hospitality equipment. Although<br />
Gourmet Asia’s main intention is to deliver a<br />
platform for the F&B industry to show off their<br />
latest ingredients, products and technologies,<br />
the event also provides visitors and culinarians<br />
an opportunity to sample exclusive food<br />
products and items.<br />
One of the main highlights of the event will<br />
be the Gourmet Tasting Restaurant, which will<br />
showcase a mixture of local chefs, talents and<br />
international award winners. The pop-up styled<br />
eatery will serve a speciality menu prepared<br />
exclusively by award-winning talents from the<br />
culinary field for a truly extraordinary gourmet<br />
tasting experience. Hong Kong Convention and<br />
Exhibition Centre, gourmetasia.com<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
29MAY<br />
CAMBODIA<br />
VISAK BOCHEA DAY<br />
The end of <strong>May</strong> sees Cambodians and many<br />
people in Southeast Asia celebrating one<br />
of the most important days of the Buddhist<br />
Calendar – Visak Bochea in Khmer or Visakha<br />
Bucha Day in <strong>Thai</strong>.<br />
Commemorating the birth, enlightenment<br />
and death of Buddha, Visak Bochea Day will<br />
see temples across the country come alive with<br />
candle processions and people offering food,<br />
alms and flowers in order to make merit.<br />
A national holiday, the festivities begin in<br />
the early hours of the morning in temples and<br />
pagodas with prayer as well as the offering<br />
of food and sweets to monks. The grandest<br />
celebration of Visak Bochea Day takes place<br />
in Oudong Mountain, located some 40km<br />
away from Phnom Penh, where a golden urn<br />
containing the relics of Buddha is kept. For visitors,<br />
this celebration offers a unique opportunity to<br />
experience the culture and people of Cambodia<br />
up close. tourismcambodia.com, tourismthailand.org,<br />
Tourist Hotline 1672<br />
18
OVERTURES<br />
BEAUTY AND HEALTH<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Tricks and Treats<br />
If there’s ever been a moment<br />
or two when you wish to hide<br />
something, go ahead. Make-up<br />
tricks and rejuvenating colours<br />
can bring on a more youthful<br />
look, and our tips below<br />
are yours to learn. All you<br />
beauties out there can use<br />
concealing techniques that<br />
hide evidence of less sleep the<br />
night before.<br />
Here are some new tools<br />
for your makeup kit plus goto<br />
tips when you want that<br />
ageless glow. So yes, turn the<br />
clock back a bit!<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Benefit<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 7773<br />
Bobbi Brown<br />
GF Zen<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2613 1462<br />
Chanel<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 7685<br />
BOI-ING<br />
HYDRATING<br />
CONCEALER 3.5G<br />
FROM BENEFIT<br />
(900 Baht)<br />
This concealer stick is<br />
infused with vitamin E<br />
and apple seed extract<br />
to keep your skin<br />
hydrated for up to six<br />
hours while leaving a<br />
natural-looking sheer<br />
finish.<br />
GALIFORNIA BRUSH 5.0G FROM<br />
BENEFIT (1,250 Baht)<br />
A sunny, golden pink blush that blends a<br />
bright shade of pink with shimmering gold,<br />
for a sun-kissed glow; complementing all<br />
skin tones.<br />
NAIL POLISH 11ML<br />
FROM BOBBI<br />
BROWN<br />
(650 Baht)<br />
A long-lasting nail<br />
colour with a high-shine<br />
gloss. This polish dries<br />
to a hard finish and<br />
stays put.<br />
LE VERNIS NEON<br />
NAIL COLOUR<br />
13ML FROM<br />
CHANEL (1,050 Baht)<br />
A long-wearing nail<br />
polish bursting with<br />
intense, vibrant colours<br />
and a neon finish. With<br />
its extra fine, ultra<br />
shiny formula, each coat<br />
offers an even, smooth<br />
and lacquered result.<br />
PUNCH POP<br />
LIQUID LIP<br />
COLOUR 7ML<br />
FROM BENEFIT<br />
(800 Baht)<br />
This liquid lip colour<br />
combines vibrant hues<br />
with a shiny finish to<br />
create the perfect blend<br />
for lip colours that pop.<br />
It glides on smoothly and<br />
contains vitamin E that is<br />
known for softening lips.<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SANG-ARUN CHAMPAWAN<br />
Candy Crush<br />
Tired of the usual when it comes to your<br />
everyday makeup? When you have a<br />
strong desire to break the monotony of<br />
dark colours and banish the boredom of an<br />
unexciting pallette of pale faces, be bold<br />
and give these soft and lively colours a try.<br />
VELVET MATTE LIP PENCIL<br />
2.4G FROM NARS<br />
(1,050 Baht)<br />
Every colour virtually works on<br />
everyone. Paired with soft eye<br />
colours, even the darkest or<br />
brightest shade of on your lips<br />
create a striking makeup look<br />
on its own.<br />
MARIMEKKO X CLINIQUE<br />
POP LIP COLOUR +<br />
PRIMER 3.8G FROM<br />
CLINIQUE (850 Baht)<br />
From design house, Marimekko,<br />
vibrant patterns and cheery hues<br />
on offer for a limited time only<br />
and colour stays true,<br />
making your lips feel<br />
moisturised for up to<br />
8 hours.<br />
PURE COLOR ENVY LIP<br />
PALETTE 1.5G/EACH FROM<br />
ESTEE LAUDER (1,900 Baht)<br />
Sculpt your lips with moisturising<br />
colour and transform your look with 6<br />
sweet shades from provocative plum<br />
to powerful pink and subtle rose.<br />
SKIN VEIL BASE DOT CUSHION<br />
SPF 14 PA++ 15G FROM LANEIGE<br />
(1,200 Baht)<br />
The Cushion now comes with<br />
ingredients from the<br />
Waterbank Essence<br />
acting as natural<br />
moisturising agents<br />
that maintains<br />
the optimum<br />
moisture balance in<br />
your skin.<br />
METAL CRUSH EYESHADOW<br />
2.8G FROM KAT VON D (900 Baht)<br />
Glides smoothly across the lids,<br />
saturating them with beautiful<br />
metallic pigments to bring a shock of<br />
metallic colour to your eyes.<br />
MARIMEKKO X<br />
CLINIQUE POP<br />
SPLASH LIP GLOSS<br />
4.3ML FROM<br />
CLINIQUE<br />
(850 Baht)<br />
Smile brightly with<br />
this collection of next<br />
generation glosses<br />
that combine a pop of<br />
colour with a splash of<br />
hydration, providing<br />
exceptional moisturise<br />
for all-day comfort.<br />
PATENT SHINE 10X NAIL<br />
LACQUER VERNIS 11ML FROM<br />
BUTTER LONDON (730 Baht)<br />
The innovative formula is loaded<br />
with ingredients proven to promote<br />
brighter, stronger and healthier nails<br />
for the best-dressed look.<br />
SWEET GLAMOUR<br />
EYESHADOW PALETTE<br />
0.5OZ FROM ZOEVA<br />
(1,109 Baht)<br />
A mix of matte and<br />
shimmering for dreamy<br />
daytime looks. Playful yet<br />
glamorous, this poetic<br />
palette offers a romantic<br />
array of pastel shades as<br />
light as thistledown.<br />
Tips<br />
NAKED SKIN COLOR<br />
CORRECTING FLUID<br />
6.2G FROM URBAN<br />
DECAY (1,200 Baht)<br />
Correct imperfections and<br />
play up your best features<br />
– all without having to lug<br />
around a whole contour kit.<br />
Go easy – If you have dark circles or some<br />
sun spots, dot a tiny bit of concealer on the<br />
inner corners of your eyes or on those spots,<br />
not just random places on your face. The more<br />
skin you can leave alone, the better.<br />
Lighten up – Tinted moisturisers with<br />
luminescent particles or lightweight liquid<br />
foundations are best for lined skin.<br />
Open your eyes – Curling your eyelashes and<br />
adding a little glimmery shadow as a highlighter<br />
are the easiest things you can do to make your eyes<br />
look bigger and best of all, younger-looking.<br />
Warm it up – A neutral rose colour applied<br />
to the lips and the apples of the cheeks flatters<br />
all skin tones and really brightens it up.<br />
Nail it well – This is one of the classic<br />
shades that we could never get enough and<br />
considered to be the best anti-aging colour.<br />
That’s the ever-so-popular red! Let the bright<br />
shade take attention away from skin blemishes,<br />
putting the focus instead on your shiny, bright<br />
manicure.<br />
STOCKIST<br />
Sephora 2F Central Embassy, Tel +66 (0) 2160 5817-8<br />
20<br />
21
OVERTURES<br />
STYLE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS SANG-SRUN CHAMPAWAN<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tie It On<br />
The key to looking dapper in men’s ties lies in<br />
deliberate choices, like hand selecting a pattern<br />
to complement the outfit. Choosing a tie with<br />
care, especially one that goes with an existing<br />
wardrobe, will be easier in establishing that<br />
sharp-edged, selected look. Prints and polka dots<br />
look livelier and possess a more unique touch<br />
compared to solid colours, yet remain appropriate<br />
for most business occasions.<br />
FOR HIM<br />
POLKA<br />
DOT SILK TIE<br />
WITH WOVEN<br />
TEXTURE FROM<br />
MASSIMO<br />
DUTTI<br />
(2,550 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
➋ FLORAL<br />
PRINTS SILK/<br />
COTTON TIE<br />
FROM MASSIMO<br />
DUTTI<br />
(2,550 Baht)<br />
Massimo Dutti<br />
Central World, 1F, Tel +66 (0) 2646 1465<br />
➌ RAINBOW<br />
BIRD PRINTS<br />
SILK TIE FROM<br />
PAUL SMITH<br />
(6,500 Baht)<br />
➍ BLUE OCEAN<br />
PRINTS SILK<br />
TIE FROM PAUL<br />
SMITH<br />
(5,900 Baht)<br />
➎ BEACH<br />
COCONUT<br />
TREE PRINTS<br />
SILK TIE FROM<br />
PAUL SMITH<br />
(6,500 Baht)<br />
Paul Smith<br />
Siam Paragon, MF, Tel +66 (0) 2610 9770-1<br />
FOR HER<br />
WALLET WITH<br />
DURABLE COTTON<br />
CANVAS AND<br />
LEATHER TRIM<br />
FROM MCM<br />
(10,900 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
➋ PINK VELVET<br />
HEELS WITH GREY<br />
SATIN AND ROCK-<br />
COLOUR ELAPHE<br />
FROM FENDI<br />
(37,000 Baht)<br />
Fendi<br />
Siam Paragon, MF, Tel +66 (0) 2610 9287<br />
➌ TEEN WITCHES<br />
CHARM WITH<br />
MINK FROM<br />
FENDI<br />
(29,500 Baht)<br />
➍ CAN EYE<br />
METAL OVERSIZE<br />
SUNGLASSES<br />
SQUARE SHAPE<br />
WITH WHITE<br />
STUDS FROM<br />
FENDI (20,300 Baht)<br />
MCM<br />
Emquartier, GF, Tel +66 (0) 2003 6016<br />
➎ CROSSBODY<br />
BAG WITH FINEST<br />
SPANISH LEATHER<br />
AND ICONIC LOCK<br />
FROM MCM<br />
(18,900 Baht)<br />
A Colourful<br />
Touch<br />
Adding a pop of colour can bring on<br />
life and the magic touch to complete<br />
your look. Enhancing colours found<br />
in accessories or the latest heels can<br />
be eye-catching, definitely drawing<br />
attention so you can be fearless in the<br />
pursuit of colour.<br />
22<br />
23
OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Translation Chusri Ngamprasert Photos Courtesy of Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Chiang Rai:<br />
The Destination<br />
for All Seasons<br />
Many people tend to<br />
think of Chiang Rai as<br />
a winter haven. In fact,<br />
the northern province of<br />
Chiang Rai is a destination<br />
for all seasons. Here is a<br />
noteworthy list for a trip<br />
that’s good all year round.<br />
Witness the unique beauty of <strong>Thai</strong><br />
architecture at Wat Rong Khun.<br />
Decorated with silver-coloured-glass,<br />
you’ll see the fascinating all-white temple<br />
as designed by a <strong>Thai</strong> artist. Take time<br />
to see the display of elaborate murals and a<br />
separate art gallery with a showcase of fine<br />
paintings. The temple and the art gallery are<br />
open daily from 8am to 5pm.<br />
If you’re someone who loves the active<br />
participation of agro-tourism and adventure<br />
travel, add Singha Park to your itinerary.<br />
Boasting various floras spanning over 8,000<br />
rai (2,300 acres) of land, Singha Park offers<br />
numerous beautiful sceneries and a wide variety<br />
of activities. Enjoy farm tours, biking or get up<br />
close to the animals from the African continent,<br />
such as giraffes, zebras, and Watusi cows.<br />
Venture high up on the mountain of<br />
picturesque Doi Tung, where three must-visit<br />
places include the royal villa, Phra That Doi<br />
Tung and Mae <strong>Fah</strong> Luang Garden. For the<br />
coffee aficionado, Café Doi Tung is the place<br />
to test the body and aroma of highland<br />
Arabica coffee cultivated in Chiang Rai.<br />
Drop by the Doi Tung Lifestyle Shop, with<br />
their varieties of products, made by ethnic<br />
minorities and people working in the Doi<br />
Tung Development Project. These include<br />
hand-woven products such as apparel,<br />
accessories, and home décor, ceramics and<br />
mulberry paper products.<br />
On the cliff of Phu Chi Fa, the spectacular<br />
views of the valley and sea of mist at sunrise<br />
are mesmerising. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park<br />
is about 1,200–1,628 metres above sea<br />
level, so the weather is mild all year round.<br />
During wintertime, visitors and campers flock<br />
there to enjoy the winter retreat, the sea of<br />
Opposite Page, Left<br />
and Above<br />
The beautiful<br />
all-white creation<br />
of Wat Rong Khun’s<br />
exterior and interior<br />
designed by a <strong>Thai</strong><br />
artist, Chalermchai<br />
Kositpipat.<br />
Opposite Page,<br />
Bottom Left<br />
Up close with<br />
the animals at<br />
Singha Park<br />
Left<br />
Spectacular flora at<br />
Mae <strong>Fah</strong> Luang<br />
Garden, Doi Tung<br />
24<br />
25
OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Photo Nophadol Kanbua<br />
clouds at sunrise and the white beauty<br />
of wildflowers (the orchid tree) in full<br />
bloom around the peak of Phu Chi Fa.<br />
A camping ground is available – in town<br />
and very close to the summit.<br />
Chiang Rai’s wealth of scenery is<br />
endless. From the vantage point of Sop<br />
Ruak, at the confluence of the Ruak<br />
and the Mekong Rivers, you can see<br />
the Golden Triangle where the borders<br />
of Myanmar, <strong>Thai</strong>land and Laos meet.<br />
Consider a boat trip, it’s an enjoyable way<br />
to appreciate the scenery of the Mekong<br />
River and the infamous Golden Triangle.<br />
Souvenir shops along the walkway<br />
offer up clothing, accessories and other<br />
keepsakes. The Golden Triangle gained<br />
Top<br />
On clear days,<br />
visitors are<br />
rewarded with<br />
spectacular views<br />
of mountains<br />
shrouded in mist.<br />
Bottom Left and Right<br />
At Sop Ruak, you can<br />
see the countries of<br />
Laos and Myanmar<br />
while standing<br />
on the <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
side, visible at the<br />
confluence of the<br />
Mekong and<br />
Ruak Rivers.<br />
Tranquil spots<br />
and less populated<br />
areas invite<br />
exploration at the<br />
Golden Triangle area.<br />
notoriety for being an opium-producing<br />
area. Here, you’ll learn more about the<br />
opium’s history; its origins, the Opium<br />
Wars, as well as see opium smoking kits<br />
and instruments used in the opium trade<br />
from around the world.<br />
Chiang Rai and the rest of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
offer plenty of places to explore. Please<br />
don’t let weather be a deterrent. Come<br />
rain or shine; well-prepared travellers will<br />
surely have a blast.<br />
For more information, contact Tourism<br />
Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land (TAT) Chiang Rai<br />
Office, Tel: +66 (0) 53 717 433,<br />
+66 (0) 53 744 674-5<br />
26
OVERTURES<br />
A TASTE OF THAILAND<br />
Red Positive<br />
When wandering the streets in <strong>Thai</strong>land, you’ll encounter street vendors with<br />
pushcarts of colourful herbal drinks. The bright red roselle juice is sure to be one<br />
of the choices. This drink, with a sweet and sour flavour, is the best option when it<br />
comes to replenishing one’s body from thirst and fatigue. Resourceful vendors mix<br />
roselle juice together with the jujube fruit for an even better taste and additional<br />
health benefits.<br />
The traditional <strong>Thai</strong> herbal drink boasts a great number of healthful advantages,<br />
namely its high content of vitamin C, a natural anti-oxidant known to help with<br />
improving blood quality, an ability to reduce cholesterol levels, as well as lowering the<br />
risk of diabetes. Importantly, a roselle drink contains anthocyanins and polyphenols,<br />
with the former possessing high levels in its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory<br />
properties. Studies claim that the anthocyanin levels can stop irregular cancer<br />
cells from expanding. For women, the drink is interesting knowledge as it can fight<br />
against free radicals and slow down the aging process, thanks to the presence of<br />
polyphenols. However, be careful not to drink too many glasses as roselle works a bit<br />
like a laxative!<br />
The whole plant itself can be used for further medicinal purposes,<br />
contributing to greater benefits. The calyx – which forms around the seedpod –<br />
when consumed can reduce fatty deposits in arteries while the young leaves<br />
are favoured by local <strong>Thai</strong> people as vegetable side dish. The stem also serves as a<br />
utilitarian purpose; it can be turned into fibre to make rope.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 150g. of roselle<br />
(fresh or dried ones)<br />
• 4 cups of water<br />
• ½tbs, refined salt<br />
• 1 cup of sugar<br />
• Small ice cubes<br />
• Roselle calyxes<br />
(to decorate)<br />
Instructions<br />
WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA<br />
Wash the roselle with water, avoid<br />
removing the calyxes. Put the roselle into<br />
an empty pot.<br />
Pour water in the pot over the plant,<br />
leaving it at a medium flame until it boils.<br />
Lower the heat and continue simmering<br />
for 15 to 20 minutes. The roselle drink,<br />
with its beautiful red colour forming,<br />
is almost ready.<br />
With its lowered temperature on<br />
the stove, add sugar and salt. Continue<br />
simmering the liquid a bit so that the salt<br />
and sugar melts and produces a wellbalanced<br />
flavour.<br />
Once done, filter only the liquid. Keep<br />
the pot partly covered with the lid as you<br />
drain. Set aside the rest of the roselle in a<br />
bowl as it is edible.<br />
Let the drink cool down a bit, add ice<br />
cubes, and top the glass with the calyxes.<br />
28 29
OVERTURES<br />
FRUITFUL FINDS<br />
A Gem<br />
Among Fruits<br />
The papaya, with its deep and rich colour,<br />
holds many benefits. Easy enjoyment of its<br />
smooth and butter-like interior just requires<br />
a smooth slice.<br />
WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL<br />
With its vivid orangeness, a ripe<br />
papaya fruit is a real gem of the<br />
tropics. Even Christopher Columbus<br />
called it the “fruit of the angels”.<br />
Served chilled with yoghurt, or a<br />
simple slice and just a squeeze of<br />
lime are some of the best ways to<br />
enjoy its refreshing perks.<br />
Papaya, known as Pawpaw in<br />
Australia and New Zealand, is ubiquitous<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Also native to southern<br />
Mexico and Central America, the<br />
Spaniards centuries ago took the papaya<br />
seeds from the coasts beyond Panama<br />
to Manila and then Malacca. Today it is<br />
cultivated throughout the tropics.<br />
Papaya is an excellent source<br />
of vitamin C, folate, potassium, dietary<br />
fibre, vitamins A, E and K and papain,<br />
an enzyme which helps digest<br />
proteins. In the ancient <strong>May</strong>an<br />
civilisation, the people honoured the<br />
papaya tree and called it the “Tree of<br />
Life”. The <strong>May</strong>ans eat papaya to help<br />
with digestion and use it as a paste to<br />
heal a skin rash or other skin problems.<br />
Hawaiian and Mexican are two<br />
popular varieties of the papaya<br />
fruit. Both are pear-shaped, but<br />
the Hawaiian papaya tends to be<br />
smaller, sweeter and easier to harvest.<br />
Traditionally, papayas are grown from<br />
seeds, so the plants are not always<br />
true to their parents. In <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />
the fruits have been evolving, and<br />
the four most popular varieties are<br />
Khaek Dum (green and crisp when<br />
unripe, yet red when ripe), Khaek<br />
Nuan (a hybrid from Khaek Dum,<br />
crunchy when green and sweet<br />
when ripe with an orange-red flesh),<br />
Holland (also known as Red Maladol<br />
from the Mexican variety, crisp<br />
and sweet when ripe) and Sai Nam<br />
Phueng (extremely sweet when ripe<br />
but tends to be mushy).<br />
While many parts of the world<br />
don’t consume raw green papaya,<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>s enjoy it as much as when it’s<br />
ripe. The famed Som Tam, a salad<br />
made from unripe papaya combines<br />
the primary tastes of the local<br />
cuisine: sour, spicy hot, savoury salty<br />
and subtle sweetness.<br />
Papaya seeds are also edible:<br />
the taste is a cross between mustard<br />
and black peppercorns and can be<br />
grounded like black pepper. In India,<br />
the leaves of the papaya are often<br />
prepared like spinach recipes, and<br />
the papaya leaf extract is used to<br />
fight dengue and malaria. It’s not just<br />
the apple a day that keeps the doctor<br />
away – so does a papaya.<br />
30
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
SOM TAM OR PAPAYA SALAD CARTS<br />
Many people can’t do without the<br />
ubiquitous som tam or papaya salad<br />
carts. Prepped, sliced and chopped in<br />
a rich display are shredded papaya,<br />
yardlong beans, cherry tomatoes, and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> eggplants. They find company<br />
with glass jars containing flavourings of<br />
dried shrimp, peanuts, and palm sugar.<br />
Some carts assemble a minimalist<br />
setup of trays for all the ingredients<br />
with the key tool: a pestle and mortar,<br />
and base flavourings of <strong>Thai</strong> anchovy<br />
or fish sauce, managing to draw in the<br />
crowds. The spicy papaya salad carts<br />
usually come attached with a barbecue<br />
grill for cooking chicken, catfish, and<br />
cuts of pork. Another essential feature<br />
of this type of cart is a large bucket<br />
where packs of steamed sticky rice<br />
keep warm.<br />
OLD-STYLE COFFEE CARTS<br />
The classic brewing method of traditional <strong>Thai</strong> coffee begins<br />
with a large kettle of boiling water, cloth filter bags that strain<br />
the brewed liquid, and a metal canister to hold the drink. With<br />
this setup, ground coffee gets pressed into a filter bag attached<br />
Words Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Illustrations Arthit Limpong<br />
It’s not a street food<br />
scene in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
without the iconic<br />
presence of food carts!<br />
From the early hours<br />
of dawn to late night,<br />
vendors attach these<br />
wheeled workhorses to<br />
motorbikes or bicycles,<br />
planting themselves<br />
at any convenient<br />
location: sidewalks,<br />
main streets, and small<br />
alleys. When hunger<br />
pangs or cravings hit,<br />
our primer shows you<br />
how to spot the right<br />
set of wheels.<br />
NOODLE CARTS<br />
One thing all noodle carts share in common is the round<br />
pit of a steaming cauldron where sumptuous broths,<br />
stocks and water settle in an eternal rolling boil to<br />
blanch noodles, vegetables, and meats. Usually a clear<br />
glass box sits atop the side of the cart. Here is your<br />
open glass menu, with a bi-level mouth-watering display<br />
inside the box. The upper layer is usually reserved for<br />
assorted proteins, like beef and pork cuts, BBQ meats,<br />
assorted meatballs, fishballs, and wontons. The lower<br />
shelf gathers different noodle types: thin rice vermicelli<br />
BARBECUE CARTS<br />
For office staffers to<br />
construction workers –<br />
skewered snacks serve as<br />
comfort food. Pork, chicken,<br />
giblets, or Northern-style<br />
sausages to grilled bananas<br />
or corn are their best friends<br />
as immediate stomach fillers.<br />
The smoke from the grills is<br />
absorbed by an embedded<br />
exhaust hood, which later<br />
spreads the tantalising smell<br />
further afield.<br />
to wide ones, egg noodles, bean sheet noodles and<br />
even instant noodles within easy reach. Some vendors<br />
take pride in the already rich, flavourful taste of their<br />
broth while other places season for you. Not to worry<br />
though, as every noodle cart comes with its own set of<br />
seasonings and condiments to cater the dish to your<br />
own taste. There’s always a seat for you as most places<br />
provide foldable tables and bright plastic chairs for their<br />
customers to enjoy<br />
the vibe of<br />
street-side dining.<br />
HAWKERS<br />
Our special mention includes hawkers on foot who offer<br />
a form of commerce long familiar in <strong>Thai</strong> society. The<br />
authentic tradition has sellers carrying a woven basket that<br />
perches on both ends of a slim wood plank and balanced<br />
on a shoulder. In the baskets are usually ready-made<br />
snacks which customers can grab easily for easy<br />
consumption on the sidewalk or for takeaway.<br />
Popular items include sticky rice with sweetened<br />
pork or shredded pork, a spicy fermented pork<br />
salad, cooked eggs, steamed peanuts, and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> desserts packed in bags or banana leaves<br />
of local delicacies from different parts of the<br />
country. Some hawkers even include handmade<br />
products crafted from local natural materials; such<br />
as wicker and other wood products.<br />
to an aluminium loop with handle. With a firm grip, the vendor<br />
pours boiling water on coffee grounds and waits for it to filter<br />
all the way through. To sweeten the rich, dark coffee – sugar,<br />
condensed milk, and evaporated milk serve as key options<br />
for both hot and iced old school coffee. This type of cart not<br />
only offers the aromatic traditional coffee and tea, but also<br />
other choices such as an iced pink milk for sweet enjoyment or<br />
Nom Yen (sala syrup mixed with condensed milk), or the more<br />
familiar cocoa drink or lime soda. Some vendors have modern<br />
equipment for espresso drinks thereby providing a longer drink<br />
menu. Expect your drink to be served classic style: in plastic<br />
tumblers encased in a bag with a handle for sipping enjoyment<br />
while commuting. At breakfast time, some places even offer<br />
warm toast with butter and sprinkled sugar in addition to coffee.<br />
32<br />
33
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
FRUIT CARTS<br />
On every busy street, fresh fruit<br />
carts are assuredly a common<br />
sight. Easily spotted, thanks to the<br />
bright colours of assorted fruits<br />
neatly sitting on ice blocks, check<br />
out a vendor’s knife skills of swift<br />
peel-and-slash. The enticing display<br />
of sliced tropical fruits include a<br />
selection of mango, guava, papaya,<br />
rose apple, pineapple, cantaloupe to<br />
the refreshing coconut. These fruits<br />
reach another level of tastiness with<br />
unique condiments. Fruits get dipped<br />
in regular combinations of salt<br />
and chilli while some carts<br />
offer more sophisticated<br />
dipping options such as a<br />
sweet shrimp paste, sweet<br />
fish sauce, or a salt blend with chilli<br />
and dried plum.<br />
COCONUT ICE CREAM CARTS<br />
Coconut ice cream carts consist strawberry, and vanilla. You<br />
of round or square ice cream know the drill: pick your flavour,<br />
tubs surrounded by colourful choose your vessel and select<br />
and chewy toppings in clear toppings ranging from attap<br />
containers. Customers can fruits, sweetened pumpkins,<br />
choose to have their ice cream corn, jackfruit bits, sticky rice and<br />
served in a cone, cup, bread, or roasted peanuts. Evaporated milk<br />
even in a coconut shell. Apart and chocolate sauce add the rich<br />
from coconut, sellers offer other tastiness to the ice cream as a<br />
flavours such as chocolate, final touch.<br />
ASSORTED SNACK CARTS<br />
This type of cart usually features a sizzling round stove to cook snacks<br />
and <strong>Thai</strong> pancakes galore. From rolled pancakes with fillings, crispy mini<br />
pancakes, pancakes made of glutinous rice flour and shredded coconut to<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> crêpes, the list goes on. Some places feature items such as fried dough<br />
balls of sweet potato, banana fritters, or snacks requiring a unique cooking<br />
equipment and stools of coconut rice pancakes or steamed tapioca balls<br />
with pork fillings. All of these snacks are best sellers when urbanites get<br />
hungry and crave a light snack before dinnertime.<br />
34
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
Island<br />
Spotlights<br />
We continue our series with first-hand<br />
accounts on the latest discoveries that<br />
appeal to the senses.<br />
Photos Jeremie Schatz<br />
STAYED: THE NAKA PHUKET<br />
In the ocean of accommodations in<br />
Phuket, there are many fishes in the sea.<br />
They come in all shapes and sizes: from<br />
petite and humble to expansive and<br />
opulent. The Naka Phuket has settled<br />
in nicely to its own niche in the market,<br />
appealing to guests who prefer peace,<br />
privacy and tastefully minimalist design.<br />
Naturally, this exclusive resort has<br />
all of the amenities one would expect –<br />
outstanding service, a pampering spa, wellequipped<br />
gym, Olympic-size infinity pool,<br />
a tantalising international dining menu,<br />
boutique shop, shuttle to nearby Patong,<br />
baby-sitting service, big fluffy pillows and<br />
all the rest. They even provide you with a<br />
complimentary smartphone to use during<br />
Above Left<br />
and Right<br />
Balance: the<br />
minimalist villas<br />
strike a tasteful<br />
equilibrium with<br />
the surrounding<br />
environment.<br />
your stay with free local and international<br />
calls, maps and city guide, and internet.<br />
However, it’s the architectural style that<br />
lends to its uniqueness and gives the Naka<br />
Phuket its soul.<br />
At the end of a steep meandering<br />
mountain road, the Naka Phuket’s 95 pool<br />
villas don’t dominate the landscape, but<br />
instead compliment the topography of<br />
the scooped out, steep beachside valley.<br />
Many of the window-wrapped villas take<br />
advantage of the geography by being<br />
cantilevered out over the hillside. Slide<br />
open the blackout curtains or settle onto<br />
the balcony and you’re met with an aweinspiring<br />
feeling of space.<br />
Commanding views<br />
of Patong Bay at the<br />
rooftop bar – an<br />
ideal sunset spot.<br />
Below Left<br />
and Right<br />
Even the room<br />
numbers pay<br />
homage to the<br />
mountainside which<br />
the Naka calls home.<br />
Architect Duangrit<br />
Bunnag’s unique<br />
cantilevered design<br />
has led the Naka<br />
to be included as<br />
a member of the<br />
Design Hotel Group.<br />
36
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
The Naka’s<br />
glass-wrapped pool<br />
villas offer privacy<br />
while maintaining a<br />
feeling of openness.<br />
The airy Wiwa<br />
Restaurant has<br />
nothing lying<br />
between it and<br />
the beach except<br />
an Olympic-size<br />
infinity pool.<br />
A true hideaway:<br />
so close, yet feels<br />
so far away.<br />
The Meka Sky<br />
Lounge serves up a<br />
delicious view and<br />
a menu to match.<br />
Well-known <strong>Thai</strong> designer Duangrit<br />
Bunnag threw intricacies out the window.<br />
However, this is not a barren design but<br />
one where the less-is-more approach<br />
found an authentic triumph. The villas are<br />
primarily concrete, steel and glass with a<br />
peppering of wood accents and teak floors<br />
for good measure. A feature that really<br />
resonates is Bunnag’s decision to work his<br />
design around established trees thereby<br />
introducing an organic element.<br />
The Naka will have a strong appeal<br />
to those who relish a private hideaway<br />
feel and find solace in luxurious simplicity<br />
without distractions. As General Manager<br />
Sawai Sombat likes to say while gesturing<br />
skyward at night, “some resorts have five<br />
stars, we have thousands.”<br />
The Naka Phuket is a member of the<br />
Design Hotel group of properties whose<br />
mission is to “create an unrivalled global<br />
community for design, architecture, culture<br />
and become the definite source of original<br />
hospitality experiences”.<br />
1/18, 1/20 Moo 6 Kamala, Kathu,<br />
Phuket 83150<br />
+66 (0) 76 337 999<br />
thenakaphuket.com<br />
Squid ink pasta<br />
with roe and garlic<br />
cream sauce.<br />
38
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Above Left<br />
The gambas pil<br />
pil combines fresh<br />
shrimp and ample<br />
garlic in a rich chilli<br />
oil and butter sauce.<br />
Seafood lovers will<br />
rejoice over<br />
the tender, Spanishstyle<br />
grilled octopus.<br />
Stay a while:<br />
Catch’s beachfront<br />
pool looks out<br />
over stunning<br />
Bang Tao Beach.<br />
The beach club’s<br />
regulars and return<br />
visitors will be<br />
delighted to discover<br />
new menu items<br />
every month.<br />
Although not the<br />
only beach club<br />
in Phuket, Catch<br />
has set the bar for<br />
what a beach club<br />
should be.<br />
TASTED: CATCH BEACH CLUB<br />
Although probably not the first to<br />
import the beach club concept to<br />
Phuket, Catch Beach Club is largely<br />
considered the island’s quintessential<br />
elite beach party spot. After enjoying<br />
several luscious years in Surin Beach,<br />
the fashionable club hasn’t missed<br />
a beat since moving to their new<br />
expansive Bang Tao Beach location.<br />
Renowned for hosting big-name<br />
contemporary DJs and champagnepopping<br />
glitzy parties, Catch has<br />
another more subdued, yet just as<br />
glamorous side – in the kitchen.<br />
With 20+ years of experience<br />
behind him, Chef Anan has spent<br />
seven of those masterminding the<br />
eclectic menu at Catch. Several new,<br />
thematically-inspired dishes get<br />
concocted every month to keep the<br />
popular club at the culinary cutting edge.<br />
So what medley of Chef Anan’s<br />
taste-bud-tingling creations might one<br />
discover? How about grilled Spanishstyle<br />
octopus in a chili and garlic butter<br />
sauce. Not overpoweringly buttery,<br />
with some magical herb mix sprinkled<br />
on top, this fresh mollusc is cooked to<br />
40
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
precise consistency. Coaxing octopus<br />
to just the right texture is a skill that<br />
separates the cooks from the chefs.<br />
Another Spanish tapas-derived<br />
crowd-pleaser is the gambas pil pil.<br />
Although these fresh shrimp are<br />
served bathing in a chilli oil and<br />
butter sauce similar to the octopus,<br />
the pungent flavours are simplified. A<br />
fresh baked baguette from the woodfired<br />
oven soaks up every drop of<br />
garlicky goodness.<br />
The codfish à la nage, however,<br />
has no disguise and is an honest-togoodness<br />
soup. À la nage translates to<br />
“in the swim” referring to the way the<br />
imported Australian cod is poached<br />
alongside vongole (clams) in a savoury<br />
broth. The sweet cherry tomatoes and<br />
tarragon pesto fill out the light flavours<br />
of this afternoon favourite.<br />
Chef Anan’s vision led him to tap into<br />
the culinary traditions of coastal Spain<br />
where they have found a home in Phuket.<br />
Where will Chef Anan lead us next?<br />
202/88 Moo 2, Cherngtalay, Thalang,<br />
Phuket T: +66 (0) 65 348 2017,<br />
book@catchbeachclub.com<br />
Left<br />
Chef Anan’s<br />
extensive<br />
experience with<br />
Japanese cuisine<br />
shines through in<br />
Catch’s sashimi<br />
offerings.<br />
Top, Middle to Right<br />
Any self-respecting<br />
beach club would<br />
serve up a mean<br />
mojito, and Catch is<br />
no exception.<br />
With its tarragon<br />
pesto, sweet cherry<br />
tomatoes, and fresh<br />
clams, the codfish à la<br />
nage makes an ideal<br />
beachside lunch.<br />
Below<br />
Having spent nearly<br />
half his life in the<br />
kitchen, Chef Anan’s<br />
experience is reflected<br />
in the well-thought<br />
-out menu.<br />
42
SAMUI’S GOOD JOBS<br />
It’s easy to visit Koh Samui and have our days in the sun.<br />
But behind the scenes of waving palm trees and beckoning<br />
waters, dedicated locals make their paradise a true haven.<br />
Making Good<br />
on the<br />
Island<br />
Words Susan Field<br />
Photos Lesley Fisher<br />
On the first visit to Koh Samui in<br />
1986, my mother and I arrived by<br />
ferry. I promptly fell in love with this<br />
idyllic island with its azure waters,<br />
soft white sand beaches, gently swaying palm<br />
trees, fantastic food and friendly people.<br />
The love affair continued over<br />
the years and in 2004, I commissioned<br />
my first villa which rented out<br />
successfully for the next ten years,<br />
giving plenty of excuses to spend<br />
more time in Samui. And with each<br />
visit, I became more enchanted!<br />
In 2015, after selling my busy PR<br />
company, it was time to leave the<br />
hustle and bustle of Hong Kong after<br />
thirty fun, hectic years and settle in<br />
Samui. With hourly connections to<br />
Bangkok as well as two direct daily<br />
flights to Hong Kong and Singapore,<br />
it made travelling to other places in<br />
the world very easy.<br />
While still idyllic, Samui has<br />
changed and developed so much.<br />
Those of us who want development<br />
to be more ecologically and ethically<br />
sustainable are doing our part.<br />
Koh Samui has a number of<br />
active organisations that work<br />
tirelessly for the greater good,<br />
care of animals and preservation of<br />
the island.<br />
44<br />
45
SAMUI’S GOOD JOBS<br />
Top<br />
This Page<br />
The Samui Elephant<br />
Sanctuary gained<br />
inspiration from<br />
the Save Elephant<br />
Foundation, whose<br />
founder Sangduean<br />
“Lek” Chailert, is<br />
known for being<br />
at the forefront for<br />
elephant welfare<br />
and ethical tourism.<br />
From a previous<br />
life of hard labour,<br />
the elephants now<br />
thrive in a caring<br />
environment.<br />
SAMUI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY<br />
An experience not to be missed is<br />
Samui Elephant Sanctuary which<br />
opened in January this year and<br />
already has five adorable elephants<br />
in residence. Getting up close to the<br />
elephants is a memory you can never<br />
forget! According to the founder<br />
Khun Pao, “Here at the Samui<br />
Sanctuary, we treat our elephants<br />
with the dignity and respect they<br />
deserve. We do not allow riding or<br />
any type of performance; instead we<br />
work with our herd through positive<br />
reinforcement via food! Our tours<br />
follow a very relaxed programme<br />
which starts with an introduction<br />
to our work, followed by feeding<br />
the elephants. Then (it’s) a leisurely<br />
stroll through the sanctuary –<br />
accompanied by other elephants!”<br />
There are two tours each day,<br />
from 9am-12pm, 2-5pm.<br />
samuielephantsanctuary.org,<br />
Tel: +66 95 269 8343,<br />
email: info@samuielephantsanctuary.org<br />
SOI DOG FOUNDATION<br />
Founded in Phuket in 2003, Soi<br />
Dog (which means Street Dog)<br />
has an excellent animal welfare<br />
programme, having efficiently spayed<br />
and neutered more than 200,000<br />
dogs since opening its doors. They<br />
also work tirelessly providing<br />
medical treatment, sheltering,<br />
adoption opportunities and<br />
sponsorship of dogs.<br />
Funded entirely by donations,<br />
Soi Dog currently has a mobile<br />
sterilisation unit in Koh Samui<br />
which neuters many dogs and cats<br />
every month. To find out more or to<br />
donate, please visit soidog.org.<br />
SISTERS ON SAMUI (SOS)<br />
Every month, around 50 ladies<br />
gather for an informal lunch at one<br />
of Samui’s excellent restaurants.<br />
Aside from a fun social event, SOS<br />
supports local charities and has been<br />
the driving force behind several<br />
important causes.<br />
Its current focus is on raising<br />
funds to renovate the Children’s<br />
Ward at the government-run<br />
Nathon Hospital. In addition to<br />
the refurbishment programme,<br />
SOS is looking for sponsors and<br />
donations to provide new pyjamas<br />
for the children and to install bright<br />
new cheerfully coloured curtains.<br />
Details of the work by Sisters on<br />
Samui can be found at facebook.com/<br />
kohsamuicharity.<br />
SAMUI CLEAN & TRASH HERO<br />
And where there are humans, there<br />
is invariably garbage and Samui is<br />
no exception. Visitors and locals<br />
to the island can see an increasing<br />
number of large bins on the beaches<br />
that encourage disposal of trash<br />
responsibly and help keep the<br />
beaches in pristine condition.<br />
Decorated with the message<br />
Respect Our Beaches and bright sea<br />
images, they are the brainchild of<br />
local artist Idania Lucia Reiss, who<br />
creates the captivating artwork<br />
together with other artists. The<br />
bins are then distributed by Brent<br />
Jones, founder of non-profit<br />
organisation, Samui Clean and<br />
Samui Bins.<br />
Samui Clean, together with<br />
another group, Trash Hero,<br />
organises beach cleaning sessions<br />
every Sunday afternoon at 3pm.<br />
They welcome visitors to join<br />
them. Samui Clean accepts<br />
donations, however small, to<br />
finance the bins and the materials<br />
needed for the artwork.<br />
Details can be found on<br />
facebook/samuiclean.<br />
DOING MY PART<br />
Two years ago, I co-founded<br />
Impact Samui with my partners<br />
Rodney Waller (an established,<br />
award-winning developer on the<br />
island), and financial and project<br />
manager David Birchall.<br />
With a clear focus on<br />
responsible development, we do<br />
new building projects and we<br />
also carve a niche through our<br />
restoration of existing, rundown<br />
buildings. Rather than<br />
demolishing them and adding more<br />
development to the island, older<br />
buildings get beautified and new<br />
life breathed into them. Whenever<br />
possible, usable materials get<br />
recycled before donating the<br />
remainder to various causes on<br />
the island – in particular, children<br />
and animals. Sometimes our<br />
company sells such materials<br />
and makes cash donations to<br />
worthwhile causes. With our first<br />
project, Lavaliere, we sold all sorts<br />
of items, and made a donation<br />
towards the redevelopment of the<br />
Children’s Ward at Nathon Hospital<br />
on the island.<br />
If you’re just visiting,<br />
consider a bit of volunteer or<br />
responsible tourism by visiting<br />
the organisations or sending a<br />
donation. It’s what keeps Samui<br />
beautiful.<br />
Top<br />
Above<br />
Respect Our Beaches’<br />
Idiana Lucia Reiss,<br />
an artist who paints<br />
the cans and Brent<br />
Jones of Samui Clean<br />
and Trash Hero<br />
work tirelessly to<br />
keep Samui shores<br />
pristine.<br />
Left<br />
Volunteers for<br />
Trash Hero may<br />
also be non-Samui<br />
residents. Jones says<br />
that many tourists<br />
ask to help with<br />
beach cleaning who<br />
directly contact the<br />
organisation.<br />
46<br />
47
SAMUI’S GOOD JOBS<br />
น้ำทะเลสีคราม หาดทรายขาวนุ่ม ใบปาล์ม<br />
พลิ้วไหวตามแรงลม อาหารเลิศรส และ<br />
ผู้คนที่เป็นมิตร ทั้งหมดคือความทรงจำ<br />
ครั้งแรกของฉันที่เกาะสมุยในปี 1986<br />
ฉันเปิดวิลล่าให้เช่าในช่วงสิบปีหลังจากนั้น<br />
เลยพลอยให้ได้มาเยือนที่แห่งนี้บ่อยครั้งขึ้น<br />
จนกระทั่งในปี 2005 ฉันขายบริษัทพีอาร์<br />
หนีความวุ่นวายจากฮ่องกงมาอยู่ที่เกาะสมุย<br />
เต็มตัว จนได้เห็นว่าสมุยเปลี่ยนแปลง<br />
ไปมาก ทว่าเราก็ได้พัฒนาสมุยอย่างยั่งยืน<br />
มารู้จักองค์กรจำนวนมากบนเกาะสมุย<br />
ที่ดำเนินการอย่างไม่เหน็ดเหนื่อยเพื่อสังคม<br />
คอยดูแลสัตว์และอนุรักษ์เกาะแห่งนี้<br />
Samui Elephant Sanctuary<br />
เพิ่งเปิดทำการตั้งแต่เดือนมกราคมที่<br />
ผ่านมา แต่ตอนนี้มีช้างถึงห้าเชือก<br />
เปิดโอกาสให้คุณได้ใกล้ชิดและสัมผัส<br />
ประสบการณ์ที่จะจดจำไปตลอดกาล<br />
คุณเปา ผู้ก่อตั้งกล่าวว่า “เราให้<br />
เกียรติและเคารพช้างอย่างที่ควรจะเป็น<br />
เราไม่อนุญาตให้ขี่ช้างหรือให้ช้างแสดง<br />
ความสามารถใดๆ ตารางกิจกรรมของ<br />
เราไม่เร่งรีบ เริ่มจากให้ข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับ<br />
งานที่เราทำ ต่อด้วยการให้อาหารช้าง<br />
แล้วเดินเล่นทั่วเขตอนุรักษ์แห่งนี้พร้อมกับ<br />
ช้าง มีอาหารกลางวันและอาหารเย็นจัด<br />
ไว้ให้ทุกท่าน<br />
เปิดให้เข้าร่วมกิจกรรมสองรอบต่อวัน<br />
9.00-12.00 น. และ 14.00-17.00 น.<br />
จอง/สอบถามข้อมูลได้ที่เว็บไซต์<br />
samuielephantsanctuary.org,<br />
โทร: +66 (0) 95 269 8343<br />
ที่ใดมีมนุษย์ ที่นั่นมีขยะ สมุยก็เช่นกัน<br />
— อิดาเนีย ลูเซีย ไรส์ และศิลปินอีกหลาย<br />
คนจึงได้คิดสร้างงานศิลปะพร้อมข้อความ<br />
“Samui Clean and Samui Bins”<br />
พร้อมกับถังขยะที่จัดหาโดย เบรนต์ โจนส์<br />
ผู้ก่อตั้งองค์กรไม่แสวงหาผลกำไร<br />
Samui Clean and Samui Bins<br />
กลุ่ม Samui Clean และ Trash<br />
Hero ยังจัดกิจกรรมทำความสะอาด<br />
สมุยทุกวันอาทิตย์ เวลา 13.00 น. เปิด<br />
โอกาสให้ทุกคนเข้าร่วม และรับบริจาค<br />
เพื่อซื้อถังขยะและอุปกรณ์สำหรับงาน<br />
ศิลปะ, facebook.com/samuiclean<br />
มูลนิธิเพื่อสุนัขในซอย (Soi Dog<br />
Foundation) ก่อตั้งในปี 2003 จัด<br />
โครงการดูแลความเป็นอยู่ของสัตว์ และ<br />
ได้ทำหมันสุนัขมากกว่า 200,000 ตั้งแต่<br />
เปิดทำการ เพื่อป้องกันการเกิดใหม่ของ<br />
สุนัขที่ไม่เป็นที่ต้องการ อีกทั้งยังรักษา<br />
ให้ที่พักพิง และดำเนินการขอรับอุปการะ<br />
Sisters on Samui (SOS) สุภาพ<br />
สตรีกว่า 50 ท่านมารวมตัวกันเพื่อทาน<br />
อาหารกลางวันเดือนละครั้ง นอกจากเพื่อ<br />
พบปะสังสรรค์แล้ว SOS ยังสนับสนุน<br />
บน, ขวาล่าง<br />
ชายหาดและธรรมชาติ<br />
บนเกาะสมุยจะสวยงาม<br />
และสะอาดหมดจด<br />
เหมือนเดิมไม่ได้<br />
หากผู้คนละเลยหน้าที่<br />
ซ้ายล่าง<br />
กลุ่มอาสาสมัคร<br />
ทั้งจาก Samui Clean<br />
และ Trash Hero<br />
ร่วมแรงร่วมใจกันจัดการ<br />
ขยะบนเกาะสมุย<br />
งานการกุศลในท้องถิ่น และเป็นแรงขับ<br />
เคลื่อนกิจกรรมสำคัญต่างๆ อีกด้วย<br />
ตอนนี้สมาชิกของกลุ่มมุ่งระดมทุน<br />
เพื่อปรับปรุงแผนกผู้ป่วยเด็ก โรงพยาบาล<br />
หน้าทอน SOS สนับสนุนโครงการก่อสร้าง<br />
และหาผู้สนับสนุนเงินทุนเพื่อซื้อชุดนอน<br />
สำหรับเด็ก และติดตั้งผ้ าม่านสีสันสดใส,<br />
facebook.com/kohsamuicharity<br />
ร่วมช่วยด้วยมือเรา เมื่อสองปีก่อน<br />
ฉันได้ร่วมก่อตั้ง Impact Samui กับ<br />
รอดนีย์ วอลเลอร์ (นักพัฒนามือรางวัลที่<br />
ได้รับการยอมรับอย่างกว้างขวาง) และผู้<br />
จัดการโครงการและการเงิน เดวิด เบอร์ชอล<br />
เราได้ทำโครงการก่อสร้างใหม่ และ<br />
บูรณะอาคารที่ทรุดโทรมเพื่อให้อาคาร<br />
เหล่านั้นกลับมามีชีวิตอีกครั้งหนึ่ง โดยมี<br />
เป้าหมายเพื่อการพัฒนาอย่างมีความ<br />
รับผิดชอบ<br />
เมื่อมีโอกาส เรานำสิ่งของที่ใช้แล้วมา<br />
รีไซเคิล แล้วบริจาคส่วนที่เหลือเพื่อประโยชน์<br />
ของเกาะสมุย บางครั้งบริษัทของเราก็ขาย<br />
วัสดุที่ใช้แล้วเพื่อสมทบทุนกับกิจกรรม<br />
สาธารณะประโยชน์ต่างๆ Lavaliere เป็น<br />
โครงการแรกที่เราขายสิ่งของต่างๆ เพื่อ<br />
บริจาครายได้แก่โครงการปรับปรุงแผนก<br />
ผู้ป่วยเด็ก โรงพยาบาลหน้าทอนเกาะสมุย<br />
หากคุณมีโอกาสมาเยี่ยมเยียนเกาะสมุย<br />
ลองมาเป็นอาสาสมัคร หรือท่องเที่ยว<br />
เชิงอนุรักษ์กับองค์กรเหล่านี้ หรือร่วม<br />
สมทบทุนเพื่อให้สมุยเป็นเกาะสวรรค์ที่<br />
คงความงดงามเช่นนี้ต่อไป<br />
SAMUJANA’s name comes from the blend of Koh ‘Samui’ and the word ‘Jana’, meaning coral in Moroccan, due to its<br />
stunning hillside location overlooking a coral cove, with private beach access and uninterrupted views of Samui.<br />
Samujana’s def inition is very simple – 24 charming villas from 1 to 8 bedrooms, all with oversized private inf inity pools,<br />
modern <strong>Thai</strong> architecture and breath-taking views, 5-star hotel services and details that make a world of difference –<br />
the perfect place for friends and family to gather and have a great time.<br />
48<br />
Tel: +66 (0) 7742 3465<br />
Email: reservations@samujana.com<br />
www.samujana.com
FASHIONED FANTASIES<br />
Haute<br />
Drawings<br />
Words Phoowadon Duangmee<br />
Photos Phannapast Taychamaythakool<br />
for Gucci & Wichit Kongsiangsung<br />
High Fantasy<br />
Infused with a sense of fantasy, urban legends<br />
and popular culture, <strong>Thai</strong> artist and fashion<br />
designer Phannapast Taychamaythakool has<br />
created a unique collection of illustrations for a<br />
global high house of fashion.<br />
50 51
FASHIONED FANTASIES<br />
Last summer, Phannapast left her<br />
creative stamp when Gucci unveiled<br />
their “Le Marché des Merveilles”<br />
jewellery line. The collaboration<br />
with the Italian high fashion brand also<br />
came with a fairytale installation of animal<br />
portraits at their New York Fifth Avenue<br />
and Beverly Hills stores.<br />
In the series of fantastical<br />
portrayals, an elephant appears<br />
in an enormous red hat and blue<br />
dress with floral motifs. Then there<br />
is one of a loved up couple, a dolphin<br />
and a panther, in colourful dresses<br />
with tongues wagging in euphoria.<br />
These animals stand proud and<br />
confident in their finery. Odd<br />
yet magical – the entire set of<br />
illustrations burst at the seams with<br />
floral details and patterns, sending<br />
art and fashion aficionados to<br />
fantasy land where beauty and the<br />
beast manages to find a comfortable<br />
marriage, and wild animals have<br />
access to high fashion or in this case,<br />
Gucci’s latest collection.<br />
In the historic neighbourhood of<br />
Bangkok’s Chinatown, Phannapast<br />
shows up at Starbucks Wang Burapha<br />
on a sunny afternoon with her<br />
drawing markers and drawing<br />
logbooks for a private interview with<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> magazine.<br />
Right<br />
An imaginative<br />
rendering of<br />
an unlikely yet<br />
passionate affair<br />
between a dolphin<br />
and black panther<br />
by Phannapast.<br />
Bottom<br />
Armed with<br />
a degree in<br />
fashion design,<br />
the illustrator’s<br />
personal expression<br />
is as colourful as<br />
her work.<br />
“I come to Starbucks often to<br />
do some sketching and drawing.<br />
The daylight is about right to do<br />
hand drawing,” says the 31-year-old<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> illustrator.<br />
The up-and-coming artist<br />
appeared in a loose blue shirt,<br />
super long and over blue jeans and<br />
sneakers. Her face stands out with<br />
the distinctive “Beatle moptop”<br />
haircut and a pair of round, supersized<br />
hippy sunglasses – like John<br />
Lennon’s look from the 1960s to<br />
70s. A prominent mole – similar<br />
to Cindy Crawford’s signature<br />
one – occasionally draws attention<br />
with the people she talks to. Unlike<br />
her vibrant and quirky works,<br />
Phannapast’s voice is surprisingly<br />
gentle and conversations are carried<br />
out politely like with most <strong>Thai</strong><br />
women, ending every sentence with<br />
the particle ‘kha.’<br />
“Your work is oversaturated with<br />
a bright palette – pink, red, blue and<br />
yellow – so vibrant. Do you keep any<br />
black clothing in your wardrobe?”<br />
I asked the young fashion designer<br />
this as many fashion designers wear<br />
all black. Yohji Yamamoto, Vera Wang,<br />
Riccardo Tisci, Karl Lagerfeld – to<br />
name a few.<br />
“No, I don’t like black,” says<br />
Phannapast. “I keep a few black<br />
pieces, but I don’t really put them<br />
on.” Behind the pair of large hippy<br />
shades, I could sense some degree<br />
of shyness. After a few sips of hot<br />
Cappuccino, an ice breaker moment<br />
happens. The conversation becomes<br />
more sensational, with voices rising<br />
in a series of higher pitches.<br />
“When I was very young,<br />
I avoided looking at myself in<br />
the mirror,” says Phannapast.<br />
“Something wasn’t right in there.<br />
The reflection of a schoolboy<br />
in a typical and traditional crewcut<br />
was like a stranger to me, and that<br />
made me feel uncomfortable. There<br />
was conflict and disgrace. I didn’t<br />
even glance at my reflection,”<br />
confesses Phannapast, who is male<br />
and dresses as a woman.<br />
Nothing unlocked the conflict<br />
in her mind except art. It built up<br />
self-esteem and brought her out<br />
of a protected shell to eventually<br />
shine. Phannapast studied fashion<br />
design at Chulalongkorn University,<br />
Bangkok, and became a creative<br />
director of the local clothing brand<br />
“Kloset”. Being a freelance illustrator,<br />
she posts her work on Instagram<br />
occasionally.<br />
“In my young age when I started<br />
drawing, no one told me such things<br />
about creativity. Form and function<br />
52
FASHIONED FANTASIES<br />
Right<br />
The commissioned<br />
work from Gucci<br />
resulted in a set<br />
of illustrations<br />
featuring the<br />
‘Wonder Factory’<br />
where gems are<br />
fashioned.<br />
Bottom<br />
In Phannapast’s<br />
vision, the factory<br />
is run by all kinds<br />
of fanciful and<br />
endearing creatures<br />
behind ‘Le Marché<br />
des Merveilles’<br />
jewels and charms.<br />
were very conventional. Leaves had<br />
to be green, and the branches of<br />
the tree had a certain form,” says<br />
Phannapast.<br />
In art school, Phannapast had<br />
access to many artistic concepts,<br />
ideas and inspiration, and found out<br />
that beauty, indeed, has different<br />
faces and forms. She started to take<br />
a hard, long look in the mirror to<br />
find out her talents.<br />
“People have been living in a<br />
conventional world way too long,<br />
and are way too comfortable to<br />
recognise the beauty of being<br />
different,” says Phannapast.<br />
“When we find something or<br />
someone unconventional, we keep<br />
asking too many questions. We tend<br />
to think that they are misfits and<br />
alienated. We believe that they need<br />
to be fixed.<br />
“In fact, we don’t have to look,<br />
think, feel or act like our peers.<br />
Beauty lies in being different – be<br />
it difference in sexual identity or<br />
appearance.” In her work for Gucci,<br />
Phannapast tries to convince people<br />
of this philosophy.<br />
In art school, Phannapast had access to<br />
many artistic concepts, ideas and inspiration<br />
and found out that beauty, indeed, has<br />
different faces and forms.<br />
She also illustrated a book of<br />
imaginative fairy tales written<br />
by a friend, Aracha Cholitgul,<br />
inspired by stories of a personal<br />
past, and brought into an artistic<br />
visualisation. The tales in three<br />
chapters revolve around<br />
a “Wonder Factory”<br />
where animals create<br />
jewellery.<br />
In the first<br />
chapter, “A Present<br />
from the Sky” tells<br />
a tale of the kitten<br />
who wears a mask to<br />
cover up a facial mole.<br />
One day the little cat<br />
decides to take off<br />
the mask when<br />
it learned that beauty and a feelgood<br />
experience do not come from<br />
appearance alone.<br />
The second chapter, “The Very<br />
Big New Friend”, Erawan is a large<br />
elephant having a hard time trying<br />
to get a job in the factory.<br />
She is large in size with<br />
legs as large as the oldest<br />
trees in the forest.<br />
Her body is even<br />
bigger than the factory<br />
itself and when her<br />
ears flap, they create a<br />
small whirlwind. After<br />
Erawan has been in<br />
the factory for a while,<br />
she learns that she<br />
is a misfit. Every<br />
54
FASHIONED FANTASIES<br />
time the hapless pachyderm tries to<br />
help, everything she touches breaks.<br />
In these stories, both artists create<br />
an unforeseen relationship that<br />
challenges people’s attitudes.<br />
In the third chapter, “To Our<br />
Beloved Siranee from the Wonder<br />
Factory”, a dolphin has fallen in love<br />
with the stone statue of a panther<br />
who guards the jewellery factory.<br />
These fantastical animal<br />
stories and Phannapast’s eccentric<br />
illustrations blend fantasy and very<br />
human emotions, enhancing these<br />
stories on self-identify, conflict,<br />
and love.<br />
“People are too curious about<br />
everything, anything. People ask<br />
too many questions and don’t even<br />
bother about what they really need<br />
from the answer – or where the<br />
answer will take them to,” says the<br />
artist. “Perhaps they want an answer<br />
to satisfy their curiosity – or simply<br />
keep asking just for fun.”<br />
“In ‘Wonder Factory’, the<br />
animals don’t ask why or how<br />
the dolphin could develop such<br />
a romance with a statue – but<br />
they help make magic happen by<br />
appeasing the ‘Lioness Goddess.’<br />
For this set of stories, every<br />
chapter ends like a Han Christian<br />
Andersen book. It’s so sweet<br />
that you might need a lemon (to<br />
counteract it). The stone statue<br />
of a panther springs to life,<br />
thanks to the Lioness Goddess<br />
who gives him a heart and our<br />
creature takes the dolphin’s hand<br />
to a romantic, tantric cloud nine.<br />
Apart from the fantasy story, what<br />
makes eyebrows raise higher is<br />
the eccentric illustrations full of<br />
vibrant colours.<br />
Drawn with great details,<br />
Phannapast’s signature touches<br />
are of animals wearing luxurious<br />
clothing and posing as humans.<br />
Influenced by the Chinese shrines<br />
Top<br />
“A Present from<br />
the Sky”<br />
Right<br />
A whimsical<br />
drawing from<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong> illustrator<br />
has unleashed<br />
creative power.<br />
she often visits and the tribal art<br />
patterns that she is fond of, the<br />
artist creates a mysterious beauty<br />
in these illustrations.<br />
“I like drawing animals and<br />
making them like humans,” the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> artist puts it. “There is some<br />
degree of animal in a human being.<br />
When we are mad, sometimes we<br />
turn into a wild beast.”<br />
56
FASHIONED FANTASIES<br />
หน้าร้อนที่ผ่านมา แฟชั่นเฮ้าส์อิตาเลียน<br />
ชั ้นสูงอย่างกุชชี่ ได้เปิดตัวคอลเลกชัน<br />
เครื่องประดับ “Le Marché des Merveilles”<br />
ที่ผสมผสานกลิ่นอายความอัศจรรย์<br />
ตำนาน และป๊อปคัลเจอร์ ออกแบบโดย<br />
ศิลปินและนักออกแบบแฟชั ่นชาวไทย<br />
ปัณพัท เตชเมธากุล<br />
สิงสาราสัตว์นานาชนิด ช้างสวม<br />
หมวกสีแดง ใส่ชุดสีน้ำเงิน ประดับด้วย<br />
ลวดลายแมกไม้ หรือจะเป็นคู่รักปลา<br />
โลมากับเสือดำในชุดสีสันสดใส เปล่ง<br />
ประกายความสุขล้นบนผืนภูษา เป็นงาน<br />
ออกแบบที่แปลกใหม่และมีมนต์ขลัง<br />
นำวงการแฟชั่นเข้าสู่ดินแดนมหัศจรรย์<br />
แห่งใหม่ ความมหัศจรรย์แห่งกุชชี่<br />
ฟ้าไทยมีโอกาสสัมภาษณ์นักวาด<br />
ภาพประกอบสุดชิคผู้นี้ที่ย่านเยาวราช<br />
ด้วยเสียงอันนุ่มนวล ขัดกับการแต่งตัว<br />
ที่โดดเด่นและดึงดูดทุกสายตาที่มองมา<br />
ปัณพัทกล่าวว่า เธอชอบมานั่งวาดรูปที่<br />
สตาร์บัคส์แห่งนี้เพราะแสงที่นี่เหมาะกับ<br />
การสร้างสรรค์งานใหม่<br />
เพราะงานออกแบบของเธอมีสีสัน<br />
ฉูดฉาด เราจึงอดสงสัยไม่ได้ว่า ศิลปินผู้นี้<br />
จะมีเสื้อผ้าสีกลางๆ อย่างสีดำบ้างหรือ<br />
เปล่า...คำตอบคือมีอยู่ไม่กี่ชิ้น มีไว้<br />
อย่างนั ้นแหละ เธอไม่ชอบ และไม่คิดจะ<br />
หยิบขึ้นมาใส่<br />
เธอเล่าให้ฟังอีกว่า ตอนเด็กๆ เธอ<br />
ไม่อยากส่องกระจก ไม่อยากมองเห็น<br />
ภาพตัวเองในชุดนักเรียนตัดผมเกรียน<br />
ขัดกับตัวตนที่อยู่ภายใน แต่ศิลปะนี่แหละ<br />
ที่ทำลายกำแพงหนาที่ปัณพัทก่อขึ้น<br />
รอบตัวเอง แล้วเจิดจรัสขึ ้นมาอีกครั้ง<br />
ด้วยความมั่นใจ<br />
ปัณพัทเรียนจบสาขาออกแบบแฟชั่น<br />
ที่จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย ทำงานเป็น<br />
ผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายสร้างสรรค์ให้กับ<br />
แบรนด์เสื้อผ้า Kloset พร้อมกับเป็นนัก<br />
วาดภาพประกอบอิสระ โดยโพสต์งานของ<br />
ตัวเองลงอินสตาแกรมเป็นครั้งคราว<br />
เธอเล่าต่อว่า ศิลปะที่เรียนมานั้น<br />
อยู่ในกรอบที่ไม่เอื้อต่อการคิดสร้างสรรค์<br />
ใบไม้ต้องเป็นสีเขียว กิ่งก้านต้นไม้ต้องเป็น<br />
รูปแบบตามที่เป็น พอคนเห็นอะไรที่แปลกไป<br />
จากเดิมก็ตั ้งคำถาม และคิดไปเองว่า<br />
สิ่งแปลกปลอมนั้นต้องได้รับการแก้ไข<br />
แต่นี่แหละคือความงดงาม ความ<br />
แตกต่างคือความงดงาม อัตลักษณ์ทาง<br />
เพศและการแสดงออกก็เช่นกัน<br />
นักออกแบบมากพรสวรรค์อย่าง<br />
เธอได้ร่วมวาดภาพประกอบนิทาน<br />
“Wonder Factory” ที่เขียนโดย อรช โชลิตกุล<br />
ประกอบด้วยนิทานสามเรื่อง เล่าเรื่องราว<br />
ของสัตว์ที่ร่วมกันสร้างชุดเครื่องประดับขึ้น<br />
บทแรก “A Present from the Sky”<br />
เล่าเรื่องแมวที่ปกปิดใบหน้าเพราะมีไฝ<br />
แมวตัวนั้นตัดสินใจถอดหน้ากากออกแล้ว<br />
พบว่า ความงามและประสบการณ์สุดพิเศษ<br />
ไม่ได้มาจากรูปลักษณ์ภายนอกเท่านั้น<br />
บทที่สอง “The Very Big New Friend”<br />
ช้างชื่อเอราวัณพยายามที่จะเข้าทำงาน<br />
ในโรงงานแห่งหนึ่ง เธอตัวใหญ่มาก<br />
ปัณพัท เตชเมธากุล<br />
ศิลปินนักวาดภาพ<br />
ประกอบและผู้อำนวยการ<br />
ฝ่ายสร้างสรรค์ของ<br />
แบรนด์เสื้อผ้า Kloset<br />
ผลงานซิกเนเจอร์ของ<br />
เธอล้วนได้รับแรง<br />
บันดาลใจจาก<br />
สิงสาราสัตว์ แฟชั่น<br />
กรุยกราย ลวดลายจีน<br />
สุดวิจิตร และเรื่องราว<br />
ที่เสมือนหลุดมาจาก<br />
โลกแฟนตาซี<br />
ใหญ่กว่าโรงงานเสียอีก หลังจากที่<br />
ทำงานได้สักพัก เธอเริ่มตระหนักว่าเธอ<br />
ไม่เหมาะกับโรงงานแห่งนี้ เพราะเมื่อเธอ<br />
แตะอะไร สิ่งนั้นก็พังพินาศไปหมด<br />
และบทที่สาม “To Our Beloved<br />
Siranee from the Wonder Factory”<br />
เป็นเรื่องราวของปลาโลมาผู้หลงรักรูปปั้น<br />
เสือดำที่ทำหน้าที่คุ้มครองโรงงานแห่งนี้<br />
ปัณพัทกล่าวว่า ทุกคนสงสัยทุกเรื่อง<br />
ตั้งคำถามมากเกินไป ทั้งๆ ที่ไม่รู้ว่า<br />
ต้องการอะไรจากคำตอบที่ได้ หลายๆ<br />
ครั้งก็ถามเพื่อความสนุกเท่านั้น<br />
ใน “Wonder Factory” สัตว์แต่ละตัว<br />
ไม่ถามเลยสักคำว่าปลาโลมาตกหลุมรัก<br />
รูปปั้นได้อย่างไร ทุกคนต่างช่วยกัน<br />
อ้อนวอนขอพรจากเทพสิงโตจนท้าย<br />
ที่สุด นิทานก็จบลงด้วยความสุขสมหวัง<br />
ของคู่รักต่างสายพันธุ์<br />
นิทานว่าแปลกแล้ว ภาพประกอบ<br />
ยิ่งแปลกกว่านั้นอีก สีสันสดใส<br />
ฉูดฉาด รายละเอียดของภาพ<br />
ล้ำลึก สะท้อนเอกลักษณ์งานของ<br />
ปัณพัทที่มีสัตว์สวมเสื้อผ้าหรูหรา<br />
ผสมผสานศิลปะจีน และลวดลาย<br />
ชนเผ่า สร้างสรรค์เป็นความงามที่<br />
ลึกลับน่าค้นหา เธอทิ้งท้ายว่า เธอชอบ<br />
วาดภาพสัตว์ให้มีรูปลักษณ์เป็นคน<br />
เพราะมนุษย์ก็มีลักษณะเหมือน<br />
กับสัตว์ บางครั้งยามที่เรา<br />
โกรธ เราก็กลายร่าง<br />
เป็นอสูรกายได้<br />
เฉกเช่นเดียวกัน<br />
A CHINESE GUIDE TO THAILAND<br />
Tai Guo Zhi Nan or <strong>Thai</strong>land Guide is a<br />
custom-made guidebook designed for Chinese<br />
visitors to <strong>Thai</strong>land. Packed with insights and<br />
recommendations, the guidebook is a colourful<br />
presentation of <strong>Thai</strong>land focusing on Bangkok,<br />
Samui and Phuket.<br />
Tai Guo Zhi Nan is curated and edited by some<br />
of the most experienced and talented native<br />
speakers and multi-award magazine designers.<br />
The image-driven contents open with an overview<br />
of <strong>Thai</strong>land followed by events and festivals,<br />
recommendations to the best places to<br />
Eat, Shop & Play and close with tips tailored for<br />
Chinese visitors. The guidebook is divided into<br />
distinct sections highlighted by bright bold colours<br />
and section openers.<br />
Distributed by Bangkok Airways at airports and<br />
travel agents in China, the guidebook is also<br />
available at select hotels and resorts in Bangkok,<br />
Samui and Phuket and at Bangkok Airways<br />
lounges. The Guidebook also comes in a digital<br />
format via its website taiguoguidebook.com or<br />
scan the QR code on the cover.<br />
Published by MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />
Read Me<br />
Scan Me<br />
58
KHMER MODERNISM<br />
Phnom Penh’s glorious past can<br />
be seen through some of the still<br />
functioning buildings designed<br />
by the late Cambodian architect<br />
Vann Molyvann. If things had gone<br />
according to the original plans<br />
from decades ago, his influential<br />
urban designs would have defined<br />
Cambodia’s architectural destiny.<br />
Words Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Photos Permboon Wongpanit<br />
60<br />
61
KHMER MODERNISM<br />
The sun is coming down and the indoor stadium<br />
of the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh<br />
is the best spot to watch the evening’s gorgeous<br />
amber lights. Completed back in 1964, when<br />
Cambodia was pitching to host the Southeast Asian<br />
Peninsular Games, the Olympic Stadium, as it was once<br />
called, possesses clean and crisp lines of aluminium panels<br />
that run in parallel with the main balusters. While the<br />
original function of this fluting façade is to provide the<br />
needed cross-ventilation to the typically stuffy spaces in<br />
this stadium, these breathable walls also create stunning<br />
effervescent screen patterns that play along with the<br />
glimmering sunlight. I was told that the architect Vann<br />
Molyvann based the idea of this building on a mushroom<br />
– with a big core at the centre supporting the entire<br />
cantilevered structure – all symmetrical and with a stark<br />
modernist approach.<br />
Above<br />
The indoor stadium at<br />
the National Sports Complex with its<br />
‘breathable’ interior.<br />
Below<br />
Shimmering light passes<br />
through the indoor stadium of<br />
the sports complex.<br />
Opposite Page<br />
Top Left<br />
Inspired by a moat, the outdoor<br />
stadium drew its plan from the<br />
ancient Angkor Wat complex.<br />
Top Right<br />
The stadium showcases<br />
a design befitting the Khmer<br />
climate and lifestyles.<br />
Not too long ago on a<br />
dusty tuk-tuk ride in and<br />
about Phnom Penh, I found<br />
myself inadvertently gawking<br />
at the beautiful landmark of<br />
Chaktomuk Conference Hall<br />
on the busy riverside strip,<br />
not too far from the Royal<br />
Palace. Vann Molyvann, as I<br />
learned again, designed this<br />
magnificent Phnom Penh<br />
icon, along with almost a<br />
hundred other public buildings<br />
back in the 1960s that could<br />
have shaped Cambodia into a<br />
stunning metropolis, if not for<br />
the tragic interruption by the<br />
Khmer Rouge that practically<br />
erased everything.<br />
Some people told me I should<br />
not focus on the sad parts of<br />
Cambodia. Phnom Penh as we<br />
now know is a capital in big<br />
transition. Money is flowing in,<br />
with mega-constructions aplenty<br />
everywhere in the city. Snarling<br />
traffic with urban expansions<br />
are a big part of life here. Office<br />
workers and urban dwellers don<br />
to-go gourmet coffee cups as a<br />
daytime accessory. Those who<br />
visited Phnom Penh just decades<br />
ago would never recognise the<br />
city now. Its dust, prominent in<br />
memories, is almost completely<br />
gone. Roads are paved, buildings<br />
are getting higher, megamalls<br />
and condominium complexes are<br />
being built quite rapidly.<br />
Phnom Penh is letting<br />
bygones be bygones. But<br />
then again, there are these<br />
gorgeous buildings of the<br />
1960s – collectively referred<br />
to as ‘New Khmer Architecture’<br />
– the ones that constructed<br />
Cambodian’s Golden Age, that<br />
took place not too long ago.<br />
At the Institute of Foreign<br />
Languages (IFL), another of<br />
Vann Molyvann’s public<br />
building that is still standing<br />
and being used, students are<br />
reading with some of them<br />
engrossed in group studies.<br />
All of them are in oblivion to<br />
the great architect. Out of<br />
personal curiosity, I tried to<br />
quiz some of them, to see<br />
whether they know of my<br />
admired architect. Sadly, none<br />
had heard of his name, except<br />
for one geek whose job was to<br />
keep guard of the library – the<br />
round-shaped ‘bibliothèque<br />
– whose iconic avant-garde<br />
design was based on Cambodian<br />
farmers’ straw hats.<br />
62 63
KHMER MODERNISM<br />
For enthusiasts who love to<br />
scout for awesome buildings, the<br />
IFL buildings are magnificent<br />
examples of how the architect<br />
achieved his own personal<br />
directives. Vann Molyvann was<br />
known for his modern designs<br />
that fit well in the tropical heat.<br />
Small precise structures, raised<br />
platforms, cross-ventilation,<br />
aesthetic “claustra” and “brisesoleil”<br />
screens are heavily<br />
featured. In the middle of the<br />
plaza at the IFL complex is a giant<br />
banyan tree under which you<br />
might want to sit down and soak<br />
in the unique 1960s atmosphere.<br />
But the highlight from Vann<br />
Molyvann’s playful mind is in the<br />
main building’s staircase. Leading<br />
from the first to the fourth floor,<br />
the simple and open staircases<br />
seamlessly form an infinite<br />
juxtaposition. A flow of pedestrian<br />
traffic going up and down creates<br />
Above, Left and<br />
Right<br />
The shape of a fan<br />
provided design<br />
inspiration for<br />
the Chaktomuk<br />
Conference Hall,<br />
accentuated by<br />
traditional Khmer<br />
elements.<br />
Vann Molyvann<br />
began work on the<br />
conference hall, his<br />
first building, upon<br />
his appointment as<br />
chief architect in<br />
the 1950s.<br />
Vann Molyvann was known for his modern<br />
designs that fit well in the tropical heat.<br />
ever-changing and fluid human<br />
patterns. It is something genius in<br />
my opinion – and you have to be<br />
there to understand it.<br />
The ‘Golden Age’ of Cambodia<br />
took place between the 1950s to<br />
1960s when the country celebrated<br />
its full independence for the first<br />
time after almost a century as<br />
a French protectorate. The then<br />
King Norodom Sihanouk had a<br />
great vision to wholesomely uplift<br />
his country through education,<br />
arts and culture. Vann Molyvann,<br />
the Kampot province native, was<br />
coming back from his years on<br />
scholarship studying architecture<br />
in Paris. Heavily influenced by<br />
Le Corbusier and the like; he was<br />
appointed the State Architect and<br />
Head of Public Works. Unlike other<br />
prestigious architectural projects<br />
where people would need to pay<br />
to be able to enjoy the building<br />
facilities, Vann Molyvann’s<br />
landmarks were all public projects,<br />
hence creating a greater impact<br />
for everyday people. Doing the<br />
research for this architectural trip<br />
to Phnom Penh, we wish we could<br />
have seen the gorgeous 1962 Preah<br />
Suramarit National Theatre – an<br />
icon in the cultural landscape of<br />
Phnom Penh and the host to the<br />
National Conservatory of the Arts.<br />
The building had been torn down in<br />
2008 after a fire severely damaged<br />
its structure.<br />
New Khmer Architecture<br />
in Phnom Penh has become an<br />
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The winners of the gold, silver and bronze awards were announced on December 7th 2017 in<br />
an awards ceremony in New York City. Find out more winners at<br />
www. thecontentcouncil.org/files/galleries/Pearl_Awards_2017_Winners.pdf<br />
Published by<br />
64<br />
Scan Me
KHMER MODERNISM<br />
Above<br />
A flow of pedestrian<br />
traffic going up and<br />
down creates<br />
ever-changing,<br />
fluid human<br />
patterns.<br />
Right<br />
A classroom at the<br />
Institute of Foreign<br />
Language, with<br />
its gradient and<br />
sloped seatings.<br />
Below<br />
The circular pattern<br />
of the library at the<br />
IFL, intimate and<br />
book-reading cosy.<br />
interest among foreign visitors<br />
and professional architects<br />
during the past decades. In 2013,<br />
the Nikkei Asia Prize awarded<br />
Vann Molyvann in the culture<br />
category for his significant social<br />
contribution in Asia. The foreign<br />
recognition helped perpetuate his<br />
remaining works too. The Vann<br />
Molyvann Project, a pro bono<br />
effort of an international team of<br />
architects, architectural students<br />
and researchers, did a great job<br />
archiving the architect’s precious<br />
plans and stories. As anyone would<br />
tell you about the modern history<br />
of Cambodia, they are mostly oral.<br />
And Vann Molyvann’s records are<br />
pretty much the same.<br />
Then again, one could not<br />
curb the curiosity of the younger<br />
generation. Subdued despite obvious<br />
glories, Vann Molyvann’s works<br />
are now drawing attention among<br />
young and aspiring Cambodian<br />
architects and architectural students.<br />
His works are not taught in schools,<br />
yet a lot of people are studying it.<br />
Special projects and architectural<br />
tours of the city provide good<br />
resources for those interested to<br />
learn more about this historical slice<br />
of Phnom Penh.<br />
For me, the students at the IFL<br />
are the lucky ones. They may not<br />
know it, but they are spending<br />
CONGRATULATIONS TO<br />
BLAINE HARRINGTON III<br />
GRAND PRIZE WINNER<br />
FOR HIS PHOTO OF THE ZOJILA PASS,<br />
WORLD IN FOCUS PHOTO COMPETITION<br />
featured this photo in our article,<br />
“Dangerous Beauty”<br />
(<strong>May</strong>/<strong>June</strong> 2017 issue)<br />
Exposing the sheer beauty of the Zojila<br />
mountain pass and the risks it poses, the<br />
image is both captivating and dramatic.<br />
Look out for more eye-catching<br />
photography in ,<br />
Bangkok Airways inflight magazine.<br />
Published by MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />
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Scan Me<br />
66
KHMER MODERNISM<br />
Above<br />
Surrounded by<br />
pillars and<br />
protruding rain<br />
gutters, the exterior<br />
of the International<br />
Foreign Institute’s<br />
library becomes<br />
a spectacular sight<br />
when it rains.<br />
New Khmer Architecture in Phnom Penh<br />
has become an interest among foreign<br />
visitors and professional architects during<br />
the past decades.<br />
time in one of the greatest buildings<br />
on earth. I sneaked into their<br />
iconic auditorium-style classroom,<br />
taking my time sitting on the<br />
raised platform that from the<br />
outside looks like a giant box on<br />
a pair of lady stilettos. The wall<br />
of the hallway that connects all<br />
these classrooms is a perforated<br />
claustra wall that breathes and<br />
allows sunlight to create beautiful<br />
patterns that change with the<br />
hours of the day.<br />
There are also the active<br />
teams of aunties and uncles<br />
who, in colourful and stretchy<br />
spandex, arrive in droves for<br />
the evening’s aerobics on<br />
the raised outdoor arena of<br />
the National Sports Complex.<br />
Even now that the area is<br />
being encroached by mega<br />
construction, the magnificent<br />
allure of the whole place<br />
remains. A landmark of the<br />
great late architect who just<br />
passed away late last year at<br />
the age of 91, this complex as<br />
well is evidence of the glorious<br />
past – still perpetuated<br />
through its actual use by the<br />
people of Phnom Penh.<br />
For more information about Vann Molyvann and the Golden Age of Khmer<br />
Architecture, visit vannmolyvannproject.org. For those interested in the tours<br />
of Khmer Architecture Tours, browse through ka-tours.org.<br />
พระอาทิตย์กำลังจะลับขอบฟ้า คงไม่มีจุด<br />
ชมแสงอาทิตย์อัสดงที่งดงามเทียบเท่า<br />
สนามกีฬาในร่มที่ศูนย์กีฬาแห่งชาติกรุง<br />
พนมเปญอีกแล้ว แสงอาทิตย์ระยิบลอด<br />
ผ่านช่องผนังที่แต่เดิมออกแบบมาเพื่อ<br />
ระบายอากาศ ดังที่สถาปนิก วัน โมลีวาน<br />
ออกแบบและสร้างแล้วเสร็จในปี 1964<br />
ระหว่างที่นั่งรถตุ๊กตุ๊กเลียบฝั่งแม่น้ำ<br />
รอบเมืองพนมเปญ ไม่ไกลจากพระบรม<br />
มหาราชวัง สายตาของคุณไม่อาจพลาด<br />
หอประชุมจักโตมุขแน่นอน ไม่น่าแปลกใจที่<br />
หอประชุมแห่งนี้ก็ออกแบบโดย วัน มาลีวาน<br />
เช่นเดียวกันกับอาคารของรัฐอีกกว่าร้อย<br />
แห่ง กัมพูชาอาจกลายเป็นเมืองหลวงอัน<br />
ตระการตา ถ้าไม่ถูกขัดขวางโดยการ<br />
เคลื่อนไหวของเขมรแดงเสียก่อน<br />
ถึงกระนั้น กัมพูชาก็ยังเป็นเมืองหลวง<br />
ที่กำลังเปลี่ยนผ่านและขยายตัวอย่าง<br />
รวดเร็ว เม็ดเงินไหลบ่าสู่โครงการก่อสร้าง<br />
ขนาดยักษ์ ผู้ที ่เคยมายังเมืองหลวงแห่งนี้<br />
เมื่อไม่กี่สิบปีก่อนคงแปลกใจที่ได้เห็นร้าน<br />
กาแฟสุดฮิป ห้างสรรพสินค้า ตึกสูง<br />
เสียดฟ้า และวิถีชีวิตคนเมืองอย่างเต็ม<br />
รูปแบบ แต่พนมเปญก็ไม่ลืมรักษารากเหง้า<br />
ของตัวเองเอาไว้ด้วยอาคาร “สถาปัตยกรรม<br />
เขมรสมัยใหม่” ที่สร้างในช่วงปี 1960<br />
สถาบันภาษาต่างประเทศ อาคารรูป<br />
วงกลมแบบอาว็อง-การ์ดเป็นอาคารของ<br />
รัฐอีกแห่งหนึ่งที่ปัจจุบันยังใช้ในการเรียน<br />
การสอน แต่ถ้าถามนักเรียนที่นั่นว่ารู้จัก<br />
สถาปนิกผู้ออกแบบอาคารหลังนี้หรือไม่<br />
น้อยคนนักที่รู้จัก วัน โมลีวาน<br />
สำหรับผู้ที่คลั่งไคล้สถาปัตยกรรม<br />
จะไม่ผิดหวังเมื่อได้ยลโฉมอาคารแห่งนี้ซึ่ง<br />
ออกแบบมาให้เหมาะกับภูมิอากาศเขตร้อน<br />
โครงสร้างขนาดเล็ก พื้นยกสูง ระบบระบาย<br />
อากาศแบบไขว้ ผนังฉลุลายงดงาม ตัว<br />
อาคารโอบล้อมต้นไทรที่เติบใหญ่ตรงจุด<br />
ศูนย์กลาง บันไดที่เชื่อมตั้งแต่ชั้น 1ถึงชั้น 4<br />
ไขว้ขนานกัน เผยให้เห็นคลื่นมนุษย์เคลื่อนตัว<br />
ขึ้นลงเป็นสาย<br />
กัมพูชาเจริญก้าวหน้าสูงสุดในยุค<br />
ทองหลังจากประกาศอิสรภาพจาก<br />
ฝรั่งเศส พระบาทสมเด็จพระนโรดม สีหนุ<br />
ทรงพัฒนาประเทศผ่านการศึกษา ศิลปะ<br />
และวัฒนธรรม พระราชทานทุนการศึกษา<br />
แก่ วัน โมลีวาน ให้เรียนสถาปัตยกรรมศาสตร์<br />
ที่กรุงปารีส แล้วกลับมารับตำแหน่ง<br />
สถาปนิกแห่งรัฐ และหัวหน้ากิจการรัฐ<br />
รังสรรค์อาคารทรงเอกลักษณ์ และ<br />
สร้างแรงกระเพื่อมแก่ชีวิตประจำวันของ<br />
ผู้คนกัมพูชาโดยทั่ว<br />
ปัจจุบันสถาปัตยกรรมของ วัน โมลีวาน<br />
เป็นที่รู้จักอย่างกว้างขวางทั้งในและต่าง<br />
ประเทศ คนรุ่นใหม่ให้ความสนใจมากขึ้น<br />
บน<br />
ช่องกำแพงโปร่ง<br />
ที่สถาบันภาษา<br />
ต่างประเทศ<br />
กรุงพนมเปญ<br />
ฝีมือออกแบบของ<br />
วัน โมลีวาน มีลวดลาย<br />
แปลกตา สวยงาม<br />
ยามแสงแดดลอดผ่าน<br />
ล่าง<br />
ห้องเรียนของสถาบัน<br />
ภาษาต่างประเทศ<br />
รูปทรงแปลกตา ได้รับ<br />
การออกแบบมาอย่าง<br />
มีเอกลักษณ์<br />
มีการจัดโปรแกรมเที่ยวชมสถาปัตยกรรม<br />
เพื่อเรียนรู้ประวัติศาสตร์ของกรุงพนมเปญ<br />
อีกด้วย<br />
นักเรียนที่สถาบันภาษาต่างประเทศ<br />
ดูเหมือนจะเป็นกลุ่มคนที่โชคดีที่สุดที่ได้ใช้<br />
เวลาอยู่ในอาคารที่ยิ่งใหญ่ที่สุดแห่งหนึ่ง<br />
ของโลก แสงอาทิตย์ที่ลอดผ่านช่องฉลุ<br />
ยังความงดงามให้แก่ภายในของตัว<br />
อาคารจะเปลี่ยนแปลงแตกต่างออกไป<br />
ตามแต่ละช่วงเวลาของวัน<br />
หากมองไปรอบๆ ศูนย์กีฬาแห่งชาติ<br />
ในปัจจุบัน จะเห็นภาพผู้คนจำนวนมาก<br />
พากันมาออกกำลังกาย คุณลุงคุณป้า<br />
ออกท่าทางเต้นแอโรบิกอย่างสนุกสนาน<br />
ท่ามกลางตึกขนาดมหึมาที่ห้อมล้อมอาคาร<br />
ตระหง่านแห่งนี้อยู่ทุกเมื่อเชื่อวัน จึงเรียก<br />
ได้ว่า อาคารแห่งนี้เป็นตัวแทนความรุ่งเรือง<br />
ด้านสถาปัตยกรรมที่ วัน โมลีวาน ทิ้งไว้<br />
ให้ประชาชนชาวพนมเปญทุกหมู่เหล่าได้<br />
เชยชมอย่างแท้จริง<br />
68 69
BURMA BREWS<br />
Colonial<br />
Vestiges y<br />
A former British hill station in<br />
Myanmar provides the ideal setting<br />
for coffee to thrive.<br />
Words & Photos Ron Emmons<br />
70<br />
71
BURMA BREWS<br />
When British colonials established <strong>May</strong>myo (literally ‘<strong>May</strong>’s<br />
Town’, after Colonel <strong>May</strong>) in the early 20th century, they<br />
were desperate to escape the sweltering heat of Mandalay<br />
in the hot season. At 3,538 feet (just over 1,000 metres)<br />
of elevation, <strong>May</strong>myo offered a cool retreat, and soon the town had a<br />
familiar feel to its new inhabitants, with its clock tower, governor’s house<br />
and botanical gardens. These days <strong>May</strong>myo is known as Pyin Oo Lwin,<br />
and though the Brits are long gone, their legacy lingers on and attracts<br />
a steady stream of visitors from Mandalay, just 70km to the west.<br />
Yet alongside these tourist<br />
attractions, Pyin Oo Lwin is<br />
also making a name for itself as<br />
a producer of fine coffee. Several<br />
small plantations in the region<br />
are united under the umbrella<br />
organisation of the Myanmar<br />
Coffee Association, and some<br />
of them, such as Ngu Shwe Lee<br />
Coffee and Lone Star Coffee,<br />
welcome visitors to look around<br />
their estates to see all the<br />
stages in the preparation of this<br />
popular beverage.<br />
I began my exploration of<br />
Pyin Oo Lwin at the former<br />
Governor’s House, which is now<br />
on the grounds of the Aureum<br />
Palace Hotel. Being a Brit myself,<br />
I was curious to see how my<br />
compatriots had lived during<br />
the colonial era. As I entered<br />
the grand building, which<br />
was surrounded by manicured<br />
gardens, I stopped in my tracks.<br />
Top Right<br />
Young coffee plants<br />
at the ‘butterfly<br />
stage’, with just two<br />
leaves.<br />
Bottom Right<br />
Raspberry latte<br />
coffee served at café<br />
in Pyin Oo Lwin,<br />
Myanmar.<br />
Bottom Left<br />
Old photograph of<br />
residents and staff<br />
at the Governor’s<br />
House, <strong>May</strong>myo<br />
(now Pyin Oo Lwin),<br />
Myanmar.<br />
Opposite<br />
The Purcell Clock<br />
Tower in the centre<br />
of Pyin Oo Lwin,<br />
erected.<br />
Sitting and standing around the<br />
entrance hall were models of<br />
soldiers and other colonial types<br />
that were so lifelike, I expected<br />
them to step forward and shake<br />
my hand. Once I had got over<br />
this shock, I looked around the<br />
mansion’s many rooms, one<br />
of which included an indoor<br />
swimming pool, and imagined<br />
how my compatriots lived at<br />
the time.<br />
My next stop was the<br />
Kandawgyi National Gardens,<br />
which was based on England’s<br />
famous Kew Gardens, and I<br />
was instantly impressed by the<br />
meticulous order that had been<br />
established in the midst of a<br />
tropical jungle. Walkways led<br />
through colourful flowerbeds,<br />
past a collection of petrified<br />
wood, along a raised boardwalk<br />
over a swamp, through massive<br />
stands of bamboo, and around<br />
an elevated timber walkway<br />
bordered by massive, tropical<br />
trees. After a couple of hours<br />
meandering round the lakes<br />
and pathways, I felt uplifted by<br />
nature’s beauty and eager to see<br />
more of this quirky town.<br />
In the town centre, I smiled<br />
to see the Purcell Tower, a clock<br />
tower that would not have been<br />
out of place in any English town.<br />
Another throwback to the colonial<br />
era were horse-drawn carriages<br />
waiting patiently for passengers<br />
on street corners; they might<br />
have been lifted straight out of<br />
Victorian London. Clearly the<br />
intention of the colonials was one<br />
of stamping their own culture<br />
on the local scene rather than<br />
adapting to Burmese ways. As<br />
I wandered around, I realised<br />
that this place didn’t feel like<br />
Myanmar at all, as the faces<br />
were predominantly of people<br />
with Nepali or Indian descent.<br />
72<br />
73
BURMA BREWS<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Top Right<br />
Grading beans at<br />
coffee factory.<br />
Local brands of<br />
Myanmar coffee.<br />
Coffee beans<br />
ripening on<br />
the bush.<br />
I presumed that many of those<br />
who worked for the colonials had<br />
stayed on after the Brits had left<br />
and put down roots here. Even in<br />
the town’s main market, which<br />
was a riot of noise, colour and<br />
unusual smells, most of the stall<br />
vendors seemed to be Nepali<br />
or Indian.<br />
I settled into a café to reflect<br />
on these rich experiences, and<br />
was delighted to find a fantastic<br />
range of coffees to choose from.<br />
I ordered a latte, and while I was<br />
enjoying it, I got talking to a<br />
man called Samuel. “Do you like<br />
our local coffee?” he asked, and<br />
when I expressed surprise that<br />
the beans came from the area,<br />
he explained that the soil and<br />
climate in the hills around Pyin<br />
Oo Lwin make it ideal for growing<br />
coffee. It turned out that there are<br />
many small coffee plantations in<br />
the region, all of which are part of<br />
the Myanmar Coffee Association<br />
and produce top-grade varieties,<br />
such as S795, which is much<br />
sought after by coffee buyers.<br />
“So how come you know so<br />
much about coffee?” I asked<br />
Samuel. “Well, it just so happens<br />
that I was a manager of one<br />
of the local plantations for a<br />
decade,” he answered with a<br />
grin. “Would you like to take a<br />
look around one tomorrow? I’ll<br />
be showing a small group around<br />
a couple of plantations and a<br />
processing plant.” I jumped at the<br />
opportunity; after all, I had drunk<br />
coffee every day for countless<br />
years without much idea of how<br />
the brew was made.<br />
Samuel picked me up the next<br />
morning and we drove with his<br />
small group a few kilometres out<br />
of town to a coffee estate run by<br />
a friend of his. The welcoming<br />
owner, U Kyaw Sein, immediately<br />
poured us a cup of coffee from<br />
his farm and cracked open some<br />
macadamia nuts to nibble as we<br />
drank. Samuel explained that<br />
the macadamia tree provides<br />
excellent shade, which coffee<br />
bushes need, and the crop of nuts<br />
(around 12 tons a year) provided<br />
valuable extra income.<br />
We hopped into a pick-up<br />
truck and bounced along dirt<br />
tracks that led through the<br />
estate, stopping here and there<br />
for U Kyaw Sein to show off the<br />
waxy-leaved coffee bushes laden<br />
with green berries. He explained<br />
Somehow the experience of watching<br />
the process of coffee production all the<br />
way from seed to cup had given me a new<br />
appreciation of just how much knowledge<br />
and hard work goes into producing the<br />
drink that kick-starts my days.<br />
that with careful maintenance, a<br />
coffee bush can keep producing<br />
beans for up to 80 years, but it<br />
was evident that this is a labourintensive<br />
business. As we drove<br />
around, we passed small groups<br />
of workers pruning the bushes,<br />
weeding the area around them<br />
and adding fertiliser to the earth.<br />
Apart from coffee, which yields<br />
about 15 tons of green beans a<br />
year from around 200 acres, the<br />
estate also grows dragon fruit and<br />
avocados. The avocado is another<br />
tree that doubles as a shade tree<br />
for coffee and brings an extra<br />
source of income.<br />
Samuel then took us to the<br />
Mandalay Coffee Group processing<br />
plant on the outskirts of Pyin<br />
Oo Lwin to see what happens to<br />
the beans once they have been<br />
harvested. I was shocked to see<br />
all kinds of elaborate machinery<br />
used to soak the beans, throw<br />
out the bad ones, take off the<br />
skins and then roast them so that<br />
they are ready for consumption.<br />
In one corner of the processing<br />
plant, a small army of women sat<br />
grading berries one by one, a job<br />
that would drive me mad with its<br />
repetitive nature.<br />
We couldn’t leave without<br />
sampling the finished product,<br />
and I smacked my lips as I supped<br />
a cup of S795 Arabica special.<br />
Somehow the experience of<br />
watching the process of coffee<br />
production all the way from<br />
seed to cup had given me a new<br />
appreciation of just how much<br />
knowledge and hard work goes<br />
into producing the drink that<br />
kick-starts my days. I thanked<br />
Samuel for allowing me to see<br />
an aspect of this former colonial<br />
town that I never knew existed,<br />
one that complements a colourful<br />
past with the hope for a bountiful<br />
future. He smiled and presented<br />
me with a small packet of Arabica<br />
to take home as a souvenir, telling<br />
me that it was his pleasure to<br />
share the secrets of his home<br />
town’s rich culture with a<br />
stranger from far away.<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Top Left<br />
Burmese worker<br />
roasting coffee<br />
beans.<br />
Ex-coffee<br />
plantation manager<br />
Samuel pointing out<br />
features of healthy<br />
coffee bush.<br />
Coffee beans<br />
being processed at<br />
processing plant,<br />
Pyin Oo Lwin,<br />
Myanmar.<br />
74<br />
75
BURMA BREWS<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 />
แต่เดิม พินอูลวิน เป็นเพียงเมืองเล็กๆ<br />
อากาศเย็นสบาย ที่ทหารอาณานิคม<br />
บริติชมักหนีร้อนมาพักจากเมืองเมเมียว<br />
จากศตวรรษที่ 20 จนถึงบัดนี้ มรดกที่<br />
ตกทอดจากทหารกลุ่มนั้นได้สร้างเสน่ห์<br />
ดึงดูดนักท่องเที่ยวให้มาเยี่ยมชม ไม่ว่าจะ<br />
เป็นหอนาฬิกา บ้านพักเจ้าครองเมือง<br />
สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ หรือบรรยากาศ<br />
สบายๆ ของพินอูลวิน ซึ่งห่างจากมัณฑะเลย์<br />
ของพม่าไปทางตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือเพียง<br />
60 กิโลเมตรเท่านั้น<br />
ไร่กาแฟเล็กๆ ในเมืองนี้ก็มีชื่อเสียง<br />
เลื่องลือไม่แพ้กัน พินอูลวินผลิตเมล็ด<br />
กาแฟชั้นเลิศ อีกทั้งยังเปิดให้นักท่องเที่ยว<br />
ชมไร่กาแฟและสัมผัสกรรมวิธีการผลิต<br />
ต้นแต่ต้นจนจบก่อนจะมาเป็นกาแฟหอมกรุ่น<br />
หนึ่งถ้วยให้เราได้จิบยามเช้า<br />
เราเริ่มทริปที ่บ้านพักอดีตผู้ครอง<br />
เมืองในพินอูลวิน ซึ่งปัจจุบันตั้งอยู่บน<br />
พื้นที่ของโรงแรมออเรียมพาเลซ เราย่าง<br />
ก้าวเข้าไปในอาคารอันโอ่อ่า ประตูทาง<br />
เข้ามีรูปปั้นทหารเหมือนจริง ด้านในมี<br />
ห้องจำนวนมาก หนึ่งในนั้นคือ สระว่ายน้ำ<br />
ในร่ม ในสมัยนั้นชีวิตของผู้ครองอาณานิคม<br />
คงจะสุขสบายมิใช่น้อย<br />
แล้วไปต่อที่สวนพฤกษศาสตร์แห่งชาติ<br />
กันดอว์จี ผู้ที่มายังสวนแห่งนี้ต้องประทับใจ<br />
การจัดวางสถานที่ท่ามกลางป่าฝนเขตร้อน<br />
ทางเดินทอดยาวสู่แปลงดอกไม้หลากสี<br />
ข้ามหนองน้ำเงียบสงบ ทิวไผ่พลิ้วไหวตาม<br />
สายลม และต้นไม้เขตร้อนสูงใหญ่โดยรอบ<br />
ทุกอย่างที่นี่ล้วนเชื้อเชิญให้เราอยากรู้จัก<br />
เมืองเล็กๆ เมืองนี้ยิ่งขึ้นไปอีก<br />
ตัวเมืองพินอูลวินส่งกลิ่นอายอาณานิคม<br />
อย่างชัดเจน หอนาฬิกาแบบอังกฤษตั้ง<br />
ตระหง่านอยู่กลางเมือง มีรถม้าที่เหมือน<br />
เดินทางข้ามเวลามาจากสมัยวิกตอเรีย<br />
ทุกอย่างดูไม่เข้ากันเมื่อเราตระหนักว่า<br />
ตอนนี้เรากำลังอยู่ในเมียนมา แม้แต่ผู้คน<br />
ตามเข็มนาฬิกา<br />
จากซ้ายบน<br />
ทางเดินบนสะพานไม้<br />
สำหรับเยี่ยมชม<br />
ความงดงามใน<br />
สวนพฤกษศาสตร์<br />
แห่งชาติกันดอว์จี<br />
ชาวอินเดียและเนปาล<br />
พากันมาสักการะ<br />
สิ่งศักดิ์สิทธิ์ที่วัดฮินดู<br />
แม่ชีน้อยๆ เทินถาด<br />
บนศีรษะ เดินเรียงเป็นแถว<br />
กลางเมืองพินอูลวิน<br />
รถม้ารอให้<br />
นักท่องเที่ยวจับจอง<br />
เพื่อพาชมรอบเมือง<br />
ที่นี่ก็ดูเหมือนจะเป็นชาวเนปาลหรืออินเดีย<br />
เป็นส่วนใหญ่ คาดว่าบรรพบุรุษของ<br />
ชาวเมืองน่าจะเป็นคนงานที่ชาวอังกฤษพา<br />
มาด้วยในยุคอาณานิคม จากนั้นก็ตั้งรกราก<br />
ที่นี่ แล้วอยู่อาศัยเรื่อยมาจนถึงปัจจุบัน<br />
นั่งพักจิบกาแฟสักเล็กน้อย จากรายการ<br />
กาแฟที่มีให้เลือกสรรหลากหลายรายการ<br />
ทั้งหมดล้วนแล้วแต่ผลิตในชุมชนแห่งนี้<br />
ทั้งสิ้น ชาวเมืองคนหนึ่งเล่าให้ฟังว่า<br />
พินอูลวินมีดินและอากาศเหมาะแก่การ<br />
ปลูกกาแฟ ไร่กาแฟเล็กๆ จำนวนมากเป็น<br />
ส่วนหนึ่งของสมาคมกาแฟแห่งเมียนมา<br />
ซึ่งสามารถผลิตเมล็ดกาแฟคุณภาพสูง<br />
อันเป็นที่ต้องการของตลาด<br />
เราได้พบกับชาวเมืองคนหนึ่งชื่อว่า<br />
ซามูเอล ซึ่งเคยเป็นผู้จัดการไร่กาแฟแห่งหนึ่ง<br />
ที่มีประสบการณ์กว่าสิบปี เขาพาเรามาชม<br />
ไร่กาแฟพร้อมอธิบายว่า ต้นแมคคาเดเมีย<br />
แก้วมังกร และอโวคาโดปลูกไว้ในไร่เพื่อให้<br />
ร่มเงาแก่ต้นกาแฟ ส่วนเมล็ดและผลที่<br />
เก็บเกี่ยวได้ถือเป็นรายได้เสริมอีกทาง<br />
เรานั่งรถกระบะไปตามถนนดิน<br />
ต้นกาแฟใบเงางามเป็นพุ่ม ผลกาแฟเขียว<br />
เต็มต้น เมื่อได้รับการบำรุงและดูแลอย่างดี<br />
ต้นกาแฟเหล่านี้สามารถให้ผลได้ถึง 80 ปี<br />
เลยทีเดียว หากแต่ต้องใช้แรงงานและเวลา<br />
คนงานค้องคอยตัดกิ่ง ถอนวัชพืช และใส่<br />
ปุ๋ยคอกให้กับต้นกาแฟทีละต้นๆ<br />
เมื่อเก็บเกี่ยวมาเรียบร้อยแล้ว เมล็ด<br />
กาแฟจะต้องผ่านกรรมวิธีในโรงงานที่ตั้ง<br />
อยู่นอกเมืองพินอูลวิน เมล็ดกาแฟแต่ละ<br />
เมล็ดนำจะต้องบรรจุเข้าในเครื่องจักร<br />
ขนาดใหญ่เพื่อแช่น้ำ คัดเมล็ดเสียทิ้งไป<br />
ปอกเปลือก แล้วคั่วให้หอมพร้อมชงเป็น<br />
กาแฟในถ้วย แต่ในอีกมุมหนึ่งของโรงงานก็<br />
มีคนงานคอยเลือกและคัดแยกเมล็ดกาแฟ<br />
แยกตามเกรดอย่างถี่ถ้วน...ทีละเมล็ด<br />
ที่ขาดไม่ได้เลยคือขั้นตอนการชิมกาแฟ<br />
อาราบิก้าพิเศษ S795 ประสบการณ์<br />
ความรู้ ความรัก และแรงงานกลั่นออกมา<br />
เป็นน้ำกาแฟแต่ละหยด ให้รสชาติและกลิ่น<br />
หอมเลิศล้ำ เกิดเป็นเครื่องดื่มสำหรับเริ่ม<br />
วันใหม่ที่ทุกคนคุ้นชิน<br />
แล้วเราก็ได้พบอีกด้านหนึ่งของเมือง<br />
พินอูลวินที่เคยเป็นเมืองใต้อาณานิคม<br />
เป็นด้านแห่งความหอมหวานของ<br />
วัฒนธรรมกาแฟ และเป็นความโชคดีที่คน<br />
แปลกหน้าอย่างเราได้มีโอกาสมาพบพาน<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 />
Read more<br />
76
GALLERY<br />
It’s a constant busy in the<br />
city’s indie art world, with<br />
momentum picking up<br />
for an inaugural biennale.<br />
Photographer Jesper Haynes<br />
makes the rounds on the<br />
opening day circuit.<br />
Words & Photos Jesper Haynes<br />
Ifell in love with Bangkok’s art scene<br />
back in early 2000, a time when About<br />
Café was an active experimental<br />
gallery, with always something fun going<br />
on. Another place called Gig Groceries<br />
inspired me to make the book GIG, which<br />
is a tribute to Bangkok’s indie music and<br />
art world.<br />
The continuing energy and passion of<br />
artistic creations in this city endured. Ten<br />
years later, my first solo show was at No<br />
Space gallery in (nightlife destination) RCA.<br />
At the time it was one of the most fun art<br />
galleries around. Run by musician Bank and<br />
photographer Yoko, this followed with<br />
more of my works exhibited at burgeoning<br />
art spaces such the Space, Soy Sauce Factory,<br />
Speedy Grandma and finally, at Jam factory<br />
last year. So here we are, with an established<br />
Bangkok scene bursting with artistic<br />
expressions that can be avant-garde, offbeat<br />
but always personal.<br />
I have really high hopes for Bangkok<br />
becoming a mini Berlin. It has all the right<br />
ingredients, one of the most important<br />
being low rent and secondly, lots of big<br />
available spaces that could easily be<br />
converted into galleries.<br />
Many poor artists would probably<br />
argue we’re not there yet but I do have<br />
a sense the Bangkok [art] world is still<br />
evolving. In the last four or five years,<br />
so many new interesting venues have<br />
appeared, and there are now many areas<br />
where clusters of galleries form small<br />
communities where artists support each<br />
other, a sweetness that is often missing in<br />
bigger markets.<br />
Bangkok’s Chinatown has independent<br />
galleries like Cho Why, around the corner<br />
from the original About Café that started it<br />
all back in the 80’s.<br />
78<br />
79
GALLERY<br />
TOP<br />
Artist Apiwat Banler<br />
often puts himself in<br />
his large paintings: this<br />
is from the exhibition<br />
“<strong>May</strong>be Tomorrow” at<br />
Cho Why Art Space.<br />
Cho Why (on Soi Nana<br />
in Chinatown), run by<br />
David Fernandez and<br />
Victor Hierro, is one of<br />
those really cool spaces,<br />
a converted Chinese shop<br />
house where anything<br />
art-related is encouraged.<br />
BOTTOM<br />
Justin Mills explains his<br />
work to a visitor in his<br />
studio on Soi Nana in<br />
Chinatown.<br />
OPPOSITE TOP<br />
Bangkok-based<br />
Douglas Diaz’s exhibit<br />
at Woof Pack Gallery.<br />
The current work<br />
of drawings and<br />
illustrations explore<br />
his personal definition<br />
of “Love.”<br />
OPPOSITE, BOTTOM<br />
Looking out from the<br />
entrance to Gallery<br />
Speedy Grandma, a very<br />
hip and cool gallery run<br />
by Lee Anantawat.<br />
80 81
GALLERY<br />
RIGHT<br />
Artist Taweewit<br />
Kijtanasoonthorn at<br />
Bangkok Screening<br />
Room, Woofpack Building,<br />
that also champions the<br />
artistic community. He<br />
stands in front of his work,<br />
“Up Side Down Town.”<br />
BELOW<br />
Miti Ruangkritya’s<br />
installation at WTF Café<br />
& Gallery, “Two men look<br />
out through the same<br />
bars: one sees the mud,<br />
and one the stars”.<br />
ABOVE<br />
Alex Face, an influential graffiti artist<br />
whose work is always familiar, even<br />
outside of <strong>Thai</strong>land. The work is from the<br />
group exhibit, SOS-Souled Out at Bangkok<br />
CityCity Gallery, now one of the leading art<br />
spaces in Bangkok.<br />
BOTTOM LEFT<br />
Street art has enabled a larger community<br />
to connect to public art and acquaint<br />
themselves with the creative process of<br />
an artist.<br />
BOTTOM RIGHT<br />
Kittitorn Kasemkitwatana’s<br />
“Impermanence” at Project Room by<br />
Gallery Ver. The gallery is founded by artist<br />
Rirkrit Tiravanija.<br />
82<br />
83
GALLERY<br />
ABOVE<br />
Japanese artist Wakabuko puts the last few brush strokes on his<br />
painting at Jam Factory Gallery, another great spot and all around<br />
interesting place to visit along the Chao Phraya river on the<br />
Thonburi side.<br />
BELOW<br />
Graffiti has been part of Bangkok’s street scene for many years.<br />
This is on the khlong (canal) next to the Jim Thompson house<br />
near the Ratchathewi BTS station and a nice way to see Bangkok’s<br />
waterways.<br />
ABOVE<br />
Jeff Gompertz’s space keeps the experimental part of the Bangkok art<br />
world alive, here with a video installation titled “Public RelationS”.<br />
BELOW<br />
An incubating project for Young Artists at BACC (Bangkok Art and<br />
Culture Centre). This installation is by Kanich Khajohnsri.<br />
84<br />
85
CLOCKWISE, FROM<br />
TOP LEFT<br />
Bangkok CityCity Gallery<br />
is a hip young space<br />
founded in 2015, this is<br />
from the exhibition SOS-<br />
Souled Out Studios.<br />
Artist and curator<br />
Angkrit Ajchariyasophon.<br />
He supports young <strong>Thai</strong><br />
artists by introducing<br />
their work at Angkrit<br />
Gallery.<br />
Tew Maneesutham’s<br />
To Reminisce, at CASE<br />
Space Revolution,<br />
located on the second<br />
floor of vegan restaurant<br />
Broccoli Revolution, on<br />
Sukhumvit 49.<br />
OPPOSITE PAGE<br />
Works by British artists<br />
Lucas Price and Mau Mau<br />
at Bangkok CityCity<br />
Gallery.<br />
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
American/Swedish photographer<br />
Jesper Haynes was born in Edinburgh,<br />
Scotland in 1962. When he was 16<br />
years old, he met Andy Warhol in<br />
Stockholm who encouraged him to<br />
come and live in New York. Once in<br />
the Big Apple, he started working for<br />
Ralph Gibson printing in the darkroom<br />
for five years. Days were spent in the<br />
darkroom and nights at club Area<br />
while living in American film director<br />
and photographer Larry Clark’s<br />
apartment on Hudson and Canal –<br />
“I never saw daylight.” Jesper has<br />
since established himself as an artist<br />
documenting his unique lifestyle<br />
through photography.<br />
His photographs are part of the<br />
permanent collection at the Museum<br />
of Modern Art in Stockholm, Sweden. He<br />
shares his time between New York (where<br />
he is based), Bangkok, Paris and Tokyo.<br />
86<br />
87
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO<br />
Urban farms continue to<br />
proliferate, and in Bangkok<br />
diners now can eat within<br />
plucking distance of their<br />
greens. Inventive dishes<br />
and a farm tour are yours<br />
just a few steps away.<br />
BANGKOK 90 / SAMUI 92 / KRABI & PHUKET 96 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 100 / PATTAYA & TRAT 101 /<br />
CHENGDU, CHONGQING & GUANGZHOU 102 / HONG KONG 104 / SINGAPORE 106 / KL 107 / BATTAMBANG, PHNOM PENH & SIEM REAP 108 /<br />
DANANG, HANOI & PHU QUOC 110 / LUANG PRABANG 112 / YANGON 113 / MALDIVES & MUMBAI 114<br />
89
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Heartfelt Royal<br />
Exhibit<br />
The exquisite Phya <strong>Thai</strong> Palace<br />
now opens to the public at the<br />
main Phiman Chakri Hall, also the<br />
site of the ‘Forever in Our Hearts’<br />
exhibition. Poignant and informative,<br />
it comprises an extensive collection of<br />
the life story of the late and beloved<br />
King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was<br />
part of the multi-faceted series of<br />
exhibitions of the Royal Cremation<br />
Ceremony last year. Now, those who<br />
missed this invaluable presentation<br />
can visit Phya <strong>Thai</strong> Palace and walk<br />
through the comprehensive series<br />
packed with information about the<br />
King’s lifetime of comprehensive<br />
works and showcase of ancient<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> traditions.<br />
Phya <strong>Thai</strong> Palace itself is a very<br />
beautiful historical complex in<br />
architecture and historical value.<br />
Once a personal experimental<br />
farming plot of King Rama V, the<br />
space was later turned into the<br />
palace for King Rama VI. Towards<br />
the end of his reign, King Rama VI<br />
turned his palace into a luxurious<br />
MASTER PIECES<br />
You can find classic pieces from Danish designer Arne Jacobsen to those of German<br />
conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl in this “boutique of timeless objects” at The Object Room,<br />
opening at K Village. Enjoy browsing through a wide array of lifestyle products and<br />
accessories selected for their well-crafted quality and timeless charm from all over the world<br />
hotel. When <strong>Thai</strong>land went through<br />
the 1932 constitutional changes,<br />
the palace was used by the Bangkok<br />
military medical division and later<br />
became King Mongkut Memorial<br />
Hospital. Phya <strong>Thai</strong> Palace Conservation<br />
Foundation, Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok,<br />
phyathaipalace.org, +66 (0) 2354 7987,<br />
(0) 2354 7732<br />
RICE AND SHINE<br />
After 35 years in <strong>Thai</strong> cuisine,<br />
Chef Vichit Mukura has unveiled<br />
his marvellous menu in a more<br />
contemporary setting in the heart of<br />
the bustling street of Ekamai. The<br />
renowned chef aims at crafting what<br />
he has gathered and mastered over<br />
the years into perfect <strong>Thai</strong> dishes<br />
accompanied by the magic of rice, an<br />
everyday staple, hence the name of<br />
the restaurant Khao (rice in <strong>Thai</strong>).<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Next Level<br />
Green Dining<br />
Vegetables get their own<br />
gastronomic treatment at<br />
Haoma. The combination<br />
may not seem so out of<br />
the ordinary, but with<br />
executive chef Deepanker<br />
‘DK’ Khosla’s culinary<br />
skills and finesse at Haoma<br />
(pronounced ha-o-ma),<br />
the vegetables excel. Green<br />
produce and local organic<br />
All dishes are wonderfully created<br />
using premium ingredients from Or Tor<br />
Kor, the Chef’s favourite market and<br />
venue for high-quality fresh products.<br />
Enlivened with blond wood and natural<br />
light, the space offers traditional à la<br />
carte <strong>Thai</strong> dishes, along with Chef’s<br />
Table options ranging from six, eight, to<br />
ten-course menus. Advanced booking is<br />
highly recommended. 15 Ekamai Soi 10,<br />
khaogroup.com, +66 (0) 2381 2575<br />
ALL THE SAKURA YOU CAN DRINK<br />
Inspired by Japan’s Sakura cherry trees, Up & Above Bar is<br />
introducing cocktails and mocktails to celebrate the beauty<br />
of cherry blossoms. The delicately-crafted selection includes<br />
favourites like the floral champagne cocktail Sakura Royale, and a<br />
Sakura Martini which fuses sake, cherry liqueur, and gin together<br />
for a delightful twist. New selections include the Sakura 75, an<br />
alluring combination of champagne, gin, Sakura syrup, and lemon<br />
juice, and the Sakura Oriental Tonic that tweaks the classic<br />
Gin Tonic with a Japanese botanical touch. For mocktails, the<br />
bubbly Simply Sakura is the true manifestation of cherry purée,<br />
yuzu juice, and soda water, while the Blossoms offers a more<br />
adventurous experience with cherry purée, black pepper-infused<br />
syrup, cream and lime juice. Up & Above Bar at The Okura Prestige<br />
Bangkok, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, okurabangkok.<br />
com, +66 (0) 2687 9000<br />
and in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand<br />
and founded in 2011, the multi-brand design store<br />
understands the desire to combine cutting-edge<br />
aesthetics with an everyday functional purpose.<br />
K Village, 93, 95 Sukhumvit 26, +66 (0) 2007 0767,<br />
facebook.com/theobjectroom<br />
ingredients create a progressive<br />
dining experience in line with<br />
the restaurant’s environmental<br />
approach. Nestled serenely in<br />
the corner of Sukhumvit 31,<br />
the restaurant’s two-storey<br />
glasshouse embraces the lush<br />
greenery of the surrounding<br />
area. Complete with its own<br />
organic garden, it perfectly sums up the concept<br />
of an urban farm with the mission to cook only<br />
what they grow and reap. Also, Haoma has<br />
drinks crafted by Bacardi’s brand ambassador<br />
mixologist Mitchell Kai Lum. His creations, in line<br />
with Haoma’s sustainable approach, feature an<br />
innovative way of interpreting spirits, fruits and<br />
vegetables. 231/3 Sukhumvit Rd, haoma.dk,<br />
+66 (0) 2258 4744<br />
90<br />
91
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Tongsai Bay Exclusive<br />
Adding to Koh Samui’s repertoire<br />
of sophisticated dining options<br />
is the newly opened Butler’s at<br />
The Tongsai Bay.<br />
With the intention of adding<br />
an exclusive take on dining,<br />
Butler’s opens its doors only on<br />
Wednesday and Friday evenings<br />
from 7pm with a maximum of 20<br />
guests per evening. Aiming for an<br />
intimate dining experience, the<br />
overall setting is informal yet cosy.<br />
The tempting menu features<br />
a selection of Pan-Asian and<br />
Mediterranean-inspired dishes<br />
from skilfully-trained Chef Eak,<br />
who attentively curates a menu that changes<br />
weekly yet maintains a consistency and theme.<br />
The intimate setting is one not to be missed for<br />
food lovers visiting the island. Interested guests are<br />
urged to pre-book to enjoy this tantalising dining<br />
experience. 84 Moo 5, Bo Phut, tongsaibay.co.th,<br />
+66 (0) 77 913 750<br />
BRIDGING COFFEE, HIDDEN NATURE<br />
Just hidden in the jungle amongst the rolling hills of<br />
Maenam sits one of Koh Samui’s most unique and<br />
new hotspots. Opened just a year ago, Tree Bridge<br />
Coffee is already establishing itself as a ‘must see’<br />
on this side of paradise. The attraction begins with<br />
a wooden bridge whose beautiful design leads out<br />
to a tree house café. Exposing jungle and ocean<br />
views, the worthwhile visit becomes an unbeatable<br />
choice for an afternoon trip. Continuing<br />
a short 200 metres from the café and<br />
right into the jungle, patrons will find<br />
themselves toe to toe with a 20-metre<br />
high waterfall and the soothing sounds<br />
of nature. In addition to expanding its<br />
already impressive offerings, Tree House<br />
recently started a 400-metre zip line.<br />
Here’s a chance to sail over the top<br />
of a dense Samui jungle after having<br />
sipped a coffee in the treehouse for<br />
great views all around. Maenam Soi 5,<br />
samuitreebridgetour.com/en,<br />
+66 (0) 77 901 175<br />
COCKTAIL X PIZZA<br />
CoCo Tam’s, a popular haunt at vibrant<br />
Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, is famous<br />
for its oversized cocktails, weekly fire<br />
dance shows on the beach, swing<br />
seats, and chill beach bar vibe. With<br />
the opening of CoCo Tam’s x Peppina<br />
this past November, this collaboration<br />
merges expertly-made drinks and<br />
expertly-made pizza. With several<br />
branches in Bangkok already, Peppina’s<br />
beach location still means wood-fired<br />
pizza skilfully served up: this time from<br />
a beautiful two-story brick building<br />
expertly decorated for a Bali-esque feel.<br />
A variety of lounging option comes in<br />
the form of CoCo Tam beanbag chairs,<br />
rattan seating, or any number of beachchic<br />
seats. If beautiful views of boats<br />
bobbing on the deep blues of the Gulf<br />
aren’t enough, Peppina’s game room is<br />
also well stocked with your favourite<br />
board games to help pass the time.<br />
facebook.com/cocotamsxpeppina,<br />
+66 (0) 77 945 269<br />
THE GREAT WATER ESCAPE<br />
For adventure seekers looking to take a break from the<br />
beach but still beat the heat, High Park Samui is the<br />
island’s hippest new place to do so. It’s hard to resist<br />
spending a day swooshing from the 15-metre-high<br />
water slides while enjoying beats from a live DJ, casual<br />
bites, and perfectly priced drinks. You can switch gears<br />
by going from the intense thrill of the water slides to a<br />
more relaxed dip in High Park’s infinity pool overlooking<br />
picturesque Chaweng and the mountains. After all that<br />
high, catch the sun as it goes down, as the sky bursts into<br />
its beautiful array of colours to provide a dreamy scene to<br />
end the day. highparksamui.com, +66 (0) 77 961 484<br />
92
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Island Godfather<br />
of Italian Restaurants<br />
Koh Samui’s first introduction<br />
to authentic Italian cuisine<br />
came from the long established<br />
island favourite, Prego<br />
restaurant. Though many<br />
Italian restaurants now grace<br />
the shores of Koh Samui, Prego<br />
holds its place as the best one to<br />
visit for that taste from the old<br />
country. Chef Marco’s precise<br />
ability to transport the flavour<br />
of Italy straight to <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
draws in long-time islanders as<br />
well as a wealth of new visitors.<br />
Pasta dishes are good choices in<br />
the extensive menu given that it<br />
is hand made with real semolina<br />
flour. Their pizza menu is a<br />
crowd favourite as well, with the<br />
pies themselves done in a wood<br />
fire oven. Located along lively<br />
Chaweng beach road opposite<br />
Amari resort, Prego continues to<br />
offers complex Italian flavours<br />
and a wide selection of drinks in<br />
an unwavering commitment to<br />
quality dining in Samui. Chaweng<br />
Beach Road, prego-samui.com,<br />
+66 (0) 77 300 317<br />
(QUAD)RUPLE THE FUN<br />
What could be a more perfect way to enjoy Samui’s exciting terrain<br />
and lush nature by way of a quad bike? The multi-national team at<br />
X-Quad possess sure knowledge of the island’s best spots, creating<br />
customised nature trails for holiday-goers to fulfil their adventurous<br />
spirit. Quad bike excursions boast picturesque scenery from Samui’s<br />
highest hill, the feel of a real jungle, and a mesmerising hidden<br />
waterfall, with maximum safety provided. No experience is needed,<br />
just the craving for an adrenaline rush and the usual island gear<br />
(swimwear, sunscreen, etc) and all is set for the ride. This one-day trip<br />
of magnificent views, with lunch and beverages, can also be done<br />
as a private tour provided by X-Quad, depending on the season.<br />
Maenam Soi 5, xquad-samui.com, +66 (0) 90 980 5401<br />
IN DEMAND BRUNCH<br />
If you are looking for a leisurely<br />
Sunday brunch, look no further than<br />
Nikki Beach Resort Koh Samui, where<br />
entertainment, luxury, and gastronomy<br />
all fuse into one memorable experience.<br />
Starting from 11am to 4pm, the beach<br />
club’s Amazing Sundays Brunch offers a<br />
wide array of gastronomic Western and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> cuisine in a gorgeous setting on<br />
Lipa Noi Beach. As the restaurant is one<br />
of the most sought-after brunch spots<br />
thanks to its pleasing cuisine and four<br />
different dining/lounging areas, guests<br />
are recommended to make a reservation<br />
in advance. Also, mark <strong>June</strong> 24 as they<br />
are hosting the Burning Man-inspired<br />
event “Wild and Free,” an expression<br />
of art, love, music, and spirituality.<br />
Combined with entertainment and music,<br />
the free-spirited event will be another<br />
lasting memory complemented by the<br />
spectacular seascape. 96/3 Moo 2,<br />
Lipa Noi, Samui, +66 (0) 77 914 500,<br />
nikkibeach.com<br />
SAMUI’S ITALIAN<br />
Less than a year into its debut, Two Fishes Italian<br />
Restaurant has become the talk of Samui town for its<br />
noteworthy Italian cuisine. Helmed by chef Leandro<br />
Panza with 25 years of experience in the kitchen, the<br />
restaurant uses imported Italian ingredients along<br />
with fresh local produce. Two Fishes offers a sleek,<br />
modernist vibe along with mouth-watering Italian<br />
dishes with highlights such as Black Grouper All’Agro<br />
Dolce – a crispy black grouper fish served in a sweet<br />
and sour sauce with onions – and the classic Vitello<br />
Tonnato, a slow-roasted veal fillet with a tuna and<br />
caper sauce. 79/5 Bophut, 2fishessamui.com<br />
94
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PHUKET<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Charm of a Restaurant<br />
UNESCO’s recognition of<br />
Phuket as a City of Gastronomy<br />
recently spurred increased<br />
interest among the local and<br />
international crowd for the<br />
city’s local cuisines, especially<br />
Peranakan food. The latest<br />
addition to an already vibrant<br />
and varied food scene is<br />
‘The Charm,’ a traditional<br />
restaurant in Phuket Old Town<br />
that features rarely found<br />
homemade Peranakan recipes.<br />
These have been gathered by<br />
the owner’s family by watching<br />
and learning over time in<br />
their ancestors’ kitchens.<br />
The traditional fusion<br />
cuisine itself has a long<br />
heritage that traces<br />
back to early Chinese<br />
migrants who settled in<br />
Malaysia, Singapore and<br />
Indonesia. Distinctively<br />
influenced and tasty<br />
dishes once exclusively<br />
prepared in the homes<br />
of Phuket natives are now<br />
served to diners to satisfy<br />
inquisitive palates. Gaeng Tu<br />
Mee or Muslim-inspired fish<br />
curry, the unfamiliar delicacy<br />
of Gaeng Plaa Ama (Ama’s<br />
style fish curry) requiring a<br />
good quality sesame oil, or the<br />
Hainanese-style pork steak that<br />
used to be a favourite among<br />
Western engineers working<br />
Phuket’s mines back in the day;<br />
all are usually hard to find in a<br />
restaurant. Diners should not<br />
miss the signature dessert of<br />
Koi Taa Lam, a Phuket delicacy<br />
of pandanus-infused custard<br />
served in a modern style. Open<br />
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 10pm,<br />
93 Deebuk Road, Amphur Muang,<br />
Phuket, +66 (0) 96 998 9244<br />
WORKING THE LAND IN PHUKET<br />
If you’re looking for a change from<br />
Phuket’s beaches, just a few kilometres<br />
north of Phuket Old Town sits Vanich<br />
Farm where you can learn about the<br />
farming life. Gain insight on how rice is<br />
grown, cook <strong>Thai</strong> dishes and even get up<br />
close and personal with water buffalos,<br />
the farmer’s trusty companion in the rice<br />
paddy. While Vanich farm dedicates a<br />
large part of the land to growing sweet<br />
corn, their rice paddy complete with<br />
tractors and farm animals sets this place<br />
apart from other destinations in Phuket.<br />
Visitors can come in and take a stroll<br />
before retreating to a farm-to-table<br />
meal at Barn Café where recommended<br />
dishes include a Mulberry Salad and of course, corn soup. Those<br />
determined to know more can sign up for packaged tours with<br />
offers of educational experiences, like the hands-on planting of<br />
rice seedlings in the comfortable outfit of a farmer’s ‘morhom’<br />
shirt, cropped pants and protective straw hat. Workshops on how<br />
to make salted eggs, and how to maintain a worm farm are also<br />
interesting choices. Open daily: 10am - 6pm, 19/540 Rassada Road,<br />
Amphur Muang, Phuket, +66 (0) 98 671 2168, vanichfarm.com<br />
KNOWING MEE<br />
Phuket always has its own local<br />
interpretation of staple foods. An<br />
example is the ubiquitous rice<br />
vermicelli known as ‘sen mee’ in<br />
other parts of <strong>Thai</strong>land but in Phuket,<br />
it’s known as ‘mee hun’. Enjoying this<br />
thinner strand of rice noodle requires<br />
a quick trip to Talad Lor Rong food<br />
court a few kilometres away from<br />
Phuket Town. Expect mee hun noodles<br />
in Phuket to be served with crabmeat<br />
curry or stir-fried and served with pork<br />
rib soup. When ordering mee hun,<br />
this widely-used name brings to mind<br />
that the beloved noodle should be<br />
blanched until perfectly al dente and<br />
served with myriad dishes.<br />
Mee hun is cooked up differently<br />
and also has the novelty of being<br />
called a ‘mee <strong>Thai</strong>.’ Although a lesser<br />
known name of the rice noodle, mee<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> is great for those who love a<br />
meatless dish. The noodle strands<br />
get stir-fried with coconut cream<br />
until fragrant, served with crunchy<br />
beansprouts, julienned cucumber<br />
and chopped chives with super<br />
delicious results. Staple condiments<br />
include toasted dried chillies and<br />
maybe a spoonful of sugar. It’s a<br />
great afternoon munch. Talad Lor<br />
Rong is also the place you can find<br />
other indigenous Phuket snacks, such<br />
as their famous spring rolls and rice<br />
pancakes called ‘A Pong.’ Ranong Road,<br />
Amphur Muang, Phuket, open daily<br />
(except Tuesdays): 11am - 3pm,<br />
+66 (0) 86 814 9772<br />
96
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
KRABI / PHUKET<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Super Bowls<br />
Lion & Shark, a healthful and veganfriendly<br />
hub of food and lifestyle in<br />
scenic Ao Nang is best-known for<br />
their signature tropical smoothie<br />
bowls whose unique superfood tastes<br />
and impressive sizes can easily fill<br />
up one’s appetite for the entire<br />
day. The eye-catching bowls are<br />
named after Krabi’s scenic beaches,<br />
namely Lanta Bowl (Mango and<br />
Passionfruit), Railay Bowl (Coconut<br />
and Pineapple), Poda Bowl (Peach<br />
and Mango), and Tonsai Bowl<br />
(Spinach and Kiwi). Apart from their<br />
offerings, Lion & Shark cares for<br />
the Krabi environment by arranging<br />
activities for the public to engage<br />
in, such as “Ao Nang Trash Hero”,<br />
“No Straw Movement”, “A Bucket of<br />
Beach Trash for a Coffee” and much<br />
more. 247/3 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi,<br />
facebook.com/LionandShark,<br />
+66 (0) 87 681 9008<br />
A 24 YEAR LOVE<br />
In a town where the main food culture is mostly<br />
influenced by Chinese and Muslim dishes, Je<br />
t’aime, Phuket’s longest-standing Vietnamese<br />
restaurant, has ample reasons to celebrate its<br />
24th anniversary. They’re the first restaurant<br />
to break the mould of typical eating out habits<br />
in Phuket by bringing in Vietnamese and <strong>Thai</strong><br />
selections to their menu. Their popular dishes<br />
include Naem Nueang, or grilled pork sausages,<br />
whose do-it-yourself wrapped rolls come with<br />
a tray of assorted herbs and vegetables. Also<br />
popular is Chạo Tôm or grilled shrimp wrapped<br />
around a sugar cane eaten with a sweet and<br />
tangy sauce and rice vermicelli. If you’re looking<br />
for something warm and hearty, there is always<br />
a good bowl of Bánh Canh, a thicker type of<br />
Vietnamese noodle served with choices of<br />
meats – typically pork spare ribs. Open daily:<br />
11am - 10.30pm, 183/93 Phang Nga Road,<br />
Amphur Muang, +66 (0) 76 219 103,<br />
facebook.com/jetaimevietnamese<br />
LAGUNA PHUKET INTERNATIONAL MARATHON<br />
The ‘Laguna Phuket International Marathon’ from all over the world. The event offers a<br />
takes place this year from 8 to 10 <strong>June</strong> at the selection of different races that’s open to people<br />
Laguna Phuket resort complex in the Cherngtalay of all ages. Kids can join the 2km run, while<br />
area that’s located north of the island. Held for adults can choose from 5km, 10.5km or half<br />
13 consecutive years, the event expects to draw marathon (21km), a marathon relay (42km) and<br />
more than 7,000 runners and enthusiasts full marathon (42km). The races start and finish at<br />
Laguna Phuket. Runners follow the course out of<br />
the resort and head north through local villages,<br />
with pineapple and rubber plantations en route.<br />
The proceeds of this marathon go to the Laguna<br />
Phuket Foundation, established back in 2009, to<br />
support education and social development in the<br />
Phuket area. phuketmarathon.com<br />
PERANAKAN FOR THE DAY<br />
A theme museum where visitors can immerse in the vibrant<br />
lives of Phuket’s Peranakan clans, the Peranakan Phuket<br />
Museum showcases the vast and private collection of Phuket<br />
families in colourful portrayal. From depicting their deep roots<br />
in the jewellery trade of Phuket to featuring toy size models<br />
the likes of a traditional Phuket Anglo-Chinese shop house<br />
adorned with fine details – the exhibit illustrates life as it<br />
was back when Phuket was the main mining hub of the <strong>Thai</strong><br />
South. Since jewellery plays a big part in the Peranakan tradition<br />
and spans centuries, stories of these<br />
precious objects and their creation see<br />
heavy representation alongside displays<br />
of traditional clothing like the exquisite<br />
kebaya, batik sarong, embroidered<br />
slippers and everyday accessories. The<br />
entrance ticket comes with guided<br />
tours available in English, Chinese,<br />
Korean and German (advance booking<br />
recommended.) A portrait studio and<br />
traditional apparel are also available<br />
for rent. Drop by ‘Ya Ya Kitchen’, a<br />
restaurant where you can try a Phuket<br />
-style delicious Peranakan meal, or<br />
the lovely Piñana Café for coffee and<br />
sweet treats. Open daily: 9am - 6pm,<br />
124/1 Moo 1, Thepkasattri Road, Tambol<br />
Si Sunthon, Amphur Muang, Phuket,<br />
+66 (0) 76 313 556, (0) 92 224 4574,<br />
peranakanphuketmuseum.com<br />
98
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI<br />
THAILAND<br />
PATTAYA / KOH CHANG<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Soy Milk Heaven<br />
With a menu dedicated to soy milk – ‘slow coffee’<br />
bar Yellow Crafts Café – opted out of using a high-tech<br />
espresso machine and instead makes each shot by<br />
hand, using the likes of an Aeropress. Expect an<br />
Americano to be done with the hand-drip method,<br />
thereby producing a cup of aromatic coffee per<br />
order. Their cold brew requires an overnight drip<br />
process that slowly extracts the coffee with cold<br />
water. Run by soy milk enthusiasts whose soybeans<br />
are supplied from a trusted farm in Chiang Mai, this<br />
small café serves vegan-friendly caffeine drinks and<br />
more. Their signature ‘soy milk coffee’ uses their<br />
blend of beans especially selected and roasted to<br />
SAY CHEESE IN CHIANG RAI<br />
The sleepy town of Chiang Rai has<br />
become a food destination of late<br />
with the number of high-profile<br />
chefs and food establishments<br />
drawing visitors from everywhere.<br />
Now it’s time for the spotlight to<br />
be on creamy cheeses. Made by<br />
artisan producers Chiang Rai<br />
Cheese, the cheeses<br />
rely on the milk of<br />
cows and goats<br />
from the area<br />
and provided by the Chiang Rai<br />
Dairy Cooperative. The cheese<br />
makers themselves produce<br />
original varieties such as ‘Chiang<br />
Rai Cremoso,’ and ‘Chiang Rai<br />
Blanco’ which is a blend of<br />
goat’s milk and cow’s milk, as<br />
well as ‘Chiang Rai Halloumi,’<br />
blue cheeses and much more.<br />
On site is their factory outlet<br />
called ‘Baan Cheese’ retailing<br />
their cheese selections with<br />
tasting samples. Those looking<br />
for a new place to have a bit of<br />
a cool down can also drop by for<br />
coffee. T: +66 (0) 64 005 2405,<br />
chiangraicheese.com<br />
withstand soy milk’s natural<br />
coagulation keeping the drink<br />
smooth; there’s also a ‘soy<br />
milk chocolate’ and a pure<br />
homemade soy milk available<br />
hot or cold and served with<br />
their own soy cookies. Dairy<br />
is also available as an option<br />
and can be found in the many<br />
baked items available, such as<br />
brownies and biscotti. The place<br />
is decked out with cheerful spots<br />
for photo opportunities, hence<br />
it’s a hangout for selfie-crazed<br />
teens in the area.<br />
Open daily: 7am - 7pm, Moo Ban<br />
Dao Dung Soi 2, Chiang Mai,<br />
T: +66 (0) 53 278 757<br />
STITCHED ARTS OF BLACK LAHU<br />
Bold and spunky abstracts best describes the stitching patterns and signature<br />
of ‘Cha Arnon Phahompok’ apparel. Handmade by the Black Lahu people,<br />
find these collections at Cha Arnon café and boutique at Doi Pha Hom Pok<br />
National Park in Amphur Fang. With a modest start of sourcing hand-woven<br />
and sometimes raw cotton from the local villages, café owner Cha Arnon<br />
created designs that the Black Lahu people stitched into life, putting their own<br />
personalities and style into one-of-a-kind fashion in jackets, dresses, shirts, or<br />
a super-sized satchel. 8am - 5pm daily, Pha Hom Pok National Park, Amphur Fang,<br />
Chiang Mai, T: +66 (0) 91 139 5170<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Special Time at Level 34<br />
If it’s a grand night you’re after,<br />
consider going high. Special events<br />
can easily happen at the Horizon<br />
Rooftop Restaurant and Bar located<br />
on level 34 of Hilton Pattaya. The<br />
rooftop restaurant and bar is the<br />
only place in town with stunning<br />
panoramic views of the city in<br />
a stylish setting. The restaurant<br />
features both indoor and outdoor<br />
spaces which include private dining<br />
rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass<br />
panels to fully appreciate views of<br />
the city and bay as far as the eye<br />
can see. Signature dishes of Miso<br />
Glazed Snowfish, a 48-Hour Lamb<br />
Shank, followed by a Baked Alaska<br />
dessert round out a fine meal. Their<br />
signature cocktail, Horizon 8 Shot<br />
Tower makes a further impression.<br />
Bookings for that special night are<br />
recommended for the best spot in<br />
the house, guarantee to be a hit<br />
with your loved ones. 333/101 Moo 9<br />
Hilton Pattaya, 34th Floor, Pattaya,<br />
+66 (0) 38 253 000, facebook.com/<br />
Horizonrooftoprestaurantandbar<br />
AWAKEN YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE<br />
Koh Chang as an island destination for everyone<br />
means you’ll never run out of things to do.<br />
Perhaps you’ve already chilled at the beach,<br />
gone diving, or have swum in the waterfalls. If a<br />
little more adventure is on the list, there’s Tree<br />
Top Adventure Park. Daredevil fun comes in the<br />
form of trying out rope bridges, air bikes, tight<br />
rope walks, Tarzan swings, a flying skateboard<br />
and expansive zip line courses with the<br />
abundance of nature. With a constant eye on<br />
safety, the Park offers packages for both adults<br />
and children at 1,250 baht. Located beside<br />
Bailan Bay in the lush forest, it’s the ideal group<br />
excursion with friends or family for a memorable<br />
Koh Chang day. 115 Moo 1, Koh Chang, Trat,<br />
+66 (0) 84 310 7600, treetopadventurepark.com<br />
BIKINIS ON THE RUN<br />
History tells us that bikinis are an ancient<br />
invention first worn by Roman gymnasts. Pattaya<br />
Beach will also see a sporting event in the<br />
two-piece swimsuit at the Central Festival Bikini<br />
Beach Race <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
The event plans to bring sexy back in<br />
cheeky fun on 19 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2018</strong> by encouraging<br />
runners to join and wear their best bikinis to run<br />
for their health and keep fit. All fitness levels are<br />
welcomed to join the race – fees are 700 baht<br />
for the 9km run and 600 baht for 3km. To make<br />
the event more entertaining, special prizes will<br />
be given for best outfit, best body and more.<br />
Summer temperatures are just right to don a<br />
bikini for a fun run. If running’s not your thing,<br />
the event is still a spectator-friendly experience.<br />
facebook.com/CentralfestivalBikiniBeachRace<br />
100<br />
101
HAPPENINGS<br />
CHINA<br />
CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Stilt Standing<br />
Complex<br />
JINSHA SITE TREASURES<br />
In 2001, archaeologists discovered remnants of the ancient capital of the<br />
Shu Kingdom that existed 3,000 years ago. In total, the Jinsha site has 6,000<br />
relics, 63 sacrificial areas, 3 burial grounds, and more than 70 building sites.<br />
It also contains the largest concentration of ancient ivory and jade from that<br />
period. Visitors can explore the Site’s Exhibition Hall, Relics Hall, Ecological<br />
Garden, and Centre for Cultural Heritage Protection. The Exhibition Hall<br />
has realistic displays on Shu life and compares the Shu Kingdom to the<br />
contemporary <strong>May</strong>an, Mesopotamian, and Ancient Indian civilisations.<br />
Take Metro Line 7 to exit C, Jinsha Site Museum, Chengdu. Open daily 8am-8pm,<br />
<strong>May</strong>-October. jinshasitemuseum.com<br />
YOUNG ARTISTS EXHIBIT<br />
AT REDTORY<br />
In 2009, the founders of the<br />
Redtory repurposed the Sovietstyle<br />
Yingjingqian Canned Good<br />
Factory and turned it into an art<br />
centre focused on local revitalisation<br />
and artistic innovation. Along with<br />
exploring the factory buildings turned<br />
galleries, visitors can enjoy three large<br />
exhibition halls, working studios,<br />
book and gift shops, and a variety of<br />
restaurants and small coffee shops.<br />
Through <strong>May</strong> 7, <strong>2018</strong>, the Redtory<br />
features Future Life Handbook,<br />
the first exhibition in its Young<br />
Artists Program. Curated by Rachel<br />
Rits-Volloch, the exhibition features<br />
the artwork of six young artists in<br />
residence in Berlin and China.<br />
No. 128, Yuancun Si Heng Rd,<br />
Guangzhou. Open Tuesday-Sunday,<br />
10.30am-9.00pm redtory.com.cn<br />
With unique stilt house<br />
architecture and views<br />
over the intersection of the<br />
Yangtze and Jialing Rivers,<br />
Hongyadong is a scenic spot<br />
to enjoy historic Chongqing.<br />
Converted into a recreational<br />
and cultural attraction,<br />
Hongyadong showcases local<br />
cuisine, folk art, and culture.<br />
A must-see sight is the<br />
impressive 11-story wooden<br />
stilt house that is spectacular<br />
day or night. Sample<br />
delicacies like spicy hot pot,<br />
burning noodles, and fried<br />
silkworm chrysalis before heading<br />
up to the stilt house’s top floor<br />
viewing deck that looks out over<br />
the waterfront. Free admission;<br />
open day and night. No. 88, Jiabing<br />
Road, Yuzhong District.<br />
LOTUS HILL VISTAS<br />
Located 12.5 miles southeast of Guangzhou’s city<br />
centre, Lotus Hill is a huge park with many points<br />
of interest. It is famously known as the ancient<br />
quarry that supplied stone for the two thousand<br />
year old tomb of the Nan Yue King. King Zhao<br />
Mo ruled from 137 BC to 122 BC over the Nam<br />
Viet Kingdom, an empire that stretched from<br />
South China’s Guangdong and Guangxi provinces<br />
to Northern Vietnam. Today, the remaining<br />
stone cliff walls rise up imposingly above thick<br />
forest, tunnels, grottoes, and pools. The park also<br />
contains a large statue of the Goddess of Mercy,<br />
Guan Yin, a nine-story pagoda, and a sprawling<br />
orchard of peach trees. Line 4 to Shiqi, then bus 92<br />
or 93 to the park.<br />
DIM SUM IN THE PARK<br />
Built in 1958, Guangzhou’s tranquil Li Wan Lake Park is an oasis of calm in<br />
Guangzhou’s historic Lychee Bay. Antique shops along Wenjing Antique Street<br />
are a picturesque place to find hidden treasures.<br />
After a stroll around Li Wan Park and nearby antique shops, consider stopping<br />
at the famous Pan Xi Restaurant for some dim sum. One of China’s largest<br />
lakefront restaurants, a dazzling array of dining rooms awaits groups of any size.<br />
Pan Xi, 151 Longjin West Road.<br />
GET LOCAL WITH LOST PLATE<br />
With food tours in Beijing, Xian,<br />
and Chengdu, Lost Plate’s goal is to<br />
“change the way foreigners eat in<br />
China by breaking down language<br />
barriers and taking them off the<br />
beaten path to eat where the locals<br />
eat.” Tours are small at no more<br />
than 10 people each to give the<br />
group an intimate connection with<br />
their guide. All restaurants are local,<br />
family-run, and in places tourists<br />
would never find on their own.<br />
In Chengdu, guests can choose<br />
from two tours: the 6.30pm<br />
“Evening Food Tour” filled with<br />
street snacks, Sichuan dumplings,<br />
chuan chuan hot pot, and noodles;<br />
or the 4pm “Hotpot, Tea, and Market<br />
Tour” featuring traditional tea and<br />
snacks, a visit to a local market, and<br />
Sichuan hotpot. Both tours end at a<br />
boutique bar for local wine or beer in<br />
a relaxed atmosphere. Tours are allinclusive<br />
with unlimited food, drinks,<br />
guide, and transportation and are<br />
highly rated as one of the top food<br />
tours in China. lostplate.com<br />
VISIT THE CITY OF GHOSTS<br />
Known to locals as the “Ghost City,” Fengdu on<br />
Ming Mountain is a treasure trove of Confucian,<br />
Taoist, and Buddhist shrines and temples<br />
spanning two thousands years. Classical Chinese<br />
works like Apotheosis of Heroes, Journey to the<br />
West, and Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio<br />
all mention this eerie place.<br />
According to legend, during the Eastern Han<br />
Dynasty imperial officials Yin Changsheng and<br />
Wang Fangpin came to Fengdu to practise<br />
Taoism and through their study became<br />
immortal. Their names combined to “Yinwang,”<br />
meaning King of Hell, giving rise to Fengdu’s<br />
ghostly reputation. Within the park is a route<br />
depicting the Chinese vision of the dead’s<br />
transition into the afterlife, including, the Bridge<br />
of Helplessness, the Torturing Pass, and Tianzi<br />
Palace. While walking this route, visitors can<br />
explore intricate depictions of the underworld.<br />
Admission 80RMB; open 9am - 5pm daily.<br />
About two hours from Chongqing, accessible by<br />
Yangtze cruise or by car.<br />
102 103
HAPPENINGS<br />
HONG KONG<br />
A SHOWCASE OF PERSIAN ART<br />
The Liang Yi Museum in Hong Kong will be showcasing<br />
prime examples of Persian art, some of which are sourced<br />
from the Ashmolean Museum, the Victoria and Albert<br />
Museum and the David Collection. The showcase titled,<br />
The Blue Road: Mastercrafts from Persia, will be held at<br />
this private museum until 24 <strong>June</strong>.<br />
The exhibition stands as one of the most dedicated<br />
and comprehensive exhibitions surveying different<br />
aspects of the colour blue in Persian art and history in<br />
Hong Kong. With materials and categories ranging from<br />
glass, ceramic, textiles, painting and manuscripts, this<br />
showcase of carefully selected artefacts illuminates the<br />
significant role of blue in the visual and material culture<br />
of Iran and the impact it made on shaping of other<br />
artistic traditions in Asia and beyond. 181-199 Hollywood<br />
Road, Sheung Wan, liangyimuseum.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Spicy Affair<br />
Asians have always had a penchant for spicy food but<br />
Chilli Fagara has taken that concept up by several<br />
notches. A haven for those with a spicy palate, the<br />
outlet boasts an eclectic modern and traditional<br />
Chinese-inspired décor, and dishes out authentic and<br />
notoriously fiery Sichuan cuisine.<br />
Established in 2005, Chilli Fagara embraces the<br />
Ma La Tang concept for numbing (ma), burning (la)<br />
and neutral (tang) tastes of Sichuan food. Chillies and<br />
peppers are the main ingredients at this restaurant,<br />
which should bode well for diners who require a little<br />
more ‘kick’ to their dishes.<br />
For those who aren’t daring enough, Chilli Fagara<br />
does carry ample delicately flavoured dishes that<br />
won’t have you breaking a sweat.<br />
Open daily, 11.30am-3pm; 5-11.30pm, 7 Old Bailey Street,<br />
Soho, Central, chillifagara.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Taste of Britannia<br />
One only needs to venture out to<br />
popular Gough Street in Hong Kong<br />
to savour authentic British cuisine.<br />
Renowned for its style, craftsmanship,<br />
hospitality and charm, Gough’s on<br />
Gough has been attracting diners ever<br />
since its doors opened in July 2017.<br />
Offering a menu that revisits<br />
classic British-styled dishes, the<br />
restaurant injects a modern and<br />
sophisticated take on these staple<br />
favourites. Executive Chef Arron<br />
Rhodes has applied his creative<br />
approach and philosophy on the<br />
outlet’s menu, utilising only the<br />
freshest of ingredients and best in<br />
season produce.<br />
Gough’s on Gough not only boasts<br />
a generously appointed dining room<br />
but a raw bar as well with fresh British<br />
seafood, and a selection of bespoke<br />
crafted cocktails, fine champagnes and<br />
wines for guests to savour. Open daily,<br />
12-2.30pm; 6.30pm till late, 15 Gough<br />
Street, Central, goughsongough.com<br />
PASSION AND OPERA<br />
The Opera Hong Kong will host one<br />
of the world’s most beloved operas<br />
this <strong>May</strong> with the staging of Georges<br />
Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ at the Grand Theatre.<br />
A story of passion, destiny, freedom<br />
and liberty, Carmen tells the timeless<br />
tale of Don José, a soldier who<br />
forsakes his career, honour and family<br />
for a doomed love affair with the<br />
gypsy Carmen.<br />
Combining Spanish passion with<br />
French lyricism, Opera Hong Kong<br />
will inject an air of modernity into<br />
this classic opera with an innovative<br />
nested rotating set design. Bringing<br />
Carmen to life on stage are Jean-<br />
François Borras, Giancarlo Monsalve,<br />
Varduhi Abrahamyan, Marie Karall,<br />
Vittorio Vitelli and Jean-Kristof Bouton,<br />
six versatile and experienced artists<br />
who have performed at leading opera<br />
houses around the globe. 16-20 <strong>May</strong>,<br />
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural<br />
Centre, operahongkong.org<br />
104
HAPPENINGS<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
RAMADHAN NIGHT MARKETS<br />
The holy month of Ramadhan from 15 <strong>May</strong> to<br />
14 <strong>June</strong> will see numerous streets around Kuala<br />
Lumpur come alive with evening markets selling<br />
signature Buka Puasa (Iftar or breaking of fast)<br />
chows and delicacies. If you’re in the capital<br />
city of Kuala Lumpur during the holy month of<br />
Ramadhan, then this would be the best time to<br />
savour some of the best Malaysian street food<br />
and local dishes.<br />
There are many Ramadhan bazaars to choose<br />
from during the month, but ask any KL-ite where<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Moving to the Music<br />
The Ultra Music Festival stands as one<br />
of the world’s most highly-anticipated<br />
electronic festivals. For two decades,<br />
UMF has grown to become a global<br />
phenomenon with up to 45 events<br />
held internationally. Singapore<br />
remains one of the stopovers for the<br />
electronic music festival and this<br />
<strong>June</strong>, the Garden City is set to put on<br />
another epic showcase.<br />
Ultra Singapore, which is now in<br />
its fourth year, will see an eclectic<br />
line-up of DJs take to the stage<br />
throughout the two-day event.<br />
Artists such as Tiesto, Dash Berlin<br />
and Steve Aoki have graced previous<br />
year’s events. Expect similar big<br />
name stars to get the crowd rocking<br />
and pumping this year as well.<br />
<strong>June</strong> 15-16, Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront<br />
Avenue, Singapore, ultrasingapore.com<br />
their favourite go-to places are and Taman Tun,<br />
Kampung Baru and Bangsar will surely be on their<br />
list. All three venues and numerous others provide<br />
the usual array of favourites such as apam balik<br />
(turnover pancake stuffed with crushed peanuts),<br />
bubur lambuk (savoury porridge) and ayam percik<br />
(barbequed chicken).<br />
For sheer variety, Kampung Baru should prove<br />
ideal to whet your appetite, and while you’re in<br />
there, stroll around the neighbourhood to get a<br />
slice of the kampung (village) life within a bustling<br />
metropolis. Bazaar Ramadan Kampung, Jalan Raja<br />
Alang, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, open 3-7pm<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Foodie Hangout<br />
NEOCLASSIC SETTING,<br />
CONTEMPORARY CUISINE<br />
Chef Robert Chan went on a<br />
mission to strip back the fine dining<br />
experience and highlight what<br />
was most important to him – the<br />
food. The result of this ideology is<br />
Tablescape, Singapore’s newest and<br />
hottest F&B establishment.<br />
Housed within the luxurious<br />
Grand Park City Hall, Tablescape<br />
is a contemporary restaurant and<br />
bar, focusing on delivering hearty,<br />
comforting favourites that can be<br />
paired with artisanal cocktails, and<br />
extensive premium wine and craft beer.<br />
Desserts are provided off the trolley<br />
with an indulgent array of house-made<br />
sweets. 12-2.30pm and 6-10.30pm<br />
daily, Level 3, 10 Coleman Street,<br />
Grand Park City Hall, parkhotelgroup.<br />
com/en/cityhall/tablescape<br />
HAIL CAESAR!<br />
Fort Canning Park will be transformed<br />
into a stage for the Singapore Repertory<br />
Theatre (SRT) as they present this year’s<br />
edition of Shakespeare in the Park. This<br />
year’s performance of Julius Caesar will be<br />
directed by London-based theatre director<br />
Guy Unsworth, who has assembled an<br />
impressive cast of talents from the region.<br />
SRT will tap into modern-day<br />
international relations and global current<br />
affairs in order to deliver a contemporary<br />
spin to Shakespeare’s renowned political<br />
thriller. With an engaging storyline<br />
presented on a beautiful set under a<br />
blanket of stars, Shakespeare in the Park<br />
- Julius Caesar will surely deliver a theatre<br />
experience like none other. <strong>May</strong> 2-27,<br />
7.30pm, Fort Canning Park, srt.com.sg/<br />
show/juliuscaesar<br />
The row of shop houses in Plaza<br />
Batai, on Jalan Damansara,<br />
which once housed old<br />
bookshops, florists, coffee<br />
shops and a market, has now<br />
caught a second wind as a hip<br />
and happening neighbourhood<br />
hangout. Food choices here<br />
are abundant and so is the<br />
variety, thanks to inventive<br />
and passionate cooks who took<br />
advantage of the redevelopment<br />
to set up shop here.<br />
Eateries such as Yellow<br />
Brick Road and Beauty and<br />
the Beast live up to their<br />
name with creative and<br />
whimsical creations ranging<br />
from pancakes to burgers and<br />
sandwiches to entice diners.<br />
International cuisine offerings<br />
include Torii, which specialises<br />
in Japanese Yakitori and Sitka,<br />
a modern Asian restaurant and<br />
wine bar and Ekkamai, which<br />
serves contemporary <strong>Thai</strong>.<br />
The biggest footprint is occupied by Ben’s<br />
Independent Grocer, which also houses a small<br />
number of eateries within the supermarket but<br />
regulars however have a soft-spot for Restoran<br />
Shangri-La. The outlet maintains a selection of<br />
food stalls, peddling hawker fare, which adds a<br />
dash of nostalgia for diners who used to frequent<br />
Batai all those years ago. Jalan Batai, Bukit<br />
Damansara, opens daily 7am to 11pm.<br />
106 107
HAPPENINGS<br />
CAMBODIA<br />
BATTAMBANG / PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Classically French<br />
For the past two decades, Topaz<br />
has cooked its way into the hearts<br />
of diners in Cambodia. A landmark<br />
destination for fine French dining,<br />
the restaurant located in the heart<br />
of Phnom Penh celebrates timehonoured<br />
traditions and cutting-edge<br />
gastronomy in a stylish surrounding.<br />
Even the most sophisticated taste<br />
buds will appreciate the extensive<br />
menu available at Topaz, especially<br />
its signature and hearty favourites.<br />
French staples such as Tartare de<br />
Filet De Saumon (Salmon Tartare),<br />
Soupe Élysée Au Truffes (Truffle Soup)<br />
and Entrecote de Boeuf Black Angus<br />
(Grilled Black Angus Ribeye) are just<br />
some of this restaurant’s highlights.<br />
Diners are guaranteed a complete<br />
dining experience at Topaz, with the<br />
best ingredients sourced from leading<br />
producers and suppliers, ending with<br />
sublime service. There’s also a wellstocked<br />
bar on site, complete with<br />
an extensive and impressive wine<br />
list to complement each meal. Open<br />
daily, 11.30am-2pm; 6pm-10.30pm,<br />
162 Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh,<br />
topaz-restaurant.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Gateway to Khmer Cuisine<br />
You’re always spoilt for<br />
choice when it comes to<br />
dining options in Siem<br />
Reap but the Embassy<br />
Restaurant is arguably your<br />
best bet to experiencing<br />
authentic Khmer cuisine<br />
in a fine dining setting.<br />
Kimsan Pol and Kimsan<br />
Sok, better known as the<br />
‘Kimsan Twins’ are the<br />
creative culinary force<br />
behind this establishment,<br />
which elevates Cambodian<br />
cuisine to new heights.<br />
The restaurant with<br />
its tastefully decorated<br />
dining room and indoor<br />
terraces that overlooks<br />
the King’s Road complex<br />
serves an impressive array<br />
of gourmet-styled Khmer<br />
dishes. The twins make it<br />
a point to regularly change<br />
the menu to showcase a<br />
wide variety of flavours so<br />
no visit to the Embassy is<br />
ever the same.<br />
The outlet’s ‘active<br />
menu’ is changed on a<br />
monthly basis and there’s<br />
also a seasonal multiplecourse<br />
set menu paired with<br />
matching wines as well.<br />
Open daily 6pm-11pm,<br />
King’s Road Angkor Village,<br />
Siem Reap, embassyrestaurant.com<br />
ROYAL PLOUGHING CEREMONY<br />
Every year in <strong>May</strong>, Cambodians celebrate the<br />
Royal Ploughing Ceremony or ‘Bon Chroat Preah<br />
Nongkoal’, which signifies the beginning of the<br />
sowing and planting season. One of Cambodia’s<br />
most important royal ceremonies, the main<br />
celebration takes place at the park in front of the<br />
National Museum just next to the Royal Palace.<br />
According to tradition the King, or a chosen<br />
representative, will till a plot of land with a plough<br />
pulled by bulls. This customary act signals the<br />
start of the farming season throughout the<br />
country. After three rounds with the plough, the<br />
bulls are allowed to feed on rice, corn, seeds,<br />
grass, water and wine. It is a belief that the foods<br />
the bulls have chosen will ultimately decide a<br />
good harvest for that crop. The Royal Ploughing<br />
Ceremony also sees local men and women<br />
wearing brightly coloured traditional Khmer<br />
costumes to commemorate the event. 3 <strong>May</strong>,<br />
National Museum, Preah Ang Eng St. (13),<br />
Phnom Penh, Cambodia<br />
A GALLERY OF PORTRAITS<br />
Humanitarian photographer Joseba Etxebarria<br />
has amassed an incredible collection of photos<br />
from his travels around the globe. Now his vast<br />
and impressive collection can be savoured to its<br />
fullest at his very own gallery in Cambodia.<br />
The HUMAN Gallery – Joseba Etxebarria<br />
Photography brings together some of the best<br />
portraits of the photographer has taken. The<br />
gallery located in the city of Battambang, roughly<br />
three hours away by road from Siem Reap, is<br />
situated in a century-old house, which offers a<br />
relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy.<br />
Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm; 4pm-8pm, Street 1.5,<br />
No.49, Battambang, josebaetxebarria.com<br />
108
HAPPENINGS<br />
VIETNAM<br />
DANANG / HANOI / PHU QUOC<br />
THE WORLD’S LONGEST CABLE CAR<br />
Phu Quoc has the longest non-stop cable car in the world, as confirmed by the<br />
Guiness Book of Records. For riders, this means a breath-taking scenic journey<br />
over the sea and islands with a 360-degree view on board. The Hon Thom 3S<br />
Gondola Lift, also simply referred to as the Phu Quoc cable car, glides between<br />
Phu Quoc island and the smaller and greener Hon Thom sland. With a debut in<br />
February during Tet (the Vietnamese lunar new year), the Phu Quoc cable car<br />
promises riders a thrill and beauty from high up. With a panorama encompassing<br />
small islands, an emerald-coloured sea and coral reefs during high noon – the 15<br />
minute ride in nearly 8 kilometres will feel barely long enough.<br />
phuquocislandguide.com<br />
THINK PINK<br />
Travel along Danang’s long strip of beaches in this evolving coastal city from the<br />
convenience and flexible itinerary of Coco Bus – a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing<br />
bus. Visitors can choose a one-day ticket (250,000 VND/person/route) and<br />
enjoy 29 tour stops that are available along Beach Route – or the generous<br />
choice of 55 stops on the City Route. Passengers can hop on and off on the<br />
bright pink bus along the routes to discover Danang’s best attractions and<br />
landmarks in order to sight-see at their own pace, or stay on the bus for the full<br />
duration of the tour. Coco Bus takes passengers to hotspots like the Museum<br />
of Cham Sculpture, the Dragon Bridge, <strong>May</strong> Ann Beach, Han Market, Danang<br />
Cathedral and Le Duan Shopping Street. +84 236 3954 666, cococitytour.vn<br />
A GO-TO WATERING HOLE<br />
If you’re after a well-crafted cocktail or beer and<br />
interesting conversation, Tadioto Bar is one of the<br />
coolest places for a nightcap plus a hangout that<br />
keeps the party going in the Vietnam capital.<br />
While there may be iconic spots like the<br />
Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel, Opera House,<br />
National Museum of Vietnamese History, and<br />
other establishments in the French Quarter, it<br />
can be said that Tadioto Bar has its own cultural<br />
relevance to make it a destination in its own right.<br />
Nguyen Qui Duc, a Vietnamese-American<br />
journalist and former radio commentator who<br />
relocated to Hanoi, established what is now<br />
the go-to watering hole. Its roots go way back<br />
to 2006 in a former artsy location where local<br />
artists and the creative crowd converged,<br />
staging poetry readings and other artistic<br />
performances.<br />
Like Duc himself, Tadioto has moved<br />
from place to place following the government<br />
shutdown of a street where creative types<br />
used to hang out. People have lost count of how<br />
many times Tadioto relocated before re-planting<br />
itself in the city’s French quarter. Duc himself is a<br />
painter and patron of Hanoi’s art scene. Tadioto<br />
is a small enough bar to mingle with the local<br />
crowd. Now you can pop in during the day for a<br />
quiet coffee and snack or drop in for a drink at<br />
night and check out what’s happening with the<br />
local scene. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,<br />
24 Tong Dan Street, Hanoi, +84 24 6680 9124,<br />
facebook.com/tadiototongdan<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Under the Danang Sky<br />
A growing city like Danang is best<br />
seen when you’re perched at Sky<br />
36 Bar observing the skyline. As the<br />
name suggests, Sky 36 is Vietnam’s<br />
highest rooftop bar with amazing<br />
views over the city. Situated on the<br />
35th and 36th floor of the Novotel<br />
Danang Premier Han River, the bar<br />
fills up nightly with beautiful people.<br />
Swanky interiors showcase curved<br />
booths with glass and suede while<br />
a DJ rocks the tunes. Outside on the<br />
roof deck, it’s all about the neon<br />
lights, dancing and the irresistible<br />
glittering views. Drinks at Sky<br />
36 run the gamut from imported<br />
beers to premium spirits, as well<br />
as a selection of wines by the glass.<br />
Cocktails range from classics like a<br />
margarita or mojito to contemporary<br />
ones like ‘Death in the Afternoon.’<br />
Try a Vietnamese Sangria with fresh<br />
fruits. Once fuelled up with music<br />
and drinks, views of the Han River<br />
amidst the backdrop of modern<br />
architecture give you a sense of<br />
Danang’s future. 6pm to 2am, 36 Bach<br />
Dang Street, Danang, facebook.com/<br />
sky36bar<br />
110
HAPPENINGS<br />
LAOS<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
MYANMAR<br />
YANGON<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Heritage Luxe<br />
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang,<br />
brand new hotel AVANI+ Luang Prabang<br />
sits within walking distance to the<br />
banks of the Mekong River while being<br />
strategically close to the Royal Palace,<br />
Night Market and beautiful temples.<br />
AVANI+, in a town that’s earmarked<br />
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,<br />
raises the bar on contemporary French<br />
neo-classical architecture. Blending<br />
into the historic neighbourhood, the<br />
French colonial-inspired interiors blend<br />
with modern elegance in its 53 rooms<br />
and suites. An intimate, open-plan feel<br />
with louvre wooden doors open to a<br />
balcony or terrace overlooking either<br />
the pool or a private courtyard. For<br />
guests, AVANI+ offers a stunningly<br />
contemporary property set within the<br />
historic riverside zone, and conceived<br />
for a demanding new breed of traveller.<br />
After a day spent exploring temples<br />
or an adventure boat trip to Kuang<br />
Si Waterfalls or Pak Ou Caves, the<br />
hotel offers a retreat to AVANISPA for<br />
rejuvenation before enjoying a dinner<br />
cruise down the Mekong. Setthathirath<br />
Road, Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang,<br />
+856 71 262 333, minorhotels.com/en/<br />
avani/luang-prabang<br />
GOOD MORNING, YANGON<br />
Motivated by fitness, health, and the enjoyment of a morning calm, a mix<br />
of pro and amateur runners recently got together to share their love for the<br />
activity and are encouraging those who happen to be in Yangon join them.<br />
Started by a group of <strong>Thai</strong> expats, the group meets at 6am near Kandawgyi<br />
Lake. As a bonus, Yangon’s many angles get discovered in the early morning<br />
hours while roads are still quiet with a wonderfully agreeable weather.<br />
The 10km route takes the group downtown and over the Pansodan<br />
bridge with the beautiful Yangon Central railway station within view. More<br />
historical and iconic British Colonial buildings mark the route, with<br />
many of them still in use. This running tour also goes past a local<br />
wet market and the large People’s Park near<br />
Shwedagon Pagoda, followed by breakfast.<br />
BEST BITE OF PIZZA<br />
Calling themselves Yangon’s<br />
homegrown slices, Parami<br />
Pizza serves excellent and<br />
authentic pizza baked in a<br />
wood-fired oven. If your<br />
cravings go beyond that, the<br />
menu of fine Italian dishes<br />
tempt children and adults alike<br />
in a relaxed ambience. Menu<br />
highlights include authentic<br />
Neapolitan pizza, antipasti like<br />
Hokkaido Octopus Carpaccio<br />
using fresh ingredients of<br />
pomelo and citrus-chilli<br />
dressing, homemade Tagliatelle<br />
with Venetian Duck Ragu of<br />
slow braised duck, eggplant,<br />
olives, peppers, and must-have<br />
desserts like the classic Tiramisu<br />
and Nutella Pizzette.<br />
The place is typically busy<br />
in the evening after work<br />
hours with its prime location<br />
on the main road of Parami, so<br />
advanced bookings are ideal to<br />
avoid the wait. Open late until<br />
11pm. 11/C, Corner of Malikha<br />
Road and Parami Road, 7th<br />
Quarter, <strong>May</strong>angone Township,<br />
Yangon, +95 9 261767616,<br />
paramipizza.com<br />
NO MORE FOREIGN FOODS FOR MORNING ALMS<br />
Everyday in the early calm in Luang Prabang, hundreds of monks make their<br />
way through the streets for morning alms. Recently however, throngs of<br />
tourists have disrupted the ritual. In the enthusiastic need to participate,<br />
inappropriate foods have been given. With cameras and smartphones, they<br />
also clamour for ‘exotic’ photos of monks. Hawkers laden with baskets of<br />
sticky rice bags also run to tourists to sell their wares. Oftentimes a frenzied<br />
atmosphere ensues, and morning alms now sometimes give way to camera<br />
flashes and yelling, with inappropriate food offerings consisting of lollipops<br />
and ‘khao larm (sticky rice char-cooked in a bamboo tube.) To return peace<br />
and the true meaning of alms offering, Luang Prabang now puts a ban on<br />
foreign foods. With local tourism authorities providing guidelines, khao larm<br />
is forbidden, including pre-packaged offering sets that get inserted with<br />
imported snacks. The tourism organisation stresses that sticky rice – a staple<br />
food in Laos – sold during morning alms must be of good quality and freshly<br />
steamed. More can be learned at tourismluangprabang.org<br />
112
HAPPENINGS<br />
MALDIVES / INDIA<br />
MALDIVES / MUMBAI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Maldivian<br />
Blue and White<br />
It’s not surprising that couples<br />
and seekers of glamorous tropical<br />
getaways have long had the<br />
Maldives at the very top of their<br />
wish lists. Imagine the visual<br />
impact of islands encircled by a<br />
lagoon shimmering with crystal<br />
clear waters and protected by a<br />
reef structure where spectacular<br />
underwater life dwells.<br />
The Maldives prides itself on<br />
26 natural atolls with 1,190 islands<br />
formed in unique and circular<br />
shapes. The word “atoll” comes<br />
from the Dhivehi language,<br />
“atholhu.” Ring-shaped reefs<br />
developed after volcanoes<br />
subsided and the sea level rose.<br />
Every resort is on its own island.<br />
One of the biggest groupings<br />
of islands is Baa Atoll, consisting<br />
of 3 separate atolls of 75 islands<br />
and a protected UNESCO biosphere<br />
reserve. Several well-known<br />
5-star resorts operate here.<br />
While most of the Maldives has great<br />
snorkelling and diving, the Baa Atoll offers<br />
outstanding experiences that include<br />
incredible gatherings of manta rays and<br />
whale sharks. On clear days of snorkelling<br />
or diving, you might get lucky in spotting<br />
marine turtles with at least five species out<br />
of seven in the world swimming by: the<br />
green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley<br />
turtle, loggerhead turtle and leatherback<br />
turtle. Frequently sighted on the atoll are<br />
hawksbill turtles.<br />
The Baa Atoll can be reached by a<br />
domestic flight or seaplane direct to<br />
your island resort. The best time to go<br />
depends on your budget and timing. It’s<br />
low season between <strong>May</strong> and November,<br />
when storms occur but usually won’t<br />
disrupt a week-long stay.<br />
DESIGN & DÉCOR<br />
The quaint by-lanes of Kala Ghoda,<br />
Mumbai’s cultural precinct, saw another<br />
store opening recently. Translate is<br />
a concept store that celebrates the<br />
traditional handloom weaving and dyeing<br />
style of Pochampally Ikat. The brand<br />
sources directly form regional Ikat artists<br />
and transforms the material into<br />
contemporary, everyday apparel and home<br />
design. Choose tops and tunics in a range<br />
of classy colours, from aubergines and<br />
olives to midnight blue and ruby. Home<br />
décor includes cushion covers, table<br />
runners, bed sheets, and more. Translate,<br />
18 Commerce House, Opp. Kala Ghoda Café,<br />
Fort +917700077338<br />
114<br />
115
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 118 / FLYERBONUS 122 / AIRCRAFT INFO 127 / ROUTE MAP 128<br />
117
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS<br />
ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION<br />
WITH EXPEDIA GROUP<br />
Bangkok Airways recently<br />
announced a new collaboration<br />
with Expedia group, the world’s<br />
largest online travel company, to<br />
add a new distribution channel<br />
and incorporate a marketing<br />
campaign globally. The airline<br />
sees a boost in ticket sales through<br />
various sales channels of Expedia<br />
and its subsidiaries especially in<br />
North America, Europe and<br />
Australasia. Starting today,<br />
passengers can make reservations<br />
for all Bangkok Airways flights<br />
via different Expedia channels<br />
such as www.expedia.com<br />
(locally in <strong>Thai</strong>land through<br />
www.expedia.co.th,) Expedia’s<br />
mobile application on both iOS<br />
and Android or at any Expedia<br />
customer service centres worldwide.<br />
Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya,<br />
Vice President — Sales, Bangkok<br />
Airways Public Company Limited<br />
said, “It’s another significant<br />
milestone for Bangkok Airways<br />
to collaborate with the Expedia<br />
group, one of the world’s leading<br />
online travel companies. The new<br />
collaboration will enable us to offer<br />
passengers a broader choice of<br />
booking channels via Expedia’s<br />
extensive platforms. Bangkok<br />
Airways strives to improve<br />
service provided to our passengers<br />
to enhance their travel experience<br />
as well as emphasise our position as<br />
"Asia's Boutique Airline."<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา<br />
รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ฝ่ายขาย ลงนามสัญญาความ<br />
สัมพันธ์ทางธุรกิจกับ บริษัท เอ็กซ์พีเดีย อิงค์ (Expedia Inc.) โดย<br />
นายซานดีป ชาร์มาร์ ผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายคมนาคมและการท่องเที่ยว<br />
เอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ และอินเดีย เพื่อสนับสนุนการขายและร่วม<br />
ส่งเสริมการตลาด กระตุ้นยอดจำหน่ายบัตรโดยสาร ตลอดจน<br />
เพิ่มความสะดวกสบายในการสำรองบัตรโดยสารให้กับผู้โดยสาร<br />
ของสายการบินฯ ผ่านช่องทางต่างๆ ของเอ็กซ์พีเดีย และกลุ่ม<br />
บริษัทในเครือต่างๆ ที่มีสาขามากมายอยู่ทั่วโลก โดยเฉพาะใน<br />
ภูมิภาคอเมริกาเหนือ ยุโรป และออสตราเลเชีย โดยผู้โดยสารฯ<br />
สามารถทำการสำรองบัตรโดยสารของบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้ใน<br />
ทุกเส้นทางบินผ่านเว็บไซต์ www.expedia.com โมบายแอพพลิเคชั่น<br />
Expedia บนสมาร์ทโฟนทั้งระบบ iOS และ Android และศูนย์บริการ<br />
ลูกค้าเอ็กซ์พีเดียทั่วโลก ตั้งแต่วันนี้เป็นต้นไป<br />
นายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่<br />
ฝ่ายขาย บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส กล่าวว่า "ความร่วมมือดังกล่าว<br />
ถือเป็นอีกก้าวสำคัญของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สในการ<br />
ร่วมมือกับเครือเอ็กซ์พีเดีย ซึ ่งถือเป็นหนึ่งในบริษัทท่องเที่ยว<br />
ออนไลน์ชั้นนำของโลก โดยความร่วมมือในครั้งนี้จะช่วยให้เรา<br />
สามารถเสนอช่องทางในการจองบัตรโดยสารได้หลากหลาย<br />
มากขึ้นผ่านทางแพลตฟอร์มของเอ็กซ์พีเดีย ซึ่งสายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สมุ่งมั่นที่จะพัฒนาการบริการของเราให้ดียิ่งขึ้น<br />
เพื่อมอบประสบการณ์พิเศษในทุกการเดินทางดั่งสโลแกน<br />
Asia's Boutique Airline หรือ ความประทับใจแห่งเอเชีย"<br />
A NEW CODESHARE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PG AND EL AL<br />
Bangkok Airways and EL AL Israel Airlines (LY) have announced<br />
a new codeshare partnership to strengthen their respective<br />
route networks.<br />
This new codeshare partnership with EL AL Israel<br />
Airlines is yet another important milestone and significant<br />
development in the continued growth of Bangkok<br />
Airways. Passengers can now receive convenient and<br />
seamless access to well-known destinations in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
and neighbouring countries. Moreover, EL AL's passengers<br />
travelling on Bangkok Airways will enjoy the boutique<br />
airline’s unparalleled services, in areas such as lounge<br />
access and in-flight meals.<br />
This codeshare agreement will cover 9 routes on<br />
both domestic and international categories. Codeshare<br />
flights operated by Bangkok Airways include roundtrip<br />
routes on Bangkok-Samui, Bangkok-Chiang Rai, Bangkok-<br />
Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Lampang, Bangkok-Trat, Bangkok-<br />
Sukhothai, Bangkok-Danang, Bangkok-Phnom Penh and<br />
Bangkok-Siem Reap.<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส (PG) และ<br />
สายการบินแอล อัล อิสราเอลแอร์ไลน์<br />
(LY) ของประเทศอิสราเอล ประกาศ<br />
ลงนามข้อตกลงในการให้บริการเที่ยวบิน<br />
ร่วม เพื่อสร้างความแข็งแกร่งให้กับ<br />
เส้นทางบินระหว่างสองประเทศ<br />
การลงนามข้อตกลงในการให้<br />
บริการเที่ยวบินร่วมกับสายการบิน<br />
แอล อัล อิสราเอลแอร์ไลน์ ในครั้งนี้<br />
ถือเป็นอีกหนึ่งก้าวสำคัญของ<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สในการสร้างเครือข่าย<br />
พันธมิตรการบินให้มีความแข็งแกร่งยิ่งขึ้น<br />
อีกทั้งยังเป็นการอำนวยความสะดวก<br />
ให้กับผู้โดยสารของแอล อัล อิสราเอล<br />
แอร์ไลน์ ในการเดินทางเชื่อมต่อไปยัง<br />
แหล่งท่องเที่ยวชื่อดังทั้งในประเทศไทยและ<br />
ประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน ซึ่งผู้โดยสารของ<br />
แอล อัล อิสราเอลแอร์ไลน์ จะได้รับ<br />
ความสะดวกสบายและการบริการ<br />
เหนือระดับเมื่อเดินทางกับบางกอก<br />
แอร์เวย์ส ไม่ว่าจะเป็นสิทธิพิเศษในการ<br />
เข้าใช้บริการห้องรับรองผู้โดยสาร<br />
ของบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส และการบริการ<br />
อาหารบนทุกเที่ยวบิน<br />
สำหรับข้อตกลงในการทำเที่ยวบิน<br />
ร่วมในครั้งนี้จะช่วยอำนวยความ<br />
สะดวกให้แก่ผู้โดยสารของแอล อัล<br />
อิสราเอลแอร์ไลน์ ในการเดินทางเชื่อมต่อ<br />
จากกรุงเทพฯ ไปยังเมืองท่องเที่ยวยอด<br />
นิยมทั้งในประเทศไทยและต่างประเทศ<br />
โดยสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สจะให้<br />
บริการทั้งหมด 9 เส้นทางบิน ได้แก่<br />
กรุงเทพฯ-เกาะสมุย กรุงเทพฯ-เชียงราย<br />
กรุงเทพฯ-เชียงใหม่ กรุงเทพฯ-ลำปาง<br />
กรุงเทพฯ-ตราด กรุงเทพฯ-สุโขทัย<br />
กรุงเทพฯ-ดานัง (เวียดนาม) กรุงเทพฯ-<br />
พนมเปญ (กัมพูชา) และกรุงเทพฯ-<br />
เสียมราฐ (กัมพูชา)<br />
118<br />
119
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS SIGNS PARTNERSHIP<br />
DEAL WITH BORUSSIA DORTMUND<br />
Bangkok Airways and German football<br />
club Borussia Dortmund recently<br />
announced a partnership deal at Signal<br />
Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany to<br />
collaborate on branding opportunities<br />
and extend market reach by tapping into<br />
the large Asian market.<br />
Borussia Dortmund is one of Europe’s<br />
most successful football clubs with a<br />
traditionally strong fan base in Asia and<br />
the world and Bangkok Airways is proud<br />
to announce itself as a ‘regional partner’<br />
of Borussia Dortmund. The collaboration<br />
includes a variety of advertising and<br />
promotional components in co-branding<br />
campaigns in <strong>Thai</strong>land, other Southeast<br />
Asian countries, China, Hong Kong, India<br />
and Bangladesh thereby enhancing the<br />
airline’s brand recognition across the regions.<br />
Bangkok Airways’ President,<br />
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth said,<br />
“We are proud and excited to partner<br />
with Borussia Dortmund, who are<br />
eight-time German champions. With<br />
Borussia Dortmund’s strong global<br />
brand presence and huge fan base,<br />
we believe it will strengthen Bangkok<br />
Airways’ brand image as Asia’s Boutique<br />
Airline. This will make the airline better<br />
known across Asia and Europe – our main<br />
customer bases."<br />
"Highlighting this is the BVB Evonik<br />
Football School for children. It is our way of<br />
giving back to the community and part of<br />
our business roadmap for many years. We<br />
will work with our dedicated CSR team to<br />
make this sponsorship activation a tangible<br />
reality,” added Mr. Puttipong.<br />
Mr. Carsten Cramer, Chief Marketing<br />
Officer of Borussia Dortmund also stated,<br />
“We are excited to partner with Bangkok<br />
Airways who has strengthened their<br />
award-winning position over the last couple<br />
of years in Asia. Both of us are ambitious<br />
and aspiring brands and are looking forward<br />
to announcing our cooperation across<br />
Bangkok Airways’ key markets.”<br />
Bangkok Airways, together with Borussia<br />
Dortmund, are also in talks with the Sports<br />
Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land (SAT) and the <strong>Thai</strong><br />
FA for the possibility of initiating a special<br />
coaching programme that implements<br />
Dortmund's coaching expertise for<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land's national youth teams.<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนายพุฒิพงศ์<br />
ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่<br />
และสโมสรฟุตบอลโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์จาก<br />
ประเทศเยอรมนี ประกาศเป็นพันธมิตรร่วมกัน<br />
ณ สนามซิกนัลอิดูนาพาร์ค เมืองดอร์ทมุนด์<br />
ประเทศเยอรมนี ซึ่งเป็นการยกระดับความ<br />
ร่วมมือในการสร้างแบรนด์ของทั้งสองบริษัทฯ<br />
ในการขยายตลาดสู่ระดับสากลมากยิ่งขึ้น<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ประกาศร่วมมือเป็น<br />
พันธมิตรกับสโมสรฟุตบอลโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์<br />
อย่างเป็นทางการ ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่งในสโมสรฟุตบอล<br />
ที่ประสบความสำเร็จมากที่สุดในยุโรป และมี<br />
ฐานแฟนบอลทั้งในทวีปเอเชียและทั่วโลก ส ำหรับ<br />
ความร่วมมือในครั้งนี้มีการร่วมทำโฆษณาและ<br />
ส่งเสริมแคมเปญพิเศษต่างๆ ทั้งในประเทศไทย<br />
ในภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ จีน ฮ่องกง<br />
อินเดีย และบังคลาเทศ ซึ่งถือเป็นการเพิ่มโอกาส<br />
ในการสร้างการจดจำแบรนด์ให้กับสายการบินฯ<br />
ในระดับภูมิภาคมากยิ่งขึ้น<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ เผยว่า<br />
“ในโอกาสที่ปีนี้บริษัทฯ ครบรอบ 50 ปี จึงน ำ<br />
แบรนด์ก้าวเข้าสู่สากลโดยการจับมือกับสโมสร<br />
ฟุตบอลโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์ และถือเป็นความ<br />
ภาคภูมิใจที่ได้ร่วมเป็นพันธมิตรกับทีมฟุตบอล<br />
ที่มีฐานแฟนบอลทั่วโลก รวมทั้งชนะการแข่งขัน<br />
ในลีกเยอรมนีถึง 8 ปีซ้อน เราเชื่อว่าการร่วมมือ<br />
ครั้งนี้จะช่วยตอกย้ำความเป็นเอกลักษณ์<br />
เฉพาะตัวในแบบเอเชียบูทีคแอร์ไลน์ของ<br />
สายการบินฯ และทำให้เป็นที่รู้จักมากยิ่งขึ้น ทั้ง<br />
ในเอเชียและยุโรปซึ่งเป็นฐานลูกค้าหลักของเรา”<br />
"ความพิเศษอีกอย่างก็คือ การมอบโอกาส<br />
ในการฝึกทักษะกีฬาฟุตบอลให้กับเยาวชน<br />
โดยสโมสรฟุตบอลโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์ ซึ่ง<br />
กิจกรรมเพื่อสังคมถือเป็นส่วนหนึ่งในแผน<br />
ธุรกิจของบางกอกแอร์เวย์สที่เราให้ความ<br />
สำคัญและทำมาอย่างต่อเนื่อง”<br />
นายคาร์สเทน คราเม่อ ประธานเจ้าหน้าที่<br />
การตลาดของสโมสรโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์<br />
กล่าวว่า “ทางสโมสรรู้สึกตื่นเต้นที่ได้เป็นพันธมิตร<br />
ร่วมกับสายการบินที่แข็งแกร่งและได้รับรางวัล<br />
ต่อเนื่องมากมายอย่างบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ทั้งสอง<br />
บริษัทฯมีความตั้งใจที่จะน ำเสนอความร่วมมือนี้<br />
เพื่อให้เข้าถึงกลุ่มลูกค้าหลักของสายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สมากยิ่งขึ้น”<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สร่วมกับ<br />
สโมสรโบรุสเซียดอร์ทมุนด์ อยู่ระหว่างการ<br />
เจรจากับการกีฬาแห่งประเทศไทยและ<br />
สมาคมกีฬาฟุตบอลแห่งประเทศไทยถึง<br />
ความเป็นไปได้สำหรับโครงการพิเศษที่จัดขึ้น<br />
เพื่อพัฒนาทักษะกีฬาฟุตบอลให้กับทีม<br />
ฟุตบอลเยาวชนแห่งประเทศไทยอีกด้วย<br />
“JUNIOR RUNNING CLINIC” ACTIVITY<br />
Bangkok Airways, led by the<br />
Corporate Social Responsibility<br />
Department, organised a “Junior<br />
Running Clinic.” This event brought<br />
50 students from Wat Salak Phet<br />
School to join Bangkok Airways'<br />
"Ultra Trail Unseen Koh Chang,"<br />
which was the first of its planned<br />
7 running events in the Boutique<br />
Series <strong>2018</strong> programme. This<br />
activity aims to provide local kids<br />
an opportunity to learn how to<br />
run in a professional race and to<br />
inspire them to see the importance<br />
of exercise.<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS<br />
OPEN HOUSE <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bangkok Airways led by Mr. Tortakul<br />
Samakul, Regional Director – Sales,<br />
organised the “Bangkok Airways Open<br />
House” campaign at Bangkok Airways<br />
Operations Center (BAOC), Suvarnabhumi<br />
airport. In addition to that, the airline<br />
also organised a pioneer visitation trip<br />
to Siem Reap, Cambodia during 21-23<br />
February <strong>2018</strong> for professors from<br />
leading universities in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
The Bangkok Airways Open House<br />
is organised to disseminate knowledge<br />
regarding the operation of Bangkok Airways.<br />
The campaign aims to improve the quality<br />
of learning, increase comprehension skills,<br />
and exchange knowledge.<br />
Bangkok Airways has also added<br />
a further initiative to the running<br />
series, with their “Shoes For Kids”<br />
campaign. It provides the opportunity<br />
for runners to take part, by donating<br />
a pair of shoes to kids living in the<br />
provinces where the running races<br />
take place. Donations are made<br />
simple via www.teelakow.com.<br />
Selected students at 7 destinations<br />
of the Bangkok Airways Boutique<br />
Series <strong>2018</strong> will get a chance to<br />
learn some running techniques<br />
and receive donated running shoes<br />
from registered runners.<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนายต่อตระกูล<br />
สมากุล ผู้อำนวยการส่วนขาย ประจำประเทศไทย<br />
จัดโครงการ "เปิดบ้านสอนน้อง" ประจำปี 2561 ซึ่งจัด<br />
ต่อเนื่องติดกันมาเป็นปีที่ 3 ณ อาคารทับสุวรรณ<br />
(BAOC) สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ พร้อมจัดทริปนำร่อง<br />
นำคณะอาจารย์จากมหาวิทยาลัยชื่อดังร่วมเดินทาง<br />
ไปยังเมืองเสียมราฐ ประเทศกัมพูชา เพื่อศึกษาดูงาน<br />
ในส่วนของธุรกิจนำเที่ยว ระหว่างวันที่ 21-23<br />
กุมภาพันธ์ 2561<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อสังคม ได้นำ<br />
คณะเยาวชนจำนวน 50 คน จากโรงเรียนวัดสลักเพชร มาร่วมทำ<br />
กิจกรรม “จูเนียร์ รันนิ่ง คลินิค” ภายใต้โครงการ “รองเท้าผ้าใบให้<br />
น้อง” ในรายการแข่งขันวิ่ง “บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส อัลตร้า เทรล อันซีน<br />
เกาะช้าง” ณ อำเภอเกาะช้าง จังหวัดตราด<br />
กิจกรรม “จูเนียร์ รันนิ่ง คลินิค” เป็นหนึ่งกิจกรรมที่อยู่ภายใต้<br />
โครงการรับผิดชอบต่อสังคมของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ที่จัดอบรมให้เยาวชนท้องถิ่นได้เรียนรู้เทคนิคการวิ่งที่ถูกต้องทั้ง<br />
ภาคทฤษฎีและภาคปฏิบัติจากนักวิ่งที่มีประสบการณ์ เพื่อให้สามารถ<br />
นำมาปรับใช้ในการวิ่งหรือการออกกำลังกายด้านอื่นๆ ได้อย่าง<br />
ถูกวิธี โดยคัดเลือกเยาวชนระดับชั้นประถมและมัธยมศึกษาจาก<br />
โรงเรียนที่อยู่รอบพื้นที่เส้นทางวิ่งของรายการแข่งขันวิ่ง “บางกอก<br />
แอร์เวย์ส บูทีค ซีรีย์ <strong>2018</strong>”<br />
“บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส บูทีค ซีรีย์ <strong>2018</strong>” เป็นรายการแข่งขันวิ่งที่<br />
จัดขึ้นใน 7 จุดหมายปลายทางของสายการบินฯ ตลอดปี 2561<br />
ได้แก่ ตราด กระบี่ เกาะสมุย ลำปาง ภูเก็ต เชียงราย และเชียงใหม่<br />
โดยแบ่งเป็นรายการวิ่งเทรล 1 รายการ วิ่งฮาล์ฟมาราธอน 5<br />
รายการ และรายการวิ่งมาราธอน 1 รายการ ซึ่งกิจกรรม “จูเนียร์<br />
รันนิ่ง คลินิค” จะจัดขึ้นควบคู่ไปกับรายการแข่งขันวิ่งที่จะเกิดขึ้น<br />
ตลอดทั้งปี<br />
โครงการ "เปิดบ้านสอนน้อง" เป็นโครงการของ<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ที่จัดขึ้นเพื่อเปิด<br />
โอกาสให้อาจารย์และนักศึกษาในสาขาวิชา<br />
อุตสาหกรรมการท่องเที่ยว โรงแรม และสายการบิน<br />
ได้แลกเปลี่ยนความรู้และประสบการณ์ทางสายงาน<br />
ธุรกิจการบินและการท่องเที่ยว และมีโอกาสร่วมเดิน<br />
ทางกับสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สเพื่อศึกษาดูงาน<br />
จากการปฏิบัติงานนอกสถานที่ อีกทั้งได้รับฟัง<br />
การบรรยายเพื่อเพิ่มความรู้และประสบการณ์อีกด้วย<br />
120<br />
121
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เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ รายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัส โดยนายพรต เสตสุวรรณ<br />
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122 123
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT<br />
AIRBUS A319<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 14<br />
LENGTH : 33.84 m<br />
WINGSPAN : 34.1 m<br />
HEIGHT : 12.17 m<br />
ENGINE : IAE V2500<br />
CRUISING SPEED :<br />
920 km/h<br />
MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
39,800 ft<br />
PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
12 seats & 108 seats / 144 seats / 138 seats<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 />
PG DIRECT SERVICE FROM CHIANG MAI<br />
TO HANOI<br />
On 25 March <strong>2018</strong>, Bangkok (Noi Bai International Airport)<br />
Airways Public Company Limited at 12.00 hrs. The inbound flight<br />
led by Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, PG996 departs Hanoi (Noi Bai<br />
Vice President – Sales and Mrs. International Airport) at 12.45 hrs<br />
Chanthip Thongkanya, Vice President and arrives Chiang Mai International<br />
– Office of the President, joined in Airport at 14.50 hrs.<br />
the launch of the inaugural flight Hanoi is the third destination<br />
from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. The in Vietnam for the airline, adding<br />
event was held at Noi Bai International to Bangkok Airways’ route network<br />
Airport in the capital city of Hanoi, after successful runs on the<br />
with a warm welcome from local Bangkok-Danang and Bangkokauthorities<br />
in Vietnam.<br />
Phu Quoc flight routes launched<br />
Bangkok Airways’ new service earlier in <strong>May</strong> 2016 and October<br />
offers daily flights between Chiang 2017, respectively. Bangkok<br />
Mai and Hanoi with a 70-seater Airways is a full-service regional<br />
ATR72-500/600 aircraft. The airline that provides the best<br />
outbound flight PG995 departs personalised service to passengers,<br />
Chiang Mai International Airport under the slogan of “Asia’s<br />
at 09.55 hrs and arrives Hanoi Boutique Airline”.<br />
เมื่อวันที่ 25 มีนาคม ที่ผ่านมา สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
นำโดย นายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา รองกรรมการ<br />
ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ ส่วนขาย และนางจันทร์ทิพย์ ทองกันยา<br />
รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ สำนักกรรมการผู้อำนวย<br />
การใหญ่ ร่วมเปิดเที่ยวบินปฐมฤกษ์เส้นทางเชียงใหม่-ฮานอย<br />
(ประเทศเวียดนาม) โดยมีเจ้าหน้าที่ของทางเวียดนามให้การ<br />
ต้อนรับอย่างอบอุ่น ณ ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาตินอยไบ<br />
ประเทศเวียดนาม<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ให้บริการเส้นทางบิน<br />
ตรงระหว่าง เชียงใหม่และฮานอย (เวียดนาม) ทุกวัน วันละ 1<br />
เที่ยวบิน ด้วยเครื่องบินแบบเอทีอาร์ 72-500/600 ขนาด<br />
70 ที่นั่ง โดยเที่ยวบินขาไป PG995 ออกจากเชียงใหม่<br />
(สนามบินนานาชาติเชียงใหม่) เวลา 09:55 น. ถึงฮานอย<br />
(สนามบินนานาชาตินอยไบ) เวลา 12:00 น. และเที่ยวบิน<br />
ขากลับ PG996 ออกจากฮานอย (สนามบินนานาชาติ<br />
นอยไบ) เวลา 12.45 น. ถึงเชียงใหม่ (สนามบินนานาชาติ<br />
เชียงใหม่) เวลา 14:50 น.<br />
เมืองฮานอยถือเป็นเส้นทางบินที่ 3 ในประเทศเวียดนาม<br />
ในเครือข่ายเส้นทางบินของบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส หลังจาก<br />
ประสบความสำเร็จอย่างสูงในเส้นทาง กรุงเทพ-ดานัง ซึ่ง<br />
เปิดให้บริการในปี 2559 และเส้นทางบินกรุงเทพ-เกาะ<br />
ฟู้โกว๊ก ซึ่งเปิดให้บริการในปี 2560<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 9 CRUISING SPEED :<br />
LENGTH : 27.166 m<br />
509 km/h<br />
WINGSPAN : 27.050 m MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
HEIGHT : 7.72 m<br />
25,000 ft<br />
ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
Pratt & Whitney<br />
70 seats<br />
Canada PW127M<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 : 3 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 : 1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Sukhothai : 2 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 />
Guangzhou : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Hanoi :<br />
1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<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 : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
126<br />
127
128 129
CHECKING OUT<br />
Modern In Its<br />
Own Way<br />
Myanmar’s capital Yangon<br />
moves forward at an even<br />
pace, making sure its<br />
traditions remain intact.<br />
130