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SEP-OCT <strong>2018</strong><br />
FIND YOUR ISLAND<br />
WEDDING BLISS<br />
ART TAKE OVER<br />
IN THAILAND<br />
RAIN OR SHINE<br />
IN HONG KONG<br />
SINGAPORE’S CULINARY<br />
ARTISANS<br />
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
OVERTURES<br />
FEATURES<br />
18 ASIA DATEBOOK<br />
Mark your calendar to run for the<br />
heroes in your lives or watch buffalos<br />
race if you happen to be in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
22 SCENTSIBILITY<br />
Harness the power of scent for<br />
him with fragrances that are<br />
‘Intense’ or ‘Obsessed.’<br />
24 COOL SUEDE SHOES<br />
Show no fear when you’re fashion<br />
forward in a pair of suede shoes.<br />
The latest styles come in cool<br />
neutrals that go with any ensemble.<br />
26 TRAT THE WAY WE LIKE IT<br />
Find your type of vacation joy<br />
in the getaway destinations in<br />
nature and islands in Trat province.<br />
Inviting waters make swimming or<br />
boating ideal.<br />
32 BANANA BOASTS<br />
The versatile fruit can be eaten<br />
raw or cooked, sweet or savoury.<br />
Find more about its history and<br />
the countless varieties that exist<br />
to be enjoyed.<br />
34 UPCYCLING HERITAGE<br />
End up in the former jails of Hong<br />
Kong’s Tai Kwun Heritage Centre<br />
now revamped into a new glory;<br />
also learn how waste becomes<br />
treasures in the creative hands of<br />
upcycling in Myanmar.<br />
46 BACK TO FOOD’S<br />
HISTORY<br />
Adventurous palates always<br />
seek the next big thing. For<br />
Singaporeans with their foodobsessed<br />
reputations, going<br />
back in time seems to be the<br />
order of the day.<br />
56 LIGHT MATTERS<br />
Bangkok-based artist Eiji Sumi<br />
engages in light inspired work<br />
that dissects the concept<br />
right down to its smallest<br />
particles yet showcases them<br />
on a large scale.<br />
64 BIENNALE TRIO<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land becomes a stage for<br />
art when works from renown<br />
local and international artists<br />
exhibit at three different<br />
points in time for three<br />
separate biennales.<br />
74 DANCE AND MUSIC FEST<br />
Bangkok plays host to a monthlong<br />
celebration of dance and<br />
music with renown artists and<br />
performance companies.<br />
84 THE WEDDING LIST<br />
For the perfect destination<br />
wedding, <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong>’s list of<br />
places and wedding coordinators<br />
will be on hand to make your<br />
day special.<br />
100 STORMING HONG KONG<br />
In the vastness of an urban city<br />
like Hong Kong, there’s a lot<br />
to uncover. Our photographer<br />
embarks on a mission to do so<br />
despite inclement weather.<br />
100<br />
The<br />
Monsoon<br />
Mood<br />
8<br />
9
HAPPENINGS<br />
CORPORATE<br />
The latest must-dos and must-knows around the<br />
region as we enter into an eventful new season.<br />
110 BANGKOK<br />
116 SAMUI<br />
120 PHUKET<br />
124 CHIANG MAI /<br />
CHIANG RAI<br />
125 TRAT<br />
126 GUANGZHOU<br />
/ CHENGDU /<br />
CHONGQING<br />
128 HONG KONG<br />
130 SINGAPORE<br />
131 KUALA<br />
LUMPUR<br />
132 PHNOM<br />
PENH /<br />
SIEM REAP<br />
134 HANOI /<br />
QUY NHON<br />
136 YANGON<br />
138 VIENTIANE<br />
139 MALDIVES /<br />
MUMBAI<br />
142 NEWS<br />
Bangkok Airways announces collaborations and<br />
winners.<br />
150 ROUTE MAP<br />
152 AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
CHECKING OUT<br />
154 LUANG PRABANG<br />
Seeking serenity in the beauty of<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
This month’s cover:<br />
Dance and music<br />
luminaries perform<br />
in Bangkok.<br />
74<br />
World-class<br />
Performances<br />
Come to<br />
Bangkok<br />
10
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT<br />
It is with great pride for me and all of<br />
us at Bangkok Airways that our airline<br />
won two prestigious awards this year<br />
at the Skytrax World Airline Awards<br />
<strong>2018</strong>. Recognised as the “World’s<br />
Best Regional Airline,” this honour is a<br />
fourth time win for us, followed with<br />
the second award as “Best Regional<br />
Airline in Asia,” an honour we received<br />
for the eighth time. Besides these two<br />
world-class awards, Bangkok Airways<br />
was awarded the “Travellers’ Choice<br />
Regional Carrier-Asia and Travellers’<br />
Choice Economy Class-Asia from<br />
TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards<br />
for Airlines <strong>2018</strong>. Additionally, we were<br />
designated the “Best Brand for Travel<br />
<strong>2018</strong>” from Smart Travel Asia in two<br />
categories, including “Top Ten Airline<br />
Overall – Worldwide” and “Top Ten<br />
Best in Cabin Service – Worldwide”.<br />
On behalf of Bangkok Airways<br />
executives and staff, I’d like to<br />
extend our sincere thanks to all of<br />
you, our passengers, for flying with<br />
us and for your votes which earned<br />
us these awards. We promise to<br />
keep on working hard and doing our<br />
best to excel in providing services<br />
that give you the safest and greatest<br />
experience wherever you travel –<br />
from start to finish in any of your<br />
destinations. For all of us at Bangkok<br />
Airways, “Your happiness is our<br />
best reward”.<br />
Thank you very much.<br />
นับเป็นความภาคภูมิใจสำหรับผมและ<br />
ชาวบางกอกแอร์เวย์สอีกครั้ง ที่ในปีนี้<br />
เราสามารถคว้ารางวัลระดับโลกจาก<br />
Skytrax World Airline Awards มาได้ถึง<br />
2 รางวัล ได้แก่ รางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค<br />
ยอดเยี่ยมของโลก และรางวัลสายการบิน<br />
ภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมแห่งเอเชีย ซึ่งปีนี้เป็นครั้ง<br />
ที่ 4 ที่เราได้รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค<br />
ยอดเยี่ยมของโลก และเป็นครั้งที่ 8 ที่เราได้<br />
รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยม<br />
แห่งเอเชีย นอกจากนี้ สายการบินฯ ยังได้<br />
รับอีก 2 รางวัลจากเว็บไซต์ทริปแอดไวเซอร์<br />
(TripAdvisor) ได้แก่ รางวัลสายการบิน<br />
ยอดเยี่ยมในภูมิภาคเอเชียและรางวัล<br />
สายการบินที ่มีที่นั่งชั้นประหยัดยอดเยี่ยม<br />
ในภูมิภาคเอเชีย ประจำปี 2561 และในระยะ<br />
เวลาใกล้เคียงกันก็ได้รับรางวัลสุดยอด<br />
แบรนด์ท่องเที่ยวประจำปี 2561 จาก<br />
สมาร์ท แทรเวล เอเชีย ได้แก่ รางวัลท็อป<br />
เท็นสายการบินที่ดีที ่สุดในโลก (Top Ten<br />
Airline Overall – Worldwide) และ<br />
รางวัลท็อปเท็นสายการบินที่มีการบริการ<br />
บนเครื ่องที่ดีที่สุดในโลก (Top Ten Best<br />
in Cabin Service – Worldwide) อีกด้วย<br />
ผมในนามของคณะผู้บริหารและ<br />
พนักงานของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ขอขอบคุณผู้โดยสารทุกท่านจากใจ ที่ท่าน<br />
เลือกเดินทางกับเรา และโหวตให้สายการบิน<br />
ของเราได้รับรางวัลต่างๆ ในครั้งนี้ พวกเรา<br />
จะมุ่งมั่น ทุ่มเท และพัฒนาการให้บริการ<br />
อย่างต่อเนื่อง เพื ่อสร้างประสบการณ์<br />
ในการเดินทางที่ประทับใจตั้งแต่ต้นจนถึง<br />
ปลายทางอย่างปลอดภัย เพราะ “ความสุข<br />
จากการเดินทางของท่าน คือรางวัลที่ดี<br />
ที่สุดของเรา”<br />
ขอบคุณครับ<br />
กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />
12
IS THE<br />
GOLD WINNER<br />
PEARL AWARD<br />
2017<br />
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC<br />
COMPANY LIMITED<br />
99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road,<br />
Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok<br />
10900, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
www.bangkokair.com<br />
ADVISORY BOARD<br />
Mr. Prote Setsuwan<br />
Vice President - Marketing<br />
Ms. Sumalee Chaitientong<br />
Vice President - Ancillary Revenues<br />
Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj<br />
Director - Advertising and Creative<br />
Mr. Benjamin Sirirat<br />
Manager - Branding and Creative<br />
Mrs. Rattanaporn Sa-Nguanjangwong<br />
Business Services - Ancillary Revenues<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />
1 Soi Lasalle 23/2,<br />
Bangna, Bangkok 10260, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Tel. +66 2744 4975<br />
Fax. +66 2744 5271<br />
Managing Director<br />
Chaovanee Ajanant<br />
Email: chaovanee@mpmith.com<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Email: editorial@fahthaimag.com<br />
Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong<br />
Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert<br />
Senior Editor Nawa Acosta Wright<br />
Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Contributors<br />
Aaron Baideme<br />
Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong<br />
Bigs Vatcharasith<br />
Chalotorn Payomyol<br />
Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
Jeremie Schatz<br />
Korakot Punlopruksa<br />
N Wright<br />
Pallavi Mehra<br />
Passakorn Hongthong<br />
Phoowadon Duangmee<br />
Prachi Joshi<br />
Richard Augustin<br />
Ronan O’Connell<br />
Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer<br />
Thawat Tangtienchai<br />
Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Bigs Vatcharasith<br />
Chatta Phoyen<br />
Jeremie Schatz<br />
Kay Choomongkol<br />
Korakot Punlopruksa<br />
Permboon Wongpanit<br />
Santipong Choocharoen<br />
Thawat Tangtienchai<br />
ART<br />
Creative Director JyeShen Koo<br />
Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag<br />
Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul<br />
PRODUCTION<br />
Colour <strong>Sep</strong>aration: Soontorn Film<br />
Printer: WPS (<strong>Thai</strong>land) Co., Ltd.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
advertising@fahthaimag.com<br />
Media Manager: Daruni Klaprapchon<br />
Marketing Manager: Reza Bizmark<br />
Digital Marketing Manager: Nichapat Noraphaiphipaksa<br />
ADVERTISING HOTLINES<br />
Guitar +669 2270 9528<br />
Bob +668 2446 9192<br />
OVERSEAS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES<br />
AUSTRALIA<br />
THE MEDIA COMPANY<br />
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Tel: +612 9909 5800<br />
leanne@themediaco.com.au<br />
CAMBODIA, LAOS,<br />
MYANMAR<br />
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Tel: +668 9468 2440<br />
kittikun@bangkokair.com<br />
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Tel: +668 6900 5278<br />
hathaiwan@bangkokair.com<br />
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CHINA MEDIA OPTIONS<br />
CO., LTD.<br />
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Tel: +852 2321 9788<br />
rebeccaCMOsupport@gmail.com<br />
FRANCE, GERMANY,<br />
SWITZERLAND<br />
INFOPAC MEDIA HOUSE<br />
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Tel: +331 4643 0066<br />
jcabeille@infopac.fr<br />
INDIA, MALDIVES<br />
RMA MEDIA<br />
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Tel: +9122 2925 3735<br />
kuka@rmamedia.com<br />
KOREA<br />
MEDIREP CO.<br />
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Tel: +822 734 0786<br />
soohoonoh@medireponline.com<br />
JAPAN<br />
PUBLICITAS JAPAN K.K.<br />
Hiroko Minato<br />
Tel: +8150 8882 3456<br />
hiroko.minato@publicitas.com<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
MPMI SDN BHD<br />
Alvin Tan<br />
Tel: +603 7880 2185<br />
mpmimy@gmail.com<br />
SINGAPORE, INDONESIA<br />
MPMI PTE LTD<br />
S. S. Hoo<br />
Tel: +65 6464 6261<br />
mpmisg@gmail.com<br />
UNITED KINGDOM<br />
MAJOR MEDIA LTD.<br />
David Hammond<br />
Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884<br />
david@majormedia.co.uk<br />
USA<br />
THE MULTIMEDIA INC.<br />
Fernando Mariano<br />
Tel: +14 0790 3500<br />
fmar@multimediausa.com<br />
“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Co., Ltd. All articles and<br />
photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers<br />
at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the<br />
airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the<br />
publication of such articles and photographs.<br />
All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this<br />
magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in<br />
any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok<br />
Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />
Cover Photography: Courtesy of Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance and Music<br />
14
ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS<br />
Upcycling Ways<br />
Artists in Yangon begin an<br />
upcycling trend making<br />
colourful wallets and tilitarian<br />
objects from unwanted<br />
materials. The next souvenir<br />
you buy may be one of their<br />
re-creations.<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 22 / STYLE 24 / THAILAND TREASURES 26 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 30 /<br />
FRUITFUL FINDS 32 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 34 / CHECKED IN 38<br />
17
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
8SEP<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
1JUL<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
SAMUI<br />
AS GOOD AS GOLD<br />
Congratulations are in order for the 88-villa<br />
resort Banyan Tree Samui, recently recognised<br />
as the first and only resort in <strong>Thai</strong>land to be<br />
given a “Gold Certification” by EarthCheck.<br />
As the leading organisation for scientific<br />
benchmarking and the world’s certification<br />
and advisory group for travel and tourism,<br />
EarthCheck gave the luxury hotel the highest<br />
level recognition award as soon as it met with<br />
excellence standards in ten key performance areas.<br />
The green certification process assesses<br />
greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency,<br />
management of freshwater resources, ecosystem<br />
conservation and management, management<br />
of social and cultural issues, land use planning<br />
and management, air quality protection and<br />
noise control, wastewater management,<br />
solid waste management, and storage of<br />
environmentally harmful substances.<br />
The Banyan Tree Samui, nestled against<br />
a lush 38-acre hillside, overlooks a secluded<br />
cove of beach. With their green certification,<br />
guests are encouraged to join in their sustainable<br />
ecotourism activities, such as walking along<br />
a nature trail for bird-watching, along with<br />
participation in a coral regeneration project.<br />
banyantree.com/en/thailand/samui<br />
NOW- 30SEP<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
CHIANG MAI<br />
RUN HERO RUN <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bangkok Airways Lanna Marathon <strong>2018</strong><br />
is calling all running enthusiasts and<br />
the ‘heroes’ in their lives in <strong>Thai</strong>land to<br />
participate in the “Run Hero Run” in the<br />
North and run together for our heroes in the<br />
south of <strong>Thai</strong>land. Register now until the end<br />
of <strong>Sep</strong>tember to be part of the charity run<br />
on Sunday 11 November <strong>2018</strong> at the Chiang<br />
Mai 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang<br />
Mai and a chance to win Her Royal Highness<br />
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup.<br />
The marathon’s objective is to raise funds to<br />
provide the highest quality bulletproof vests<br />
for officers that serve the country in the 3<br />
Southern border provinces. So, let’s protect<br />
those who protect us and the country and<br />
turn your sweat and effort into a bulletproof<br />
vest! For more information and registration,<br />
go to runherorun<strong>2018</strong>.com, facebook.com/<br />
runherorunthailand.com, teelakow.com<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
80S POP REVIVAL<br />
Two of the biggest female pop icons from<br />
the 1980s will perform together on stage at<br />
the Lion City this <strong>Sep</strong>tember. Far from being<br />
rivals, pop princesses Tiffany and Debbie<br />
Gibson will unite in Singapore for a once-in-alifetime<br />
concert, where they will belt out their<br />
signature hits. The Smash Hits Concert will see<br />
the duo perform their sing-along hits, which<br />
topped the global music charts in that era.<br />
Both stars broke into the music scene<br />
in their teens with Tiffany riding the charts<br />
high with hit songs, ‘All This Time’ and her<br />
chart-topping hit, ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’.<br />
Gibson became a worldwide sensation at only<br />
17 with her high energy pop singles ‘Only In<br />
My Dreams’, ‘Shake Your Love’ and ‘Out of The<br />
Blue’. For fans of 80s pop, this one-night only<br />
performance is a rare opportunity to see these<br />
two icons on the stage for the first time in<br />
Asia. The Star Theatre Singapore, thestar.sg<br />
15, 17, 19<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
SEP<br />
SINGAPORE, BANGKOK, HONG KONG<br />
THE KILLERS LIVE<br />
Influential American rock band The Killers<br />
will draw the curtain on its <strong>2018</strong> Asia Tour<br />
with a highly-anticipated one-night only<br />
performance in Singapore, Bangkok and Hong<br />
Kong this month. Following their stops in<br />
Singapore on 15 <strong>Sep</strong>tember for the Singapore<br />
Grand Prix and Bangkok on 17 <strong>Sep</strong>tember at<br />
Thunder Dome, the Las Vegas rockers led by<br />
Brandon Flowers will be bringing their brand<br />
of music to Asian fans.<br />
The Killers last performed in Hong<br />
Kong in 2013 but this latest tour is bound<br />
to an exciting and entertaining affair as the<br />
American rock band will perform tracks from<br />
their latest album ‘Wonderful Wonderful’<br />
along with their enviable back catalogue of<br />
songs such as ‘Mr. Brightside’ and ‘Somebody<br />
Told Me’. thekillersmusic.com<br />
16SEP<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
POSTMODERN JUKEBOX LIVE<br />
Following their sold-out performance in<br />
Kuala Lumpur in 2016, the collective known<br />
as Postmodern Jukebox will be making their<br />
way back to Malaysia for their Asia tour. The<br />
brainchild of Scott Bradlee, the band has<br />
garnered a huge following on YouTube since<br />
their debut in 2009 with their catchy soulful<br />
and jazzy renditions of modern songs.<br />
To date, Postmodern Jukebox has<br />
amassed more than 925 million YouTube<br />
views with 3.2 million subscribers and over<br />
1.3 million likes on Facebook. Nevertheless,<br />
watching the group live is an occasion that<br />
should not be missed, especially if you are<br />
a music fan with a penchant for enjoying<br />
great renditions of hit numbers done with<br />
a vintage twist. KL Live, Jalan Sultan Ismail,<br />
postmodernjukebox.com<br />
19<br />
<strong>2018</strong> OCT<br />
-32019<br />
FEB<br />
BANGKOK<br />
BLISSFUL ART<br />
With the notable participation of artists<br />
from across the globe, the Bangkok Art<br />
Biennale <strong>2018</strong> marks its inaugural event<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land. With much time devoted to<br />
planning, the Bangkok Art Biennale <strong>2018</strong>’s<br />
theme is “Beyond Bliss.” The concept of ideal<br />
happiness and its creative interpretations<br />
get manifested and discussed by the world’s<br />
leading artists. Among those headlining are<br />
the likes of influential performance artist<br />
Marina Abramović who will be communicating<br />
art through her body to open up a better<br />
understanding about the physical and mental<br />
limitations as a human being. Korean artist/<br />
designer Choi Jeong Hwa who is known for his<br />
whimsical creation of large-scale and massive<br />
size different art forms, is among the roster<br />
of artists to show his work along with other<br />
artist heavyweights like Japanese artist Yayoi<br />
Kusama and more. bkkartbiennale.com<br />
18 19
OVERTURES<br />
NEWS AND EVENTS<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
21OCT<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
THE MEKONG RUN<br />
Take to running for a real cause with the Luang<br />
Prabang Half Marathon – a goodwill run in the<br />
Unesco World Heritage Site on the Mekong<br />
River. Organised by the Lao Friends Hospital<br />
for Children, the charity race will take place<br />
on Sunday, <strong>Oct</strong>ober 21. Good for all fitness<br />
levels, the race offers three distances – 7<br />
kilometres, 14 kilometres and half marathon<br />
(21 kilometres). The starting and finishing line<br />
will be in front of the National Museum that<br />
was once a royal palace. With Luang Prabang<br />
tucked away in the mountainous valley of<br />
Northern Laos and sitting at the confluence<br />
of the Mekong and Khan rivers, the marathon<br />
takes runners along a route of Buddhist<br />
temples and colonial architecture. This annual<br />
race hopes to raise more than US$50,000 to<br />
benefit impoverished Lao children. The LPB Half<br />
Marathon will be providing free medical care<br />
for the children as well. Online registration, with<br />
an early-bird promotion rate, is available on its<br />
official website. luangprabanghalfmarathon.com<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
23OCT<br />
CHON BURI<br />
BUFFALO RACING FESTIVAL<br />
A different kind of race makes for a fun festival<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land. “Wing Kwai” or the Buffalo Racing<br />
Festival <strong>2018</strong>, held annually for more than 140<br />
years, takes place in front of Chon Buri City<br />
Municipality Office on 23 <strong>Oct</strong>ober, one day<br />
before the end of Buddhist Lent. The event<br />
follows the long period of hard work for farmers<br />
and buffaloes. You get to see water buffalo racing<br />
which is divided into various categories according<br />
to their age. Apart from the excitement of<br />
buffaloes racing each other, entertaining activities<br />
such as the Miss Farmer Beauty Contest, Buffalo<br />
Fashion Contest, the Healthiest Buffalo Contest<br />
round out the event. tourismthailand.org<br />
20-22OCT<br />
<strong>2018</strong><br />
MAE HONG SON<br />
CHONG PARA FESTIVAL<br />
Mae Hong Son in northern <strong>Thai</strong>land will be<br />
celebrating the Chong Para Festival signalling<br />
the end of the three-month long Buddhist<br />
Retreat on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20-22, highlighted with<br />
a cultural performance from the Shan ethnic<br />
group. Dancers dressed in half-bird costumes<br />
move to percussive beats before a bonfire,<br />
transporting the visitor back some 100 years<br />
with the dances. The festival marks the Lord<br />
Buddha’s return from heaven after visiting<br />
his mother for three months. The Shan people<br />
in Mae Hong Son build small wooden castles,<br />
decorating them with colourful paper and<br />
illuminating them with lanterns that welcome<br />
the Lord Buddha. The festival begins with<br />
local folks bringing offerings to monks in the<br />
temples in a procession and carrying the<br />
models of castles on poles. Performed on<br />
temple grounds will be theatre and dance<br />
performances — some of them unique to<br />
northern <strong>Thai</strong>land. Mae Hong Son’s beautiful<br />
province setting fulfils a travellers’ notion<br />
of how a northern <strong>Thai</strong> city should be, with<br />
white-washed pagodas topped with golden<br />
parasols, women with thanaka powder on<br />
their cheeks going past, while the air fills<br />
with the smoke of cheroots.<br />
tourismthailand.org<br />
20
OVERTURES<br />
BEAUTY AND HEALTH<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Secret’s In<br />
The Scent<br />
Fragrance when worn, becomes<br />
extraordinary and relevant, and lets<br />
people know who you are, along with<br />
your convictions. Finding the right<br />
scent goes beyond a passive sniff<br />
test. Make it an active mission and<br />
test out ones that work best for you<br />
and activated by the warmth of your<br />
skin. If someone brushes by and a<br />
whiff of their perfume simply makes<br />
you feel good – that’s a winner.<br />
LUNA ROSSA BLACK<br />
EAU DE PARFUM<br />
100ML FROM PRADA<br />
(4,300 Baht)<br />
The energy when man and<br />
nature meets is captured<br />
in this scent with a dry,<br />
musky amber set off with<br />
patchouli and coumarin,<br />
with hints of a gentler<br />
bergamot and angelica<br />
that slowly builds and<br />
crashes with a seductive,<br />
masculine force.<br />
L’HOMME INTENSE<br />
EAU DE PARFUM<br />
100ML FROM PRADA<br />
(4,600 Baht)<br />
Contemporary yet<br />
classic, this contrasting<br />
composition of unusual<br />
facets speaks to the<br />
modern day man who<br />
wants a chosen fragrance<br />
to be just as intriguing as<br />
his enigmatic, yet alluring<br />
personality.<br />
OBSESSED EAU DE<br />
PARFUM INTENSE<br />
FOR MEN 125ML FROM<br />
CALVIN KLEIN (3,700 Baht)<br />
Memories of an infatuation<br />
can come unravelled with<br />
this fragrance; breathe in<br />
an intensity that’s brought<br />
on by the addition of an<br />
amber warmth and a higher<br />
concentration of oils that<br />
evoke a nearly tangible<br />
feeling of sensuality…<br />
including a reminder of the<br />
scent of another.<br />
COACH FOR MEN<br />
EAU DE TOILETTE<br />
SPRAY 100ML FROM<br />
COACH (3,800 Baht)<br />
A surge of crisp energy<br />
gained from the juice<br />
of the nashi pear and<br />
bergamot infuses itself<br />
with a spicy core of<br />
cardamom and aromatic<br />
coriander; also creating<br />
a subtle warmth that<br />
continues to dominate<br />
the earthy base of soft<br />
suede and addictive<br />
ambergris notes.<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Calvin Klein<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 1000,<br />
#1714<br />
Coach<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 1000,<br />
#1714<br />
Prada<br />
GF Central Embassy<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 5744<br />
ENAMOURED<br />
HI-SHINE LIP<br />
LACQUER<br />
LIPGLOSS 5ML<br />
FROM MARC<br />
JACOBS BEAUTY<br />
(1,100 Baht)<br />
This mint-flavoured<br />
lip gloss collection<br />
features a profusion<br />
of creamy pinks,<br />
shimmering<br />
lavenders, and<br />
iridescent brightness<br />
that makes your<br />
lips lush with a<br />
lasting colour and<br />
unbelievable shine.<br />
ALL NIGHTER WATERPROOF<br />
SETTING POWDER 7.5G FROM<br />
URBAN DECAY (1,250 Baht)<br />
Simply buff powder over your foundation for<br />
long-lasting, locked-in coverage. Then finish<br />
up with your blush and highlighter routine.<br />
MAGIC BLACK POWDER FACIAL<br />
LIFTING MASK 50G FROM<br />
CAOLION (1,890 Baht)<br />
This anti-ageing, face lifting mask tightens<br />
rough and sagging skin, enhancing its texture<br />
and providing a strengthening skin barrier.<br />
TEINT IDOLE ULTRA<br />
WEAR CAMOUFLAGE<br />
CONCEALER 12ML<br />
FROM LANCÔME<br />
(1,300 Baht)<br />
Easily blends and can be built<br />
up to create an even skin<br />
tone, maintaining a naturallooking<br />
matte finish that<br />
will not cake or crease.<br />
With a Look,<br />
A Statement<br />
All that’s needed to do to make your eyes glow<br />
invitingly while being elegantly chic requires<br />
smokey eyes with dark as night shades yet<br />
refined. Grey tones also look perfect with black<br />
and gold shades, and equally beautiful with<br />
brown. Cover your entire lid, or just highlight<br />
the corner of your eye. This can be done with<br />
a light pencil or eyeliner mark. These catchy<br />
colours look great with darker skin tones and<br />
completely glamorous for fairer skin tones.<br />
Tips<br />
Copper Eyes – There’s no reason why your<br />
eyes shouldn’t be dolled up using some copper<br />
eye shadow. It’s striking and sexy, and on the<br />
right side of subtle.<br />
Highlighted Skin – Go all out to create<br />
that subtle sheen on your face with the help of<br />
a highlighter.<br />
Strong Brows – Since we’re coming up to<br />
more parties as the rains have gone, get your game<br />
on with strong brows by filling them in thickly.<br />
Subtle Contouring – Take full advantage<br />
of the season and subtly contour your jawline<br />
and cheekbones.<br />
Dark Lips – Dark, bold lipstick needs a place<br />
in your makeup bag, we’re just saying.<br />
MR. BURBERRY EAU DE TOILETTE<br />
50ML FROM BURBERRY (2,800 Baht)<br />
Classic scents of British perfumery with<br />
unexpected ingredients of fresh, crafted<br />
top notes of crisp zesty grapefruit are cut<br />
with a seductive base of earthy vetiver<br />
and smoky guaiac wood.<br />
BLACK ORCHID EAU DE TOILETTE<br />
50ML FROM TOM FORD (3,700 Baht)<br />
A luxurious and sensual fragrance of rich,<br />
dark accord and an alluring potion of black<br />
orchids and spice, Black Orchid is both<br />
modern and timeless.<br />
TERRACOTTA THE SUN-KISSED<br />
HEALTHY GLOW POWDER 10G<br />
FROM GUERLAIN (2,350 Baht)<br />
The powder contains a cocktail of active<br />
ingredients to help your skin feel energised,<br />
protect against free radicals and pollution and<br />
preserve skin’s natural hydration, ensuring a<br />
long-lasting feel.<br />
NOIR ANTHRACITE EAU DE<br />
PARFUM SPRAY 50ML FROM<br />
TOM FORD (4,800 Baht)<br />
Noir Anthracite reflects light in the dark,<br />
featuring the brilliance of bergamot and spice<br />
against rich black woods such as cedar wood,<br />
Macassar ebony, and santal from Sri Lanka.<br />
PHOTO FINISH<br />
MATTIFY PRIMER<br />
STICK 9G FROM<br />
SMASHBOX<br />
(1,400 Baht)<br />
It controls oil and shine<br />
for 12 hours without<br />
drying skin, ensuring<br />
that makeup goes on<br />
flawlessly, looks better<br />
and lasts longer.<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Guerlain<br />
MF, The Emporium<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2269 1000<br />
Lancôme<br />
1F Central Chidlom<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2254 9146<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>hora<br />
1F Siam Center<br />
tel +66 (0) 2658 1616<br />
22<br />
23
OVERTURES<br />
STYLE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Seductive Suede<br />
Suede can be a little intimidating, partly<br />
due to its need to be maintained properly.<br />
But with the right shirt and trousers<br />
combination, suede shoes can be worn in all<br />
situations – from that work meeting you’ve<br />
been dreading, to a date you’ve been trying<br />
to score for three months.<br />
FOR HIM<br />
SMOOTH<br />
SQUALE SUEDE<br />
WITH MATCHING<br />
MATTE SIGNATURE<br />
SPIKES FROM<br />
CHRISTIAN<br />
LOUBOUTIN<br />
(33,800 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Christian Louboutin<br />
GF Central Embassy<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2160 5814-15<br />
SILKY<br />
NUBUCK<br />
WITH FRONT<br />
ELASTIC INSERTS<br />
SLIP-ON<br />
SHOES FROM<br />
TOD’S<br />
(23,500 Baht)<br />
Tod’s<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 9999<br />
SMOOTH<br />
SQUALE SUEDE<br />
WITH SWAROVSKI<br />
CRYSTALS, LOUIS<br />
FLAT FROM<br />
CHRISTIAN<br />
LOUBOUTIN<br />
(129,900 Baht)<br />
ELEGANT<br />
SMOOTH<br />
LEATHER AND<br />
SUEDE EMBOSSED<br />
LOGO GOMMINO<br />
DRIVING SHOES<br />
FROM TOD’S<br />
(24,500 Baht)<br />
1F Central Chidlom<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2251 9208<br />
VELVETY<br />
SUEDE WITH<br />
STAMPED LOGO<br />
SIDE ELASTIC<br />
INSERTS<br />
SLIP-ON<br />
FROM TOD’S<br />
(27,500 Baht)<br />
FOR HER<br />
POLKA DOT<br />
PRINT CALFSKIN<br />
LEATHER ROCK<br />
STUD COIN PURSE<br />
AND CARDHOLDER<br />
FROM VALENTINO<br />
(16,800 Baht)<br />
STOCKISTS<br />
Christian Louboutin<br />
GF Central Embassy<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2160 5814-15<br />
SADDLE<br />
BAG CALFSKIN<br />
WITH GOLD<br />
TONE METAL<br />
LOGO FROM<br />
DIOR<br />
(115,000 Baht)<br />
Dior<br />
GF Emporium<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2664 8363<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 6799<br />
PATENT<br />
LEATHER POINTED<br />
TOE PUMPS<br />
FROM<br />
CHRISTIAN<br />
LOUBOUTIN<br />
(26,500 Baht)<br />
RED PATENT<br />
LEATHER WITH<br />
AN EMBOSSED<br />
CROCODILE<br />
EFFECT LOAFERS<br />
FROM TOD’S<br />
(26,500 Baht)<br />
Tod’s<br />
MF Siam Paragon<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2610 9999<br />
1F Central Chidlom<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2251 9208<br />
POLKA DOT<br />
PRINT CALFSKIN<br />
LEATHER<br />
ROCKSTUD<br />
PUMPS FROM<br />
VALENTINO<br />
(32,600 Baht)<br />
Valentino<br />
MF Central Embassy<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2129 4868<br />
MF Emquartier<br />
Tel +66 (0) 2129 4868<br />
The Power<br />
of Red<br />
Scarlet, ruby, crimson, maroon – call<br />
this brilliant colour whichever way<br />
you want. If there’s only one that<br />
should be seen this season, it’s red.<br />
The colour typically screams of<br />
sensuality; but this time around, the<br />
approach is more refined, grownup and<br />
stands as an uplifting trend that feels<br />
entirely attainable for us mere mortals.<br />
24<br />
25
OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Trat: A Place of<br />
Dream Islands<br />
Translation Chusri Ngamprasert<br />
Story & Photos Courtesy of Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Located to the east of <strong>Thai</strong>land, Trat province offers<br />
travellers a variety of attractions – from stunning<br />
blue seas, abundant forests and mountains, magical<br />
waterfalls, to community-based tourism. Strong<br />
practices in environmental awareness contribute to<br />
an endless list of activities.<br />
Koh Chang, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s second<br />
largest island after Phuket as a popular<br />
getaway boasts powdery white sandy<br />
beaches, a plethora of boutique resorts<br />
and restaurants to chill out. With<br />
abundant ecosystems, Koh Chang<br />
makes for a year-round paradise for all<br />
sea and beach lovers.<br />
For a different island vibe, there’s<br />
charming Koh Kood, also surrounded<br />
by the azure sea and blessed by bright<br />
blue skies that’s a haven from a busy<br />
city life. Enjoy the luxury of time while<br />
strolling around the fisherman village<br />
in Ao Salat (Pirate Bay) and embrace<br />
the slow-paced lifestyle. Dotted with<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
A lighthouse stands<br />
tall at Bang Bao<br />
Bay, Koh Chang.<br />
Enjoy the endless<br />
view on Koh Mak.<br />
Rowing along Trat’s<br />
lush and green<br />
waterways.<br />
seafood restaurants, Ao Salat is a place<br />
to get the fresh catch of the day from<br />
the sea, both cooked and raw. Enjoy<br />
a variety of beach activities or laze<br />
around in the resort on the island.<br />
Koh Mak island sits between Koh<br />
Chang and Koh Kood. This idyllic island<br />
offers an enticing line of coconut trees<br />
along the powdery white sand beach<br />
that will put you in vacation mode. With<br />
crystal-clear water in the bays being<br />
calm and safe, visitors can choose to<br />
dive into Ao Ta Nid, Ao Phai, Ao Prong,<br />
Ao Pad and Ao Daeng. The villagers<br />
live a simple life, engaging in their work<br />
in rubber plantations and traditional<br />
fisheries. The abundant coral reefs<br />
around Koh Mak and its neighbouring<br />
islands make popular spots for shallow<br />
water snorkelling.<br />
Close to Koh Mak is Koh Kham, an<br />
island where a huge volcanic rock lines<br />
the shore, making a dramatic contrast<br />
against white sand and deep blue sea.<br />
The vibrant coral reef on the east side<br />
of the island is a beautiful place to<br />
snorkel and scuba dive.<br />
Apart from the beautiful islands<br />
and stunning sea, Trat also has various<br />
interesting community-based tourism<br />
attractions under its sleeve such as<br />
Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Group, and<br />
26<br />
27
OVERTURES<br />
THAILAND TREASURES<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
Kayaking,<br />
one of the most<br />
popular activities<br />
on Koh Kood.<br />
Traditional woven<br />
hats made from<br />
palm leaves and<br />
bamboo called<br />
“Ngob Nam Chiao”.<br />
Huay Raeng Sub-district Ecotourism<br />
Group. These community-based tourism<br />
initiatives are outstanding places to<br />
learn how to live harmoniously with<br />
different cultures and beliefs and with<br />
nature. Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism<br />
Group is a multicultural community<br />
where Buddhists, Muslims and <strong>Thai</strong>-<br />
Chinese groups live happily together<br />
with everyone respecting the different<br />
cultures and religious beliefs. Ban<br />
Nam Chiao community is proud of its<br />
famous handicraft “Ngob Nam Chiao”,<br />
traditional woven hats made from palm<br />
leaves and bamboo in the shape of a<br />
wok pan.<br />
Blessed with an abundant ecosystem,<br />
the Huay Raeng community dwells in<br />
the heart of major diversity with sources<br />
of fresh water, brackish water and brine.<br />
The seasonal tides give the shoreside<br />
plantations plenty of nourishment, making it fruitful all year<br />
round. The community is also well-known for its folk wisdom<br />
learning and sharing. By relying on their knowledge, the strongbonded<br />
community live harmoniously with nature. Villagers<br />
grow vegetables and fruits, catch giant freshwater prawn, make<br />
rice wrapped in betel nut bract as an eco-friendly lunchbox<br />
instead of using plastic containers or plastic bags while artisan<br />
soap is made from mangosteen rind.<br />
For more information, contact Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land (TAT) Trat<br />
office at +66 (0) 39 597 259-60 or the Visitor Information Centre 1672.<br />
28
OVERTURES<br />
A TASTE OF THAILAND<br />
A Wonder Herb<br />
A popular garden herb in a <strong>Thai</strong><br />
household, lemongrass is much loved<br />
for its aromatic scent and a key culinary<br />
ingredient in the often requested<br />
tom yum soup. This plant is crucial<br />
among <strong>Thai</strong> herbs plants as it contains<br />
antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic<br />
compounds that provide abundant<br />
health benefits. It helps in increasing<br />
appetite, alleviating flu symptoms,<br />
coughs and headaches while its<br />
anti-oxidant properties generate a<br />
youthfulness to the skin. When boiled<br />
and made into lemongrass juice and<br />
lemongrass tea that’s served either<br />
iced or hot, the herb miraculously<br />
refreshes and comes with a bonus to<br />
cooling down the body. Among its other<br />
benefits include aiding with digestion<br />
and reducing gastrointestinal gas. Most<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> people usually make sure they have<br />
lemongrass in their kitchen as it helps<br />
reduce a fishy or meat odour when it<br />
comes to cooking.<br />
Lemongrass also comes with another<br />
highlighted feature: its essential oil<br />
that’s found in the stems and leaves. Its<br />
fragrance finds common use as an insect<br />
and mosquito repellent. Apart from its<br />
relaxing fragrance, applying lemongrass<br />
essential oil on the skin gives a warmth<br />
that helps release muscle tension. When<br />
used to massage the body, the soothing<br />
oil rids the body of muscle strains and<br />
joint pain and a reason why lemongrass<br />
essential oil is a much sought-after<br />
ingredient in massage oils and spa<br />
products compared to other herbs.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 4 lemongrass stalks<br />
• 4 cups of water<br />
• ¾ cup of sugar<br />
• Small ice cubes<br />
• 4 pandanus leaves<br />
to add fragrance<br />
Instructions<br />
Clean lemongrass and pandanus leaves<br />
in water.<br />
Chop the lemongrass and pound the<br />
chopped pieces. Tie them into chunks<br />
using pandanus leaves.<br />
Measure water and pour into a pot,<br />
followed by the lemongrass and pandanus<br />
leaves. Simmer on medium heat until<br />
the water boils and takes on a light<br />
greenish colour.<br />
Remove the pot from the flame. Filter<br />
the lemongrass and pandanus leftover<br />
from the liquid.<br />
Reheat the filtered juice. Add sugar until<br />
it melts. Adjust the taste as preferred.<br />
Let the liquid cool down, add ice<br />
cubes, and decorate the glass with fresh<br />
lemongrass.<br />
TIPS<br />
Filtered lemongrass<br />
stalks can be boiled 1-2<br />
more times. The taste<br />
may be less rich, but the<br />
drink is still wonderfully<br />
refreshing.<br />
WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA<br />
30 31
OVERTURES<br />
FRUITFUL FINDS<br />
WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL<br />
A Good<br />
Bunch<br />
The crescent-shaped banana reigns<br />
as one of the world’s most favourite<br />
fruits. Neatly tucked in its own peel,<br />
the grab and go benefit makes it a<br />
portable choice and eco-friendly<br />
when it comes to disposing the<br />
skin. Just peel and take a bite – no<br />
utensils required.<br />
Loaded with valuable micronutrients<br />
especially potassium, this tropical<br />
fruit is an excellent source of vitamin<br />
C, D, B6, fibre, and carbohydrates.<br />
Bananas can be eaten alone or<br />
mixed into a fruit salad, added to the<br />
gelatin dessert of jello, or spun into a<br />
smoothie, a milkshake or baked into<br />
a delicious banana bread.<br />
The ancestors of the domestic<br />
banana plant and also a wild variety<br />
remain inedible due to several large<br />
black seeds are called Butuhan in<br />
the Philippines and Kluay Tani in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land. The bananas we see today<br />
are the tasty mutants with immature<br />
seeds that won’t develop at all.<br />
Originally found in Southeast<br />
Asia, bananas were brought<br />
west by Arab conquerors, then<br />
moved from Asia Minor to Africa.<br />
From Africa to the Americas,<br />
Spanish and Portuguese colonists<br />
adopted the fruit’s African name<br />
“banana,” which might have been<br />
derived from the Arabic word<br />
meaning ‘finger’.<br />
There are more than 1,000<br />
varieties of bananas in Africa and<br />
Asia. They are the world’s most<br />
popular fruit which have been<br />
eaten everywhere from New York<br />
to Berlin, London to Moscow.<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land has plenty of banana<br />
varieties too, Kluay Nam Wa or<br />
Pisang Awak (sweet, firm and with<br />
a bit of sticky, starchy texture<br />
when eaten), Kluay Leb Mue<br />
Nang or Lady’s Finger Banana<br />
(creamy consistency with a sweet<br />
flavour), Kluay Khai or Baby<br />
Banana (rich and sweet, with a<br />
honey-like taste), Kluay Hak Mook<br />
or Silver Bluggoe (sweet, with a<br />
fluffy texture).<br />
Bananas in <strong>Thai</strong>land can be<br />
eaten raw or cooked as snacks<br />
or savoury dishes: Kaeng Luk<br />
Kluay (a young banana curry),<br />
Khao Tom Mut (banana in<br />
steamed sticky rice), Kluay Buat<br />
Chi (bananas in coconut milk),<br />
Kluay Ping (grilled banana) and<br />
Kluay Tak (sun-dried banana).<br />
Endless in taste and varieties,<br />
the tropical prosperity of bananas<br />
indeed knows no bounds.<br />
32
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
FROM POLICE HEADQUARTERS<br />
TO COMMUNITY SPACE<br />
In the spirit of conversion, Hong Kong<br />
now sports a new art complex that<br />
widens the scope of what we mean<br />
by exhibition.<br />
For years, locals knew of its history<br />
as the Police Headquarters in the Mid-<br />
Levels section in Hong Kong’s Central<br />
district. With a nice, leisurely walk or ride<br />
along the escalators to get there, Tai Kwun<br />
Centre for Heritage and Arts is an ideal<br />
rendezvous spot for art, dining and<br />
community gathering in what was once<br />
a police station, courthouse and prison.<br />
Purposeful<br />
Rebirth<br />
There’s no stopping the practice of turning things<br />
abandoned or discarded to be of benefit again. Newfound<br />
ways now mean a prison yard in Hong Kong becomes<br />
an inspiring community space for higher art while<br />
entrepreneurs in the capital of Myanmar are using their<br />
artistic visions to try to fix a major problem.<br />
Words N Wright Photos Bigs Vatcharasith<br />
Hong Kong is home to many of<br />
the world’s leading commercial galleries<br />
but has always lacked a museumstandard<br />
not-for-profit art space.<br />
Tai Kwun, meaning “big station” in<br />
Chinese, fills that gap. Impressive in<br />
scale, three of the buildings are declared<br />
monuments that bore witness to rich<br />
history; surprising facts include Ho Chi<br />
Minh’s imprisonment there in the 1930s<br />
and its use as a Japanese army base<br />
during World War II.<br />
With a rebirth since it was<br />
decommissioned in 2006, the inviting<br />
complex of open spaces and courtyards<br />
of 16 heritage buildings and two new<br />
buildings by Swiss architect Herzog de<br />
Meuron blend seamlessly across the<br />
Hong Kong skyline. The designers have<br />
inserted two modern buildings in the<br />
complex; a gallery for contemporary<br />
art and a 200-seat auditorium for the<br />
performing arts, film screenings and<br />
events. Both are clad in monumental<br />
perforated aluminium bricks that mimic<br />
the façades of the buildings. JC Cube,<br />
the Laundry Steps, the Prison Yard<br />
and the Parade Ground will become<br />
performance spaces for theatre, music,<br />
dance and film, with a wide range of<br />
programming. Prison cells with their<br />
original numbers and locks can be<br />
toured with video projections depicting<br />
stories of time in incarceration, including<br />
attempted jailbreaks.<br />
Visitors can walk through more than<br />
1,500 square metres of exhibition space<br />
that hosts six to eight exhibitions every<br />
year. Catch two inaugural exhibitions:<br />
a group show titled Dismantling the<br />
Scaffold, curated by Christina Li of Spring<br />
Workshop, along with an exhibition<br />
of new work by Hong Kong artist<br />
Wing Po So. In a bid to connect<br />
visitors to the community’s past, an<br />
exhibition titled “100 Faces of Tai<br />
Kwun” gives an intriguing glimpse<br />
into the history, the compound and<br />
its neighbourhood, complete with<br />
interactive spaces and setup.<br />
Beyond art and culture, Tai Kwun<br />
offers dining options that range from<br />
a casual drink to cocktails to sit down<br />
meals including Café Claudel bistro<br />
and Old Bailey. Stay for as long as you<br />
can – there’s a light and sound show<br />
late evening and a perfect way to end<br />
the night if you happen to be in<br />
the neighbourhood.<br />
34<br />
35
OVERTURES<br />
ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />
Words & Photos Ronan O’Connell<br />
TURNING TRASH TO TREASURE<br />
IN YANGON<br />
Yangon is one of Asia’s fastest-growing cities,<br />
swelling by the day as it becomes an increasingly<br />
attractive home for people from Myanmar’s rural<br />
areas. This overcrowding in Yangon has created a<br />
major trash problem, which resulted in a gigantic<br />
garbage dump fire which burned for almost two<br />
weeks this April.<br />
Now local artists in Yangon are trying to<br />
tackle this problem by re-purposing garbage to<br />
use as materials in their inventive artworks and<br />
household items. Leading this charge is a motherand-son<br />
team called Shin Thant Upcycle Craft.<br />
Daw Cingh Khaw Huai and her 27-year-old son<br />
Peter started this business in 2015 not just<br />
as a way of making a living, but as an attempt<br />
to change the way Burmese people think<br />
about waste.<br />
Peter explains this to me as we walk around<br />
Hla Day, a funky shop in downtown Yangon which<br />
specialises in eco-friendly products. This shop<br />
is one of the key outlets for the goods which<br />
are handmade by Peter and his mother in their<br />
apartment in Yangon’s eastern suburbs.<br />
“Conserving the environment is something<br />
which I’ve thought about for many years and been<br />
interested in but something which I think Burmese<br />
people don’t pay enough attention to,” Peter<br />
tells me, as he holds a wallet made from recycled<br />
newspaper. “So much stuff just gets thrown away<br />
which could actually be used to make things of<br />
value. We can’t keep doing that. Yangon is growing<br />
so fast, there will be more and more rubbish, so<br />
we have to become smarter about re-using it.”<br />
Peter’s family home is overflowing with used<br />
plastic bags and newspapers. He and his mother<br />
spend many hours each week sorting through<br />
these materials, cleaning them and then flattening<br />
them out. Once the bags and newspapers have<br />
gone through this process they are ready to be<br />
“upcycled”, as Peter likes to call it. The newspaper<br />
is compacted, folded and stitched together to<br />
make chic purses and wallets. The plastic bags,<br />
meanwhile, are heated and pressed into multiplelayers<br />
to create a strong material for items like<br />
handbags and lampshades.<br />
These products are designed to appeal to<br />
Yangon’s increasing number of Western tourists,<br />
who make up the majority of their customers.<br />
Unfortunately Shin Thant’s upycling efforts are not<br />
yet greatly appreciated by locals. The concept of<br />
upcycling is still very foreign to Burmese people,<br />
Peter says with a sigh of resignation. It was foreign<br />
support which had enabled he and his mother to<br />
start their upcycling. In 2014 Peter took part in<br />
an eco-friendly project funded by an Italian nonprofit<br />
organisation in which Yangon locals were<br />
encouraged to make creative and useful items<br />
from discarded plastics.<br />
This experience convinced Peter that upcycling<br />
had a big future in Myanmar. Now he just has<br />
to convince his fellow Burmese people of this.<br />
“Even though local people haven’t really got into<br />
our products much yet, or got into upcycling, I’m<br />
confident still that upcycling is the way forward<br />
for us as a country,” he says. “The more problems<br />
we have with having too much rubbish in the city,<br />
I think people will start to understand what we’re<br />
doing is important.”<br />
36
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: SAMUI<br />
TRIED: SPA AT SANTIBURI<br />
Who doesn’t find pleasure in a bit of<br />
pampering from time to time? When<br />
that time comes, the Santiburi Spa offers<br />
lavish indulgence and soothing solace<br />
within the confines of its Old Siaminspired<br />
design and concept.<br />
Nestled in the resort’s gardens, you<br />
are met with the sounds of trickling water<br />
and the sweet aroma of lemongrass.<br />
Stunningly-detailed carved wood panels<br />
accent the peaceful ambiance while you<br />
sip fresh fragrant tamarind juice. Begin<br />
your journey to relaxation by outlining<br />
your treatment preferences such as oil<br />
fragrance, massage pressure, and areas<br />
of the body for your therapist to focus<br />
on. Discover the marble-topped Vichy<br />
shower bed, steam room, outdoor soaking<br />
Finding Favourites in<br />
Koh Samui and Phuket<br />
Words and Photos Jeremie Schatz<br />
Anyway you look at it, no two<br />
resort islands are alike. But the<br />
one thing Koh Samui and Phuket<br />
have in common is the luxurious<br />
abundance of hotels, restaurants<br />
to spas to explore.<br />
tub, and the perfected traditions of<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> massage. Replenish your body and<br />
spirit with luxurious aromatic therapies,<br />
pedicures, manicures, and more.<br />
If you truly seek to revel in a state of<br />
heavenly bliss, the <strong>Thai</strong> oil massage will<br />
take you there. Simply lying face down on<br />
the massage table with a bowl of freshly<br />
picked orchids and aromatics is when you<br />
begin to realise what it must be like to be<br />
royalty. The trained and certified massage<br />
therapists are attentive and work in slow<br />
and deliberate movements – this is worlds<br />
away from the cheap massage parlours<br />
dotting all tourist areas in <strong>Thai</strong>land. In fact,<br />
Santiburi’s Spa was one of the first to be<br />
certified by the Ministry of Public Health.<br />
To obtain this certification, a spa must<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Top Left<br />
A massage right on<br />
the beach is part of<br />
an afternoon well<br />
spent.<br />
The elegant<br />
treatment room.<br />
It’s impossible to<br />
leave the Santiburi<br />
Spa without<br />
reaching a state of<br />
divine relaxation.<br />
Splendid spa<br />
products are also<br />
available in the<br />
gift shop.<br />
meet strict guidelines regarding ambience,<br />
equipment, management, products, quality<br />
of service and more. The Santiburi Spa is<br />
one of only 28 spas in <strong>Thai</strong>land to hold<br />
this certification.<br />
If you can’t pull yourself away from<br />
the sand, beachside massage is available<br />
just feet from the breaking waves.<br />
Whether you have booked one of the<br />
beautiful rooms at Santiburi or are staying<br />
elsewhere in Koh Samui and searching<br />
for a quality spa experience, the Santiburi<br />
Spa will leave nothing more to be desired.<br />
Santiburi Koh Samui<br />
12/12 Moo 1, Maenam Beach,<br />
Koh Samui, Surat Thani<br />
+66 (0) 77 425 031<br />
info@santiburisamui.com<br />
38
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: SAMUI<br />
TASTED: PO LAD BEACH<br />
BISTRO AT TONGSAI BAY<br />
RESORT<br />
Blessed with its own private beach and<br />
blissful waterside location, the Tongsai<br />
Bay Resort also plays host to the Po Lad<br />
Beach Bistro. While the chic all-day<br />
dining spot lies at the heart of the resort,<br />
the doors are open to any who wish to<br />
explore the recently recreated menu.<br />
What lends to the bistro’s uniqueness,<br />
and is certainly intriguing to a growing<br />
number of diners, is the extensive and<br />
original vegetarian menu. Meat dishes<br />
are also available for those carnivores;<br />
however the plant-based creations are<br />
without a doubt some of the best to be<br />
found in Koh Samui.<br />
Fitting for an all-day bistro, a vast<br />
array of more than 60 menu options<br />
are offered up ranging from the freshbaked<br />
signature pizza sporting thinly<br />
sliced salmon with zingy rocket and<br />
mozzarella, onion-ring-topped wagyu<br />
beef burgers from the grill, to the rich<br />
and tangy seafood niçoise salad with<br />
homemade dressing.<br />
The collection of obligatory, yet<br />
carefully concocted <strong>Thai</strong> dishes have<br />
origins spanning the country. Try the<br />
crowd-pleasing sweet and savoury<br />
khao soi gai curry from Chiang Mai in<br />
the north, the pan-fried egg noodles of<br />
phad mee sapam thalay born in Phuket<br />
in the south, and the sweet and sour<br />
goodness of tom yum goong with its<br />
roots in central <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Looking back to the vegetarian<br />
menu you will find dynamic creations<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
Look out for specials<br />
like this spicy shrimp<br />
wrap - an ideal<br />
lunch option.<br />
Everyone loves<br />
a good tom yum<br />
goong, especially<br />
when it’s made with<br />
the freshest and<br />
most tender prawns.<br />
With a location<br />
like this, there’s<br />
no reason to rush<br />
through a meal at<br />
Po Lad.<br />
If you’ve never tried<br />
khao soi gai, do<br />
yourself a favour<br />
and discover your<br />
new favourite.<br />
like the roasted pumpkin and rocket<br />
salad sprinkled with fresh parmesan and<br />
feta. The pumpkin gnocchi which blends<br />
traditional tomato sauce and phanaeng<br />
curry is symbolic of the unique offerings.<br />
In addition to the plethora of<br />
omnivorous, vegetarian, and gluten-free<br />
offerings, Po Lad sources their organic<br />
“birds claw” rice locally, which is chosen<br />
for its high nutritional content and<br />
nutty flavour.<br />
Feeling inspired by your meal at<br />
Po Lad? Tongsai Bay Resort not only<br />
offers <strong>Thai</strong> cooking classes, but they<br />
will take you to their off-site organic<br />
garden where you personally harvest<br />
the ingredients for your meals.<br />
The Tongsai Bay<br />
84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani<br />
+ 66 (0) 77 913 750<br />
info@tongsaibay.co.th<br />
40
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
STAYED: LA FLORA PATONG<br />
Arguably Phuket’s most popular, and<br />
certainly most raucous, beach destination,<br />
Patong Beach is sometimes referred to as<br />
“Bangkok on the beach”. Steady streams<br />
of visitors from a diverse range of locales<br />
around the world come for the Andaman’s<br />
tropical sun, sand, and sea, and the<br />
promise of wild times on Bangla Road.<br />
Every type of imaginable<br />
accommodation can be found but<br />
none can quite match La Flora for its<br />
combination of prime location, beach<br />
front access, boutique-resort style,<br />
and friendly service. Situated right<br />
smack dab in the middle of Patong<br />
Beach, La Flora is fortunate enough to<br />
have staked a claim to 2.7 rai (about one<br />
acre) of some of the most desirable real<br />
estate in Phuket.<br />
The quaint 67-room property offers<br />
up seven lodging varieties ranging from<br />
the roomy, water-side pool view rooms, up<br />
to the 2-bedroom beach-front grand deluxe<br />
pool villas. The rooms are all tastefully<br />
outfitted with a blend of contemporary tile<br />
and warm, natural wood accents. Extensive<br />
lighting details help set the mood and<br />
create a beautiful atmosphere, all controlled<br />
from a central bedside remote. Add in<br />
the up-to-date flat screen TV, Bluetooth<br />
soundbar, and relaxing bathtub and you’ll<br />
feel right at home.<br />
All Photos Courtesy of La Flora<br />
La Flora might be a small property<br />
but they sport a spa, workout room, 2<br />
restaurants (one is rooftop), a beach bar,<br />
concierge/activities desk, and chill out<br />
spots sprinkled around the grounds. The<br />
Surface rooftop restaurant/bar is open<br />
to the public and is a choice sunset spot<br />
with its sublime views over Patong Bay.<br />
Kick back in a bean bag with a fruity<br />
cocktail while parasailers float past in<br />
front of another epic Andaman sunset.<br />
One of the most distinguishing<br />
features of La Flora is that despite it being<br />
only 200 metres from the uninhibited<br />
nightlife to be found at Bangla Road, it is<br />
an oasis of peace and solitude. While you<br />
can relax in the oversized lobby chairs and<br />
watch the world go by on the busy street,<br />
once inside of the resort you are met with<br />
quiet privacy and perhaps a much needed<br />
respite from the bustling city outside.<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Top Left<br />
No matter which<br />
room you choose at La<br />
Flora, the pool is right<br />
outside your door.<br />
Spectacular<br />
bird’s-eye view of<br />
a secluded beach<br />
— just steps away<br />
from La Flora.<br />
A specious, waterside<br />
pool view room<br />
awaits you in all<br />
seasons.<br />
Finding a comfy<br />
place to kick back and<br />
relax certainly isn’t a<br />
problem at La Flora<br />
as all rooms are<br />
stylishly decorated<br />
with a contemporary<br />
warm atmosphere.<br />
Only a few properties have their<br />
own little slice of Patong Beach and<br />
La Flora is one of them. You can work<br />
your way out from a comfy poolside<br />
lounge chair to a shady spot in the sand<br />
just steps away. Beach bar staff is on<br />
hand to keep your glass and belly full.<br />
Speaking of staff, La Flora has one<br />
of the friendliest and most warm-hearted<br />
teams you’ll encounter. They know<br />
you by name right away and make<br />
great effort to note what your likes and<br />
dislikes are. Such being the case, this<br />
explains why during the busy season you<br />
may find nearly every guest at La Flora<br />
is a return customer. After a visit, you<br />
might find yourself joining them.<br />
La Flora Resort Patong<br />
39 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach,<br />
Kathu, Phuket<br />
+66 (0) 76 344 241<br />
info@laflorapatong.com<br />
42
OVERTURES<br />
CHECKED IN: PHUKET<br />
discover asia’s premier shared<br />
holiday ownership programme<br />
TRIED: ANANTARA LAYAN SPA<br />
While the popular saying is, “you’ll feel<br />
like you’ve died and gone to heaven,”<br />
let’s go ahead and skip straight to the<br />
heaven part – which is exactly where<br />
the Anantara Spa will leave you thinking<br />
you are.<br />
Tucked up on the hillside above<br />
the lobby of Anantara Layan Phuket,<br />
this little slice of heaven has a view of<br />
the glistening Andaman Sea, a kidneyshaped<br />
pool in front, surrounded by a<br />
tropical garden and serene lily ponds.<br />
The highly-skilled spa therapists are<br />
ready to expertly carry out the wide<br />
array of treatments offered by this wellreputed<br />
spa. Anantara spas take what<br />
they do very seriously with specialists<br />
44<br />
visiting often to further the knowledge<br />
and abilities of their therapists, training<br />
them in the latest techniques and stateof-the-art<br />
products.<br />
A well-rounded menu awaits guests<br />
to choose from any number of spa<br />
experiences ranging from 60 minutes<br />
to five days for individuals or couples.<br />
Treatments run the gamut from the<br />
classic world-renowned <strong>Thai</strong> massage<br />
where the masseuse guides your body<br />
through invigorating stretches to the<br />
Layan Bamboo Retreat where heated<br />
bamboo sticks are combined with<br />
aromatic oils to work out knots and<br />
relieve tension.<br />
Other Anantara Spa offerings<br />
include salt and hibiscus scrubs with<br />
exotic Monoi oil, acupressure and<br />
aromatherapy massages, steam rooms<br />
with relaxing <strong>Thai</strong> herbs, and after-sun<br />
treatments with aloe vera and soothing<br />
oils. The spa’s therapists have also been<br />
trained in specialised pre and post-natal<br />
massage to ease the stresses and pains<br />
of pregnancy on the body.<br />
The Sea Shell and Herbal Therapy<br />
treatment utilises unique techniques<br />
employing polished and heated sea<br />
shells. The shell’s shape helps match<br />
that of the body and naturally flow with<br />
the body’s contours. It’s also thought<br />
that calcium ions in the shells help to<br />
rejuvenate and firm the skin.<br />
Since you’re on vacation, you might<br />
as well spoil yourself with one of their<br />
Luxury Bath Rituals which can be<br />
enjoyed at the spa or in the comfort of<br />
your own room. There’s one for him with<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Top Left<br />
Tough decisions:<br />
to soak in the<br />
jacuzzi tub first,<br />
get a heavenly<br />
massage on the<br />
most comfortable<br />
massage beds ever,<br />
or hit the steam<br />
room?<br />
Anantara Spa<br />
carefully selects the<br />
finest quality spa<br />
products for you to<br />
take home.<br />
With a view of the<br />
sparkling Andaman<br />
Sea and filled with<br />
lovely aromatics,<br />
the spa’s foyer<br />
offers just a tease<br />
of what lies inside.<br />
Attain a deeper<br />
level of calm: sip<br />
freshly brewed<br />
fruit tea to the<br />
sounds of soothing<br />
music from a cushy<br />
daybed.<br />
more masculine scents like cedar wood<br />
and sandalwood and a glass of Johnnie<br />
Walker Gold, and one for her with more<br />
feminine fragrances like rose and lavender<br />
and a Mai Tai.<br />
Multi-day retreats provide an<br />
opportunity for your entire holistic<br />
wellbeing to be catered. The three or<br />
five day retreats include bath rituals,<br />
massages, detoxes, facials, manicures,<br />
pedicures, hair treatments, and more.<br />
The Anantara Spa Layan truly takes<br />
luxurious pampering to another level.<br />
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort<br />
168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4<br />
Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket<br />
+66 (0) 76 317 200<br />
spa.layan@anantara.com<br />
SEPTEMBER LUCKY DRAW:<br />
3 days, 2 nights – deluxe view room at<br />
anantara siam bangkok hotel<br />
Winner chosen 30 <strong>Sep</strong>tember <strong>2018</strong><br />
Daily breakfast for 2 persons included<br />
Round trip airport-hotel transfers for 2 persons included<br />
your dream getaway awaits<br />
OCTOBER LUCKY DRAW:<br />
3 days, 2 nights – one bedroom<br />
apartment suite at anantara vacation club<br />
mai khao phuket<br />
Winner chosen 31 <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2018</strong><br />
Daily breakfast for 2 persons included<br />
Round trip airport-hotel transfers for 2 persons included<br />
Each entry automatically enrolls you<br />
for a chance to win a Grand Prize of THB 100,000<br />
Winners chosen 31 December <strong>2018</strong> and 31 January 2019<br />
Scan<br />
to win
ARTISANAL EATS<br />
Artisanally<br />
Words Sirin P Wongpanit<br />
Photos Permboon Wongpanit<br />
Yours<br />
Singapore tops the list of<br />
‘great small countries’ with<br />
outstanding examples of<br />
modernity, technologies<br />
and brains. Amidst all things<br />
modern however, Singaporeans<br />
now find meaning in the<br />
craft of edibles.<br />
You can say that the brain has a<br />
great ability to discern the good<br />
from the bad. But it is the stomach<br />
that “holds” your heart. The art<br />
of making good and delicious food does<br />
not have to be at all fancy, it is genuine<br />
sustenance and its old recipes that have<br />
not only made them survive, but also<br />
thrive amidst modern Singapore. Younger<br />
generations here, despite their aspirational<br />
education and high-paying professions, are<br />
seeking out the tradition of crafted foods.<br />
We now see the swift rise of artisanal eats in<br />
Singapore becoming as prominent as their<br />
economic prowess.<br />
Reading about the Lion City<br />
leads you to two main points.<br />
First, this island nation has a<br />
reputation stacking high with its<br />
long list of being the regoin’s,<br />
if not the world’s, centre stage<br />
in so many aspects. Finance trade,<br />
technology, and medical technology,<br />
they lead as a smart city or leader<br />
– even as a maritime port or in<br />
oil-refining. Earlier this year,<br />
CNBC confirmed that Singapore,<br />
for the fifth year in a roll, maintains<br />
its long-standing position as being<br />
the world’s most expensive city to<br />
live in, making it official that this<br />
place is even pricier to have<br />
a life in than New York, London<br />
and Paris.<br />
But then, if you talk to any<br />
Singaporean, or any food-obsessed<br />
native, you will notice one thing.<br />
The younger generations now<br />
favour hawker food, whose stands<br />
serve as the place where a multitude<br />
of tasty and satisfying bites can<br />
be savoured at good value. This<br />
creation of authentic food follows<br />
or sometimes develop from<br />
ancestral recipes.<br />
“We call them hawkerpreneurs,”<br />
says Peh Ching Her, the fourth<br />
generation owner of the 93-yearold<br />
Pek Sin Choon, the shop<br />
for original Nanyang Tea in<br />
Singapore’s Chinatown, in<br />
referring to the rise of young<br />
owners of old-school hawker food<br />
46<br />
47
ARTISANAL EATS<br />
Above<br />
Old-school method of<br />
packing tea by hand<br />
at Pek Sin Choon Tea<br />
Shop in Chinatown.<br />
A variety of<br />
hand-made steam<br />
dumplings at Jalan<br />
Kukoh Food Centre.<br />
Below<br />
Mr. Peh Ching Her,<br />
a fourth generation<br />
owner of Pek Sin<br />
Choon Tea Shop in<br />
Chinatown.<br />
stalls. “They are a breath of fresh<br />
air in our ecological food system.<br />
While many of them are trying<br />
to perpetuate the old-school<br />
eats of Singapore, many of them<br />
(the food entrepreneurs) develop<br />
something entirely new, that<br />
somehow maintain crucial links to<br />
the past.”<br />
Our four days in Singapore<br />
confirmed the fact that the city<br />
is exorbitantly pricey. Museums<br />
here do not offer a ‘free day’ of<br />
the week, and admission can cost<br />
up to S$26 per adult. Taking a<br />
taxi can produce a real sweat,<br />
especially if you are hurrying into<br />
the city centre while their smart<br />
road-congestion managing system<br />
or ERP (Electronic Road Pricing)<br />
ticking up the metre for the final<br />
cost. But when it comes to food,<br />
we are pretty impressed. There are<br />
a lot of great and delicious foods at<br />
amazing values. And we are talking<br />
about real artisanal and hearty fare<br />
that is available to everyone.<br />
The curry puff as a snack well<br />
represents Singapore with a mixture<br />
of Malay and Chinese characteristics.<br />
Spices came from its trading<br />
background, when its fragrant<br />
migration dominated its maritime<br />
ports. At Wang Wang Crispy Curry<br />
Puff stall at the Old Airport Hawker<br />
Center - perhaps the oldest part<br />
of Singapore - the puff pastry gets<br />
rolled by hand, stuffed with fillings<br />
and then speedily crimped before<br />
being deep-fried. The crispy, flaky<br />
and very yummy treat will cost you<br />
just about S$1.20.<br />
But if you are up for more,<br />
like chunkier pieces of chicken<br />
and potatoes, or creamy custard<br />
and luscious durian puffs, head<br />
to the air-conditioned Soon Soon<br />
Huat on East Coast Road in Katong<br />
area. A daughter now continues<br />
her grandmother’s recipes with<br />
a modern flair. A coffee or tea set<br />
with a signature handmade puff<br />
will cost you just S$2.60.<br />
The obsession with handmade<br />
edibles continues with many things<br />
Above<br />
Deep fried sesame balls at one of the<br />
hawker centres in Singapore.<br />
Below<br />
Singapore old-school tarts in local<br />
varieties and shapes.<br />
Above<br />
Curry puffs are like smaller pies filled<br />
with the goodness of a curry or other<br />
filling variation.<br />
Below<br />
Assorted old-school baked goodies at the<br />
Chinatown Tai Chong Kok Confectionery<br />
(Hue Kee) in Alexandra Village.<br />
There are a lot of great and<br />
delicious foods at amazing<br />
values. And we are talking<br />
about real artisanal and<br />
hearty fare that is available<br />
to everyone.<br />
48<br />
49
ARTISANAL EATS<br />
Clockwise, from Left<br />
Sibling owners carry<br />
on the tradition of<br />
making kueh.<br />
Curry puffs at the<br />
Old Airport Hawker<br />
Centre are made<br />
fresh on the spot.<br />
Prepping recipes<br />
at the Chinatown<br />
Tai Chong Kok<br />
Confectionery.<br />
in Singapore. At Jalan Kukoh Food<br />
Centre not too far from the Chinatown,<br />
a nondescript Teochew Kueh shop<br />
is busy taking orders and turning<br />
away those who did not call and<br />
order in advance.<br />
Teochew Kueh, a type of steamed<br />
dumpling, has skin made from rice<br />
flour and the stuffing varies from<br />
bamboo shoots, turnips, dried<br />
shrimp to chives and yam. As you<br />
might guess, this stall makes every<br />
single thing by hand. Hand-kneaded<br />
‘kueh’ skin, with hand-chopped<br />
ingredients and stir-fried fillings<br />
make their way into each delicious<br />
treat that will cost you just about a<br />
dollar each.<br />
All food artisans we talked to<br />
confessed that going old-school is a<br />
tough choice, but it’s a better choice<br />
nonetheless. At the Chinatown<br />
Tai Chong Kok Confectionery<br />
(Hue Kee), heaps of fresh lotus<br />
seeds get hand-sorted, cleaned<br />
and made into the luscious and<br />
thick paste fillings for this year’s<br />
mooncake festival. Now into its<br />
second generation, Tai Chong Kok<br />
still perpetuates the use of ancient<br />
recipes - all done by hand. “It’s<br />
a natural thing to do,” explains<br />
Wing Cheong who from dawn each<br />
day checks into this production<br />
unit in Aljunied area, while he’s<br />
prepping and producing oldschool<br />
Cantonese confectioneries.<br />
“Although it is tiring, handmade<br />
foods are always better.”<br />
Above, from Left<br />
to Right<br />
Curry puffs at Old<br />
Airport Hawker<br />
Centre are freshly<br />
made at their spot.<br />
At Tai Chong Kok,<br />
lotus seeds are<br />
hand-picked for this<br />
year’s mooncake<br />
festival.<br />
Apart from the homemade lotus<br />
paste, Tai Chong Kok is also a master<br />
in recreating nostalgic treats. This is<br />
my first time biting into the crispy,<br />
yet with a bit of chewiness, savoury<br />
cookie called ‘baby chicken cookie,’<br />
or ‘gai zai pang.’ It’s made with<br />
traditional ingredients, including<br />
lard and preserved red bean curd,<br />
hence its distinct sharp aroma and<br />
texture. This particular cookie recipe<br />
might have been a century old, going<br />
back to the time Chinese settlers here<br />
would have asked for a fresh brew of<br />
strong and fragrant tea to go with it.<br />
50
ARTISANAL EATS<br />
In 1965, Singapore, which used<br />
to be a part of Malaysia, became a<br />
sovereign nation. With a land area<br />
of about 590 square kilometres,<br />
no hinterlands and not much<br />
in natural resources, Singapore<br />
completely depends much on<br />
imports and making do with what<br />
they have. But look at Singapore<br />
today and the locals will say to<br />
you with a swell of pride. “We have<br />
nothing, yet we have everything.”<br />
Nanyang Tea, a particular tea<br />
blend which has become truly<br />
native to Singapore, is the one<br />
local staple that can best tell the<br />
story of this nation. It’s about<br />
thinking ahead, backing it up,<br />
improvising and comparing.<br />
Above, Clockwise<br />
Mother-daughter<br />
team of Soon Soon<br />
Huat.<br />
Curry puffs and<br />
kopi drinks at Café<br />
Soon Soon Huat.<br />
Kueh Dar-Dar,<br />
white coconut roll:a<br />
Peranakan dessert<br />
at Galicier.<br />
Peranakan desserts<br />
at Galicier.<br />
Artisanal kueh<br />
making at Galicier in<br />
Tiong Bahru.<br />
Instead of depending on just<br />
one resource for teas that could<br />
peril its supplies, Singapore tea<br />
merchants decided to blend their<br />
own, using a variety of teas from<br />
different places, thus reducing<br />
their risk of overdependence on<br />
one source. So they made their<br />
very own series of this healthy and<br />
ambrosial tea.<br />
“The brands, the logos, the<br />
names of our teas are as political<br />
as they are historical,” says Mr. Peh,<br />
of Pek Sin Choon. “We were<br />
founded back in 1925, our teas<br />
have been through a series of<br />
political and social events in<br />
Singapore; hence products were<br />
developed in homage to those<br />
(events). But through it all, it is<br />
great to know that even as old as<br />
we are, a new generation of people<br />
are looking back and studying the<br />
past. Tea, food, all the cultures of<br />
Singapore, we hope, will be then in<br />
good hands.”<br />
Artisanal Eats in Singapore<br />
• Get fresh blends of the<br />
• Enjoy an early afternoon tea,<br />
• Soon Soon Huat Crispy Curry<br />
• For refreshing, sparkling teas<br />
signature Nanyang tea at<br />
Teochew style, at Jalan Kukoh<br />
Puff, 220 East Coast Road. opens<br />
made from the old-school style<br />
Pek Sin Choon in Chinatown.<br />
Teochew Kueh (call and reserve<br />
daily: 7.30-17.30.<br />
of Nanyang Tea, head to Danger<br />
peksinchoon.com<br />
in advance), Block 1, Jalan<br />
T +65 6841 5618<br />
Close Tea and ask for their<br />
Kukoh, Kukoh 21 Food Centre,<br />
‘Chinois’ blend. Block 120, Bukit<br />
• Order the most traditional<br />
01-19/20. Opens Tuesdays<br />
• Try Nonya kueh and mango<br />
Merah Lane 1 #01-05,<br />
mooncakes and “baby chicken”<br />
7am until sold out, and 4-9pm,<br />
cakes and other Peranakan<br />
T +65 9435 9194<br />
cookies from Tai Chong Kok<br />
Wednesdays to Sundays 7am<br />
pastries at Tiong Bahru Galicier<br />
Confectionery (Hue Kee),<br />
until sold out, closed Mondays.<br />
Pastry, Block 55, Tiong Bahru<br />
• Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff,<br />
chinatowntaichongkokconfec-<br />
T +65 9838 0235<br />
Road, T +65 6324 1686, daily:<br />
#01-126, Old Airport Food Centre.<br />
tioneryhuekee.com<br />
10.00-21.00 (closed Mondays).<br />
Opens daily: T +65 9090 7009<br />
52
ARTISANAL EATS<br />
อาหารไม่ใช่แค่สารที่หล่อเลี้ยงร่างกาย...แต่<br />
อาหารคือชีวิตและจิตวิญญาณ นี่คงจะเป็น<br />
เหตุผลที่หนุ่มสาวชาวสิงคโปร์แสวงหาตำรับ<br />
อาหารโบราณอันโอชะ จนทำให้ศิลปะแห่งอาหาร<br />
เติบโตอย่างรวดเร็วในสิงคโปร์เทียบเท่ากับการ<br />
พัฒนาทางเศรษฐกิจเลยทีเดียว<br />
เมื่อได้พูดคุยกับคนสิงคโปร์ ต่างพูดเป็น<br />
เสียงเดียวกันว่า คนหนุ่มสาวนิยมอาหาร<br />
ฮอกเกอร์ฟู้ด (แหล่งรวมร้านอาหารหลายอย่าง<br />
ไว้ในที่เดียวกัน) เพราะทั้งราคาถูกและอร่อย<br />
แถมส่วนใหญ่ก็เป็นตำรับอาหารโบราณ หรือได้รับ<br />
แรงบันดาลใจจากตำราเก่าแก่<br />
Peh Ching Her เจ้าของรุ่นที่ 4 ของร้าน<br />
Nanyang Tea ดำเนินกิจการมาแล้วกว่า<br />
93 ปี เขาเรียกเจ้าของธุรกิจร้านอาหารเหล่านี้<br />
ว่า “hawkerpreneurs” เขากล่าวว่านี่คือ<br />
บรรยากาศแปลกใหม่สำหรับธุรกิจอาหารใน<br />
สิงคโปร์ มีทั้งร้านที่ขายอาหารในแบบต้นฉบับ<br />
แม้แต่อาหารที่แปลกใหม่ก็ยังเชื่อมกับความ<br />
ดั้งเดิมไม่ทางใดก็ทางหนึ่งอยู่ดี<br />
เมื่ออยู่สิงคโปร์หลายวันเข้า ก็ค้นพบว่า<br />
กระเป๋าไม่ตุงอยู่สิงคโปร์ไม่ได้ ไหนจะค่าพิพิธภัณฑ์<br />
(ไม่มีวันเข้าฟรี) ค่าแท็กซี่บวกค่าธรรมเนียมจาก<br />
ระบบจัดการจราจรหากต้องการเข้าไปยังกลาง<br />
ใจเมืองในเวลาเร่งด่วน แต่ค่าอาหารกลับตรงกัน<br />
ข้าม ของถูกและดีมีอยู่จริงในสิงคโปร์<br />
อาหารจากรสมือดั้งเดิมในสิงคโปร์<br />
• ชิมชา Nanyang ต้นตำรับที่<br />
Pek Sin Choon ในไชน่าทาวน์<br />
peksinchoon.com<br />
• สั่งขนมไหว้พระจันทร์และคุกกี้<br />
“baby chicken”จาก Tai Chong Kok<br />
Confectionery (Hue Kee)<br />
chinatowntaichongkokconfectioneryhuekee.com<br />
• จิบชายามบ่ายสไตล์ Teochew ที่ Jalan<br />
Kukoh Teochew Kueh (โทรจองล่วงหน้า)<br />
บล็อก 1, Jalan Kukoh, Kukoh 21 Food<br />
Centre, 01-19/20. T +65 9838 0235<br />
• Soon Soon Huat Crispy Curry Puff,<br />
220 ถนน East Coast T +65 6841 5618<br />
• Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff,<br />
#01-126, Old Airport Food Centre<br />
T +65 9090 7009<br />
บน<br />
ขนมไหว้พระจันทร์เลื่องชื่อ<br />
ของร้าน Chinatown<br />
Tai Chong Kok<br />
พิถีพิถันคัดเมล็ดบัวด้วย<br />
มือทุกขั้นตอน เพื่อเป็น<br />
ส่วนประกอบชั้นดีของ<br />
ขนมไหว้พระจันทร์<br />
หน้าร้าน Tai Chong<br />
Kok Confectionery<br />
(Hue Kee)<br />
ล่าง<br />
กรรมวิธีทำขนมอบโบราณ<br />
ของร้าน Tai Chong Kok<br />
Confectionery (Hue<br />
Kee) นำขนมเก่าของวัน<br />
ก่อนมาผสมผสานด้วย<br />
อย่างกะหรี่พัฟการผสมผสานระหว่าง<br />
วัฒนธรรมมาเลย์และจีน ให้ตรงดิ่งไปยังร้าน<br />
Wang Wang Crispy Curry Puff ใน Old<br />
Airport Hawker Center ทางร้านแป้งนวด<br />
แผ่นบาง ใส่ไส้น่าทาน จับจีบอย่างรวดเร็วด้วย<br />
ความชำนาญ แล้วทอดจนเหลืองกรอบ ทั้งหมด<br />
นี้ซื้อได้ในราคาเพียง 30 บาท!<br />
ถ้ายังไม่หนำใจ มุ่งหน้าไปที่ Soon Soon Huat<br />
บนถนน East Coast ย่าน Katong พัฟไก่มันฝรั่ง<br />
แน่นเต็มคำ หรือจะเป็นพัฟครีมคัสตาร์ดทุเรียน<br />
พร้อมกับเซ็ตชาหรือกาแฟ ก็ราคาเพียง 65 บาท<br />
หรือจะเป็น Teochew Kueh หรือขนมจีบ<br />
แป้งข้าวเจ้า ใส่ไส้หน่อไม้ หัวไชเท้า กุ้งแห้ง<br />
ปลาแห้ง และกุ้ยช่าย ร้านหาไม่ยาก อยู่ใน<br />
Jalan Kukoh Food Center ไม่ไกลจากไชน่าทาวน์<br />
นัก ราคาชิ้นละไม่ถึง 30 บาท แต่ต้องโทรมาจอง<br />
คิวก่อน ไม่งั้นอดทานแน่<br />
เจ้าของร้านอาหารเหล่านี้ต่างพูดเป็น<br />
เสียงเดียวกันว่าการตัดสินใจทำอาหารแบบ<br />
ดั้งเดิมนั้นไม่ง่ายเลย แต่เป็นทางเลือกที่ดีกว่า<br />
ทางเลือกอื่น อย่างที่โรงงาน Tai Chong Kok<br />
Confectionery (Hue Kee) คนงานแกะเมล็ด<br />
บัว เลือกสรรอย่างประณีต ล้างให้สะอาด<br />
แล้วนำมาเป็นส่วนผสมของไส้ขนมไหว้<br />
พระจันทร์ในปีนี้ นี่แหละคือการทำอาหาร<br />
อย่างที ่ควรจะเป็น นอกจากนี้ยังมีขนม Gai<br />
Zai Pang หรือคุกกี้กรอบแต่เหนียวนุ่ม ทำมา<br />
จากส่วนผสมดั้งเดิม สูตรอายุกว่าร้อยปีจาก<br />
ผู้อพยพชาวจีนรุ่นแรกๆ เหมาะกับทานคู่ชาแก่<br />
กลิ่นหอมหวน<br />
ที่ขาดไม่ได้คือ Nanyang Tea ชาสัญชาติ<br />
สิงคโปร์ ที่พ่อค้าชาตัดสินใจผสมชาขึ้นเอง<br />
เพราะไม่ต้องการพึ่งพาใบชาจากเพียงแหล่ง<br />
เดียว เกิดเป็นชาเพื่อสุขภาพหอมกรุ่น คุณ<br />
Peh แห่ง Pek Sin Choon กล่าวว่า แบรนด์<br />
โลโก้ และชื่อของชาสะท้อนแนวคิดทางการ<br />
เมืองและประวัติศาสตร์ที่ดำเนินมาตั้งแต่ปี<br />
1925 ได้เป็นอย่างดี เพื่อให้คนรุ่นหลังได้มอง<br />
ย้อนกลับไปและศึกษาอดีตของประเทศ เขา<br />
หวังว่าคนรุ่นหลังจะสามารถบำรุงรักษาทั้งชา<br />
อาหาร และวัฒนธรรมทั้งหมดของสิงคโปร์ไว้<br />
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54
EIJI SUMI<br />
Artist Eiji Sumi shows us<br />
that the power of light<br />
lies not just in its ability to<br />
illuminate. It also has the power<br />
to make a social statement and to<br />
change perceptions.<br />
Words Korakot Punlopruksa, N Wright<br />
Photos Korakot Punlopruksa<br />
A<br />
roommate’s innocent ‘theft’ of<br />
artist Eiji Sumi’s art work in his<br />
early career became a light bulb<br />
moment. What was considered<br />
a ‘hobby’ sat on the wall of a café in the<br />
Lower Eastside neighbourhood in New<br />
York, propped up together with a friend’s<br />
faith in the Japanese artist’s work. “Back<br />
then, I painted and my roommate stole my<br />
artwork and brought it to the café because<br />
he thought it was interesting,” Sumi<br />
relates. A few weeks later the café called,<br />
saying someone wanted to buy it.<br />
“At first, I was unhappy he did<br />
this behind my back. But then it hit<br />
me: hey, people are interested in<br />
my work,” the Japanese artist<br />
now based in Bangkok recalls in<br />
wonderment. After studying art<br />
and design, his art career led to<br />
collaborative works commissioned<br />
by notable hotels like the Bowery and<br />
the Maritime Hotel in New York.<br />
His creative path included painting<br />
and photography, which evolved<br />
into his current specialisation in<br />
on-site large installations that<br />
interprets his visions of light, backed<br />
by deep science and innovative<br />
digital technology.<br />
What got him noticed during<br />
his time in New York was one large<br />
scale work using bubble wrap,<br />
where the packing material became<br />
the canvas and digitised patterns<br />
formed in synchronicity to electromusic.<br />
Using a low-cost material<br />
and recycling it into complex art<br />
garnered him an invitation to be a<br />
lecturer in Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn<br />
University. The play of light, created<br />
and manipulated via a tablet, became<br />
another one of his success story.<br />
“The bubble wrap projection<br />
was why ‘Chula’ invited me because<br />
not too many people were doing<br />
something like that, even in New<br />
York. If they did, it would be someone<br />
I know, a friend.” While his focus<br />
was on teaching art, he also created<br />
work that got noticed and shown<br />
around Bangkok.<br />
More works making a statement<br />
came in the shape of an exhibit,<br />
“Quark,” where he used a reflective<br />
powder that created swirling<br />
patterns, shown at leading H Gallery<br />
56 57
EIJI SUMI<br />
Above, Clockwise<br />
Sumi ponders<br />
potential<br />
lighting ideas<br />
in his studio.<br />
At Play(e)scape, the<br />
artist shows<br />
versatility as an<br />
equally skilled<br />
photographer.<br />
Thoughts in<br />
motion for an<br />
art project.<br />
Below<br />
Deliberate ‘stage’<br />
design and lighting<br />
are meant to make a<br />
social statement.<br />
in Bangkok. Art meets science as<br />
Sumi’s work created extragalactic<br />
effects. His art trajectory meant<br />
numerous exhibitions including art<br />
festivals in Bangkok and abroad.<br />
With work that’s been curated by<br />
notable people in the art world<br />
like Eric Shiner, Helen Homan Wu,<br />
Brian Curtin, Gridthiya Gaweewong,<br />
Keiichi Miyagawa, Lyno Vuth,<br />
Ni-kun, amongst others, Sumi<br />
modestly says, “I’m lucky to work<br />
with good curators.”<br />
Now producing art projects<br />
using light and its many hues,<br />
Sumi combines science interwoven<br />
with personal expressions of<br />
social issues. He believes that in<br />
order to be relevant, a certain<br />
kind of focus is needed, especially<br />
for an artist whose world is ever<br />
changing. “For example, if Yayoi<br />
Kusama did a painting like Picasso,<br />
people wonder, what happened to<br />
her? No one would recognise her<br />
artwork.” But installation artists<br />
like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst<br />
can change everything because they<br />
are established artists. He points<br />
out that he’s not just a lighting<br />
artist, “because I do photography<br />
and virtual reality work.” But the<br />
constant themes revolve around<br />
social issues and urban development.<br />
A recent installation, Play(e)<br />
scape features just that, from<br />
photography of theme parks to a<br />
see-sawing platform similar to<br />
yesteryear’s spinning playground<br />
equipment at Bangkok’s Gallery<br />
Ver. Although Play(e)scape derived<br />
from a localised <strong>Thai</strong> context,<br />
universal issues on power balance<br />
plays out with the combination of<br />
physics and politics. People step up<br />
and randomly plant themselves on<br />
the stage and coloured lights get<br />
activated by their movements. “The<br />
intention is that not everyone is<br />
equal to begin with in society; some<br />
people have power, and some have<br />
more power than others,” Sumi<br />
says, wanting dialogue to happen<br />
while moving around the platform.<br />
When balance is achieved and<br />
less see-sawing occurs, a singular<br />
colour is created and the message<br />
gets across.<br />
He likens some of his work to<br />
being child-like. “I like my artwork<br />
to be simple so that children can<br />
connect to it, have a good time and<br />
get excited about it, get involved.<br />
It’s like my inner child coming<br />
out and making things. I know<br />
what children cannot practise and<br />
I am like an adult playing a role<br />
for children,” says Sumi, who was<br />
born in Tokyo and graduated from<br />
Rikkyo University.<br />
Now producing art projects using light<br />
and its many hues, Sumi combines science<br />
interwoven with personal expressions of<br />
social issues. He believes that in order<br />
to be relevant, a certain kind of focus is<br />
needed, especially for an artist whose<br />
world is ever changing.<br />
58
EIJI SUMI<br />
He ensures that his work has<br />
a certain quality that has to be<br />
met.” If we make something and<br />
it’s mediocre work, the audience<br />
will know it and I will know it.<br />
So it is my challenge, I have to<br />
please myself first. Before showing<br />
to people, I want to see it first.<br />
Curiosity is the starting point.<br />
First I have to please myself, I<br />
have to wow myself for it has to<br />
worth something.” Sumi is about<br />
to launch an exhibit outside of<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land, a fact he is coy about<br />
until details are finalised.<br />
To make the concept accessible,<br />
he points out that art appreciation<br />
should be commonplace and<br />
transformative. “For me, art can<br />
be in an ordinary life. In a place<br />
This Page<br />
Lights change<br />
according to<br />
the balance and<br />
number of people<br />
on the see-sawing<br />
platform.<br />
where there’s a painting – when<br />
you are working from 9 to 5 and<br />
come home, when you see the<br />
painting you already detach from<br />
the normal daily life, the consuming<br />
part.” Detach from the routine in<br />
a regular life where art has a role,<br />
he suggests. Connect with this<br />
artwork and disconnect from the<br />
daily, consuming life, he suggests.<br />
He even voices hope that the simple<br />
task of cooking may result in an<br />
inspired recipe.<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>Thai</strong> art is setting<br />
foot in the global art community as<br />
big international players are coming<br />
this year with the three biennale this<br />
year going into early February 2019.<br />
Sumi says it will be good for galleries<br />
since more new collectors and the<br />
general public might be more<br />
familiar with art. Art will be a part of<br />
a lifestyle, part of entertainment –<br />
just like watching movies. Currently,<br />
art is quite exclusive among the<br />
general <strong>Thai</strong> audience.<br />
He presses the point that art<br />
plays a role to stimulate us. When<br />
we look at it, Sumi says our brain<br />
refreshes, resets. “The DNA, or<br />
brain cells divide when it gets<br />
stimulated, it makes us younger.”<br />
What to look for then where art is<br />
concerned? “I guess it depends on<br />
your interest, but what I look for<br />
is stimulation, brain nutrition and<br />
having intellect thrive. Good art has<br />
elaborate elements and it gives us<br />
a mysterious energy, of power, to<br />
rejuvenate our minds.”<br />
60
EIJI SUMI<br />
เรื่องทั้งหมดเริ่มจากเพื่อนร่วมห้องเจ้า<br />
ปัญหาในนิวยอร์ก “ขโมย” งานศิลปะของ<br />
ไอจิ ซูมิ ไปแขวนไว้ผนังของร้านคาเฟ่แห่ง<br />
หนึ่ง ไม่กี่อาทิตย์จากนั้น ซูมิก็ได้รับโทรศัพท์<br />
แจ้งว่า มีคนสนใจซื้อผลงานของเขา แรกที<br />
เดียวซูมิรู้สึกแย่ที่เพื่อนคนนั้นทำไปโดยไม่<br />
บอกกล่าว แต่พอคิดดูอีกที เออ...มีคน<br />
สนใจงานของเราด้วย<br />
หลังจากเรียนศิลปะและการออกแบบ<br />
ซูมิได้ร่วมงานกับโรงแรมที่มีชื่อเสียงอย่าง<br />
Bowery และ Maritime ในนิวยอร์ก<br />
ร่วมสร้างงานศิลปะที่ผสมผสานการวาด<br />
ภาพและภาพถ่ายเข้าไว้ด้วยกัน เป็นงาน<br />
จัดแสดงขนาดใหญ่ที่ตีความผ่านแสงและ<br />
เงา ผ่านวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยีดิจิทัล<br />
งานที่ได้รับความสนใจมากที่สุดของ<br />
เขาในช่วงที่ใช้ชีวิตในนิวยอร์ก คืองานที่ใช้<br />
บับเบิ้ลหรือพลาสติกกันกระแทก แล้วฉาย<br />
ลวดลายสอดประสานกับดนตรีอิเล็ก<br />
ทรอนิกส์ จนทำให้ซูมิได้รับเชิญให้เป็น<br />
อาจารย์ที่จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย<br />
ซูมิทำงานสอนระดับมหาวิทยาลัยไปด้วย<br />
แต่ก็ยังสร้างงานศิลปะอยู่บ่อยครั้ง เช่น<br />
นิทรรศการ “Quark” จัดแสดงที่ H Gallery<br />
กรุงเทพฯ เขาใช้ผงสะท้อนแสงสร้างเป็น<br />
รูปแบบหมุนวน เกิดเป็นสีสันเหมือนอวกาศ<br />
และยังมีงานจัดแสดงในเทศกาลศิลปะอีก<br />
มากมายในกรุงเทพฯ<br />
การทำให้ศิลปะอยู่ในกระแสจะต้องมี<br />
จุดสนใจ โดยเฉพาะงานศิลปะในโลกที่<br />
เปลี่ยนแปลงไปอย่างรวดเร็ว งานศิลปะ<br />
ของซูมิแสดงถึงแง่มุมทางวิทยาศาสตร์<br />
และประเด็นต่างๆ ในสังคมไปพร้อมกัน<br />
ซูมิเลือกที่จะใช้การถ่ายภาพและศิลปะ<br />
เสมือนจริงเพื่อวิพากษ์ประเด็นในสังคม<br />
และการพัฒนาของชุมชนเมือง<br />
Play(e)scape เป็นงานจัดแสดงศิลปะ<br />
ล่าสุดที่เล่นประเด็นเรื่องความสมดุลเชิง<br />
อำนาจ โดยผสมผสานฟิสิกส์และการเมือง<br />
ไว้อย่างลงตัว ผู้ชมงานศิลปะจะขึ้นไปบน<br />
เวที การเคลื่อนไหวของร่างกายจะทำให้ไฟ<br />
หลากสีฉายออกมา เพื่อสะท้อนว่าแต่ละ<br />
คนไม่ได้เกิดมาเท่าเทียมกัน คนคนหนึ่ง<br />
อาจมีอำนาจน้อยหรือมากกว่าคนอีก<br />
คนหนึ่งเสมอ แต่เมื่อไรที่เกิดความสมดุล<br />
ขึ้น แสงของไฟจึงจะฉายออกมาเป็นสี<br />
เดียวกัน<br />
ซูมิอธิบายว่า เขาต้องการสร้างงาน<br />
ศิลปะที่แม้แต่เด็กเล็กก็สามารถเข้าถึงได้<br />
เหมือนกับเป็นการดึงตัวตนความเป็นเด็ก<br />
ในตัวเขาออกมา เพราะซูมิรู้ว่ามีบางอย่าง<br />
ที่เด็กไม่สามารถทำได้ ในฐานะผู้ใหญ่<br />
เขาจึงอยากทำสิ่งนี้แทนเด็กๆ<br />
แน่นอนว่างานของซูมิต้องมีมาตรฐาน<br />
ความท้าทายคือการที่เขาต้องทำให้<br />
ตัวเองพอใจกับงานก่อนจึงจะจัดแสดง<br />
ต่อสาธารณชน ซูมิเห็นว่าการเสพงาน<br />
บนและล่าง<br />
ผลงานของไอจิ<br />
ที่ชอบเล่นกับแสง<br />
สีและเงาของไฟ<br />
เป็นงานที่ตีความผ่าน<br />
มิติของวิทยาศาสตร์<br />
และประเด็นต่างๆ ใน<br />
สังคมในคราวเดียวกัน<br />
ศิลปะควรเป็นเรื่องธรรมดาสามัญและ<br />
ก่อให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงได้ งานศิลปะ<br />
ควรมีหน้าที่ช่วยทำให้เราตัดขาดจาก<br />
ชีวิตประจำวันที่ยุ่งยากและยุ่งเหยิง ทำให้<br />
ทุกคนตัดขาดจากโลกแห่งความเป็นจริง<br />
และเป็นหนึ่งเดียวกับศิลปะ<br />
ศิลปะกำลังกระจายตัวและเป็นส่วนหนึ่ง<br />
ของวิถีชีวิต โดยเฉพาะเมื่อจะมีการจัด<br />
งานเบียนนาเล่สามงานในประเทศไทย<br />
จนถึงช่วงเดือนกุมภาพันธ์ปีหน้า เป็น<br />
โอกาสอันดีที่บุคคลทั่วไปจะได้มีโอกาส<br />
สร้างความคุ้นชินกับงานศิลปะ และทำให้<br />
งานศิลปะกลายเป็นความบันเทิงอีกแขนง<br />
ที่ไม่ต่างจากการชมภาพยนตร์สักเรื่อง<br />
ซูมิยังย ้ำอีกว่า เซลล์สมองของเราจะ<br />
แบ่งตัวเมื่อได้รับการกระตุ้น ทำให้เรา<br />
อ่อนเยาว์ลง หน้าที่ของศิลปะคือการ<br />
กระตุ้นผู้ชม ซึ่งถือเป็นอาหารสมองที่ให้<br />
พลังงานอันลึกลับ ให้เราได้สัมผัสถึง<br />
พลังอำนาจ และทำให้จิตใจของเราอ่อนวัย<br />
กระปรี้กระเปร่าอีกครั้ง<br />
62
THAILAND’S BIENNALES<br />
A<br />
Triple<br />
Treat<br />
in Contemporary<br />
for <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Art<br />
Words Ariane Kupferman-Sutthavong<br />
Photos Courtesy of Bangkok Art Biennale,<br />
The <strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale, and The Bangkok Biennial<br />
Cultural landmarks, temple grounds and beckoning beaches in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land become exhibition spaces for relevant curators and<br />
renown artists to launch new works. Here’s what to expect from the<br />
different art extravaganzas taking place around the country.<br />
64<br />
65
THAILAND’S BIENNALES<br />
t last, <strong>Thai</strong>land is<br />
joining the pack<br />
of art biennialshosting<br />
countries,<br />
with no less than three<br />
major art events running in<br />
Bangkok, Krabi and other<br />
cities through February 2019.<br />
Iconic sites, from the capital’s<br />
famous temples to lush<br />
natural reserves on the<br />
Andaman coast, will soon<br />
host a plethora of artworks<br />
and exhibitions by both <strong>Thai</strong><br />
and international artists.<br />
As a large number of visitors,<br />
artists and curators converge<br />
towards <strong>Thai</strong>land, could this<br />
unprecedented occurrence<br />
boost the country’s<br />
reputation as an emerging<br />
contemporary art destination?<br />
about hosting artworks, notes<br />
Kunavichayanont. Art practitioners<br />
working in such environment also<br />
had the opportunity to engage at<br />
a deep level with local actors and<br />
local communities since the early<br />
stages of the project.<br />
Supported by business tycoon<br />
Thapana Sirivadhnabhakdi, CEO<br />
and President of <strong>Thai</strong>Bev, the<br />
Bangkok Art Biennale promises<br />
to be a lavish affair, running<br />
from <strong>Oct</strong>ober 19 until February 3<br />
under the theme “Beyond Bliss”.<br />
Seventy-five artists, including<br />
international big-names such as<br />
Marina Abramovic, Yayoi Kusama<br />
and the Nordic duo Elmgreen<br />
& Dragset, have positively<br />
responded to veteran curator, and the<br />
Biennale’s artistic director, Apinan<br />
Poshyananda’s invitation to take<br />
part in the event’s inaugural<br />
Right<br />
Chemi Rosado-Seijo’s<br />
photo collage “Bowl-<br />
Pool La Perla”, 2007.<br />
Bottom, Clockwise<br />
Artists who will take<br />
part in the <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Biennale and their<br />
previous work;<br />
Dusadee Huntrakul,<br />
Wichoke Mukdamanee’s<br />
sculpture in 2005,<br />
Mella Jaarsma<br />
‘DogWalk’ Two<br />
channel video, 3’ 10’’<br />
2015/2016,<br />
Yuree Kensaku,<br />
Hot Pot Sweet<br />
Dream, 2014.<br />
Could this unprecedented<br />
occurrence of 3 art biennials<br />
boost the country’s reputation<br />
as an emerging contemporary<br />
art destination?<br />
edition. Their <strong>Thai</strong> counterparts<br />
include Kawita Vatanajyankur,<br />
Pichet Klunchun, Dujdao<br />
Vadhanapakorn, Jakkai Siributr and<br />
Tawatchai Puntusawasdi.<br />
For this occasion, indoors<br />
institutional sites such as the BACC<br />
will accommodate a number of art<br />
performances and installations,<br />
while <strong>Thai</strong>Bev Plc is also putting<br />
to contribution its real estate<br />
properties such as the East<br />
Asiatique Building on the Chao<br />
Phraya riverside and the newlybuilt<br />
One Bangkok complex in the<br />
heart of the city.<br />
In Krabi province, where the<br />
Ministry of Culture is holding its<br />
first-ever <strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale in<br />
luxuriant settings, international<br />
and <strong>Thai</strong> artists taking part in<br />
the event have also immersed<br />
“This year, the spotlight<br />
is shining on <strong>Thai</strong>land,” says<br />
Luckana Kunavichayanont, a<br />
member of the Bangkok Art<br />
Biennale’s curatorial team and<br />
former director of the Bangkok<br />
Art and Culture Centre (BACC).<br />
Of course, this attention comes<br />
with a number of questions<br />
raised, particularly regarding the<br />
fact that there are three parallel<br />
events – The Bangkok Biennial,<br />
Bangkok Art Biennale and<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale – sharing similar<br />
purposes and timing. Nevertheless,<br />
Kunavichayanont believes it is<br />
in part explained by <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
ultimate readiness to host such<br />
events, both on institutional and<br />
artistic levels.<br />
Since the 1990s, the <strong>Thai</strong><br />
contemporary art scene has<br />
become more and more vibrant<br />
with each passing year. Many<br />
Above, Clockwise<br />
Discussing art to<br />
pave the way for the<br />
upcoming Bangkok<br />
Art Biennale.<br />
Elmgreen from the<br />
Nordic duo Elmgreen<br />
& Dragset on a visit<br />
to Bangkok, Bangkok<br />
Art Biennale.<br />
Korean artist Choi<br />
Jeong Kwa who<br />
will take part in the<br />
Bangkok Art Biennale.<br />
Left, Top and Bottom<br />
Cinema Taipei<br />
new galleries and art centres have<br />
opened their doors, while <strong>Thai</strong><br />
artists are increasingly exhibiting<br />
their works abroad. Within the<br />
country, appetite for art has never<br />
been more pronounced. “This<br />
maturation has been continuous<br />
over the past decade and we’ve<br />
reached a point where hosting<br />
an international manifestation<br />
of contemporary art is the next<br />
natural step,” adds the curator.<br />
Mixing cultural heritage with<br />
contemporary art practices, the<br />
Bangkok Art Biennale also makes<br />
history in <strong>Thai</strong>land through its use<br />
of temples - touristic highlights<br />
Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat<br />
Prayoon for instance - as pavilions<br />
to showcase artworks, a first in the<br />
country, where these sites retain<br />
an active religious and cultural<br />
role. Abbots and monks looking<br />
after the sites have been very keen<br />
Courtesy of the artist and 100 Tonson Gallery, Bangkok<br />
66<br />
67
THAILAND’S BIENNALES<br />
Photo Phasin Sudjai<br />
themselves in the local culture<br />
through numerous site visits.<br />
The <strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale draws its<br />
singularity from its outdoors-only<br />
exhibition sites, in a province popular<br />
with visitors. Set against natural<br />
backdrops, the site-specific artworks<br />
curated by Jiang Jiehong under<br />
the theme “Edge of Wonderland”<br />
will dialogue with the Andaman<br />
coast beaches, fertile lands and<br />
mountain ranges.<br />
Despite its reputation as a<br />
touristic spot, Krabi is accustomed<br />
to hosting international art events,<br />
ever since the introduction of an<br />
“art cities” policy by the Office<br />
of Contemporary Art and Culture<br />
to promote the decentralisation<br />
of art exhibitions, usually taking<br />
place in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.<br />
Clockwise,<br />
from Above<br />
“Coming Soon”<br />
pavilion of the Bangkok<br />
Biennial, created by<br />
Lara Van Meteeren<br />
and Bart Wissink.<br />
Video installation by<br />
François Roche.<br />
Opening ceremony of<br />
the Bangkok Biennial<br />
at Rama VIII bridge.<br />
Right<br />
COOP Pavilion of the<br />
Bangkok Biennial.<br />
Bottom Left & Right<br />
Tintin Cooper at<br />
Artist + Run.<br />
Im-mature at TARS<br />
Gallery.<br />
The <strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale furthers this<br />
strategy by inviting international<br />
artists such as Camille Normant,<br />
Giuseppe Penone and Hong Kong’s<br />
Para-Site co-founder Chi Wo Leung<br />
to participate in the event. The<br />
curatorial team, which includes<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> curators Vichaya Mukdamanee<br />
and Vipash Purichanont, also<br />
handpicked several of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
finest contemporary artists for the<br />
Biennale. Established practitioners<br />
such as Kamin Lertchaiprasert will<br />
see their works presented alongside<br />
those of mid-career artists like<br />
Jedsada Tangtrakulwong, Dusadee<br />
Huntrakul, as well as rising star<br />
Chulayarnnon Siriphol.<br />
Decentralisation appears to be a<br />
theme common to several of the art<br />
events taking place in <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
this autumn. Aside<br />
from the Bangkok<br />
Art Biennale and<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
Biennale,<br />
independent<br />
pavilions<br />
are opening<br />
their doors to<br />
visitors in Khon<br />
Kaen or Pattani.<br />
68
THAILAND’S BIENNALES<br />
An up-and-coming destination<br />
for art aficionados in <strong>Thai</strong>land, the<br />
Southern town is hosting “Re/Form/<br />
Ing Patani,” an exhibition that looks<br />
at the region’s past and present<br />
identities. With the participation<br />
of local artists and <strong>Thai</strong> artists from<br />
elsewhere in the country, the show<br />
- set in four different locations,<br />
including the Patani Artspace, a<br />
vanguard space in the region’s<br />
art scene - involves communitybased<br />
artworks.<br />
“<strong>Thai</strong>land’s different biennales<br />
provide opportunities for many<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>s to be in contact with artists<br />
and contemporary art from varied<br />
origins,” says artist Jakkai Siributr.<br />
Siributr’s textile works, often<br />
dealing with the complex history<br />
and identities of ethnic minority<br />
groups, will be displayed in the<br />
context of the Bangkok Art Biennale,<br />
as well as in Pattani.<br />
“In a sense, we’re bringing<br />
contemporary art to non-art<br />
communities, as well as drawing<br />
art-initiated audiences in cities or<br />
areas they may not be familiar with,<br />
thus creating dialogue,” he adds.<br />
In Khon Kaen, where the<br />
Khon Kaen Manifesto will take<br />
place starting on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 6, <strong>Thai</strong><br />
artists from the Isaan region<br />
and elsewhere in the country,<br />
will collectively imagine an<br />
inclusive definition of “<strong>Thai</strong><br />
contemporary art,” whilst using<br />
art as a platform to reflect on the<br />
country’s socio-political situation.<br />
Often criticised for being<br />
tools to boost international<br />
“In a sense, we’re bringing contemporary<br />
art to non-art communities, as well as<br />
drawing art-initiated audiences in cities or<br />
areas they may not be familiar with, thus<br />
creating dialogue.”<br />
Clockwise<br />
from Above<br />
Assembling the art<br />
at the Bangkok<br />
Biennial; Works by<br />
INESTETIK.<br />
Left<br />
Artist + Run<br />
tourism, Biennials are nonetheless<br />
important meeting points for local<br />
and international art enthusiasts<br />
and promote intercultural dialogues<br />
and exchanges.<br />
“<strong>Thai</strong>land is famous with<br />
visitors for its beautiful,<br />
natural landscapes, as well<br />
as its rich cultural heritage.<br />
Beaches, temples and palaces,<br />
that’s what we’re known for,”<br />
Kunavichayanont notes.<br />
“This year’s international<br />
art events will definitely be a<br />
showcase to the world of our<br />
contemporary art scene.”<br />
Which of the Bangkok<br />
Biennial, Bangkok Art Biennale<br />
or the <strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale will<br />
hold the most influence is yet<br />
to be assessed. But all three are<br />
sparking a new conversation on<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> contemporary art and the<br />
potential for Bangkok to become a<br />
new art hub in Southeast Asia.<br />
70<br />
71
THAILAND’S BIENNALES<br />
DEE PLEE, LUXURY THAI RESTAURANT<br />
AT<br />
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และแล้วก็มาถึงวันที่ทุกคนรอคอย วาระพิเศษที่<br />
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ในกรุงเทพ กระบี่ และจังหวัดอื่นๆ ตลอดเดือน<br />
กุมภาพันธ์ 2019<br />
คุณลักขณา คุณาวิชยานนท์ หนึ่งในทีม<br />
ภัณฑารักษ์ และอดีตผู้อำนวยการหอศิลป<br />
วัฒนธรรมแห่งกรุงเทพมหานคร (BACC) พูดถึง<br />
งานศิลปะสามงานจัดขึ้นในเวลาไล่เลี่ยกัน ได้แก่<br />
บางกอกไบแอนเนียล บางกอกอาร์ตเบียนนาเล่<br />
และไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่<br />
เธอมั่นใจว่านี่จะสะท้อนให้เห็นความพร้อม<br />
ของประเทศไทยในการจัดงานศิลปะทั้งสาม<br />
งานนี้พร้อมกันได้ สืบเนื่องจากความสนใจศิลปะ<br />
ร่วมสมัยที่เติบโตอย่างต่อเนื่องในไทยตั้งแต่ปี<br />
พ.ศ. 2533 นอกจากนี้ยังได้รับการสนับสนุน<br />
จากคุณฐาปน สิริวัฒนภักดี ซีอีโอ และประธาน<br />
บริษัท ไทยเบฟเวอเรจ จำกัด (มหาชน) ได้รับ<br />
ความอนุเคราะห์สถานที่จาก BACC รวมไปถึง<br />
เอเชียทีคริมแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาของกลุ่มไทยเบฟ<br />
และ One Bangkok คอมเพล็กส์ใจกลาง<br />
กรุงเทพฯ งานศิลปะร่วมสมัยยังจะจัดแสดงที่<br />
แหล่งมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมของไทยอย่าง<br />
วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลารามราชวรมหาวิหาร<br />
(วัดโพธิ์) วัดอรุณราชวรารามราชวรมหาวิหาร<br />
(วัดแจ้ง) และวัดประยุรวงศาวาส เพื่อสื่อถึง<br />
อิทธิพลของศาสนา วัฒนธรรม และชุมชนที่มี<br />
ต่องานศิลปะร่วมสมัยอีกด้วย<br />
ตามเข็มนาฬิกา<br />
จากบนซ้าย<br />
Cinema Taipei ส่วน<br />
หนึ่งของงาน Bangkok<br />
Biennial<br />
ศิลปินเยือนสถานที่<br />
จัดงานที่ชายหาดจังหวัด<br />
กระบี่ก่อนหน้าจะมีงาน<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land Biennale<br />
อาร์ติสต์ทอล์คที่หอศิลป<br />
วัฒนธรรมกรุงเทพฯ<br />
(BACC) จัดโดย<br />
Bangkok Art Biennale<br />
ในขณะเดียวกัน กระทรวงวัฒนธรรม<br />
รับหน้าที่เป็นเจ้าภาพจัดงานไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่<br />
ในจังหวัดกระบี่ แสดงงานศิลปะกลางแจ้ง<br />
ท่ามกลางพื้นหลังของธรรมชาติ หาดทราย<br />
ขาว น้ำทะเลใส และหุบเขาอันอุดมสมบูรณ์<br />
ทั้งชาวไทยและต่างประเทศจะได้ยลโฉมความงาม<br />
ของจังหวัดกระบี่ให้สมกับที่เป็นเมืองท่องเที่ยว<br />
และสถานที่จัดงานศิลปะระดับนานาชาติอยู่<br />
บ่อยครั้งตามนโยบายการกระจายการจัดงาน<br />
ศิลปะให้ครอบคลุมทั้งประเทศ<br />
เมืองปัตตานีก็ไม่น้อยหน้า เพราะมีการจัด<br />
นิทรรศการ “RE/FORM/ING PATANI” เพื่อ<br />
สื่ออัตลักษณ์ดินแดนใต้ตั้งแต่อดีตจนถึงปัจจุบัน<br />
โดยศิลปินจากปัตตานีและจากทั่วประเทศไทย<br />
จักกาย ศิริบุตร หนึ่งในศิลปินที่จะจัดแสดงศิลปะ<br />
บนผืนผ้าในนิทรรศการครั้งนี้กล่าวว่า<br />
เบียนนาเล่ทั้งหมดนี้เปิดโอกาสให้คนไทยได้<br />
สัมผัสกับศิลปินและงานศิลปะร่วมสมัยจาก<br />
แหล่งที่มาที่หลากหลาย<br />
จังหวัดขอนแก่นก็ไม่แพ้กัน ศิลปินในภาค<br />
อีสาน และศิลปินจากทั่วประเทศจับมือร่วมกันให้<br />
ความหมาย “ศิลปะร่วมสมัยไทย” และสะท้อน<br />
สถานการณ์ทางสังคมและการเมืองของประเทศ<br />
บางกอกไบแอนเนียล บางกอกอาร์ตเบียนนาเล่<br />
และไทยแลนด์เบียนนาเล่ เป็นจุดหนึ่งที่จะช่วย<br />
ส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยว รวมถึงจุดประกายการ<br />
พูดคุยและแลกเปลี่ยนแนวคิดหลากวัฒนธรรม<br />
อีกทั้งยังแสดงศักยภาพของไทยในฐานะศูนย์กลาง<br />
ศิลปะของเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ให้ทั่วโลกได้<br />
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Lean back onto triangular pillows and take in sweeping views of the Andaman from<br />
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lovingly prepared. Sharing dishes the traditionally <strong>Thai</strong> way, enjoy crispy appetisers,<br />
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sorbets of coconut or ginger and honey. Popular items on Dee Plee’s menu include<br />
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northern favourite comprising curried chicken with noodles in a spicy broth.<br />
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The Bangkok Biennial<br />
ล่างซ้าย<br />
ผู้ชมรุ่นเยาว์<br />
กำลังศึกษากลไกของ<br />
ลำโพงกระดาษ ออกแบบ<br />
โดยศิลปิน Ye Khant<br />
ล่างขวา<br />
พาวิลเลียนของศิลปินไทย<br />
อังกฤษ อัจฉริยโสภณ<br />
ในโครงการ Artist + Fun<br />
ของ Bangkok Biennial<br />
Photo Preecha Pattara<br />
72 73
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
A Festival<br />
Extravaganza<br />
in Bangkok<br />
Words Sarita Urupongsa<br />
Photos Courtesy of Bangkok’s<br />
International Festival of Dance<br />
and Music<br />
The City of Angels will soon host an array of mesmerising<br />
cultural performances, from operas, ballets, and musicals to<br />
hip hop, dance percussion, and magic. Bangkok’s International<br />
Festival of Dance and Music celebrates its 20th anniversary<br />
with an enchanting line-up of world class performances.<br />
The star-studded Moscow State<br />
Classical Ballet of Russia will perform<br />
three of their flagship shows.<br />
74<br />
75
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
o celebrate two<br />
exciting decades,<br />
Bangkok’s International<br />
Festival of Dance and<br />
Music will host thousands<br />
of professional artists from<br />
around the world, including<br />
the legendary conductor<br />
Zubin Mehta and a talented<br />
cast of over 250, many of<br />
whom hail from the historic<br />
opera theatre, Teatro di San<br />
Carlo in Naples, Italy.<br />
Among the scheduled<br />
participating shows, the starstudded<br />
Moscow State Classical<br />
Ballet of Russia will perform three<br />
of its flagship shows. The list<br />
goes on with more performances<br />
from the Karlsruhe Theatre from<br />
Germany, ballet performances<br />
from the Singapore Dance<br />
Company, a Korean Symphony<br />
Orchestra and the Hangzhou<br />
Philharmonic Orchestra. Aside<br />
from classic works, unique shows<br />
spotlight the energetic percussion<br />
ensemble from the Ju Percussion<br />
Group in Taipei, the Magnificent<br />
Seven Magician show by New York’s<br />
International Magicians Society,<br />
tango and hip hop performances<br />
from Argentina and Switzerland, a<br />
Bollywood musical from India, and<br />
a Flamenco dance performance<br />
from Spain. Finally, a Michael<br />
Jackson Tribute Concert will bring<br />
the event to a close.<br />
At the Bangkok International<br />
Festival of Dance and Music,<br />
members of the world’s oldest,<br />
and probably the most elaborately<br />
decorated opera house will be<br />
Above, Clockwise<br />
George Bizet<br />
opera ‘Carmen’.<br />
The Korean<br />
Symphony Orchestra<br />
holds a performance<br />
to celebrate diplomatic<br />
relations between<br />
Korea and <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Violin soloist<br />
Ning Feng.<br />
Bottom Left to Right<br />
The Korean<br />
Symphony Orchestra<br />
performs on <strong>Sep</strong>t 24.<br />
Maestro Zubin Mehta<br />
conducts the San<br />
Carlo Symphony<br />
Orchestra.<br />
Members of<br />
the Hangzhou<br />
Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra.<br />
teaming up with the celebrated<br />
conductor and maestro Zubin Mehta.<br />
The Teatro di San Carlo<br />
in Naples dates back to 1737<br />
and founded 41 years before<br />
the birth of Milan’s La Scala<br />
and 55 years before Venice’s<br />
Fenice theatre. As one of the<br />
iconic landmarks in Naples, the<br />
opera house has stood the test<br />
of time, showcasing the stars<br />
and a venue of grandeur in the<br />
world of arts and performances.<br />
Legendary conductor Zubin<br />
Mehta meanwhile will lead the<br />
San Carlo Symphony Orchestra<br />
in two symphony concerts<br />
on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 13 and 15. An<br />
Evening with Beethoven features<br />
a chorus from Leonore Overture<br />
No.3 and Symphony No.9 to<br />
be performed on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 13<br />
whereas Tchaikovsky Symphonies<br />
(Symphony No. 4, Symphony<br />
No.6) will be unveiled on<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>tember 15. The aforementioned<br />
performances also aim at<br />
commemorating the 150th<br />
anniversary of diplomatic ties<br />
between Italy and <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
76
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
Audiences get to see George<br />
Bizet’s Carmen in Four Acts. The<br />
San Carlo Symphony Orchestra<br />
meanwhile will be presenting<br />
two symphony concerts. Carmen<br />
will be staged by the San Carlo<br />
opera house along with its 256<br />
members on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 12 and 14.<br />
Tenors Saimir Pirgu and Carlo<br />
Bosi, mezzo sopranos Veronica<br />
Simeoni and Giuseppina Bridelli,<br />
sopranos Jessica Nuccio and<br />
Sandra Pastrana, and baritones<br />
Vito Priante, Fabio Previati,<br />
Roberto Accurso, and Gianfranco<br />
Montresor are leading names in<br />
the world of opera, and among<br />
the regulars performers at Milan’s<br />
La Scala, St. Petersburg, the Royal<br />
Opera House in Covent Garden;<br />
New York’s Metropolitan Opera,<br />
Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, Paris<br />
Opéra and Sydney Opera.<br />
To celebrate 60 years of<br />
diplomatic ties with the Republic<br />
of Korea, performances and shows<br />
from the Republic of Korea feature<br />
in the festival. On <strong>Sep</strong>tember 24,<br />
the Korean Symphony Orchestra<br />
entertain with Western classical<br />
music while the Hangzhou<br />
Philharmonic Orchestra takes to<br />
the stage on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 1. The Korean<br />
Symphony Orchestra will be led by<br />
Chi-Yong Chung, one of the most<br />
sought after conductors and will<br />
be featuring famed piano soloist<br />
Jiyeong Mun who will interpret<br />
Top Left & Right<br />
The Moscow State<br />
Classical Ballet, one<br />
of Russia’s top dance<br />
companies.<br />
Below, from Left<br />
The Singapore Dance<br />
Theatre stages<br />
‘Classical Weddings,’<br />
on <strong>Sep</strong> 26.<br />
The international extravaganza runs for six weeks<br />
with world-class artists and performers engaging in<br />
exceptional performances.<br />
The Karlsruhe Ballet<br />
from Germany will<br />
bring two delightful<br />
performances.<br />
The Moscow State<br />
Classical Ballet will<br />
perform on <strong>Oct</strong> 5,<br />
6 & 7.<br />
Bedrich Smetana’s Ma Vlast<br />
(The Moldau; My Fatherland),<br />
Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, and<br />
Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No.1.<br />
Praised as one of the top five<br />
orchestras in China, the Hangzhou<br />
Philharmonic Orchestra will be<br />
bringing its 120 musicians and<br />
violin soloist Ning Feng to<br />
present Jiping Zhao’s Violin<br />
Concerto No.1 and Gustav Mahler’s<br />
Symphony No.5.<br />
78
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
Clockwise from Top<br />
Break the Tango,<br />
the dancers and<br />
musicians from<br />
Argentina &<br />
Switzerland.<br />
International<br />
Magicians Society’s<br />
top seven magicians<br />
of the world.<br />
Born To Dance by the<br />
brothers who make<br />
up Los Vivancos.<br />
Clockwise from<br />
Below Left<br />
Ju Percussion Group<br />
from Taipei.<br />
Taj Express<br />
will present a<br />
Bollywood musical.<br />
A Michael Jackson<br />
Tribute Concert<br />
on <strong>Oct</strong> 8.<br />
The International Festival<br />
of Dance and Music will not<br />
be complete without graceful<br />
ballet performances. In this case,<br />
the Singapore Dance Theatre<br />
performs on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 26, as they<br />
celebrate their 30th anniversary,<br />
with a performance of “Classical<br />
Weddings” on <strong>Sep</strong>tember 26 from<br />
the selected ballets of Coppelia<br />
Act 3, Sleeping Beauty Act 3, and<br />
Don Quixote Act 3. Additionally,<br />
performances from the Moscow<br />
State Classical Ballet takes place on<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 5-7, and the Karlsruhe Ballet<br />
from Germany on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 14-15.<br />
Russia’s top ballet companies,<br />
the Moscow State Classical Ballet,<br />
will be performing The Firebird<br />
and The Rite of Spring on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 5.<br />
In the first story, themes of love,<br />
magic and danger are presented<br />
and glorified whereas the latter<br />
tells the pagan tale of human<br />
sacrifice. Favourites like The<br />
An eclectic selection of cultural offerings<br />
range from the creme de la creme in Russian<br />
ballet to a tribute to Michael Jackson.<br />
Nutcracker and Legend of Swan Lake<br />
and the Ugly Duckling will also<br />
bewitch audiences with the magic of<br />
its fairytale and sheer talent.<br />
The Karlsruhe Ballet from<br />
Germany will also be enchanting<br />
audience with classics like A<br />
Midsummer Night’s Dream on<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 14 and Gala Performance<br />
on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 15 with Youri Vámos<br />
as choreographer for the former<br />
performance, promising a stunning<br />
spectacle of elaborate set design.<br />
Packed with such cherished<br />
classics and impressive performances,<br />
Bangkok’s International Festival of<br />
Dance and Music will definitely<br />
appeal to a wide audience.<br />
For more information: bangkokfestivals.com<br />
Tickets: <strong>Thai</strong> Ticket Major (thaiticketmajor.com; Hotline 02 262 3191 and at the counters)<br />
Venue: Main Hall, <strong>Thai</strong>land Cultural Centre, Bangkok<br />
80
CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA<br />
กลับมาอีกครั้งกับมหกรรมศิลปะการแสดงและ<br />
ดนตรีนานาชาติ กรุงเทพฯ เฉลิมฉลองสอง<br />
ทศวรรษแห่งความตระการตา ระหว่างวันที่ 12<br />
กันยายน - 18 ตุลาคม 2561 นอกจากศิลปิน<br />
หลายพันคนจากทั่วทุกมุมโลกแล้ว กรุงเทพฯ<br />
ยังได้รับเกียรติจากวาทยากรระดับตำนาน<br />
Zubin Mehta กับอุปรากรที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดของ<br />
โลก พร้อมกับนักแสดงมากกว่า 250 ชีวิต<br />
เตรียมพบกับบัลเลต์คลาสสิกจากมอสโก<br />
และสิงคโปร์ การแสดงจากเยอรมนี ซิมโฟนี<br />
ออร์เคสตราจากเกาหลีและจีน รวมไปถึงการ<br />
แสดงอื่นๆ เช่น การแสดงเพอร์คัสชันจากไทเป<br />
การแสดงมายากลจากนิวยอร์กและห้าม<br />
พลาดการแสดงเพื่อระลึกถึงไมเคิล แจ็กสัน<br />
ที่หาดูที่ไหนไม่ได้อีกแล้ว<br />
ดื่มด่ำไปกับคณะอุปรากรที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดใน<br />
โลก ที่เริ่มขึ้นตั้งแต่ปี 1737 ในเนเปิลส์ อิตาลี<br />
บน<br />
ฟลาเม็งโกแนวผสมผสาน<br />
กับ 7 หนุ่มสเปน Los<br />
Vivancos ใน Born to<br />
Dance<br />
ขวา<br />
คณะบัลเลต์จากประเทศ<br />
เพื่อนบ้าน Singapore<br />
Dance Theatre กับการ<br />
แสดงในชุด Sleeping<br />
Beauty Act 3<br />
ซ้ายล่าง<br />
ตื่นตากับมายากลสุด<br />
อัศจรรย์จาก 7 สุดยอด<br />
นักมายากลนิวยอร์ก<br />
The Magnificent Seven<br />
มหกรรมครั้งนี้จะเผยความงามแห่งศาสตร์<br />
อุปรากรให้ทุกคนตื่นตะลึง แสดงโดยคณะ<br />
ละคร San Carlo Opera House ผสมผสาน<br />
กับดนตรีโดยวาทยกร Zubin Mehta ใน<br />
Carmen อุปรากร 4 องก์<br />
ยังไม่จบแค่นั้น Zubin Mehta ยังแสดง<br />
คอนเสิร์ตซิมโฟนีออร์เคสตรา 2 รายการใน<br />
วันที่ 13 และ 15 กันยายน ได้แก่ An Evening<br />
with Beethoven และ Tchaikovsky<br />
Symphonies เพื่อเฉลิมฉลองความสัมพันธ์<br />
ไทยอิตาลีอันยาวนานกว่า 150 ปี ความ<br />
สัมพันธ์อันแน่นแฟ้นของประเทศไทยกับ<br />
ประเทศอื่นๆ ยังสื่อผ่านการแสดงจาก<br />
Korean Symphony Orchestra ในวันที่ 24<br />
กันยายน และ Hangzhou Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra จะแสดงวันที่ 1 ตุลาคม พร้อมกับ<br />
นักดนตรีกว่า 120 ชีวิต<br />
มหกรรมครั้งนี้จะสมบูรณ์ไปไม่ได้เลยถ้า<br />
ขาดการแสดงบัลเลต์โดย Singapore Dance<br />
Theatre ในวันที่ 26 กันยายน the Moscow<br />
State Classical Ballet ในวันที่ 5-7 ตุลาคม<br />
และ Karlsruhe Ballet ในวันที่ 14-15 ตุลาคม<br />
รวมไปถึง Moscow State Classical Ballet<br />
คณะบัลเลต์อันดับหนึ่งของรัสเซียในชุดการ<br />
แสดง The Firebird and The Rite of<br />
Spring วันที่ 5 ตุลาคม<br />
ที่กล่าวมาเป็นแค่ตัวอย่างไฮไลต์ความ<br />
อลังการเพียงเล็กน้อยเท่านั้น ความตื่นตาตื่นใจ<br />
ยังรอให้ทุกท่านมาสัมผัสได้ในมหกรรมศิลปะ<br />
การแสดงและดนตรีนานาชาติ กรุงเทพฯ ในปีนี้<br />
82
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Destined<br />
to Get<br />
Married<br />
Words Pallavi Mehra<br />
Destination weddings are increasing in popularity. More and more couples<br />
are choosing to plan their nuptials in interesting getaways. In exotic<br />
locations, guests take a break from their busy schedules to celebrate a<br />
joyous occasion. They often turn the destination wedding into a personal<br />
holiday and explore a new country.<br />
More importantly, the wedding hosts are able to relax and celebrate while the<br />
execution is taken care of by the venue’s knowledgeable professionals. Often,<br />
destination weddings turn out to be more cost effective and easier to plan as<br />
luxury hotels have a team of experts to make your dream wedding a reality.<br />
Home to some of Asia’s most scenic locations<br />
and unforgettable experiences, the Kingdom of<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land is truly majestic as a setting for weddings.<br />
A melting pot of religions and traditions, the<br />
country has a rich history of cultural influences,<br />
which are visible even today.<br />
Thus imagine a serene beach, a magnificent<br />
sunset, crashing waves and soft ocean breeze all<br />
coming together as a picture-perfect backdrop for<br />
your special day. In the romance of this setting,<br />
some couples choose to be bound together by the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> tradition of tying a string together.<br />
With countless luxury resorts dotted along<br />
the shores, a wedding in <strong>Thai</strong>land offers guests<br />
a remarkably unique experience. The country<br />
hosts destination weddings all year round and<br />
sees over 100 Indian weddings a year. I’ve had<br />
the wonderful opportunity of attending over<br />
50 destination weddings all over the world. I<br />
have been a part of marriage revelries in places<br />
near and far, across the US, Europe, Asia and<br />
closer home in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Mumbai,<br />
amongst others.<br />
84<br />
85
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Ideal Spots for a Dream Wedding<br />
Some of my best experiences have been in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
From Bangkok’s famed nightlife to Koh Samui’s serene<br />
beaches, Phuket’s hidden gems and Pattaya’s diverse<br />
entertainment options, you’ll find the best of everything<br />
in this beautiful country.<br />
When it comes to astounding, dreamlike beauty, it’s<br />
difficult to come close to wedding destinations like that<br />
of Koh Samui. The magical island of Koh Samui is ideal<br />
to tie the knot. Plan a wedding to remember with striking<br />
backdrops, exceptional hospitality, expert culinary<br />
teams and a personalised touch at one of Koh Samui’s<br />
extravagant resorts.<br />
Photo The Naka Phuket<br />
Top and Bottom Left<br />
Island resorts are the masters<br />
of providing wedding colours,<br />
themes and decorations.<br />
Bottom Right<br />
Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort &<br />
Spa offers a stunning walkway<br />
on the water for the ideal<br />
oceanside vow exchange.<br />
Photo Conrad Samui<br />
Clockwise<br />
from Above<br />
Beach weddings add<br />
extra romance to<br />
the occasion, topped<br />
off with elegantly<br />
inspired décor.<br />
Wedding planners<br />
can always be<br />
relied upon for their<br />
countless ideas to<br />
create your vision,<br />
with nature as the<br />
perfect backdrop.<br />
Koh Samui, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s third largest<br />
island, is famed notably for its<br />
beaches. But it’s also gaining a<br />
reputation for its environmental<br />
awareness initiatives and promoting<br />
well-being through its yoga<br />
retreats, spa therapies and<br />
healthful dining. It now hosts a<br />
large variety of travellers, and the<br />
island’s uncanny ability to fit in<br />
travellers with different tastes,<br />
preferences, and budgets, while<br />
retaining its unique local culture,<br />
makes the island paradise a great<br />
destination for weddings.<br />
Many properties are set on a<br />
private beach, often with dramatic<br />
views of the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land. The<br />
island’s breath-taking coastline,<br />
expanses of golden sand, sprawling<br />
lawns, and bright blue waters all<br />
form an idyllic backdrop for your<br />
fairy-tale wedding. Whether it’s a<br />
tropical vibe, or whimsical southern<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> architecture, or unrivalled<br />
views, all can create a sense of awe.<br />
Photo Conrad Samui<br />
Some resorts sprawl over 20<br />
acres in isolated areas or hills.<br />
Others provide spaces that jut out<br />
120 meters into the sea, creating<br />
a dream-like feeling of watery<br />
expanse and weightlessness.<br />
Numerous enchanting venues can<br />
host either intimate ceremonies or<br />
grand weddings.<br />
And you don’t necessarily<br />
have to travel far from Samui<br />
International Airport. Several<br />
resorts are just 10 minutes away,<br />
with pickup services easily arranged<br />
to and from there. Getting around<br />
the island can be arranged by the<br />
hotels; metred taxis on the island<br />
abound and daring souls who want<br />
to rent motorbikes may do so at<br />
their own risk if they are experts at<br />
manoeuvring sharp curves along<br />
the road.<br />
Wedding themes offer <strong>Thai</strong><br />
and Western wedding ceremonies,<br />
which includes blessings from<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> monks and other local rituals.<br />
Themes can also come from the<br />
space itself – is it water, lush<br />
greens surroundings, or hills with<br />
a view that couples want, and<br />
what kind of emotions do they<br />
want to evoke?<br />
On Koh Samui’s more virgin<br />
north shore, guests can feel<br />
like they’re more isolated with<br />
its magnificent beach frontier.<br />
Whether it’s a gorgeous garden<br />
oasis or a golden sand beach,<br />
wedding festivities can feel very far<br />
removed from mundane reality.<br />
All in all, Koh Samui guarantees<br />
lush green natural landscape,<br />
private bays and ambience of<br />
discreet charm offers an unmatched<br />
backdrop for a vow exchange.<br />
Phuket is another natural<br />
choice for a destination wedding,<br />
and the biggest island of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
that sits on the Andaman Sea. The<br />
Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
(TAT) website points out the many<br />
beaches to visit and note the fact<br />
Photo Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket<br />
that Laem Phromthep Viewpoint<br />
features the most beautiful sunsets<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land for even more romantic<br />
moments. For a beach break, cultural<br />
elements include classical architecture<br />
and heritage spots, the famous Phuket<br />
nightlife, and world-class shopping.<br />
In Phuket, I had a chance to<br />
attend an intimate destination<br />
wedding at a resort situated in the<br />
unspoiled Kamala Bay. The resort<br />
offered two natural settings — a<br />
private beach and an untouched<br />
hillside. Additionally, I have also<br />
been invited to a destination<br />
wedding in Phuket at a resort that<br />
has access not to one, but to three<br />
beaches. At the resort, verdant<br />
greenery rolls down to golden<br />
sand beaches, which gives way to<br />
blue waters that stretch out to the<br />
horizon. The wedding functions<br />
were hosted at the resort’s chic<br />
beach club, beach lounge and beach<br />
restaurant, amongst other venues.<br />
I have also been lucky to<br />
attend destination weddings in<br />
Photo Nikki Beach Samui<br />
Preparing for<br />
a Destination<br />
Wedding<br />
Some tips for guests<br />
to survive a taxing<br />
destination-wedding<br />
season include booking<br />
flights in advance,<br />
packing the essentials,<br />
drinking responsibly,<br />
being social, and always<br />
respecting the venue and<br />
laws and etiquette of the<br />
country. On the other<br />
hand, hosts should pick<br />
a venue which is easy<br />
for their guests to travel<br />
to and offers a good<br />
team of professionals to<br />
help plan the festivities.<br />
Finally, both hosts and<br />
guests should let their<br />
hair down and enjoy the<br />
merriment!<br />
Photo Le Méridien Samui<br />
Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong<br />
and Hua Hin in <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
The nuptial in Bangkok is<br />
one of the best weddings I<br />
have experienced. The first<br />
night of the extravagant<br />
revelries was held at a<br />
popular Bangkok rooftop<br />
bar, overlooking the city’s<br />
dazzling skyline. The next<br />
day, a leisurely pool party<br />
was organised for the guests<br />
at a lavish hotel’s pool deck,<br />
followed by a cocktail night<br />
and wedding ceremony at<br />
the hotel’s grand ballroom.<br />
The in-house events team<br />
of all the venues seemed to<br />
have extensive knowledge<br />
of Western, <strong>Thai</strong> and Indian<br />
weddings, and offered highly<br />
personalised service.<br />
Couples usually wed<br />
during the cooler months<br />
of November to February,<br />
when the rainy season has<br />
departed. From May to<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober, the skies may be<br />
grey, but <strong>Thai</strong> people are<br />
unfazed by this as sporadic<br />
showers are mostly of a short<br />
duration and the sun continues<br />
to shine. One thing to consider<br />
for the rainy season are<br />
special packages and offers<br />
during these months, since<br />
airfares may be lower with<br />
special hotel discounts prices<br />
offered during the so-called<br />
“green” season.<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land offers<br />
spellbinding retreats that<br />
serve as a romantic setting<br />
for a celebration of love.<br />
I hope to keep coming<br />
back to <strong>Thai</strong>land for more<br />
destination weddings, and<br />
one day even host my own<br />
destination wedding in<br />
enchanting <strong>Thai</strong>land!<br />
86<br />
87
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Blissful Nuptials<br />
พิธีแต่งงานในต่างแดนกำลังได้รับความ<br />
นิยมอย่างมากในหมู่คู่รักที่ต้องการหลีกหนี<br />
ตารางชีวิตอันเร่งรีบ พร้อมกับได้ท่องเที่ยว<br />
สถานที่แปลกใหม่ในคราวเดียว นับเป็น<br />
ทางเลือกที่เจ้าบ่าวเจ้าสาวแทบไม่ต้อง<br />
ตระเตรียมอะไรเลย แค่ไว้ใจทีมงานมือ<br />
ฉมัง ก็เนรมิตงานแต่งในฝันให้กลายเป็น<br />
จริงได้ในชั่วพริบตา<br />
และประเทศไทยคือสถานที่จัดงาน<br />
แต่งที่หลายคู่ใฝ่ฝัน ทั้งเจ้าภาพและแขก<br />
ในงานจะได้สัมผัสกับวัฒนธรรมอันวิจิตร<br />
หาดทรายขาว อาทิตย์อัสดง คลื่นสงบ<br />
เย็น และลมทะเลอันอ่อนโยน อีกทั้งยังมี<br />
โรงแรมหรูริมชายหาดเพื่อจัดงานแต่งงาน<br />
ที่ทุกคนจะไม่มีวันลืม<br />
จากที่ผู้เขียนได้รับเชิญไปงานแต่งงาน<br />
ต่างแดนมาแล้วเกือบทั่วทุกมุมโลก<br />
ประเทศไทยคือที่สุดในทุกๆ ด้าน และหาก<br />
ไม่พูดถึงเกาะสมุยคงเป็นไปไม่ได้ ลองนึก<br />
ภาพงานแต่งงานที่มีฉากหลังเป็นทะเล<br />
อันงดงาม ทีมปรุงอาหารมือหนึ่งและ<br />
รีสอร์ตที่จัดเตรียมมาเพื่อคุณโดยเฉพาะ<br />
นอกจากความอลังการทางธรรมชาติ<br />
สมุยยังขึ้นชื่อในเรื่องเป็นเกาะผู้นำที่มุ่งมั่น<br />
ในการสร้างจิตสำนึกด้านสิ่งแวดล้อม<br />
และเป็นเกาะเปิดกว้างไปด้วยกิจกรรม<br />
อันส่งเสริมคุณภาพชีวิตและสุขภาพอันดี<br />
สมุยจึงกลายเป็นทางเลือกสีเขียวที่ลงตัว<br />
ของคู่รักยุคใหม่<br />
ไม่ไกลนักจากท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติ<br />
สมุย เดินทางด้วยรถแท็กซี่มิเตอร์เพียง<br />
ไม่ถึงสิบนาที คุณจะพบกับรีสอร์ตจำนวน<br />
มากที่ล้วนมีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัวเรียง<br />
รายรอคอยคู่รัก พร้อมจัดงานทั้งพิธีการ<br />
แต่งงานแบบไทยดั ้งเดิมและแบบสากล<br />
บ้างเป็นรีสอร์ตส่วนตัวที่แฝงตัวอยู่ ณ<br />
พื้นที่สงบห่างไกลผู้คน บ้างก็เป็นรีสอร์ต<br />
ที่พร้อมจัดงานเล็กๆ ท่ามกลางคนรู้ใจ<br />
โอบล้อมด้วยธรรมชาติแสนงดงามเป็น<br />
ฉากหลังให้บ่าวสาวได้พบประสบการณ์<br />
ครั้งหนึ่งในชีวิตอันน่าจดจำ เกาะสมุย<br />
เป็นดั่งสถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานที่มอบทั้ง<br />
ความสวยงามของธรรมชาติรอบขุนเขา<br />
Photo Nikki Beach Samui<br />
บน-ล่าง<br />
จะมีสิ่งใดที่คู่บ่าวสาวจะ<br />
ปรารถนา นอกเหนือไป<br />
จากงานแต่งงานสุด<br />
โรแมนติกบนหาดทราย<br />
พร้อมพิธีสมรส<br />
ท่ามกลางสายลม<br />
แสงแดด ท้องทะเล<br />
และเพื่อนเจ้าบ่าว<br />
เจ้าสาวที่รู้ใจ<br />
การเตรียมการสำหรับ<br />
งานแต่งงานต่างแดน<br />
สำหรับแขกที่มาร่วมงาน<br />
ควรจองตั๋วเครื่องบินล่วงหน้า<br />
จัดเตรียมของที่จำเป็น<br />
ดื่มอย่างมีความรับผิดชอบ<br />
เคารพสถานที่ กฎหมาย และ<br />
ธรรมเนียมของประเทศ<br />
เจ้าภาพควรเลือกสถานที่จัด<br />
งานที่ง่ายต่อการเดินทาง และ<br />
มีทีมงานมืออาชีพที่เชื่อถือได้<br />
เพื่อให้ทั้งเจ้าภาพและแขกได้รับ<br />
ประสบการณ์และความสนุก<br />
อย่างเต็มอิ่ม<br />
มีหาดทรายขาวละเอียดทอดยาวตัดกับ<br />
น้ำทะเลใสบริสุทธิ์ และอ่าวส่วนตัวที่<br />
บรรดาคู่รักโรแมนติกไม่ว่าจากชาติไหน<br />
ต่างฝันถึง<br />
อีกฟากของประเทศไทย เกาะภูเก็ต<br />
นับเป็นสถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานอีกแห่งที่<br />
ทุกคนจะตราตรึงไม่มีวันลืม สรวงสวรรค์<br />
บนดินที่มีท้องทะเลอันดามันสีฟ้าคราม<br />
สดใสเป็นฉากหลัง ลงตัวที ่สุดสำหรับ<br />
การให้คำมั่นแห่งความรัก<br />
ภูเก็ตเต็มไปด้วยโรงแรมระดับเวิล์ด<br />
คลาสมากมาย โอบล้อมด้วยทัศนียภาพ<br />
งามงดบนเกาะอันเขียวขจีด้วยแนวต้น<br />
มะพร้าวและต้นสนทะเลเรียงราย นอกจาก<br />
ที่กล่าวมาทั้งหมดนี้ เกาะภูเก็ตยังเต็มไป<br />
ด้วยกลิ่นอายของวัฒนธรรมเขตร้อน<br />
แถมด้วยทางเลือกการจัดงานทั้งภายใน<br />
ห้องจัดเลี้ยงและสถานที่กลางแจ้งที่ทีมงาน<br />
ตระเตรียมไว้ได้อย่างน่าประทับใจ<br />
ผู้ขียนยังมีโอกาสได้รับเชิญไปร่วม<br />
งานแต่งงานทั้งในกรุงเทพฯ พัทยา ระยอง<br />
และหัวหิน ได้มีโอกาสยลแสงสียามค่ำคืน<br />
ของกรุงเทพฯ ยามราตรีจากบนสุดของ<br />
รูฟทอปบาร์ พร้อมพิธีแต่งงานแบบอินเดีย<br />
ในห้องจัดเลี้ยงอันโอ่อ่า โดยทีมงานมือ<br />
อาชีพ พร้อมกับบริการเพื่อเจ้าบ่าวและ<br />
เจ้าสาวโดยเฉพาะ<br />
ประเทศไทยคือสวรรค์ที่แท้จริงของ<br />
คู่รักที่ต้องการจัดงานแต่งงาน เก็บความ<br />
ทรงจำที่ไม่มีวันลืมเลือน และพร้อมจะ<br />
ย้อนกลับมาเยือนที่นี่ครั้งแล้วครั้งเล่า<br />
ผู้เขียนเองแอบหวังในใจว่าสักวันจะจัด<br />
งานแต่งงานของตัวเองขึ้นที่ไทยเช่นกัน<br />
Bliss Events & Wedding<br />
(<strong>Thai</strong>land), a professional<br />
events management and<br />
wedding planning company<br />
based in the paradise islands<br />
of Koh Samui and Phuket;<br />
specialises in destination<br />
events all over the Land of<br />
Smiles. Established in 2012,<br />
a young and energetic team<br />
with extensive experience in<br />
events management in various<br />
luxury hotels all over <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
guarantee expert management<br />
in weddings of all sizes.<br />
With their own sound and<br />
lighting systems along with<br />
different styles in décor, you are<br />
only limited by your imagination.<br />
Their selection of fabrics, vases,<br />
cutleries, and decorative items<br />
bring out the wow factor. The Bliss<br />
team is versatile when it comes to<br />
ideas, planning and execution. No<br />
detail is left unattended to ensure<br />
the smooth running of weddings.<br />
Bliss Events also makes sure<br />
that the special moment is<br />
captured with experienced<br />
photographers and videographers.<br />
With the belief that not two<br />
weddings are alike, personalised<br />
service reassures each wedding<br />
couple in creating an unforgettable<br />
day. With a service that’s not<br />
only limited to a photographer<br />
and videographer, a vast selection<br />
of renowned hair and makeup<br />
artists work on creating the<br />
right look in keeping with your<br />
ideas for a dreamy wedding.<br />
More importantly, they offer<br />
a personalised and stress-free<br />
experience throughout the<br />
whole planning and execution<br />
process for lasting memories.<br />
Contact Ms. Chatjuta Limapant,<br />
info@blisseventthailand.com<br />
88
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
An Ideal Tropical<br />
Destination Wedding<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s sun, sea and fun<br />
vibe ranks the country as one of<br />
the top places for a destination<br />
wedding. From wedding packages<br />
to all-inclusive packages created<br />
by hotels and venues, all the<br />
plannings have been done for you<br />
with the right beach wedding or<br />
celebration ideas. Planners give<br />
you ideas for unique ceremony and<br />
reception venues, right up to your<br />
wedding bouquet, boutonnieres,<br />
table centrepieces or ceremony<br />
and reception flowers. To create<br />
memories that last a lifetime, it’s<br />
all in the details.<br />
A Beach Wedding to Remember<br />
Santiburi Koh Samui offers unmatched romantic beach wedding packages<br />
complemented by personalised services, world-class accommodation, rounded<br />
out with delicious cuisine on stunning Koh Samui. Exchange your vows with<br />
a breathtaking tropical backdrop to a soundtrack of lapping waves on the<br />
champagne shores of a peaceful bay. Choose a western-style ceremony, or<br />
a <strong>Thai</strong>-inspired blessing. Indulge in a gourmet cuisine prepared by worldrenowned<br />
chefs and enjoy special entertainment performed for you and your<br />
guests. Whatever your preferences, an efficient team will help you create the<br />
perfect day. weddings@santiburisamui.com, Tel +66 (0) 77 425 031<br />
Romance on Lipa Noi Beach<br />
Nikki Beach Koh Samui Resort & Spa is perfectly situated<br />
on the stunning Lipa Noi beach in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Ideal for a<br />
romantic getaway or wedding, Nikki Beach Koh Samui<br />
offers picturesque view that faces the sunset side of Lipa<br />
Noi beach. As the first location in the Nikki Beach Hotels &<br />
Resort portfolio, no detail was spared when it came to this<br />
award-winning property, which is known for its five-star<br />
service and amenities. Brides can be kissed in the paradise<br />
setting of Koh Samui, with the hotel property able to<br />
accommodate a western wedding celebration for 30 guests.<br />
Hold a private wedding on their beachside Garden Villa,<br />
complete with flowers and decorations, enjoy an open<br />
bar and BBQ buffet and complimentary use of an evening<br />
reception venue. For more information, contact<br />
info.kohsamui@nikkibeach.com, Tel +66(0) 77 914 500<br />
Lavishly Celebrate Your Day<br />
A Clear Stage to Exchange Vows<br />
Dreams of a perfect wedding can come to life in<br />
sunny Koh Samui. With miles of golden sand and lush<br />
tropical gardens, the setting of Anantara Bophut creates<br />
memorable moments that make your fairytale wedding<br />
come true. Walk down an aisle of soft sand strewn with<br />
flowers that leads to a canopied archway, or choose to<br />
honour your love in an intimate garden ceremony.<br />
At Anantara Bophut, your special day can be tailored<br />
with a choice of Western or <strong>Thai</strong> ceremonies in aweinspiring<br />
venues. Colourful rituals and lavish extras add<br />
finishing touches to your romance.<br />
bophutsamui@anantara.com, Tel +66 (0) 77 428 300<br />
Have your ideal wedding at Conrad<br />
Koh Samui, where the ceremony can<br />
be an intimate one for both of you<br />
or as grand as you wish, right up to<br />
200 guests. Exchange your wedding<br />
vows while barefoot on soft, white<br />
sand, in the romance of a place<br />
surrounded by coconut trees. Adding<br />
to the ambience is the sound of waves<br />
lapping gently at the beach. For the<br />
ultimate experience, exchange your<br />
vows over the water, as you stand<br />
on the resort's signature wedding<br />
platform: a transparent stage. Book<br />
their signature wedding package,<br />
starting from THB 108,888 net<br />
before <strong>Oct</strong>ober 31, <strong>2018</strong> and save<br />
up to 10% when confirming your<br />
wedding dates before June 30, 2019.<br />
For wedding enquiries, email<br />
USMKS.events@conradhotels.com,<br />
Tel +66 (0) 77 915 888<br />
A “Hiro” for Your Day<br />
Wedding couples at Tongsai Bay rely quite a bit on the<br />
eco-luxe property’s wedding planner. One guest says,<br />
“Hiro (pronounced ‘hero’ which is very fitting!) is a<br />
genuinely kind and helpful man and we cannot speak<br />
highly enough of him and how wonderful he is at his job.<br />
His communication and organisation skills are second<br />
to none and he did all in his power to make the day run<br />
smoothly. The cake and the flowers were beautiful and<br />
just as we had requested, the ceremony and private<br />
dining setup were breath-taking and Hiro helped us<br />
choose the perfect makeup artist, entertainment and<br />
celebrant.” weddings@tongsaibay.co.th,<br />
Tel +66 (0) 77 913 750<br />
Uniquely Exquisite Way to Wed<br />
Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa unveils the perfect venue that<br />
transforms the wedding you’ve dreamed of into reality. The resort’s<br />
spectacular Ocean Pier floats the length of 120 metres out into the<br />
water with panoramic views over the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land. It’s simply<br />
a unique setting for all couples to indulge in romantic private<br />
dinners, enjoy celebratory cocktails at sunset and intimate wedding<br />
ceremonies. Exclusive wedding packages are at the ready, should you<br />
be inclined towards a Western wedding or wish to explore a <strong>Thai</strong>themed<br />
ceremony. A professional team will go above and beyond to<br />
create memorable moments. Wedding packages at Le Méridien Koh<br />
Samui Resort & Spa start from THB 110,000 net. For more inquiries,<br />
please contact, sales.kohsamui@lemeridien.com,<br />
Tel +66 (0) 77 960 888<br />
90 91
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
With A View to Say “I Do”<br />
At Novotel Phuket Resort, a perfect and memorable wedding day begins with a<br />
view and a team of experts dedicated to making your day special. Nestled on<br />
a hillside overlooking Patong Bay on 8 acres of tropical landscaped garden,<br />
it’s just a short stroll from Patong Beach; the island’s nightlife and shopping<br />
centre. Bridal couples can relax in the three-tiered swimming pool with a<br />
panoramic view of the Andaman Sea, savour the local cuisine and take in the<br />
sunset on the terrace. Novotel Phuket Resort is just truly a place for living the<br />
wedding fantasy. Chris and Kerri who got married there say, “We have some<br />
fond memories of our time spent when we had our wedding,” and already have<br />
plans to book the same room to celebrate their one-year anniversary, along<br />
with Christmas and New Year. event@novotelphuket.com, Tel +66 (0) 76 342 777<br />
Location is Key<br />
to A Dreamy Day<br />
Embark on a journey of<br />
wedded bliss at Banyan Tree<br />
Samui, where romantic vistas<br />
of the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land and<br />
the serenity of a private<br />
bay combines to create a<br />
setting as unique as your<br />
love story. Whether for a<br />
wedding ceremony nestled<br />
beachside or perched on<br />
the hillside overlooking<br />
the resort, this intimate<br />
destination delivers a retreat<br />
to nature and tranquillity,<br />
setting the mood for the<br />
most unforgettable day of<br />
your life.<br />
The resort’s wedding<br />
specialist, along with their<br />
team of dedicated associates,<br />
is fully committed to help<br />
ensure your dream wedding<br />
proceeds smoothly and<br />
becomes a cherished<br />
memory for you and your<br />
special guests.<br />
An Indulgent Getaway<br />
for Couples<br />
Twinpalms Phuket is literally a paradise to<br />
indulge for the honeymoon of a lifetime. With a<br />
location that’s within a stone’s throw from the<br />
enchantment of Surin beach, it’s easily one of<br />
the most beautiful and least crowded stretches of<br />
sand on Phuket’s west coast. Popular as a couple’s<br />
destination, the resort offers a wide-range of<br />
activities, from local experiences to luxurious<br />
pampering in a quiet and peaceful setting.<br />
The resort offers ‘strictly romance’ that<br />
lives up to the dreams of most couples. An<br />
inviting swimming pool amidst the guest room<br />
chalets is designed in harmonious blending with<br />
their water garden. Another romantic venue at<br />
Twinpalms Phuket is the HQ Beach Lounge, a<br />
place to dine, celebrate and soak up the sea views.<br />
With the chic simplicity of your surroundings,<br />
enjoy light beachside fare, wine and music that’ll<br />
soothe your soul. book@twinpalms-phuket.com,<br />
Tel +66 (0) 76 316 599<br />
62<br />
Dream Beach Wedding<br />
At the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, the kiss after<br />
an exchange of vows becomes more special<br />
while barefoot on a white sand beach, or you can<br />
choose the soft blanket of a green lawn.<br />
As the hotel aims to please, they strive to<br />
create a “heaven on earth” experience for an<br />
unforgettable and exotic dream beach wedding.<br />
Choose your choice of venue, along with a<br />
meticulous preparation and service. Hosting your<br />
wedding reception is a treat for all senses, with<br />
cuisine and settings to suit your personal taste<br />
and preferences.<br />
The resort’s dynamic wedding team offers<br />
a personalised service to ensure distinctive and<br />
individual weddings while paying close attention<br />
to details. Contact dream maker:<br />
naruebadin.hm@dusit.com, Tel +66 (0) 76 362 999<br />
Above and Beyond<br />
Memorable<br />
The Naka Phuket is the ultimate<br />
destination for memorable<br />
weddings in paradise. With<br />
its spectacular architecture<br />
and views, it’s the perfect<br />
location for intimate wedding<br />
ceremonies of up to 120 of<br />
your closest friends and family.<br />
A variety of exotic locations<br />
are available within the hotel<br />
property – from a white sandy<br />
beach to their lush green lawn,<br />
or the MEKA sky lounge.<br />
dos@thenakaphuket.com,<br />
Tel +66 (0) 76 337 999<br />
Your Contact for Weddings<br />
Pawadee Sangthamrong<br />
Food & Beverage, Romance & Dining Concierge<br />
E-mail<br />
pawadee.sangthamrong@banyantree.com<br />
Create Unforgettable Memories<br />
In An Unforgettable Setting<br />
Banyan Tree Samui<br />
99/9 Moo 4 Maret Samui, Surat Thani<br />
84310 <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />
+66 (0) 77 915 333, +66 (0) 77 915 388<br />
www.banyantree.com<br />
65
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
A Well-crafted<br />
Wedding<br />
Samujana provides full-serviced Wedding Planning –<br />
and will happily welcome an external wedding planner<br />
if you prefer. A dedication to 5-star service means<br />
they effortlessly combine contemporary luxury with<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> hospitality, to create bespoke and well-crafted<br />
experiences and everlasting memories.<br />
From intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations,<br />
Samujana can host your entire wedding party for the<br />
ultimate destination wedding. With expert wedding<br />
associates, and international suppliers, you are<br />
assured utmost attention is given to all details.<br />
Samujana’s scenery alone is a beautiful backdrop<br />
for a picturesque wedding. Knowing that every bridal<br />
couple deserves the best, you can enlist the aid of their<br />
best team of set designers, to bring beauty to life in each<br />
wedding. With a personal touch from experts, Samujana<br />
can help turn wedding ideas into cherished memories<br />
when you celebrate ‘forever,” be it a luxury-themed<br />
arrangement or a gorgeous rustic-theme.<br />
A dedicated personal wedding specialist will help<br />
craft and organise your dream wedding, priding<br />
themselves on that personal touch. From plans that<br />
begin with the wedding date down to the how the<br />
lighting should be shown at the reception, all these<br />
factors contribute to first-class service.<br />
No Wedding<br />
Is Too Big or<br />
Too Small<br />
If it’s a cosy affair you’re after for your wedding,<br />
Beach Republic on Koh Samui’s paradise setting<br />
can easily work with you to make it an intimate<br />
one for both of you. But if you want to go big,<br />
Beach Republic can easily take the lead in making<br />
all the arrangements for your perfect wedding.<br />
“Relax” may be the last word that comes<br />
to mind but leave the planning to their<br />
wedding coordinators so that you can<br />
focus on you and your loved one.<br />
Having done this countless times,<br />
their professional team aims to exceed<br />
all expectations on your special day. Find<br />
out what pre-set packages and menus<br />
are on offer for a wedding ceremony<br />
and celebration as they aim to please. In<br />
addition to a Perfect Wedding, the team<br />
is happy to put together a Commitment<br />
Ceremony, Stag Night, Hen Night, or all<br />
manners of vow renewals.<br />
67
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Personal Touches<br />
to a Special Day<br />
For heartfelt beach weddings with a personal touch, the ideal<br />
setting of Banana Fan Sea resort on Koh Samui's Chaweng<br />
Beach offers not only an incredibly charming venue for your<br />
wedding day, but also a remarkable team. They’ll organise a<br />
memorable event in a lush landscape along the picturesque<br />
stretch of white sandy beach. From the exchanging of vows,<br />
to the cheers of champagne popping, the celebratory dinner<br />
or an intimate romantic dinner for two, even a joyous gala to<br />
share the blissful moments with all your friends and family, all<br />
is done right on the beautiful beach with backdrop of cerulean<br />
blue oceans of <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
Reasons For a Tropical Wedding<br />
At Amari Koh Samui the setting is picture<br />
perfect. Blue skies, aquamarine seas, white<br />
sand beaches and swaying palms are the bonus<br />
points to an island resort with a contemporary<br />
airy design. Add delicious dining options, the<br />
latest conveniences and touches of legendary<br />
<strong>Thai</strong> hospitality to the mix, and couples have a<br />
recipe for the perfect wedding destination on a<br />
tropical island.<br />
A Western-style Wedding Package at Amari<br />
Koh Samui has all the details covered from<br />
the moment guests arrive, to planning and<br />
organising throughout the ceremony until the<br />
after party ends. Alternatively, enjoy nuptials<br />
that has the vibrant mix of ritual, colour and<br />
music special to <strong>Thai</strong> weddings. The Buddhist<br />
Wedding Package covers all the details, leaving<br />
everyone to bask in its uniqueness.<br />
A wedding on the beach is the best way to<br />
ensure the most stunning wedding photos. A<br />
photographer will not only get photos of the<br />
ceremony, but will also follow the couple on a<br />
romantic walk along the sandy shore and take<br />
candid snapshots in the best possible light.<br />
A Beach Wedding That’s Uniquely Yours<br />
Banana Fan Sea Resort<br />
201 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road,<br />
T. Bophut, Koh Samui,<br />
Surat Thani 84320, <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
For further information on wedding packages, please contact:<br />
sales@bananafansea.com<br />
www.bananafansea.com<br />
Tel: 66 (0) 77 413 483-6
WEDDING SPECIAL<br />
Bespoke Romance,<br />
Anantara Style<br />
Your paradise beach wedding<br />
comes to life in extraordinary style<br />
at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.<br />
Visualise pristine sands and the<br />
dazzling Andaman Sea as your<br />
backdrop, framed by exquisite<br />
floral tributes. Begin that first<br />
step to the wedding march with<br />
a lullaby of waves joining in.<br />
Choose between an array of<br />
wedding options, and enjoy the<br />
professional and attentive service<br />
of a dedicated wedding planner<br />
who will ensure that every fantasy<br />
is realised to perfection. Create<br />
a lavishly grand or intimate<br />
celebration, before relaxing into<br />
an unforgettable honeymoon.<br />
Their Wedding Package includes:<br />
• Elegant cabana set-up<br />
• Instrumental background music during<br />
ceremony (from an in-house library)<br />
• Chair and table set-up for ceremony<br />
• Anantara wedding certificate<br />
• Anantara wedding planner services<br />
• Four hours with a professional<br />
photographer<br />
• One bottle of sparkling wine for the<br />
wedding night<br />
• Roundtrip airport transfer for bride<br />
and groom<br />
The First Step to “Together”<br />
Begins With the Right Place<br />
Find out more about our<br />
wedding packages and how we<br />
can create the perfect celebration,<br />
please contact our dedicated<br />
Wedding Specialists at<br />
+66 (0) 76 317 200 or<br />
email: jiraporn_jo@anantara.com<br />
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort <br />
168, Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4,<br />
Cherngtalay, Amphur Thalang,<br />
Phuket 83110 THAILAND<br />
T+ 66 (0) 76 317 200,<br />
M+ 66 (0) 93 574 2297<br />
www.anantara.com
N THE MOOD<br />
OF A MONSOON<br />
GALLERY<br />
Words and Photos Bigs Vatcharasith<br />
A photographer lands in Hong Kong with<br />
expectations to capture the essence of<br />
multidimensional Hong Kong. Stuck in what he<br />
called a complicated opportunity of either being<br />
caught in the rain or bestowed teasing bursts of<br />
sunshine, his reward was the island’s fierce beauty.<br />
hat can you expect if you arrive in Hong Kong<br />
during the monsoon season and a typhoon greets<br />
you? Sure, it’s common enough during the season<br />
but what does the wrath of Category 8 storm advisory mean?<br />
Perplexed with the rain’s shifting moods, I start and stop,<br />
the changing weather plays with my emotions.<br />
I woke up every morning for days on end in Hong Kong<br />
with this conundrum – what can I expect? I don’t want to go<br />
out, there’s a storm warning posted everywhere.<br />
I try to cheer up. If you want something different, you’ve<br />
got to fight for it.<br />
I’m walking in the rain, it’s crazy windy. I’m giving<br />
myself a pep talk. Be patient, I repeat to myself, and wait for<br />
the perfect light. Use my instincts, find the hidden message<br />
in this situation.<br />
Hong Kong skyscrapers do a nightly<br />
symphony of colourful lights that’s<br />
best experienced from the water.<br />
100<br />
101
GALLERY<br />
TOP AND BOTTOM<br />
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel<br />
offers rides day and night at the<br />
iconic Harbourfront.<br />
Locals still flock to traditional<br />
eateries for Cantonese favourites.<br />
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE<br />
Des Voeux Road West, also known<br />
as the “Dried Seafood Street”,<br />
where families buy ingredients for<br />
dinner banquets.<br />
Street scenes intensify in colour<br />
after the rain.<br />
One should try the ferry crossing<br />
between Kowloon and Hong Kong<br />
Islands for the view.<br />
102 103
GALLERY<br />
ABOVE, BELOW<br />
The colours and moods contrast on a rainy day.<br />
Culinary destinations in Hong Kong include dining<br />
spots popular among locals and tourists.<br />
OPPOSITE<br />
Still non-stop at night in the Central district<br />
of Hong Kong.<br />
104<br />
105
GALLERY<br />
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER<br />
Bigs Vatcharasith is a high-profile<br />
fashion, commercial and fine art<br />
photographer currently based<br />
in Bangkok.<br />
He has studied at Silpakorn<br />
University in the <strong>Thai</strong> capital, the<br />
London College of Printing and the<br />
London College of Fashion. Bigs<br />
comes from a creative background<br />
that spans architecture, fashion<br />
and art.<br />
His work has appeared in various<br />
magazines as well as corporate media<br />
and advertisements in Asia.<br />
ABOVE<br />
Man Mo temple: a serendipitous<br />
exploration during a downpour.<br />
Located in Sheung Wan,<br />
the altar is dedicated to the<br />
literature god Man Tai.<br />
BELOW<br />
Life goes on, even during<br />
a monsoon. Busy lanes lead<br />
to small, intimate alleys<br />
of discovery.<br />
OPPOSITE TOP<br />
Waiting to watch the<br />
‘Symphony of Lights’; in<br />
Mongkok with a treasure<br />
trove of bargains.<br />
OPPOSITE BOTTOM<br />
Lan Fong Yuen, an old tea<br />
house known for inventing the<br />
smooth, malty milk tea strained<br />
through a ‘stocking’.<br />
106<br />
107
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO<br />
Calling on LINE<br />
LINE friends come to<br />
life in Bangkok. Stroll<br />
through their digital<br />
theme park or hang<br />
out for a game with a<br />
favourite character.<br />
BANGKOK 110 / SAMUI 116 / PHUKET 120 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 124 / TRAT 125 /<br />
CHENGDU, CHONGQING & GUANGZHOU 126 / HONG KONG 128 / SINGAPORE 130 / KL 131 / PHNOM PENH & SIEM REAP 132 /<br />
HANOI & QUY NHON 134 / YANGON 136 / VIENTIANE 138 / MALDIVES & MUMBAI 139<br />
109
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
“Line” Up for a Digital World<br />
People who go gaga over the cuteness of the<br />
characters from Line Friends will get the chance<br />
to experience the adventures of Brown, Cony,<br />
and their pals in a different dimension with Line<br />
Village Bangkok. From their beginnings as a<br />
messaging app, the Line characters now feature<br />
in their own digital theme park. With a sprawl<br />
across 1,500 sq. metres in the capital city, various<br />
sections of the place draw inspiration from each<br />
Line character’s passion and style. One of which<br />
is Brown’s Room where visitors glimpse the<br />
world of the popular though silent bear, along<br />
with Cony’s House where players help our rabbit<br />
friend cook via a touch-screen game. This digital<br />
destination features a space that offers not only<br />
adventures in virtual reality, but also the best<br />
spots for Instagram destined shots. Siam Square<br />
One, 388 Rama I Rd, linevillagebangkok.com,<br />
+66 (0) 95 503 6666<br />
PREMIUM FLUFFY<br />
This is great (and delicious) news for pancake lovers as famed<br />
Gram Café & Pancakes finally opens in <strong>Thai</strong>land. From its<br />
original spot in Osaka, Japan, the ever popular Gram Café &<br />
Pancakes brings its mouth-watering interpretations that’s been<br />
tagged as “the best, no.1 pancake house in Osaka” by those<br />
who’ve enjoyed the light batter and presentation. All this<br />
goodness can be had with their location on the ground floor<br />
of the Siam Paragon shopping complex here in Bangkok. With<br />
their distinctive green logo, the café guarantees its famous<br />
“Premium Pancakes”, a tower of fluffy good that comes in three<br />
sumptuous layers. To celebrate its first branch in the Land<br />
of Smiles, Gram Pancakes is launching an exclusive menu of<br />
“Premium to Go.” Ground floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Rd,<br />
facebook.com/grampancakesthailand<br />
PURE AND TRUE<br />
Brisuthi or “pure” in <strong>Thai</strong> definitely sums<br />
up the essence of this organic beauty<br />
brand. The founders’ passion for skincare<br />
products led to the major step towards<br />
customising their organic oil involving<br />
meticulously-sought premium and<br />
beneficial ingredients from all over the<br />
world. If your quest is for true beauty<br />
results, Brisuthi caters that need with their<br />
organic product line that is minimalist in<br />
design, but maxes out when it comes to<br />
benefits. Its star, the “African Baobab Oil<br />
Treatment Cleanser”, as an<br />
example, truly gets to the heart of the<br />
brand. The cleanser contains Morocco’s<br />
best organic oil as certified by the USDA<br />
Organic symbol and gently washes away<br />
all make-up, helps unclog pores, and leaves<br />
skin wonderfully refreshed and balanced.<br />
Ecotopia, 4th floor, Siam Discovery,<br />
989 Rama I Road, facebook.com/brisuthi<br />
110
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Empyrean Offering from<br />
the Avocado<br />
Nothing beats lying down<br />
on an avocado-shaped<br />
cushion or sharing a table<br />
with strangers in <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
first ever avocado-themed<br />
café. The Hass Bistro was<br />
inspired by the owners’<br />
passion for the buttery<br />
richness of avocados. The<br />
name of the café also derives<br />
its name from what is the<br />
world’s top cultivar for the<br />
avo, now the café’s star<br />
product in their savoury and<br />
sweet menu flavours.<br />
Having the fruit by itself<br />
is just the tip of the avocado<br />
iceberg. Hass Bistro proves<br />
that avocados suit various<br />
dishes, sliced or smashed in<br />
hamburgers, into Vietnamese<br />
spring rolls – all that beyond<br />
guacamole and tortilla chips.<br />
Don’t forget to try the softest<br />
of the soft – an avocado<br />
cheesecake with avocado<br />
sauce, sure to satisfy avocado<br />
lovers. 1/6 Sukhumvit 49,<br />
facebook.com/thehassbistro,<br />
+66 (0) 99 192 9626<br />
UP WITH WINE<br />
Located on the 3rd floor of Brasserie Cordonnier, The Bar<br />
Upstairs provides a wine library housed in décor inspired by<br />
the rustic charm of a Provençal house. It offers a fun and<br />
laid-back atmosphere in which guests can discover the art and<br />
enjoyment of wine under its high-ceiling roof. With classes,<br />
a retail space and everything dedicated to all things wine,<br />
The Bar Upstairs welcomes anyone wishing for a good time<br />
and excellent wine. Homemade terrines, imported cheeses,<br />
cold cuts as well as light fare is available from Brasserie<br />
Cordonnier’s kitchen. 33/30 Sukhumvit Rd, Soi 11 (Chaiyos),<br />
upstairsbkk.com, +66 (0) 2821 5110<br />
112
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
BANGKOK<br />
A FOREST BAKE<br />
The Chiang Mai-based Forest<br />
Bake is finally introducing<br />
Bangkokians to the delicious<br />
charm of their bakery. Apart<br />
from offering sumptuous<br />
artisanal baked goods using the<br />
best ingredients, Forest Bake<br />
BKK adjusts itself to the fast<br />
beat of an urban lifestyle by<br />
offering delivery and grab-andgo<br />
baked goods. Designed like<br />
a modern cabin, the bakery<br />
stands out from the cluster<br />
of Sukhumvit 22 shophouses,<br />
and attractive in warm wood<br />
tones. Upon entering, customers<br />
are immediately greeted with<br />
a long table full of baked<br />
goods inspired by recipes<br />
from around the world from<br />
their Bakery Showcase where<br />
customers can grab what they<br />
want to take back.<br />
224/3 Soi Ma Seuk Sukhumvit 22,<br />
forestbake.com,<br />
+66 (0) 61 397 7077<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Revival in Therapeutic Arts<br />
The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin<br />
Oriental Bangkok celebrated its<br />
25th anniversary by unveiling two<br />
new treatment packages that reintroduces<br />
ancient <strong>Thai</strong> traditional<br />
therapeutic arts, namely the <strong>Thai</strong><br />
northern Lanna style of Tok Sen<br />
and the Isaan style bamboo<br />
massage. Such total indulgence<br />
includes an herbal foot bath, a<br />
body wrap and scrub, your regional<br />
choice for therapy, a warm herbal<br />
body oil massage and a warm foot<br />
herbal compress.<br />
While the Spirit of Isaan package<br />
features body scrubs made from<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land’s northeastern region that’s<br />
famous for black sticky rice and<br />
jasmine rice, the Lanna Ceremony<br />
meanwhile is beneficial by using<br />
indigenous staples. “Bai miang”<br />
or preserved tea leaves and fang, a<br />
native plant with a red bark from<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong> northern region is known<br />
for promoting blood circulation and<br />
strengthening the skin structure. The<br />
ancient massage of Tok Sen uses a<br />
small wooden wedge and hammer to<br />
lightly tap away muscle tension along<br />
the body’s meridian lines. The 2.5 hour<br />
package is at 7,000++ Baht including<br />
a standard massage room. The Deluxe<br />
Suite and their iconic Oriental Suite<br />
are also available. Indeed, it’s a great<br />
and quality escapade to one of the best<br />
luxury spas in Bangkok. Opens daily<br />
9.00 - 22.00, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bang<br />
Rak, mandarinoriental.com/bangkok,<br />
+66 (0) 2659 0000<br />
114
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
High in the hills of Chaweng Noi<br />
sits a favourite local venue with<br />
arguably one of the best views on<br />
the island. That legendary resort,<br />
restaurant and lounge is The<br />
Jungle Club. With an outstanding<br />
reputation for relaxed vibes,<br />
delicious cocktails, and inventive<br />
food cooked by a five-star chef,<br />
the Jungle Club is not giving up<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Jungle Up High<br />
its top spot anytime soon. The breathtaking<br />
coastal views combined with the<br />
comfortable bohemian setting can have<br />
you spending a whole afternoon and<br />
evening at this high-up venue. Offering<br />
bungalows and an infinity pool for guests<br />
as well, the Jungle Club really does have<br />
it all. Pick-up services are available<br />
for patrons as the drive up to this<br />
beautiful location is not for the faint of<br />
heart. Guests are encouraged to book<br />
in advance for optimum seating and<br />
pick-up services. jungleclubsamui.com,<br />
+66 (0) 81 891 8363<br />
PUT YOUR ARCHERY SKILLS TO THE TEST<br />
Hidden off the beaten path in Maenam Soi 1 is some daring fun those with a keen<br />
eye and a steady hand. The Flying Arrow Restaurant & Archery is a heart-pumping<br />
day activity for novices or pros to practise shooting a variety of bows at staggered<br />
targets. Archery lessons and instructions are offered on site and the highest safety<br />
precautions are taken for visitors wanting to test their skills. The Flying Arrow<br />
Restaurant & Archery offers not only the recreational activity of Archery in a<br />
beautiful setting, but also delicious local and western food and drinks for patrons<br />
to enjoy throughout the day. Bookings can be made in advance or in person.<br />
flying-arrow.net, +66 (0) 83 045 8209<br />
Photos by Chatta Phoyen<br />
DISC CHALLENGE<br />
Located in Maenam Soi 5 is one of Samui’s most unique sports<br />
offerings – Samui Disc Golf, where you try your best to swing<br />
a disc into a basket. With challenging courses laid out amongst<br />
towering palm trees, and beautiful rolling grass fields, a day spent<br />
here is more than just a fun sporting event, it’s also an immersion<br />
into nearly untouched nature. With annual competitions being<br />
held at the course, Samui Disc Golf has established itself as a<br />
top destination for professional Disc Golfers from all over the<br />
world. International crowds gather each year for competition<br />
and comradery. In addition to the annual competitions, Samui<br />
Disc Golf is open to the public year-round and regularly holds<br />
barbecues and parties. samuidiscgolf.com, +66 (0) 98 670 1768<br />
116
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
SAMUI<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Running the Distance<br />
The annual Samui Festival Marathon & Trail Run<br />
is returning for its 12th year on 30 <strong>Sep</strong>tember,<br />
<strong>2018</strong>. In conjunction with the annual Samui<br />
Festival, the marathon draws long distance<br />
runners from around the country. A number<br />
of different race lengths<br />
are available. Each year<br />
participants come together<br />
to push themselves past<br />
physical limits amongst the<br />
picturesque island setting. After<br />
the race, runners can enjoy<br />
entertainment, food, and fun<br />
at the Samui Festival in Nathon<br />
town. gotorace.com/event/<br />
samui-festival-marathon-<strong>2018</strong><br />
CHILL OUT BEACH CAFÉ<br />
Emerging as Lamai’s new favourite café on the<br />
beach is Yousabuy Samui, which offers guests fresh<br />
food and drinks on an idyllic beachfront setting.<br />
Positioned perfectly on a low-tide area of Hua-<br />
Thanon beach, the café draws guests from all areas<br />
of the island. Beautifully painted wood, breezy<br />
white drapes line the café, adding to the relaxed<br />
island feeling you can only find on a beach. Located<br />
only 700 metres from the Guan Yu Shrine of Koh<br />
Samui, the Yousabuy is an obvious stop after a day<br />
of cultural activities on the island. facebook.com/<br />
Yousabuysamui, +66 (0) 89 450 0895<br />
Photos by Chatta Phoyen<br />
SIBLINGS CAFÉ<br />
One of the most unique and true-toits-roots<br />
restaurants, Sweet Sisters<br />
Café lies far off the normal beaten<br />
tourist paths of Chaweng and Bophut.<br />
It’s proven to be well worth the journey<br />
to its southern location. Khun Noi’s<br />
emphasis on local, organic, and<br />
healthy ingredients combined with<br />
her creative flair keep her customers<br />
coming back for more. Not to mention<br />
the impressive and extensive menu<br />
featuring over 100 options, and special<br />
that change daily. After a healthy and<br />
fulfilling meal enjoyed in the open-air<br />
café, guests can go to the connected<br />
shop to purchase local snacks, imported<br />
and local health foods, and handicrafts<br />
made by skilled <strong>Thai</strong> artisans.<br />
facebook.com/sweetsisters.cafe.samui,<br />
+66 (0) 86 470 8631<br />
A MIND-BENDING EXERCISE<br />
With the rainy season approaching here in the South,<br />
you might find yourself looking for adventure while being<br />
sheltered from the rain. Those adventure seekers need not<br />
look further than the Escape Break Room housed in Beach<br />
Republic in Lamai. For those who want a true challenge, a<br />
night in the EBR allows guests a one hour to escape from<br />
a locked room full of riddles and mysteries. Deductive<br />
reasoning and a group effort are needed to escape before<br />
time runs out. Opened in 2014, the Escape Break Room has<br />
only continued to grow in popularity while offering a number<br />
of different options and themes in each room. While not<br />
required, advanced bookings are advised, either by phone or<br />
website. facebook.com/escapebreaksamui, +66 (0) 77 458 100<br />
118
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PHUKET<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Khao Khad’s Towering View<br />
Photos Jeremie Schatz<br />
When it comes to killer views in<br />
Phuket, the vast majority of travellers<br />
find themselves atop the iconic Big<br />
Buddha with its towering statue, or<br />
the favoured Karon viewpoint with a<br />
birds-eye view of Kata Noi, Kata Yai,<br />
and Karon beaches.<br />
A lesser known yet equally magical<br />
spot to soak in the sights is the Khao<br />
Khad View Tower in Cape Panwa.<br />
Located just a quick jaunt south from<br />
Phuket Town, this well-marked<br />
mountaintop can be easily accessed via<br />
car or motorbike with ample parking to<br />
boot. Enjoy the drive as the road sneaks<br />
through the dappled light of lush jungle<br />
and rubber tree plantations. A staircase<br />
directly accesses the 360-degree<br />
lookout tower while a circuitous<br />
walkway takes you to several picnic<br />
tables tucked into banana trees off to<br />
the sides. Bring some snacks and make<br />
a picnic of it amongst the mountain<br />
breezes and buzzing cicadas. Don’t be<br />
surprised to have it all to yourself.<br />
T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket,<br />
+66 (0) 63 536 7045<br />
8080 CAFÉ<br />
Following their grand opening three years ago across from<br />
Central Festival shopping mall, 8080 Café Phuket has found<br />
its niche as a popular motorcycle-themed hotspot for night<br />
life. Hosting live rock entertainment, this industrial-style bar/<br />
music venue/motorcycle shop gets hopping on the weekends.<br />
It’s a magnet for local “big bike” enthusiasts to show off their<br />
rides from cool café racers and rumbling Harley Davidson’s to<br />
stylish Triumphs and trendy Vespas. Join in on an organised<br />
ride around southern <strong>Thai</strong>land. Buy a new Vespa, or swing by<br />
for a cold one, shoot some pool, and enjoy the scene.<br />
Beside HomeWorks Phuket, T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket,<br />
+66 (0) 61 176 7744, 8080cafephuket.com<br />
ANTHEM WAKEPARK<br />
With its world famous beaches and<br />
tepid azure seas, it’s no wonder Phuket’s<br />
visitors flock to the water. However, the<br />
sea is not the only place to cool off and<br />
have fun. Anthem Wakepark can be<br />
found on the shores of their very own<br />
lake oasis tucked beside Wat Manik in<br />
Cherngtalay. The ultra-friendly staff,<br />
pro-level equipment, and laid back vibes<br />
make Anthem a choice spot to post up<br />
with friends or the family. Never wake<br />
boarded before? Worry not as one of<br />
their experienced instructors will have<br />
you carving it up in no time. Sporting a<br />
650-metre-long cable with 11 obstacles<br />
and a separate beginner’s cable, all level<br />
of rider can participate and progress.<br />
Get out on the water or chill on the deck<br />
with something tasty from the kitchen<br />
and a mojito and watch the show.<br />
194/6 M.7 Si Sunthon Road, Phuket,<br />
+66 (0) 76 620 034, anthemwakepark.com<br />
120
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
PHUKET<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Vegetarian Festival Phuket<br />
Occurring from <strong>Oct</strong>ober 8-17,<br />
this ritual celebration by the<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>-Chinese community is<br />
an act of veneration to honour<br />
one’s ancestors and gods.<br />
Although celebrated around<br />
Southeast Asia, about a third of<br />
Phuket locals take part making<br />
it the largest such celebration.<br />
Devotees dressed in white,<br />
which signifies purification via<br />
their abstinence in consuming<br />
meat and stimulants, will enter<br />
trance-like states, and perform<br />
flagrant acts of self-mutilation.<br />
All the festivities and processions<br />
come to a head on the final day<br />
where spectators line the streets<br />
and fill the temples to witness<br />
the crescendo of this impressive<br />
albeit bizarre tradition.<br />
During this time, visitors<br />
will see Phuket transform<br />
with restaurants, street stalls,<br />
and pop-up tents serving up<br />
all variety of vegetarian fare.<br />
Be brave, some dishes may<br />
look suspect but the flavours<br />
can be surprisingly varied and rich. Despite the<br />
seemingly violent nature of this Taoist tradition,<br />
there’s a festive air and visitors are welcome<br />
to view the processions and temple activities.<br />
Jui Tui and Bang Niaw Shrines in Phuket Town<br />
are the buzzing epicentres of festivities during<br />
the celebration. For more information, contact the<br />
Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land, 191 Thalang Road,<br />
T. Talad Yai, A. Muang, Phuket, +66 (0) 76 211 036.<br />
GREEN ROOM SURF SHOP<br />
Following its recent inclusion as an<br />
Olympic sport, surfing’s popularity in<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land is on the rise. Good beginner<br />
surfing beaches like Kata and Khao<br />
Lak have seen a surge in domestic and<br />
international tourists looking to learn<br />
how to hang ten. There is a smattering<br />
of surf shops peddling goods around<br />
the island, but none with the style of<br />
the Green Room Surf Shop in Nai Harn<br />
Beach. You’ll find something for everyone<br />
from a selection of men’s and women’s<br />
beachwear, swimsuits, accessories,<br />
bicycle rentals and, of course, surfboards.<br />
Secondhand boards can be found as well<br />
as a rack full of locally-made Elleciel<br />
Surfboards. These unique wood and epoxy<br />
masterpieces are equally at home on the<br />
waves or on artistic display. Custom boards<br />
available and encouraged. Stop by and<br />
say hi to Nueng who will brew you up<br />
a strong coffee to sip while you shop<br />
for your new board. 15/53 Viset Road,<br />
Rawai (Nai Harn beach), Phuket,<br />
+66 (0) 83 102 9532<br />
PHUKET’S NEW LIFESTYLE HUB<br />
This <strong>Sep</strong>tember, Central Pattana Group (CPN) officially<br />
debuts Central Phuket – the newest flagship resort<br />
shopping destination in the heart of Phuket. It comprises<br />
a complex shopping centre with 2 buildings (Floresta and<br />
Festival) connected by a sky-link to bring the concept of a<br />
leisure and luxury lifestyle and family excursion that’s all in<br />
one place.<br />
Housing over 400 retail stores, Central Phuket adds<br />
many options to entertain its visitors with 3 world-class<br />
attractions, including “Tribhum” – the Mystery of Three<br />
Worlds in a 3D walkthrough theme park, “Aquaria,” <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
largest aquarium and “Tales of <strong>Thai</strong>land” – where people<br />
can shop, browse and chill within the atmosphere of a<br />
traditional <strong>Thai</strong> floating market. centralphuket.com<br />
AO YON BEACH CAPE PANWA<br />
Tucked away down a winding coastal<br />
road on Phuket’s Cape Panwa peninsula<br />
is a small unassuming strip of tropical<br />
sea-kissed sand split in two by a rocky<br />
headland. Although not on the same list<br />
as Phuket’s famous west coast beaches,<br />
this little gem is a quiet, scenic spot<br />
perfect for a peaceful sunset with your<br />
toes dangling in the Andaman. A weekend<br />
favourite of the locals, you’ll find families<br />
picnicking and teenagers taking selfies<br />
with the cool formations on the rocky promontory.<br />
You will discover several small cafés and restaurants<br />
as you stroll the golden sands.<br />
When the northwest monsoon isn’t blowing<br />
(November-April) the sailing school offers training,<br />
team building, day trips and more. In calm weather,<br />
adventurous souls can rent a kayak and paddle across<br />
the channel to Lon Island to wander the beach or<br />
bring a snorkel and explore the aquatic wonders of<br />
the barrier reef. T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket<br />
122
HAPPENINGS<br />
THAILAND<br />
CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI<br />
THAILAND<br />
KOH CHANG<br />
Luxury, a unique design, and the<br />
tranquil banks of the Ping River set<br />
the scene at X2 Chiang Mai Riverside<br />
Resort, immersing guests with a<br />
good balance of Lanna heritage<br />
and an active Chiang Mai city. X2<br />
(pronounced “cross-two”) Chiang<br />
Mai Riverside Resort blends modern<br />
design elements with the traditional<br />
Lanna style that is a hallmark of<br />
northern <strong>Thai</strong>land, with touches<br />
of the local architectural influence<br />
through decorative motifs and red<br />
brick walls. Two Tamarind Suites<br />
overlook X2’s green courtyard, while<br />
20 Riverfront Suites offer picturesque<br />
river views from the balconies. The<br />
six Grand Suite River View include<br />
a separate indoor seating area and<br />
the two Pool Suite River View open<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Luxury and<br />
Indulgence<br />
onto their own gardens with 10 metre<br />
private pools. The resort, built on<br />
grounds formerly used for rice wine<br />
making, found inspiration from Chiang<br />
Mai’s widely-known Wat Umong, a<br />
temple for meditation retreats. X2<br />
Chiang Mai Riverside Resort aims for<br />
peacefulness, also for exhilaration of<br />
the senses through pampering at its<br />
spa or spending time at the rooftop<br />
bar. 369/1 Charoenraj Road, Wat Ket,<br />
+66 (0) 53 931 999, x2resorts.com/<br />
resorts/chiang-mai-riverside<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Chilling with a View<br />
After a refreshing fun dip in the ocean,<br />
what makes it even better is a great<br />
meal with an amazing view at Oasis<br />
Koh Chang, whose restaurant offers<br />
such an experience. Nestled in the jungle<br />
and built like a pirate’s hideaway, the<br />
restaurant overlooks the beautiful coast<br />
itself and nearby small islands. It’s a perfect<br />
place to enjoy both <strong>Thai</strong> and international<br />
dishes, deliciously prepared in picturesque<br />
surroundings. The restaurant’s signature<br />
dish of “Los Pollos Hermanos” is not to<br />
be missed with its hearty homemade<br />
chicken burger topped with melted brie<br />
cheese and cranberries, served<br />
with breaded onion rings and<br />
potato wedges. Guests are also<br />
welcome to soak up the laidback<br />
atmosphere up on the<br />
restaurant’s tree house where<br />
everyone can linger over a glass<br />
of wine or a cold beer to further<br />
enjoy a spectacular sunset for<br />
every moment that counts.<br />
oasis-kohchang.com/<br />
koh-chang-restaurant<br />
JAVA IN CHIANG RAI<br />
Chiang Rai in the north of <strong>Thai</strong>land distinguishes<br />
itself with its temples and also the infamous<br />
Golden Triangle. With a high altitude, cool<br />
climate, and plenty of sun, Chiang Rai now<br />
makes a further mark as fertile ground for<br />
growing Arabica coffee. When in the area,<br />
get a caffeine kick and experience the local<br />
coffee culture as an addition to the roster of<br />
must-dos. Visit Chivit Thamma Da, a beautiful<br />
coffee house in a colonial style setting that<br />
serves coffee with a seriously good apple<br />
crumble pie in an English garden<br />
by the river. Their coffee<br />
is rich and fragrant,<br />
especially The Chivit:<br />
iced coffee cubes<br />
with milk poured<br />
over them. Also in<br />
Chiang Rai, Local<br />
Coffee – a friendly<br />
coffee house with<br />
a cosy ambience – is an ideal destination for<br />
coffee sipping since it has a large collection<br />
of local and international beans. Within a<br />
15-minute drive from the Chiang Rai Airport,<br />
Time, a stylish coffee house-cum-coworking<br />
space, creates the link between coffee and<br />
creativity. It serves local brews along with light,<br />
organic fare. About 10 kilometres north of<br />
Baan Dam Museum, Hacienda Coffee House<br />
& Restaurant serves its coffee in a cottage and<br />
English garden. Savour a cup inside the cottage,<br />
or bring it outside for some fresh air in the<br />
garden. Meantime, in the isolated highlands<br />
of Mae Suai, Doi Chang Coffee Farm is known<br />
for beans with a strong caramel sweetness<br />
and a nutty undertone, as well as its strong<br />
community involvement in producing organic<br />
coffee beans. chivitthammada.com, facebook.<br />
com/LocalCoffeeandHomeRoaster, facebook.com/<br />
Time-Chiang-rai, hacienda-coffee-house.business.<br />
site, facebook.com/DOICHANGCOFFEEFARM<br />
124
HAPPENINGS<br />
CHINA<br />
CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU<br />
A PARK IN THE FALL IN GUANGZHOU<br />
Yuntai Garden in Guangzhou reigns in its prestige as one of the<br />
largest parks of its type in mainland China, covering an area over<br />
120,000 square metres. Located at the base of the Baiyun Mountain<br />
in Guangzhou, Yuntai is considered to be the epitome of modern<br />
gardens, integrating Eastern and Western architecture with a blend<br />
of modernity and antiquity. Visiting this sight is magnificent any time<br />
of the year, but during Mid-Autumn Festival, Yuntai further enhances<br />
its beauty by hosting a magnificent lantern show during the months<br />
of <strong>Sep</strong>tember and <strong>Oct</strong>ober from 6-10pm. 801 Guangyuan Zhong Lu,<br />
Baiyun District, Guangzhou<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Mooncakes In Autumn<br />
As the blissful days of summer come to a close and<br />
the splendour of fall arrives, Chinese homes are abuzz<br />
with traditions and celebrations for the Mid-Autumn<br />
Festival. Zhongqiu Jié, as it’s known in Mandarin, has<br />
many additional names used throughout the region:<br />
Lantern Festival - a term used in Singapore, Malaysia,<br />
and Indonesia; Moon Festival – which surrounds the<br />
Japanese traditions of moongazing and lunar worship;<br />
or Reunion and Children’s Festival; to name a few.<br />
Despite the many names and titles, the traditions<br />
remain unified, supporting the concept of family and<br />
friends gathering and giving thanks for a bountiful<br />
harvest and prayers for success and good fortune in the<br />
months to come.<br />
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of celebration,<br />
showcasing harmony and unity through various<br />
traditions, and includes carrying brightly-lit lanterns,<br />
the preparation and exchange of mooncakes, comraderie<br />
among friends and family over tea and wine, and<br />
sometimes the occasional matchmaking alongside<br />
various games and activities.<br />
On the day of the festival itself, family members<br />
gather together to offer a sacrifice to the moon. In the<br />
modern era this “sacrifice” translates into a variety of<br />
customs, from simple appreciation of such a bright full<br />
moon – to eating the rich and decadent moon cakes<br />
dessert eaten in celebration.<br />
RUSSIAN TREAT IN<br />
CHONGQING<br />
The city of Chongqing has always<br />
been at the centre of mainland<br />
China’s drive to urbanise and<br />
develop many of its western<br />
provinces. As it continues<br />
to diversify, so does its food<br />
selection – and so we have a<br />
very unique gem near Sichuan<br />
Province. Russian Kitchen, as it’s<br />
simply and directly translated<br />
from its Chinese name, has<br />
received stellar reviews since its<br />
opening in May 2017.<br />
+86 (0) 236 758 7366<br />
CHENGDU’S PANDA BABIES<br />
On most days, Chengdu is known for just two things: its fiery cuisine and<br />
the pandas. No visit to this city in the Sichuan provide is complete without<br />
riding out just minutes from downtown Chengdu to the<br />
Chengdu Panda Base. Autumn is one of the best<br />
seasons to see panda babies as the giant panda<br />
mums have their offspring in the summer.<br />
You may have to jostle your way around as<br />
thousands of visitors descend<br />
on this place every year. But<br />
consider a visit here to see<br />
giant pandas rescued from<br />
the wild. panda.org.cn<br />
AT THE PEAK OF BAIYUN MOUNTAIN<br />
Baiyun mountain, looming right behind Yuntai garden in northern Guangzhou, has been one of the most famous and marvellous<br />
spectacles of nature in the province and even all of Canton province since ancient times. The collection of peaks reaches nearly<br />
400 metres above sea level and provide a gorgeous view from below as snowy white clouds perch on them. By cable car, one can<br />
also ascend to the summit, permitting a breath-taking view of the Canton landscape and Guangzhou underneath, like fingers of<br />
the Pearl River Delta spreading as if to grasp the horizon itself.<br />
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<br />
is about 382 metres above sea level, and from there you have a splendid view of the city and the Pearl River.<br />
Among its many treasures is the Nine Dragon Spring in the 16,000-square-metre Forest of Steles, which was built in the Qing<br />
Dynasty, now under the cultural relics protection in Guangzhou City, along with the tomb of Zhang Yuqiao, a Ming Dynasty singer.<br />
126
HAPPENINGS<br />
HONG KONG<br />
AWARD-WINNING SUSHI<br />
In late March this year, Hong Kong<br />
welcomed Sushi Saito, the first<br />
overseas branch of Tokyo’s three<br />
Michelin-starred restaurant.<br />
Housed on the 45th floor of the<br />
Four Seasons, the restaurant serves<br />
the freshest seasonal seafood,<br />
hand-picked by Chef Takashi<br />
Saito himself every morning at<br />
Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market before it is<br />
transported to Hong Kong.<br />
It is this care and attention to<br />
detail that has made Sushi Saito the<br />
“best sushi restaurant in the world”<br />
according to most<br />
diners. Just like<br />
the outlet in<br />
Tokyo, this<br />
Hong Kong<br />
outpost<br />
successfully<br />
preserves the highly-respected Japanese culinary art<br />
form with its authentic Edomae sushi.<br />
With its intimate setting made up of two separate<br />
dining rooms, which sits groups of eight at each time,<br />
getting a seat at Sushi Saito can be difficult. But if<br />
you’re fortunate enough to find yourself at a lunch or<br />
dinner sitting, then rest assured you’ll be treated to an<br />
out-of-this-world dining experience delivered by one<br />
of the true masters of Japanese cuisine.<br />
45/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central,<br />
Hong Kong, opens daily 1pm-1.30pm; 6pm-8pm,<br />
globallink.com.hk/sushisaito<br />
HOLE IN ONE<br />
When there’s a need to escape the busy<br />
confines of Hong Kong, Strokes may well be<br />
the place for it. The F&B outlet on Fashion<br />
Walk on Causeway Bay isn’t your typical<br />
watering hole as it merges an indoor minigolf<br />
course with a bar and restaurant. Billed<br />
as a premier Crazy Golf & Lifestyle Club,<br />
Strokes boasts 9,000 square feet of space,<br />
which consists of a 9-hole course featuring<br />
loop-the-loops, tunnels, and ball jumps; along<br />
with a bar and diner.<br />
Although most patrons come here to<br />
sink putts and play a round or two, Strokes<br />
also serves up a pretty hearty and healthy<br />
menu with offerings such as protein salad<br />
bowls, cauliflower beef burgers and steak<br />
tacos. Its bar, on the other hand, is manned by skilled<br />
juicers, baristas and mixologists, who are ever ready to<br />
serve up a variety of thirst quenchers at all hours of the<br />
day. G2-3, 1/F, Fashion Walk, 9 Kingston St, Causeway<br />
Bay, opens Mon-Fri, 11.30am-1am; Sat 11.30am-3am;<br />
Sun, 11.30am-11pm, strokeshk.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Celebration<br />
of Dance<br />
The Hong Kong Ballet<br />
Company is putting on<br />
a creative showcase<br />
with the help of some<br />
of the best local<br />
choreographers and<br />
artists. Hong Kong<br />
Cool, which is produced<br />
in partnership with<br />
West Kowloon Cultural<br />
District and Hong Kong<br />
Arts Centre, will see<br />
dance makers partnering<br />
with composers, painters,<br />
sculptors, fashion designers<br />
and video artists for a unique<br />
display of arts and culture.<br />
The event will boast seven<br />
world premieres and each<br />
show will culminate with a<br />
screening of Oliver Shing’s<br />
documentary, The Unheard<br />
Beat, which reveals the sweat,<br />
passion and drama behind the<br />
creative dance process. 13-16<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>tember, Studio Theatre,<br />
Hong Kong Cultural Centre,<br />
hkballet.com<br />
128
HAPPENINGS<br />
SINGAPORE<br />
MALAYSIA<br />
KUALA LUMPUR<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Open Farm To<br />
Table<br />
In a concrete jungle like Singapore,<br />
it is refreshing to see a restaurant<br />
champion the efforts of sustainable<br />
farming and seasonal cooking. That’s<br />
the message Open Farm Community<br />
(OFC) imparts unto its diners as it<br />
strives to deepen the relationship<br />
between urban communities with<br />
nature by supporting the local<br />
urban farming movement. Since its<br />
inception in 2015, OFC has celebrated<br />
local farmers, creative chefs, and<br />
delicious seasonal fare.<br />
The open-concept kitchen<br />
and restaurant in Minden<br />
Road recently welcomed<br />
Head Chef Oliver Truesdale-<br />
Jutras and Sous Chef Phoebe<br />
Oviedo, the new creative<br />
culinary force at the OFC. The<br />
duo has already embarked<br />
on dishing up inventive and<br />
hearty dishes all made with<br />
locally-sourced ingredients.<br />
The OFC also organises a<br />
curated farmer’s market,<br />
which allows guests to deepen<br />
the pleasures of simple,<br />
freshly harvested ingredients<br />
that is both nourishing and a<br />
visual feast. 130E Minden Road<br />
Singapore, opens Mon-Thu:<br />
12pm-4pm; 6pm-11pm, Sat &<br />
Sun: 11am-5pm; 3.30pm-10pm,<br />
openfarmcommunity.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Fine Dining Takes Flight<br />
A unique pop-up dining<br />
experience, Plane in the City<br />
literally lives up to its name<br />
as it is housed in a refurbished<br />
Boeing 737. The plane, now<br />
retro-fitted into a fine-dining<br />
restaurant, will be parked at<br />
the Kuala Lumpur city centre<br />
until mid-2019. Plane in the<br />
City is offering diners a chance<br />
to savour a fine dining meal<br />
prepared by one of the city’s<br />
finest hotels in the interior of<br />
the aircraft.<br />
Promoted as an aircraft<br />
dining experience, ‘passengers’<br />
have the option of dining from<br />
a three or four-course menu<br />
and the opportunity to visit the<br />
cockpit of the airplane or walk<br />
on its wings. Seating 20 at a<br />
time, Plane in the City operates<br />
two sessions every Tuesday to<br />
Thursday and three sessions<br />
from Friday to Sunday, with<br />
dining packages beginning from<br />
RM199 per person. Skyland, Jalan<br />
Bukit Bintang, planeinthecity.com<br />
GOURMET FEST<br />
Resorts World Sentosa is putting on another epicurean feast this<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>tember with the return of The Great Food Festival. Like last year’s<br />
event, the gourmet food festival will provide foodies with access<br />
to over a 100 signature dishes from Michelin-starred and awardwinning<br />
restaurants.<br />
More than just an event that celebrates good food,<br />
The Great Food Festival will also allow visitors to attend<br />
celebrity chef master classes and hands-on workshops<br />
during the duration of the event.<br />
Visitors will not only gain an insight to cooking prepared<br />
by the masters themselves, but also the opportunity to rub<br />
shoulders with the culinary stars of Singapore and sample<br />
some pretty amazing meals and treats. The Great Food<br />
Festival takes place from 27 to 30 <strong>Sep</strong>tember<br />
at Resorts World Sentosa, tgff.com.sg<br />
CINEMATIC ESCAPE<br />
Housed in a beautiful heritage building, Screening Room on Ann<br />
Siang road provides the perfect escape from the busy bars below.<br />
A multi-faceted entertainment and hospitality venue, the outlet<br />
provides the perfect setting of good food, delicious drinks and great<br />
music to put its guests at ease.<br />
However, one of the main appeals of this unique F&B retreat<br />
is that it houses its own boutique film theatre. The Screening<br />
Room lives up to its name by providing guests with a calendar<br />
of exciting films and screenings held throughout the week. From<br />
timeless classics to foreign productions as well as live telecasts of<br />
big sporting events, the Screening Room provides a total feast for<br />
all senses under one roof. 12 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore, opens daily<br />
5:30pm-2am, screeningroom.com.sg<br />
130
HAPPENINGS<br />
CAMBODIA<br />
PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Taste Of Russia<br />
Strong ties between the Soviet Union and Cambodia date back to the<br />
mid-50s. That’s why a restaurant like Irina, which serves authentic<br />
Russian cuisine, doesn’t seem out of place in Phnom Penh.<br />
In a way you could say that the establishment is helping to further<br />
strengthen relations between the two nations by providing locals as<br />
well as visitors an authentic taste of Russia. Opened since 2000, the<br />
family-run restaurant is not short on traditional Russian fare and<br />
classic dishes, as well as specialities from neighbouring Ukraine,<br />
Georgia and Uzbekistan.<br />
KHMER ART<br />
Artist Em Riem has been<br />
championing Cambodian<br />
art across the globe but it is<br />
here in Phnom Penh where<br />
he has honed his abilities<br />
in order to develop the art<br />
form. With XEM Design: La<br />
Galerie, which he opened<br />
in 2008, the local artist<br />
showcases his best works<br />
drawn from his experience<br />
as a child growing up under<br />
the Khmer Rouge.<br />
Stepping into his gallery,<br />
you will immediately notice<br />
the large-scale portraits<br />
of Khmer Rouge victims,<br />
alongside unique installations,<br />
abstract works, sculpture, and<br />
ceramics. A former student<br />
of Parisian institutions<br />
Saint-Etienne Ecole des<br />
Beaux-Arts and the Ecole<br />
Nationale Superieure des<br />
Arts Decoratifs, Em Riem’s<br />
art is often described as<br />
sophisticated and diverse,<br />
but it also serves to educate<br />
and inspire a new wave of<br />
Cambodian artists.<br />
XEM Design: La Galerie,<br />
13D Street 178, Phnom<br />
Penh, view by appointment,<br />
facebook.com/galeriexem.la<br />
FRENCH CAMBODIAN FUSION<br />
When Chef Joannès Rivière came to Cambodia<br />
in 2003 to work as a volunteer cooking teacher,<br />
he would not have imagined that 15 years later,<br />
he would be the owner of one of the 50 best<br />
restaurants in Asia. But that’s exactly what the<br />
Frenchman has accomplished as he has built on<br />
the reputation of Cuisine Wat Damnak as one of<br />
the finest restaurants in Siem Reap.<br />
Housed in a traditional Cambodian wooden<br />
house in the heart of Siem Reap’s Wat Damnak<br />
village, the restaurant’s approach to its eclectic<br />
menu is to bring together Cambodian flavours<br />
with French culinary techniques and flair.<br />
The restaurant only serves ingredients<br />
sourced from local farms around Siem Reap in<br />
order to maintain freshness and to help sustain<br />
local agriculture. Cuisine Wat Damnak changes<br />
its menu regularly to reflect the seasons,<br />
ensuring a changing, creative experience for<br />
diners at all times. Cuisine Wat Damnak, Wat<br />
Damnak village, Sala Kamreuk Commune,<br />
Siem Reap, opens Tue-Sat, 6.30pm-9.30pm,<br />
cuisinewatdamnak.com<br />
The menu include staples such as blini with mushrooms, chicken<br />
kiev and feta meatballs, but also unique offerings such as golubtsy<br />
(pork stuffed in cabbage), selyodka (Russian salt-cured mackerel)<br />
and a variety of dumpling dishes like pelmeni and vareniki. As you<br />
might expect, Irina carries an extensive vodka selection to go with<br />
your hearty Russian meal. 22 Street 29, Phnom Penh, opens daily,<br />
9am-11pm, facebook.com/russianrestpp<br />
CINEMATIC JOURNEYS<br />
Founded by film directors Rithy Pan and Leu Pannaker,<br />
the Bophana Center seeks to inspire, train, and educate<br />
Cambodians about the movie industry. Located in Phnom<br />
Penh, the centre showcases archival audio-visual footage<br />
about Cambodia from across the world.<br />
The Bophana Center not only provides free public<br />
access to film footage but also the historical significance<br />
behind this creative industry. Additionally, the centre<br />
doubles as a learning centre by educating and training<br />
young Cambodians for careers in filmmaking, broadcasting<br />
and new media. bophana.org<br />
132
HAPPENINGS<br />
VIETNAM<br />
HANOI / QUY NHON<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Elevated Luxury<br />
The Anantara Quy Nhon<br />
Villas, the third property<br />
in the portfolio of luxury<br />
resorts in Vietnam by<br />
the Anantara Hotels and<br />
Resorts, is scheduled to<br />
open in late November<br />
<strong>2018</strong>. Located in a secluded<br />
bay in south central<br />
Vietnam in Binh Dinh<br />
province, Anantara Quy<br />
Nhon Villas will have 26<br />
one and two-bedrooms<br />
of ocean-facing villas on<br />
7.2 hectares of landscaped<br />
tropical gardens.<br />
The spacious villas offer<br />
an enticing visual of sleek<br />
timber and granite sundecks<br />
with minimalist plunge<br />
pools with extended low<br />
overhang roofs that offer a<br />
fresh, contemporary feel.<br />
Vietnamese blue stone are<br />
among some of the design<br />
features, while granite and<br />
marble elements add a<br />
touch of modernity.<br />
Restaurants emphasise<br />
local seafood and regional<br />
flavours; a top-notch<br />
Anantara Spa perched on<br />
a hillside offers maximum<br />
wellbeing. anantara.com/<br />
en/quy-nhon<br />
A TEMPLE OF LEARNING<br />
If you happen to be in possession of a 100,000 Vietnamese<br />
dong bill, notice the Temple of Literature depicted on it. If you’re<br />
in Hanoi and a fan of ancient architecture, consider a visit to<br />
some of the best preserved architecture styles and home to the<br />
first national university of Vietnam.<br />
The Temple of Literature dates back eight centuries, evident<br />
in the wood and tiles composition; and standing tall on the<br />
grounds are hundred-year-old trees that have witnessed<br />
incredible history. The Temple of Literature is about 10 minutes<br />
from Hoan Kiem lake in the northern capital, constructed in<br />
1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty.<br />
The first to honour Confucius, it now archives and<br />
celebrates the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam.<br />
With its many courtyards with pagodas and ponds, all have their<br />
great significance and picture-perfect views. Come examine<br />
time, the altars become popular among students wishing for<br />
good grades. People use to rub the blue stone turtles present in<br />
one of the courtyards but in order to preserve them, students<br />
(and everyone else) these days are discouraged from doing so.<br />
Entrance fee is 10,000 VND, opens 8:30am to 11:30am,<br />
13:30pm to 16:30pm everyday except Mondays and national<br />
holidays. vanmieu.gov.vn<br />
134
HAPPENINGS<br />
MYANMAR<br />
YANGON<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
Brittle Sweet<br />
Memories<br />
Your trip is coming to an end but<br />
it’s not over until the gifts list<br />
gets completed. For travels to<br />
Myanmar, suitcases filled with<br />
local handicrafts and perhaps<br />
some gemstones make some<br />
nice memories. However, one of<br />
the more popular souvenir items<br />
for everyone should be peanut<br />
crisps and peanut butter brittle.<br />
Because peanuts are grown<br />
widely in many parts of this<br />
country, especially around<br />
Bagan and Mandalay, it’s the<br />
ideal present. Peanuts are found<br />
in many local dishes, either<br />
sprinkled on top of noodles,<br />
pounded into salads, served in<br />
a peanut soup or toasted and<br />
simmered with palm sugar to<br />
make peanut candy crunch and<br />
peanut brittle.<br />
With the many types and<br />
flavours to choose at the local<br />
markets, the more simple crispy<br />
confections come in several<br />
flavours. Choices include sesame<br />
and cashew nut or butter peanut candy crunch,<br />
which are slightly sweeter versions. You’ll also<br />
find Myanmar chocolate on the shelves to satisfy<br />
every sweet tooth, packed with fruits and nut<br />
combinations. A block of organic sweet jaggery, a<br />
sugar made from the sap of toddy palm trees, is a<br />
local dessert often eaten right after a heavy meal<br />
to help with digestion which offers a rich taste and<br />
makes an ideal gift.<br />
Traditional jaggery used to be serve in chunks<br />
but now the dessert has become a delicacy and<br />
updated as bite size and in a stylish package.<br />
These sweets and desserts are now part of the<br />
Burmese identity. Before leaving Myanmar,<br />
pop into any supermarket and look for a shelf<br />
with ‘The Pride of Myanmar’ sign, for the many<br />
delicacies to bring home.<br />
All Photos Thawat Tangtienchai<br />
THE BRUNCH SOCIETY<br />
It’s basically all day dining at the Brunch Society,<br />
of western favourites with Asian influences, and<br />
a well-stocked bar for drinks. Stylishly done,<br />
the restaurant is located in the happening spot<br />
of Sule Plaza, just a short walk to Shangri-La<br />
Hotel at one end and the Sule Pagoda at the<br />
other. What attracts the crowd is not just its<br />
sleek utilitarian interior and industrial look,<br />
it’s also the vibrancy of the dishes prepared<br />
by an experienced <strong>Thai</strong> chef who was trained in<br />
the United States. There is also a wide range of<br />
beverages for you to enjoy, from regular cocktails<br />
to decent coffee and tea. With its friendly and<br />
reasonable prices, it’s a nice place to hold a business<br />
lunch in Yangon or a great meal and quick bite for<br />
travellers. facebook.com/thebrunchsociety<br />
HIGH TEA AT THE STRAND<br />
Among one of the traditions left behind<br />
by the British continue in popularity in<br />
Myanmar – the afternoon tea. This longstanding<br />
tradition still can be enjoyed in<br />
many restaurants and hotels in Yangon,<br />
not to mention that it’s become quite<br />
a fashionably social event in Yangon.<br />
To experience the best afternoon tea<br />
tradition, indulge yourself in a cuppa at<br />
one of Myanmar’s finest, The Strand Hotel<br />
Yangon on the banks of the Yangon River.<br />
The historic Strand’s Victorian-styled<br />
architecture was built in 1901 by the<br />
ambitious Sarkies Brother and eventually<br />
became one of Asia’s most prestigious<br />
hotels. Now renovated and under new<br />
ownership, the elegant colonial building<br />
retains much of its original details with its<br />
high ceilings, classic rattan furniture, and<br />
modern touches while retaining service of<br />
the highest standard.<br />
Seat yourself in The Strand Café to<br />
embrace the colonial era atmosphere,<br />
then enjoy a full British ‘high tea’ with<br />
savoury treats and patisseries, and equally<br />
delightful cakes from local ingredients.<br />
The tea service features the requisite<br />
silver tea trays and china served by a<br />
professional team who are just as elegant<br />
in their Burmese longyi. Afternoon tea at<br />
The Strand Café is available daily from<br />
2-5pm, facebook.com/TheStrandYangon<br />
136
HAPPENINGS<br />
LAOS<br />
VIENTIANE<br />
MALDIVES / INDIA<br />
MALDIVES / MUMBAI<br />
A STAY THAT’S GOLDEN<br />
Located within walking distance to the 16th-century Pha That Luang, Vientiane’s mostrespected<br />
pagoda, sits a new boutique hotel, Le Thatluang D’or by D Varee. Inspired by both<br />
French colonial and traditional Lao architecture, the design elements set a new benchmark<br />
in hotels and its urban immersion into the Vientiane scene. Noted for their restored<br />
architectural structures and designs, the hotel offers 50 guestrooms ranging from a Deluxe<br />
to Presidential Suite. The Deluxe room, at 35 square metres, is ideal for couples or business<br />
travellers who prefer a lifestyle hotel in Vientiane. The 71-square-metre Premier Suite,<br />
on the other hand, offers plenty of space for guests to relax with a balcony overlooking a<br />
leafy neighbourhood. All rooms provide a strong sense of ultimate comfort with beds and<br />
luxurious details. Le Thatluang D’or by D Varee also provides a fine dining experience at<br />
Suankua Bistro, an open-air restaurant. Guests can find some down time at their swimming<br />
pool and fitness centre. That Luang Neua, Saysettha, Vientiane, +856 21 41 7958,<br />
+856 21 41 7959, dvaree.com<br />
ARTISAN-DRIVEN<br />
Do you need to squeeze in a few hours of shopping on your trip to<br />
Vientiane? A stop at Saoban means bagging some quality Lao crafts<br />
that vary from bamboo basketry to silk scarves, to forks and spoon<br />
recycled from bomb remnants.<br />
To promote sustainability, fair trade and traditional craft skills,<br />
Saoban’s products are created straight from Lao villages. Skillfully<br />
made by hand, all the goods employ traditional materials and<br />
techniques passed down from generations. Buying from Saoban<br />
supports employment and training for artisans, with profits from<br />
the sale of Saoban products staying in the village, thereby creating a<br />
stable, sustainable livelihood for rural families and communities. Laos<br />
is a country of diverse ethnic groups, with each of them highly adept<br />
in their own unique craft and artisanal skills. This rich<br />
diversity produces abundant styles and directly<br />
linking local craftspeople to alternative<br />
markets which helps preserve the<br />
centuries-old art silk cultivation and<br />
knowledge. 97/1 Chao Anou Road,<br />
Ban Watchan, Chanthabouly,<br />
Vientiane, +856 21 241 835<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
A Curated Joy<br />
The Maldives doesn’t lack in<br />
luxurious resorts and with<br />
the opening of Joali this<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>tember, luxury meets<br />
curated art and amenities<br />
to provide guests with what<br />
the property calls the “Joy<br />
of Living” experience.<br />
Individualised stories<br />
inspire the design of elegant<br />
rooms, marked by artisanal<br />
amenities, curated in-room<br />
libraries, and select objets<br />
d’art. Butler and valet<br />
services make the living<br />
easy, along with their<br />
stunning infinity pools at<br />
this luxurious retreat. Art<br />
and design is central to<br />
Joali’s aesthetic offering,<br />
evident in the creative<br />
design and layout of the<br />
architecture and their own<br />
art space, the Joali Art<br />
Studio & Gallery. Guests<br />
benefit from 73 beach and<br />
water villas and residences,<br />
restaurants with a global<br />
slant on fusion cuisine,<br />
an ESPA Spa, and fitness<br />
and sports activities.<br />
With sustainability a top<br />
priority, Joali organises<br />
jaunts to learn about coral<br />
degradation or visits to local<br />
communities. joali.com<br />
French expat Micka Perier,<br />
an experienced coffee<br />
roaster, recently introduced<br />
Le Trio, Vientiane’s first<br />
boutique coffee roastercum-coffee<br />
bar in the<br />
downtown area. Set inside a<br />
small yet stylish shop house,<br />
Le Trio impresses coffee<br />
aficionados with a a gleaming<br />
roasting machine that<br />
occupies most of the modest<br />
space. The beans are grown<br />
in Bolaven Plateau – a coffee<br />
grower’s utopia in Southern<br />
Laos – and Perier blends<br />
them for their different and<br />
unique characteristics. Open<br />
daily 8am-4pm, Setthathirath<br />
Road, Near Nam Phu Square,<br />
letriocoffee.com<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
The Finest<br />
Bolaven Roast<br />
MUMBAI IDOL<br />
<strong>Sep</strong>tember marks the beginning of the festive season in Mumbai, which carries<br />
on over the next couple of months. The 10-day long festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi<br />
and Navratri are the most awaited celebrations in the city, Here’s how and where<br />
to join in the festive fervour in Mumbai.<br />
Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebration of Lord Ganesh (Ganapati), arguably<br />
Mumbai’s favourite deity. It begins with the installation of a Ganesh idol both<br />
in private homes as well as in public pandals (a temporary structure erected<br />
for housing the idol). These range from small ones in an apartment complex to<br />
massive public pandals that are thronged with devotees from all over the city.<br />
DANCE BEATS<br />
The other major festival celebrated in Mumbai is Navratri. This festival honours<br />
the goddess Durga and her triumph over the demon Mahishasura. At night, it’s<br />
time for revelry – men and women wear colourful, traditional outfits and perform<br />
the garba and dandiya dance, a high-energy dance involving complex whirling,<br />
rhythmic clapping and elaborate steps while tapping together wooden batons.<br />
This year, Navratri begins on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 10. There are several places where<br />
you can watch and even participate in dandiya like Kora Kendra Ground<br />
(Haridas Nagar, Borivali), Goregaon Sports Club (Link Road, Malad), and<br />
Police Hockey Ground (Ghatkopar).<br />
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BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 142 / FLYERBONUS 148 / ROUTE MAP 150 / AIRCRAFT INFO 152<br />
141
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS WINS<br />
“WORLD’S BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE”<br />
AND “BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE IN<br />
ASIA” AT SKYTRAX WORLD AIRLINE<br />
AWARDS <strong>2018</strong><br />
Bangkok Airways recently won 2<br />
Skytrax Awards for “World’s Best<br />
Regional Airline” and “Best Regional<br />
Airline in Asia” at the prestigious<br />
Skytrax World Airline Awards <strong>2018</strong>.<br />
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth,<br />
Bangkok Airways’ President (4th<br />
from left) together with the airline<br />
management attended the award<br />
ceremony held at The Langham<br />
Hotel in London, England.<br />
Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />
said, “It is a very special year for<br />
Bangkok Airways as we celebrate<br />
our 50th anniversary. The airline<br />
has been awarded by Skytrax<br />
World Airline Awards <strong>2018</strong> as<br />
winners for ‘World’s Best Regional<br />
Airline’ for the fourth time and<br />
‘Best Regional Airline in Asia’ for<br />
the eighth time this year. The<br />
Skytrax World Airline Awards are<br />
well recognised and respected across<br />
the aviation industry worldwide.<br />
It is considered a global benchmark<br />
of airline excellence, based on<br />
votes by global passengers.”<br />
“We would like to thank all the<br />
voters for the continued support<br />
and confidence that you have for<br />
us. The awards offer a great deal<br />
of encouragement for everyone<br />
at Bangkok Airways to continue to<br />
deliver the best to our passengers.<br />
The management team and everyone<br />
at Bangkok Airways will continue<br />
our commitment to provide high<br />
quality service and safety to make<br />
every journey an exceptional one.<br />
At Bangkok Airways, we believe<br />
your happiness is our best reward,”<br />
Mr. Puttipong added.<br />
Bangkok Airways is a regional<br />
carrier providing full services with<br />
the highest standard to underline<br />
its commitment as “Asia’s Boutique<br />
Airline”. It is the one and only airline<br />
in <strong>Thai</strong>land that allows passengers<br />
in both economy and business<br />
classes to access the lounge. All<br />
meals served on board are well<br />
prepared and creatively made with<br />
best quality ingredients in food.<br />
Bangkok Airways was previously<br />
awarded “Best Regional Airline<br />
in Asia” by Skytrax World Airline<br />
Awards in 2004, 2005, 2008,<br />
2009, 2014, 2016, 2017 with the<br />
latest win in <strong>2018</strong>. The airline also<br />
received awards for “Southeast<br />
Asia’s Best Regional Airline” in<br />
2006 and 2007 and “World’s Best<br />
Regional Airline” in 2014, 2016,<br />
2017. This year, <strong>2018</strong>, marks the<br />
fourth time the airline receives<br />
the title from the prestigious<br />
Skytrax Awards.<br />
เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ได้รับรางวัลสายการบิน<br />
ภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมของโลกและรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยม<br />
แห่งเอเชีย จากการประกาศผลรางวัล สกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์<br />
อวอร์ด ประจำปี 2561 โดยมีนายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />
กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ (ที่ 4 จากซ้าย) และคณะผู้บริหารของ<br />
สายการบินฯ เข้ารับมอบรางวัล ณ โรงแรมเดอะแลงแฮม กรุงลอนดอน<br />
สหราชอาณาจักร<br />
นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กล่าวว่า “ปีนี้เป็นปีที่พิเศษ<br />
ของบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ในโอกาสที่บริษัทดำเนินธุรกิจมาครบรอบ<br />
50 ปี การได้รับประกาศจากทางสกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์<br />
อวอร์ด ให้เป็นสายการบินภูมิภาคที่ดีที่สุดในโลก เป็นครั้งที่ 4 และ<br />
สายการบินภูมิภาคที่ดีที่สุดในเอเชีย เป็นครั้งที่ 8 ถือเป็นเกียรติและ<br />
เป็นความภาคภูมิใจของพวกเรา รางวัลนี้ถือเป็นรางวัลอันทรงคุณค่า<br />
มากที่สุดรางวัลหนึ่งของอุตสาหกรรมการบินของโลก เพราะมาจาก<br />
ผลการโหวตของผู้โดยสารทั่วโลก”<br />
“ผมขอขอบคุณทุกแรงสนับสนุนและความเชื่อมั่นจากผู้โดยสาร<br />
ที่ร่วมโหวตให้กับบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ซึ่งถือเป็นกำลังใจให้กับผู้ปฎิบัติ<br />
งานที่จะส่งมอบการบริการที่ดีที่สุดให้กับผู้โดยสารต่อไป ผู้บริหาร<br />
และพนักงานของบางกอกแอร์เวย์สทุกคนจะยังคงมุ่งมั่นที่จะให้<br />
บริการแก่ผู้โดยสารให้ได้รับความสะดวกสบายและปลอดภัยตลอด<br />
การเดินทาง เพราะเราเชื่อว่าความสุขของผู้โดยสาร เปรียบเสมือน<br />
รางวัลอันมีค่าของพวกเรา” นายพุฒิพงศ์ กล่าวเสริม<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเป็นสายการบินระดับภูมิภาคที่ให้บริการ<br />
เต็มรูปแบบ (Full Service) ภายใต้สโลแกน “Asia’s Boutique<br />
Airline” หรือ “ความประทับใจแห่งเอเชีย” มีการให้บริการอันเป็น<br />
เอกลักษณ์เพื่อทำให้การเดินทางของผู้โดยสารทุกคนเป็นความรู้สึก<br />
พิเศษ อาทิ บริการห้องรับรองผู้โดยสารที่ให้บริการผู้โดยสารทั้ง<br />
ชั้นธรรมดาและชั้นธุรกิจ บริการเสิร์ฟอาหารทุกเที่ยวบิน โดยเมนู<br />
อาหารมีการสร้างสรรค์และได้รับการพัฒนาอยู่ตลอดเวลาเพื่อให้<br />
เป็นที่ชื่นชอบของผู้โดยสาร<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้รับรางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาค<br />
ยอดเยี่ยมแห่งเอเชียจากสกายแทร็กซ์ เวิลด์ แอร์ไลน์ อวอร์ด มาตั้งแต่<br />
ปี 2547 ปี 2548 ปี 2551 ปี 2552 ปี 2557 ปี 2559 ปี 2560 และ<br />
ล่าสุดปี 2561 รวมทั้งได้รางวัลสายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมแห่ง<br />
เอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ ในปี 2549 และ ปี 2550 และได้รับรางวัล<br />
สายการบินภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมของโลกครั้งแรกในปี 2557 ครั้งที่สอง<br />
ในปี 2559 ครั้งที่สามในปี 2560 และล่าสุดปี 2561 ซึ่งถือเป็นครั้งที่<br />
สี่ที่สายการบินฯ สามารถคว้ารางวัลอันทรงเกียรตินี้มาครอง<br />
The boutique carrier, Bangkok Airways,<br />
led by Mrs. Chanthip Thongkanya,<br />
Vice President – Office of the President,<br />
together with Le Cordon Bleu Dusit<br />
Culinary School by Ms. Suchada<br />
Sthapitanonda – Executive Director,<br />
organised an exclusive pastry workshop<br />
to celebrate Bangkok Airways’ 50th<br />
anniversary. This special workshop was<br />
held at the Carème Kitchen of Le Cordon<br />
Bleu Dusit Culinary School, Bangkok.<br />
Special guests attending the event<br />
included popularly-known actress and<br />
model Khemmanit “Pancake” Jamikorn.<br />
The class was taught by the the<br />
instructor and Head of Patisserie, chef<br />
Marc Champire. All guests learned the<br />
basics in pastry making, as well as the<br />
intricacies of creating the French entremet<br />
of Cherry Pistachio. Everyone enjoyed the<br />
hands-on experience in the creation and<br />
assembly of this sweet French delicacy.<br />
Immensely impressed with the class and<br />
the pleasing results in creating their own<br />
handmade entremet, all the participants<br />
eagerly took the pastries home as a gift<br />
for their loved ones.<br />
BANGKOK<br />
AIRWAYS CHOSES<br />
LUCKY WINNERS<br />
OF CUSTOMER<br />
SATISFACTION<br />
SURVEY<br />
Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited led by Mrs. Darunee Debavalya,<br />
Senior Director – Customer Satisfaction<br />
and Relationship Management (2nd<br />
from left), together with Mrs. Waewta<br />
Chaiyapol, Director – Customer Relations<br />
and Experience Management (3rd from<br />
left) had the pleasure of selecting 10<br />
lucky winners as part of the Bangkok<br />
Airways Public Company Limited<br />
Customer Satisfaction Survey in July<br />
<strong>2018</strong>. The ceremony was held at the<br />
Bangkok Airways Ticketing Office on<br />
Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND LE CORDON BLEU<br />
DUSIT CULINARY SCHOOL HOLD AN<br />
EXCLUSIVE PASTRY WORKSHOP CELEBRATING<br />
THE AIRLINE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนางจันทร์ทิพย์<br />
ทองกันยา รองผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ สำนักผู้อำนวย<br />
การใหญ่ ร่วมกับ โรงเรียนสอนการประกอบอาหาร<br />
เลอ กอร์ดอง เบลอ ดุสิต โดย นางสาว สุชาดา<br />
สถาปิตานนท์ ผู้อำนวยการโรงเรียนฯ จัดกิจกรรม<br />
เวิร์กช็อปทําขนมเค้กสไตล์ฝรั่งเศสสุดเอ็กซ์คลูซีฟ<br />
เพื่อเฉลิมฉลองเนื่องในโอกาสครบรอบ 50 ปีของ<br />
สายการบินฯ โดยมี แพนเค้ก-เขมนิจ จามิกรณ์<br />
นางแบบ/นักแสดง เข้าร่วมกิจกรรม ณ โรงเรียน<br />
สอนการประกอบอาหาร เลอ กอร์ดอง เบลอ<br />
ดุสิต กรุงเทพฯ<br />
บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดย คุณดรุณี<br />
เทพวัลย์ ผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสส่วนบริหารความ<br />
พึงพอใจและความสัมพันธ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย) และ<br />
คุณแววตา ชัยพล ผู้อำนวยการแผนกบริหารลูกค้า<br />
เวิร์กช็อปดังกล่าวได้รับเกียรติจาก เชฟมาร์ค<br />
ชอมปิเร่ หัวหน้าเชฟประจำหลักสูตรการประกอบ<br />
ขนมอบของโรงเรียนสอนการประกอบอาหาร เลอ<br />
กอร์ดอง เบลอ ดุสิต เป็นเชฟผู้สอน โดยผู้เข้าร่วม<br />
เวิร์กช็อปทุกท่านได้เรียนรู้วิธีการทำเค้กฝรั่งเศส<br />
“Entremet Cherry Pistachio” พร้อมการลงมือ<br />
ปฏิบัติในทุกขั้นตอนและเพลิดเพลินไปกับการ<br />
สร้างสรรรค์ผลงานการตกแต่งหน้าเค้กด้วย<br />
ตนเอง ซึ่งผู้เข้าร่วมกิจกรรมทุกท่านได้รับ<br />
ความรู้ ความสนุกสนาน และ<br />
ความประทับใจทั้ง<br />
จากการสอน<br />
ของเชฟมาร์ค<br />
ทีมงานของโรง<br />
เรียนฯ และ<br />
ผลงานเค้ก<br />
สวยๆ จาก<br />
ฝีมือตัวเองที่<br />
นำกลับไปอวด<br />
ครอบครัวอีกด้วย<br />
สัมพันธ์และประสบการณ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 3 จากซ้าย) เป็น<br />
ประธานจับรางวัลผู้โชคดี 10 ท่าน จากการสำรวจ<br />
ความพึงพอใจของผู้โดยสาร ครั้งที่ 1 ประจำปี<br />
พ.ศ. 2561 ณ สำนักงานออกบัตรโดยสาร<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ถนนวิภาวดีรังสิต<br />
142<br />
143
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS PREMIUM SERVICES AT A VALUE PRICE<br />
From now on, Bangkok Airways<br />
Economy Class passengers can<br />
enjoy upgrade services that include<br />
lounge privileges and seat upgrades.<br />
For your highest level of<br />
convenience, our airline now offers<br />
new services to benefit travellers.<br />
All Economy Class passengers can<br />
upgrade their seat to Business<br />
Class or Premium Economy Class<br />
seats with all the privileges equal<br />
to Business Class passengers,<br />
such as use of the Premium Lane,<br />
additional 10kg luggage with priority<br />
tags, an inflight meal, amenity kit<br />
and a chance to use the Business<br />
Class Blue Ribbon Club Lounge.<br />
All you have to do is contact our<br />
staff at the Airport Ticketing Office,<br />
Check-in Counter or Boutique and<br />
Blue Ribbon Club Lounges for an<br />
upgrade payment on the chosen<br />
travel date.<br />
Moreover, Economy Class<br />
passengers can also have access<br />
to the Blue Ribbon Club (BRC)<br />
Lounge at 950 Baht per person,<br />
with the service available at the<br />
following domestic and international<br />
airports including Suvarnabhumi,<br />
Samui, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai,<br />
and Luang Prabang. The premium<br />
services at the BRC Lounge include<br />
a hot meal, snacks & cakes, soft<br />
drinks & beverages, computer use,<br />
free Wifi, a private shower room,<br />
massage chair, television, newspapers<br />
and magazines.<br />
For more information on lounge<br />
and seat upgrades, terms and<br />
conditions apply, contact the<br />
Bangkok Airways Call Centre at 1771.<br />
ตั้งแต่วันนี้ ผู้โดยสารชั้นประหยัดของสายการบินบางกอก<br />
แอร์เวย์สสามารถอัพเกรดการใช้บริการห้องรับรองและ<br />
ที่นั่งเป็นชั้นโดยสารธุรกิจได้แล้วด้วยราคาสุดคุ้ม<br />
เพื่อความสะดวกสบายสูงสุดของผู้โดยสาร สายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเปิดให้บริการสุดพิเศษเพื่อให้ผู้โดยสาร<br />
ชั้นประหยัดอัพเกรดตั๋วเครื่องบินจากชั้นประหยัดเป็นชั้น<br />
ธุรกิจหรือชั้นพรีเมียม โดยผู้โดยสารจะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์<br />
เช่นเดียวกันกับผู้โดยสารชั้นธุรกิจทุกประการ อาทิ<br />
พรีเมียมเลนเพื่อผ่านพิธีตรวจคนเข้าเมืองได้อย่าง<br />
รวดเร็ว น้ำหนักกระเป๋าเพิ่มขึ้น 10 ก.ก. โดยไม่ต้องรอ<br />
กระเป๋านาน อาหารชั้นเลิศ ชุดเครื่องใช้จำเป็น และสิทธิใน<br />
การใช้ห้องพักรับรอง Blue Ribbon Club สำหรับชั้น<br />
ธุรกิจ โดยสามารถติดต่อซื้อบริการอัพเกรดได้ ณ วันที่<br />
ผู้โดยสารเดินทางเท่านั้น ที่ Airport Ticketing Office<br />
เคาน์เตอร์เช็คอิน เคาน์เตอร์บริการหน้าห้องรับรอง<br />
Boutique และ Blue Ribbon Club (BRC) หรือหากใน<br />
สถานีต่างประเทศที่ไม่มี Airport Ticket Office สามารถ<br />
ซื้อได้จาก City Ticket Office<br />
นอกจากนี้ ผู้โดยสารชั้นประหยัดของสายการบิน<br />
บางกอกแอร์เวย์สยังสามารถติดต่อหน้าห้องรับรองเพื่อ<br />
ใช้บริการใน Blue Ribbon Club ด้วยราคาเพียง 950 บาท<br />
ต่อท่าน เปิดให้บริการที่สนามบินในประเทศและสนามบิน<br />
นานาชาติ ได้แก่ สนามบินสุวรรณภูมิ สมุย เชียงใหม่<br />
เชียงราย และหลวงพระบาง ซึ่งให้บริการอาหารปรุงร้อน<br />
ขนม และเครื่องดื่มต่างๆ เครื่องคอมพิวเตอร์ สัญญาณ<br />
wifi โทรทัศน์ ห้องอาบน้ำส่วนตัว เก้าอี้นวด หนังสือพิมพ์<br />
และนิตยสารเทียบเท่าชั้นธุรกิจ<br />
สอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับบริการอัพเกรด<br />
การใช้บริการห้องรับรองและที่นั่งเป็นชั้นโดยสารธุรกิจ<br />
ได้ที่ Bangkok Airways Call Centre #1771<br />
(เงื่อนไขเป็นไปตามที ่บริษัทฯ กำหนด)<br />
ENJOY A SPECIAL DISCOUNT AND 50 FLYERBONUS POINTS<br />
WHEN SPENDING 500 BAHT FOR HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH<br />
BOOKING.COM/BANGKOKAIR<br />
Bangkok Airways and Booking.com, one of<br />
the world’s largest travel reservations<br />
websites, are delighted to offer all<br />
FlyerBonus members and Bangkok Airways<br />
passengers the privilege of up to a 25%<br />
discount when booking hotel rooms for<br />
a better rate than booking directly<br />
with Booking.com. Use Booking.com to<br />
enjoy <strong>Thai</strong>land’s popular destinations<br />
like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui,<br />
Phuket and Pattaya. Make your reservations<br />
from now until 31 <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2018</strong> for<br />
stays until 31 December <strong>2018</strong> and also<br />
earn points for the same time period.<br />
Moreover, FlyerBonus members will<br />
receive 50 FlyerBonus points with every<br />
500 baht spent on each hotel booking<br />
through Booking.com/bangkokair by giving<br />
the membership number when reserving<br />
hotel rooms. This special privilege is<br />
offered only for hotel reservations via<br />
www.bangkokair.com or www.booking.com/<br />
bangkokair. Get more FlyerBonus points<br />
and book now until 31 <strong>Oct</strong>ober <strong>2018</strong><br />
and enjoy an amazing rate for hotel stays<br />
until 31 December <strong>2018</strong>. Find out more<br />
at flyerbonus.bangkokair.com.<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส และ Booking.com<br />
หนึ่งในเว็บไซด์การจองห้องพักที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก<br />
มีความยินดีมอบสิทธิพิเศษให้กับสำหรับสมาชิก<br />
ฟลายเออร์โบนัสและผู้โดยสารบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />
ด้วยข้อเสนอส่วนลดราคาห้องพักพิเศษกว่า<br />
การจองโดยตรงกับเว็บไซด์ Booking.com ซึ่ง<br />
ลดสูงสุด 25% สำหรับการจองห้องพักในจังหวัด<br />
ท่องเที่ยวยอดนิยมภายในประเทศ เช่น กรุงเทพฯ<br />
เชียงใหม่ สมุย ภูเก็ต รวมถึงพัทยา ระหว่างวันที่<br />
1 กรกฎาคม - 31 ตุลาคม 2561 (เข้าพักตั้งแต่<br />
1 กรกฎาคม - 31 ธันวาคม 2561)<br />
พิเศษไปกว่านั้นสมาชิกฟลายเออร์โบนัสยังจะ<br />
ได้รับคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 50 คะแนนใน<br />
ทุกการใช้จ่าย 500 บาทต่อหนึ่งยอดการสำรอง<br />
ห้องพักกับ Booking.com เพียงระบุหมายเลข<br />
สมาชิกในขณะทำการสำรองห้องพักกับเรา<br />
สิทธิพิเศษนี้เฉพาะการสำรองห้องพักในเว็บไซต์<br />
www.bangkokair.com หรือ www.booking.com/<br />
bangkokair ผ่านช่องทางนี้เท่านั้น สำรองห้องพัก<br />
พร้อมรับคะแนนได้ตั้งแต่วันนี้ถึง 31 ตุลาคม 2561<br />
และสามารถเข้าพักได้ถึง 31 ธันวาคม 2561 นี้<br />
สามารถอ่านรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่<br />
flyerbonus.bangkokair.com<br />
144 145
BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND TCEB WELCOME CLMV MARKETS<br />
SHOWCASING CHIANG MAI AS EVENTS DESTINATION<br />
Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />
Limited, led by Mr. Komkrit<br />
Ngamwongwirot — Regional Sales<br />
Director, recently joined hands with<br />
the <strong>Thai</strong>land Convention and<br />
Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) as<br />
represented by Mrs. Nichapa<br />
Yoswee, Senior Vice President —<br />
Business in organising a familiarisation<br />
trip to Chiang Mai for 30 travel<br />
agents and press members from<br />
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar<br />
and Vietnam (CLMV). To sweeten<br />
the incentive for CLMV business<br />
travellers to choose Chiang Mai<br />
and <strong>Thai</strong>land for their meetings and<br />
incentive travels, both organisations<br />
offered the joint promotion campaign<br />
“Fly and Meet Double Bonus.”<br />
The familiarisation trip took<br />
place in Chiang Mai during August<br />
1 to 4, <strong>2018</strong> under the theme<br />
“Chiang Mai: Yesterday, Today,<br />
and Tomorrow”. The presentation<br />
depicted the city’s journey through<br />
the passage of time. Chiang Mai’s<br />
seven hundred years of history is<br />
steeped in a heritage of unique<br />
arts and craftsmanship that’s been<br />
passed down and further nurtured<br />
by the current generation. Now the<br />
city is becoming a business events<br />
destination with a strong potential<br />
to host meeting functions. By looking<br />
to the future, Chiang Mai aims<br />
to secure its status as a leading<br />
destination for business events in<br />
northern <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />
During the trip, the participants<br />
from the four countries had the<br />
chance to visit both modern and<br />
specialised venues for events in<br />
Chiang Mai, while noting the city’s<br />
history and heritage. They also<br />
engaged in creative and enriching<br />
activities that could potentially<br />
benefit business travellers, including<br />
meeting and discussing goals with<br />
leading <strong>Thai</strong> business events<br />
suppliers in Chiang Mai.<br />
Bangkok Airways is proud<br />
to be a part of “Fly and Meet<br />
Double Bonus,” and holds a strong<br />
presence in CLMV connecting<br />
<strong>Thai</strong>land with Cambodia, Lao<br />
PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.<br />
With an extensive flight network,<br />
the joint and exclusive offer<br />
with TCEB and their support<br />
with the “Fly and Meet Double<br />
Bonus”, Bangkok Airways looks<br />
forward to welcoming frequently<br />
business travellers from <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />
neighbouring countries.<br />
Bangkok Airways’ CLMV<br />
destinations at the present include<br />
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Vientiane,<br />
Luang Prabang, Mandalay, Nay Pyi<br />
Taw, Yangon, Phu Quoc, Danang,<br />
and Hanoi; direct flights are available<br />
from Chiang Mai to Mandalay,<br />
Yangon, and Hanoi.<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดย คุณคมกริช งามวงศ์วิโรจน์<br />
ผู้อำนวยการส่วนขายภูมิภาค ร่วมกับ สำนักงานส่งเสริม<br />
การจัดประชุมและนิทรรศการ (ทีเส็บ) โดยคุณนิชาภา ยศวีร์<br />
รองผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสสายงานธุรกิจ จัดทริปแนะนำเชียงใหม่<br />
ผ่านบริษัทตัวแทนขาย (Agent) และสื่อมวลชน จำนวน 30 ราย<br />
จากกัมพูชา ลาว พม่าและเวียดนาม (CLMV) ระหว่างวันที่ 1-4<br />
สิงหาคม 2561 ที่ผ่านมา พร้อมนำเสนอแคมเปญ Fly and Meet<br />
Double Bonus ที่ทั้งสองหน่วยงานพัฒนาร่วมกันและเปิดตัวไป<br />
แล้วก่อนหน้านี้ เพื่อดึงดูดนักเดินทางธุรกิจจากกลุ่มประเทศ<br />
CLMV ให้เดินทางมาจัดงานประชุมองค์กรและท่องเที่ยวเพื่อเป็น<br />
รางวัล ในจังหวัดเชียงใหม่<br />
การจัดทริปในครั้งนี้ มีขึ้นภายใต้แนวคิด “Chiang Mai:<br />
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” ถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวของ<br />
เชียงใหม่ผ่านกาลเวลา เชียงใหม่มีอดีตอันรุ่งเรืองและมรดกทางศิลปะ<br />
และวัฒนธรรมอันมีคุณค่ามากกว่า 700 ปี และได้รับการสืบสานมา<br />
จนถึงในปัจจุบัน จนกลายเป็นเมืองที่มีศักยภาพในการรองรับการ<br />
จัดงานประชุมระดับชาติต่างๆ ที่มีเอกลักษณ์เป็นของตนเอง และจะ<br />
ก้าวต่อไปเป็นเมืองชั้นนำสำหรับจัดงาน MICE ของภาคเหนือ<br />
ผู้เข้าร่วมงานจากทั้ง 4 ประเทศได้มีโอกาสสัมผัสประสบการณ์<br />
ตรงผ่านกิจกรรมเชิงสร้างสรรค์ต่างๆ และได้เยี่ยมชมสถานที่จัดงาน<br />
จริงที่มีความทันสมัย เป็นเอกลักษณ์ และมรดกทางประวัติศาสตร์<br />
รวมถึงแหล่งท่องเที่ยวต่างๆ ที่น่าสนใจสำหรับกลุ่มนักเดินทางธุรกิจ<br />
ที่มาเยือนเชียงใหม่ โดยบริษัทตัวแทนขายยังได้ร่วมการเจรจาธุรกิจ<br />
กับบรรดาผู้ประกอบการในอุตสาหกรรมไมซ์ชั้นน ำของเชียงใหม่อีกด้วย<br />
สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สมีความภูมิใจที่ได้มีส่วนร่วมกับ<br />
แคมเปญ Fly and Meet Double Bonus เพื่อตอบสนองนโยบาย<br />
รัฐบาลในการกระตุ้นอุตสาหกรรมไมซ์สำหรับประเทศไทยในตลาด<br />
CLMV และด้วยเส้นทางบินที่ครอบคลุมเมืองหลักต่างๆ ในประเทศ<br />
กัมพูชา ลาว พม่าและเวียดนาม รวมถึงการสนับสนุนจากทีเส็บผ่าน<br />
แคมเปญดังกล่าวนั้น ทำให้มั่นใจได้ว่าประเทศไทยจะเป็นจุดหมาย<br />
ปลายทางที่น่าสนใจของนักเดินทางธุรกิจจากกลุ่มประเทศ CLMV<br />
ปัจจุบันบางกอกแอร์เวย์สมีเส้นทางบินครอบคลุมกลุ่มประเทศ<br />
CLMV เช่น จากกรุงเทพฯ ไปยังพนมเปญ เสียมราฐ เวียงจันทน์<br />
หลวงพระบาง ย่างกุ้ง มัณฑะเลย์ เนปิดอว์ ดานัง เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก (เวียดนาม)<br />
และมีเส้นทางบินตรงจากเชียงใหม่สู่ย่างกุ้ง มัณฑะเลย์และฮานอย<br />
146
FLYERBONUS<br />
SCB CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BENEFIT WITH FLYERBONUS<br />
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME PARTNERSHIP<br />
Mr. Jirapon Hirunrat – Bangkok Airways’ Vice President for Network and Fleet Management (2nd from left), Ms. Kanpiorn Suwan – Siam Commercial Bank’s<br />
FSVP for Credit Card Usage & Partnership Management ( 3rd from left).<br />
SCB Credit Cardholders can now enjoy boutique services and<br />
awards from point redemption within the Bangkok Airway’s Flyer<br />
Bonus Frequent Flyer Programme. Discover arrays of awards to<br />
redeem from such as, Bangkok Airways and partner airlines flight<br />
awards, hotel vouchers, car rental, Bangkok Airway’s lounge access<br />
and lifestyle awards.<br />
For SCB Private Banking, SCB First and SCB My Travel Credit<br />
Cardholders, receive a transfer rate of 2,000 SCB Rewards Points<br />
for 1,000 FlyerBonus Points. Plus, for other SCB Credit Cardholders,<br />
a transfer rate of 3,000 SCB Rewards Points would equal 1,000<br />
FlyerBonus Points.<br />
The partnership between FlyerBonus and Siam Commercial Bank<br />
is to assist in providing SCB Credit Cardholders with passion for travelling,<br />
exclusive and hand-picked privileges. Nonetheless, also providing a<br />
more seamless way to travel with Bangkok Airways, which will then<br />
double the value of transactions through SCB Credit Cards.<br />
Convert SCB Rewards points now through SCB Easy App or<br />
contact SCB Credit Card Customer Services at 02 777 7777.<br />
สมาชิกผู้ถือบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์สามารถบินสไตล์บูทีคและ<br />
แลกรับของรางวัลบัตรโดยสารสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สและ<br />
สายการบินพันธมิตรที่ร่วมรายการ บัตรกำนัลที่พักโรงแรมชั้นนำ<br />
บริการรถเช่า การเข้าใช้บริการห้องรับรองพิเศษบลู ริบบอนคลับ<br />
และแลกรางวัลไลฟ์สไตล์ต่างๆ ผ่านรายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์<br />
โบนัสได้แล้ววันนี้<br />
ทั้งนี้อัตราแลกคะแนนสำหรับสมาชิกบัตรเครดิต SCB Private<br />
Banking, SCB First และ SCB My Travel เริ่มต้นที่ 2,000 คะแนน<br />
SCB Rewards เพื่อแลกคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 1,000 คะแนน<br />
สำหรับบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ประเภทอื่นๆ ทุกๆ 3,000 คะแนน SCB<br />
Rewards สามารถแลกคะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 1,000 คะแนน<br />
ความร่วมมือด้านรายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัสกับบัตร<br />
เครดิตไทยพาณิชย์นั้น เป็นความตั้งใจตอบแทนลูกค้าผู้ถือบัตรฯ ที่มี<br />
ไลฟ์สไตล์รักการเดินทาง ให้ใช้จ่ายผ่านบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ได้คุ้มค่า<br />
มากกว่าเดิม โดยสามารถนำคะแนน SCB Rewards ไปใช้สำหรับ<br />
การเดินทางกับบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้สะดวกยิ่งขึ ้น<br />
ช่องทางการโอนคะแนนผ่าน SCB Easy Application หรือ<br />
ศูนย์บริการลูกค้าบัตรเครดิตไทยพาณิชย์ 02 777 7777<br />
148
150 151
AIRCRAFT INFO<br />
AIRBUS A319<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 15<br />
LENGTH : 33.84 m<br />
WINGSPAN : 34.1 m<br />
HEIGHT : 12.17 m<br />
ENGINE : IAE V2500<br />
CRUISING SPEED :<br />
920 km/h<br />
MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
39,800 ft<br />
PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
12 seats & 108 seats / 144 seats / 138 seats<br />
BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT<br />
TAKE ME<br />
HOME<br />
READ<br />
<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> is the inflight magazine<br />
of Bangkok Airways. It is YOUR<br />
MAGAZINE. It is distributed with our<br />
compliments on all Bangkok Airways<br />
flights. We hope you enjoy it .<br />
TOO MUCH BAGGAGE?<br />
ONLINE!<br />
AIRBUS A320<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 9<br />
LENGTH : 37.57 m<br />
WINGSPAN : 34.1 m<br />
HEIGHT : 12.17 m<br />
ENGINE : IAE V2500<br />
CRUISING SPEED :<br />
870 km/h<br />
MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
39,800 ft<br />
PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
162 seats<br />
•••••<br />
We also come in a digital format. You can read us at:<br />
FAHTHAIMAG.COM<br />
And feel free to send us your feedback.<br />
Your voice is our inspiration!<br />
ATR 72-500<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 5<br />
LENGTH : 27.17 m<br />
WINGSPAN : 27.06 m<br />
HEIGHT : 7.65 m<br />
ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />
Pratt & Whitney<br />
Canada PW127F<br />
CRUISING SPEED :<br />
509 km/h<br />
MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
25,000 ft<br />
PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
70 seats<br />
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ATR 72-600<br />
NUMBER OF FLEET : 9<br />
LENGTH : 27.166 m<br />
WINGSPAN : 27.050 m<br />
HEIGHT : 7.72 m<br />
ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />
Pratt & Whitney<br />
Canada PW127M<br />
CRUISING SPEED :<br />
509 km/h<br />
MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />
25,000 ft<br />
PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />
70 seats<br />
OUR SCHEDULE FLIGHTS AND FREQUENCY<br />
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS<br />
Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai :<br />
Numerous flights every day from a variety of destinations<br />
Chiang Mai : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Hat Yai :<br />
1 flight per day from Phuket<br />
Koh Chang/Trat : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Krabi : 3 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Lampang : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Mae Hong Son : 1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />
1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Sukhothai : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS<br />
Chengdu : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />
Chongqing : 3 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />
Da Nang : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Guangzhou : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />
Hanoi :<br />
1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
Hong Kong : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />
Kuala Lumpur : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />
Luang Prabang : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Malé :<br />
1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Mandalay : 11 flights per week from Bangkok ;<br />
4 flights per week from Chiang Mai<br />
Mumbai : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />
Nay Pyi Taw : 6 flights per week from Bangkok<br />
Phnom Penh : 6 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Phu Quoc : 5 flights per week from Bangkok<br />
Siem Reap : 5 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Singapore : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />
Vientiane : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />
Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />
1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />
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CHECKING OUT<br />
Luang Prabang Beckons<br />
Low-key Luang Prabang<br />
with its old world culture,<br />
colourful markets and<br />
graceful temples continue to<br />
nurture the traveller’s soul.<br />
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