Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec2019

NOV-DEC 2019

DOI MON JONG —

BIRDWATCHING PARADISE

IPOH’S STREET FOOD

TEMPTATIONS

CRAFT ALLEY IN

SIEM REAP

FIRE AND SPICE FROM AWARD-

WINNING CHOCOLATIER

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

UL TIMATE INDULGENCE

AT BEACH REPUBLIC

When in Koh Samui, find some time to check out the amazing Beach Republic,

because as soon as you enter, you’ll find you’ve left behind your worries

and stresses and become a citizen of a very laid-back place.

Apart from The Residences, comprising 41 private pool villas,

stunning private-pool penthouses and spacious suites, Beach Republic

also features the wonderful Ocean Club and Restaurant.

CALL +66 (0) 77 458 100 FOR RESERVATIONS OR

VISIT BEACHREPUBLIC.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Linda Cooper

Executive Manager

This is to certify that

is hereby declared the

201

Winner:

This award serves as recognition of sustained commitment to service excellence and

outstanding achievement in the international luxury restaurant industry and hereby

Brandon Lourens

Founder and CEO

Linda Cooper

Executive Manager

This is to certify that

is hereby declared the

201

Winner:

This award serves as recognition of sustained commitment to service excellence and

outstanding achievement in the international luxury restaurant industry and hereby

Brandon Lourens

Founder and CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Passengers,

Greetings and welcome on board.

In this year-end issue of Fah Thai, I invite you all

to join Bangkok Airways in its effort to work towards

responsible and environmentally friendly tourism, as

I believe this is one important way we can ensure

our ecosystem remains beautiful and fertile. For

this reason, Bangkok Airways has launched the

“Corporate Governance Capital Market Building

Project” to mark the auspicious occasion of the

Royal Coronation of His Majesty King Maha

Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua. This

project reaffirms our objective to conduct business

responsibly, so it is beneficial to both society and

the environment, and also marches in step with the

world’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Recently, our airline joined the Stock Exchange

of Thailand’s “Care the Bear: Change the Climate

Change” project, with the aim of helping to reduce

carbon emission by organising marathon events as

part of Bangkok Airways’ Boutique Series. This

project encouraged the segregation of waste,

reduced use of plastic and Styrofoam and also

promoted the reuse of event decorations. Bangkok

Airways’ partners wholeheartedly joined us in

our “waste-segregation” project.

This year, we also launched the CSR activity

“We Love You – Koh Samui”, joining hands with

Na Phra Lan and Ban Mae Nam communities

to build homes for fishes and also release banana

prawns. This activity, under the “Love Earth Save

Earth” campaign, was aimed at enhancing efforts

to conserve the marine and coastal resources of

Koh Samui – one of Thailand’s best-loved tourist

destinations thanks to its unrivalled natural beauty.

Lastly, on behalf of Bangkok Airways, I and

every member of staff hope you enjoy your journey

with us. Please don’t forget that the more we

travel responsibly, the longer we will be able to

sustainably enjoy the wonders of nature.

สวัสดีครับท่านผู้โดยสาร

ขอต้อนรับทุกท่านสู่บริการของสายการบินบางกอก

แอร์เวย์ส

สำหรับฉบับปลายปีนี้ ผมขอเชิญชวนผู้โดยสารทุกท่าน

ร่วมเป็นส่วนหนึ่งในการส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยวที่เป็นมิตรกับ

สิ่งแวดล้อม เพราะการท่องเที่ยวอย่างมีความรับผิดชอบเรื่อง

สิ่งแวดล้อมร่วมกันนั้น จะช่วยดูแลรักษาสิ่งแวดล้อมให้คงอยู่

อย่างสวยงามและอุดมสมบูรณ์ เกี่ยวกับเรื่องนี้ สายการบินฯ

ได้เข้าร่วมโครงการเสริมสร้างตลาดทุนธรรมาภิบาล

เฉลิมพระเกียรติ เนื่องในโอกาสมหามงคลพระราชพิธีบรม

ราชาภิเษก พระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรรามาธิบดีศรีสินทร

มหาวชิราลงกรณ พระวชิรเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัว เพื่อประกาศ

เจตนารมณ์ดำเนินธุรกิจด้วยความรับผิดชอบ คำนึงถึง

ประโยชน์ต่อสังคมและสิ่งแวดล้อม ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับเป้าหมาย

การพัฒนาอย่างยั่งยืน (Sustainable Development Goals

- SDGs) ของประชาคมโลก

อีกทั้งที่ผ่านมา สายการบินฯ ได้เข้าร่วมโครงการ

“Care the Bear: Change the Climate Change” ของ

ตลาดหลักทรัพย์แห่งประเทศไทย เพื่อร่วมรณรงค์ลดปัญหา

ภาวะโลกร้อน ด้วยการลดคาร์บอนจากการจัดกิจกรรมของ

สายการบินฯ ผ่านรายการวิ่งบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส บูทีค ซีรีส์

ในรูปแบบต่างๆ เช่น การนำอุปกรณ์ตกแต่งมาใช้ซ้ำ

การจัดทำจุดแยกขยะ การรณรงค์ลดใช้โฟม ซึ่งโครงการ

ดังกล่าว ได้รับความร่วมมือจากผู้เกี่ยวข้องเป็นอย่างดี

รวมถึงกิจกรรมช่วยลดภาวะโลกร้อนอื่นๆ ในพื้นที่ของ

สายการบินฯ ภายใต้โครงการ “แยกขยะ ได้ประโยชน์”

นอกจากนี้ สายการบินฯ ยังได้จัดกิจกรรม “บางกอก

แอร์เวย์ส รักษ์นะสมุย” ร่วมกับชุมชนหน้าพระลาน ตำบล

แม่น้ำ อำเภอเกาะสมุย เพื่อสร้างบ้านปลา และปล่อยพันธุ์

กุ้งแชบ๊วย ภายใต้โครงการ “Love Earth Save Earth” เพื่อ

รณรงค์ให้ประชาชนบนเกาะสมุย ตระหนักถึงความสำคัญ

และร่วมกันอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรทางทะเลและชายฝั่งในพื้นที่

อำเภอเกาะสมุย ซึ่งเป็นแหล่งท่องเที่ยวทางธรรมชาติที่

สวยงามและได้รับความนิยมจากนักท่องเที่ยวทั่วโลก

สุดท้ายนี้ ในนามของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส

ผมและพนักงานทุกคนหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่าท่านผู้โดยสาร

จะได้รับความประทับใจตลอดการเดินทางเมื่อเดินทางไป

พร้อมกับเรา อย่าลืมนะครับว่า หากเราท่องเที่ยวอย่าง

มีความรับผิดชอบ ความงดงามก็จะคงอยู่กับเราอย่าง

ยั่งยืนครับ

กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited

OVERTURES

FEATURES

22 ART OF CELEBRATION

Check out our choices of great

ways to see out the year –

whether it be with sports, arts,

music or the best plans for the

festive season.

26 GET READY TO PARTY

Be inspired by fresh but subtle

looks that will make heads turn.

28 MEN OF METAL

With shiny new interpretations,

metallic is this season’s ‘MUST’

for men. A simple aesthetic that

brings a gleam and glamour to

everyday wear.

30 LET’S GO PINK!

An entire outfit in pink can be

embarrassing, but a splash of

this vivid colour – in a clutch, a

pair of shoes or hair accessories

– can make a stylish statement.

32 THE MIGHTY

MON JONG

Standing tall in the Omkoi

Wildlife sanctuary is the magic

mountain of “Doi Mon Jong” –

famous for lush slopes and rich

wildlife that enchant visitors,

especially in winter.

36 THE NORTHERN

FLAVOUR

When in Chiang Mai, do like the

locals and slurp up the blissful,

aroma-rich flavours of “Khao

Soi” – specially made noodles

drenched in a rich curry sauce

coating beef or chicken.

38 GRAB SOME GRAPES

After an 8,000-year journey

around the globe, these juicy

jewels have finally taken root in

Thailand. Enjoy them fresh or

fermented in a glass of wine.

40 ISLAND TIME MACHINE

Step into the heart of Phuket’s

Old Town and experience how

people once lived.

44 A FEAST OF FIGHTING

The ancient Thai martial art of

“Thai Fight Kard Chuek” wows

crowds with a hypnotic mix of

tradition and brutality.

46 PHUKET PARADISE

A beachside hideaway doubles as a

temple of pampering, where cares

melt away over entire days and

nights of luxurious feasting and fun.

52 FIERY FLAVOURS

Phurich Tanawut and his

friends blend chocolate with

spicy Thai flavours to concoct

unique delights that defy

convention and keep winning

international awards.

60 HEAVEN FOR

STREET-FOODIES

Head to Malaysia’s old tin-town

to tuck into Ipoh’s unique menu

of mouth-watering delicacies –

like ayam tauge, hor hee, rojak,

kaya puffs or curry mee.

70 JOURNEY TO THE EAST

Famous for fruit, Chanthaburi

and Trat in the East of Thailand

have a lot more to offer – from

rustic beauty and the country’s

oldest cathedral to pristine beaches

and stunning seascapes.

78 SIEM REAP ARTISANS

Wake up early to catch the

sun rising behind Angkor Wat

and then spend your afternoon

picking up unique souvenirs at

Kandal Village in the heart of

Siem Reap.

88 PALETTE OF THE GODS

In China’s sleepy Dongchuan

district, farmers’ age-old battle

with cruel nature has turned

their fields into a magically

colourful work of art.

Fields Of

Dreams

HAPPENINGS

CORPORATE

Events around Asia to mark on your calendar.

98 BANGKOK

100 SAMUI

104 PHUKET

107 CHIANG MAI

& PATTAYA

108 CHONGQING

/ HONG KONG /

SINGAPORE /

KUALA LUMPUR

110 LUANG

PRABANG /

PHNOM PENH /

PHU QUOC

112 MALDIVES

/ MUMBAI /

YANGON

116 NEWS

Bangkok Airways’ activities, awards and

airline updates.

126 ROUTE MAP

128 AIRCRAFT INFO

CHECKING OUT

130 KOH CHANG

Playtime on Thailand’s third

largest island.

This month’s cover:

A birdwatcher’s

delight in a

northern forest.

A Brave,

New Taste

of Chocolate

MOST

EFFECTIVE IN

TRAVEL AND

LEISURE

BEST USE OF

PHOTOGRAPHY

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. Varong Israsena

Vice President - Marketing

Mr. Chulin Kocharoen

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Mr. Tortrakul Smakul

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Manager - Ancillary Product

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EDITORIAL

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Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong

Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert

Sub Editor Ramona Varma

Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa

Contributors

Carla Florence Thomas

Chalotorn Payomyol

Chusri Ngamprasert

Jeremie Schatz

Keith Mundy

Khetsirin Pholdhampalit

Matthew Camilleri

Passakorn Hongthong

Phatarawadee Phataranawik

Phoowadon Duangmee

Richard Augustin

Sarita Urupongsa

Sirin P. Wongpanit

Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer

Urisara Kowitdamrong

Contributing Photographers

@iwasborntotravelbkk

Jeremie Schatz

Kay Choomongkol

Keith Mundy

Permboon Wongpanit

Phoowadon Duangmee

Sudarat Hawhan

Sugato Mukherjee

Thalay Thammapakkul

ART

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“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.

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.

5.9 M฿

Villa Butterfly

2 bedrooms villa with swimming pool in Bophut Hills, it has a

beautiful garden with a sala and his fully fenced.

75 M฿

Villa Burberry

Luxury villa with 3 bedrooms and 1 large studio, it has an

amazing quality conception with endless sea view.

26 M฿

Hotel Moon Flower

Large hotel with 17 rooms, 2 buildings including a restaurant

and 1 house. This running business is located in Maenam.

ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS

Our family real estate agency offers complete

services. Purchase, sale, commercial or rental

investment and construction.

Our approach is results-oriented and provides our

customers with optimal solutions.

BANG PO

MAENAM

BOPHUT

Marie

Karl

Ying

+66 06 2012 0609

info@mysamuirealestate.com

Notre agence immobilière familiale offre des

services complets. Achat/Vente, investissement,

propriété commerciale, construction.

Notre approche est axée sur les résultats et fournis

à notre clientèle des solutions optimales.

บริษัทตัวแทนอสังหาริมทรัพย์สำาหรับครอบครัวของเรา เราให้

บริการอย่างเต็มรูปแบบ เช่น การซื้อ การขาย เชิงพาณิชย์หรือ

การเช่าเพื่อลงทุนและการก่อสร้าง แนวทางของเรามุ่งเน้นผล

สัมฤทธิ์และมอบสิ่งที่ดีที่สุดให้แก่ลูกค้า

NATHON

LIPA NOI

TALING

NGAM

Koh Samui

LAMAI

HUA THANON

CHAWENG

119/33 Samui Town, Bophut

a family business

Cheers to a

New Year!

10.9 M฿

Villa Tiger Flower

Private 3 bedrooms villa on a large landplot with swimming

pool & large outside sala. Located in the south of the Island.

6.8 M฿

Modern Villa

Villa two-storey 3 bedrooms and swimming pool not far from

the beach. Financing is possible. Great investment product.

18 M฿

Lamai 3 apartments

Running business with 3 large apartments & shared swimming

pool. It is located a few hundred meters from the beach.

It’s almost time to raise a

toast to this year and usher

in the next. If you’re in

Phuket, stop by at Dream

Beach Club on Layan Beach

not just for brilliant beats

from international DJs but

also to indulge in tropical

delights like this take on

the traditional margarita –

the guavarita.

18.8 M฿

Villa Grey Havens

Amazing sea view villa with 3 bedrooms and large living

space. It is located in the prime location of Bophut.

2.5+ M฿

Build your villa with us!

Come to select your design. We have more than 50 land

plots, beach, sea view, mountain view, coconut view.

6.8 M฿

Villa Shanghai

In Maenam very private 2 bedrooms villa with swimming pool,

it has 2 kitchens, one outside and a large fenced garden.

Photo Jeremie Schatz

NEWS & EVENTS 22 / BEAUTY & HEALTH 26 / STYLE 28 / THAILAND TREASURES 32 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 36 /

FRUITFUL FINDS 38 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 40 / CHECKED IN 46

OVERTURES

NEWS AND EVENTS

4 SEP

2019

BANGKOK

CITY OF ANGELS FLYING HIGH

With more than 22 million visitors annually,

Bangkok is once again top of the Mastercard

Global Destinations Cities Index of 200 cities –

for the fourth year in a row. After all, where else

can you find attractions like the Grand Palace,

Temple of Dawn and the Damnoen Saduak

Floating Market?

Coming second and third are Paris and

London with just over 19 million tourists each,

followed by Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,

New York, Istanbul, Tokyo and Antalya in Turkey.

Dubai, however, rakes in the most tourist

dollars, with travellers spending US$553 on

average daily, followed by Mecca for the second

consecutive year. Bangkok rounds out the list

of tourism revenue at number three.

newsroom.mastercard.com

29 DEC

2019

CHENGDU

HOT SHOTS FROM

AROUND THE WORLD

After opening in April, the Chengdu

Contemporary Image Museum has quickly

become a cultural crossroads of this vibrant

modern metropolis. The finest shots from the

portfolios of world-famous photographers

grace the walls, the fruit of collaborations

with top galleries around the globe.

The museum is a sprawling

Mediterranean-style villa in the centre of

Fuhe Photo Park. Inside, galleries, a lecture

hall and a sizeable library are all great

reasons to escape the humidity and heat of

the city.

Inaugural exhibitions include a tribute

to master French photographer Henri

Cartier Bresson by Brazilian shutterbug

Sebastião Salgado, who is known for his

dramatic black-and-white images. Entrance

is free. Jinfu Rd., No. 889, +86 28 62605635

Photo Threeland Travel Photo Wikipedia

4-12 2019

NOV

MANDALAY

CARNIVAL AT THE PAGODA

Held every year in the grounds of one of

the most venerated and famous temples

in Myanmar, the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda

Festival can be reached easily by crossing

the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay.

Festivities kick off when farmers and

villagers start pouring in with ox carts loaded

with a vast variety of goods – hand-woven

cotton cloth, rice and cane mats, baskets, fresh

produce and even religious iconography – to

sell for donations to the temple. The bustling

spectacle has a still and tranquil centre, as

monks in red robes chant solemn prayers

before the Buddha statue.

The carnival gives visitors an insight into the

rich social fabric of Myanmar. Make sure your

knees are covered and you are dressed politely

when visiting. tourism.gov.mm

NOW-

MID-

NOV-

1 2020

JAN

SINGAPORE

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

Orchard Road may be famous as a shopping

paradise, but mid-November brings a seasonal

change as a winter wonderland blossoms,

showering visitors with Christmas cheer.

The carnivalesque scene sprouts attractions

like Santa’s Grotto and carousels, as well as

great sale offers at shops and malls lining the

street. Orchard Road, Singapore, orchardroad.org

22-24 2019

NOV

HONG KONG

IT’S TIME TO PARTY

Hong Kong’s biggest party, Clockenflap,

has been gathering local and foreign talent

together in an annual celebration of sonic

creativity since 2008. This year’s festival

features big names like US electro-pop

sensation Halsey, British indie hitmakers

Mumford & Sons and controversial Miami

rapper Lil Pump. Also making their presence

felt will be Crowd Luu and Waa Wei from

Taiwan and Japanese kawaii metal band

Babymetal. Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong,

clockenflap.com

23 2019

NOV

-1

2020

MAR

BANGKOK

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

and Sunpride Foundation are joining hands

to unveil the work of 59 artists in SPECTRO

SYNTHESIS II – Exposure of Tolerance: LGBTQ

in Southeast Asia.

The curatorial team, led by Chatvichai

Promadhattavedi, have selected a strong lineup

of artworks to reveal how boundaries are

shifting, social frameworks opening up, and

established norms and values being called into

question. Featured artists include Hong Kong’s

Christopher Cheung and Jes Fan, India’s Balbir

Krishan, Dinh Q. Lê from Vietnam, Filipino

David Medalla, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran

from Sri Lanka and Thailand’s own Arin

Rungjang to name a few. Admission is free.

Main Gallery, 7th-8th floor, BACC, 939 Rama 1

Road, Bangkok, bacc.or.th, sunpride.hk

22 23

OVERTURES

NEWS AND EVENTS

82019

DEC

SIEM REAP

JOGGING THROUGH ANGKOR

Cambodia’s biggest running event, the Angkor

Wat International Half Marathon, gives

participants a chance to hotfoot it through the

famous ruins of Angkor Wat. Held annually since

1996, proceeds from the run go to support

efforts towards a global ban of landmines.

This year’s event, held again within the

confines of Angkor Archaeological Park, will

comprise 21-kilometre and 10km half marathons

as well as 5km and 3km fun runs. Angkor Wat,

Siem Reap, facebook.com/angkorwathalfmarathon

122019

DEC

BANGKOK

ROYAL BARGE PROCESSION

RESCHEDULED

If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience,

look no further than the grand historic spectacle

taking place on the River of Kings in December.

The Royal Barge Procession, marking the

conclusion of the Royal Coronation of King Rama X,

will now be held on 12 December at 3.30pm

instead of 24 October as originally scheduled.

Their Majesties the King and Queen will

embark the Suphannahong Royal Barge at

Wasukri Pier for a 45-minute excursion down

the Chao Phraya River to the Ratchaworadit Pier.

The procession will feature 52 ceremonial

barges, including four royal barges – namely

the Suphannahong or Golden Swan, the

Anantanakkharat and its multi-headed Naga

prow, the Anekkachatpuchong with ornately

carved Naga figures, and the Narai Song Suban.

The barges will be rowed by 2,200 oarsmen.

Special areas on both banks of the river

have been set aside for the public to watch

the grand spectacle, including Santichai Prakan

Park, Thammasat University, Nagaraphirom

Park, Siriraj Hospital, King Bhumibol’s 72nd

Birthday Anniversary Park and a viewpoint

under the Rama VIII Bridge.

13-14 2019

DEC

KUALA LUMPUR

TUNES OF THE GALAXY

With the ninth instalment of Star Wars – The

Rise of Skywalker – set to arrive just before

Christmas, the Malaysian Philharmonic

Orchestra will be whetting moviegoers’

appetites with a special tribute concert. “The

Music of Star Wars” will be performed at

the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas under the

lightsaber of conductor Dirk Brossé. Fans will

get to hear the award-winning scores of the

entire Star Wars series composed by John

Williams, during a performance lasting two

hours. Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Suria

KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre,

mpo.com.my

OVERTURES

BEAUTY AND HEALTH

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLIST SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SUDARAT HAWHAN

Party Face On

With party season just around the corner, it’s time

for you to flex your makeup muscles and come up

with a beauty look that is entirely your own. Here

we have some recommendations for inspiration:

STOCKISTS

Carolina Herrera

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2690 1000

#1714

Kiehl’s

GF Central Chidlom

Tel +66 (0) 2655 7610

Lancôme

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 91 191 4554

Shiseido

MF Emporium

Tel +66 (0) 2259 8813

Yves Saint Laurent

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 9090

GOOD GIRL

DOT DRAMA

COLLECTOR EAU

DE PARFUM 80ML

FROM CAROLINA

HERRERA (5,750 Baht)

A sensual, evocative

fragrance born of the

beautiful contradictions

that make a modern

woman. It’s both freshly

light and moodily dark.

ABSOLUE L’EXTRAIT

MIST ULTIMATE

RADIANCE MIST

5.0FL. OZ. FROM

LANCÔME (18,500 Baht)

A mere spritz of this elixir

gives your skin a hydrated

and supple feel, while daily

use will improve the overall

texture and lend you a

luminous glow.

AGE DEFENDER

MOISTURIZER 50ML

FROM KIEHL’S

(2,000 Baht)

Specifically created for

men, this revitalising

treatment gently

exfoliates, allowing the

formula to effectively

penetrate the skin and

smooth out the roughness.

ULTIMUNE EYE

POWER INFUSING

EYE CONCENTRATE

15ML FROM SHISEIDO

(2,800 Baht)

This eye cream formula

attacks worries on five

fronts – roughness,

wrinkles, dark spots,

puffiness and loss

of resilience.

ZOË KRAVITZ ROUGE

PUR COUTURE

LIPSTICK 3.8G

FROM YVES SAINT

LAURENT (1,500 Baht)

This lipstick – in that

perfect shade of red that

suits every woman – glides

on so smoothly that you

absolutely must have it.

MÉTÉORITES PERLES DE SATIN

25G FROM GUERLAIN (2,860 Baht)

This shimmering skin-enhancer in a

brand-new shade transforms looks with

minimal effort. Just swirl your brush over

the pearls and either touch on highlights

or buff over the entire face for an all-over

summer glow.

ROUGE PUR

COUTURE THE

SLIM STUD

COLLECTOR 2.2G

FROM YVES SAINT

LAURENT (1,550 Baht)

This super-slim,

square lipstick offers

luxurious, long-wear

matte colour for the

lips in couture shades

for every skin tone.

RE-NUTRIV

ULTIMATE LIFT

REGENERATING

YOUTH

TREATMENT

LOTION 200ML

FROM ESTÉE

LAUDER

(3,400 Baht)

Catch the glow

with this intensely

brightening lotion

that leaves your

skin feeling soft

as a petal.

ABSOLUE

CLEANSING FOAM

125ML FROM

LANCÔME (3,500 Baht)

Purify with this gentle

cleanser without

disrupting the

moisture barrier or

drying out your skin.

Up Your Skin Game

In the spirit of the upcoming festive season, here’s a

definitive guide for gorgeous, glowing and healthylooking

skin – and how it can be enhanced even

further with a touch of makeup.

Getting your best party skin ever

Start Prepping Your Canvas If you want your

skin to look and feel flawless, you have to start

exfoliating at least one week before the big event,

so you don’t have dryness or flaking.

Massage, Massage – and Massage a Bit More

Massaging along the forehead, cheekbones and

the jawline will sculpt, depuff, and stimulate the

production of collagen.

Supercharge Your Skin the Week of a Big Event

The days leading up to a big event should be

dedicated to nourishing your face with hydrating,

antioxidant-packed, anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Think Play Up – Not Cover Up The aim is to

look great and confident with minimal effort, yet

make heads turn without wearing too much.

Build a Better, Thicker, More Believable Brow

A thicker, groomed brow adds to a youthful, fresh

face. The tips are always tricky, so spend a little

extra time and check them out from multiple

angles in the mirror.

Make Soft-Focus Lip Your New Signature

It brightens up the face, adds a nice contrast to the

features and awakens the highlights.

LIQUID EYELINER

COLOUR 03 BURGUNDY

FROM GUERLAIN

(1,830 Baht)

The liquid eyeliner comes with

an ultra-fine brush that allows

you to achieve a delicate,

flawless finish.

ABSOLUE REVITALIZING EYE

CREAM 20ML FROM LANCÔME

(6,350 Baht)

This rejuvenating cream moisturises the

skin and smooths out lines, making you look

rested, brighter and younger. It also visibly

firms and tones up the skin under the eyes.

ORGASM

OIL-INFUSED

LIP TINT 5.5ML

FROM NARS

(1,090 Baht)

Packed with

antioxidants,

these lip tints with

a comfortable

gel-oil texture glide

on smoothly and

evenly, giving your

pout a surge of

non-greasy hydration.

EROS FLAME EAU DE PARFUM

100ML FROM VERSACE (4,400 Baht)

They say true love consumes everything

in a flame of passion, and this perfume

evokes just that with its fiery red, intense

and masculine notes.

L’ESSENTIEL

NATURAL 16H WEAR

FOUNDATION

SPF20 30ML FROM

GUERLAIN (2,550 Baht)

This lightweight

foundation gives you

medium coverage

and natural

skin-like finish.

Though very

fine in texture,

it may not be

suitable for

those with

oily skin.

STOCKISTS

Estée Lauder

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66(0) 2610 7717

Guerlain

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 7701

Lancôme

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 91 191 4554

DOUBLE WEAR

RADIANT CONCEALER

10ML FROM ESTÉE

LAUDER (900 Baht)

Perfect for concealing and

contouring, it instantly

brightens dark circles,

hides spots and

imperfections and

tones down redness

and blotches.

Waterproof as

well as sweat

and humidity resistant.

Nars

MF Emporium

Tel +66 (0) 2259 9226

Versace

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2690 1000 #1714

Yves Saint Laurent

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 9090

OVERTURES

STYLE

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLIST SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SUDARAT HAWHAN

Metal is Hot

Metallic is this season’s black.

But fresh interpretations and

unexpected combinations of the

hard and shiny are bringing a sense

of novelty marked by delicate

pastels, high-shine textures

and mirror effects, with even

the increasingly popular leather

getting the metal treatment.

FOR HIM

MONO

RECTANGLE

FRAME WITH

NYLON MIRRORED

SUNGLASSES

FROM BALENCIAGA

(16,200 Baht)

STOCKISTS

Balenciaga

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4484

FINE BRUSHED

AND POLISHED STEEL

WITH ALUMINIUM

TACHYMETRE SCALE

WATCH FROM

TAG HEUER

(62,500 Baht)

Saint Laurent

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 9090

EMBOSSED

LEATHER WITH

DOTTED SQUARES

MONOGRAM

CARD CASE FROM

SAINT LAURENT

(12,200 Baht)

TRACK NYLON,

TONAL GREY PANELLED

MESH AND RUBBER

SNEAKERS WITH

STRIPED LACES FROM

BALENCIAGA

(32,850 Baht)

Tag Heuer

1F Siam Center

Tel +66 (0) 2255 3952

METALLIC LOGO

PRINT GLOSSED

NYLON RIPSTOP

HOLDALL BAG

FROM SAINT

LAURENT

(37,000 Baht)

GF Gaysorn Village

Tel +66 (0) 2656 1058

OVERTURES

STYLE

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLIST SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SUDARAT HAWHAN

Pink Outside

the Box

While head-to-toe pink can

be a great look for a few of us,

there are also plenty of other

and more subtle ways to use

the colour. A pair of fuchsia

shoes or hot-pink socks can add

punch to your everyday jeansand-T-shirt

ensemble.

FOR HER

BRIGHT PINK

SATIN KITTEN

HEEL WITH LOGO

PRINT FROM

BALENCIAGA

(24,500 Baht)

STOCKISTS

Balenciaga

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4484

SMALL DEVOTION BAG

IN MONDORE NAPPA

LEATHER WITH METAL

ALLOY AND PEARL FROM

DOLCE & GABBANA

(64,000 Baht)

Chloé

MF Emporium

Tel +66 (0) 2664 7474

DIAMOND SET

STEEL WATCH

WITH EMBER

ALLIGATOR STRAP

FROM HERMÈS

(332,200 Baht)

Dolce & Gabbana

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 6790

ROSIE HEART

SHAPED WITH

GOLD TONE

SUNGLASSES

FROM CHLOÉ

(16,900 Baht)

Hermès

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4800

CONTOURED

VAMP CURVY LINE

IN SHINY SATIN

CHUNKY HEEL

FROM PRADA

(32,000 Baht)

Prada

MF Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2610 9800

OVERTURES

THAILAND TREASURES

Magic Mountain

of the North

Its kaleidoscope of colours and rare

species will take your breath away – but

trekkers should save some energy if they

want to conquer the mighty Doi Mon Jong.

Information & Photos the Tourism Authority of Thailand

Compiled by Sarita Urupongsa

Located in the Omkoi Wildlife

Sanctuary, the forested slopes of Doi

Mon Jong mountain play a vital role in

Thailand’s ecosystem, as they are home

to many rare species.

Doi Mon Jong straddles Chiang

Mai’s Omkoi district and Tak’s Sam

Ngao district and takes its name from

the northern dialect words for “triangular

mountain peak”.

Rising 1,929 metres above sea

level, Doi Mon Jong is among the 10

highest peaks in Thailand and was once

a rich habitat for an astonishing variety

of wild animals. While wild elephants

and the rare goat-antelope creatures

known as goral and serow are still

sighted in the reserve, you will be very

lucky if you manage to spy one.

Day trips on the mountain are

available but can be exhausting, so it’s

recommended that you spend a night

camping on the peak – though you will

have to take permission from the Lahu

Unit of Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary.

FROM THE PEAK

A majestic panorama of the hill range

and colourful mosaic of terraced valleys

greet you once you reach the Doi Hua

Singha or Lion’s Head summit. Visit in

December or January and you will find

the terraces glowing bright

with the golden hue of a

wintery sun, though dawn

and dusk at any time of year

will leave you speechless.

The winter months also bring

another colourful spectacle to Doi Mon

Jong, as the large rhododendron (kularb

phan pee) that cloak the mountain burst

into red, white and pink blooms.

The peak is also a paradise for

ornithologists and bird lovers, delighting

eye and ear with the sights and sounds

of a myriad different species. These

range from the northern goshawk,

Bonelli’s eagle and the booted

eagle, to the white-bellied green

pigeon, rufous-throated fulvetta

and black-throated thrush to name

just a few.

Clockwise from Top

Trekking to the top

can be exhausting

but exhilarating.

A little winged-friend

called rufousthroated

fulvetta.

Doi Mon Jong is in full

bloom in winter as

large rhododendron

that cloak the hillside

burst into bloom.

Bottom

If you’re lucky, you

might catch sight of a

goral while trekking

up Doi Mon Jong.

OVERTURES

THAILAND TREASURES

From Top Left

Leucas Ciliata Benth

found in Doi Mon

Jong can be used

as a medicine.

The red Agapetes

Parishii C.B. Clarke.

The large

rhododendron or

kularb phan pee.

WHEN TO GO

This year, agents will start taking

bookings for hikes up Doi Mon Jong

from October 1, though the mountain is

only open to tourists from November 1

until around the end of February. Entry

after that is forbidden due to concerns

about stampeding elephants and the

risk of wildfires in the super-scorching

hot weather.

GETTING THERE

From downtown Chiang Mai it takes four

to five hours to get to Doi Mon Jong by

road. If you’re driving, take Highway 108

and then go left on to Highway 1099

in Hod district. Then drive for some 40

kilometres until you see the Lahu Unit on

your left. From there it’s about 16km to

the trail’s starting point. You will require a

4-wheeled vehicle and a skilled driver to

tackle the rough, rocky and steep road.

You can also take a bus leaving from

Chang Phueak Gate Bus Terminal at

8am. Transfers can also be arranged to

the trail’s starting point.

For more information, contact the

Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai

Office) at +66 (0) 53 248 604, facebook.

com/tatchiangmai and Doi Monjong Tourism

Service Centre by Community at +66 (0) 92

559 7201, doimonjong.web.app

49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Taling-Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand

Phone +66-77-915-888 | ConradKohSamui.com

OVERTURES

A TASTE OF THAILAND

Elixir of the North

No trip to the North of Thailand is complete

without a steaming bowl of aromatic, flavourful

“Khao Soi”. Originally a staple among the Chin

Haw Muslims and served widely in Myanmar

and northern Laos, the version in Thailand

is milder, with a curry sauce made rich and

creamy with coconut milk.

Creating a perfect bowl of Khao Soi

requires a great deal of skill. Cooks begin by

finely slicing sheets of dough to make special

flat noodles or “Sen Soi” before dipping them

into steaming water or boiling oil.

But the secret of this dish lies in its bright

yellow fragrant sauce, which owes its colour

to fresh turmeric and its bouquet to the paste

– a perfectly balanced combination of curry

powder, dried chillies, shrimp paste and garlic.

Diners usually get a choice of tender pieces of

Colourful, aromatic and complex, a bowl of

Khao Soi offers a delicious way to make your

trip to Chiang Mai memorable.

beef or chicken, usually the drumstick, to go

with the curry.

A dash of lime, and slices of pickled

cabbage, chopped shallots, fresh spring

onions and a touch of coriander complete

the delicacy. Apart from its delicate interplay

of sweet and spicy flavours, Khao Soi also

comes packed with nutrients thanks to the

different spices in the curry paste.

WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA INFORMATION & PHOTOS THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND

OVERTURES

FRUITFUL FINDS

A Toast to the

All-Conquering Grape

First cultivated 8,000 years ago in Europe, the

lucious fruit is finally putting down roots in Thailand.

The juicy, plump globes of flesh we know as

grapes have been around for thousands of years,

ever since Stone Age tribes started cultivating

them in the Middle East.

When Phoenician and Greek traders

began loading their boats with the sweet fruit,

Mediterranean folk found it so delicious they

began creating myths and even deities in its

honour. The cultivation of purple grapes was

recorded in Egyptian hieroglyphics, while Greeks

and Romans found a way to turn this tasty fruit

into wine. The earliest evidence of grape wine

was found by the Black Sea in Georgia, where

prehistoric folk were getting tipsy on the stuff

at least 8,000 years ago.

Botanically, grapes are considered a berry.

Sweet, juicy and with a delectable aroma when

eaten fresh, the fruit (or berry) can also be delicious

when roasted, braised or simmered as part of

different recipes. Chockful of antioxidants, nutrients,

fibre while low in calories, grapes also offer a wealth

of health benefits and can help ward off heart

attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

The cultivated berries come in two forms –

table grapes and wine grapes. Wine grapes have

a thicker skin, range from deep red to light green

in colour and can be high in tannins. They are also

smaller and much sweeter, which makes it easier

to ferment their juice into alcohol.

Thais began growing grapes and making wine

only recently in the early 1990s, but the country

now produces over one million bottles a year –

mainly from vineyards around Khao Yai national

park, 120 kilometres north of Bangkok.

Popular grape varieties in Thailand are

White Malaga, Red Cardinal and Beauty

Seedless. The White Malaga is green, seeded,

large and crisp with a sweet flavour and low

acidity. The Red Cardinal, meanwhile, is redskinned,

seedless, plump, with a firm, crisp

bite and a Muscat-like flavour. This one is

widely used for wine production in Thailand

and also for making raisins.

The bluish-black Beauty Seedless has a spicy

taste and firm, tender flesh – making it an ideal

table grape.

The acidity of grapes can balance sweet and

savoury flavours in dishes, while their green, purple

or even pinkish hues and delightful, crisp taste can

add a splash of colour and elegance to your table.

WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL

OVERTURES

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS

Digging Deep into

the Roots of Phuket

Behind the Tourist Scenes Lies a Town Still Clanking with

the Sounds of Centuries-old Traditions.

Words Sirin P Wongpanit Photos Permboon Wongpanit

No matter the time, the occasion or the historical chapter,

Phuket has always been famous for its clear waters. Thailand’s

largest island was once so remote from the capital that it was

considered an autonomous territory, and before becoming a

top tourist destination, it was a buzzing hub for trade along

the Malay Peninsula.

Back in the day, ocean trade routes

linked Phuket with Penang and

Singapore – active ports that opened

into international waters. Phuket was

the first city where international phone

calls could be made to Penang, at a time

when even the capital, Bangkok, did not

have proper telephone services.

Phuket also kept up with international

trends, like branded goods, the latest in

fashion accessories, household goods,

technology, education and so on, through

its close relationships with developed

neighbours. And you catch glimpses

everywhere of this old-time trading culture

when walking the streets of the town.

Old Phuket Town is a real living

museum, which is rare in a world that

is engulfed by fast-moving trends.

However, thanks to the efforts of the

current generation of settlers, the

Phuket of their ancestors is a sight to

behold, live, feel, learn and enjoy.

If you want to immerse yourself in

the real vibes of centuries-old Anglo-

Above

Traditional tunes

strummed on

the Guzheng.

Top Right

Many centuries-old

buildings in Phuket

have been restored

and turned into

boutique hotels.

Left & Right

Old shophouses

lining Yaowarat

Road in Old Phuket

Town are living

museums.

Clockwise from Top

The vibes of Phuket

Old Town.

Those taking the tour

can sample Phuket’s

old-school delicacies

cooked by the hosting

locals. Among the

highlights is stir-fried

Hokkien noodle.

Personal antique

collection at Woo

Gallery and boutique

hotel reflects Phuket’s

rich history.

OVERTURES

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS

Chinese settlements, start your journey

on Thalang Road. Admire its beautifully

restored colonial-style shophouses

as you wander around, and look in

on stores that have been run by the

same families for generations. Woo

Gallery, for instance, was once a shop

specialising in imported timepieces but

has now been turned into a beautiful

boutique hotel and gallery, showing

off the owners’ personal collection

of rare watches, sewing machines,

typewriters, crystal chandeliers and

table sets, to name a few – all reflecting

the strong ties Phuket had with nearby

seafaring capitals.

From Thalang Road, venture to

Krabi Road where you will find another

cluster of old colonial shophouses and, if

you’re feeling hungry, opt for something

exotically traditional such as high tea

at i46 Shophouse Old Town. Here you

will be served up old-fashioned sweet

snacks and old-school soy milk. For Phuket

natives, this meal is a delicious trip down

memory lane to happy childhood treats.

Another tradition Phuket folks

cherish is the rare art of blacksmithing,

which has now been replaced by technology

that does the job cheaply and more

conveniently. However, there is still one

old-fashioned blacksmith left on Dibuk

Road, who still sets fire to his forge every

morning after paying respect to the gods

of his trade. This traditional blacksmith

appears to be thriving despite the fast

changing times, though how long he will

be around remains to be seen.

You can choose to explore Old

Phuket Town on your own or opt for a

guided tour provided by locals, which

may also include an authentic Peranakan

meal and a live Guzheng serenade – all

beautifully staged by local performers.

For more information, visit facebook.

com/oldphukettowncbt

Clockwise from Top

The Phuket Thai

Hua Museum.

The last remaining

old-fashioned

blacksmith, who

can be found on

Dibuk Road.

Step into the past

at i46 Shophouse

Old Town, where

you will be served

high tea with some

delicious, exotic

sweet treats.

OVERTURES

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS

From Ancient Muay Thai

toTHAI FIGHT

KARD CHUEK

The centuries-old bone-crunching art of Thai

boxing still packs a punch.

INFORMATION & PHOTOS COURTESY OF THAI FIGHT

COMPILED BY SARITA URUPONGSA

With the blood, sweat and tears

of Thai ancestors, territory was

secured, sovereignty protected and

traditions like the fearsome martial

art of “Muay Thai” were forged.

According to ancient ritual, Thai

boxing matches begin with the

legendary “Ram Mud Ram Muay”

or ceremonial pre-fight dance. Only

when the boxer has completed the

sacred steps can the “weapons”

– his fists – be sanctified for the

battle ahead in the “Kard Chuek”

or rope-binding ceremony. Though

modern Muay Thai requires

combatants to wear gloves, the

more ancient form of rope-fisted

boxing is once again gaining

popularity – even featuring in the

popular Netflix series “Daredevil”.

These days, the hands and wrists

of Kard Chuek fighters are wrapped

tightly but carefully in rattan or

cloth. This protects the bones of

their “Aa Wai Ya Wut”, or physical

weapons, which also include the

feet, the knees, the elbows, as

well as their heads and buttocks.

The elaborate steps of Kard Chuek

express the perfect combination of

aesthetic beauty and toughness that

Muay Thai has become famous for

all over the world.

Over the course of centuries,

Kard Chuek transcended the arena

of battle and evolved into a popular

sport with an adrenaline-pumping

atmosphere. Known today as “Thai

Fight Kard Chuek”, this martial

art with ferocious fighting skills is

acknowledged as among the most

entertaining of combat sports,

its matches packed with thrills

from beginning to end. And its

unique combination of traditional

sport and showbiz glamour lent by

Clockwise from

Top Left

“Ram Rai Wai

Khru” or the dance

of respect has

passed down from

generation to

generation.

Thai Fight is held

on Samui around

the end of April

every year.

The signature

Muay Thai kick.

The final round of

Thai Fight takes

place in Phuket’s

Patong District

on December

21, with a trophy

from His Majesty

King Rama X up

for grabs. Find out

more about the

heat of battle at

thaifight.com.

professional light and sound

systems doesn’t just attract a

worldwide audience, but also

spreads the traditional wisdom of

Thai martial arts.

The brutal intensity of the sport

is also balanced by another elegant

tradition: the “Ram Rai Wai Khru”

or dance of respect for the masters.

Dating back eight centuries to the

Sukhothai period, the steps of

the dance have been passed down

from generation to generation

as a way for fighters to convey

gratitude and respect to their

masters and parents. The dance is

also a call for blessings from sacred

beings to protect the fighters. But

the mesmerising symbolic moves

have hidden benefits too. The

Ram Rai Wai Khru allows fighters

to stretch their muscles and observe

the battleground and their opponents

ahead of the fight. This is, without

a doubt, an expression of the artful

wisdom that animated the old boxing

masters in ancient times.

With its furious action,

intense atmosphere and respect

for sportsmanship, Thai Fight

Kard Chuek is a sport that

requires extreme toughness

and the strongest spirit. Each

fighter has a fearsome set of

martial skills, against which

only the strongest in mind

and body can hope to emerge

victorious in the ring. Thai Fight

Kard Chuek is certainly no place

for the weak – an eternal truth

that will be demonstrated

once again in the final

round of this year’s

competition on December 21

in Phuket.

OVERTURES

CHECKED IN: PHUKET

Phuket’s Pockets

of Paradise

Dive

Words & Photos

Jeremie Schatz

into a beachside club of your dreams,

a chance to own your own slice of heaven,

and the island’s best booze-with-a-view.

TASTED: DREAM BEACH CLUB

A swanky beach club in a faraway

exotic land that hosts internationally

renowned DJs, sun-drenched pool parties

and late-night wildness is certainly a

dream come true for many. Add to that

a superb variety of international fare

complemented with tongue-teasing

cocktails and you have a recipe for

heaven on earth.

Dream Beach Club lays on an

unmatched spread for Sunday brunch,

which will have you wondering where to

start. The chef, with a solid track record

of running kitchens in well-known venues

in Phuket, has created a United Nations

of a menu for the rest of the week too

– offering everything from Vietnamese

delicacies to Mexican favourites, as well

as the five-star fare of sushi, salad, burgers,

pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks and, of course,

a handful of classic Thai dishes.

The sushi spider roll, a personal

favourite, did not disappoint. The softshell

crab crisped to perfection, teamed

with crunchy cucumber, sweet mango,

tangy mayonnaise and Tobiko or flyingfish

roe, wrapped with fragrant sushi rice,

draws sighs of pleasure from adventurous

diners. Dip in wasabi-spiked soy sauce and

slurp it up.

Clockwise from

Top Left

The flavourful

lamb is coated in a

savoury herb crust.

The kind of club

dreams are made of.

The menu represents

tastes from all corners

of the world.

Try this creative

tropical twist on

the margarita,

the guavarita.

Bottom Left to Right

Dream’s skilled

chef produces one of

the tastiest paella’s

found in Thailand.

Pleasing the sweet

tooth: rich lava cake

accompanied by

vanilla ice cream.

Another dish with power to inspire

moans of delight is the Valencia seafood

paella, a rich and glistening concoction

of Arroz Redondo or round short-grain

rice, spiked with rosemary and saffron.

This version of the Spanish speciality is

indeed special, as the chef doesn’t skimp

on spices and loads it up with succulent

prawns, tender squid and fresh mussels.

Meat lovers mustn’t miss out on

the supremely juicy rack of lamb encrusted

with a pesto-like mix of herbs served

with green pea puree, garlic confit,

baby carrots and red-wine jus – it’s

simply fantastic.

To tease your tongue between

mouthfuls, try one of the creative

cocktails. Our favourite is the guavarita – a

margarita made with guava juice, tequila,

triple sec, lemongrass syrup, melon syrup,

lime juice served in glass rimmed with

zingy chilli salt.

Don’t worry about the calories – you

can burn them all off swimming and

dancing the day and night away. And if

you get peckish again, there will always

be a steady flow of delicacies heading

your way.

Dream Beach Club

Layan Beach Soi 2, Cherngtalay, Thalang,

Phuket , +66 (0) 98 048 3500

dreambeachclub.com

OVERTURES

CHECKED IN: PHUKET

Clockwise from Top

The appealing

architectural design

utilises ample open

spaces and

water features.

More an apartment

than a hotel room,

amenities are

plentiful and of

high quality.

You’ll find luxury

in every corner.

MontAzure

is located

on serene

Kamala Beach.

STAYED: MONTAZURE

Building on its reputation as a top luxury

provider in Phuket, the Twinpalms Group

recently opened the doors on its latest

project – MontAzure. Located on the fastdeveloping

Kamala Beach area, MontAzure

rides on the Twinpalms’ tradition of style and

quality but with a new twist – residential

units you can own.

The project is divided into two distinct

areas: Twinpalms Residences facing the

ocean, and the MGallery Residences facing

the mountains. With 236 units spread over

22 rai, 10 rai devoted to lush greenery and

water features, there’s plenty of space for

privacy, peace and seclusion. The studio and

one-bedroom units cover 47 square metres

and boast panoramic windows and doors

that open on to generous balconies. With

mountains on the one side and the sparkling

Andaman Sea on the other, the view is easy

on the eye whichever way you’re facing.

Other resorts make the most of

all available space, but Bangkok-based

architecture and design studio SODA

sought to strike a balance between

development and nature, which explains

the plants and flowering shrubs around

each corner.

Also, the thoughtful design of the

suites ensure you never miss the comforts

of home. Each comes with a kitchen

stocked with luxury conveniences such

as a coffee-pod machine, a French press,

a mini bar and wine cooler. There’s also

a six-seater dining table, a living room

with a sprawling couch and a monstrous

flat-screen television. If there’s nothing on

TV, you can always step out onto the huge

balcony to enjoy cool evenings.

The heart of the development hosts a

swimming pool, while the beachside features

a triangular pool with loungers right in the

water and mature trees offering welcoming

shade – a feature that few new resorts can

boast of.

As expected from a Twinpalms

development, there’s a host of other topnotch

facilities available. You can kick back

with a book on the history of Siam at the

well-stocked library/lounge, take care of

business on one of complimentary iMacs,

work off your calories at the well-equipped

gym or yoga studio, or hold a meeting at the

conference centre.

For dining options, there’s Shimmer – an

all-day restaurant on the beach that offers

surprisingly authentic Thai cuisine and other

pleasing options – or you could take a short

walk down to the HQ Beach Club (also

run by Twinpalms) or the Café Del Mar

for trendy food and nightlife.

MontAzure offers visitors more than

just a fleeting stay on this island paradise –

instead of booking a resort, you can simply

own a piece in one.

MontAzure,

118/17 Moo 3, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket,

+66 (0) 98 671 770, montazure.com

OVERTURES

CHECKED IN: PHUKET

TASTED: SKY BAR AT NOOK DEE

One of the defining characteristics of

Phuket is its mountainous topography,

with vantage points opening up mindblowing

vistas of the island-dotted

Andaman Sea to the west and Phang Nga

Bay to the east. The name “Phuket” is

believed to come from the Malay word

for hill – bukit.

Few sights of Phuket are more stunning

than those available to guests at Nook

Dee, located on an ideal vantage point

between Kata and Kata Noi beaches.

Perched high on the mountainside, this

small boutique hotel offers some of the

most eye-popping views found anywhere

on the island. And with such heady visuals,

it was only natural that they set up a place

to contemplate them over drinks.

The 360 Degree Rooftop Sky Bar at

Nook Dee is cosy and colourful, sporting

low tables and comfy bean bags in a

sprawling patio ringed with a wall of glass

to provide panoramic views. Open from

5pm to midnight, the bar serves up the

perfect sunset experience with a side of

delicious tapas and cocktails.

If you want to make your Instagram

photos extra special, opt for one of their

nitrogen concoctions. Try the Lang Dee,

which glows blue and spews dry-ice steam

from a glass containing a mix of gin, light

rum, vodka, blue curacao, lime juice and

Sprite. For something fruitier but no less

garish, go for the bright green Keaw Dee

with crème de menthe, Prosecco and

lemon, or the Lheang Dee concocted

with crème de banana, Prosecco and

fresh banana.

If you find yourself feeling peckish,

don’t worry – the Sky Bar runs a strong

tapas game. For prawn lovers, the grilled

southern popper will bring a smile to your

face. The toasted brioche is decorated

with ripe avocado, tangy pico de gallo

salsa, and topped with a grilled prawn

with sweet and spicy chilli sauce. More

intriguing still are the giant prawns buried

beneath a mountain of savoury crispyfried

garlic, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass and

chillies. The complex and mouth-watering

blend of textures and flavours are

complemented nicely by the sweet, tender

grilled prawns.

Top

Have your camera

ready to capture the

glorious view.

Middle Row

Eye-catchers:

Plak Dee in red and

Lang Dee in blue.

Sink your teeth

into super

succulent prawns.

Left

This unique DIY dish

of crispy pork offers

top-notch taste

and texture.

Bottom Left

On the lighter side:

fresh spring rolls

with crispy veggies

and tofu.

Bottom Right

The Lheang Dee with

fresh banana and the

super green Keaw

Dee with lemon.

The chef also offers personal

favourites – two DIY dishes that are as

tasty as they are quirky. A jar filled with

fried lardons of pork is served with small

dishes of dried chilli flakes, crushed,

roasted sticky rice, and a specially

blended sauce. Tip a bit of everything

into the jar, shake, and serve over a

bowl of shredded carrot, cabbage, and

spring onion. The other dish is similar but

uses raw tuna, fresh kaffir lime leaf and

lemongrass, and a sweet roasted chilli

sauce. Both come highly recommended.

You might plan on just a quick sunset

cocktail, but with its breezy, beautiful

location and a wide selection of Thai

and international tapas to

explore, don’t be surprised

if you find yourself chilling

on a Nook Dee bean bag

all evening.

The 360 Degree Rooftop

Sky Bar at Nook Dee

216/ 9 Khoktanod Road,

Kata Beach, Karon, Mueang,

Phuket , +66 (0) 76 688 888,

nook-dee.com

PHURICH TANAWUT

Phurich Tanawut takes

flavours from the world’s

spiciest cuisine to craft

internationally acclaimed

confections.

Words Phatarawadee Phataranawik

Photos Thalay Thammapakkul

Achildhood obsession with the bittersweet tang of

cocoa launched young Thai connoisseur Phurich

Tanawut on a global hunt for the chocolate of his

dreams. After years of disappointment, he finally

found what he was looking for at an award-winning craft

chocolatier in Vietnam. Inspired by the unique flavour, he

set out to create his very own chocolate – with a radical

Thai twist.

His quest for cocoa nirvana began in South Africa, before heading

East to find enlightenment in Vietnam and then ending up back where

he started.

“Thailand, with its tropical weather, has been growing cocoa for over a

century now. So, it’s a mystery why we are still unable to produce quality

Thai-brand chocolate,” says Phurich, who graduated with a bachelor’s in

food engineering from Kasetsart University.

Determined to solve the puzzle, the confectioner spent two years

learning how to create and identify premium chocolate at the International

52 53

PHURICH TANAWUT

Right

Paradai offers

chocolate bonbons

in some seriously

surprising flavours

such as miang

kham, tom yum

and roselle.

Below

Specially crafted

chocolate bars made

from cocoa beans

sourced from Nakhon

Si Thammarat’s

Tha Sala district.

Institute of Chocolate and Cacao

Tasting. Armed with this expert

knowledge, Phurich teamed up with

a few chocolate-loving friends, who

also have degrees in food science, to

launch chocolate brand – Paradai.

“It all came from our love of dark

chocolate. Our aim was to introduce

international-standard chocolates

made from unique local raw materials,”

the 37-year-old says proudly.

Last year, the group opened a

cosy chocolate-café in Bangkok’s old

town, where the spotlight is firmly on

Nakhon Si Thammarat-grown cocoa.

The province has already earned

a name for itself as a producer of

quality coffee but Paradai has added

another laurel – introducing Tha

Sala district as a source of some of

the world’s finest cocoa.

Under its bean-to-bar theme,

Paradai serves crafted chocolates that

have won multiple honours, including

at last year’s prestigious International

Chocolate Awards in Florence, Italy.

Phurich reveals that Paradai, an old

Thai word for friends or companions,

was chosen because it sounds like

“paradise” – which matches their

ambition to turn the café into a heaven

on earth for chocolate lovers.

“We also want to pay tribute to

farmers-turned-co-owners down

South, our ‘paradai’ who take care

of the fermentation of cocoa beans

before they are turned into chocolate

bars and drinks sold at the café here,”

Phurich explains.

Stepping into the cosy bar on

Tanao Road near Bangkok’s Democracy

Monument feels like entering a scene

from Tim Burton’s “Charlie and the

Chocolate Factory”, complete with

Phurich doing a passable impression of

Johnny Depp’s fantastical confectioner.

Walk in and all your five senses

awaken, as the smell of delicious

fresh chocolate tickles your nose.

Visitors are also greeted by the

sights and sounds of machines

blending different varieties of cocoa

behind the glass wall. Meanwhile, on

show in the glass cabinets out front

are colourful chocolate bonbons in

dozens of different flavours. They

range from Thai milk tea, to galangal,

to yuzu, to orange cream cheese.

Quirkier still is the “Miang Kham”

– a chocolatey riff on the sweet and

salty Thai snack served wrapped

in betel leaves. And of course, no

Thai chocolate menu would be

complete without a fiery tom yum

soup-inspired confection.

Paradai’s devotion to local

wisdom and ingredients extends to

the wrappers, which are decorated

with Thai mythological figures

like the Ramakien’s giant demon or

Mekhala the goddess of lightning.

A similar motif is stamped inside on

the bar.

“We are proud of Thailand’s

products and its rich culture, so we

want to promote its uniqueness,”

Phurich explains.

EAST MEETS WEST

The craft of chocolate making is a

mix of both art and science. Phurich

has poured his nine years working at

global giant Nestle into his quest to

create the perfect product.

“I love making chocolate,” he smiles

as he slowly stirs the liquid confection

in a big pot. “Crafted chocolate tastes

completely different from what you

get in a mass-produced bar. We

carefully control every step when

making chocolate – from planting and

fermentation of beans, to roasting and

finally creating the chocolate. Our job

is to preside over a perfect marriage of

sweet and tangy tastes,” he explains.

Phurich says cocoa beans

from Nakhon Si Thammarat have a

uniquely spicy note.

“For the quantity we require, we

buy beans from different small-scale

farmers. We blend different kinds of

cocoa for our secret recipes,” he says.

Needless to say, Paradai creations

are one-of-a-kind and Phurich uses

his own seasonings to come up with

fresh, new flavours.

“Every three months, customers

will see a brand-new collection of

assorted chocolates.”

He reckons the most memorable

flavours he has come up with so far

are the miang kham and tom yum.

“Our bonbons reflect our East

meets West philosophy, showcasing

the best of Thai flavours,” Phurich says.

In line with the growing

popularity of designer-coffee cafés,

chocolate bars are fast becoming

trendy hangouts in Thailand, aided by

government promotion of cocoa

tree plantations. The past few years

have seen dozens of specialist

chocolate cafés spring up in the

Kingdom, as Thais from Chiang

Mai to Chiang Rai to Bangkok and

Chanthaburi gain a taste for the

cocoa bean.

Though Paradai has already won

plaudits abroad for its award-winning

chocolates, the brand refuses to

rest on its laurels. Phurich continues

to place his faith in innovation

and is being rewarded with more

international recognition.

In September, Paradai chocolates

swept 15 medals in the Asia-Pacific

section of the International Chocolate

Awards. And by the time you read

this, his creations will be impressing

judges at November’s competition

in Florence.

Among past award-winners is

the white-chocolate green curry bar,

inspired by Phurich’s passion for the

flavours of classic Thai cuisine. The

result is a weirdly delicious blend

of green-curry spices and sweet,

creamy chocolate.

The first taste of this unique

confection is a shock to the senses.

Tear open the wrapper and you release

the unmistakable scent of green curry,

fooling your brain into anticipating a

mouthful of steaming-hot jasmine rice.

Instead, a punch of bittersweet

chocolate brings you right back down

to earth. Phurich spent months creating

this masterpiece, finding just the right

balance of desiccated coconut, sugar,

cacao butter, infused with Thai green

curry paste. The result is creamy,

sweet and herbal at the same time.

While most chocolatiers would

melt in fear at the thought of

blending fiery Thai spices into

their concoctions, Phurich enjoys

experimenting – guided by the

awareness gained during his time as

a monk at a temple in the Northeast.

The judges can expect more

startling and innovative flavours in

Florence, when Paradai is expecting

to add to its glittering array of honours.

Since opening its doors late

last year, Paradai’s flagship beanto-bar

outlet on Tanao Road has

attracted a growing following of

both local customers and tourists.

And now the brand is reaching

deeper into heart of the capital

with its newly opened branch at

the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

in Pathumwan district. Art lovers,

chocolate connoisseurs and tourists

are flocking to the café on weekends

to quaff hot chocolate and nibble

the cocoa-rich bonbons.

Meanwhile, Phurich and his team

are busy creating new flavours. Also in

the pipeline are plans for commercial

expansion, with Paradai products

soon to be available on the shelves

of supermarkets like Big C. The

brand is also eager to tap its

international recognition by

exporting to other countries.

Although it has plenty of

competitors in the domestic market,

Paradai is quietly confident of its

strategy to turn local excellence into

global success.

“There’s no need to race

against anyone or even pressure

ourselves. We just love to craft our

own chocolates, doing our best to

create more and more and new

flavours from Thai ingredients with

international standards,” Phurich

stresses proudly.

Clockwise from Top

A variety of Paradai’s

award-winning

flavours.

Phurich meditatively

stirs melted dark

chocolate.

In keeping with

Phurich’s love for all

things traditional,

the chocolate bar

wrappers depict Thai

mythological figures.

TAKE A BITE

• PARADAi

Chocolate is at

197 Tanao Road

near Democracy

Monument in

Dusit District

• PARADAi Craft

Chocolate (BACC)

is on the 3rd floor

of the Bangkok Art

and Culture Centre

in Pathumwan

facebook.com/

Paradai.Chocolate

54 55

PHURICH TANAWUT

ความประทับใจในรสชาติโกโก้ที่ ภูริชญ์

ฐานะวุฑฒ์ ได้ลิ้มรส นำพาให้ตามฝันบน

เส้นทางการตามล่าหาช็อคโกแลตชั้นเลิศ

จากทั่วทุกมุมโลก และเมื่อเขาพบกับช็อค

โกลาเทียร์ในเวียดนาม นั่นจึงเป็นแรงบันดาล

ใจให้ภูริชญ์สรรค์สร้างช็อคโกแลตที่มี

กลิ่นอายไทยได้อย่างน่าอัศจรรย์ใจ

จากแอฟริกาใต้ถึงเวียดนาม แล้วมา

จบที่ประเทศไทย ภูริชญ์ บัณฑิตวิศวกรรม

อาหาร มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์

กล่าวว่า ไทยปลูกต้นโกโก้มานานกว่า

หนึ่งศตวรรษแล้ว แต่ยังไม่สามารถผลิต

ช็อคโกแลตไทยคุณภาพสูงได้

เขาใช้เวลาสองปีทำความรู้จักกับ

ช็อคโกแลตอย่างลึกซึ้งที่ International

Institute of Chocolate and Cacao

Tasting แล้วจับมือกับเพื่อนผู้หลงรัก

ช็อคโกแลตเช่นเดียวกับเขา ก่อตั้ง “ภราดัย”

แบรนด์ช็อคโกแลตของประเทศไทย ด้วย

ความหวังว่าจะปักหมุดให้ช็อคโกแลตที่

ผลิตจากวัตถุดิบในประเทศให้เป็นที่รู้จัก

ในระดับสากล

ปีที่แล้ว พวกเขาเปิดคาเฟ่ช็อคโกแลต

ในกรุงเทพฯ โดยชูวัตถุดิบโกโก้ที่ปลูกที่

นครศรีธรรมราช อันเป็นที่มาของช็อคโกแลต

ที่ได้รับรางวัลจาก International Chocolate

Awards ที่เมืองฟลอเรนซ์ ประเทศอิตาลี

ภูริชญ์เล่าว่า “ภราดัย” เป็นคำไทยเก่า

ที่ใช้เรียกเพื่อน ซึ่งมีเสียงคล้ายกับคำว่า

“Paradise” อันเปรียบคาเฟ่แห่งนี้ดั่ง

สรวงสวรรค์สำหรับคนรักช็อคโกแลต เขา

ยังต้องการอุทิศคาเฟ่แห่งนี้ให้แก่ “เพื่อน”

ชาวใต้ที่ปลูกและหมักเมล็ดโกโก้ ก่อนที่จะ

นำมาปรุงเป็นช็อคโกแลตบาร์และเครื่อง

ดื่มให้ทุกคนได้ลิ้มลอง

ขณะที่เดินเข้าไปยังคาเฟ่ของภราดัย

บนถนนตะนาว ใกล้กับอนุสาวรีย์

ประชาธิปไตย เราสามารถรับรู้ได้ถึง

บรรยากาศที่เหมือนกับในหนัง ชาร์ลี

กับโรงงานช็อคโกแลต ของทิม เบอร์ตัน

กลิ่นหอมของช็อคโกแลตโชยมาเตะจมูก

เปิดประสาทสัมผัสทั้งห้าให้ได้รับรู้ถึง

ความเอร็ดอร่อยผ่านกลิ่นอวลในร้าน

เราเหลือบเห็นตู้กระจกที่มีช็อคโกแลต

เคลือบมากกว่าสิบรสชาติวางเรียงราย

น่ามอง ทั้งรสชานมไทย รสข่า รสส้มยูซุ

ไปจนถึงรสครีมชีสส้ม หรือจะเป็นช็อคโกแลต

รสเมี่ยงคำห่อใบชะพลู และแน่นอนว่าต้อง

มีรสต้มยำกุ้งเผ็ดร้อนอยู่ด้วย

ยิ่งไปกว่านั้น ห่อช็อคโกแลตบาร์ก็

สะท้อนภูมิปัญญาและวัตถุดิบท้องถิ่น

ซึ่งประดับด้วยตัวละครจากรามเกียรติ์

หรือนางเมขลา เช่นเดียวกับลายพิมพ์นูน

บนช็อคโกแลตบาร์ด้านในห่อ

ภูริชญ์อธิบายว่า พวกเขาภูมิใจใน

ผลิตภัณฑ์และวัฒนธรรมอันล ้ำค่าของ

ไทย จึงอยากส่งเสริมเอกลักษณ์นี ้ให้ได้

รู้จักโดยทั่วกัน

ตะวันตกบรรจบตะวันออก

ช็อคโกแลตคือการผสมผสานทั้งศาสตร์

และศิลป์เข้าด้วยกัน ภูริชญ์ยิ้มพร้อมกับ

บอกว่าเขารักการทำช็อคโกแลตขณะ

ที่กำลังกวนช็อคโกแลตเหลวสีเข้ม แล้ว

อธิบายต่อว่า ช็อคโกแลตคราฟต์มี

รสชาติแตกต่างจากที่ผลิตในโรงงาน

อย่างสิ้นเชิง ทุกขั้นตอนได้รับการ

ควบคุมอย่างรอบคอบ ตั้งแต่การปลูก

การหมัก การคั่ว กว่าจะเป็นช็อคโกแลต

แต่ละชิ้น งานของนักทำช็อคโกแลตคือ

หาความกลมกล่อมที่สมบูรณ์แบบลงตัว

ระหว่างความหวานและความเปรี้ยวฝาด

ของส่วนผสมแต่ละชนิด โดยเฉพาะเมื่อ

เมล็ดโกโก้จากนครศรีธรรมราชมีโน้ต

ความเผ็ดที่ไม่เหมือนใคร

เขารับซื้อเมล็ดจากเกษตรกรรายย่อย

ผสมหลายโกโก้หลายชนิดเข้าด้วยกันเพื่อ

สร้างเป็นสูตรลับเฉพาะของภราดัย ทำให้

ช็อคโกแลตแต่ละชิ้นมีรสชาติสดชื่นแปลก

ใหม่ ทุกๆ สามเดือน ลูกค้าจะได้ตื่นตากับ

คอลเล็กชันช็อคโกแลตหลากรสที่ไม่เคยมี

ที่ไหนมาก่อน รสชาติที่น่าจดจำมากที่สุด

เห็นจะหนีไม่พ้นรสเมี่ยงคำ ทุกเมนูผสม

ผสานความเป็นตะวันตกและตะวันออก

เข้าด้วยกัน เพื่อแสดงเอกลักษณ์ความ

เป็นไทยให้เป็นที่ประจักษ์

ความนิยมบาร์ช็อคโกแลตใน

ประเทศไทยเติบโตอย่างรวดเร็ว

ควบคู่ไปกับร้านกาแฟ ด้วยการ

ที่ภาครัฐออกนโยบายส่งเสริม

ตามเข็มนาฬิกา

จากซ้ายบน

ช็อคโกแลตคราฟต์แสน

อร่อยภายใต้หีบห่อลายไทย

ภูริชญ์ง่วนอยู่กับการกวน

ช็อตโกแลตในห้องซึ่ง

เปรียบเสมือนห้องแล็บ

ช็อคโกแลตของร้าน

หิ้งตั้งโชว์บรรจุภัณฑ์ และ

ประกาศนียบัตรรางวัล

เหรียญทองที่ภราดัยได้

รับเมื่อปี 2561

ไวท์ช็อคโกแลตรสแกง

เขียวหวานสูตรเด็ดที่

กวาดถึงสี่รางวัลจากเวที

International Chocolate

Awards เมื่อเดือน

กันยายนที่ผ่านมา

ต้องไปลอง

• PARADAi

Chocolate

ตั้งอยู่ที่ 197 ถนน

ตะนาว ใกล้อนุสาวรีย์

ประชาธิปไตย

เขตดุสิต

• PARADAi Craft

Chocolate (BACC)

ตั้งอยู่ที่ชั้น 3

หอศิลปวัฒนธรรม

กรุงเทพฯ เขตปทุมวัน

facebook.com/

Paradai.Chocolate

ให้เกษตรกรปลูกต้นโกโก้ ไม่กี่ปีมานี้ร้าน

ช็อคโกแลตหลายสิบร้านเปิดตัวขึ้น ทั้งที่

จังหวัดเชียงราย เชียงใหม่ กรุงเทพฯ และ

จันทบุรี

แม้จะได้รับรางวัลในเวทีนานาชาติ

มาแล้ว แต่ภราดัยไม่หยุดอยู่เพียงเท่านี้

แต่กลับสร้างนวัตกรรมจนได้รับการ

ยอมรับระดับโลกมากยิ่งขึ้น เมื่อเดือน

กันยายนที่ผ่านมา ภราดัยกวาดรางวัล

ภาคพื้นเอเชียแปซิฟิกจาก International

Chocolate Awards ถึง 15 รางวัล และ

ในขณะที่คุณกำลังอ่านอยู่นี้ คณะกรรมการ

ในฟลอเรนซ์กำลังลิ้มรสงานศิลปะของ

ภูริชญ์และเพื่อนอยู่

หนึ่งในช็อคโกแลตที่ได้รับรางวัลคือ

ไวท์ช็อคโกแลตรสแกงเขียวหวาน ที่ผสม

พริกแกงเข้ากับช็อคโกแลตครีมหวานหอม

เข้าด้วยกันอย่างลงตัว ทั้งหมดนี้ใช้เวลา

กว่าสามเดือนในการหาสูตรส่วนผสมที่

กลมกล่อมระหว่างมะพร้าว น้ำตาล เนย

โกโก้ และพริกแกงเขียวหวาน เพื่อกลายร่าง

เป็นช็อคโกแลตแผ่นย่อมๆ

ในขณะที่นักทำช็อคโกแลตหลายๆ คน

ไม่กล้าผสมความเผ็ดร้อนเข้ากับช็อคโกแลต

แต่ภูริชญ์กลับชื่นชอบการทดลองและ

ความแปลกใหม่ จนได้รับรางวัลจากช็อคโกแลต

รสมะแขว่น ซึ่งมีรสชาติเปรี้ยวเผ็ด ผสมเข้า

กับโกโก้นครศรีธรรมราชถึง 70% และ

กรรมการจะต้องตื่นตาและตื่นลิ้นกับ

รสชาติแปลกใหม่อีกมากมายในเดือน

พฤศจิกายนนี้

ตั้งแต่ภราดัยเปิดตัวเมื่อปีกลาย

ลูกค้าจากทั้งในและต่างประเทศเทใจให้

กับเมนูช็อคโกแลตของที่นี่ และแบรนด์

ก็ได้คืบคลานเข้ามายังใจกลางเมือง เปิด

สาขาอีกหนึ่งแห่งที่หอศิลปวัฒนธรรม

กรุงเทพฯ เขตปทุมวัน

เร็วๆ นี้ ทีมของภูริชญ์กำลังสร้าง

สรรค์ช็อคโกแลตรสชาติใหม่ และวาง

แผนขยายการผลิตและจัดจำหน่ายใน

ห้างสรรพสินค้าบิ๊กซี รวมทั้งส่งออกไป

หลายประเทศทั่วโลก แม้จะมีผู้แข่งขัน

มากมาย แต่ภราดัยมั่นใจว่าความเป็นเลิศ

ของไทยจะเอาชนะใจชาวโลกได้

ภูริชญ์กล่าวอย่างภาคภูมิใจว่า

เขาไม่จำเป็นต้องแข่งกับคนอื่นหรือแม้

แต่แข่งกับตัวเองด้วยซ้ำ เขาแค่รักการ

ทำช็อคโกแลตและการคิดค้นรสชาติ

ใหม่ๆ จากวัตถุดิบของประเทศด้วย

มาตรฐานโลก เท่านี้ก็เพียงพอแล้ว

Advertorial

The Stunning South

Nestled in southernmost Thailand, Yala, Pattani and

Narathiwat’s hidden gems are off the beaten track but packed

with unique attractions and surprisingly spectacular food.

INFORMATION & PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND

COMPILED BY URISARA KOWITDAMRONG

Clockwise from Top

The sun can be

seen peeking

through the clouds

at dawn at Betong’s

Iyerweng viewpoint.

Inside the

Piyamit Tunnel.

A bird’s-eye

view of the city.

The majestic

white marble clock

tower in the

centre of town.

YALA

THE BEST STOPS

• Betong Mongkhonrit

Tunnel:

273 metres long and 9

metres wide, Thailand’s

largest and most beautiful

road tunnel is the first in

the country to cut through

a mountain.

• Betong Clock Tower:

Constructed from Yala’s

renowned white marble,

this clock tower is a

symbol of Betong. No

trip to the district is

complete without a stroll

around the structure.

If you visit at twilight

between September

and March, you will

see swallows lining the

power lines.

• Piyamit Tunnel: Built by

communists in 1976, this

more than one-kilometre

long tunnel cuts through

dense jungle and has

bedrooms, storerooms and

even an underground radio

station. A great glimpse into

the struggle for communism.

SACRED SANCTUARIES

• Wat Phutthathiwas: A royal

monastery housing the 39-metrehigh

Phra Maha That Phra

Buddhadham Prakas, the biggest

pagoda in the South, where relics

of the Buddha are enshrined. The

pagoda was constructed in honour

of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the

occasion of her 60th birthday. This

temple also has Thailand’s largest

brass Buddha image.

• Wat Bodhisattva (Guan Yin

Shrine): Attracting a constant flow

of devotees from Thailand and

Malaysia, this impressive sanctuary

built in 1966 sits atop a hill and

includes a seven-storey stupa.

SIGNATURE DELICACIES

• Dim Sum: Delicious freshly

steamed dim sum and spring rolls

can be found at an eatery near the

Betong Clock Tower. Open from

dawn until noon.

Clockwise from

Top Right

Pattani’s Central

Mosque is believed

to be one of the most

beautiful Muslim

places of worship

in Thailand.

The main pagoda

and one of the

many eye-catching

sculptures within

the Wat Bodhisattva

complex in Betong.

Painted in colourful

flower motif, the Ko

Lae boats are one of

the key attractions

at Narathiwat’s

Narathat Beach.

Wat Phutthathiwas,

which houses

Thailand’s largest

brass Buddha image.

• Watercress: Flourishing in flowing

waters that get no warmer than 25

degrees Celsius, the local watercress

is delicious and soothing for people

suffering from ulcers. It’s great

stir-fried or in a soup.

• Betong Frog: The lush forests of

the district are home to giant Asian

river frogs, which are as good, if not

better than pork when served up

stir-fried in pepper or with congee.

• Steamed Fish with Plum: Tuck into

the soft, succulent, sweet flesh of carp

steamed with plum – a top favourite

in most of Betong’s restaurants.

PATTANI

SACRED SANCTUARY

• The Central Mosque of Pattani:

With construction starting in 1954,

it took nearly nine years to complete

this mosque, which is considered

one of the largest and most beautiful

Islamic places of worship in Thailand.

The structure, built along the lines

of India’s Taj Mahal, has a large

central dome surrounded by four

smaller ones and two minarets.

NARATHIWAT

PRISTINE BEAUTY

• Narathat Beach: This 5-kilometre

long beach with white sands ends at

a cape at the mouth of the Bang Nara

River, where a lot of vividly painted

fishermen’s boats can be seen

anchored. These bright Ko Lae boats

are traditional fishing vessels used

by the Malay-speaking communities

of the South of Thailand.

Call 1672 or visit tourismthailand.org

for more information.

58 59

FLAVOURS

Words & Photos Keith Mundy

As you swing off

the expressway into

Ipoh’s outskirts,

massive limestone

outcrops jut skyward, soon

to be joined by colossal

hotel and office blocks that

seem to have risen as manmade

rivals.

Clockwise from Top

At night, the

tables are set up

outside Lou Wong

restaurant, known

for its bean sprouts

chicken.

Cook ‘Yang’ holds

up the poached

chicken he has just

chopped at Lou

Wong restaurant.

Munching through Ipoh – Keith

Mundy samples Malaysia’s new

destination for foodies.

But mercifully, Malaysia’s

third biggest city turns out to be

an overwhelmingly low-rise place,

an orderly grid pattern of twostorey

shophouses, fronted by

that civilised Malaysian speciality,

the “five-foot way” – covered

pavements that shelter you from

rain and sunshine.

These orderly streets also

lead you to an incredible number

of eateries, both traditional and

trendy, in what is gaining fame as

Malaysia’s new foodie destination,

rivalling Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

There’s even a bible for it, “The

Foodie’s Guide to Ipoh’s Best

Eats”, penned by the local paper’s

food writer.

Kaya puffs, the

coconut jam pastries

people like to eat

with their morning

coffee.

Rojak, a dessert of

fresh fruit in a sweet,

savoury sauce.

A city of roughly 700,000

located in the Kinta Valley on

Malaysia’s west coast, Ipoh

mushroomed in the “tin rush” of

late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Chinese migrants flooded in to

mine the grey-gold of the world’s

richest tin seams, and the village

turned into a boomtown teeming

with busy shophouses and lorded

over by the mighty institutions of

British imperialism.

But the boom went bust in the

1980s and now, instead of panning

for tin in mountain streams, the

main occupation here seems to

be dipping noodles in steaming

vats. In the countless restaurants

that line the streets downtown,

dextrous cooks dish up delicious

meals in cuisines varying from

Malay to Indian to Western, though

Chinese food remains by far the

Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec2019

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