Fah Thai Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

SEP-OCT 2018 

FIND YOUR ISLAND 

WEDDING BLISS 

ART TAKE OVER 

IN THAILAND 

RAIN OR SHINE 

IN HONG KONG 

SINGAPORE’S CULINARY 

ARTISANS 

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

OVERTURES 

FEATURES 

18 ASIA DATEBOOK 

Mark your calendar to run for the 

heroes in your lives or watch buffalos 

race if you happen to be in Thailand. 

22 SCENTSIBILITY 

Harness the power of scent for 

him with fragrances that are 

‘Intense’ or ‘Obsessed.’ 

24 COOL SUEDE SHOES 

Show no fear when you’re fashion 

forward in a pair of suede shoes. 

The latest styles come in cool 

neutrals that go with any ensemble. 

26 TRAT THE WAY WE LIKE IT 

Find your type of vacation joy 

in the getaway destinations in 

nature and islands in Trat province. 

Inviting waters make swimming or 

boating ideal. 

32 BANANA BOASTS 

The versatile fruit can be eaten 

raw or cooked, sweet or savoury. 

Find more about its history and 

the countless varieties that exist 

to be enjoyed. 

34 UPCYCLING HERITAGE 

End up in the former jails of Hong 

Kong’s Tai Kwun Heritage Centre 

now revamped into a new glory; 

also learn how waste becomes 

treasures in the creative hands of 

upcycling in Myanmar. 

46 BACK TO FOOD’S 

HISTORY 

Adventurous palates always 

seek the next big thing. For 

Singaporeans with their foodobsessed 

reputations, going 

back in time seems to be the 

order of the day. 

56 LIGHT MATTERS 

Bangkok-based artist Eiji Sumi 

engages in light inspired work 

that dissects the concept 

right down to its smallest 

particles yet showcases them 

on a large scale. 

64 BIENNALE TRIO 

Thailand becomes a stage for 

art when works from renown 

local and international artists 

exhibit at three different 

points in time for three 

separate biennales. 

74 DANCE AND MUSIC FEST 

Bangkok plays host to a monthlong 

celebration of dance and 

music with renown artists and 

performance companies. 

84 THE WEDDING LIST 

For the perfect destination 

wedding, Fah Thai’s list of 

places and wedding coordinators 

will be on hand to make your 

day special. 

100 STORMING HONG KONG 

In the vastness of an urban city 

like Hong Kong, there’s a lot 

to uncover. Our photographer 

embarks on a mission to do so 

despite inclement weather. 

100 

The 

Monsoon 

Mood 

8 

9

HAPPENINGS 

CORPORATE 

The latest must-dos and must-knows around the 

region as we enter into an eventful new season. 

110 BANGKOK 

116 SAMUI 

120 PHUKET 

124 CHIANG MAI / 

CHIANG RAI 

125 TRAT 

126 GUANGZHOU 

/ CHENGDU / 

CHONGQING 

128 HONG KONG 

130 SINGAPORE 

131 KUALA 

LUMPUR 

132 PHNOM 

PENH / 

SIEM REAP 

134 HANOI / 

QUY NHON 

136 YANGON 

138 VIENTIANE 

139 MALDIVES / 

MUMBAI 

142 NEWS 

Bangkok Airways announces collaborations and 

winners. 

150 ROUTE MAP 

152 AIRCRAFT INFO 

CHECKING OUT 

154 LUANG PRABANG 

Seeking serenity in the beauty of 

Luang Prabang. 

This month’s cover: 

Dance and music 

luminaries perform 

in Bangkok. 

74 

World-class 

Performances 

Come to 

Bangkok 

10

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 

It is with great pride for me and all of 

us at Bangkok Airways that our airline 

won two prestigious awards this year 

at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 

2018. Recognised as the “World’s 

Best Regional Airline,” this honour is a 

fourth time win for us, followed with 

the second award as “Best Regional 

Airline in Asia,” an honour we received 

for the eighth time. Besides these two 

world-class awards, Bangkok Airways 

was awarded the “Travellers’ Choice 

Regional Carrier-Asia and Travellers’ 

Choice Economy Class-Asia from 

TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 

for Airlines 2018. Additionally, we were 

designated the “Best Brand for Travel 

2018” from Smart Travel Asia in two 

categories, including “Top Ten Airline 

Overall – Worldwide” and “Top Ten 

Best in Cabin Service – Worldwide”. 

On behalf of Bangkok Airways 

executives and staff, I’d like to 

extend our sincere thanks to all of 

you, our passengers, for flying with 

us and for your votes which earned 

us these awards. We promise to 

keep on working hard and doing our 

best to excel in providing services 

that give you the safest and greatest 

experience wherever you travel – 

from start to finish in any of your 

destinations. For all of us at Bangkok 

Airways, “Your happiness is our 

best reward”. 

Thank you very much. 

นับเป็นความภาคภูมิใจสำหรับผมและ 

ชาวบางกอกแอร์เวย์สอีกครั้ง ที่ในปีนี้ 

เราสามารถคว้ารางวัลระดับโลกจาก 

Skytrax World Airline Awards มาได้ถึง 

2 รางวัล ได้แก่ รางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค 

ยอดเยี่ยมของโลก และรางวัลสายการบิน 

ภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมแห่งเอเชีย ซึ่งปีนี้เป็นครั้ง 

ที่ 4 ที่เราได้รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค 

ยอดเยี่ยมของโลก และเป็นครั้งที่ 8 ที่เราได้ 

รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยม 

แห่งเอเชีย นอกจากนี้ สายการบินฯ ยังได้ 

รับอีก 2 รางวัลจากเว็บไซต์ทริปแอดไวเซอร์ 

(TripAdvisor) ได้แก่ รางวัลสายการบิน 

ยอดเยี่ยมในภูมิภาคเอเชียและรางวัล 

สายการบินที ่มีที่นั่งชั้นประหยัดยอดเยี่ยม 

ในภูมิภาคเอเชีย ประจำปี 2561 และในระยะ 

เวลาใกล้เคียงกันก็ได้รับรางวัลสุดยอด 

แบรนด์ท่องเที่ยวประจำปี 2561 จาก 

สมาร์ท แทรเวล เอเชีย ได้แก่ รางวัลท็อป 

เท็นสายการบินที่ดีที ่สุดในโลก (Top Ten 

Airline Overall – Worldwide) และ 

รางวัลท็อปเท็นสายการบินที่มีการบริการ 

บนเครื ่องที่ดีที่สุดในโลก (Top Ten Best 

in Cabin Service – Worldwide) อีกด้วย 

ผมในนามของคณะผู้บริหารและ 

พนักงานของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส 

ขอขอบคุณผู้โดยสารทุกท่านจากใจ ที่ท่าน 

เลือกเดินทางกับเรา และโหวตให้สายการบิน 

ของเราได้รับรางวัลต่างๆ ในครั้งนี้ พวกเรา 

จะมุ่งมั่น ทุ่มเท และพัฒนาการให้บริการ 

อย่างต่อเนื่อง เพื ่อสร้างประสบการณ์ 

ในการเดินทางที่ประทับใจตั้งแต่ต้นจนถึง 

ปลายทางอย่างปลอดภัย เพราะ “ความสุข 

จากการเดินทางของท่าน คือรางวัลที่ดี 

ที่สุดของเรา” 

ขอบคุณครับ 

กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ 

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth 

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited 

12

IS THE 

GOLD WINNER 

PEARL AWARD 

2017 

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC 

COMPANY LIMITED 

99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, 

Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 

10900, Thailand 

www.bangkokair.com 

ADVISORY BOARD 

Mr. Prote Setsuwan 

Vice President - Marketing 

Ms. Sumalee Chaitientong 

Vice President - Ancillary Revenues 

Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj 

Director - Advertising and Creative 

Mr. Benjamin Sirirat 

Manager - Branding and Creative 

Mrs. Rattanaporn Sa-Nguanjangwong 

Business Services - Ancillary Revenues 

PUBLISHER 

MPMI Group Co., Ltd. 

1 Soi Lasalle 23/2, 

Bangna, Bangkok 10260, Thailand 

Tel. +66 2744 4975 

Fax. +66 2744 5271 

Managing Director 

Chaovanee Ajanant 

Email: chaovanee@mpmith.com 

EDITORIAL 

Email: editorial@fahthaimag.com 

Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong 

Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert 

Senior Editor Nawa Acosta Wright 

Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa 

Contributors 

Aaron Baideme 

Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong 

Bigs Vatcharasith 

Chalotorn Payomyol 

Chusri Ngamprasert 

Jeremie Schatz 

Korakot Punlopruksa 

N Wright 

Pallavi Mehra 

Passakorn Hongthong 

Phoowadon Duangmee 

Prachi Joshi 

Richard Augustin 

Ronan O’Connell 

Sirin P Wongpanit 

Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer 

Thawat Tangtienchai 

Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong 

Contributing Photographers 

Bigs Vatcharasith 

Chatta Phoyen 

Jeremie Schatz 

Kay Choomongkol 

Korakot Punlopruksa 

Permboon Wongpanit 

Santipong Choocharoen 

Thawat Tangtienchai 

ART 

Creative Director JyeShen Koo 

Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag 

Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul 

PRODUCTION 

Colour Separation: Soontorn Film 

Printer: WPS (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 

ADVERTISING 

advertising@fahthaimag.com 

Media Manager: Daruni Klaprapchon 

Marketing Manager: Reza Bizmark 

Digital Marketing Manager: Nichapat Noraphaiphipaksa 

ADVERTISING HOTLINES 

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Bob +668 2446 9192 

OVERSEAS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES 

AUSTRALIA 

THE MEDIA COMPANY 

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Tel: +612 9909 5800 

leanne@themediaco.com.au 

CAMBODIA, LAOS, 

MYANMAR 

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Tel: +668 9468 2440 

kittikun@bangkokair.com 

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hathaiwan@bangkokair.com 

CHINA, HONG KONG, 

MACAU, TAIWAN 

CHINA MEDIA OPTIONS 

CO., LTD. 

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Tel: +852 2321 9788 

rebeccaCMOsupport@gmail.com 

FRANCE, GERMANY, 

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INFOPAC MEDIA HOUSE 

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Tel: +331 4643 0066 

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INDIA, MALDIVES 

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Tel: +9122 2925 3735 

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KOREA 

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JAPAN 

PUBLICITAS JAPAN K.K. 

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MALAYSIA 

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Tel: +603 7880 2185 

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SINGAPORE, INDONESIA 

MPMI PTE LTD 

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Tel: +65 6464 6261 

mpmisg@gmail.com 

UNITED KINGDOM 

MAJOR MEDIA LTD. 

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Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884 

david@majormedia.co.uk 

USA 

THE MULTIMEDIA INC. 

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Tel: +14 0790 3500 

fmar@multimediausa.com 

“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company 

Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Co., Ltd. All articles and 

photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers 

at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the 

airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the 

publication of such articles and photographs. 

All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this 

magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in 

any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok 

Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Co., Ltd. 

Cover Photography: Courtesy of Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance and Music 

14

ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS 

Upcycling Ways 

Artists in Yangon begin an 

upcycling trend making 

colourful wallets and tilitarian 

objects from unwanted 

materials. The next souvenir 

you buy may be one of their 

re-creations. 

NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 22 / STYLE 24 / THAILAND TREASURES 26 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 30 / 

FRUITFUL FINDS 32 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 34 / CHECKED IN 38 

17

OVERTURES 

NEWS AND EVENTS 

8SEP 

2018 

1JUL 


SAMUI 

AS GOOD AS GOLD 

Congratulations are in order for the 88-villa 

resort Banyan Tree Samui, recently recognised 

as the first and only resort in Thailand to be 

given a “Gold Certification” by EarthCheck. 

As the leading organisation for scientific 

benchmarking and the world’s certification 

and advisory group for travel and tourism, 

EarthCheck gave the luxury hotel the highest 

level recognition award as soon as it met with 

excellence standards in ten key performance areas. 

The green certification process assesses 

greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, 

management of freshwater resources, ecosystem 

conservation and management, management 

of social and cultural issues, land use planning 

and management, air quality protection and 

noise control, wastewater management, 

solid waste management, and storage of 

environmentally harmful substances. 

The Banyan Tree Samui, nestled against 

a lush 38-acre hillside, overlooks a secluded 

cove of beach. With their green certification, 

guests are encouraged to join in their sustainable 

ecotourism activities, such as walking along 

a nature trail for bird-watching, along with 

participation in a coral regeneration project. 

banyantree.com/en/thailand/samui 

NOW- 30SEP 


CHIANG MAI 

RUN HERO RUN 2018 

Bangkok Airways Lanna Marathon 2018 

is calling all running enthusiasts and 

the ‘heroes’ in their lives in Thailand to 

participate in the “Run Hero Run” in the 

North and run together for our heroes in the 

south of Thailand. Register now until the end 

of September to be part of the charity run 

on Sunday 11 November 2018 at the Chiang 

Mai 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang 

Mai and a chance to win Her Royal Highness 

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup. 

The marathon’s objective is to raise funds to 

provide the highest quality bulletproof vests 

for officers that serve the country in the 3 

Southern border provinces. So, let’s protect 

those who protect us and the country and 

turn your sweat and effort into a bulletproof 

vest! For more information and registration, 

go to runherorun2018.com, facebook.com/ 

runherorunthailand.com, teelakow.com 

SINGAPORE 

80S POP REVIVAL 

Two of the biggest female pop icons from 

the 1980s will perform together on stage at 

the Lion City this September. Far from being 

rivals, pop princesses Tiffany and Debbie 

Gibson will unite in Singapore for a once-in-alifetime 

concert, where they will belt out their 

signature hits. The Smash Hits Concert will see 

the duo perform their sing-along hits, which 

topped the global music charts in that era. 

Both stars broke into the music scene 

in their teens with Tiffany riding the charts 

high with hit songs, ‘All This Time’ and her 

chart-topping hit, ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’. 

Gibson became a worldwide sensation at only 

17 with her high energy pop singles ‘Only In 

My Dreams’, ‘Shake Your Love’ and ‘Out of The 

Blue’. For fans of 80s pop, this one-night only 

performance is a rare opportunity to see these 

two icons on the stage for the first time in 

Asia. The Star Theatre Singapore, thestar.sg 

15, 17, 19 


SEP 

SINGAPORE, BANGKOK, HONG KONG 

THE KILLERS LIVE 

Influential American rock band The Killers 

will draw the curtain on its 2018 Asia Tour 

with a highly-anticipated one-night only 

performance in Singapore, Bangkok and Hong 

Kong this month. Following their stops in 

Singapore on 15 September for the Singapore 

Grand Prix and Bangkok on 17 September at 

Thunder Dome, the Las Vegas rockers led by 

Brandon Flowers will be bringing their brand 

of music to Asian fans. 

The Killers last performed in Hong 

Kong in 2013 but this latest tour is bound 

to an exciting and entertaining affair as the 

American rock band will perform tracks from 

their latest album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’ 

along with their enviable back catalogue of 

songs such as ‘Mr. Brightside’ and ‘Somebody 

Told Me’. thekillersmusic.com 

16SEP 


KUALA LUMPUR 

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX LIVE 

Following their sold-out performance in 

Kuala Lumpur in 2016, the collective known 

as Postmodern Jukebox will be making their 

way back to Malaysia for their Asia tour. The 

brainchild of Scott Bradlee, the band has 

garnered a huge following on YouTube since 

their debut in 2009 with their catchy soulful 

and jazzy renditions of modern songs. 

To date, Postmodern Jukebox has 

amassed more than 925 million YouTube 

views with 3.2 million subscribers and over 

1.3 million likes on Facebook. Nevertheless, 

watching the group live is an occasion that 

should not be missed, especially if you are 

a music fan with a penchant for enjoying 

great renditions of hit numbers done with 

a vintage twist. KL Live, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 

postmodernjukebox.com 

19 

2018 OCT 

-32019 

FEB 

BANGKOK 

BLISSFUL ART 

With the notable participation of artists 

from across the globe, the Bangkok Art 

Biennale 2018 marks its inaugural event 

in Thailand. With much time devoted to 

planning, the Bangkok Art Biennale 2018’s 

theme is “Beyond Bliss.” The concept of ideal 

happiness and its creative interpretations 

get manifested and discussed by the world’s 

leading artists. Among those headlining are 

the likes of influential performance artist 

Marina Abramović who will be communicating 

art through her body to open up a better 

understanding about the physical and mental 

limitations as a human being. Korean artist/ 

designer Choi Jeong Hwa who is known for his 

whimsical creation of large-scale and massive 

size different art forms, is among the roster 

of artists to show his work along with other 

artist heavyweights like Japanese artist Yayoi 

Kusama and more. bkkartbiennale.com 

18 19

OVERTURES 

NEWS AND EVENTS 


21OCT 

LUANG PRABANG 

THE MEKONG RUN 

Take to running for a real cause with the Luang 

Prabang Half Marathon – a goodwill run in the 

Unesco World Heritage Site on the Mekong 

River. Organised by the Lao Friends Hospital 

for Children, the charity race will take place 

on Sunday, October 21. Good for all fitness 

levels, the race offers three distances – 7 

kilometres, 14 kilometres and half marathon 

(21 kilometres). The starting and finishing line 

will be in front of the National Museum that 

was once a royal palace. With Luang Prabang 

tucked away in the mountainous valley of 

Northern Laos and sitting at the confluence 

of the Mekong and Khan rivers, the marathon 

takes runners along a route of Buddhist 

temples and colonial architecture. This annual 

race hopes to raise more than US$50,000 to 

benefit impoverished Lao children. The LPB Half 

Marathon will be providing free medical care 

for the children as well. Online registration, with 

an early-bird promotion rate, is available on its 

official website. luangprabanghalfmarathon.com 


23OCT 

CHON BURI 

BUFFALO RACING FESTIVAL 

A different kind of race makes for a fun festival 

in Thailand. “Wing Kwai” or the Buffalo Racing 

Festival 2018, held annually for more than 140 

years, takes place in front of Chon Buri City 

Municipality Office on 23 October, one day 

before the end of Buddhist Lent. The event 

follows the long period of hard work for farmers 

and buffaloes. You get to see water buffalo racing 

which is divided into various categories according 

to their age. Apart from the excitement of 

buffaloes racing each other, entertaining activities 

such as the Miss Farmer Beauty Contest, Buffalo 

Fashion Contest, the Healthiest Buffalo Contest 

round out the event. tourismthailand.org 

20-22OCT 


MAE HONG SON 

CHONG PARA FESTIVAL 

Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand will be 

celebrating the Chong Para Festival signalling 

the end of the three-month long Buddhist 

Retreat on October 20-22, highlighted with 

a cultural performance from the Shan ethnic 

group. Dancers dressed in half-bird costumes 

move to percussive beats before a bonfire, 

transporting the visitor back some 100 years 

with the dances. The festival marks the Lord 

Buddha’s return from heaven after visiting 

his mother for three months. The Shan people 

in Mae Hong Son build small wooden castles, 

decorating them with colourful paper and 

illuminating them with lanterns that welcome 

the Lord Buddha. The festival begins with 

local folks bringing offerings to monks in the 

temples in a procession and carrying the 

models of castles on poles. Performed on 

temple grounds will be theatre and dance 

performances — some of them unique to 

northern Thailand. Mae Hong Son’s beautiful 

province setting fulfils a travellers’ notion 

of how a northern Thai city should be, with 

white-washed pagodas topped with golden 

parasols, women with thanaka powder on 

their cheeks going past, while the air fills 

with the smoke of cheroots. 

tourismthailand.org 

20

OVERTURES 

BEAUTY AND HEALTH 

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN 

SPOTLIGHT 

The Secret’s In 

The Scent 

Fragrance when worn, becomes 

extraordinary and relevant, and lets 

people know who you are, along with 

your convictions. Finding the right 

scent goes beyond a passive sniff 

test. Make it an active mission and 

test out ones that work best for you 

and activated by the warmth of your 

skin. If someone brushes by and a 

whiff of their perfume simply makes 

you feel good – that’s a winner. 

LUNA ROSSA BLACK 

EAU DE PARFUM 

100ML FROM PRADA 

(4,300 Baht) 

The energy when man and 

nature meets is captured 

in this scent with a dry, 

musky amber set off with 

patchouli and coumarin, 

with hints of a gentler 

bergamot and angelica 

that slowly builds and 

crashes with a seductive, 

masculine force. 

L’HOMME INTENSE 

EAU DE PARFUM 

100ML FROM PRADA 

(4,600 Baht) 

Contemporary yet 

classic, this contrasting 

composition of unusual 

facets speaks to the 

modern day man who 

wants a chosen fragrance 

to be just as intriguing as 

his enigmatic, yet alluring 

personality. 

OBSESSED EAU DE 

PARFUM INTENSE 

FOR MEN 125ML FROM 

CALVIN KLEIN (3,700 Baht) 

Memories of an infatuation 

can come unravelled with 

this fragrance; breathe in 

an intensity that’s brought 

on by the addition of an 

amber warmth and a higher 

concentration of oils that 

evoke a nearly tangible 

feeling of sensuality… 

including a reminder of the 

scent of another. 

COACH FOR MEN 

EAU DE TOILETTE 

SPRAY 100ML FROM 

COACH (3,800 Baht) 

A surge of crisp energy 

gained from the juice 

of the nashi pear and 

bergamot infuses itself 

with a spicy core of 

cardamom and aromatic 

coriander; also creating 

a subtle warmth that 

continues to dominate 

the earthy base of soft 

suede and addictive 

ambergris notes. 

STOCKISTS 

Calvin Klein 

MF Siam Paragon 

Tel +66 (0) 2610 1000, 

#1714 

Coach 


Tel +66 (0) 2610 1000, 

#1714 

Prada 

GF Central Embassy 

Tel +66 (0) 2610 5744 

ENAMOURED 

HI-SHINE LIP 

LACQUER 

LIPGLOSS 5ML 

FROM MARC 

JACOBS BEAUTY 

(1,100 Baht) 

This mint-flavoured 

lip gloss collection 

features a profusion 

of creamy pinks, 

shimmering 

lavenders, and 

iridescent brightness 

that makes your 

lips lush with a 

lasting colour and 

unbelievable shine. 

ALL NIGHTER WATERPROOF 

SETTING POWDER 7.5G FROM 

URBAN DECAY (1,250 Baht) 

Simply buff powder over your foundation for 

long-lasting, locked-in coverage. Then finish 

up with your blush and highlighter routine. 

MAGIC BLACK POWDER FACIAL 

LIFTING MASK 50G FROM 

CAOLION (1,890 Baht) 

This anti-ageing, face lifting mask tightens 

rough and sagging skin, enhancing its texture 

and providing a strengthening skin barrier. 

TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 

WEAR CAMOUFLAGE 

CONCEALER 12ML 

FROM LANCÔME 

(1,300 Baht) 

Easily blends and can be built 

up to create an even skin 

tone, maintaining a naturallooking 

matte finish that 

will not cake or crease. 

With a Look, 

A Statement 

All that’s needed to do to make your eyes glow 

invitingly while being elegantly chic requires 

smokey eyes with dark as night shades yet 

refined. Grey tones also look perfect with black 

and gold shades, and equally beautiful with 

brown. Cover your entire lid, or just highlight 

the corner of your eye. This can be done with 

a light pencil or eyeliner mark. These catchy 

colours look great with darker skin tones and 

completely glamorous for fairer skin tones. 

Tips 

Copper Eyes – There’s no reason why your 

eyes shouldn’t be dolled up using some copper 

eye shadow. It’s striking and sexy, and on the 

right side of subtle. 

Highlighted Skin – Go all out to create 

that subtle sheen on your face with the help of 

a highlighter. 

Strong Brows – Since we’re coming up to 

more parties as the rains have gone, get your game 

on with strong brows by filling them in thickly. 

Subtle Contouring – Take full advantage 

of the season and subtly contour your jawline 

and cheekbones. 

Dark Lips – Dark, bold lipstick needs a place 

in your makeup bag, we’re just saying. 

MR. BURBERRY EAU DE TOILETTE 

50ML FROM BURBERRY (2,800 Baht) 

Classic scents of British perfumery with 

unexpected ingredients of fresh, crafted 

top notes of crisp zesty grapefruit are cut 

with a seductive base of earthy vetiver 

and smoky guaiac wood. 

BLACK ORCHID EAU DE TOILETTE 

50ML FROM TOM FORD (3,700 Baht) 

A luxurious and sensual fragrance of rich, 

dark accord and an alluring potion of black 

orchids and spice, Black Orchid is both 

modern and timeless. 

TERRACOTTA THE SUN-KISSED 

HEALTHY GLOW POWDER 10G 

FROM GUERLAIN (2,350 Baht) 

The powder contains a cocktail of active 

ingredients to help your skin feel energised, 

protect against free radicals and pollution and 

preserve skin’s natural hydration, ensuring a 

long-lasting feel. 

NOIR ANTHRACITE EAU DE 

PARFUM SPRAY 50ML FROM 

TOM FORD (4,800 Baht) 

Noir Anthracite reflects light in the dark, 

featuring the brilliance of bergamot and spice 

against rich black woods such as cedar wood, 

Macassar ebony, and santal from Sri Lanka. 

PHOTO FINISH 

MATTIFY PRIMER 

STICK 9G FROM 

SMASHBOX 

(1,400 Baht) 

It controls oil and shine 

for 12 hours without 

drying skin, ensuring 

that makeup goes on 

flawlessly, looks better 

and lasts longer. 

STOCKISTS 

Guerlain 

MF, The Emporium 

Tel +66 (0) 2269 1000 

Lancôme 

1F Central Chidlom 

Tel +66 (0) 2254 9146 

Sephora 

1F Siam Center 

tel +66 (0) 2658 1616 

22 

23

OVERTURES 

STYLE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN 

 

 

 

 

Seductive Suede 

Suede can be a little intimidating, partly 

due to its need to be maintained properly. 

But with the right shirt and trousers 

combination, suede shoes can be worn in all 

situations – from that work meeting you’ve 

been dreading, to a date you’ve been trying 

to score for three months. 

FOR HIM 

SMOOTH 

SQUALE SUEDE 

WITH MATCHING 

MATTE SIGNATURE 

SPIKES FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(33,800 Baht) 

STOCKISTS 

Christian Louboutin 


Tel +66 (0) 2160 5814-15 

SILKY 

NUBUCK 

WITH FRONT 

ELASTIC INSERTS 

SLIP-ON 

SHOES FROM 

TOD’S 

(23,500 Baht) 

Tod’s 


Tel +66 (0) 2610 9999 

SMOOTH 

SQUALE SUEDE 

WITH SWAROVSKI 

CRYSTALS, LOUIS 

FLAT FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(129,900 Baht) 

ELEGANT 

SMOOTH 

LEATHER AND 

SUEDE EMBOSSED 

LOGO GOMMINO 

DRIVING SHOES 

FROM TOD’S 

(24,500 Baht) 


Tel +66 (0) 2251 9208 

VELVETY 

SUEDE WITH 

STAMPED LOGO 

SIDE ELASTIC 

INSERTS 

SLIP-ON 

FROM TOD’S 

(27,500 Baht) 

FOR HER 

POLKA DOT 

PRINT CALFSKIN 

LEATHER ROCK 

STUD COIN PURSE 

AND CARDHOLDER 

FROM VALENTINO 

(16,800 Baht) 

STOCKISTS 

Christian Louboutin 


Tel +66 (0) 2160 5814-15 

SADDLE 

BAG CALFSKIN 

WITH GOLD 

TONE METAL 

LOGO FROM 

DIOR 

(115,000 Baht) 

Dior 

GF Emporium 

Tel +66 (0) 2664 8363 


Tel +66 (0) 2610 6799 

PATENT 

LEATHER POINTED 

TOE PUMPS 

FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(26,500 Baht) 

RED PATENT 

LEATHER WITH 

AN EMBOSSED 

CROCODILE 

EFFECT LOAFERS 

FROM TOD’S 

(26,500 Baht) 

Tod’s 


Tel +66 (0) 2610 9999 


Tel +66 (0) 2251 9208 

POLKA DOT 

PRINT CALFSKIN 

LEATHER 

ROCKSTUD 

PUMPS FROM 

VALENTINO 

(32,600 Baht) 

Valentino 

MF Central Embassy 

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4868 

MF Emquartier 

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4868 

The Power 

of Red 

Scarlet, ruby, crimson, maroon – call 

this brilliant colour whichever way 

you want. If there’s only one that 

should be seen this season, it’s red. 

The colour typically screams of 

sensuality; but this time around, the 

approach is more refined, grownup and 

stands as an uplifting trend that feels 

entirely attainable for us mere mortals. 

24 

25

OVERTURES 

THAILAND TREASURES 

Trat: A Place of 

Dream Islands 

Translation Chusri Ngamprasert 

Story & Photos Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand 

Located to the east of Thailand, Trat province offers 

travellers a variety of attractions – from stunning 

blue seas, abundant forests and mountains, magical 

waterfalls, to community-based tourism. Strong 

practices in environmental awareness contribute to 

an endless list of activities. 

Koh Chang, Thailand’s second 

largest island after Phuket as a popular 

getaway boasts powdery white sandy 

beaches, a plethora of boutique resorts 

and restaurants to chill out. With 

abundant ecosystems, Koh Chang 

makes for a year-round paradise for all 

sea and beach lovers. 

For a different island vibe, there’s 

charming Koh Kood, also surrounded 

by the azure sea and blessed by bright 

blue skies that’s a haven from a busy 

city life. Enjoy the luxury of time while 

strolling around the fisherman village 

in Ao Salat (Pirate Bay) and embrace 

the slow-paced lifestyle. Dotted with 

Clockwise from Top 

A lighthouse stands 

tall at Bang Bao 

Bay, Koh Chang. 

Enjoy the endless 

view on Koh Mak. 

Rowing along Trat’s 

lush and green 

waterways. 

seafood restaurants, Ao Salat is a place 

to get the fresh catch of the day from 

the sea, both cooked and raw. Enjoy 

a variety of beach activities or laze 

around in the resort on the island. 

Koh Mak island sits between Koh 

Chang and Koh Kood. This idyllic island 

offers an enticing line of coconut trees 

along the powdery white sand beach 

that will put you in vacation mode. With 

crystal-clear water in the bays being 

calm and safe, visitors can choose to 

dive into Ao Ta Nid, Ao Phai, Ao Prong, 

Ao Pad and Ao Daeng. The villagers 

live a simple life, engaging in their work 

in rubber plantations and traditional 

fisheries. The abundant coral reefs 

around Koh Mak and its neighbouring 

islands make popular spots for shallow 

water snorkelling. 

Close to Koh Mak is Koh Kham, an 

island where a huge volcanic rock lines 

the shore, making a dramatic contrast 

against white sand and deep blue sea. 

The vibrant coral reef on the east side 

of the island is a beautiful place to 

snorkel and scuba dive. 

Apart from the beautiful islands 

and stunning sea, Trat also has various 

interesting community-based tourism 

attractions under its sleeve such as 

Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Group, and 

26 

27

OVERTURES 

THAILAND TREASURES 


Kayaking, 

one of the most 

popular activities 

on Koh Kood. 

Traditional woven 

hats made from 

palm leaves and 

bamboo called 

“Ngob Nam Chiao”. 

Huay Raeng Sub-district Ecotourism 

Group. These community-based tourism 

initiatives are outstanding places to 

learn how to live harmoniously with 

different cultures and beliefs and with 

nature. Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism 

Group is a multicultural community 

where Buddhists, Muslims and Thai- 

Chinese groups live happily together 

with everyone respecting the different 

cultures and religious beliefs. Ban 

Nam Chiao community is proud of its 

famous handicraft “Ngob Nam Chiao”, 

traditional woven hats made from palm 

leaves and bamboo in the shape of a 

wok pan. 

Blessed with an abundant ecosystem, 

the Huay Raeng community dwells in 

the heart of major diversity with sources 

of fresh water, brackish water and brine. 

The seasonal tides give the shoreside 

plantations plenty of nourishment, making it fruitful all year 

round. The community is also well-known for its folk wisdom 

learning and sharing. By relying on their knowledge, the strongbonded 

community live harmoniously with nature. Villagers 

grow vegetables and fruits, catch giant freshwater prawn, make 

rice wrapped in betel nut bract as an eco-friendly lunchbox 

instead of using plastic containers or plastic bags while artisan 

soap is made from mangosteen rind. 

For more information, contact Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat 

office at +66 (0) 39 597 259-60 or the Visitor Information Centre 1672. 

28

OVERTURES 

A TASTE OF THAILAND 

A Wonder Herb 

A popular garden herb in a Thai 

household, lemongrass is much loved 

for its aromatic scent and a key culinary 

ingredient in the often requested 

tom yum soup. This plant is crucial 

among Thai herbs plants as it contains 

antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic 

compounds that provide abundant 

health benefits. It helps in increasing 

appetite, alleviating flu symptoms, 

coughs and headaches while its 

anti-oxidant properties generate a 

youthfulness to the skin. When boiled 

and made into lemongrass juice and 

lemongrass tea that’s served either 

iced or hot, the herb miraculously 

refreshes and comes with a bonus to 

cooling down the body. Among its other 

benefits include aiding with digestion 

and reducing gastrointestinal gas. Most 

Thai people usually make sure they have 

lemongrass in their kitchen as it helps 

reduce a fishy or meat odour when it 

comes to cooking. 

Lemongrass also comes with another 

highlighted feature: its essential oil 

that’s found in the stems and leaves. Its 

fragrance finds common use as an insect 

and mosquito repellent. Apart from its 

relaxing fragrance, applying lemongrass 

essential oil on the skin gives a warmth 

that helps release muscle tension. When 

used to massage the body, the soothing 

oil rids the body of muscle strains and 

joint pain and a reason why lemongrass 

essential oil is a much sought-after 

ingredient in massage oils and spa 

products compared to other herbs. 

Ingredients 

• 4 lemongrass stalks 

• 4 cups of water 

• ¾ cup of sugar 

• Small ice cubes 

• 4 pandanus leaves 

to add fragrance 

Instructions 

Clean lemongrass and pandanus leaves 

in water. 

Chop the lemongrass and pound the 

chopped pieces. Tie them into chunks 

using pandanus leaves. 

Measure water and pour into a pot, 

followed by the lemongrass and pandanus 

leaves. Simmer on medium heat until 

the water boils and takes on a light 

greenish colour. 

Remove the pot from the flame. Filter 

the lemongrass and pandanus leftover 

from the liquid. 

Reheat the filtered juice. Add sugar until 

it melts. Adjust the taste as preferred. 

Let the liquid cool down, add ice 

cubes, and decorate the glass with fresh 

lemongrass. 

TIPS 

Filtered lemongrass 

stalks can be boiled 1-2 

more times. The taste 

may be less rich, but the 

drink is still wonderfully 

refreshing. 

WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA 

30 31

OVERTURES 

FRUITFUL FINDS 

WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL 

A Good 

Bunch 

The crescent-shaped banana reigns 

as one of the world’s most favourite 

fruits. Neatly tucked in its own peel, 

the grab and go benefit makes it a 

portable choice and eco-friendly 

when it comes to disposing the 

skin. Just peel and take a bite – no 

utensils required. 

Loaded with valuable micronutrients 

especially potassium, this tropical 

fruit is an excellent source of vitamin 

C, D, B6, fibre, and carbohydrates. 

Bananas can be eaten alone or 

mixed into a fruit salad, added to the 

gelatin dessert of jello, or spun into a 

smoothie, a milkshake or baked into 

a delicious banana bread. 

The ancestors of the domestic 

banana plant and also a wild variety 

remain inedible due to several large 

black seeds are called Butuhan in 

the Philippines and Kluay Tani in 

Thailand. The bananas we see today 

are the tasty mutants with immature 

seeds that won’t develop at all. 

Originally found in Southeast 

Asia, bananas were brought 

west by Arab conquerors, then 

moved from Asia Minor to Africa. 

From Africa to the Americas, 

Spanish and Portuguese colonists 

adopted the fruit’s African name 

“banana,” which might have been 

derived from the Arabic word 

meaning ‘finger’. 

There are more than 1,000 

varieties of bananas in Africa and 

Asia. They are the world’s most 

popular fruit which have been 

eaten everywhere from New York 

to Berlin, London to Moscow. 

Thailand has plenty of banana 

varieties too, Kluay Nam Wa or 

Pisang Awak (sweet, firm and with 

a bit of sticky, starchy texture 

when eaten), Kluay Leb Mue 

Nang or Lady’s Finger Banana 

(creamy consistency with a sweet 

flavour), Kluay Khai or Baby 

Banana (rich and sweet, with a 

honey-like taste), Kluay Hak Mook 

or Silver Bluggoe (sweet, with a 

fluffy texture). 

Bananas in Thailand can be 

eaten raw or cooked as snacks 

or savoury dishes: Kaeng Luk 

Kluay (a young banana curry), 

Khao Tom Mut (banana in 

steamed sticky rice), Kluay Buat 

Chi (bananas in coconut milk), 

Kluay Ping (grilled banana) and 

Kluay Tak (sun-dried banana). 

Endless in taste and varieties, 

the tropical prosperity of bananas 

indeed knows no bounds. 

32

OVERTURES 

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 

FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS 

TO COMMUNITY SPACE 

In the spirit of conversion, Hong Kong 

now sports a new art complex that 

widens the scope of what we mean 

by exhibition. 

For years, locals knew of its history 

as the Police Headquarters in the Mid- 

Levels section in Hong Kong’s Central 

district. With a nice, leisurely walk or ride 

along the escalators to get there, Tai Kwun 

Centre for Heritage and Arts is an ideal 

rendezvous spot for art, dining and 

community gathering in what was once 

a police station, courthouse and prison. 

Purposeful 

Rebirth 

There’s no stopping the practice of turning things 

abandoned or discarded to be of benefit again. Newfound 

ways now mean a prison yard in Hong Kong becomes 

an inspiring community space for higher art while 

entrepreneurs in the capital of Myanmar are using their 

artistic visions to try to fix a major problem. 

Words N Wright Photos Bigs Vatcharasith 

Hong Kong is home to many of 

the world’s leading commercial galleries 

but has always lacked a museumstandard 

not-for-profit art space. 

Tai Kwun, meaning “big station” in 

Chinese, fills that gap. Impressive in 

scale, three of the buildings are declared 

monuments that bore witness to rich 

history; surprising facts include Ho Chi 

Minh’s imprisonment there in the 1930s 

and its use as a Japanese army base 

during World War II. 

With a rebirth since it was 

decommissioned in 2006, the inviting 

complex of open spaces and courtyards 

of 16 heritage buildings and two new 

buildings by Swiss architect Herzog de 

Meuron blend seamlessly across the 

Hong Kong skyline. The designers have 

inserted two modern buildings in the 

complex; a gallery for contemporary 

art and a 200-seat auditorium for the 

performing arts, film screenings and 

events. Both are clad in monumental 

perforated aluminium bricks that mimic 

the façades of the buildings. JC Cube, 

the Laundry Steps, the Prison Yard 

and the Parade Ground will become 

performance spaces for theatre, music, 

dance and film, with a wide range of 

programming. Prison cells with their 

original numbers and locks can be 

toured with video projections depicting 

stories of time in incarceration, including 

attempted jailbreaks. 

Visitors can walk through more than 

1,500 square metres of exhibition space 

that hosts six to eight exhibitions every 

year. Catch two inaugural exhibitions: 

a group show titled Dismantling the 

Scaffold, curated by Christina Li of Spring 

Workshop, along with an exhibition 

of new work by Hong Kong artist 

Wing Po So. In a bid to connect 

visitors to the community’s past, an 

exhibition titled “100 Faces of Tai 

Kwun” gives an intriguing glimpse 

into the history, the compound and 

its neighbourhood, complete with 

interactive spaces and setup. 

Beyond art and culture, Tai Kwun 

offers dining options that range from 

a casual drink to cocktails to sit down 

meals including Café Claudel bistro 

and Old Bailey. Stay for as long as you 

can – there’s a light and sound show 

late evening and a perfect way to end 

the night if you happen to be in 

the neighbourhood. 

34 

35

OVERTURES 

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 

Words & Photos Ronan O’Connell 

TURNING TRASH TO TREASURE 

IN YANGON 

Yangon is one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities, 

swelling by the day as it becomes an increasingly 

attractive home for people from Myanmar’s rural 

areas. This overcrowding in Yangon has created a 

major trash problem, which resulted in a gigantic 

garbage dump fire which burned for almost two 

weeks this April. 

Now local artists in Yangon are trying to 

tackle this problem by re-purposing garbage to 

use as materials in their inventive artworks and 

household items. Leading this charge is a motherand-son 

team called Shin Thant Upcycle Craft. 

Daw Cingh Khaw Huai and her 27-year-old son 

Peter started this business in 2015 not just 

as a way of making a living, but as an attempt 

to change the way Burmese people think 

about waste. 

Peter explains this to me as we walk around 

Hla Day, a funky shop in downtown Yangon which 

specialises in eco-friendly products. This shop 

is one of the key outlets for the goods which 

are handmade by Peter and his mother in their 

apartment in Yangon’s eastern suburbs. 

“Conserving the environment is something 

which I’ve thought about for many years and been 

interested in but something which I think Burmese 

people don’t pay enough attention to,” Peter 

tells me, as he holds a wallet made from recycled 

newspaper. “So much stuff just gets thrown away 

which could actually be used to make things of 

value. We can’t keep doing that. Yangon is growing 

so fast, there will be more and more rubbish, so 

we have to become smarter about re-using it.” 

Peter’s family home is overflowing with used 

plastic bags and newspapers. He and his mother 

spend many hours each week sorting through 

these materials, cleaning them and then flattening 

them out. Once the bags and newspapers have 

gone through this process they are ready to be 

“upcycled”, as Peter likes to call it. The newspaper 

is compacted, folded and stitched together to 

make chic purses and wallets. The plastic bags, 

meanwhile, are heated and pressed into multiplelayers 

to create a strong material for items like 

handbags and lampshades. 

These products are designed to appeal to 

Yangon’s increasing number of Western tourists, 

who make up the majority of their customers. 

Unfortunately Shin Thant’s upycling efforts are not 

yet greatly appreciated by locals. The concept of 

upcycling is still very foreign to Burmese people, 

Peter says with a sigh of resignation. It was foreign 

support which had enabled he and his mother to 

start their upcycling. In 2014 Peter took part in 

an eco-friendly project funded by an Italian nonprofit 

organisation in which Yangon locals were 

encouraged to make creative and useful items 

from discarded plastics. 

This experience convinced Peter that upcycling 

had a big future in Myanmar. Now he just has 

to convince his fellow Burmese people of this. 

“Even though local people haven’t really got into 

our products much yet, or got into upcycling, I’m 

confident still that upcycling is the way forward 

for us as a country,” he says. “The more problems 

we have with having too much rubbish in the city, 

I think people will start to understand what we’re 

doing is important.” 

36

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: SAMUI 

TRIED: SPA AT SANTIBURI 

Who doesn’t find pleasure in a bit of 

pampering from time to time? When 

that time comes, the Santiburi Spa offers 

lavish indulgence and soothing solace 

within the confines of its Old Siaminspired 

design and concept. 

Nestled in the resort’s gardens, you 

are met with the sounds of trickling water 

and the sweet aroma of lemongrass. 

Stunningly-detailed carved wood panels 

accent the peaceful ambiance while you 

sip fresh fragrant tamarind juice. Begin 

your journey to relaxation by outlining 

your treatment preferences such as oil 

fragrance, massage pressure, and areas 

of the body for your therapist to focus 

on. Discover the marble-topped Vichy 

shower bed, steam room, outdoor soaking 

Finding Favourites in 

Koh Samui and Phuket 

Words and Photos Jeremie Schatz 

Anyway you look at it, no two 

resort islands are alike. But the 

one thing Koh Samui and Phuket 

have in common is the luxurious 

abundance of hotels, restaurants 

to spas to explore. 

tub, and the perfected traditions of 

Thai massage. Replenish your body and 

spirit with luxurious aromatic therapies, 

pedicures, manicures, and more. 

If you truly seek to revel in a state of 

heavenly bliss, the Thai oil massage will 

take you there. Simply lying face down on 

the massage table with a bowl of freshly 

picked orchids and aromatics is when you 

begin to realise what it must be like to be 

royalty. The trained and certified massage 

therapists are attentive and work in slow 

and deliberate movements – this is worlds 

away from the cheap massage parlours 

dotting all tourist areas in Thailand. In fact, 

Santiburi’s Spa was one of the first to be 

certified by the Ministry of Public Health. 

To obtain this certification, a spa must 

Clockwise from 

Top Left 

A massage right on 

the beach is part of 

an afternoon well 

spent. 

The elegant 

treatment room. 

It’s impossible to 

leave the Santiburi 

Spa without 

reaching a state of 

divine relaxation. 

Splendid spa 

products are also 

available in the 

gift shop. 

meet strict guidelines regarding ambience, 

equipment, management, products, quality 

of service and more. The Santiburi Spa is 

one of only 28 spas in Thailand to hold 

this certification. 

If you can’t pull yourself away from 

the sand, beachside massage is available 

just feet from the breaking waves. 

Whether you have booked one of the 

beautiful rooms at Santiburi or are staying 

elsewhere in Koh Samui and searching 

for a quality spa experience, the Santiburi 

Spa will leave nothing more to be desired. 

Santiburi Koh Samui 

12/12 Moo 1, Maenam Beach, 

Koh Samui, Surat Thani 

+66 (0) 77 425 031 

info@santiburisamui.com 

38

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: SAMUI 

TASTED: PO LAD BEACH 

BISTRO AT TONGSAI BAY 

RESORT 

Blessed with its own private beach and 

blissful waterside location, the Tongsai 

Bay Resort also plays host to the Po Lad 

Beach Bistro. While the chic all-day 

dining spot lies at the heart of the resort, 

the doors are open to any who wish to 

explore the recently recreated menu. 

What lends to the bistro’s uniqueness, 

and is certainly intriguing to a growing 

number of diners, is the extensive and 

original vegetarian menu. Meat dishes 

are also available for those carnivores; 

however the plant-based creations are 

without a doubt some of the best to be 

found in Koh Samui. 

Fitting for an all-day bistro, a vast 

array of more than 60 menu options 

are offered up ranging from the freshbaked 

signature pizza sporting thinly 

sliced salmon with zingy rocket and 

mozzarella, onion-ring-topped wagyu 

beef burgers from the grill, to the rich 

and tangy seafood niçoise salad with 

homemade dressing. 

The collection of obligatory, yet 

carefully concocted Thai dishes have 

origins spanning the country. Try the 

crowd-pleasing sweet and savoury 

khao soi gai curry from Chiang Mai in 

the north, the pan-fried egg noodles of 

phad mee sapam thalay born in Phuket 

in the south, and the sweet and sour 

goodness of tom yum goong with its 

roots in central Thailand. 

Looking back to the vegetarian 

menu you will find dynamic creations 


Look out for specials 

like this spicy shrimp 

wrap - an ideal 

lunch option. 

Everyone loves 

a good tom yum 

goong, especially 

when it’s made with 

the freshest and 

most tender prawns. 

With a location 

like this, there’s 

no reason to rush 

through a meal at 

Po Lad. 

If you’ve never tried 

khao soi gai, do 

yourself a favour 

and discover your 

new favourite. 

like the roasted pumpkin and rocket 

salad sprinkled with fresh parmesan and 

feta. The pumpkin gnocchi which blends 

traditional tomato sauce and phanaeng 

curry is symbolic of the unique offerings. 

In addition to the plethora of 

omnivorous, vegetarian, and gluten-free 

offerings, Po Lad sources their organic 

“birds claw” rice locally, which is chosen 

for its high nutritional content and 

nutty flavour. 

Feeling inspired by your meal at 

Po Lad? Tongsai Bay Resort not only 

offers Thai cooking classes, but they 

will take you to their off-site organic 

garden where you personally harvest 

the ingredients for your meals. 

The Tongsai Bay 

84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 

+ 66 (0) 77 913 750 

info@tongsaibay.co.th 

40

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: PHUKET 

STAYED: LA FLORA PATONG 

Arguably Phuket’s most popular, and 

certainly most raucous, beach destination, 

Patong Beach is sometimes referred to as 

“Bangkok on the beach”. Steady streams 

of visitors from a diverse range of locales 

around the world come for the Andaman’s 

tropical sun, sand, and sea, and the 

promise of wild times on Bangla Road. 

Every type of imaginable 

accommodation can be found but 

none can quite match La Flora for its 

combination of prime location, beach 

front access, boutique-resort style, 

and friendly service. Situated right 

smack dab in the middle of Patong 

Beach, La Flora is fortunate enough to 

have staked a claim to 2.7 rai (about one 

acre) of some of the most desirable real 

estate in Phuket. 

The quaint 67-room property offers 

up seven lodging varieties ranging from 

the roomy, water-side pool view rooms, up 

to the 2-bedroom beach-front grand deluxe 

pool villas. The rooms are all tastefully 

outfitted with a blend of contemporary tile 

and warm, natural wood accents. Extensive 

lighting details help set the mood and 

create a beautiful atmosphere, all controlled 

from a central bedside remote. Add in 

the up-to-date flat screen TV, Bluetooth 

soundbar, and relaxing bathtub and you’ll 

feel right at home. 

All Photos Courtesy of La Flora 

La Flora might be a small property 

but they sport a spa, workout room, 2 

restaurants (one is rooftop), a beach bar, 

concierge/activities desk, and chill out 

spots sprinkled around the grounds. The 

Surface rooftop restaurant/bar is open 

to the public and is a choice sunset spot 

with its sublime views over Patong Bay. 

Kick back in a bean bag with a fruity 

cocktail while parasailers float past in 

front of another epic Andaman sunset. 

One of the most distinguishing 

features of La Flora is that despite it being 

only 200 metres from the uninhibited 

nightlife to be found at Bangla Road, it is 

an oasis of peace and solitude. While you 

can relax in the oversized lobby chairs and 

watch the world go by on the busy street, 

once inside of the resort you are met with 

quiet privacy and perhaps a much needed 

respite from the bustling city outside. 


Top Left 

No matter which 

room you choose at La 

Flora, the pool is right 

outside your door. 

Spectacular 

bird’s-eye view of 

a secluded beach 

— just steps away 

from La Flora. 

A specious, waterside 

pool view room 

awaits you in all 

seasons. 

Finding a comfy 

place to kick back and 

relax certainly isn’t a 

problem at La Flora 

as all rooms are 

stylishly decorated 

with a contemporary 

warm atmosphere. 

Only a few properties have their 

own little slice of Patong Beach and 

La Flora is one of them. You can work 

your way out from a comfy poolside 

lounge chair to a shady spot in the sand 

just steps away. Beach bar staff is on 

hand to keep your glass and belly full. 

Speaking of staff, La Flora has one 

of the friendliest and most warm-hearted 

teams you’ll encounter. They know 

you by name right away and make 

great effort to note what your likes and 

dislikes are. Such being the case, this 

explains why during the busy season you 

may find nearly every guest at La Flora 

is a return customer. After a visit, you 

might find yourself joining them. 

La Flora Resort Patong 

39 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, 

Kathu, Phuket 

+66 (0) 76 344 241 

info@laflorapatong.com 

42

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: PHUKET 

discover asia’s premier shared 

holiday ownership programme 

TRIED: ANANTARA LAYAN SPA 

While the popular saying is, “you’ll feel 

like you’ve died and gone to heaven,” 

let’s go ahead and skip straight to the 

heaven part – which is exactly where 

the Anantara Spa will leave you thinking 

you are. 

Tucked up on the hillside above 

the lobby of Anantara Layan Phuket, 

this little slice of heaven has a view of 

the glistening Andaman Sea, a kidneyshaped 

pool in front, surrounded by a 

tropical garden and serene lily ponds. 

The highly-skilled spa therapists are 

ready to expertly carry out the wide 

array of treatments offered by this wellreputed 

spa. Anantara spas take what 

they do very seriously with specialists 

44 

visiting often to further the knowledge 

and abilities of their therapists, training 

them in the latest techniques and stateof-the-art 

products. 

A well-rounded menu awaits guests 

to choose from any number of spa 

experiences ranging from 60 minutes 

to five days for individuals or couples. 

Treatments run the gamut from the 

classic world-renowned Thai massage 

where the masseuse guides your body 

through invigorating stretches to the 

Layan Bamboo Retreat where heated 

bamboo sticks are combined with 

aromatic oils to work out knots and 

relieve tension. 

Other Anantara Spa offerings 

include salt and hibiscus scrubs with 

exotic Monoi oil, acupressure and 

aromatherapy massages, steam rooms 

with relaxing Thai herbs, and after-sun 

treatments with aloe vera and soothing 

oils. The spa’s therapists have also been 

trained in specialised pre and post-natal 

massage to ease the stresses and pains 

of pregnancy on the body. 

The Sea Shell and Herbal Therapy 

treatment utilises unique techniques 

employing polished and heated sea 

shells. The shell’s shape helps match 

that of the body and naturally flow with 

the body’s contours. It’s also thought 

that calcium ions in the shells help to 

rejuvenate and firm the skin. 

Since you’re on vacation, you might 

as well spoil yourself with one of their 

Luxury Bath Rituals which can be 

enjoyed at the spa or in the comfort of 

your own room. There’s one for him with 


Top Left 

Tough decisions: 

to soak in the 

jacuzzi tub first, 

get a heavenly 

massage on the 

most comfortable 

massage beds ever, 

or hit the steam 

room? 

Anantara Spa 

carefully selects the 

finest quality spa 

products for you to 

take home. 

With a view of the 

sparkling Andaman 

Sea and filled with 

lovely aromatics, 

the spa’s foyer 

offers just a tease 

of what lies inside. 

Attain a deeper 

level of calm: sip 

freshly brewed 

fruit tea to the 

sounds of soothing 

music from a cushy 

daybed. 

more masculine scents like cedar wood 

and sandalwood and a glass of Johnnie 

Walker Gold, and one for her with more 

feminine fragrances like rose and lavender 

and a Mai Tai. 

Multi-day retreats provide an 

opportunity for your entire holistic 

wellbeing to be catered. The three or 

five day retreats include bath rituals, 

massages, detoxes, facials, manicures, 

pedicures, hair treatments, and more. 

The Anantara Spa Layan truly takes 

luxurious pampering to another level. 

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort 

168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4 

Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 

+66 (0) 76 317 200 

spa.layan@anantara.com 

SEPTEMBER LUCKY DRAW: 

3 days, 2 nights – deluxe view room at 

anantara siam bangkok hotel 

Winner chosen 30 September 2018 

Daily breakfast for 2 persons included 

Round trip airport-hotel transfers for 2 persons included 

your dream getaway awaits 

OCTOBER LUCKY DRAW: 

3 days, 2 nights – one bedroom 

apartment suite at anantara vacation club 

mai khao phuket 

Winner chosen 31 October 2018 

Daily breakfast for 2 persons included 

Round trip airport-hotel transfers for 2 persons included 

Each entry automatically enrolls you 

for a chance to win a Grand Prize of THB 100,000 

Winners chosen 31 December 2018 and 31 January 2019 

Scan 

to win

ARTISANAL EATS 

Artisanally 

Words Sirin P Wongpanit 

Photos Permboon Wongpanit 

Yours 

Singapore tops the list of 

‘great small countries’ with 

outstanding examples of 

modernity, technologies 

and brains. Amidst all things 

modern however, Singaporeans 

now find meaning in the 

craft of edibles. 

You can say that the brain has a 

great ability to discern the good 

from the bad. But it is the stomach 

that “holds” your heart. The art 

of making good and delicious food does 

not have to be at all fancy, it is genuine 

sustenance and its old recipes that have 

not only made them survive, but also 

thrive amidst modern Singapore. Younger 

generations here, despite their aspirational 

education and high-paying professions, are 

seeking out the tradition of crafted foods. 

We now see the swift rise of artisanal eats in 

Singapore becoming as prominent as their 

economic prowess. 

Reading about the Lion City 

leads you to two main points. 

First, this island nation has a 

reputation stacking high with its 

long list of being the regoin’s, 

if not the world’s, centre stage 

in so many aspects. Finance trade, 

technology, and medical technology, 

they lead as a smart city or leader 

– even as a maritime port or in 

oil-refining. Earlier this year, 

CNBC confirmed that Singapore, 

for the fifth year in a roll, maintains 

its long-standing position as being 

the world’s most expensive city to 

live in, making it official that this 

place is even pricier to have 

a life in than New York, London 

and Paris. 

But then, if you talk to any 

Singaporean, or any food-obsessed 

native, you will notice one thing. 

The younger generations now 

favour hawker food, whose stands 

serve as the place where a multitude 

of tasty and satisfying bites can 

be savoured at good value. This 

creation of authentic food follows 

or sometimes develop from 

ancestral recipes. 

“We call them hawkerpreneurs,” 

says Peh Ching Her, the fourth 

generation owner of the 93-yearold 

Pek Sin Choon, the shop 

for original Nanyang Tea in 

Singapore’s Chinatown, in 

referring to the rise of young 

owners of old-school hawker food 

46 

47


Above 

Old-school method of 

packing tea by hand 

at Pek Sin Choon Tea 

Shop in Chinatown. 

A variety of 

hand-made steam 

dumplings at Jalan 

Kukoh Food Centre. 

Below 

Mr. Peh Ching Her, 

a fourth generation 

owner of Pek Sin 

Choon Tea Shop in 

Chinatown. 

stalls. “They are a breath of fresh 

air in our ecological food system. 

While many of them are trying 

to perpetuate the old-school 

eats of Singapore, many of them 

(the food entrepreneurs) develop 

something entirely new, that 

somehow maintain crucial links to 

the past.” 

Our four days in Singapore 

confirmed the fact that the city 

is exorbitantly pricey. Museums 

here do not offer a ‘free day’ of 

the week, and admission can cost 

up to S$26 per adult. Taking a 

taxi can produce a real sweat, 

especially if you are hurrying into 

the city centre while their smart 

road-congestion managing system 

or ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) 

ticking up the metre for the final 

cost. But when it comes to food, 

we are pretty impressed. There are 

a lot of great and delicious foods at 

amazing values. And we are talking 

about real artisanal and hearty fare 

that is available to everyone. 

The curry puff as a snack well 

represents Singapore with a mixture 

of Malay and Chinese characteristics. 

Spices came from its trading 

background, when its fragrant 

migration dominated its maritime 

ports. At Wang Wang Crispy Curry 

Puff stall at the Old Airport Hawker 

Center - perhaps the oldest part 

of Singapore - the puff pastry gets 

rolled by hand, stuffed with fillings 

and then speedily crimped before 

being deep-fried. The crispy, flaky 

and very yummy treat will cost you 

just about S$1.20. 

But if you are up for more, 

like chunkier pieces of chicken 

and potatoes, or creamy custard 

and luscious durian puffs, head 

to the air-conditioned Soon Soon 

Huat on East Coast Road in Katong 

area. A daughter now continues 

her grandmother’s recipes with 

a modern flair. A coffee or tea set 

with a signature handmade puff 

will cost you just S$2.60. 

The obsession with handmade 

edibles continues with many things 

Above 

Deep fried sesame balls at one of the 

hawker centres in Singapore. 

Below 

Singapore old-school tarts in local 

varieties and shapes. 

Above 

Curry puffs are like smaller pies filled 

with the goodness of a curry or other 

filling variation. 

Below 

Assorted old-school baked goodies at the 

Chinatown Tai Chong Kok Confectionery 

(Hue Kee) in Alexandra Village. 

There are a lot of great and 

delicious foods at amazing 

values. And we are talking 

about real artisanal and 

hearty fare that is available 

to everyone. 

48 

49


Clockwise, from Left 

Sibling owners carry 

on the tradition of 

making kueh. 

Curry puffs at the 

Old Airport Hawker 

Centre are made 

fresh on the spot. 

Prepping recipes 

at the Chinatown 

Tai Chong Kok 

Confectionery. 

in Singapore. At Jalan Kukoh Food 

Centre not too far from the Chinatown, 

a nondescript Teochew Kueh shop 

is busy taking orders and turning 

away those who did not call and 

order in advance. 

Teochew Kueh, a type of steamed 

dumpling, has skin made from rice 

flour and the stuffing varies from 

bamboo shoots, turnips, dried 

shrimp to chives and yam. As you 

might guess, this stall makes every 

single thing by hand. Hand-kneaded 

‘kueh’ skin, with hand-chopped 

ingredients and stir-fried fillings 

make their way into each delicious 

treat that will cost you just about a 

dollar each. 

All food artisans we talked to 

confessed that going old-school is a 

tough choice, but it’s a better choice 

nonetheless. At the Chinatown 

Tai Chong Kok Confectionery 

(Hue Kee), heaps of fresh lotus 

seeds get hand-sorted, cleaned 

and made into the luscious and 

thick paste fillings for this year’s 

mooncake festival. Now into its 

second generation, Tai Chong Kok 

still perpetuates the use of ancient 

recipes - all done by hand. “It’s 

a natural thing to do,” explains 

Wing Cheong who from dawn each 

day checks into this production 

unit in Aljunied area, while he’s 

prepping and producing oldschool 

Cantonese confectioneries. 

“Although it is tiring, handmade 

foods are always better.” 

Above, from Left 

to Right 

Curry puffs at Old 

Airport Hawker 

Centre are freshly 

made at their spot. 

At Tai Chong Kok, 

lotus seeds are 

hand-picked for this 

year’s mooncake 

festival. 

Apart from the homemade lotus 

paste, Tai Chong Kok is also a master 

in recreating nostalgic treats. This is 

my first time biting into the crispy, 

yet with a bit of chewiness, savoury 

cookie called ‘baby chicken cookie,’ 

or ‘gai zai pang.’ It’s made with 

traditional ingredients, including 

lard and preserved red bean curd, 

hence its distinct sharp aroma and 

texture. This particular cookie recipe 

might have been a century old, going 

back to the time Chinese settlers here 

would have asked for a fresh brew of 

strong and fragrant tea to go with it. 

50


In 1965, Singapore, which used 

to be a part of Malaysia, became a 

sovereign nation. With a land area 

of about 590 square kilometres, 

no hinterlands and not much 

in natural resources, Singapore 

completely depends much on 

imports and making do with what 

they have. But look at Singapore 

today and the locals will say to 

you with a swell of pride. “We have 

nothing, yet we have everything.” 

Nanyang Tea, a particular tea 

blend which has become truly 

native to Singapore, is the one 

local staple that can best tell the 

story of this nation. It’s about 

thinking ahead, backing it up, 

improvising and comparing. 

Above, Clockwise 

Mother-daughter 

team of Soon Soon 

Huat. 

Curry puffs and 

kopi drinks at Café 

Soon Soon Huat. 

Kueh Dar-Dar, 

white coconut roll:a 

Peranakan dessert 

at Galicier. 

Peranakan desserts 

at Galicier. 

Artisanal kueh 

making at Galicier in 

Tiong Bahru. 

Instead of depending on just 

one resource for teas that could 

peril its supplies, Singapore tea 

merchants decided to blend their 

own, using a variety of teas from 

different places, thus reducing 

their risk of overdependence on 

one source. So they made their 

very own series of this healthy and 

ambrosial tea. 

“The brands, the logos, the 

names of our teas are as political 

as they are historical,” says Mr. Peh, 

of Pek Sin Choon. “We were 

founded back in 1925, our teas 

have been through a series of 

political and social events in 

Singapore; hence products were 

developed in homage to those 

(events). But through it all, it is 

great to know that even as old as 

we are, a new generation of people 

are looking back and studying the 

past. Tea, food, all the cultures of 

Singapore, we hope, will be then in 

good hands.” 

Artisanal Eats in Singapore 

• Get fresh blends of the 

• Enjoy an early afternoon tea, 

• Soon Soon Huat Crispy Curry 

• For refreshing, sparkling teas 

signature Nanyang tea at 

Teochew style, at Jalan Kukoh 

Puff, 220 East Coast Road. opens 

made from the old-school style 

Pek Sin Choon in Chinatown. 

Teochew Kueh (call and reserve 

daily: 7.30-17.30. 

of Nanyang Tea, head to Danger 

peksinchoon.com 

in advance), Block 1, Jalan 

T +65 6841 5618 

Close Tea and ask for their 

Kukoh, Kukoh 21 Food Centre, 

‘Chinois’ blend. Block 120, Bukit 

• Order the most traditional 

01-19/20. Opens Tuesdays 

• Try Nonya kueh and mango 

Merah Lane 1 #01-05, 

mooncakes and “baby chicken” 

7am until sold out, and 4-9pm, 

cakes and other Peranakan 

T +65 9435 9194 

cookies from Tai Chong Kok 

Wednesdays to Sundays 7am 

pastries at Tiong Bahru Galicier 

Confectionery (Hue Kee), 

until sold out, closed Mondays. 

Pastry, Block 55, Tiong Bahru 

• Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff, 

chinatowntaichongkokconfec- 

T +65 9838 0235 

Road, T +65 6324 1686, daily: 

#01-126, Old Airport Food Centre. 

tioneryhuekee.com 

10.00-21.00 (closed Mondays). 

Opens daily: T +65 9090 7009 

52


อาหารไม่ใช่แค่สารที่หล่อเลี้ยงร่างกาย...แต่ 

อาหารคือชีวิตและจิตวิญญาณ นี่คงจะเป็น 

เหตุผลที่หนุ่มสาวชาวสิงคโปร์แสวงหาตำรับ 

อาหารโบราณอันโอชะ จนทำให้ศิลปะแห่งอาหาร 

เติบโตอย่างรวดเร็วในสิงคโปร์เทียบเท่ากับการ 

พัฒนาทางเศรษฐกิจเลยทีเดียว 

เมื่อได้พูดคุยกับคนสิงคโปร์ ต่างพูดเป็น 

เสียงเดียวกันว่า คนหนุ่มสาวนิยมอาหาร 

ฮอกเกอร์ฟู้ด (แหล่งรวมร้านอาหารหลายอย่าง 

ไว้ในที่เดียวกัน) เพราะทั้งราคาถูกและอร่อย 

แถมส่วนใหญ่ก็เป็นตำรับอาหารโบราณ หรือได้รับ 

แรงบันดาลใจจากตำราเก่าแก่ 

Peh Ching Her เจ้าของรุ่นที่ 4 ของร้าน 

Nanyang Tea ดำเนินกิจการมาแล้วกว่า 

93 ปี เขาเรียกเจ้าของธุรกิจร้านอาหารเหล่านี้ 

ว่า “hawkerpreneurs” เขากล่าวว่านี่คือ 

บรรยากาศแปลกใหม่สำหรับธุรกิจอาหารใน 

สิงคโปร์ มีทั้งร้านที่ขายอาหารในแบบต้นฉบับ 

แม้แต่อาหารที่แปลกใหม่ก็ยังเชื่อมกับความ 

ดั้งเดิมไม่ทางใดก็ทางหนึ่งอยู่ดี 

เมื่ออยู่สิงคโปร์หลายวันเข้า ก็ค้นพบว่า 

กระเป๋าไม่ตุงอยู่สิงคโปร์ไม่ได้ ไหนจะค่าพิพิธภัณฑ์ 

(ไม่มีวันเข้าฟรี) ค่าแท็กซี่บวกค่าธรรมเนียมจาก 

ระบบจัดการจราจรหากต้องการเข้าไปยังกลาง 

ใจเมืองในเวลาเร่งด่วน แต่ค่าอาหารกลับตรงกัน 

ข้าม ของถูกและดีมีอยู่จริงในสิงคโปร์ 

อาหารจากรสมือดั้งเดิมในสิงคโปร์ 

• ชิมชา Nanyang ต้นตำรับที่ 

Pek Sin Choon ในไชน่าทาวน์ 

peksinchoon.com 

• สั่งขนมไหว้พระจันทร์และคุกกี้ 

“baby chicken”จาก Tai Chong Kok 

Confectionery (Hue Kee) 

chinatowntaichongkokconfectioneryhuekee.com 

• จิบชายามบ่ายสไตล์ Teochew ที่ Jalan 

Kukoh Teochew Kueh (โทรจองล่วงหน้า) 

บล็อก 1, Jalan Kukoh, Kukoh 21 Food 

Centre, 01-19/20. T +65 9838 0235 

• Soon Soon Huat Crispy Curry Puff, 

220 ถนน East Coast T +65 6841 5618 

• Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff, 

#01-126, Old Airport Food Centre 

T +65 9090 7009 

บน 

ขนมไหว้พระจันทร์เลื่องชื่อ 

ของร้าน Chinatown 

Tai Chong Kok 

พิถีพิถันคัดเมล็ดบัวด้วย 

มือทุกขั้นตอน เพื่อเป็น 

ส่วนประกอบชั้นดีของ 

ขนมไหว้พระจันทร์ 

หน้าร้าน Tai Chong 

Kok Confectionery 

(Hue Kee) 

ล่าง 

กรรมวิธีทำขนมอบโบราณ 

ของร้าน Tai Chong Kok 

Confectionery (Hue 

Kee) นำขนมเก่าของวัน 

ก่อนมาผสมผสานด้วย 

อย่างกะหรี่พัฟการผสมผสานระหว่าง 

วัฒนธรรมมาเลย์และจีน ให้ตรงดิ่งไปยังร้าน 

Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff ใน Old 

Airport Hawker Center ทางร้านแป้งนวด 

แผ่นบาง ใส่ไส้น่าทาน จับจีบอย่างรวดเร็วด้วย 

ความชำนาญ แล้วทอดจนเหลืองกรอบ ทั้งหมด 

นี้ซื้อได้ในราคาเพียง 30 บาท! 

ถ้ายังไม่หนำใจ มุ่งหน้าไปที่ Soon Soon Huat 

บนถนน East Coast ย่าน Katong พัฟไก่มันฝรั่ง 

แน่นเต็มคำ หรือจะเป็นพัฟครีมคัสตาร์ดทุเรียน 

พร้อมกับเซ็ตชาหรือกาแฟ ก็ราคาเพียง 65 บาท 

หรือจะเป็น Teochew Kueh หรือขนมจีบ 

แป้งข้าวเจ้า ใส่ไส้หน่อไม้ หัวไชเท้า กุ้งแห้ง 

ปลาแห้ง และกุ้ยช่าย ร้านหาไม่ยาก อยู่ใน 

Jalan Kukoh Food Center ไม่ไกลจากไชน่าทาวน์ 

นัก ราคาชิ้นละไม่ถึง 30 บาท แต่ต้องโทรมาจอง 

คิวก่อน ไม่งั้นอดทานแน่ 

เจ้าของร้านอาหารเหล่านี้ต่างพูดเป็น 

เสียงเดียวกันว่าการตัดสินใจทำอาหารแบบ 

ดั้งเดิมนั้นไม่ง่ายเลย แต่เป็นทางเลือกที่ดีกว่า 

ทางเลือกอื่น อย่างที่โรงงาน Tai Chong Kok 

Confectionery (Hue Kee) คนงานแกะเมล็ด 

บัว เลือกสรรอย่างประณีต ล้างให้สะอาด 

แล้วนำมาเป็นส่วนผสมของไส้ขนมไหว้ 

พระจันทร์ในปีนี้ นี่แหละคือการทำอาหาร 

อย่างที ่ควรจะเป็น นอกจากนี้ยังมีขนม Gai 

Zai Pang หรือคุกกี้กรอบแต่เหนียวนุ่ม ทำมา 

จากส่วนผสมดั้งเดิม สูตรอายุกว่าร้อยปีจาก 

ผู้อพยพชาวจีนรุ่นแรกๆ เหมาะกับทานคู่ชาแก่ 

กลิ่นหอมหวน 

ที่ขาดไม่ได้คือ Nanyang Tea ชาสัญชาติ 

สิงคโปร์ ที่พ่อค้าชาตัดสินใจผสมชาขึ้นเอง 

เพราะไม่ต้องการพึ่งพาใบชาจากเพียงแหล่ง 

เดียว เกิดเป็นชาเพื่อสุขภาพหอมกรุ่น คุณ 

Peh แห่ง Pek Sin Choon กล่าวว่า แบรนด์ 

โลโก้ และชื่อของชาสะท้อนแนวคิดทางการ 

เมืองและประวัติศาสตร์ที่ดำเนินมาตั้งแต่ปี 

1925 ได้เป็นอย่างดี เพื่อให้คนรุ่นหลังได้มอง 

ย้อนกลับไปและศึกษาอดีตของประเทศ เขา 

หวังว่าคนรุ่นหลังจะสามารถบำรุงรักษาทั้งชา 

อาหาร และวัฒนธรรมทั้งหมดของสิงคโปร์ไว้ 

ตราบนานเท่านาน 

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• ลิ้มลอง Nonya kueh เค้กมะม่วงและขนม 

ชาว Peranakan ได้ที่ Tiong Bahru 

Galicier Pastry, บล็อก 55, ถนน Tiong 

Bahru, T +65 6324 1686 

• ดับกระหายด้วย น้ำชาซ่าๆ จากNanyang 

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botanicavillasphuket botanicavillas 

54

EIJI SUMI 

Artist Eiji Sumi shows us 

that the power of light 

lies not just in its ability to 

illuminate. It also has the power 

to make a social statement and to 

change perceptions. 

Words Korakot Punlopruksa, N Wright 

Photos Korakot Punlopruksa 

A 

roommate’s innocent ‘theft’ of 

artist Eiji Sumi’s art work in his 

early career became a light bulb 

moment. What was considered 

a ‘hobby’ sat on the wall of a café in the 

Lower Eastside neighbourhood in New 

York, propped up together with a friend’s 

faith in the Japanese artist’s work. “Back 

then, I painted and my roommate stole my 

artwork and brought it to the café because 

he thought it was interesting,” Sumi 

relates. A few weeks later the café called, 

saying someone wanted to buy it. 

“At first, I was unhappy he did 

this behind my back. But then it hit 

me: hey, people are interested in 

my work,” the Japanese artist 

now based in Bangkok recalls in 

wonderment. After studying art 

and design, his art career led to 

collaborative works commissioned 

by notable hotels like the Bowery and 

the Maritime Hotel in New York. 

His creative path included painting 

and photography, which evolved 

into his current specialisation in 

on-site large installations that 

interprets his visions of light, backed 

by deep science and innovative 

digital technology. 

What got him noticed during 

his time in New York was one large 

scale work using bubble wrap, 

where the packing material became 

the canvas and digitised patterns 

formed in synchronicity to electromusic. 

Using a low-cost material 

and recycling it into complex art 

garnered him an invitation to be a 

lecturer in Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn 

University. The play of light, created 

and manipulated via a tablet, became 

another one of his success story. 

“The bubble wrap projection 

was why ‘Chula’ invited me because 

not too many people were doing 

something like that, even in New 

York. If they did, it would be someone 

I know, a friend.” While his focus 

was on teaching art, he also created 

work that got noticed and shown 

around Bangkok. 

More works making a statement 

came in the shape of an exhibit, 

“Quark,” where he used a reflective 

powder that created swirling 

patterns, shown at leading H Gallery 

56 57

EIJI SUMI 


Sumi ponders 

potential 

lighting ideas 

in his studio. 

At Play(e)scape, the 

artist shows 

versatility as an 

equally skilled 

photographer. 

Thoughts in 

motion for an 

art project. 

Below 

Deliberate ‘stage’ 

design and lighting 

are meant to make a 

social statement. 

in Bangkok. Art meets science as 

Sumi’s work created extragalactic 

effects. His art trajectory meant 

numerous exhibitions including art 

festivals in Bangkok and abroad. 

With work that’s been curated by 

notable people in the art world 

like Eric Shiner, Helen Homan Wu, 

Brian Curtin, Gridthiya Gaweewong, 

Keiichi Miyagawa, Lyno Vuth, 

Ni-kun, amongst others, Sumi 

modestly says, “I’m lucky to work 

with good curators.” 

Now producing art projects 

using light and its many hues, 

Sumi combines science interwoven 

with personal expressions of 

social issues. He believes that in 

order to be relevant, a certain 

kind of focus is needed, especially 

for an artist whose world is ever 

changing. “For example, if Yayoi 

Kusama did a painting like Picasso, 

people wonder, what happened to 

her? No one would recognise her 

artwork.” But installation artists 

like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst 

can change everything because they 

are established artists. He points 

out that he’s not just a lighting 

artist, “because I do photography 

and virtual reality work.” But the 

constant themes revolve around 

social issues and urban development. 

A recent installation, Play(e) 

scape features just that, from 

photography of theme parks to a 

see-sawing platform similar to 

yesteryear’s spinning playground 

equipment at Bangkok’s Gallery 

Ver. Although Play(e)scape derived 

from a localised Thai context, 

universal issues on power balance 

plays out with the combination of 

physics and politics. People step up 

and randomly plant themselves on 

the stage and coloured lights get 

activated by their movements. “The 

intention is that not everyone is 

equal to begin with in society; some 

people have power, and some have 

more power than others,” Sumi 

says, wanting dialogue to happen 

while moving around the platform. 

When balance is achieved and 

less see-sawing occurs, a singular 

colour is created and the message 

gets across. 

He likens some of his work to 

being child-like. “I like my artwork 

to be simple so that children can 

connect to it, have a good time and 

get excited about it, get involved. 

It’s like my inner child coming 

out and making things. I know 

what children cannot practise and 

I am like an adult playing a role 

for children,” says Sumi, who was 

born in Tokyo and graduated from 

Rikkyo University. 

Now producing art projects using light 

and its many hues, Sumi combines science 

interwoven with personal expressions of 

social issues. He believes that in order 

to be relevant, a certain kind of focus is 

needed, especially for an artist whose 

world is ever changing. 

58

EIJI SUMI 

He ensures that his work has 

a certain quality that has to be 

met.” If we make something and 

it’s mediocre work, the audience 

will know it and I will know it. 

So it is my challenge, I have to 

please myself first. Before showing 

to people, I want to see it first. 

Curiosity is the starting point. 

First I have to please myself, I 

have to wow myself for it has to 

worth something.” Sumi is about 

to launch an exhibit outside of 

Thailand, a fact he is coy about 

until details are finalised. 

To make the concept accessible, 

he points out that art appreciation 

should be commonplace and 

transformative. “For me, art can 

be in an ordinary life. In a place 

This Page 

Lights change 

according to 

the balance and 

number of people 

on the see-sawing 

platform. 

where there’s a painting – when 

you are working from 9 to 5 and 

come home, when you see the 

painting you already detach from 

the normal daily life, the consuming 

part.” Detach from the routine in 

a regular life where art has a role, 

he suggests. Connect with this 

artwork and disconnect from the 

daily, consuming life, he suggests. 

He even voices hope that the simple 

task of cooking may result in an 

inspired recipe. 

Meanwhile, Thai art is setting 

foot in the global art community as 

big international players are coming 

this year with the three biennale this 

year going into early February 2019. 

Sumi says it will be good for galleries 

since more new collectors and the 

general public might be more 

familiar with art. Art will be a part of 

a lifestyle, part of entertainment – 

just like watching movies. Currently, 

art is quite exclusive among the 

general Thai audience. 

He presses the point that art 

plays a role to stimulate us. When 

we look at it, Sumi says our brain 

refreshes, resets. “The DNA, or 

brain cells divide when it gets 

stimulated, it makes us younger.” 

What to look for then where art is 

concerned? “I guess it depends on 

your interest, but what I look for 

is stimulation, brain nutrition and 

having intellect thrive. Good art has 

elaborate elements and it gives us 

a mysterious energy, of power, to 

rejuvenate our minds.” 

60

EIJI SUMI 

เรื่องทั้งหมดเริ่มจากเพื่อนร่วมห้องเจ้า 

ปัญหาในนิวยอร์ก “ขโมย” งานศิลปะของ 

ไอจิ ซูมิ ไปแขวนไว้ผนังของร้านคาเฟ่แห่ง 

หนึ่ง ไม่กี่อาทิตย์จากนั้น ซูมิก็ได้รับโทรศัพท์ 

แจ้งว่า มีคนสนใจซื้อผลงานของเขา แรกที 

เดียวซูมิรู้สึกแย่ที่เพื่อนคนนั้นทำไปโดยไม่ 

บอกกล่าว แต่พอคิดดูอีกที เออ...มีคน 

สนใจงานของเราด้วย 

หลังจากเรียนศิลปะและการออกแบบ 

ซูมิได้ร่วมงานกับโรงแรมที่มีชื่อเสียงอย่าง 

Bowery และ Maritime ในนิวยอร์ก 

ร่วมสร้างงานศิลปะที่ผสมผสานการวาด 

ภาพและภาพถ่ายเข้าไว้ด้วยกัน เป็นงาน 

จัดแสดงขนาดใหญ่ที่ตีความผ่านแสงและ 

เงา ผ่านวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยีดิจิทัล 

งานที่ได้รับความสนใจมากที่สุดของ 

เขาในช่วงที่ใช้ชีวิตในนิวยอร์ก คืองานที่ใช้ 

บับเบิ้ลหรือพลาสติกกันกระแทก แล้วฉาย 

ลวดลายสอดประสานกับดนตรีอิเล็ก 

ทรอนิกส์ จนทำให้ซูมิได้รับเชิญให้เป็น 

อาจารย์ที่จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย 

ซูมิทำงานสอนระดับมหาวิทยาลัยไปด้วย 

แต่ก็ยังสร้างงานศิลปะอยู่บ่อยครั้ง เช่น 

นิทรรศการ “Quark” จัดแสดงที่ H Gallery 

กรุงเทพฯ เขาใช้ผงสะท้อนแสงสร้างเป็น 

รูปแบบหมุนวน เกิดเป็นสีสันเหมือนอวกาศ 

และยังมีงานจัดแสดงในเทศกาลศิลปะอีก 

มากมายในกรุงเทพฯ 

การทำให้ศิลปะอยู่ในกระแสจะต้องมี 

จุดสนใจ โดยเฉพาะงานศิลปะในโลกที่ 

เปลี่ยนแปลงไปอย่างรวดเร็ว งานศิลปะ 

ของซูมิแสดงถึงแง่มุมทางวิทยาศาสตร์ 

และประเด็นต่างๆ ในสังคมไปพร้อมกัน 

ซูมิเลือกที่จะใช้การถ่ายภาพและศิลปะ 

เสมือนจริงเพื่อวิพากษ์ประเด็นในสังคม 

และการพัฒนาของชุมชนเมือง 

Play(e)scape เป็นงานจัดแสดงศิลปะ 

ล่าสุดที่เล่นประเด็นเรื่องความสมดุลเชิง 

อำนาจ โดยผสมผสานฟิสิกส์และการเมือง 

ไว้อย่างลงตัว ผู้ชมงานศิลปะจะขึ้นไปบน 

เวที การเคลื่อนไหวของร่างกายจะทำให้ไฟ 

หลากสีฉายออกมา เพื่อสะท้อนว่าแต่ละ 

คนไม่ได้เกิดมาเท่าเทียมกัน คนคนหนึ่ง 

อาจมีอำนาจน้อยหรือมากกว่าคนอีก 

คนหนึ่งเสมอ แต่เมื่อไรที่เกิดความสมดุล 

ขึ้น แสงของไฟจึงจะฉายออกมาเป็นสี 

เดียวกัน 

ซูมิอธิบายว่า เขาต้องการสร้างงาน 

ศิลปะที่แม้แต่เด็กเล็กก็สามารถเข้าถึงได้ 

เหมือนกับเป็นการดึงตัวตนความเป็นเด็ก 

ในตัวเขาออกมา เพราะซูมิรู้ว่ามีบางอย่าง 

ที่เด็กไม่สามารถทำได้ ในฐานะผู้ใหญ่ 

เขาจึงอยากทำสิ่งนี้แทนเด็กๆ 

แน่นอนว่างานของซูมิต้องมีมาตรฐาน 

ความท้าทายคือการที่เขาต้องทำให้ 

ตัวเองพอใจกับงานก่อนจึงจะจัดแสดง 

ต่อสาธารณชน ซูมิเห็นว่าการเสพงาน 

บนและล่าง 

ผลงานของไอจิ 

ที่ชอบเล่นกับแสง 

สีและเงาของไฟ 

เป็นงานที่ตีความผ่าน 

มิติของวิทยาศาสตร์ 

และประเด็นต่างๆ ใน 

สังคมในคราวเดียวกัน 

ศิลปะควรเป็นเรื่องธรรมดาสามัญและ 

ก่อให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงได้ งานศิลปะ 

ควรมีหน้าที่ช่วยทำให้เราตัดขาดจาก 

ชีวิตประจำวันที่ยุ่งยากและยุ่งเหยิง ทำให้ 

ทุกคนตัดขาดจากโลกแห่งความเป็นจริง 

และเป็นหนึ่งเดียวกับศิลปะ 

ศิลปะกำลังกระจายตัวและเป็นส่วนหนึ่ง 

ของวิถีชีวิต โดยเฉพาะเมื่อจะมีการจัด 

งานเบียนนาเล่สามงานในประเทศไทย 

จนถึงช่วงเดือนกุมภาพันธ์ปีหน้า เป็น 

โอกาสอันดีที่บุคคลทั่วไปจะได้มีโอกาส 

สร้างความคุ้นชินกับงานศิลปะ และทำให้ 

งานศิลปะกลายเป็นความบันเทิงอีกแขนง 

ที่ไม่ต่างจากการชมภาพยนตร์สักเรื่อง 

ซูมิยังย ้ำอีกว่า เซลล์สมองของเราจะ 

แบ่งตัวเมื่อได้รับการกระตุ้น ทำให้เรา 

อ่อนเยาว์ลง หน้าที่ของศิลปะคือการ 

กระตุ้นผู้ชม ซึ่งถือเป็นอาหารสมองที่ให้ 

พลังงานอันลึกลับ ให้เราได้สัมผัสถึง 

พลังอำนาจ และทำให้จิตใจของเราอ่อนวัย 

กระปรี้กระเปร่าอีกครั้ง 

62

THAILAND’S BIENNALES 

A 

Triple 

Treat 

in Contemporary 

for Thailand 

Art 

Words Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong 

Photos Courtesy of Bangkok Art Biennale, 

The Thailand Biennale, and The Bangkok Biennial 

Cultural landmarks, temple grounds and beckoning beaches in 

Thailand become exhibition spaces for relevant curators and 

renown artists to launch new works. Here’s what to expect from the 

different art extravaganzas taking place around the country. 

64 

65


t last, Thailand is 

joining the pack 

of art biennialshosting 

countries, 

with no less than three 

major art events running in 

Bangkok, Krabi and other 

cities through February 2019. 

Iconic sites, from the capital’s 

famous temples to lush 

natural reserves on the 

Andaman coast, will soon 

host a plethora of artworks 

and exhibitions by both Thai 

and international artists. 

As a large number of visitors, 

artists and curators converge 

towards Thailand, could this 

unprecedented occurrence 

boost the country’s 

reputation as an emerging 

contemporary art destination? 

about hosting artworks, notes 

Kunavichayanont. Art practitioners 

working in such environment also 

had the opportunity to engage at 

a deep level with local actors and 

local communities since the early 

stages of the project. 

Supported by business tycoon 

Thapana Sirivadhnabhakdi, CEO 

and President of ThaiBev, the 

Bangkok Art Biennale promises 

to be a lavish affair, running 

from October 19 until February 3 

under the theme “Beyond Bliss”. 

Seventy-five artists, including 

international big-names such as 

Marina Abramovic, Yayoi Kusama 

and the Nordic duo Elmgreen 

& Dragset, have positively 

responded to veteran curator, and the 

Biennale’s artistic director, Apinan 

Poshyananda’s invitation to take 

part in the event’s inaugural 

Right 

Chemi Rosado-Seijo’s 

photo collage “Bowl- 

Pool La Perla”, 2007. 

Bottom, Clockwise 

Artists who will take 

part in the Thailand 

Biennale and their 

previous work; 

Dusadee Huntrakul, 

Wichoke Mukdamanee’s 

sculpture in 2005, 

Mella Jaarsma 

‘DogWalk’ Two 

channel video, 3’ 10’’ 

2015/2016, 

Yuree Kensaku, 

Hot Pot Sweet 

Dream, 2014. 

Could this unprecedented 

occurrence of 3 art biennials 

boost the country’s reputation 

as an emerging contemporary 

art destination? 

edition. Their Thai counterparts 

include Kawita Vatanajyankur, 

Pichet Klunchun, Dujdao 

Vadhanapakorn, Jakkai Siributr and 

Tawatchai Puntusawasdi. 

For this occasion, indoors 

institutional sites such as the BACC 

will accommodate a number of art 

performances and installations, 

while ThaiBev Plc is also putting 

to contribution its real estate 

properties such as the East 

Asiatique Building on the Chao 

Phraya riverside and the newlybuilt 

One Bangkok complex in the 

heart of the city. 

In Krabi province, where the 

Ministry of Culture is holding its 

first-ever Thailand Biennale in 

luxuriant settings, international 

and Thai artists taking part in 

the event have also immersed 

“This year, the spotlight 

is shining on Thailand,” says 

Luckana Kunavichayanont, a 

member of the Bangkok Art 

Biennale’s curatorial team and 

former director of the Bangkok 

Art and Culture Centre (BACC). 

Of course, this attention comes 

with a number of questions 

raised, particularly regarding the 

fact that there are three parallel 

events – The Bangkok Biennial, 

Bangkok Art Biennale and 

Thailand Biennale – sharing similar 

purposes and timing. Nevertheless, 

Kunavichayanont believes it is 

in part explained by Thailand’s 

ultimate readiness to host such 

events, both on institutional and 

artistic levels. 

Since the 1990s, the Thai 

contemporary art scene has 

become more and more vibrant 

with each passing year. Many 


Discussing art to 

pave the way for the 

upcoming Bangkok 

Art Biennale. 

Elmgreen from the 

Nordic duo Elmgreen 

& Dragset on a visit 

to Bangkok, Bangkok 

Art Biennale. 

Korean artist Choi 

Jeong Kwa who 

will take part in the 

Bangkok Art Biennale. 

Left, Top and Bottom 

Cinema Taipei 

new galleries and art centres have 

opened their doors, while Thai 

artists are increasingly exhibiting 

their works abroad. Within the 

country, appetite for art has never 

been more pronounced. “This 

maturation has been continuous 

over the past decade and we’ve 

reached a point where hosting 

an international manifestation 

of contemporary art is the next 

natural step,” adds the curator. 

Mixing cultural heritage with 

contemporary art practices, the 

Bangkok Art Biennale also makes 

history in Thailand through its use 

of temples - touristic highlights 

Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat 

Prayoon for instance - as pavilions 

to showcase artworks, a first in the 

country, where these sites retain 

an active religious and cultural 

role. Abbots and monks looking 

after the sites have been very keen 

Courtesy of the artist and 100 Tonson Gallery, Bangkok 

66 

67


Photo Phasin Sudjai 

themselves in the local culture 

through numerous site visits. 

The Thailand Biennale draws its 

singularity from its outdoors-only 

exhibition sites, in a province popular 

with visitors. Set against natural 

backdrops, the site-specific artworks 

curated by Jiang Jiehong under 

the theme “Edge of Wonderland” 

will dialogue with the Andaman 

coast beaches, fertile lands and 

mountain ranges. 

Despite its reputation as a 

touristic spot, Krabi is accustomed 

to hosting international art events, 

ever since the introduction of an 

“art cities” policy by the Office 

of Contemporary Art and Culture 

to promote the decentralisation 

of art exhibitions, usually taking 

place in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. 

Clockwise, 

from Above 

“Coming Soon” 

pavilion of the Bangkok 

Biennial, created by 

Lara Van Meteeren 

and Bart Wissink. 

Video installation by 

François Roche. 

Opening ceremony of 

the Bangkok Biennial 

at Rama VIII bridge. 

Right 

COOP Pavilion of the 

Bangkok Biennial. 

Bottom Left & Right 

Tintin Cooper at 

Artist + Run. 

Im-mature at TARS 

Gallery. 

The Thailand Biennale furthers this 

strategy by inviting international 

artists such as Camille Normant, 

Giuseppe Penone and Hong Kong’s 

Para-Site co-founder Chi Wo Leung 

to participate in the event. The 

curatorial team, which includes 

Thai curators Vichaya Mukdamanee 

and Vipash Purichanont, also 

handpicked several of Thailand’s 

finest contemporary artists for the 

Biennale. Established practitioners 

such as Kamin Lertchaiprasert will 

see their works presented alongside 

those of mid-career artists like 

Jedsada Tangtrakulwong, Dusadee 

Huntrakul, as well as rising star 

Chulayarnnon Siriphol. 

Decentralisation appears to be a 

theme common to several of the art 

events taking place in Thailand 

this autumn. Aside 

from the Bangkok 

Art Biennale and 

the Thailand 

Biennale, 

independent 

pavilions 

are opening 

their doors to 

visitors in Khon 

Kaen or Pattani. 

68


An up-and-coming destination 

for art aficionados in Thailand, the 

Southern town is hosting “Re/Form/ 

Ing Patani,” an exhibition that looks 

at the region’s past and present 

identities. With the participation 

of local artists and Thai artists from 

elsewhere in the country, the show 

- set in four different locations, 

including the Patani Artspace, a 

vanguard space in the region’s 

art scene - involves communitybased 

artworks. 

“Thailand’s different biennales 

provide opportunities for many 

Thais to be in contact with artists 

and contemporary art from varied 

origins,” says artist Jakkai Siributr. 

Siributr’s textile works, often 

dealing with the complex history 

and identities of ethnic minority 

groups, will be displayed in the 

context of the Bangkok Art Biennale, 

as well as in Pattani. 

“In a sense, we’re bringing 

contemporary art to non-art 

communities, as well as drawing 

art-initiated audiences in cities or 

areas they may not be familiar with, 

thus creating dialogue,” he adds. 

In Khon Kaen, where the 

Khon Kaen Manifesto will take 

place starting on October 6, Thai 

artists from the Isaan region 

and elsewhere in the country, 

will collectively imagine an 

inclusive definition of “Thai 

contemporary art,” whilst using 

art as a platform to reflect on the 

country’s socio-political situation. 

Often criticised for being 

tools to boost international 

“In a sense, we’re bringing contemporary 

art to non-art communities, as well as 

drawing art-initiated audiences in cities or 

areas they may not be familiar with, thus 

creating dialogue.” 

Clockwise 

from Above 

Assembling the art 

at the Bangkok 

Biennial; Works by 

INESTETIK. 

Left 

Artist + Run 

tourism, Biennials are nonetheless 

important meeting points for local 

and international art enthusiasts 

and promote intercultural dialogues 

and exchanges. 

“Thailand is famous with 

visitors for its beautiful, 

natural landscapes, as well 

as its rich cultural heritage. 

Beaches, temples and palaces, 

that’s what we’re known for,” 

Kunavichayanont notes. 

“This year’s international 

art events will definitely be a 

showcase to the world of our 

contemporary art scene.” 

Which of the Bangkok 

Biennial, Bangkok Art Biennale 

or the Thailand Biennale will 

hold the most influence is yet 

to be assessed. But all three are 

sparking a new conversation on 

Thai contemporary art and the 

potential for Bangkok to become a 

new art hub in Southeast Asia. 

70 

71


DEE PLEE, LUXURY THAI RESTAURANT 

AT 

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort 

และแล้วก็มาถึงวันที่ทุกคนรอคอย วาระพิเศษที่ 

ประเทศไทยได้เป็นเจ้าภาพร่วมจัดงาน เบียนนาเล่ 

ในกรุงเทพ กระบี่ และจังหวัดอื่นๆ ตลอดเดือน 

กุมภาพันธ์ 2019 

คุณลักขณา คุณาวิชยานนท์ หนึ่งในทีม 

ภัณฑารักษ์ และอดีตผู้อำนวยการหอศิลป 

วัฒนธรรมแห่งกรุงเทพมหานคร (BACC) พูดถึง 

งานศิลปะสามงานจัดขึ้นในเวลาไล่เลี่ยกัน ได้แก่ 

บางกอกไบแอนเนียล บางกอกอาร์ตเบียนนาเล่ 

และไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่ 

เธอมั่นใจว่านี่จะสะท้อนให้เห็นความพร้อม 

ของประเทศไทยในการจัดงานศิลปะทั้งสาม 

งานนี้พร้อมกันได้ สืบเนื่องจากความสนใจศิลปะ 

ร่วมสมัยที่เติบโตอย่างต่อเนื่องในไทยตั้งแต่ปี 

พ.ศ. 2533 นอกจากนี้ยังได้รับการสนับสนุน 

จากคุณฐาปน สิริวัฒนภักดี ซีอีโอ และประธาน 

บริษัท ไทยเบฟเวอเรจ จำกัด (มหาชน) ได้รับ 

ความอนุเคราะห์สถานที่จาก BACC รวมไปถึง 

เอเชียทีคริมแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาของกลุ่มไทยเบฟ 

และ One Bangkok คอมเพล็กส์ใจกลาง 

กรุงเทพฯ งานศิลปะร่วมสมัยยังจะจัดแสดงที่ 

แหล่งมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของไทยอย่าง 

วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลารามราชวรมหาวิหาร 

(วัดโพธิ์) วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร 

(วัดแจ้ง) และวัดประยุรวงศาวาส เพื่อสื่อถึง 

อิทธิพลของศาสนา วัฒนธรรม และชุมชนที่มี 

ต่องานศิลปะร่วมสมัยอีกด้วย 

ตามเข็มนาฬิกา 

จากบนซ้าย 

Cinema Taipei ส่วน 

หนึ่งของงาน Bangkok 

Biennial 

ศิลปินเยือนสถานที่ 

จัดงานที่ชายหาดจังหวัด 

กระบี่ก่อนหน้าจะมีงาน 

Thailand Biennale 

อาร์ติสต์ทอล์คที่หอศิลป 

วัฒนธรรมกรุงเทพฯ 

(BACC) จัดโดย 

Bangkok Art Biennale 

ในขณะเดียวกัน กระทรวงวัฒนธรรม 

รับหน้าที่เป็นเจ้าภาพจัดงานไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่ 

ในจังหวัดกระบี่ แสดงงานศิลปะกลางแจ้ง 

ท่ามกลางพื้นหลังของธรรมชาติ หาดทราย 

ขาว น้ำทะเลใส และหุบเขาอันอุดมสมบูรณ์ 

ทั้งชาวไทยและต่างประเทศจะได้ยลโฉมความงาม 

ของจังหวัดกระบี่ให้สมกับที่เป็นเมืองท่องเที่ยว 

และสถานที่จัดงานศิลปะระดับนานาชาติอยู่ 

บ่อยครั้งตามนโยบายการกระจายการจัดงาน 

ศิลปะให้ครอบคลุมทั้งประเทศ 

เมืองปัตตานีก็ไม่น้อยหน้า เพราะมีการจัด 

นิทรรศการ “RE/FORM/ING PATANI” เพื่อ 

สื่ออัตลักษณ์ดินแดนใต้ตั้งแต่อดีตจนถึงปัจจุบัน 

โดยศิลปินจากปัตตานีและจากทั่วประเทศไทย 

จักกาย ศิริบุตร หนึ่งในศิลปินที่จะจัดแสดงศิลปะ 

บนผืนผ้าในนิทรรศการครั้งนี้กล่าวว่า 

เบียนนาเล่ทั้งหมดนี้เปิดโอกาสให้คนไทยได้ 

สัมผัสกับศิลปินและงานศิลปะร่วมสมัยจาก 

แหล่งที่มาที่หลากหลาย 

จังหวัดขอนแก่นก็ไม่แพ้กัน ศิลปินในภาค 

อีสาน และศิลปินจากทั่วประเทศจับมือร่วมกันให้ 

ความหมาย “ศิลปะร่วมสมัยไทย” และสะท้อน 

สถานการณ์ทางสังคมและการเมืองของประเทศ 

บางกอกไบแอนเนียล บางกอกอาร์ตเบียนนาเล่ 

และไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่ เป็นจุดหนึ่งที่จะช่วย 

ส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยว รวมถึงจุดประกายการ 

พูดคุยและแลกเปลี่ยนแนวคิดหลากวัฒนธรรม 

อีกทั้งยังแสดงศักยภาพของไทยในฐานะศูนย์กลาง 

ศิลปะของเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ให้ทั่วโลกได้ 

จับตามองอย่างแน่นอน 

Relish layers of spice, zest and sweetness from across the kingdom. 

Lean back onto triangular pillows and take in sweeping views of the Andaman from 

Dee Plee. Indulge in a seven-course menu for two or peruse the a la carte options 

lovingly prepared. Sharing dishes the traditionally Thai way, enjoy crispy appetisers, 

fresh seafood, creamy curries and zesty salads. Cleanse the palate with homemade 

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Reserve your table today, please call +66 (0) 7631 7200 Email: fb.alay@anantara.com 

The Bangkok Biennial 

ล่างซ้าย 

ผู้ชมรุ่นเยาว์ 

กำลังศึกษากลไกของ 

ลำโพงกระดาษ ออกแบบ 

โดยศิลปิน Ye Khant 

ล่างขวา 

พาวิลเลียนของศิลปินไทย 

อังกฤษ อัจฉริยโสภณ 

ในโครงการ Artist + Fun 

ของ Bangkok Biennial 

Photo Preecha Pattara 

72 73

CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA 

A Festival 

Extravaganza 

in Bangkok 

Words Sarita Urupongsa 

Photos Courtesy of Bangkok’s 

International Festival of Dance 

and Music 

The City of Angels will soon host an array of mesmerising 

cultural performances, from operas, ballets, and musicals to 

hip hop, dance percussion, and magic. Bangkok’s International 

Festival of Dance and Music celebrates its 20th anniversary 

with an enchanting line-up of world class performances. 

The star-studded Moscow State 

Classical Ballet of Russia will perform 

three of their flagship shows. 

74 

75


o celebrate two 

exciting decades, 

Bangkok’s International 

Festival of Dance and 

Music will host thousands 

of professional artists from 

around the world, including 

the legendary conductor 

Zubin Mehta and a talented 

cast of over 250, many of 

whom hail from the historic 

opera theatre, Teatro di San 

Carlo in Naples, Italy. 

Among the scheduled 

participating shows, the starstudded 

Moscow State Classical 

Ballet of Russia will perform three 

of its flagship shows. The list 

goes on with more performances 

from the Karlsruhe Theatre from 

Germany, ballet performances 

from the Singapore Dance 

Company, a Korean Symphony 

Orchestra and the Hangzhou 

Philharmonic Orchestra. Aside 

from classic works, unique shows 

spotlight the energetic percussion 

ensemble from the Ju Percussion 

Group in Taipei, the Magnificent 

Seven Magician show by New York’s 

International Magicians Society, 

tango and hip hop performances 

from Argentina and Switzerland, a 

Bollywood musical from India, and 

a Flamenco dance performance 

from Spain. Finally, a Michael 

Jackson Tribute Concert will bring 

the event to a close. 

At the Bangkok International 

Festival of Dance and Music, 

members of the world’s oldest, 

and probably the most elaborately 

decorated opera house will be 


George Bizet 

opera ‘Carmen’. 

The Korean 

Symphony Orchestra 

holds a performance 

to celebrate diplomatic 

relations between 

Korea and Thailand. 

Violin soloist 

Ning Feng. 

Bottom Left to Right 

The Korean 

Symphony Orchestra 

performs on Sept 24. 

Maestro Zubin Mehta 

conducts the San 

Carlo Symphony 

Orchestra. 

Members of 

the Hangzhou 

Philharmonic 

Orchestra. 

teaming up with the celebrated 

conductor and maestro Zubin Mehta. 

The Teatro di San Carlo 

in Naples dates back to 1737 

and founded 41 years before 

the birth of Milan’s La Scala 

and 55 years before Venice’s 

Fenice theatre. As one of the 

iconic landmarks in Naples, the 

opera house has stood the test 

of time, showcasing the stars 

and a venue of grandeur in the 

world of arts and performances. 

Legendary conductor Zubin 

Mehta meanwhile will lead the 

San Carlo Symphony Orchestra 

in two symphony concerts 

on September 13 and 15. An 

Evening with Beethoven features 

a chorus from Leonore Overture 

No.3 and Symphony No.9 to 

be performed on September 13 

whereas Tchaikovsky Symphonies 

(Symphony No. 4, Symphony 

No.6) will be unveiled on 

September 15. The aforementioned 

performances also aim at 

commemorating the 150th 

anniversary of diplomatic ties 

between Italy and Thailand. 

76


Audiences get to see George 

Bizet’s Carmen in Four Acts. The 

San Carlo Symphony Orchestra 

meanwhile will be presenting 

two symphony concerts. Carmen 

will be staged by the San Carlo 

opera house along with its 256 

members on September 12 and 14. 

Tenors Saimir Pirgu and Carlo 

Bosi, mezzo sopranos Veronica 

Simeoni and Giuseppina Bridelli, 

sopranos Jessica Nuccio and 

Sandra Pastrana, and baritones 

Vito Priante, Fabio Previati, 

Roberto Accurso, and Gianfranco 

Montresor are leading names in 

the world of opera, and among 

the regulars performers at Milan’s 

La Scala, St. Petersburg, the Royal 

Opera House in Covent Garden; 

New York’s Metropolitan Opera, 

Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, Paris 

Opéra and Sydney Opera. 

To celebrate 60 years of 

diplomatic ties with the Republic 

of Korea, performances and shows 

from the Republic of Korea feature 

in the festival. On September 24, 

the Korean Symphony Orchestra 

entertain with Western classical 

music while the Hangzhou 

Philharmonic Orchestra takes to 

the stage on October 1. The Korean 

Symphony Orchestra will be led by 

Chi-Yong Chung, one of the most 

sought after conductors and will 

be featuring famed piano soloist 

Jiyeong Mun who will interpret 

Top Left & Right 

The Moscow State 

Classical Ballet, one 

of Russia’s top dance 

companies. 

Below, from Left 

The Singapore Dance 

Theatre stages 

‘Classical Weddings,’ 

on Sep 26. 

The international extravaganza runs for six weeks 

with world-class artists and performers engaging in 

exceptional performances. 

The Karlsruhe Ballet 

from Germany will 

bring two delightful 

performances. 

The Moscow State 

Classical Ballet will 

perform on Oct 5, 

6 & 7. 

Bedrich Smetana’s Ma Vlast 

(The Moldau; My Fatherland), 

Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, and 

Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No.1. 

Praised as one of the top five 

orchestras in China, the Hangzhou 

Philharmonic Orchestra will be 

bringing its 120 musicians and 

violin soloist Ning Feng to 

present Jiping Zhao’s Violin 

Concerto No.1 and Gustav Mahler’s 

Symphony No.5. 

78



Break the Tango, 

the dancers and 

musicians from 

Argentina & 

Switzerland. 

International 

Magicians Society’s 

top seven magicians 

of the world. 

Born To Dance by the 

brothers who make 

up Los Vivancos. 


Below Left 

Ju Percussion Group 

from Taipei. 

Taj Express 

will present a 

Bollywood musical. 

A Michael Jackson 

Tribute Concert 

on Oct 8. 

The International Festival 

of Dance and Music will not 

be complete without graceful 

ballet performances. In this case, 

the Singapore Dance Theatre 

performs on September 26, as they 

celebrate their 30th anniversary, 

with a performance of “Classical 

Weddings” on September 26 from 

the selected ballets of Coppelia 

Act 3, Sleeping Beauty Act 3, and 

Don Quixote Act 3. Additionally, 

performances from the Moscow 

State Classical Ballet takes place on 

October 5-7, and the Karlsruhe Ballet 

from Germany on October 14-15. 

Russia’s top ballet companies, 

the Moscow State Classical Ballet, 

will be performing The Firebird 

and The Rite of Spring on October 5. 

In the first story, themes of love, 

magic and danger are presented 

and glorified whereas the latter 

tells the pagan tale of human 

sacrifice. Favourites like The 

An eclectic selection of cultural offerings 

range from the creme de la creme in Russian 

ballet to a tribute to Michael Jackson. 

Nutcracker and Legend of Swan Lake 

and the Ugly Duckling will also 

bewitch audiences with the magic of 

its fairytale and sheer talent. 

The Karlsruhe Ballet from 

Germany will also be enchanting 

audience with classics like A 

Midsummer Night’s Dream on 

October 14 and Gala Performance 

on October 15 with Youri Vámos 

as choreographer for the former 

performance, promising a stunning 

spectacle of elaborate set design. 

Packed with such cherished 

classics and impressive performances, 

Bangkok’s International Festival of 

Dance and Music will definitely 

appeal to a wide audience. 

For more information: bangkokfestivals.com 

Tickets: Thai Ticket Major (thaiticketmajor.com; Hotline 02 262 3191 and at the counters) 

Venue: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok 

80


กลับมาอีกครั้งกับมหกรรมศิลปะการแสดงและ 

ดนตรีนานาชาติ กรุงเทพฯ เฉลิมฉลองสอง 

ทศวรรษแห่งความตระการตา ระหว่างวันที่ 12 

กันยายน - 18 ตุลาคม 2561 นอกจากศิลปิน 

หลายพันคนจากทั่วทุกมุมโลกแล้ว กรุงเทพฯ 

ยังได้รับเกียรติจากวาทยากรระดับตำนาน 

Zubin Mehta กับอุปรากรที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดของ 

โลก พร้อมกับนักแสดงมากกว่า 250 ชีวิต 

เตรียมพบกับบัลเลต์คลาสสิกจากมอสโก 

และสิงคโปร์ การแสดงจากเยอรมนี ซิมโฟนี 

ออร์เคสตราจากเกาหลีและจีน รวมไปถึงการ 

แสดงอื่นๆ เช่น การแสดงเพอร์คัสชันจากไทเป 

การแสดงมายากลจากนิวยอร์กและห้าม 

พลาดการแสดงเพื่อระลึกถึงไมเคิล แจ็กสัน 

ที่หาดูที่ไหนไม่ได้อีกแล้ว 

ดื่มด่ำไปกับคณะอุปรากรที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดใน 

โลก ที่เริ่มขึ้นตั้งแต่ปี 1737 ในเนเปิลส์ อิตาลี 

บน 

ฟลาเม็งโกแนวผสมผสาน 

กับ 7 หนุ่มสเปน Los 

Vivancos ใน Born to 

Dance 

ขวา 

คณะบัลเลต์จากประเทศ 

เพื่อนบ้าน Singapore 

Dance Theatre กับการ 

แสดงในชุด Sleeping 

Beauty Act 3 

ซ้ายล่าง 

ตื่นตากับมายากลสุด 

อัศจรรย์จาก 7 สุดยอด 

นักมายากลนิวยอร์ก 

The Magnificent Seven 

มหกรรมครั้งนี้จะเผยความงามแห่งศาสตร์ 

อุปรากรให้ทุกคนตื่นตะลึง แสดงโดยคณะ 

ละคร San Carlo Opera House ผสมผสาน 

กับดนตรีโดยวาทยกร Zubin Mehta ใน 

Carmen อุปรากร 4 องก์ 

ยังไม่จบแค่นั้น Zubin Mehta ยังแสดง 

คอนเสิร์ตซิมโฟนีออร์เคสตรา 2 รายการใน 

วันที่ 13 และ 15 กันยายน ได้แก่ An Evening 

with Beethoven และ Tchaikovsky 

Symphonies เพื่อเฉลิมฉลองความสัมพันธ์ 

ไทยอิตาลีอันยาวนานกว่า 150 ปี ความ 

สัมพันธ์อันแน่นแฟ้นของประเทศไทยกับ 

ประเทศอื่นๆ ยังสื่อผ่านการแสดงจาก 

Korean Symphony Orchestra ในวันที่ 24 

กันยายน และ Hangzhou Philharmonic 

Orchestra จะแสดงวันที่ 1 ตุลาคม พร้อมกับ 

นักดนตรีกว่า 120 ชีวิต 

มหกรรมครั้งนี้จะสมบูรณ์ไปไม่ได้เลยถ้า 

ขาดการแสดงบัลเลต์โดย Singapore Dance 

Theatre ในวันที่ 26 กันยายน the Moscow 

State Classical Ballet ในวันที่ 5-7 ตุลาคม 

และ Karlsruhe Ballet ในวันที่ 14-15 ตุลาคม 

รวมไปถึง Moscow State Classical Ballet 

คณะบัลเลต์อันดับหนึ่งของรัสเซียในชุดการ 

แสดง The Firebird and The Rite of 

Spring วันที่ 5 ตุลาคม 

ที่กล่าวมาเป็นแค่ตัวอย่างไฮไลต์ความ 

อลังการเพียงเล็กน้อยเท่านั้น ความตื่นตาตื่นใจ 

ยังรอให้ทุกท่านมาสัมผัสได้ในมหกรรมศิลปะ 

การแสดงและดนตรีนานาชาติ กรุงเทพฯ ในปีนี้ 

82

WEDDING SPECIAL 

Destined 

to Get 

Married 

Words Pallavi Mehra 

Destination weddings are increasing in popularity. More and more couples 

are choosing to plan their nuptials in interesting getaways. In exotic 

locations, guests take a break from their busy schedules to celebrate a 

joyous occasion. They often turn the destination wedding into a personal 

holiday and explore a new country. 

More importantly, the wedding hosts are able to relax and celebrate while the 

execution is taken care of by the venue’s knowledgeable professionals. Often, 

destination weddings turn out to be more cost effective and easier to plan as 

luxury hotels have a team of experts to make your dream wedding a reality. 

Home to some of Asia’s most scenic locations 

and unforgettable experiences, the Kingdom of 

Thailand is truly majestic as a setting for weddings. 

A melting pot of religions and traditions, the 

country has a rich history of cultural influences, 

which are visible even today. 

Thus imagine a serene beach, a magnificent 

sunset, crashing waves and soft ocean breeze all 

coming together as a picture-perfect backdrop for 

your special day. In the romance of this setting, 

some couples choose to be bound together by the 

Thai tradition of tying a string together. 

With countless luxury resorts dotted along 

the shores, a wedding in Thailand offers guests 

a remarkably unique experience. The country 

hosts destination weddings all year round and 

sees over 100 Indian weddings a year. I’ve had 

the wonderful opportunity of attending over 

50 destination weddings all over the world. I 

have been a part of marriage revelries in places 

near and far, across the US, Europe, Asia and 

closer home in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, 

amongst others. 

84 

85


Ideal Spots for a Dream Wedding 

Some of my best experiences have been in Thailand. 

From Bangkok’s famed nightlife to Koh Samui’s serene 

beaches, Phuket’s hidden gems and Pattaya’s diverse 

entertainment options, you’ll find the best of everything 

in this beautiful country. 

When it comes to astounding, dreamlike beauty, it’s 

difficult to come close to wedding destinations like that 

of Koh Samui. The magical island of Koh Samui is ideal 

to tie the knot. Plan a wedding to remember with striking 

backdrops, exceptional hospitality, expert culinary 

teams and a personalised touch at one of Koh Samui’s 

extravagant resorts. 

Photo The Naka Phuket 

Top and Bottom Left 

Island resorts are the masters 

of providing wedding colours, 

themes and decorations. 

Bottom Right 

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & 

Spa offers a stunning walkway 

on the water for the ideal 

oceanside vow exchange. 

Photo Conrad Samui 

Clockwise 

from Above 

Beach weddings add 

extra romance to 

the occasion, topped 

off with elegantly 

inspired décor. 

Wedding planners 

can always be 

relied upon for their 

countless ideas to 

create your vision, 

with nature as the 

perfect backdrop. 

Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest 

island, is famed notably for its 

beaches. But it’s also gaining a 

reputation for its environmental 

awareness initiatives and promoting 

well-being through its yoga 

retreats, spa therapies and 

healthful dining. It now hosts a 

large variety of travellers, and the 

island’s uncanny ability to fit in 

travellers with different tastes, 

preferences, and budgets, while 

retaining its unique local culture, 

makes the island paradise a great 

destination for weddings. 

Many properties are set on a 

private beach, often with dramatic 

views of the Gulf of Thailand. The 

island’s breath-taking coastline, 

expanses of golden sand, sprawling 

lawns, and bright blue waters all 

form an idyllic backdrop for your 

fairy-tale wedding. Whether it’s a 

tropical vibe, or whimsical southern 

Thai architecture, or unrivalled 

views, all can create a sense of awe. 

Photo Conrad Samui 

Some resorts sprawl over 20 

acres in isolated areas or hills. 

Others provide spaces that jut out 

120 meters into the sea, creating 

a dream-like feeling of watery 

expanse and weightlessness. 

Numerous enchanting venues can 

host either intimate ceremonies or 

grand weddings. 

And you don’t necessarily 

have to travel far from Samui 

International Airport. Several 

resorts are just 10 minutes away, 

with pickup services easily arranged 

to and from there. Getting around 

the island can be arranged by the 

hotels; metred taxis on the island 

abound and daring souls who want 

to rent motorbikes may do so at 

their own risk if they are experts at 

manoeuvring sharp curves along 

the road. 

Wedding themes offer Thai 

and Western wedding ceremonies, 

which includes blessings from 

Thai monks and other local rituals. 

Themes can also come from the 

space itself – is it water, lush 

greens surroundings, or hills with 

a view that couples want, and 

what kind of emotions do they 

want to evoke? 

On Koh Samui’s more virgin 

north shore, guests can feel 

like they’re more isolated with 

its magnificent beach frontier. 

Whether it’s a gorgeous garden 

oasis or a golden sand beach, 

wedding festivities can feel very far 

removed from mundane reality. 

All in all, Koh Samui guarantees 

lush green natural landscape, 

private bays and ambience of 

discreet charm offers an unmatched 

backdrop for a vow exchange. 

Phuket is another natural 

choice for a destination wedding, 

and the biggest island of Thailand 

that sits on the Andaman Sea. The 

Tourism Authority of Thailand 

(TAT) website points out the many 

beaches to visit and note the fact 

Photo Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket 

that Laem Phromthep Viewpoint 

features the most beautiful sunsets 

in Thailand for even more romantic 

moments. For a beach break, cultural 

elements include classical architecture 

and heritage spots, the famous Phuket 

nightlife, and world-class shopping. 

In Phuket, I had a chance to 

attend an intimate destination 

wedding at a resort situated in the 

unspoiled Kamala Bay. The resort 

offered two natural settings — a 

private beach and an untouched 

hillside. Additionally, I have also 

been invited to a destination 

wedding in Phuket at a resort that 

has access not to one, but to three 

beaches. At the resort, verdant 

greenery rolls down to golden 

sand beaches, which gives way to 

blue waters that stretch out to the 

horizon. The wedding functions 

were hosted at the resort’s chic 

beach club, beach lounge and beach 

restaurant, amongst other venues. 

I have also been lucky to 

attend destination weddings in 

Photo Nikki Beach Samui 

Preparing for 

a Destination 

Wedding 

Some tips for guests 

to survive a taxing 

destination-wedding 

season include booking 

flights in advance, 

packing the essentials, 

drinking responsibly, 

being social, and always 

respecting the venue and 

laws and etiquette of the 

country. On the other 

hand, hosts should pick 

a venue which is easy 

for their guests to travel 

to and offers a good 

team of professionals to 

help plan the festivities. 

Finally, both hosts and 

guests should let their 

hair down and enjoy the 

merriment! 

Photo Le Méridien Samui 

Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong 

and Hua Hin in Thailand. 

The nuptial in Bangkok is 

one of the best weddings I 

have experienced. The first 

night of the extravagant 

revelries was held at a 

popular Bangkok rooftop 

bar, overlooking the city’s 

dazzling skyline. The next 

day, a leisurely pool party 

was organised for the guests 

at a lavish hotel’s pool deck, 

followed by a cocktail night 

and wedding ceremony at 

the hotel’s grand ballroom. 

The in-house events team 

of all the venues seemed to 

have extensive knowledge 

of Western, Thai and Indian 

weddings, and offered highly 

personalised service. 

Couples usually wed 

during the cooler months 

of November to February, 

when the rainy season has 

departed. From May to 

October, the skies may be 

grey, but Thai people are 

unfazed by this as sporadic 

showers are mostly of a short 

duration and the sun continues 

to shine. One thing to consider 

for the rainy season are 

special packages and offers 

during these months, since 

airfares may be lower with 

special hotel discounts prices 

offered during the so-called 

“green” season. 

Thailand offers 

spellbinding retreats that 

serve as a romantic setting 

for a celebration of love. 

I hope to keep coming 

back to Thailand for more 

destination weddings, and 

one day even host my own 

destination wedding in 

enchanting Thailand! 

86 

87


Blissful Nuptials 

พิธีแต่งงานในต่างแดนกำลังได้รับความ 

นิยมอย่างมากในหมู่คู่รักที่ต้องการหลีกหนี 

ตารางชีวิตอันเร่งรีบ พร้อมกับได้ท่องเที่ยว 

สถานที่แปลกใหม่ในคราวเดียว นับเป็น 

ทางเลือกที่เจ้าบ่าวเจ้าสาวแทบไม่ต้อง 

ตระเตรียมอะไรเลย แค่ไว้ใจทีมงานมือ 

ฉมัง ก็เนรมิตงานแต่งในฝันให้กลายเป็น 

จริงได้ในชั่วพริบตา 

และประเทศไทยคือสถานที่จัดงาน 

แต่งที่หลายคู่ใฝ่ฝัน ทั้งเจ้าภาพและแขก 

ในงานจะได้สัมผัสกับวัฒนธรรมอันวิจิตร 

หาดทรายขาว อาทิตย์อัสดง คลื่นสงบ 

เย็น และลมทะเลอันอ่อนโยน อีกทั้งยังมี 

โรงแรมหรูริมชายหาดเพื่อจัดงานแต่งงาน 

ที่ทุกคนจะไม่มีวันลืม 

จากที่ผู้เขียนได้รับเชิญไปงานแต่งงาน 

ต่างแดนมาแล้วเกือบทั่วทุกมุมโลก 

ประเทศไทยคือที่สุดในทุกๆ ด้าน และหาก 

ไม่พูดถึงเกาะสมุยคงเป็นไปไม่ได้ ลองนึก 

ภาพงานแต่งงานที่มีฉากหลังเป็นทะเล 

อันงดงาม ทีมปรุงอาหารมือหนึ่งและ 

รีสอร์ตที่จัดเตรียมมาเพื่อคุณโดยเฉพาะ 

นอกจากความอลังการทางธรรมชาติ 

สมุยยังขึ้นชื่อในเรื่องเป็นเกาะผู้นำที่มุ่งมั่น 

ในการสร้างจิตสำนึกด้านสิ่งแวดล้อม 

และเป็นเกาะเปิดกว้างไปด้วยกิจกรรม 

อันส่งเสริมคุณภาพชีวิตและสุขภาพอันดี 

สมุยจึงกลายเป็นทางเลือกสีเขียวที่ลงตัว 

ของคู่รักยุคใหม่ 

ไม่ไกลนักจากท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติ 

สมุย เดินทางด้วยรถแท็กซี่มิเตอร์เพียง 

ไม่ถึงสิบนาที คุณจะพบกับรีสอร์ตจำนวน 

มากที่ล้วนมีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัวเรียง 

รายรอคอยคู่รัก พร้อมจัดงานทั้งพิธีการ 

แต่งงานแบบไทยดั ้งเดิมและแบบสากล 

บ้างเป็นรีสอร์ตส่วนตัวที่แฝงตัวอยู่ ณ 

พื้นที่สงบห่างไกลผู้คน บ้างก็เป็นรีสอร์ต 

ที่พร้อมจัดงานเล็กๆ ท่ามกลางคนรู้ใจ 

โอบล้อมด้วยธรรมชาติแสนงดงามเป็น 

ฉากหลังให้บ่าวสาวได้พบประสบการณ์ 

ครั้งหนึ่งในชีวิตอันน่าจดจำ เกาะสมุย 

เป็นดั่งสถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานที่มอบทั้ง 

ความสวยงามของธรรมชาติรอบขุนเขา 

Photo Nikki Beach Samui 

บน-ล่าง 

จะมีสิ่งใดที่คู่บ่าวสาวจะ 

ปรารถนา นอกเหนือไป 

จากงานแต่งงานสุด 

โรแมนติกบนหาดทราย 

พร้อมพิธีสมรส 

ท่ามกลางสายลม 

แสงแดด ท้องทะเล 

และเพื่อนเจ้าบ่าว 

เจ้าสาวที่รู้ใจ 

การเตรียมการสำหรับ 

งานแต่งงานต่างแดน 

สำหรับแขกที่มาร่วมงาน 

ควรจองตั๋วเครื่องบินล่วงหน้า 

จัดเตรียมของที่จำเป็น 

ดื่มอย่างมีความรับผิดชอบ 

เคารพสถานที่ กฎหมาย และ 

ธรรมเนียมของประเทศ 

เจ้าภาพควรเลือกสถานที่จัด 

งานที่ง่ายต่อการเดินทาง และ 

มีทีมงานมืออาชีพที่เชื่อถือได้ 

เพื่อให้ทั้งเจ้าภาพและแขกได้รับ 

ประสบการณ์และความสนุก 

อย่างเต็มอิ่ม 

มีหาดทรายขาวละเอียดทอดยาวตัดกับ 

น้ำทะเลใสบริสุทธิ์ และอ่าวส่วนตัวที่ 

บรรดาคู่รักโรแมนติกไม่ว่าจากชาติไหน 

ต่างฝันถึง 

อีกฟากของประเทศไทย เกาะภูเก็ต 

นับเป็นสถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานอีกแห่งที่ 

ทุกคนจะตราตรึงไม่มีวันลืม สรวงสวรรค์ 

บนดินที่มีท้องทะเลอันดามันสีฟ้าคราม 

สดใสเป็นฉากหลัง ลงตัวที ่สุดสำหรับ 

การให้คำมั่นแห่งความรัก 

ภูเก็ตเต็มไปด้วยโรงแรมระดับเวิล์ด 

คลาสมากมาย โอบล้อมด้วยทัศนียภาพ 

งามงดบนเกาะอันเขียวขจีด้วยแนวต้น 

มะพร้าวและต้นสนทะเลเรียงราย นอกจาก 

ที่กล่าวมาทั้งหมดนี้ เกาะภูเก็ตยังเต็มไป 

ด้วยกลิ่นอายของวัฒนธรรมเขตร้อน 

แถมด้วยทางเลือกการจัดงานทั้งภายใน 

ห้องจัดเลี้ยงและสถานที่กลางแจ้งที่ทีมงาน 

ตระเตรียมไว้ได้อย่างน่าประทับใจ 

ผู้ขียนยังมีโอกาสได้รับเชิญไปร่วม 

งานแต่งงานทั้งในกรุงเทพฯ พัทยา ระยอง 

และหัวหิน ได้มีโอกาสยลแสงสียามค่ำคืน 

ของกรุงเทพฯ ยามราตรีจากบนสุดของ 

รูฟทอปบาร์ พร้อมพิธีแต่งงานแบบอินเดีย 

ในห้องจัดเลี้ยงอันโอ่อ่า โดยทีมงานมือ 

อาชีพ พร้อมกับบริการเพื่อเจ้าบ่าวและ 

เจ้าสาวโดยเฉพาะ 

ประเทศไทยคือสวรรค์ที่แท้จริงของ 

คู่รักที่ต้องการจัดงานแต่งงาน เก็บความ 

ทรงจำที่ไม่มีวันลืมเลือน และพร้อมจะ 

ย้อนกลับมาเยือนที่นี่ครั้งแล้วครั้งเล่า 

ผู้เขียนเองแอบหวังในใจว่าสักวันจะจัด 

งานแต่งงานของตัวเองขึ้นที่ไทยเช่นกัน 

Bliss Events & Wedding 

(Thailand), a professional 

events management and 

wedding planning company 

based in the paradise islands 

of Koh Samui and Phuket; 

specialises in destination 

events all over the Land of 

Smiles. Established in 2012, 

a young and energetic team 

with extensive experience in 

events management in various 

luxury hotels all over Thailand 

guarantee expert management 

in weddings of all sizes. 

With their own sound and 

lighting systems along with 

different styles in décor, you are 

only limited by your imagination. 

Their selection of fabrics, vases, 

cutleries, and decorative items 

bring out the wow factor. The Bliss 

team is versatile when it comes to 

ideas, planning and execution. No 

detail is left unattended to ensure 

the smooth running of weddings. 

Bliss Events also makes sure 

that the special moment is 

captured with experienced 

photographers and videographers. 

With the belief that not two 

weddings are alike, personalised 

service reassures each wedding 

couple in creating an unforgettable 

day. With a service that’s not 

only limited to a photographer 

and videographer, a vast selection 

of renowned hair and makeup 

artists work on creating the 

right look in keeping with your 

ideas for a dreamy wedding. 

More importantly, they offer 

a personalised and stress-free 

experience throughout the 

whole planning and execution 

process for lasting memories. 

Contact Ms. Chatjuta Limapant, 

info@blisseventthailand.com 

88


An Ideal Tropical 

Destination Wedding 

Thailand’s sun, sea and fun 

vibe ranks the country as one of 

the top places for a destination 

wedding. From wedding packages 

to all-inclusive packages created 

by hotels and venues, all the 

plannings have been done for you 

with the right beach wedding or 

celebration ideas. Planners give 

you ideas for unique ceremony and 

reception venues, right up to your 

wedding bouquet, boutonnieres, 

table centrepieces or ceremony 

and reception flowers. To create 

memories that last a lifetime, it’s 

all in the details. 

A Beach Wedding to Remember 

Santiburi Koh Samui offers unmatched romantic beach wedding packages 

complemented by personalised services, world-class accommodation, rounded 

out with delicious cuisine on stunning Koh Samui. Exchange your vows with 

a breathtaking tropical backdrop to a soundtrack of lapping waves on the 

champagne shores of a peaceful bay. Choose a western-style ceremony, or 

a Thai-inspired blessing. Indulge in a gourmet cuisine prepared by worldrenowned 

chefs and enjoy special entertainment performed for you and your 

guests. Whatever your preferences, an efficient team will help you create the 

perfect day. weddings@santiburisamui.com, Tel +66 (0) 77 425 031 

Romance on Lipa Noi Beach 

Nikki Beach Koh Samui Resort & Spa is perfectly situated 

on the stunning Lipa Noi beach in Thailand. Ideal for a 

romantic getaway or wedding, Nikki Beach Koh Samui 

offers picturesque view that faces the sunset side of Lipa 

Noi beach. As the first location in the Nikki Beach Hotels & 

Resort portfolio, no detail was spared when it came to this 

award-winning property, which is known for its five-star 

service and amenities. Brides can be kissed in the paradise 

setting of Koh Samui, with the hotel property able to 

accommodate a western wedding celebration for 30 guests. 

Hold a private wedding on their beachside Garden Villa, 

complete with flowers and decorations, enjoy an open 

bar and BBQ buffet and complimentary use of an evening 

reception venue. For more information, contact 

info.kohsamui@nikkibeach.com, Tel +66(0) 77 914 500 

Lavishly Celebrate Your Day 

A Clear Stage to Exchange Vows 

Dreams of a perfect wedding can come to life in 

sunny Koh Samui. With miles of golden sand and lush 

tropical gardens, the setting of Anantara Bophut creates 

memorable moments that make your fairytale wedding 

come true. Walk down an aisle of soft sand strewn with 

flowers that leads to a canopied archway, or choose to 

honour your love in an intimate garden ceremony. 

At Anantara Bophut, your special day can be tailored 

with a choice of Western or Thai ceremonies in aweinspiring 

venues. Colourful rituals and lavish extras add 

finishing touches to your romance. 

bophutsamui@anantara.com, Tel +66 (0) 77 428 300 

Have your ideal wedding at Conrad 

Koh Samui, where the ceremony can 

be an intimate one for both of you 

or as grand as you wish, right up to 

200 guests. Exchange your wedding 

vows while barefoot on soft, white 

sand, in the romance of a place 

surrounded by coconut trees. Adding 

to the ambience is the sound of waves 

lapping gently at the beach. For the 

ultimate experience, exchange your 

vows over the water, as you stand 

on the resort's signature wedding 

platform: a transparent stage. Book 

their signature wedding package, 

starting from THB 108,888 net 

before October 31, 2018 and save 

up to 10% when confirming your 

wedding dates before June 30, 2019. 

For wedding enquiries, email 

USMKS.events@conradhotels.com, 

Tel +66 (0) 77 915 888 

A “Hiro” for Your Day 

Wedding couples at Tongsai Bay rely quite a bit on the 

eco-luxe property’s wedding planner. One guest says, 

“Hiro (pronounced ‘hero’ which is very fitting!) is a 

genuinely kind and helpful man and we cannot speak 

highly enough of him and how wonderful he is at his job. 

His communication and organisation skills are second 

to none and he did all in his power to make the day run 

smoothly. The cake and the flowers were beautiful and 

just as we had requested, the ceremony and private 

dining setup were breath-taking and Hiro helped us 

choose the perfect makeup artist, entertainment and 

celebrant.” weddings@tongsaibay.co.th, 

Tel +66 (0) 77 913 750 

Uniquely Exquisite Way to Wed 

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa unveils the perfect venue that 

transforms the wedding you’ve dreamed of into reality. The resort’s 

spectacular Ocean Pier floats the length of 120 metres out into the 

water with panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand. It’s simply 

a unique setting for all couples to indulge in romantic private 

dinners, enjoy celebratory cocktails at sunset and intimate wedding 

ceremonies. Exclusive wedding packages are at the ready, should you 

be inclined towards a Western wedding or wish to explore a Thaithemed 

ceremony. A professional team will go above and beyond to 

create memorable moments. Wedding packages at Le Méridien Koh 

Samui Resort & Spa start from THB 110,000 net. For more inquiries, 

please contact, sales.kohsamui@lemeridien.com, 

Tel +66 (0) 77 960 888 

90 91


With A View to Say “I Do” 

At Novotel Phuket Resort, a perfect and memorable wedding day begins with a 

view and a team of experts dedicated to making your day special. Nestled on 

a hillside overlooking Patong Bay on 8 acres of tropical landscaped garden, 

it’s just a short stroll from Patong Beach; the island’s nightlife and shopping 

centre. Bridal couples can relax in the three-tiered swimming pool with a 

panoramic view of the Andaman Sea, savour the local cuisine and take in the 

sunset on the terrace. Novotel Phuket Resort is just truly a place for living the 

wedding fantasy. Chris and Kerri who got married there say, “We have some 

fond memories of our time spent when we had our wedding,” and already have 

plans to book the same room to celebrate their one-year anniversary, along 

with Christmas and New Year. event@novotelphuket.com, Tel +66 (0) 76 342 777 

Location is Key 

to A Dreamy Day 

Embark on a journey of 

wedded bliss at Banyan Tree 

Samui, where romantic vistas 

of the Gulf of Thailand and 

the serenity of a private 

bay combines to create a 

setting as unique as your 

love story. Whether for a 

wedding ceremony nestled 

beachside or perched on 

the hillside overlooking 

the resort, this intimate 

destination delivers a retreat 

to nature and tranquillity, 

setting the mood for the 

most unforgettable day of 

your life. 

The resort’s wedding 

specialist, along with their 

team of dedicated associates, 

is fully committed to help 

ensure your dream wedding 

proceeds smoothly and 

becomes a cherished 

memory for you and your 

special guests. 

An Indulgent Getaway 

for Couples 

Twinpalms Phuket is literally a paradise to 

indulge for the honeymoon of a lifetime. With a 

location that’s within a stone’s throw from the 

enchantment of Surin beach, it’s easily one of 

the most beautiful and least crowded stretches of 

sand on Phuket’s west coast. Popular as a couple’s 

destination, the resort offers a wide-range of 

activities, from local experiences to luxurious 

pampering in a quiet and peaceful setting. 

The resort offers ‘strictly romance’ that 

lives up to the dreams of most couples. An 

inviting swimming pool amidst the guest room 

chalets is designed in harmonious blending with 

their water garden. Another romantic venue at 

Twinpalms Phuket is the HQ Beach Lounge, a 

place to dine, celebrate and soak up the sea views. 

With the chic simplicity of your surroundings, 

enjoy light beachside fare, wine and music that’ll 

soothe your soul. book@twinpalms-phuket.com, 

Tel +66 (0) 76 316 599 

62 

Dream Beach Wedding 

At the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, the kiss after 

an exchange of vows becomes more special 

while barefoot on a white sand beach, or you can 

choose the soft blanket of a green lawn. 

As the hotel aims to please, they strive to 

create a “heaven on earth” experience for an 

unforgettable and exotic dream beach wedding. 

Choose your choice of venue, along with a 

meticulous preparation and service. Hosting your 

wedding reception is a treat for all senses, with 

cuisine and settings to suit your personal taste 

and preferences. 

The resort’s dynamic wedding team offers 

a personalised service to ensure distinctive and 

individual weddings while paying close attention 

to details. Contact dream maker: 

naruebadin.hm@dusit.com, Tel +66 (0) 76 362 999 

Above and Beyond 

Memorable 

The Naka Phuket is the ultimate 

destination for memorable 

weddings in paradise. With 

its spectacular architecture 

and views, it’s the perfect 

location for intimate wedding 

ceremonies of up to 120 of 

your closest friends and family. 

A variety of exotic locations 

are available within the hotel 

property – from a white sandy 

beach to their lush green lawn, 

or the MEKA sky lounge. 

dos@thenakaphuket.com, 

Tel +66 (0) 76 337 999 

Your Contact for Weddings 

Pawadee Sangthamrong 

Food & Beverage, Romance & Dining Concierge 

E-mail 

pawadee.sangthamrong@banyantree.com 

Create Unforgettable Memories 

In An Unforgettable Setting 

Banyan Tree Samui 

99/9 Moo 4 Maret Samui, Surat Thani 

84310 Thailand 

+66 (0) 77 915 333, +66 (0) 77 915 388 

www.banyantree.com 

65


A Well-crafted 

Wedding 

Samujana provides full-serviced Wedding Planning – 

and will happily welcome an external wedding planner 

if you prefer. A dedication to 5-star service means 

they effortlessly combine contemporary luxury with 

Thai hospitality, to create bespoke and well-crafted 

experiences and everlasting memories. 

From intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations, 

Samujana can host your entire wedding party for the 

ultimate destination wedding. With expert wedding 

associates, and international suppliers, you are 

assured utmost attention is given to all details. 

Samujana’s scenery alone is a beautiful backdrop 

for a picturesque wedding. Knowing that every bridal 

couple deserves the best, you can enlist the aid of their 

best team of set designers, to bring beauty to life in each 

wedding. With a personal touch from experts, Samujana 

can help turn wedding ideas into cherished memories 

when you celebrate ‘forever,” be it a luxury-themed 

arrangement or a gorgeous rustic-theme. 

A dedicated personal wedding specialist will help 

craft and organise your dream wedding, priding 

themselves on that personal touch. From plans that 

begin with the wedding date down to the how the 

lighting should be shown at the reception, all these 

factors contribute to first-class service. 

No Wedding 

Is Too Big or 

Too Small 

If it’s a cosy affair you’re after for your wedding, 

Beach Republic on Koh Samui’s paradise setting 

can easily work with you to make it an intimate 

one for both of you. But if you want to go big, 

Beach Republic can easily take the lead in making 

all the arrangements for your perfect wedding. 

“Relax” may be the last word that comes 

to mind but leave the planning to their 

wedding coordinators so that you can 

focus on you and your loved one. 

Having done this countless times, 

their professional team aims to exceed 

all expectations on your special day. Find 

out what pre-set packages and menus 

are on offer for a wedding ceremony 

and celebration as they aim to please. In 

addition to a Perfect Wedding, the team 

is happy to put together a Commitment 

Ceremony, Stag Night, Hen Night, or all 

manners of vow renewals. 

67


Personal Touches 

to a Special Day 

For heartfelt beach weddings with a personal touch, the ideal 

setting of Banana Fan Sea resort on Koh Samui's Chaweng 

Beach offers not only an incredibly charming venue for your 

wedding day, but also a remarkable team. They’ll organise a 

memorable event in a lush landscape along the picturesque 

stretch of white sandy beach. From the exchanging of vows, 

to the cheers of champagne popping, the celebratory dinner 

or an intimate romantic dinner for two, even a joyous gala to 

share the blissful moments with all your friends and family, all 

is done right on the beautiful beach with backdrop of cerulean 

blue oceans of Thailand. 

Reasons For a Tropical Wedding 

At Amari Koh Samui the setting is picture 

perfect. Blue skies, aquamarine seas, white 

sand beaches and swaying palms are the bonus 

points to an island resort with a contemporary 

airy design. Add delicious dining options, the 

latest conveniences and touches of legendary 

Thai hospitality to the mix, and couples have a 

recipe for the perfect wedding destination on a 

tropical island. 

A Western-style Wedding Package at Amari 

Koh Samui has all the details covered from 

the moment guests arrive, to planning and 

organising throughout the ceremony until the 

after party ends. Alternatively, enjoy nuptials 

that has the vibrant mix of ritual, colour and 

music special to Thai weddings. The Buddhist 

Wedding Package covers all the details, leaving 

everyone to bask in its uniqueness. 

A wedding on the beach is the best way to 

ensure the most stunning wedding photos. A 

photographer will not only get photos of the 

ceremony, but will also follow the couple on a 

romantic walk along the sandy shore and take 

candid snapshots in the best possible light. 

A Beach Wedding That’s Uniquely Yours 

Banana Fan Sea Resort 

201 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road, 

T. Bophut, Koh Samui, 

Surat Thani 84320, Thailand. 

For further information on wedding packages, please contact: 

sales@bananafansea.com 

www.bananafansea.com 

Tel: 66 (0) 77 413 483-6


Bespoke Romance, 

Anantara Style 

Your paradise beach wedding 

comes to life in extraordinary style 

at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. 

Visualise pristine sands and the 

dazzling Andaman Sea as your 

backdrop, framed by exquisite 

floral tributes. Begin that first 

step to the wedding march with 

a lullaby of waves joining in. 

Choose between an array of 

wedding options, and enjoy the 

professional and attentive service 

of a dedicated wedding planner 

who will ensure that every fantasy 

is realised to perfection. Create 

a lavishly grand or intimate 

celebration, before relaxing into 

an unforgettable honeymoon. 

Their Wedding Package includes: 

• Elegant cabana set-up 

• Instrumental background music during 

ceremony (from an in-house library) 

• Chair and table set-up for ceremony 

• Anantara wedding certificate 

• Anantara wedding planner services 

• Four hours with a professional 

photographer 

• One bottle of sparkling wine for the 

wedding night 

• Roundtrip airport transfer for bride 

and groom 

The First Step to “Together” 

Begins With the Right Place 

Find out more about our 

wedding packages and how we 

can create the perfect celebration, 

please contact our dedicated 

Wedding Specialists at 

+66 (0) 76 317 200 or 

email: jiraporn_jo@anantara.com 

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort 

168, Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, 

Cherngtalay, Amphur Thalang, 

Phuket 83110 THAILAND 

T+ 66 (0) 76 317 200, 

M+ 66 (0) 93 574 2297 

www.anantara.com

N THE MOOD 

OF A MONSOON 

GALLERY 

Words and Photos Bigs Vatcharasith 

A photographer lands in Hong Kong with 

expectations to capture the essence of 

multidimensional Hong Kong. Stuck in what he 

called a complicated opportunity of either being 

caught in the rain or bestowed teasing bursts of 

sunshine, his reward was the island’s fierce beauty. 

hat can you expect if you arrive in Hong Kong 

during the monsoon season and a typhoon greets 

you? Sure, it’s common enough during the season 

but what does the wrath of Category 8 storm advisory mean? 

Perplexed with the rain’s shifting moods, I start and stop, 

the changing weather plays with my emotions. 

I woke up every morning for days on end in Hong Kong 

with this conundrum – what can I expect? I don’t want to go 

out, there’s a storm warning posted everywhere. 

I try to cheer up. If you want something different, you’ve 

got to fight for it. 

I’m walking in the rain, it’s crazy windy. I’m giving 

myself a pep talk. Be patient, I repeat to myself, and wait for 

the perfect light. Use my instincts, find the hidden message 

in this situation. 

Hong Kong skyscrapers do a nightly 

symphony of colourful lights that’s 

best experienced from the water. 

100 

101

GALLERY 

TOP AND BOTTOM 

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel 

offers rides day and night at the 

iconic Harbourfront. 

Locals still flock to traditional 

eateries for Cantonese favourites. 

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE 

Des Voeux Road West, also known 

as the “Dried Seafood Street”, 

where families buy ingredients for 

dinner banquets. 

Street scenes intensify in colour 

after the rain. 

One should try the ferry crossing 

between Kowloon and Hong Kong 

Islands for the view. 

102 103

GALLERY 

ABOVE, BELOW 

The colours and moods contrast on a rainy day. 

Culinary destinations in Hong Kong include dining 

spots popular among locals and tourists. 

OPPOSITE 

Still non-stop at night in the Central district 

of Hong Kong. 

104 

105

GALLERY 

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER 

Bigs Vatcharasith is a high-profile 

fashion, commercial and fine art 

photographer currently based 

in Bangkok. 

He has studied at Silpakorn 

University in the Thai capital, the 

London College of Printing and the 

London College of Fashion. Bigs 

comes from a creative background 

that spans architecture, fashion 

and art. 

His work has appeared in various 

magazines as well as corporate media 

and advertisements in Asia. 

ABOVE 

Man Mo temple: a serendipitous 

exploration during a downpour. 

Located in Sheung Wan, 

the altar is dedicated to the 

literature god Man Tai. 

BELOW 

Life goes on, even during 

a monsoon. Busy lanes lead 

to small, intimate alleys 

of discovery. 

OPPOSITE TOP 

Waiting to watch the 

‘Symphony of Lights’; in 

Mongkok with a treasure 

trove of bargains. 

OPPOSITE BOTTOM 

Lan Fong Yuen, an old tea 

house known for inventing the 

smooth, malty milk tea strained 

through a ‘stocking’. 

106 

107

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Calling on LINE 

LINE friends come to 

life in Bangkok. Stroll 

through their digital 

theme park or hang 

out for a game with a 

favourite character. 

BANGKOK 110 / SAMUI 116 / PHUKET 120 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 124 / TRAT 125 / 

CHENGDU, CHONGQING & GUANGZHOU 126 / HONG KONG 128 / SINGAPORE 130 / KL 131 / PHNOM PENH & SIEM REAP 132 / 

HANOI & QUY NHON 134 / YANGON 136 / VIENTIANE 138 / MALDIVES & MUMBAI 139 

109

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

BANGKOK 

SPOTLIGHT 

“Line” Up for a Digital World 

People who go gaga over the cuteness of the 

characters from Line Friends will get the chance 

to experience the adventures of Brown, Cony, 

and their pals in a different dimension with Line 

Village Bangkok. From their beginnings as a 

messaging app, the Line characters now feature 

in their own digital theme park. With a sprawl 

across 1,500 sq. metres in the capital city, various 

sections of the place draw inspiration from each 

Line character’s passion and style. One of which 

is Brown’s Room where visitors glimpse the 

world of the popular though silent bear, along 

with Cony’s House where players help our rabbit 

friend cook via a touch-screen game. This digital 

destination features a space that offers not only 

adventures in virtual reality, but also the best 

spots for Instagram destined shots. Siam Square 

One, 388 Rama I Rd, linevillagebangkok.com, 

+66 (0) 95 503 6666 

PREMIUM FLUFFY 

This is great (and delicious) news for pancake lovers as famed 

Gram Café & Pancakes finally opens in Thailand. From its 

original spot in Osaka, Japan, the ever popular Gram Café & 

Pancakes brings its mouth-watering interpretations that’s been 

tagged as “the best, no.1 pancake house in Osaka” by those 

who’ve enjoyed the light batter and presentation. All this 

goodness can be had with their location on the ground floor 

of the Siam Paragon shopping complex here in Bangkok. With 

their distinctive green logo, the café guarantees its famous 

“Premium Pancakes”, a tower of fluffy good that comes in three 

sumptuous layers. To celebrate its first branch in the Land 

of Smiles, Gram Pancakes is launching an exclusive menu of 

“Premium to Go.” Ground floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd, 

facebook.com/grampancakesthailand 

PURE AND TRUE 

Brisuthi or “pure” in Thai definitely sums 

up the essence of this organic beauty 

brand. The founders’ passion for skincare 

products led to the major step towards 

customising their organic oil involving 

meticulously-sought premium and 

beneficial ingredients from all over the 

world. If your quest is for true beauty 

results, Brisuthi caters that need with their 

organic product line that is minimalist in 

design, but maxes out when it comes to 

benefits. Its star, the “African Baobab Oil 

Treatment Cleanser”, as an 

example, truly gets to the heart of the 

brand. The cleanser contains Morocco’s 

best organic oil as certified by the USDA 

Organic symbol and gently washes away 

all make-up, helps unclog pores, and leaves 

skin wonderfully refreshed and balanced. 

Ecotopia, 4th floor, Siam Discovery, 

989 Rama I Road, facebook.com/brisuthi 

110

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

BANGKOK 

SPOTLIGHT 

The Empyrean Offering from 

the Avocado 

Nothing beats lying down 

on an avocado-shaped 

cushion or sharing a table 

with strangers in Thailand’s 

first ever avocado-themed 

café. The Hass Bistro was 

inspired by the owners’ 

passion for the buttery 

richness of avocados. The 

name of the café also derives 

its name from what is the 

world’s top cultivar for the 

avo, now the café’s star 

product in their savoury and 

sweet menu flavours. 

Having the fruit by itself 

is just the tip of the avocado 

iceberg. Hass Bistro proves 

that avocados suit various 

dishes, sliced or smashed in 

hamburgers, into Vietnamese 

spring rolls – all that beyond 

guacamole and tortilla chips. 

Don’t forget to try the softest 

of the soft – an avocado 

cheesecake with avocado 

sauce, sure to satisfy avocado 

lovers. 1/6 Sukhumvit 49, 

facebook.com/thehassbistro, 

+66 (0) 99 192 9626 

UP WITH WINE 

Located on the 3rd floor of Brasserie Cordonnier, The Bar 

Upstairs provides a wine library housed in décor inspired by 

the rustic charm of a Provençal house. It offers a fun and 

laid-back atmosphere in which guests can discover the art and 

enjoyment of wine under its high-ceiling roof. With classes, 

a retail space and everything dedicated to all things wine, 

The Bar Upstairs welcomes anyone wishing for a good time 

and excellent wine. Homemade terrines, imported cheeses, 

cold cuts as well as light fare is available from Brasserie 

Cordonnier’s kitchen. 33/30 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 11 (Chaiyos), 

upstairsbkk.com, +66 (0) 2821 5110 

112

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

BANGKOK 

A FOREST BAKE 

The Chiang Mai-based Forest 

Bake is finally introducing 

Bangkokians to the delicious 

charm of their bakery. Apart 

from offering sumptuous 

artisanal baked goods using the 

best ingredients, Forest Bake 

BKK adjusts itself to the fast 

beat of an urban lifestyle by 

offering delivery and grab-andgo 

baked goods. Designed like 

a modern cabin, the bakery 

stands out from the cluster 

of Sukhumvit 22 shophouses, 

and attractive in warm wood 

tones. Upon entering, customers 

are immediately greeted with 

a long table full of baked 

goods inspired by recipes 

from around the world from 

their Bakery Showcase where 

customers can grab what they 

want to take back. 

224/3 Soi Ma Seuk Sukhumvit 22, 

forestbake.com, 

+66 (0) 61 397 7077 

SPOTLIGHT 

Revival in Therapeutic Arts 

The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin 

Oriental Bangkok celebrated its 

25th anniversary by unveiling two 

new treatment packages that reintroduces 

ancient Thai traditional 

therapeutic arts, namely the Thai 

northern Lanna style of Tok Sen 

and the Isaan style bamboo 

massage. Such total indulgence 

includes an herbal foot bath, a 

body wrap and scrub, your regional 

choice for therapy, a warm herbal 

body oil massage and a warm foot 

herbal compress. 

While the Spirit of Isaan package 

features body scrubs made from 

Thailand’s northeastern region that’s 

famous for black sticky rice and 

jasmine rice, the Lanna Ceremony 

meanwhile is beneficial by using 

indigenous staples. “Bai miang” 

or preserved tea leaves and fang, a 

native plant with a red bark from 

the Thai northern region is known 

for promoting blood circulation and 

strengthening the skin structure. The 

ancient massage of Tok Sen uses a 

small wooden wedge and hammer to 

lightly tap away muscle tension along 

the body’s meridian lines. The 2.5 hour 

package is at 7,000++ Baht including 

a standard massage room. The Deluxe 

Suite and their iconic Oriental Suite 

are also available. Indeed, it’s a great 

and quality escapade to one of the best 

luxury spas in Bangkok. Opens daily 

9.00 - 22.00, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bang 

Rak, mandarinoriental.com/bangkok, 

+66 (0) 2659 0000 

114

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

SAMUI 

High in the hills of Chaweng Noi 

sits a favourite local venue with 

arguably one of the best views on 

the island. That legendary resort, 

restaurant and lounge is The 

Jungle Club. With an outstanding 

reputation for relaxed vibes, 

delicious cocktails, and inventive 

food cooked by a five-star chef, 

the Jungle Club is not giving up 

SPOTLIGHT 

A Jungle Up High 

its top spot anytime soon. The breathtaking 

coastal views combined with the 

comfortable bohemian setting can have 

you spending a whole afternoon and 

evening at this high-up venue. Offering 

bungalows and an infinity pool for guests 

as well, the Jungle Club really does have 

it all. Pick-up services are available 

for patrons as the drive up to this 

beautiful location is not for the faint of 

heart. Guests are encouraged to book 

in advance for optimum seating and 

pick-up services. jungleclubsamui.com, 

+66 (0) 81 891 8363 

PUT YOUR ARCHERY SKILLS TO THE TEST 

Hidden off the beaten path in Maenam Soi 1 is some daring fun those with a keen 

eye and a steady hand. The Flying Arrow Restaurant & Archery is a heart-pumping 

day activity for novices or pros to practise shooting a variety of bows at staggered 

targets. Archery lessons and instructions are offered on site and the highest safety 

precautions are taken for visitors wanting to test their skills. The Flying Arrow 

Restaurant & Archery offers not only the recreational activity of Archery in a 

beautiful setting, but also delicious local and western food and drinks for patrons 

to enjoy throughout the day. Bookings can be made in advance or in person. 

flying-arrow.net, +66 (0) 83 045 8209 

Photos by Chatta Phoyen 

DISC CHALLENGE 

Located in Maenam Soi 5 is one of Samui’s most unique sports 

offerings – Samui Disc Golf, where you try your best to swing 

a disc into a basket. With challenging courses laid out amongst 

towering palm trees, and beautiful rolling grass fields, a day spent 

here is more than just a fun sporting event, it’s also an immersion 

into nearly untouched nature. With annual competitions being 

held at the course, Samui Disc Golf has established itself as a 

top destination for professional Disc Golfers from all over the 

world. International crowds gather each year for competition 

and comradery. In addition to the annual competitions, Samui 

Disc Golf is open to the public year-round and regularly holds 

barbecues and parties. samuidiscgolf.com, +66 (0) 98 670 1768 

116

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

SAMUI 

SPOTLIGHT 

Running the Distance 

The annual Samui Festival Marathon & Trail Run 

is returning for its 12th year on 30 September, 

2018. In conjunction with the annual Samui 

Festival, the marathon draws long distance 

runners from around the country. A number 

of different race lengths 

are available. Each year 

participants come together 

to push themselves past 

physical limits amongst the 

picturesque island setting. After 

the race, runners can enjoy 

entertainment, food, and fun 

at the Samui Festival in Nathon 

town. gotorace.com/event/ 

samui-festival-marathon-2018 

CHILL OUT BEACH CAFÉ 

Emerging as Lamai’s new favourite café on the 

beach is Yousabuy Samui, which offers guests fresh 

food and drinks on an idyllic beachfront setting. 

Positioned perfectly on a low-tide area of Hua- 

Thanon beach, the café draws guests from all areas 

of the island. Beautifully painted wood, breezy 

white drapes line the café, adding to the relaxed 

island feeling you can only find on a beach. Located 

only 700 metres from the Guan Yu Shrine of Koh 

Samui, the Yousabuy is an obvious stop after a day 

of cultural activities on the island. facebook.com/ 

Yousabuysamui, +66 (0) 89 450 0895 

Photos by Chatta Phoyen 

SIBLINGS CAFÉ 

One of the most unique and true-toits-roots 

restaurants, Sweet Sisters 

Café lies far off the normal beaten 

tourist paths of Chaweng and Bophut. 

It’s proven to be well worth the journey 

to its southern location. Khun Noi’s 

emphasis on local, organic, and 

healthy ingredients combined with 

her creative flair keep her customers 

coming back for more. Not to mention 

the impressive and extensive menu 

featuring over 100 options, and special 

that change daily. After a healthy and 

fulfilling meal enjoyed in the open-air 

café, guests can go to the connected 

shop to purchase local snacks, imported 

and local health foods, and handicrafts 

made by skilled Thai artisans. 

facebook.com/sweetsisters.cafe.samui, 

+66 (0) 86 470 8631 

A MIND-BENDING EXERCISE 

With the rainy season approaching here in the South, 

you might find yourself looking for adventure while being 

sheltered from the rain. Those adventure seekers need not 

look further than the Escape Break Room housed in Beach 

Republic in Lamai. For those who want a true challenge, a 

night in the EBR allows guests a one hour to escape from 

a locked room full of riddles and mysteries. Deductive 

reasoning and a group effort are needed to escape before 

time runs out. Opened in 2014, the Escape Break Room has 

only continued to grow in popularity while offering a number 

of different options and themes in each room. While not 

required, advanced bookings are advised, either by phone or 

website. facebook.com/escapebreaksamui, +66 (0) 77 458 100 

118

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

PHUKET 

SPOTLIGHT 

Khao Khad’s Towering View 

Photos Jeremie Schatz 

When it comes to killer views in 

Phuket, the vast majority of travellers 

find themselves atop the iconic Big 

Buddha with its towering statue, or 

the favoured Karon viewpoint with a 

birds-eye view of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, 

and Karon beaches. 

A lesser known yet equally magical 

spot to soak in the sights is the Khao 

Khad View Tower in Cape Panwa. 

Located just a quick jaunt south from 

Phuket Town, this well-marked 

mountaintop can be easily accessed via 

car or motorbike with ample parking to 

boot. Enjoy the drive as the road sneaks 

through the dappled light of lush jungle 

and rubber tree plantations. A staircase 

directly accesses the 360-degree 

lookout tower while a circuitous 

walkway takes you to several picnic 

tables tucked into banana trees off to 

the sides. Bring some snacks and make 

a picnic of it amongst the mountain 

breezes and buzzing cicadas. Don’t be 

surprised to have it all to yourself. 

T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket, 

+66 (0) 63 536 7045 

8080 CAFÉ 

Following their grand opening three years ago across from 

Central Festival shopping mall, 8080 Café Phuket has found 

its niche as a popular motorcycle-themed hotspot for night 

life. Hosting live rock entertainment, this industrial-style bar/ 

music venue/motorcycle shop gets hopping on the weekends. 

It’s a magnet for local “big bike” enthusiasts to show off their 

rides from cool café racers and rumbling Harley Davidson’s to 

stylish Triumphs and trendy Vespas. Join in on an organised 

ride around southern Thailand. Buy a new Vespa, or swing by 

for a cold one, shoot some pool, and enjoy the scene. 

Beside HomeWorks Phuket, T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket, 

+66 (0) 61 176 7744, 8080cafephuket.com 

ANTHEM WAKEPARK 

With its world famous beaches and 

tepid azure seas, it’s no wonder Phuket’s 

visitors flock to the water. However, the 

sea is not the only place to cool off and 

have fun. Anthem Wakepark can be 

found on the shores of their very own 

lake oasis tucked beside Wat Manik in 

Cherngtalay. The ultra-friendly staff, 

pro-level equipment, and laid back vibes 

make Anthem a choice spot to post up 

with friends or the family. Never wake 

boarded before? Worry not as one of 

their experienced instructors will have 

you carving it up in no time. Sporting a 

650-metre-long cable with 11 obstacles 

and a separate beginner’s cable, all level 

of rider can participate and progress. 

Get out on the water or chill on the deck 

with something tasty from the kitchen 

and a mojito and watch the show. 

194/6 M.7 Si Sunthon Road, Phuket, 

+66 (0) 76 620 034, anthemwakepark.com 

120

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

PHUKET 

SPOTLIGHT 

Vegetarian Festival Phuket 

Occurring from October 8-17, 

this ritual celebration by the 

Thai-Chinese community is 

an act of veneration to honour 

one’s ancestors and gods. 

Although celebrated around 

Southeast Asia, about a third of 

Phuket locals take part making 

it the largest such celebration. 

Devotees dressed in white, 

which signifies purification via 

their abstinence in consuming 

meat and stimulants, will enter 

trance-like states, and perform 

flagrant acts of self-mutilation. 

All the festivities and processions 

come to a head on the final day 

where spectators line the streets 

and fill the temples to witness 

the crescendo of this impressive 

albeit bizarre tradition. 

During this time, visitors 

will see Phuket transform 

with restaurants, street stalls, 

and pop-up tents serving up 

all variety of vegetarian fare. 

Be brave, some dishes may 

look suspect but the flavours 

can be surprisingly varied and rich. Despite the 

seemingly violent nature of this Taoist tradition, 

there’s a festive air and visitors are welcome 

to view the processions and temple activities. 

Jui Tui and Bang Niaw Shrines in Phuket Town 

are the buzzing epicentres of festivities during 

the celebration. For more information, contact the 

Tourism Authority of Thailand, 191 Thalang Road, 

T. Talad Yai, A. Muang, Phuket, +66 (0) 76 211 036. 

GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP 

Following its recent inclusion as an 

Olympic sport, surfing’s popularity in 

Thailand is on the rise. Good beginner 

surfing beaches like Kata and Khao 

Lak have seen a surge in domestic and 

international tourists looking to learn 

how to hang ten. There is a smattering 

of surf shops peddling goods around 

the island, but none with the style of 

the Green Room Surf Shop in Nai Harn 

Beach. You’ll find something for everyone 

from a selection of men’s and women’s 

beachwear, swimsuits, accessories, 

bicycle rentals and, of course, surfboards. 

Secondhand boards can be found as well 

as a rack full of locally-made Elleciel 

Surfboards. These unique wood and epoxy 

masterpieces are equally at home on the 

waves or on artistic display. Custom boards 

available and encouraged. Stop by and 

say hi to Nueng who will brew you up 

a strong coffee to sip while you shop 

for your new board. 15/53 Viset Road, 

Rawai (Nai Harn beach), Phuket, 

+66 (0) 83 102 9532 

PHUKET’S NEW LIFESTYLE HUB 

This September, Central Pattana Group (CPN) officially 

debuts Central Phuket – the newest flagship resort 

shopping destination in the heart of Phuket. It comprises 

a complex shopping centre with 2 buildings (Floresta and 

Festival) connected by a sky-link to bring the concept of a 

leisure and luxury lifestyle and family excursion that’s all in 

one place. 

Housing over 400 retail stores, Central Phuket adds 

many options to entertain its visitors with 3 world-class 

attractions, including “Tribhum” – the Mystery of Three 

Worlds in a 3D walkthrough theme park, “Aquaria,” Thailand’s 

largest aquarium and “Tales of Thailand” – where people 

can shop, browse and chill within the atmosphere of a 

traditional Thai floating market. centralphuket.com 

AO YON BEACH CAPE PANWA 

Tucked away down a winding coastal 

road on Phuket’s Cape Panwa peninsula 

is a small unassuming strip of tropical 

sea-kissed sand split in two by a rocky 

headland. Although not on the same list 

as Phuket’s famous west coast beaches, 

this little gem is a quiet, scenic spot 

perfect for a peaceful sunset with your 

toes dangling in the Andaman. A weekend 

favourite of the locals, you’ll find families 

picnicking and teenagers taking selfies 

with the cool formations on the rocky promontory. 

You will discover several small cafés and restaurants 

as you stroll the golden sands. 

When the northwest monsoon isn’t blowing 

(November-April) the sailing school offers training, 

team building, day trips and more. In calm weather, 

adventurous souls can rent a kayak and paddle across 

the channel to Lon Island to wander the beach or 

bring a snorkel and explore the aquatic wonders of 

the barrier reef. T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket 

122

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI 

THAILAND 

KOH CHANG 

Luxury, a unique design, and the 

tranquil banks of the Ping River set 

the scene at X2 Chiang Mai Riverside 

Resort, immersing guests with a 

good balance of Lanna heritage 

and an active Chiang Mai city. X2 

(pronounced “cross-two”) Chiang 

Mai Riverside Resort blends modern 

design elements with the traditional 

Lanna style that is a hallmark of 

northern Thailand, with touches 

of the local architectural influence 

through decorative motifs and red 

brick walls. Two Tamarind Suites 

overlook X2’s green courtyard, while 

20 Riverfront Suites offer picturesque 

river views from the balconies. The 

six Grand Suite River View include 

a separate indoor seating area and 

the two Pool Suite River View open 

SPOTLIGHT 

Luxury and 

Indulgence 

onto their own gardens with 10 metre 

private pools. The resort, built on 

grounds formerly used for rice wine 

making, found inspiration from Chiang 

Mai’s widely-known Wat Umong, a 

temple for meditation retreats. X2 

Chiang Mai Riverside Resort aims for 

peacefulness, also for exhilaration of 

the senses through pampering at its 

spa or spending time at the rooftop 

bar. 369/1 Charoenraj Road, Wat Ket, 

+66 (0) 53 931 999, x2resorts.com/ 

resorts/chiang-mai-riverside 

SPOTLIGHT 

Chilling with a View 

After a refreshing fun dip in the ocean, 

what makes it even better is a great 

meal with an amazing view at Oasis 

Koh Chang, whose restaurant offers 

such an experience. Nestled in the jungle 

and built like a pirate’s hideaway, the 

restaurant overlooks the beautiful coast 

itself and nearby small islands. It’s a perfect 

place to enjoy both Thai and international 

dishes, deliciously prepared in picturesque 

surroundings. The restaurant’s signature 

dish of “Los Pollos Hermanos” is not to 

be missed with its hearty homemade 

chicken burger topped with melted brie 

cheese and cranberries, served 

with breaded onion rings and 

potato wedges. Guests are also 

welcome to soak up the laidback 

atmosphere up on the 

restaurant’s tree house where 

everyone can linger over a glass 

of wine or a cold beer to further 

enjoy a spectacular sunset for 

every moment that counts. 

oasis-kohchang.com/ 

koh-chang-restaurant 

JAVA IN CHIANG RAI 

Chiang Rai in the north of Thailand distinguishes 

itself with its temples and also the infamous 

Golden Triangle. With a high altitude, cool 

climate, and plenty of sun, Chiang Rai now 

makes a further mark as fertile ground for 

growing Arabica coffee. When in the area, 

get a caffeine kick and experience the local 

coffee culture as an addition to the roster of 

must-dos. Visit Chivit Thamma Da, a beautiful 

coffee house in a colonial style setting that 

serves coffee with a seriously good apple 

crumble pie in an English garden 

by the river. Their coffee 

is rich and fragrant, 

especially The Chivit: 

iced coffee cubes 

with milk poured 

over them. Also in 

Chiang Rai, Local 

Coffee – a friendly 

coffee house with 

a cosy ambience – is an ideal destination for 

coffee sipping since it has a large collection 

of local and international beans. Within a 

15-minute drive from the Chiang Rai Airport, 

Time, a stylish coffee house-cum-coworking 

space, creates the link between coffee and 

creativity. It serves local brews along with light, 

organic fare. About 10 kilometres north of 

Baan Dam Museum, Hacienda Coffee House 

& Restaurant serves its coffee in a cottage and 

English garden. Savour a cup inside the cottage, 

or bring it outside for some fresh air in the 

garden. Meantime, in the isolated highlands 

of Mae Suai, Doi Chang Coffee Farm is known 

for beans with a strong caramel sweetness 

and a nutty undertone, as well as its strong 

community involvement in producing organic 

coffee beans. chivitthammada.com, facebook. 

com/LocalCoffeeandHomeRoaster, facebook.com/ 

Time-Chiang-rai, hacienda-coffee-house.business. 

site, facebook.com/DOICHANGCOFFEEFARM 

124

HAPPENINGS 

CHINA 

CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU 

A PARK IN THE FALL IN GUANGZHOU 

Yuntai Garden in Guangzhou reigns in its prestige as one of the 

largest parks of its type in mainland China, covering an area over 

120,000 square metres. Located at the base of the Baiyun Mountain 

in Guangzhou, Yuntai is considered to be the epitome of modern 

gardens, integrating Eastern and Western architecture with a blend 

of modernity and antiquity. Visiting this sight is magnificent any time 

of the year, but during Mid-Autumn Festival, Yuntai further enhances 

its beauty by hosting a magnificent lantern show during the months 

of September and October from 6-10pm. 801 Guangyuan Zhong Lu, 

Baiyun District, Guangzhou 

SPOTLIGHT 

Mooncakes In Autumn 

As the blissful days of summer come to a close and 

the splendour of fall arrives, Chinese homes are abuzz 

with traditions and celebrations for the Mid-Autumn 

Festival. Zhongqiu Jié, as it’s known in Mandarin, has 

many additional names used throughout the region: 

Lantern Festival - a term used in Singapore, Malaysia, 

and Indonesia; Moon Festival – which surrounds the 

Japanese traditions of moongazing and lunar worship; 

or Reunion and Children’s Festival; to name a few. 

Despite the many names and titles, the traditions 

remain unified, supporting the concept of family and 

friends gathering and giving thanks for a bountiful 

harvest and prayers for success and good fortune in the 

months to come. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of celebration, 

showcasing harmony and unity through various 

traditions, and includes carrying brightly-lit lanterns, 

the preparation and exchange of mooncakes, comraderie 

among friends and family over tea and wine, and 

sometimes the occasional matchmaking alongside 

various games and activities. 

On the day of the festival itself, family members 

gather together to offer a sacrifice to the moon. In the 

modern era this “sacrifice” translates into a variety of 

customs, from simple appreciation of such a bright full 

moon – to eating the rich and decadent moon cakes 

dessert eaten in celebration. 

RUSSIAN TREAT IN 

CHONGQING 

The city of Chongqing has always 

been at the centre of mainland 

China’s drive to urbanise and 

develop many of its western 

provinces. As it continues 

to diversify, so does its food 

selection – and so we have a 

very unique gem near Sichuan 

Province. Russian Kitchen, as it’s 

simply and directly translated 

from its Chinese name, has 

received stellar reviews since its 

opening in May 2017. 

+86 (0) 236 758 7366 

CHENGDU’S PANDA BABIES 

On most days, Chengdu is known for just two things: its fiery cuisine and 

the pandas. No visit to this city in the Sichuan provide is complete without 

riding out just minutes from downtown Chengdu to the 

Chengdu Panda Base. Autumn is one of the best 

seasons to see panda babies as the giant panda 

mums have their offspring in the summer. 

You may have to jostle your way around as 

thousands of visitors descend 

on this place every year. But 

consider a visit here to see 

giant pandas rescued from 

the wild. panda.org.cn 

AT THE PEAK OF BAIYUN MOUNTAIN 

Baiyun mountain, looming right behind Yuntai garden in northern Guangzhou, has been one of the most famous and marvellous 

spectacles of nature in the province and even all of Canton province since ancient times. The collection of peaks reaches nearly 

400 metres above sea level and provide a gorgeous view from below as snowy white clouds perch on them. By cable car, one can 

also ascend to the summit, permitting a breath-taking view of the Canton landscape and Guangzhou underneath, like fingers of 

the Pearl River Delta spreading as if to grasp the horizon itself. 

A scenic destination since ancient times, it is actually a range of 30 peaks, the most famous of which is the Moxing Ridge. Its summit 

is about 382 metres above sea level, and from there you have a splendid view of the city and the Pearl River. 

Among its many treasures is the Nine Dragon Spring in the 16,000-square-metre Forest of Steles, which was built in the Qing 

Dynasty, now under the cultural relics protection in Guangzhou City, along with the tomb of Zhang Yuqiao, a Ming Dynasty singer. 

126

HAPPENINGS 

HONG KONG 

AWARD-WINNING SUSHI 

In late March this year, Hong Kong 

welcomed Sushi Saito, the first 

overseas branch of Tokyo’s three 

Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Housed on the 45th floor of the 

Four Seasons, the restaurant serves 

the freshest seasonal seafood, 

hand-picked by Chef Takashi 

Saito himself every morning at 

Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market before it is 

transported to Hong Kong. 

It is this care and attention to 

detail that has made Sushi Saito the 

“best sushi restaurant in the world” 

according to most 

diners. Just like 

the outlet in 

Tokyo, this 

Hong Kong 

outpost 

successfully 

preserves the highly-respected Japanese culinary art 

form with its authentic Edomae sushi. 

With its intimate setting made up of two separate 

dining rooms, which sits groups of eight at each time, 

getting a seat at Sushi Saito can be difficult. But if 

you’re fortunate enough to find yourself at a lunch or 

dinner sitting, then rest assured you’ll be treated to an 

out-of-this-world dining experience delivered by one 

of the true masters of Japanese cuisine. 

45/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 

Hong Kong, opens daily 1pm-1.30pm; 6pm-8pm, 

globallink.com.hk/sushisaito 

HOLE IN ONE 

When there’s a need to escape the busy 

confines of Hong Kong, Strokes may well be 

the place for it. The F&B outlet on Fashion 

Walk on Causeway Bay isn’t your typical 

watering hole as it merges an indoor minigolf 

course with a bar and restaurant. Billed 

as a premier Crazy Golf & Lifestyle Club, 

Strokes boasts 9,000 square feet of space, 

which consists of a 9-hole course featuring 

loop-the-loops, tunnels, and ball jumps; along 

with a bar and diner. 

Although most patrons come here to 

sink putts and play a round or two, Strokes 

also serves up a pretty hearty and healthy 

menu with offerings such as protein salad 

bowls, cauliflower beef burgers and steak 

tacos. Its bar, on the other hand, is manned by skilled 

juicers, baristas and mixologists, who are ever ready to 

serve up a variety of thirst quenchers at all hours of the 

day. G2-3, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 9 Kingston St, Causeway 

Bay, opens Mon-Fri, 11.30am-1am; Sat 11.30am-3am; 

Sun, 11.30am-11pm, strokeshk.com 

SPOTLIGHT 

Celebration 

of Dance 

The Hong Kong Ballet 

Company is putting on 

a creative showcase 

with the help of some 

of the best local 

choreographers and 

artists. Hong Kong 

Cool, which is produced 

in partnership with 

West Kowloon Cultural 

District and Hong Kong 

Arts Centre, will see 

dance makers partnering 

with composers, painters, 

sculptors, fashion designers 

and video artists for a unique 

display of arts and culture. 

The event will boast seven 

world premieres and each 

show will culminate with a 

screening of Oliver Shing’s 

documentary, The Unheard 

Beat, which reveals the sweat, 

passion and drama behind the 

creative dance process. 13-16 

September, Studio Theatre, 

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 

hkballet.com 

128

HAPPENINGS 

SINGAPORE 

MALAYSIA 

KUALA LUMPUR 

SPOTLIGHT 

Open Farm To 

Table 

In a concrete jungle like Singapore, 

it is refreshing to see a restaurant 

champion the efforts of sustainable 

farming and seasonal cooking. That’s 

the message Open Farm Community 

(OFC) imparts unto its diners as it 

strives to deepen the relationship 

between urban communities with 

nature by supporting the local 

urban farming movement. Since its 

inception in 2015, OFC has celebrated 

local farmers, creative chefs, and 

delicious seasonal fare. 

The open-concept kitchen 

and restaurant in Minden 

Road recently welcomed 

Head Chef Oliver Truesdale- 

Jutras and Sous Chef Phoebe 

Oviedo, the new creative 

culinary force at the OFC. The 

duo has already embarked 

on dishing up inventive and 

hearty dishes all made with 

locally-sourced ingredients. 

The OFC also organises a 

curated farmer’s market, 

which allows guests to deepen 

the pleasures of simple, 

freshly harvested ingredients 

that is both nourishing and a 

visual feast. 130E Minden Road 

Singapore, opens Mon-Thu: 

12pm-4pm; 6pm-11pm, Sat & 

Sun: 11am-5pm; 3.30pm-10pm, 

openfarmcommunity.com 

SPOTLIGHT 

Fine Dining Takes Flight 

A unique pop-up dining 

experience, Plane in the City 

literally lives up to its name 

as it is housed in a refurbished 

Boeing 737. The plane, now 

retro-fitted into a fine-dining 

restaurant, will be parked at 

the Kuala Lumpur city centre 

until mid-2019. Plane in the 

City is offering diners a chance 

to savour a fine dining meal 

prepared by one of the city’s 

finest hotels in the interior of 

the aircraft. 

Promoted as an aircraft 

dining experience, ‘passengers’ 

have the option of dining from 

a three or four-course menu 

and the opportunity to visit the 

cockpit of the airplane or walk 

on its wings. Seating 20 at a 

time, Plane in the City operates 

two sessions every Tuesday to 

Thursday and three sessions 

from Friday to Sunday, with 

dining packages beginning from 

RM199 per person. Skyland, Jalan 

Bukit Bintang, planeinthecity.com 

GOURMET FEST 

Resorts World Sentosa is putting on another epicurean feast this 

September with the return of The Great Food Festival. Like last year’s 

event, the gourmet food festival will provide foodies with access 

to over a 100 signature dishes from Michelin-starred and awardwinning 

restaurants. 

More than just an event that celebrates good food, 

The Great Food Festival will also allow visitors to attend 

celebrity chef master classes and hands-on workshops 

during the duration of the event. 

Visitors will not only gain an insight to cooking prepared 

by the masters themselves, but also the opportunity to rub 

shoulders with the culinary stars of Singapore and sample 

some pretty amazing meals and treats. The Great Food 

Festival takes place from 27 to 30 September 

at Resorts World Sentosa, tgff.com.sg 

CINEMATIC ESCAPE 

Housed in a beautiful heritage building, Screening Room on Ann 

Siang road provides the perfect escape from the busy bars below. 

A multi-faceted entertainment and hospitality venue, the outlet 

provides the perfect setting of good food, delicious drinks and great 

music to put its guests at ease. 

However, one of the main appeals of this unique F&B retreat 

is that it houses its own boutique film theatre. The Screening 

Room lives up to its name by providing guests with a calendar 

of exciting films and screenings held throughout the week. From 

timeless classics to foreign productions as well as live telecasts of 

big sporting events, the Screening Room provides a total feast for 

all senses under one roof. 12 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore, opens daily 

5:30pm-2am, screeningroom.com.sg 

130

HAPPENINGS 

CAMBODIA 

PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP 

SPOTLIGHT 

A Taste Of Russia 

Strong ties between the Soviet Union and Cambodia date back to the 

mid-50s. That’s why a restaurant like Irina, which serves authentic 

Russian cuisine, doesn’t seem out of place in Phnom Penh. 

In a way you could say that the establishment is helping to further 

strengthen relations between the two nations by providing locals as 

well as visitors an authentic taste of Russia. Opened since 2000, the 

family-run restaurant is not short on traditional Russian fare and 

classic dishes, as well as specialities from neighbouring Ukraine, 

Georgia and Uzbekistan. 

KHMER ART 

Artist Em Riem has been 

championing Cambodian 

art across the globe but it is 

here in Phnom Penh where 

he has honed his abilities 

in order to develop the art 

form. With XEM Design: La 

Galerie, which he opened 

in 2008, the local artist 

showcases his best works 

drawn from his experience 

as a child growing up under 

the Khmer Rouge. 

Stepping into his gallery, 

you will immediately notice 

the large-scale portraits 

of Khmer Rouge victims, 

alongside unique installations, 

abstract works, sculpture, and 

ceramics. A former student 

of Parisian institutions 

Saint-Etienne Ecole des 

Beaux-Arts and the Ecole 

Nationale Superieure des 

Arts Decoratifs, Em Riem’s 

art is often described as 

sophisticated and diverse, 

but it also serves to educate 

and inspire a new wave of 

Cambodian artists. 

XEM Design: La Galerie, 

13D Street 178, Phnom 

Penh, view by appointment, 

facebook.com/galeriexem.la 

FRENCH CAMBODIAN FUSION 

When Chef Joannès Rivière came to Cambodia 

in 2003 to work as a volunteer cooking teacher, 

he would not have imagined that 15 years later, 

he would be the owner of one of the 50 best 

restaurants in Asia. But that’s exactly what the 

Frenchman has accomplished as he has built on 

the reputation of Cuisine Wat Damnak as one of 

the finest restaurants in Siem Reap. 

Housed in a traditional Cambodian wooden 

house in the heart of Siem Reap’s Wat Damnak 

village, the restaurant’s approach to its eclectic 

menu is to bring together Cambodian flavours 

with French culinary techniques and flair. 

The restaurant only serves ingredients 

sourced from local farms around Siem Reap in 

order to maintain freshness and to help sustain 

local agriculture. Cuisine Wat Damnak changes 

its menu regularly to reflect the seasons, 

ensuring a changing, creative experience for 

diners at all times. Cuisine Wat Damnak, Wat 

Damnak village, Sala Kamreuk Commune, 

Siem Reap, opens Tue-Sat, 6.30pm-9.30pm, 

cuisinewatdamnak.com 

The menu include staples such as blini with mushrooms, chicken 

kiev and feta meatballs, but also unique offerings such as golubtsy 

(pork stuffed in cabbage), selyodka (Russian salt-cured mackerel) 

and a variety of dumpling dishes like pelmeni and vareniki. As you 

might expect, Irina carries an extensive vodka selection to go with 

your hearty Russian meal. 22 Street 29, Phnom Penh, opens daily, 

9am-11pm, facebook.com/russianrestpp 

CINEMATIC JOURNEYS 

Founded by film directors Rithy Pan and Leu Pannaker, 

the Bophana Center seeks to inspire, train, and educate 

Cambodians about the movie industry. Located in Phnom 

Penh, the centre showcases archival audio-visual footage 

about Cambodia from across the world. 

The Bophana Center not only provides free public 

access to film footage but also the historical significance 

behind this creative industry. Additionally, the centre 

doubles as a learning centre by educating and training 

young Cambodians for careers in filmmaking, broadcasting 

and new media. bophana.org 

132

HAPPENINGS 

VIETNAM 

HANOI / QUY NHON 

SPOTLIGHT 

Elevated Luxury 

The Anantara Quy Nhon 

Villas, the third property 

in the portfolio of luxury 

resorts in Vietnam by 

the Anantara Hotels and 

Resorts, is scheduled to 

open in late November 

2018. Located in a secluded 

bay in south central 

Vietnam in Binh Dinh 

province, Anantara Quy 

Nhon Villas will have 26 

one and two-bedrooms 

of ocean-facing villas on 

7.2 hectares of landscaped 

tropical gardens. 

The spacious villas offer 

an enticing visual of sleek 

timber and granite sundecks 

with minimalist plunge 

pools with extended low 

overhang roofs that offer a 

fresh, contemporary feel. 

Vietnamese blue stone are 

among some of the design 

features, while granite and 

marble elements add a 

touch of modernity. 

Restaurants emphasise 

local seafood and regional 

flavours; a top-notch 

Anantara Spa perched on 

a hillside offers maximum 

wellbeing. anantara.com/ 

en/quy-nhon 

A TEMPLE OF LEARNING 

If you happen to be in possession of a 100,000 Vietnamese 

dong bill, notice the Temple of Literature depicted on it. If you’re 

in Hanoi and a fan of ancient architecture, consider a visit to 

some of the best preserved architecture styles and home to the 

first national university of Vietnam. 

The Temple of Literature dates back eight centuries, evident 

in the wood and tiles composition; and standing tall on the 

grounds are hundred-year-old trees that have witnessed 

incredible history. The Temple of Literature is about 10 minutes 

from Hoan Kiem lake in the northern capital, constructed in 

1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty. 

The first to honour Confucius, it now archives and 

celebrates the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam. 

With its many courtyards with pagodas and ponds, all have their 

great significance and picture-perfect views. Come examine 

time, the altars become popular among students wishing for 

good grades. People use to rub the blue stone turtles present in 

one of the courtyards but in order to preserve them, students 

(and everyone else) these days are discouraged from doing so. 

Entrance fee is 10,000 VND, opens 8:30am to 11:30am, 

13:30pm to 16:30pm everyday except Mondays and national 

holidays. vanmieu.gov.vn 

134

HAPPENINGS 

MYANMAR 

YANGON 

SPOTLIGHT 

Brittle Sweet 

Memories 

Your trip is coming to an end but 

it’s not over until the gifts list 

gets completed. For travels to 

Myanmar, suitcases filled with 

local handicrafts and perhaps 

some gemstones make some 

nice memories. However, one of 

the more popular souvenir items 

for everyone should be peanut 

crisps and peanut butter brittle. 

Because peanuts are grown 

widely in many parts of this 

country, especially around 

Bagan and Mandalay, it’s the 

ideal present. Peanuts are found 

in many local dishes, either 

sprinkled on top of noodles, 

pounded into salads, served in 

a peanut soup or toasted and 

simmered with palm sugar to 

make peanut candy crunch and 

peanut brittle. 

With the many types and 

flavours to choose at the local 

markets, the more simple crispy 

confections come in several 

flavours. Choices include sesame 

and cashew nut or butter peanut candy crunch, 

which are slightly sweeter versions. You’ll also 

find Myanmar chocolate on the shelves to satisfy 

every sweet tooth, packed with fruits and nut 

combinations. A block of organic sweet jaggery, a 

sugar made from the sap of toddy palm trees, is a 

local dessert often eaten right after a heavy meal 

to help with digestion which offers a rich taste and 

makes an ideal gift. 

Traditional jaggery used to be serve in chunks 

but now the dessert has become a delicacy and 

updated as bite size and in a stylish package. 

These sweets and desserts are now part of the 

Burmese identity. Before leaving Myanmar, 

pop into any supermarket and look for a shelf 

with ‘The Pride of Myanmar’ sign, for the many 

delicacies to bring home. 

All Photos Thawat Tangtienchai 

THE BRUNCH SOCIETY 

It’s basically all day dining at the Brunch Society, 

of western favourites with Asian influences, and 

a well-stocked bar for drinks. Stylishly done, 

the restaurant is located in the happening spot 

of Sule Plaza, just a short walk to Shangri-La 

Hotel at one end and the Sule Pagoda at the 

other. What attracts the crowd is not just its 

sleek utilitarian interior and industrial look, 

it’s also the vibrancy of the dishes prepared 

by an experienced Thai chef who was trained in 

the United States. There is also a wide range of 

beverages for you to enjoy, from regular cocktails 

to decent coffee and tea. With its friendly and 

reasonable prices, it’s a nice place to hold a business 

lunch in Yangon or a great meal and quick bite for 

travellers. facebook.com/thebrunchsociety 

HIGH TEA AT THE STRAND 

Among one of the traditions left behind 

by the British continue in popularity in 

Myanmar – the afternoon tea. This longstanding 

tradition still can be enjoyed in 

many restaurants and hotels in Yangon, 

not to mention that it’s become quite 

a fashionably social event in Yangon. 

To experience the best afternoon tea 

tradition, indulge yourself in a cuppa at 

one of Myanmar’s finest, The Strand Hotel 

Yangon on the banks of the Yangon River. 

The historic Strand’s Victorian-styled 

architecture was built in 1901 by the 

ambitious Sarkies Brother and eventually 

became one of Asia’s most prestigious 

hotels. Now renovated and under new 

ownership, the elegant colonial building 

retains much of its original details with its 

high ceilings, classic rattan furniture, and 

modern touches while retaining service of 

the highest standard. 

Seat yourself in The Strand Café to 

embrace the colonial era atmosphere, 

then enjoy a full British ‘high tea’ with 

savoury treats and patisseries, and equally 

delightful cakes from local ingredients. 

The tea service features the requisite 

silver tea trays and china served by a 

professional team who are just as elegant 

in their Burmese longyi. Afternoon tea at 

The Strand Café is available daily from 

2-5pm, facebook.com/TheStrandYangon 

136

HAPPENINGS 

LAOS 

VIENTIANE 

MALDIVES / INDIA 

MALDIVES / MUMBAI 

A STAY THAT’S GOLDEN 

Located within walking distance to the 16th-century Pha That Luang, Vientiane’s mostrespected 

pagoda, sits a new boutique hotel, Le Thatluang D’or by D Varee. Inspired by both 

French colonial and traditional Lao architecture, the design elements set a new benchmark 

in hotels and its urban immersion into the Vientiane scene. Noted for their restored 

architectural structures and designs, the hotel offers 50 guestrooms ranging from a Deluxe 

to Presidential Suite. The Deluxe room, at 35 square metres, is ideal for couples or business 

travellers who prefer a lifestyle hotel in Vientiane. The 71-square-metre Premier Suite, 

on the other hand, offers plenty of space for guests to relax with a balcony overlooking a 

leafy neighbourhood. All rooms provide a strong sense of ultimate comfort with beds and 

luxurious details. Le Thatluang D’or by D Varee also provides a fine dining experience at 

Suankua Bistro, an open-air restaurant. Guests can find some down time at their swimming 

pool and fitness centre. That Luang Neua, Saysettha, Vientiane, +856 21 41 7958, 

+856 21 41 7959, dvaree.com 

ARTISAN-DRIVEN 

Do you need to squeeze in a few hours of shopping on your trip to 

Vientiane? A stop at Saoban means bagging some quality Lao crafts 

that vary from bamboo basketry to silk scarves, to forks and spoon 

recycled from bomb remnants. 

To promote sustainability, fair trade and traditional craft skills, 

Saoban’s products are created straight from Lao villages. Skillfully 

made by hand, all the goods employ traditional materials and 

techniques passed down from generations. Buying from Saoban 

supports employment and training for artisans, with profits from 

the sale of Saoban products staying in the village, thereby creating a 

stable, sustainable livelihood for rural families and communities. Laos 

is a country of diverse ethnic groups, with each of them highly adept 

in their own unique craft and artisanal skills. This rich 

diversity produces abundant styles and directly 

linking local craftspeople to alternative 

markets which helps preserve the 

centuries-old art silk cultivation and 

knowledge. 97/1 Chao Anou Road, 

Ban Watchan, Chanthabouly, 

Vientiane, +856 21 241 835 

SPOTLIGHT 

A Curated Joy 

The Maldives doesn’t lack in 

luxurious resorts and with 

the opening of Joali this 

September, luxury meets 

curated art and amenities 

to provide guests with what 

the property calls the “Joy 

of Living” experience. 

Individualised stories 

inspire the design of elegant 

rooms, marked by artisanal 

amenities, curated in-room 

libraries, and select objets 

d’art. Butler and valet 

services make the living 

easy, along with their 

stunning infinity pools at 

this luxurious retreat. Art 

and design is central to 

Joali’s aesthetic offering, 

evident in the creative 

design and layout of the 

architecture and their own 

art space, the Joali Art 

Studio & Gallery. Guests 

benefit from 73 beach and 

water villas and residences, 

restaurants with a global 

slant on fusion cuisine, 

an ESPA Spa, and fitness 

and sports activities. 

With sustainability a top 

priority, Joali organises 

jaunts to learn about coral 

degradation or visits to local 

communities. joali.com 

French expat Micka Perier, 

an experienced coffee 

roaster, recently introduced 

Le Trio, Vientiane’s first 

boutique coffee roastercum-coffee 

bar in the 

downtown area. Set inside a 

small yet stylish shop house, 

Le Trio impresses coffee 

aficionados with a a gleaming 

roasting machine that 

occupies most of the modest 

space. The beans are grown 

in Bolaven Plateau – a coffee 

grower’s utopia in Southern 

Laos – and Perier blends 

them for their different and 

unique characteristics. Open 

daily 8am-4pm, Setthathirath 

Road, Near Nam Phu Square, 

letriocoffee.com 

SPOTLIGHT 

The Finest 

Bolaven Roast 

MUMBAI IDOL 

September marks the beginning of the festive season in Mumbai, which carries 

on over the next couple of months. The 10-day long festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi 

and Navratri are the most awaited celebrations in the city, Here’s how and where 

to join in the festive fervour in Mumbai. 

Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of Lord Ganesh (Ganapati), arguably 

Mumbai’s favourite deity. It begins with the installation of a Ganesh idol both 

in private homes as well as in public pandals (a temporary structure erected 

for housing the idol). These range from small ones in an apartment complex to 

massive public pandals that are thronged with devotees from all over the city. 

DANCE BEATS 

The other major festival celebrated in Mumbai is Navratri. This festival honours 

the goddess Durga and her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. At night, it’s 

time for revelry – men and women wear colourful, traditional outfits and perform 

the garba and dandiya dance, a high-energy dance involving complex whirling, 

rhythmic clapping and elaborate steps while tapping together wooden batons. 

This year, Navratri begins on October 10. There are several places where 

you can watch and even participate in dandiya like Kora Kendra Ground 

(Haridas Nagar, Borivali), Goregaon Sports Club (Link Road, Malad), and 

Police Hockey Ground (Ghatkopar). 

138 

139

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 142 / FLYERBONUS 148 / ROUTE MAP 150 / AIRCRAFT INFO 152 

141

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS WINS 

“WORLD’S BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE” 

AND “BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE IN 

ASIA” AT SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE 

AWARDS 2018 

Bangkok Airways recently won 2 

Skytrax Awards for “World’s Best 

Regional Airline” and “Best Regional 

Airline in Asia” at the prestigious 

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2018. 

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, 

Bangkok Airways’ President (4th 

from left) together with the airline 

management attended the award 

ceremony held at The Langham 

Hotel in London, England. 

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth 

said, “It is a very special year for 

Bangkok Airways as we celebrate 

our 50th anniversary. The airline 

has been awarded by Skytrax 

World Airline Awards 2018 as 

winners for ‘World’s Best Regional 

Airline’ for the fourth time and 

‘Best Regional Airline in Asia’ for 

the eighth time this year. The 

Skytrax World Airline Awards are 

well recognised and respected across 

the aviation industry worldwide. 

It is considered a global benchmark 

of airline excellence, based on 

votes by global passengers.” 

“We would like to thank all the 

voters for the continued support 

and confidence that you have for 

us. The awards offer a great deal 

of encouragement for everyone 

at Bangkok Airways to continue to 

deliver the best to our passengers. 

The management team and everyone 

at Bangkok Airways will continue 

our commitment to provide high 

quality service and safety to make 

every journey an exceptional one. 

At Bangkok Airways, we believe 

your happiness is our best reward,” 

Mr. Puttipong added. 

Bangkok Airways is a regional 

carrier providing full services with 

the highest standard to underline 

its commitment as “Asia’s Boutique 

Airline”. It is the one and only airline 

in Thailand that allows passengers 

in both economy and business 

classes to access the lounge. All 

meals served on board are well 

prepared and creatively made with 

best quality ingredients in food. 

Bangkok Airways was previously 

awarded “Best Regional Airline 

in Asia” by Skytrax World Airline 

Awards in 2004, 2005, 2008, 

2009, 2014, 2016, 2017 with the 

latest win in 2018. The airline also 

received awards for “Southeast 

Asia’s Best Regional Airline” in 

2006 and 2007 and “World’s Best 

Regional Airline” in 2014, 2016, 

2017. This year, 2018, marks the 

fourth time the airline receives 

the title from the prestigious 

Skytrax Awards. 

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ได้รับรางวัลสายการบิน 

ภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมของโลกและรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยม 

แห่งเอเชีย จากการประกาศผลรางวัล สกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์ 

อวอร์ด ประจำปี 2561 โดยมีนายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ 

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ (ที่ 4 จากซ้าย) และคณะผู้บริหารของ 

สายการบินฯ เข้ารับมอบรางวัล ณ โรงแรมเดอะแลงแฮม กรุงลอนดอน 

สหราชอาณาจักร 

นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กล่าวว่า “ปีนี้เป็นปีที่พิเศษ 

ของบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ในโอกาสที่บริษัทดำเนินธุรกิจมาครบรอบ 

50 ปี การได้รับประกาศจากทางสกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์ 

อวอร์ด ให้เป็นสายการบินภูมิภาคที่ดีที่สุดในโลก เป็นครั้งที่ 4 และ 

สายการบินภูมิภาคที่ดีที่สุดในเอเชีย เป็นครั้งที่ 8 ถือเป็นเกียรติและ 

เป็นความภาคภูมิใจของพวกเรา รางวัลนี้ถือเป็นรางวัลอันทรงคุณค่า 

มากที่สุดรางวัลหนึ่งของอุตสาหกรรมการบินของโลก เพราะมาจาก 

ผลการโหวตของผู้โดยสารทั่วโลก” 

“ผมขอขอบคุณทุกแรงสนับสนุนและความเชื่อมั่นจากผู้โดยสาร 

ที่ร่วมโหวตให้กับบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ซึ่งถือเป็นกำลังใจให้กับผู้ปฎิบัติ 

งานที่จะส่งมอบการบริการที่ดีที่สุดให้กับผู้โดยสารต่อไป ผู้บริหาร 

และพนักงานของบางกอกแอร์เวย์สทุกคนจะยังคงมุ่งมั่นที่จะให้ 

บริการแก่ผู้โดยสารให้ได้รับความสะดวกสบายและปลอดภัยตลอด 

การเดินทาง เพราะเราเชื่อว่าความสุขของผู้โดยสาร เปรียบเสมือน 

รางวัลอันมีค่าของพวกเรา” นายพุฒิพงศ์ กล่าวเสริม 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเป็นสายการบินระดับภูมิภาคที่ให้บริการ 

เต็มรูปแบบ (Full Service) ภายใต้สโลแกน “Asia’s Boutique 

Airline” หรือ “ความประทับใจแห่งเอเชีย” มีการให้บริการอันเป็น 

เอกลักษณ์เพื่อทำให้การเดินทางของผู้โดยสารทุกคนเป็นความรู้สึก 

พิเศษ อาทิ บริการห้องรับรองผู้โดยสารที่ให้บริการผู้โดยสารทั้ง 

ชั้นธรรมดาและชั้นธุรกิจ บริการเสิร์ฟอาหารทุกเที่ยวบิน โดยเมนู 

อาหารมีการสร้างสรรค์และได้รับการพัฒนาอยู่ตลอดเวลาเพื่อให้ 

เป็นที่ชื่นชอบของผู้โดยสาร 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค 

ยอดเยี่ยมแห่งเอเชียจากสกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์ อวอร์ด มาตั้งแต่ 

ปี 2547 ปี 2548 ปี 2551 ปี 2552 ปี 2557 ปี 2559 ปี 2560 และ 

ล่าสุดปี 2561 รวมทั้งได้รางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมแห่ง 

เอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ ในปี 2549 และ ปี 2550 และได้รับรางวัล 

สายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมของโลกครั้งแรกในปี 2557 ครั้งที่สอง 

ในปี 2559 ครั้งที่สามในปี 2560 และล่าสุดปี 2561 ซึ่งถือเป็นครั้งที่ 

สี่ที่สายการบินฯ สามารถคว้ารางวัลอันทรงเกียรตินี้มาครอง 

The boutique carrier, Bangkok Airways, 

led by Mrs. Chanthip Thongkanya, 

Vice President – Office of the President, 

together with Le Cordon Bleu Dusit 

Culinary School by Ms. Suchada 

Sthapitanonda – Executive Director, 

organised an exclusive pastry workshop 

to celebrate Bangkok Airways’ 50th 

anniversary. This special workshop was 

held at the Carème Kitchen of Le Cordon 

Bleu Dusit Culinary School, Bangkok. 

Special guests attending the event 

included popularly-known actress and 

model Khemmanit “Pancake” Jamikorn. 

The class was taught by the the 

instructor and Head of Patisserie, chef 

Marc Champire. All guests learned the 

basics in pastry making, as well as the 

intricacies of creating the French entremet 

of Cherry Pistachio. Everyone enjoyed the 

hands-on experience in the creation and 

assembly of this sweet French delicacy. 

Immensely impressed with the class and 

the pleasing results in creating their own 

handmade entremet, all the participants 

eagerly took the pastries home as a gift 

for their loved ones. 

BANGKOK 

AIRWAYS CHOSES 

LUCKY WINNERS 

OF CUSTOMER 

SATISFACTION 

SURVEY 

Bangkok Airways Public Company 

Limited led by Mrs. Darunee Debavalya, 

Senior Director – Customer Satisfaction 

and Relationship Management (2nd 

from left), together with Mrs. Waewta 

Chaiyapol, Director – Customer Relations 

and Experience Management (3rd from 

left) had the pleasure of selecting 10 

lucky winners as part of the Bangkok 

Airways Public Company Limited 

Customer Satisfaction Survey in July 

2018. The ceremony was held at the 

Bangkok Airways Ticketing Office on 

Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND LE CORDON BLEU 

DUSIT CULINARY SCHOOL HOLD AN 

EXCLUSIVE PASTRY WORKSHOP CELEBRATING 

THE AIRLINE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนางจันทร์ทิพย์ 

ทองกันยา รองผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ สำนักผู้อำนวย 

การใหญ่ ร่วมกับ โรงเรียนสอนการประกอบอาหาร 

เลอ กอร์ดอง เบลอ ดุสิต โดย นางสาว สุชาดา 

สถาปิตานนท์ ผู้อำนวยการโรงเรียนฯ จัดกิจกรรม 

เวิร์กช็อปทําขนมเค้กสไตล์ฝรั่งเศสสุดเอ็กซ์คลูซีฟ 

เพื่อเฉลิมฉลองเนื่องในโอกาสครบรอบ 50 ปีของ 

สายการบินฯ โดยมี แพนเค้ก-เขมนิจ จามิกรณ์ 

นางแบบ/นักแสดง เข้าร่วมกิจกรรม ณ โรงเรียน 

สอนการประกอบอาหาร เลอ กอร์ดอง เบลอ 

ดุสิต กรุงเทพฯ 

บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดย คุณดรุณี 

เทพวัลย์ ผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสส่วนบริหารความ 

พึงพอใจและความสัมพันธ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย) และ 

คุณแววตา ชัยพล ผู้อำนวยการแผนกบริหารลูกค้า 

เวิร์กช็อปดังกล่าวได้รับเกียรติจาก เชฟมาร์ค 

ชอมปิเร่ หัวหน้าเชฟประจำหลักสูตรการประกอบ 

ขนมอบของโรงเรียนสอนการประกอบอาหาร เลอ 

กอร์ดอง เบลอ ดุสิต เป็นเชฟผู้สอน โดยผู้เข้าร่วม 

เวิร์กช็อปทุกท่านได้เรียนรู้วิธีการทำเค้กฝรั่งเศส 

“Entremet Cherry Pistachio” พร้อมการลงมือ 

ปฏิบัติในทุกขั้นตอนและเพลิดเพลินไปกับการ 

สร้างสรรรค์ผลงานการตกแต่งหน้าเค้กด้วย 

ตนเอง ซึ่งผู้เข้าร่วมกิจกรรมทุกท่านได้รับ 

ความรู้ ความสนุกสนาน และ 

ความประทับใจทั้ง 

จากการสอน 

ของเชฟมาร์ค 

ทีมงานของโรง 

เรียนฯ และ 

ผลงานเค้ก 

สวยๆ จาก 

ฝีมือตัวเองที่ 

นำกลับไปอวด 

ครอบครัวอีกด้วย 

สัมพันธ์และประสบการณ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 3 จากซ้าย) เป็น 

ประธานจับรางวัลผู้โชคดี 10 ท่าน จากการสำรวจ 

ความพึงพอใจของผู้โดยสาร ครั้งที่ 1 ประจำปี 

พ.ศ. 2561 ณ สำนักงานออกบัตรโดยสาร 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ถนนวิภาวดีรังสิต 

142 

143


BANGKOK AIRWAYS PREMIUM SERVICES AT A VALUE PRICE 

From now on, Bangkok Airways 

Economy Class passengers can 

enjoy upgrade services that include 

lounge privileges and seat upgrades. 

For your highest level of 

convenience, our airline now offers 

new services to benefit travellers. 

All Economy Class passengers can 

upgrade their seat to Business 

Class or Premium Economy Class 

seats with all the privileges equal 

to Business Class passengers, 

such as use of the Premium Lane, 

additional 10kg luggage with priority 

tags, an inflight meal, amenity kit 

and a chance to use the Business 

Class Blue Ribbon Club Lounge. 

All you have to do is contact our 

staff at the Airport Ticketing Office, 

Check-in Counter or Boutique and 

Blue Ribbon Club Lounges for an 

upgrade payment on the chosen 

travel date. 

Moreover, Economy Class 

passengers can also have access 

to the Blue Ribbon Club (BRC) 

Lounge at 950 Baht per person, 

with the service available at the 

following domestic and international 

airports including Suvarnabhumi, 

Samui, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, 

and Luang Prabang. The premium 

services at the BRC Lounge include 

a hot meal, snacks & cakes, soft 

drinks & beverages, computer use, 

free Wifi, a private shower room, 

massage chair, television, newspapers 

and magazines. 

For more information on lounge 

and seat upgrades, terms and 

conditions apply, contact the 

Bangkok Airways Call Centre at 1771. 

ตั้งแต่วันนี้ ผู้โดยสารชั้นประหยัดของสายการบินบางกอก 

แอร์เวย์สสามารถอัพเกรดการใช้บริการห้องรับรองและ 

ที่นั่งเป็นชั้นโดยสารธุรกิจได้แล้วด้วยราคาสุดคุ้ม 

เพื่อความสะดวกสบายสูงสุดของผู้โดยสาร สายการบิน 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเปิดให้บริการสุดพิเศษเพื่อให้ผู้โดยสาร 

ชั้นประหยัดอัพเกรดตั๋วเครื่องบินจากชั้นประหยัดเป็นชั้น 

ธุรกิจหรือชั้นพรีเมียม โดยผู้โดยสารจะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์ 

เช่นเดียวกันกับผู้โดยสารชั้นธุรกิจทุกประการ อาทิ 

พรีเมียมเลนเพื่อผ่านพิธีตรวจคนเข้าเมืองได้อย่าง 

รวดเร็ว น้ำหนักกระเป๋าเพิ่มขึ้น 10 ก.ก. โดยไม่ต้องรอ 

กระเป๋านาน อาหารชั้นเลิศ ชุดเครื่องใช้จำเป็น และสิทธิใน 

การใช้ห้องพักรับรอง Blue Ribbon Club สำหรับชั้น 

ธุรกิจ โดยสามารถติดต่อซื้อบริการอัพเกรดได้ ณ วันที่ 

ผู้โดยสารเดินทางเท่านั้น ที่ Airport Ticketing Office 

เคาน์เตอร์เช็คอิน เคาน์เตอร์บริการหน้าห้องรับรอง 

Boutique และ Blue Ribbon Club (BRC) หรือหากใน 

สถานีต่างประเทศที่ไม่มี Airport Ticket Office สามารถ 

ซื้อได้จาก City Ticket Office 

นอกจากนี้ ผู้โดยสารชั้นประหยัดของสายการบิน 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สยังสามารถติดต่อหน้าห้องรับรองเพื่อ 

ใช้บริการใน Blue Ribbon Club ด้วยราคาเพียง 950 บาท 

ต่อท่าน เปิดให้บริการที่สนามบินในประเทศและสนามบิน 

นานาชาติ ได้แก่ สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ สมุย เชียงใหม่ 

เชียงราย และหลวงพระบาง ซึ่งให้บริการอาหารปรุงร้อน 

ขนม และเครื่องดื่มต่างๆ เครื่องคอมพิวเตอร์ สัญญาณ 

wifi โทรทัศน์ ห้องอาบน้ำส่วนตัว เก้าอี้นวด หนังสือพิมพ์ 

และนิตยสารเทียบเท่าชั้นธุรกิจ 

สอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับบริการอัพเกรด 

การใช้บริการห้องรับรองและที่นั่งเป็นชั้นโดยสารธุรกิจ 

ได้ที่ Bangkok Airways Call Centre #1771 

(เงื่อนไขเป็นไปตามที ่บริษัทฯ กำหนด) 

ENJOY A SPECIAL DISCOUNT AND 50 FLYERBONUS POINTS 

WHEN SPENDING 500 BAHT FOR HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH 

BOOKING.COM/BANGKOKAIR 

Bangkok Airways and Booking.com, one of 

the world’s largest travel reservations 

websites, are delighted to offer all 

FlyerBonus members and Bangkok Airways 

passengers the privilege of up to a 25% 

discount when booking hotel rooms for 

a better rate than booking directly 

with Booking.com. Use Booking.com to 

enjoy Thailand’s popular destinations 

like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, 

Phuket and Pattaya. Make your reservations 

from now until 31 October 2018 for 

stays until 31 December 2018 and also 

earn points for the same time period. 

Moreover, FlyerBonus members will 

receive 50 FlyerBonus points with every 

500 baht spent on each hotel booking 

through Booking.com/bangkokair by giving 

the membership number when reserving 

hotel rooms. This special privilege is 

offered only for hotel reservations via 

www.bangkokair.com or www.booking.com/ 

bangkokair. Get more FlyerBonus points 

and book now until 31 October 2018 

and enjoy an amazing rate for hotel stays 

until 31 December 2018. Find out more 

at flyerbonus.bangkokair.com. 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส และ Booking.com 

หนึ่งในเว็บไซด์การจองห้องพักที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก 

มีความยินดีมอบสิทธิพิเศษให้กับสำหรับสมาชิก 

ฟลายเออร์โบนัสและผู้โดยสารบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส 

ด้วยข้อเสนอส่วนลดราคาห้องพักพิเศษกว่า 

การจองโดยตรงกับเว็บไซด์ Booking.com ซึ่ง 

ลดสูงสุด 25% สำหรับการจองห้องพักในจังหวัด 

ท่องเที่ยวยอดนิยมภายในประเทศ เช่น กรุงเทพฯ 

เชียงใหม่ สมุย ภูเก็ต รวมถึงพัทยา ระหว่างวันที่ 

1 กรกฎาคม - 31 ตุลาคม 2561 (เข้าพักตั้งแต่ 

1 กรกฎาคม - 31 ธันวาคม 2561) 

พิเศษไปกว่านั้นสมาชิกฟลายเออร์โบนัสยังจะ 

ได้รับคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 50 คะแนนใน 

ทุกการใช้จ่าย 500 บาทต่อหนึ่งยอดการสำรอง 

ห้องพักกับ Booking.com เพียงระบุหมายเลข 

สมาชิกในขณะทำการสำรองห้องพักกับเรา 

สิทธิพิเศษนี้เฉพาะการสำรองห้องพักในเว็บไซต์ 

www.bangkokair.com หรือ www.booking.com/ 

bangkokair ผ่านช่องทางนี้เท่านั้น สำรองห้องพัก 

พร้อมรับคะแนนได้ตั้งแต่วันนี้ถึง 31 ตุลาคม 2561 

และสามารถเข้าพักได้ถึง 31 ธันวาคม 2561 นี้ 

สามารถอ่านรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่ 

flyerbonus.bangkokair.com 

144 145


BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND TCEB WELCOME CLMV MARKETS 

SHOWCASING CHIANG MAI AS EVENTS DESTINATION 

Bangkok Airways Public Company 

Limited, led by Mr. Komkrit 

Ngamwongwirot — Regional Sales 

Director, recently joined hands with 

the Thailand Convention and 

Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) as 

represented by Mrs. Nichapa 

Yoswee, Senior Vice President — 

Business in organising a familiarisation 

trip to Chiang Mai for 30 travel 

agents and press members from 

Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar 

and Vietnam (CLMV). To sweeten 

the incentive for CLMV business 

travellers to choose Chiang Mai 

and Thailand for their meetings and 

incentive travels, both organisations 

offered the joint promotion campaign 

“Fly and Meet Double Bonus.” 

The familiarisation trip took 

place in Chiang Mai during August 

1 to 4, 2018 under the theme 

“Chiang Mai: Yesterday, Today, 

and Tomorrow”. The presentation 

depicted the city’s journey through 

the passage of time. Chiang Mai’s 

seven hundred years of history is 

steeped in a heritage of unique 

arts and craftsmanship that’s been 

passed down and further nurtured 

by the current generation. Now the 

city is becoming a business events 

destination with a strong potential 

to host meeting functions. By looking 

to the future, Chiang Mai aims 

to secure its status as a leading 

destination for business events in 

northern Thailand. 

During the trip, the participants 

from the four countries had the 

chance to visit both modern and 

specialised venues for events in 

Chiang Mai, while noting the city’s 

history and heritage. They also 

engaged in creative and enriching 

activities that could potentially 

benefit business travellers, including 

meeting and discussing goals with 

leading Thai business events 

suppliers in Chiang Mai. 

Bangkok Airways is proud 

to be a part of “Fly and Meet 

Double Bonus,” and holds a strong 

presence in CLMV connecting 

Thailand with Cambodia, Lao 

PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. 

With an extensive flight network, 

the joint and exclusive offer 

with TCEB and their support 

with the “Fly and Meet Double 

Bonus”, Bangkok Airways looks 

forward to welcoming frequently 

business travellers from Thailand’s 

neighbouring countries. 

Bangkok Airways’ CLMV 

destinations at the present include 

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vientiane, 

Luang Prabang, Mandalay, Nay Pyi 

Taw, Yangon, Phu Quoc, Danang, 

and Hanoi; direct flights are available 

from Chiang Mai to Mandalay, 

Yangon, and Hanoi. 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดย คุณคมกริช งามวงศ์วิโรจน์ 

ผู้อำนวยการส่วนขายภูมิภาค ร่วมกับ สำนักงานส่งเสริม 

การจัดประชุมและนิทรรศการ (ทีเส็บ) โดยคุณนิชาภา ยศวีร์ 

รองผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสสายงานธุรกิจ จัดทริปแนะนำเชียงใหม่ 

ผ่านบริษัทตัวแทนขาย (Agent) และสื่อมวลชน จำนวน 30 ราย 

จากกัมพูชา ลาว พม่าและเวียดนาม (CLMV) ระหว่างวันที่ 1-4 

สิงหาคม 2561 ที่ผ่านมา พร้อมนำเสนอแคมเปญ Fly and Meet 

Double Bonus ที่ทั้งสองหน่วยงานพัฒนาร่วมกันและเปิดตัวไป 

แล้วก่อนหน้านี้ เพื่อดึงดูดนักเดินทางธุรกิจจากกลุ่มประเทศ 

CLMV ให้เดินทางมาจัดงานประชุมองค์กรและท่องเที่ยวเพื่อเป็น 

รางวัล ในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ 

การจัดทริปในครั้งนี้ มีขึ้นภายใต้แนวคิด “Chiang Mai: 

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” ถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวของ 

เชียงใหม่ผ่านกาลเวลา เชียงใหม่มีอดีตอันรุ่งเรืองและมรดกทางศิลปะ 

และวัฒนธรรมอันมีคุณค่ามากกว่า 700 ปี และได้รับการสืบสานมา 

จนถึงในปัจจุบัน จนกลายเป็นเมืองที่มีศักยภาพในการรองรับการ 

จัดงานประชุมระดับชาติต่างๆ ที่มีเอกลักษณ์เป็นของตนเอง และจะ 

ก้าวต่อไปเป็นเมืองชั้นนำสำหรับจัดงาน MICE ของภาคเหนือ 

ผู้เข้าร่วมงานจากทั้ง 4 ประเทศได้มีโอกาสสัมผัสประสบการณ์ 

ตรงผ่านกิจกรรมเชิงสร้างสรรค์ต่างๆ และได้เยี่ยมชมสถานที่จัดงาน 

จริงที่มีความทันสมัย เป็นเอกลักษณ์ และมรดกทางประวัติศาสตร์ 

รวมถึงแหล่งท่องเที่ยวต่างๆ ที่น่าสนใจสำหรับกลุ่มนักเดินทางธุรกิจ 

ที่มาเยือนเชียงใหม่ โดยบริษัทตัวแทนขายยังได้ร่วมการเจรจาธุรกิจ 

กับบรรดาผู้ประกอบการในอุตสาหกรรมไมซ์ชั้นน ำของเชียงใหม่อีกด้วย 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สมีความภูมิใจที่ได้มีส่วนร่วมกับ 

แคมเปญ Fly and Meet Double Bonus เพื่อตอบสนองนโยบาย 

รัฐบาลในการกระตุ้นอุตสาหกรรมไมซ์สำหรับประเทศไทยในตลาด 

CLMV และด้วยเส้นทางบินที่ครอบคลุมเมืองหลักต่างๆ ในประเทศ 

กัมพูชา ลาว พม่าและเวียดนาม รวมถึงการสนับสนุนจากทีเส็บผ่าน 

แคมเปญดังกล่าวนั้น ทำให้มั่นใจได้ว่าประเทศไทยจะเป็นจุดหมาย 

ปลายทางที่น่าสนใจของนักเดินทางธุรกิจจากกลุ่มประเทศ CLMV 

ปัจจุบันบางกอกแอร์เวย์สมีเส้นทางบินครอบคลุมกลุ่มประเทศ 

CLMV เช่น จากกรุงเทพฯ ไปยังพนมเปญ เสียมราฐ เวียงจันทน์ 

หลวงพระบาง ย่างกุ้ง มัณฑะเลย์ เนปิดอว์ ดานัง เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก (เวียดนาม) 

และมีเส้นทางบินตรงจากเชียงใหม่สู่ย่างกุ้ง มัณฑะเลย์และฮานอย 

146

FLYERBONUS 

SCB CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BENEFIT WITH FLYERBONUS 

FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME PARTNERSHIP 

Mr. Jirapon Hirunrat – Bangkok Airways’ Vice President for Network and Fleet Management (2nd from left), Ms. Kanpiorn Suwan – Siam Commercial Bank’s 

FSVP for Credit Card Usage & Partnership Management ( 3rd from left). 

SCB Credit Cardholders can now enjoy boutique services and 

awards from point redemption within the Bangkok Airway’s Flyer 

Bonus Frequent Flyer Programme. Discover arrays of awards to 

redeem from such as, Bangkok Airways and partner airlines flight 

awards, hotel vouchers, car rental, Bangkok Airway’s lounge access 

and lifestyle awards. 

For SCB Private Banking, SCB First and SCB My Travel Credit 

Cardholders, receive a transfer rate of 2,000 SCB Rewards Points 

for 1,000 FlyerBonus Points. Plus, for other SCB Credit Cardholders, 

a transfer rate of 3,000 SCB Rewards Points would equal 1,000 

FlyerBonus Points. 

The partnership between FlyerBonus and Siam Commercial Bank 

is to assist in providing SCB Credit Cardholders with passion for travelling, 

exclusive and hand-picked privileges. Nonetheless, also providing a 

more seamless way to travel with Bangkok Airways, which will then 

double the value of transactions through SCB Credit Cards. 

Convert SCB Rewards points now through SCB Easy App or 

contact SCB Credit Card Customer Services at 02 777 7777. 

สมาชิกผู้ถือบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์สามารถบินสไตล์บูทีคและ 

แลกรับของรางวัลบัตรโดยสารสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สและ 

สายการบินพันธมิตรที่ร่วมรายการ บัตรกำนัลที่พักโรงแรมชั้นนำ 

บริการรถเช่า การเข้าใช้บริการห้องรับรองพิเศษบลู ริบบอนคลับ 

และแลกรางวัลไลฟ์สไตล์ต่างๆ ผ่านรายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์ 

โบนัสได้แล้ววันนี้ 

ทั้งนี้อัตราแลกคะแนนสำหรับสมาชิกบัตรเครดิต SCB Private 

Banking, SCB First และ SCB My Travel เริ่มต้นที่ 2,000 คะแนน 

SCB Rewards เพื่อแลกคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 1,000 คะแนน 

สำหรับบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ประเภทอื่นๆ ทุกๆ 3,000 คะแนน SCB 

Rewards สามารถแลกคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 1,000 คะแนน 

ความร่วมมือด้านรายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัสกับบัตร 

เครดิตไทยพาณิชย์นั้น เป็นความตั้งใจตอบแทนลูกค้าผู้ถือบัตรฯ ที่มี 

ไลฟ์สไตล์รักการเดินทาง ให้ใช้จ่ายผ่านบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ได้คุ้มค่า 

มากกว่าเดิม โดยสามารถนำคะแนน SCB Rewards ไปใช้สำหรับ 

การเดินทางกับบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้สะดวกยิ่งขึ ้น 

ช่องทางการโอนคะแนนผ่าน SCB Easy Application หรือ 

ศูนย์บริการลูกค้าบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ 02 777 7777 

148

150 151

AIRCRAFT INFO 

AIRBUS A319 

NUMBER OF FLEET : 15 

LENGTH : 33.84 m 

WINGSPAN : 34.1 m 

HEIGHT : 12.17 m 

ENGINE : IAE V2500 

CRUISING SPEED : 

920 km/h 

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE : 

39,800 ft 

PASSENGER CAPACITY : 

12 seats & 108 seats / 144 seats / 138 seats 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT 

TAKE ME 

HOME 

READ 

Fah Thai is the inflight magazine 

of Bangkok Airways. It is YOUR 

MAGAZINE. It is distributed with our 

compliments on all Bangkok Airways 

flights. We hope you enjoy it . 

TOO MUCH BAGGAGE? 

ONLINE! 

AIRBUS A320 





ENGINE : IAE V2500 


870 km/h 


39,800 ft 


162 seats 

••••• 

We also come in a digital format. You can read us at: 

FAHTHAIMAG.COM 

And feel free to send us your feedback. 

Your voice is our inspiration! 

ATR 72-500 





ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp 

Pratt & Whitney 

Canada PW127F 


509 km/h 


25,000 ft 


70 seats 

Read more 

ATR 72-600 


LENGTH : 27.166 m 



ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp 

Pratt & Whitney 

Canada PW127M 


509 km/h 


25,000 ft 


70 seats 

OUR SCHEDULE FLIGHTS AND FREQUENCY 

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS 

Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai : 

Numerous flights every day from a variety of destinations 

Chiang Mai : 1 flight per day from Phuket ; 

1 flight per day from Koh Samui 

Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Hat Yai : 

1 flight per day from Phuket 

Koh Chang/Trat : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Krabi : 3 flights per day from Bangkok ; 


Lampang : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Mae Hong Son : 1 flight per day from Chiang Mai 

Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ; 


Sukhothai : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS 

Chengdu : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Chongqing : 3 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Da Nang : 1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Guangzhou : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Hanoi : 

1 flight per day from Chiang Mai 

Hong Kong : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui 

Kuala Lumpur : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui 

Luang Prabang : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

Malé : 

1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Mandalay : 11 flights per week from Bangkok ; 

4 flights per week from Chiang Mai 

Mumbai : 1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Nay Pyi Taw : 6 flights per week from Bangkok 

Phnom Penh : 6 flights per day from Bangkok 

Phu Quoc : 5 flights per week from Bangkok 

Siem Reap : 5 flights per day from Bangkok 

Singapore : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui 

Vientiane : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ; 

1 flight per day from Chiang Mai 

152

CHECKING OUT 

Luang Prabang Beckons 

Low-key Luang Prabang 

with its old world culture, 

colourful markets and 

graceful temples continue to 

nurture the traveller’s soul. 

154

Fah Thai Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

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