let`s dance - The Faculty of communication art

Winter 2013
LET’S DANCE
Ballet To Hip Hop
plus
ELLIE FASHION WEEK
THONGLOR BY NIGHT
VALUABLY VINTAGE
BEST BRUNCHES
DUANG PRATEEP
NET ADDICTION
W BANGKOK
MUAY THAI
BAG MAN
RE+PAIR
Exclusive Interview
Minette Mangahas
THE ART OF ENLIGHTENMENT
contents
11
1
Lifestyle
AMAZING SOUNDS by pitchaya patamasingh
2
URBAN SANTUARY
by pitchaya patamasingh
3
HEAD’S UP by chompoopanthip
suntor achai
4
BACK TO THE FUTURE by jasmin schoni
5
CALL ANY VEGETABLE by camaron lohsomboon
7
THE PRICE OF
CONNECTION by k anin srimaneekulroj
9
W BANGKOK by keirin baker
11
MOVE YOUR HIPS by jit tamas kup ta jit
12
GET INSPIRED by thantakorn sripitak
13
TAKE HOME CHEF by siriruk saengchanchai
Dine & Wine
23
18
15
TRIBECCA KITCHEN by pimchanok wongondee
16
SWEET TOOTH by pimchanok wongondee
17
LET’S BRUNCH Yavir a j
by sirin
18
SKYHIGH by keirin baker
19
RUN THE NIGHT &
by nichapa pusiritanachote
purikorn dentham
Fashion
22
FASHIONABLY FRESH by fitri maharani
23
SPRING FEVER by
fitri maharani
volume 03 / issue 01 winter 2013
25
26
ABOUT FACE STREET FASHION suntor achai
51
chotithamwattana
suntor achai
53
55
MEN IN WOLF’S CLOTHING 56
BAG IT 57
by pichcha viraporn
33
FABULOUS FABRICS GALLERY GETAWAYS TRASH TO TREASURE by veer anuch vir atmalee
by onsiri sukhumcharoenchit
31
STEP UP by jit tamas kup ta jit
59
by archan leelasmanchai
A BRIDGE TO NIRVANA by sanha jutha jul anont
Wellness
sports
35
THE PRICE OF BEAUTY 61
BOXING DAY by purnama pawa
37
INNER POISE by veeranuch viratmalee
62
by sarinporn chul anont
39
BEING NATURAL by guntr a satawiriya
40
SOME LIKE IT HOT by sahha jutha jul anont
Giving
41
KID POWER by ranuka rajendram 42
THE READER by war anya saelue
43
45
THE ART OF
ENLIGHTENMENT by dang duong phuong truc
PERPETUAL MOTION by war anya saelue
47
arts
OLDIES BUT GOODIES by natnaree
taepaisitphongse 37
by sirin yavir a j chotithamwattana
29
STEPPING BACK IN TIME by archan leel asmanchai
GO RETRO by patraphan
THE REEL REAL by chompoopanthip
MIX & MATCH by patraphan
28
WISHFULFILLMENT by chompoopanthip
by satida pinsinchai
27
49
by jittamas kuptajit
GAME ON by waroot wangwarunyoo
63
STREET FIGHTING MAN by phat chaisongkram
9
11
34
managing editors
DESIGNERS
Lifestyle Editor
Arts Editor
Dine & Wine Editors
Giving back Editor
Fashion Editor
Wellness Editors
Sports eDITOR
Phuong Truc Dang Duong, Jasmin Sonja Schoeni
Pichcha Viraporn, Satida Pinsincha
Pitchaya Patamasingha
Thantakorn Sripitak
Nichapa Pusiritanachote, Purikorn Dentham
Ranuka Rajendram
Patraphan Chotithamwattana
Sarinporn Chulanont, Siriruk Saengchanchai
Phat Chaisongkram
writers
Archan Leelasmanchai,Chompoopanthip Soontorachai, Fitri Maharani
Guntra Satawiriya, Jittamas Kuptajit, Keirin Baker
Kanin Srimaneekulroj, Natnaree Taepaisitphongse
Onsiri Sukhumcharoenchit, Pimchanok Wongondee, Sanhajutha Julanont
Sirin Yaviraj, Veeranuch Viratmalee, Waranya Saelue, Waroot Wangwarunyoo
Cameron Lohsomboon, Purnama Pawa
aDVISOR
Paul Ehrlich
This edition is published by permission of
The Faculty of communication arts
of chulalongkorn university
6th floor Mongkutsamatiwong Building Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University
Phayathai Road, Bangkok 10330 Thailand inter.commarts.chula.ac.th/contact-us.
Editor’s letter
Design of Distinction
WELCOME TO THE LATEST issue of Chase. This is a very
special issue, showcasing a brand new design that will set
the standard for many issues to come. What has not changed
is our dedication to bringing our esteemed readers the good
life: whether its wellness tips, the hottest fashion, fine dining,
interesting interviews, or where to go and what to do. We also
take pride in honoring those who go the extra mile to benefit
and inspire others.
In this issue, take a walk on the fun side with our guide
to the fast-growing, exciting area of Thong Lor. We also take
dining to new heights at some of bars and restaurants with
sky-high views, and then dig into some delicious buffets.
If you’re looking for a holiday break, check into one of
Bangkok’s hippest hotels. Then, to help keep the body in
shape, we have advice on how to detox the right way, and
then how to stay fit and flexible with unique yoga methods
and the best of boxing.
We also have a look at next year’s sartorial offerings
across four fashion capitals and then circle back to Thailand’s
fashionista scene where we catch up with top local designers,
a make-up artist and the sole founder of someone who has a
brand new bag. There are also stories about where to get hip
haircuts, learn the latest dance craze, find vintage valuables
and to cook like a chef.
In our Giving section, Chase turns the spotlight on people
and agencies working selflessly to help others for a good
cause, like the Duang Prateep Foundation’s fight for the rights
of the poor, and where blind people get the attention they
deserve.
Finally, we want to thank everyone in this our class who
was involved in producing this exciting issue—the editors,
designers, production team, proofreaders; all who worked
pulled together as a terrific, talented team. And to our teacher,
Paul Ehrlich, who gave us guidance and support.
Jasmin Sonja Schoeni & Phuong Truc Dang
Dang Duong Phuong Truc and Jasmin Schöni | EDITORS |
contributors
Pichcha Viraporn
Designer
Satida Pinsinchai
Designer
Pitchaya
Patamasingh
LIfestyle Editor
Nichapa
Pusiritanachote
Dine & Wine Editor
Purikorn Dentham
Sarinporn
Chulanont
Siriruk
Saengchanchai
Ranuka Rajendram
Giving Back Editor
Dine & Wine Editor
Wellness Editor
Thantakorn
Sripitak
Art Editor
Pattraphan
Chotithamwattana
Fashion Editor
Wellness Editor
Phat Chaisongkram
Sports Editor
Archan
Leelasmanchai
Writer
Chompoopanthip
Soontorachai
Friti Maharani
Guntra Satawiriya
Jittamas Kuptajit
Writer
Writer
Writer
Kanin
Srimaneekulroj
Natnaree
Taepaisitphongse
Onsiri
Sukhumcharoenchit
Sanhajutha
Julanont
Writer
Writer
Keirin Baker
Writer
Writer
Pimchanok
Wongondee
Writer
Waranya Saelue
Writer
Writer
Waroot
Wangwarunyoo
Writer
Writer
Sirin Yaviraj
Writer
Veeranuch
Viratmalee
Writer
lifestyle
Amazing Sounds
Listen
to live music or get up and dance.
venues will keep you moving.
Saxophone Pub
Are you a Jazz and Blues lover? If
your answer is yes, then this is a
place for you. The Saxophone pub
and restaurant is presenting you the
best selection of jazz and blues with
a comfortable atmosphere, featuring
with Thai musicians, for instance;
Ko Mr.Saxman. Here, they offer
you both Thai and Western food
plus cold drinks.
If you are looking for a place to
enjoy a chillaxing night with your
friends or lovers, the Saxophone
pub and restaurant definitely goes
straight into your number one list.
Bamboo Bar
The most famous jazz spot in the
city, Bamboo Bar is not only
offering you the best live jazz
music in town but also extension
menu of cocktails and drinks by
high-killed bartenders such as
Thaijito, Thai noon, Oriental’s mai
tai and ginger cosmopolitan. The
interior design was drawn from
Africa, giving the sense of African
1
winter 2013
By
These Bangkok
P i t c h aya P ata m a s i n g h
safari cottage with the animal
printed seats, dark wood floor and
bamboo wall.
The live jazz band is
accompanied by the soothing vocals
of the resident singer, giving
customers the feelings like they are
expecting Humphrey Bogart to
enter the door. This is a perfect
place to catch up with your old
friends or to celebrate special
occasions. If you love cocktails and
live jazz music, don’t miss the
Bamboo Bar.
Parking Toys
Parking Toys is famous for its
British live rock music, this is not
including an awesome atmosphere
with an antique and quirky furnish.
The place has offered its customers
both outdoor an indoor tables with
not only 60s, 70s and 80s music but
also alternative, progressive rock
such as Oasis, the Kooks, Coldplay,
Kings of Leon and Radiohead.
For years, many producers and
creative and models are drawn here
because they are impressd with
what the bar has provided them.
Say goodbye to the single life and
get rid of your sadness because
Parking Toys is a right place for
people to crash and enjoy
themselves with great live music
and sip a cold beer.
Bangkok Beat
If you happen to find yourself
wandering around Sukhumvit Road
and you are fed up with the same
old pub and restaurant, Bangkok
Beat has solved your problem. It
presents a diverse mix of rock, pop,
R&B, funk, and hip hop as well as
oldies with a DJ playing
accompanied by plenty of foods
and drinks.
The bar has also presented
many activities and shows every
week featuring many special events
and famous artists. Bangkok Beat is
filled with expats, tourists and local
Thai girls. It is suitable for
teenagers who are looking for a
wild night to enjoy themselves.
Lifestyle
Urban Sanctuary
P r e pa r e
yo u r s e l f fo r t h e a r r i va l o f t h e w i n t e r
b l u e s b y s tay i n g s u n n y w i t h a s pa .
by
The change of season is upon us, and the shift from
sunny, summery weather to cloudier and chillier winter
could affect you physically, mentally and even
spiritually. To fend off those winter blues, a day in a
warm and relaxing in a spa will do the trick.
Here, you can enjoy a manicure and pedicure and,
for men and women, facials and body soothing Thai
and aroma massages, ending with a soak in a milky or
mineral bath. This will not only help remove tension
and stress, but also make you feel good about yourself.
The spirit of Spa is just such a place. The décor is
inviting with warm earth tones, dark wood, pink
flowers and scented candles. And before starting, you
are served an herbal welcome drink. Then, offering
more than 10 private massages rooms, you can enjoy
being pampered in seclusion with soft music and the
glow of candles.
P i t c h aya P ata m a s i n g h
The spa offers a diverse mixture of Asian and
European treatments that help rebalance energy, relax
aching muscles and improve skin tones. Combination
of natural products and wonderful techniques creates a
unique luxurious experience.
There are several packages and treatments to
choose from. One highlight is a manicure and pedicure
while sitting in a high-technology massage chair for
complete relaxation. This is followed by a full body
scrub with a mixture of sea salt, coffee and ginger or
red wine and jasmine rice. The body soothing
experiences ends with either a warm milk or mineral
dead sea bath. Also popular is the Himalayan hot stone
massage, and the Thai herbal and aroma massage.
When you finish a treatment, you are more than
ready to face whatever winter has in store.
spiritofspa.net.
winter 2013
2
lifestyle
Head’s Up
The way you dress helps identify who you are. So why not let a personalized hairstyle put
your head ahead? Chompoopanthip Suntorachai checks out three places.
Blue Harbour
Using his years of talent and
experience as an architect, Nithi
Stapitanonda made a youthful
dream come true by opening his
own small barbershop located
within the grounds of K-Village.
Although small, the power and
skills of the barbers are extremely
efficient , making the most of the
space to work quickly to avoid
customers having long waits.
Apart from getting a consistently
good haircut, the barbers give a
great neck shave with hot shaving
cream and add a nice final touch: a
muscle-soothing shoulder and leg
massage. Making reservations is
recommended.
facebook.com/blueharbour
3
winter 2013
Never Say Cutz
This is also a place for a very close
shave; they go old school by using
straight razors.This new specialized
barbershop can customize a
skinhead look or help you distinct
yourself with rapper artistic styles.
Located in the Sukhumvit area,
Never Say Cutz is owned by the
local hip-hop artist, Way
Thaitanium.
Entering the shop there’s a true
hip-hop feeling: decorated with
hip-hop culture and furnish, plus
even the music being played. Never
Say Cutz is gradually expanding its
franchises in Bangkok to serve a
growing customer demand.
facebook.com/neversaycutz
Three Brothers Barber Shop
The Three Brothers Barber Shop is
a hairdresser located in the area of a
metro station. The owners, although
are not biologically related, have
sworn to be true brothers who share
the same passion for uniquely
designed hairstyles.
They decided to open a
barbershop after giving free
haircuts to people all around the
capital. However, what
distinguishes the shop from the
other places is the talented team
who only accept eight customers a
day. If you do not want to waste
your time or depend on luck, an
advance reservation is
recommended. facebook.com/
threebrothersbarbershop.
lifestyle
Back to the Future
Return to a time where something old can be a valuable new find, or
just an item that makes your memories modern again.
by jasmin schöni
talat nat rot fai
Expect rows and rows of shops,
selling everything from dusty
records to antique furniture. The
facades of the shops are painted in
various colors, which give the aisle
they are located at an arty all over
look, which insipres all shoppers.
At this recently relocated night
market you can find a big selection
of antique plates, cups, mirrors to
funky lamps and just about
everything you need to give your
home the special something. The
real highlights, though, are the
authentic bars with live music,
which allow visitors to forget about
the present and feel like traveling in
time surrounded by treasures of
passed decades.
Dasa books
This second-hand bookshop might
seem small and unimpressive at
first sight—just a bunch of shabby
old books out in front. But once
inside, there are three floors
crammed with quality used books.
The presence of the owner and his
friendly staff give it a homelike
touch.
This is a place to spend time and
enjoy a cup of coffee, while
browsing through a selection of
over 17,000 books, which includes
fiction, history, travel, horror, spy,
religion, art and children’s books.
You can even check the availability
of a special book online, which is
updated daily. Check it out and start
reading. dasabookcafe.com
siamtlr
This shop offers an impressive
collection of cameras. In the front is
an exhibition of old cameras that
would make any collector jealous,
but they are not for sale. The walls
are filled with wonderful
photographs showing the beauty of
Thailand; all tempting and teasing
you to take pictures yourself.
An impressive selection of photo
and video cameras can be found in
the back of the store. This is the
perfect place to get your first box
camera or to buy a fun instant
camera like a Polaroid, for example.
But the shop offers even more: it
also sells hip equipment from
unique straps to secondhand cases.
A picture perfect place.
siamtlr.com.
winter 2013
4
lifestyle
call any vegetable
V e g e ta r i a n i s m
i s m o r e t h a n j u s t s ay i n g n o t o m e at .
It’s
a lifestyle choice with benefits
by
5
winter 2013
Camaron Lohsomboon
Being a vegetarian is more than just particular foods or
a certain diet; it’s a much deeper experience than what
many people realize. Doctor and 30-year vegetarian
Rohm Kest said something to me that really struck a
cord: “Vegetarianism—it is the most complicated
subject there could be.” Despite the general thinking of
no more meat, there is more than what meets the eye.
Vegetarianism can include various other factors:
religious, health, spiritual, and moral aspects; but here
we look at how it is a healthy alternative lifestyle.
Choosing a vegetarian lifestyle can provide
life-changing benefits for you. Because the diet is
typically low in fat and high in fiber, it constitutes a
cleaner body, with less toxins, less risk of high blood
pressure, and lower cholesterol. Avoiding meat—
certainly a diet heavy in meat products—helps prevent
heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, according to
the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. And famed
American doctor Dean Ornish was first to show, heart
disease can even be reversed with such a diet.
Vegetarians have also shown in some studies to
actually build muscle mass faster than meat-eaters. The
reason is a person’s metabolism slows down because of
the amount of energy to digest meat. Wonder why it is
common to get sleepy after, say, a big steak dinner?
The body is draining one’s energy trying to breakdown
and digest the meat. Also, people who are vegetarian
live on average six to 10 years longer than those who
regularly eat meat.
There are misconceptions that a vegetarian diet
does not provide sufficient vitamins and almost no
protein, but say doctors, it comes down to the right
combination of foods. Giving up meat alone does not
help if it still includes high-in-fat snacks and other fatty
products, such as candy, chips, fries, and the other fried
items often found in local street stalls.
“One needs to think of the composition of fatty acid
in the oil that the street vendors and Just like any
healthy diet, it needs regulation and planning in order
to prevent sicknesses and health problems.
One also needs to be more creative about their
meals. Sallaya gave an example: “If you get the
mineral iron from a plant or vegetable, the iron is not as
well absorbed as the iron from an animal product.” But
this can be resolved by pairing vitamin C with the
vegetables to better absorb the iron.
For adults, there are eight main amino acids
essential to maintaining good health: isoleucine,
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
tryptophan and valine. Amino acids are essential
because they provide a complete flow of nutrients to
the body and enables vitamins and minerals to
perform efficiently. For a vegetarian there are many
options to avoid a lack of amino acids. The Indian
fermented crepe, or pancake called dosa, for
example, is made from rice batter and black
lentils. Simple as that sounds, it consists of all
the amino acids. It has no sugar, is rich in
carbohydrates, gluten-free and contains
protein as well as vitamins B and C.
People become vegetarians for various
reasons. Some may have begun looking to
be healthier or leaner. Others, like Yogi
Cerissa, a vegetarian since the age of 12,
has a very simple reason: “I just don’t
like the taste of meat.” Hot dogs, pork
chops and burgers may seem delicious
to others, but to her, “the idea of
eating flesh, it just seemed really
disturbing”.
David Lees, owner of
Ariyasomvilla, a boutique hotel in
Bangkok, which includes a
vegetarian restaurant called Na
Aroon, said he’s noticed a
change in the number of
people who have converted
to or decided to try a
vegetarian lifestyle.
“People want to eat less
meat,” he told me, as we
sat in the restaurant
furnished with antiques
and artworks.
“The idea of eating
flesh, it just seemed
really disturbing”
winter 2013
6
The Price of Connection
Everybody is doing it. but is social networking a friend or foe or a
little of both? Kanin Srimaneekulroj gets online to find out.
7
winter 2013
s a short-sighted person, the first
thing you would expect me to reach
for when I wake up in the morning is
my glasses. And yet, automatically,
the first thing I grab for in my
half-conscious, half-blind state is my
iPhone5. Every morning I pick up that little rectangular
piece of metal and plastic and strain my eyes as I try to
make out my friend’s newest Facebook status or the
most recent picture from the cute girl I’m following on
Instagram.
Now, if someone were to ask me why I would reach
for a phone first when I can hardly see, I would
honestly have nothing to tell them. I don’t know why I
wouldn’t instinctively go for my glasses first. That is
how caught up I am in social media.
Social media is without a doubt an extremely useful
tool for keeping in contact with an immense pool of
friends and acquaintances. Users can easily keep up
with their friends’ daily exploits, or join groups
dedicated to a common interest. One could say that
Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube have opened up a new
world of networking, connecting them with new friends
all over the globe. That is, if these people can really be
considered friends at all, since the only things you
know about them are their opinions on a certain topic
of interest.
The ability to instantly keep up with things
happening to the people in your life can indeed be
addicting. Suddenly, the Internet becomes an online
world filled with excitement, with things happening
around you all the time, and the real offline world
becomes a more quiet and lonely place. Is it possible
that one day these Internet platforms will become
almost the main way we communicate with each other?
When asked this question, Va, a writer at tech
magazine Stuff, put the issue in focus: “There is no
harm in communicating through social media, as long
as the subject of conversation isn’t serious or doesn’t
require a lot of emotion or in-depth discussion. Social
media, as simple as it may seem, isn’t as real-time or
sincere as a face-to-face conversation”.
The mention of emotions also raises the question of
investment or dependency a person can feel towards
social media. Evidently seen through the seemingly
limitless stream of cat photos, bathroom selfies, and
newborn baby photos on the Internet, it is clear that
many people love sharing online. But what actually
spurs them to take dozens of photos of themselves
through a bathroom-mirror reflection and post them on
the Internet? It certainly isn’t to show off the beautiful
marble tiles on the wall.
A
“People often unconsciously try to get attention on
the Internet,” explains Pop, an extremely active
Facebook user who is known for his well-written and
in-depth discussions on various subjects. “I use the
words ‘attention’ and ‘acceptance’ interchangeably. To
seek acceptance is a human instinct, and that is why
people create an image of themselves through their
social media profiles. We’ve all felt that fuzzy feeling
of accomplishment whenever a new status update or
comment gets a lot of likes”.
Yes, it was quite flattering when the girl you had a
crush on liked your new profile picture, or when that
one cool dude you always looked up to left a positive
comment on your status update. Indeed, getting
“Liked” by hundreds of people on Facebook, for
example—some of whom you can’t even remember
having met—can be quite a boost to your ego. Here you
are recognized and accepted. Being cut off from the
Internet can become strangely lonely, especially for
those who need constant assurance and acceptance.
“Being a part of my job, social media and I have
become inseparable” admits Va. “If I don’t use
Facebook or Twitter for a while, I feel lonely and
uncomfortable; almost like something is missing.” Va
isn’t the only one feeling lonely without Facebook, as
Pop also acknowledges feeling uncomfortable when he
can’t update his status.
“I definitely feel discomfort on days where I can’t
get access to my Facebook profile or update my status.
Getting likes on my statuses also makes the experience
more addictive to me, prompting me to share even
more things about myself with others.”
When asked whether he felt like he was exposing
too much of himself to others, Pop says: “Privacy is
definitely a concern. I try to draw a line about what I
can and can’t share on the internet, as you never know
how someone might interpret your message or
intentions”.
Social media is definitely a powerful and
convenient tool in keeping contact with friends as well
as acquaintances who share the same interests. There is
no doubt in the potential uses of social media across
various fields and industries, as well as a tool to
broaden one’s own horizons.
However, being connected to millions of people on
the Internet can be addicting, making us try harder and
harder to seek recognition from the various online
people, forgetting the friends we’ve made in real life.
Instant messaging and photo sharing may connect you,
but nothing strengthens that connection like a coffee
shop chat with a couple of close friends.
winter 2013
8
lifestyle
W Bangkok
Looking
f o r a n u n i q u e va c at i o n i n t h e c i t y ?
Make
the most of
y o u r va l u a b l e t i m e i n s t y l e at t h i s a r t - d r i v e n h o t e l .
By Keirin Baker
9
winter 2013
L
ocated in the heart of Bangkok, the
energy and dazzling color of W Hotel
Bangkok makes it currently one of the
hottest hotels in Thailand’s bustling
capital. This place has been the talk of
the town and has hosted many
prestigious events since it opened.
W Bangkok offers a unique and trendy lifestyle
experience that is integrated into the brand’s image
through contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous
entertainment experiences, stylish retail concepts,
signature spas and inspiring residences.
Walking into the 31-floor modern glass building
you will notice that every detail of the hotel has been
carefully crafted in a uniquely stylish way. There are
many different interesting themes and concepts—from
a unique translucent wall, colored glass planks,
silhouette shapes and shadows, to creative custom
designed furniture and faux crocodile skin wallpaper.
The Woobar bar on the ground floor, which has a
signature huge purple glass table, offers a chic
atmosphere, the latest cocktail creations by the city’s
top mixologists, and trendy beats delivered live by
some of the best DJs in Bangkok. On the second floor
there is an all-day dining restaurant called The Kitchen
Table, which offers exquisite spicy Thai and
international cuisine.
On the sixth floor there is an eyeball-shaped
outdoor pool with twinkling lights resembling a bright
starry sky underwater. Food and drinks are served all
day for those lounging by the pool.
Another impressive facility is the spa, which offers
a luxurious sense of personal space to rest and
rejuvenate before facing the world again. The spa’s
design element is quite unique: every room has a
glowing bed and your mood can be matched to one of
four glowing colors: green for a sense of peace, red for
energy, lavender for happiness, and a pink for
sensuality.
W Bangkok offers a range of rooms, from trendy
rooms to luxury suites. The trendy rooms are
categorized as Wonderful, Spectacular and Cool
Corner, and the suites range from Studio, Fantastic,
Marvelous, Wow and Extreme Wow. All of the rooms
and suites are different in terms of their style and
decorations, but each keeps the same arty and fun
theme of W, like their signature beds with oversized
boxing gloves.
This is a unique and exciting hotel, which is ideal
for those who want something decidedly different. In
some ways it’s like a trendy hotel meets glam
nightclub. starwoodhotels.com.
winter 2013
10
Move Your Hips
If the music moves you, are you making the right moves? There are many dance
studios mushrooming in Bangkok every year. Jittamas Kuptajit, a skilled dancer
herself, hits the dance floor to review a few of the best.
Dance In Bangkok
This studio is recommended for
learning contemporary dance.
Dance in Bangkok is not a large
place and there is only one main
teacher, Patrice Leroy. He adapts
lessons to a student’s pace,
demonstrating techniques without
being too rigorous.
Leroy says he wants students to
enjoy dancing rather than being
strained and anxious about learning
how. Leroy focuses on helping
draw out students’ feelings and
synchronizing this with their
performances. This is a great choice
for dancers to master their
contemporary skills.
danceinbangkok.com
D-Dance
Relationships between teachers and
students at D-Dance quickly
become friendly. “I felt like a
pressured potato not knowing
what’s going on at first,” says Milk,
one of the students, who now is
enjoying the lessons.
D-Dance updates street dance.
Each step is updated and thought
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winter 2013
through professional
choreographers, especially in
popping dance, which involves
movements of quickly contracting
and relaxing muscles. Popping is
one of the newest trends of dance
which give a robotic or almost
cartoonish appearance. D-Dance
can also provide help to those who
want to mix songs and dance.
facebook.com/DDanceSchool
Rising Star
This studio was founded in 1996 by
Fay Stombler Pansringam, an
American ballerina from New York
City. The studio offers classes in
classical ballet, jazz dance, Spanish
dance and rhythmic gymnastics.
“It is more enjoyable to dance
here because you get a chance to
learn new steps every time,” says
Sisira, 19, one of the students.
In the Free Class Ballet course,
dancers get a chance to learn how
to perform on stage, as well as how
to express their feelings during a
performance. Rising Star also has a
full-length ballet performance
annually, which provides the
opportunity for young dancers to
perform in public. For beginning
dancers, there are many types of
classes to choose from, making it a
good way to find your inner beat.
facebook.com/pages/Rising-StarDance-Studio
Le Studio
The Studio has classes in various
kinds of dance, but its specialty is
Jazz Dance.
And it tends to be more flexible
than other studios. If a student is
not free, the hours missed from
class will not be counted. This is
convenient for students who have
trouble attending during exam
periods or such.
“As I’m a 4th-year student, I
have many current projects. But
here I won’t lose any class time and
not waste my session,” says
22-year-old Nicha.
If working hard and practicing
long hours is what you enjoy, then
Le Studio is also an excellent
choice—they have a rehearsal room
for rent. facebook.com/pages/
Le-Studio-Art-of-Dance-inThailand.
lifestyle
Get Inspired
Find your inner artist or new creative directions.
b y T h a n ta k o r n S r i p i ta k
On the top floor of the Emporium Shopping Mall is a
place to escape the countless shops and shoppers, as
well as the retail mania craze that follows. The
Thailand Creative and Design Center, commonly
known as the TCDC, is an incredible place to ignite the
inspiration of just about everyone: students, artists,
designers, architects or even those who are simply
interested in design and creativity.
Consisting of a massive resource library, exhibition
space, stylish cafe and shop, it is one of those unique
places where people can go to study, enjoy and get
creative ideas. The library offers more than 25,000
books on design resources as well as providing the
visitors with news on social, economic, and political
issues around the globe. Top-quality facilities and
services include reading rooms, a multimedia section,
movie room, Wi-Fi and Internet. There’s even live
music on weekends.
To use their resources, you first have to register to
be a member—it is worth it. You can enjoy all of these
facilities in a cozy and casual atmosphere. And if you
are feeling like a quiet place for a coffee with your
favorite book, take a break at 2B Bake and Brew Café,
which is located in front of the library. Sitting by the
window while enjoying your coffee with a nice view of
a park to go with it could just be what you need to
refresh your day.
As you step out of the library, you will see the
exhibition area, which is divided into permanent and
temporary exhibitions. Anyone can join with no cost.
The permanent exhibition, What is Design?, displays
how 10 countries interpreted their cultures to inspire
unique designs for the modern world. The exhibition
also shows the design masterpieces from 10 different
countries. For the temporary exhibition area, TCDC
gives Thai people the opportunity to design and
showcase their creative artworks, possibly providing
inspiration for others.
There are also currently two displayed exhibitions,
the 3D Printing Design Shift and The Corporation. The
former introduces the concept of 3D printing and its
manufacturing process that makes the production of
complex products easier. This technology could create
many potential possibilities for creative businesses in
the near future. The Corporation displays the
cooperative works between new generation designers
and Thai material manufacturers. For the upcoming
events, you can keep up with the schedule on their
website.
Next to the exhibition area there is a shop that
displays innovative products created by both local and
international designers. The shop @TCDC motivates
Thai people to think outside the box when creating new
products and services. Each product has its own distinct
individuality, reflecting the skills of the designers.
www.tcdc.co.th.
winter 2013
12
take home chef
Learn how to cook like a Thai chef, complete with a recipe to
begin your delicious journey.
by siriruk saengchanchai
y first
cooking
lesson is
about to
begin at
Baipai Thai
Cooking School. I am standing in
front of the resort-like atmosphere
of a traditional Thai house,
surrounded by the greenery of trees.
Baipai is filled with international
students, and every class is taught
in English. My classmates and I
receive a cup of lemon grass tea as
a welcome drink that carries a light
aroma as I swallow the sweetness
hidden inside the lemon grass.
“Not only must you know how
to cook, you also need to know the
ingredients that make up your
M
13
winter 2013
dish,” explains Nok, the teaching
assistant, as we tour the garden.
Farmers’ hats are given to us as we
look at many different kinds of
vegetables. Nok shows us the ones
that would bring coloring, aroma
and flavoring for today’s dish, many
of which, as a Thai, I’ve heard
referred to in English for the first
time: galangal, sweet basil, holy
basil, Thai bird eye chili, big chili,
kaffir lime, lemon grass, and
pandanus leaves.
I see how the foreigners begin
to understand Thai culture through
Baipai’s introduction of food. After
learning about vegetables for
today’s dish, Nok shows the taste of
Thai ingredients through Thai
seasoning, being spicy, sweet, sour
and salty.
“Coconut juice means a lot to
Buddhists. We think it’s sacred and
pure because it’s covered tightly
with coconut shell as we call it
‘Virgin Coconut’,” she explains
while introducing a rabbit-shaped
coconut grater, where everyone
takes turns to produce coconut milk
and cream to use in preparing red
curry. Food can be understood
through the explanation of a
country’s lifestyle and cultural
heritage.
It’s now time to turn theories
into practice; I will be cooking four
dishes: coconut sticky rice with
mango, chicken in pandanus leaves,
papaya salad, and red curry with
pork and bamboo shoots. I am
inspired by what Chef Puu says to
us, “From six years of experience in
Gai hor bai toey—chicken in pandanus leaves
European food, I learned that
there’s no difference between
western and Thai cooking
techniques. The only difference is
ingredients. Preparation is a big part
of taste.”
The cooking program runs
pretty fast; Chef Puu quickly
demonstrates how to cook each dish
and we imitate. Each dish has its
own trick: how to properly fold the
pandanus leaves around chicken;
the right boiling point of sticky rice;
the right pounding and stirring of
the papaya salad; the correct
temperature for warming the pan
before pouring the coconut cream
to yield coconut oil for the red
curry.
Chicken in pandanus leaves, a
snack for any occasion, is probably
my favorite dish of the four, and
was the easiest to make. With a
combination of a few seasonings, I
taste the hot, peppery chicken with
a pandanus smell, dipped into sweet
soy sauce with roasted white
sesame. Red curry with pork and
bamboo shoots, the last dish we
prepare, is the most difficult one.
Making coconut cream and curry
paste alone requires meticulous
skill, patience and dedication.
When done, it is served with boiled
jasmine rice. And yes, it is worth
the effort.
When we finish, Nok, on behalf
of Baipai cooking school, says
goodbye to every student and
wishes us luck. Besides learning
delicious recipes I can continue to
enjoy making at home, I receive
special souvenirs: a photograph of
me holding the chicken in pandanus
leaves inside a magnetic photo
frame. A day later, I receive a thank
you e-mail from the school. Like
opening a present, attached are my
photos taken during class time and
the lemon grass tea recipe, which is
the welcome drink I had when I
arrived. baipai.com.
Ingredients: (For 5 pieces)
1. 70 grams- chicken thighs, cut into 5 bit-size pieces
2. 5 scented Pandan leaves
3. 1 clove- garlic
4. 1 coriander root – roughly chopped
5. 10 black pepper seeds
6. 1 lemongrass – cut into pieces
7. 2 cups – vegetable oil for deep fry
8. 1 teaspoon – sugar
9. 1 teaspoon – soy sauce
10. 2 teaspoons – oyster sauce
11. 2 teaspoons – sesame oil
12. ½ teaspoon – white sesame
Instructions:
1. Pound garlic, coriander root, black pepper seeds and lemon grass together.
2. Transfer into a mixing bowl with chicken, sugar, soy
sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white sesame, mix well, leave to
marinate for 1 hour.
3. Bring back the chicken and wrap each piece with a
pandanus leaf.
4. Hold the root end of the pandanus leaf with the
chicken, then, wrap the whole piece by turning the chicken until
almost reaching the tip end.
5. Tug in the tip end of the pandanus leaf.
6. Deep fry chicken on medium heat, turn regularly until
cooked. Remove to drain well.
7. Serve with dipping sauce (sweet soy sauce and ¼
teaspoon of roasted white sesame), unwrap the leaves and eat!
winter 2013
14
dine & wine
Taste of Tribecca
E x p e r i e n c e a l i t t l e NYC d i n i n g i n t h e h e a r t o f
Bangkok. By Pimchanok Wongondee
A blue metal facade, grassy plains, and a white floor is
not a typical sight you’ll find in the middle of Bangkok.
But Tribeca, the newly opened restrobar in the heart of
Thonglor, is just that. The New York styled décor is not
only unique, but also makes the inside of the restaurant
spacious and airy. The interior features a map of Lower
Manhattan, specifically the trendy Tribeca
neighborhood where the name of the restaurant
originated.
The menu is built on the concept of New York
dining. Using local and homemade ingredients, the
all-day brunch dishes include pancakes with sous vide
poached eggs; chicken and waffles; a biscuit sandwich
with maple syrup; and maple glazed pork belly with
Hollandaise sauce. The restobar also provides filling
dishes like carbonara with comfit belly that
Bangkokians could die for. The tiger prawns with
tagliatelle, grilled artichoke and hummus are also
15
winter 2013
highly recommended.
Tribeca’s extensive list of beverages will not
disappoint those looking to enjoy drinks with your
dishes. Tribeca E13 is a clever mix of blueberry vodka
and Chambord with strawberry and cranberry juice.
This place could be heaven for martini lovers too,
since they provide extensive choices, such as
lemongrass, rose and other fruity concoctions. For
those who want non-alcoholic drinks, a cup of
cappuccino or mocha by their trained barista will do the
job. facebook.com/Tribeca.restobar.bkk
dine & wine
let Them Eat Cake
Angalico
Vieng Joom
Fat Beagle Cafe
Sweet Tooth
There’s nothing better to end a meal than with a dessert. Or you might just crave
something yummy for dessert’s sake. By Pimchanok Wongondee
Let Them Eat Cake
Bangkok is known for
many things, but it’s rare
to find yummy French
desserts and pastries. Let
Them Eat Cake is a
Parisian-style cafe with
authentic French
homemade pastries and
sweets. The cakes are not
too sweet and very well
balanced in flavor, aroma
and creatively designed.
Don’t miss out on their
top-of-the-line treats like
saint honore rose
framboise or the rich
dome au chocolat.
Agalico
Entering Agalico is like
stepping into a British
novel. Agalico is an
all-white English tearoom
accented with birdcages,
rattan chairs and comfy
canvas couches. There is
also a lovely leafy garden
and a graceful glass
gazebo where you can sit
and enjoy their selections
of desserts and teas.
The cakes, scones and
quiches are freshly made
and a wide range of hot
and iced teas are
provided—they even have
their own Agalico blends.
Make sure to try their
scones with cream and
strawberry jam. And it’s
worth getting here early
as favorites sell out fast.
Vieng Joom
With its hot pink façade,
Vieng Joom is hard to
miss. This café recently
opened a branch in
Bangkok, featuring the
same Moroccan- and
Indian-style selections as
the original branch in
Chiang Mai.
Various mixes of teas
from around the world are
also served. Try the
signature Vieng Joom On
Tea, a wonderful mix of
black and white tea, rose
petals, ginger, clover,
cinnamon, black pepper
and plum; or the high tea
set, which includes
blueberry cheese cake,
red tea mousse and fruit
salad.
Fat Beagle Café
This newly opened cafe
serves a variety of
homemade cakes in a
relaxed outdoor setting.
Veeya Chotiros, a Le
Cordon Bleu graduate
who owns the cafe, got
the idea for the name
from her chubby beagle.
Though the place is small,
its shelves are packed
with freshly baked treats.
Indulge in their bestselling tasty coconut cake
or choose from the variety
of treats on display, which
includes carrot cupcakes
and banana nutella
muffins. Don’t forget to
grab a cold latte to go.
winter 2013
16
dine & wine
Let’s Brunch
Wh e n
j u s t a b r e a k fa s t o r l u n c h w o n ’ t d o , t u c k i n t o p l a c e s
t h at c o m b i n e t h e t w o . b y s i r i n yav i r a
Opposite Mess Hall
Despite its name, it’s not at
all as messy as it might
suggest. The airy diner
exudes an elevated
homespun vibe, complete
with comfortable interior
furnishings and
contemporary, yet earthy,
décor. And an open kitchen,
parallel to a bar,
conveniently provides
diners with a view of their
food being freshly
prepared. Jess Barnes,
former chef at Quince, is
the mastermind behind
Opposite’s one-of-a-kind
menu. Although the cuisine
may pay homage to the
phrase “keep it short and
sweet,” it nonetheless
accentuates flavors that are
innovative and delectable,
distinguishing this eatery
17
from others in Thonglor.
Offbeat brunch
recommendations include
avocado and feta on soy
and linseed toast,
Vietnamese beef stew with
bread and soft egg; and
soft-shelled crab buns with
pickled chili. There’s also
an extensive selection of
beverages and wines from
around the world, making
choices easy to match your
food selections. Also,
Opposite never ceases to
surprise its diners with the
seasonal daily specials and
dessert options displayed
on the restaurant’s
blackboard.
oppositebangkok.com
Calin Café
Gastronomers seeking a
European-inspired buffet
reminiscent of France, look
no further than Calin Café.
Located in Thonglor, it has
an authentic Parisian
elegance throughout; from a
patio similar to a Paris
sidewalk cafe, to the bistro’s
interior with subtle touches
of black and gold, an
abundance of dark oak, and a
black-and-white checkered
floor.
Calin is an all-day dining
venue, offering classic
French dishes as well as
homemade breads and
pastries dreamed up by chef
Arpha Seneepakonkai, who
was influenced by her travels
in Paris and Lyon. Highlights
include croque monsieur (a
yummy French version of a
grilled ham and cheese grilled ham and cheese
winter 2013
sandwich); razor clams with
garlic and chili; and
monkfish cheek salad with
beetroot and balsamic
dressing.
Breakfast options are
also available all day,
including fresh croissants.
Even better, order a
combination basket that
contains a fresh-baked
potpourri of baguettes,
brioche, plain and chocolate
croissants. In addition, the
eatery also makes its own
jams; strawberry balsamic
and orange cinnamon are
delicious. Caffeine addicts
and those with a sweet tooth
will enjoy the impressive
beverage and dessert menus
as well. 8thonglor.com/
portfolio/calin.
dine & wine
SKY HIGH
Looking for a special place to eat with spectacular views of the city? Here are three
top rooftop places that will make anyone go wow.
by keirin baker
Octave
Located on the top of Marriott
Sukhumvit 57, the recently opened
Ocatve is a stylish multi-level
rooftop bar and restaurant, offering
terrific views of the night lights
over the bustling Sukhumvit area.
The first level of Octave
occupied the 45th floor features a
long balcony decorated with classy
wooden furnishing. The place
offers high quality Thai, Chinese
and European cuisine alongside a
range of drinks to excite even a
jaded palate. Try the scrumptious
Wagyu beef steak, accompanied
by the house’s signature Bangkok
57, a delightful concoction of
saffron-infused vodka with
champagne.
Octave’s highlight lies on the
49th floor, the top deck of the
Marriott, where a spectacular
360-degree view of the city is
available for its patrons. The
centrepiece is a circular shining
blue bar in the middle of the floor
from which delicious signature
cocktails are served to the
accompaniment of smooth beats
from international DJs. marriott.
com
Zense
A cocktail cum gourmet wine bar,
Zense boosts a hip allure that comes
from being part of the busiest
shopping area. Perched on the 17th
floor of Central World, it offers
indoor and outdoor seating where
wine aficionados and diners alike
can check out both a selection of
wine and its signature cocktails.
With its high-quality cuisine as
served from five top-rated
restaurants specialising in five
different cuisines—Thai by White
Café, Gianni Restorante
specialising in Italian, French by Le
Bellieu, Indian by Red, and modern
European at To Die For—Zense
remains one of the most popular
dining spots. The selection of
delectable desserts from the
in-house patisserie only enhances
the gastronomic romance between
Zense and its guests.
With its stylish staircase, the
lounge on the terrace offers a
panoramic view of downtown;
while a great sound system blasts
an entertaining tune. It is no wonder
that Zense is on the top of
everyone’s list when looking for an
exceptional night out.
zensebangkok.com
Above Eleven
Towering above the hustle and
bustle of Nana’s popular joints, the
33rd floor of Frasier Suites
Sukhumvit Eleven houses the aptly
named Above Eleven bar and
restaurant. Stylish Central Parkinspired designs—apparent in grass
covered walls—make it a very
unique urban rooftop sojourn.
Above Eleven is distinguished
by its Peruvian-Japanese fusion
cuisine—quite a rarity in Southeast
Asia. The menu is comprised of
mostly appetizers with a few main
courses. Try the the arrroz con
maricos (a traditional Peruvian rice
dish with fried prawns, squid and
mussels seared with salsa) to keep
your hunger at bay. Not to bemissed is also their Summer Jardin,
a colourful mix of Grey Goose
vodka, lime, grape juice and cherry
blossom syrup .
There is also a great selection
of other drinks, concocted by
bartenders who have raised cocktail
making to a fine art. The beats
provided by a host of international
DJs builts Above Eleven’s
reputation as the home of fabulous
food and fun. aboveeleven.com
winter 2013
18
dine & wine
Run The Night
A
g r e at n i g h t o u t i s d e f i n e d b y v e r y f e w e l e m e n t s :
the crowd, the place, and its offerings.
We
bring
you a guide of the finest and trendiest spots
in
Bangkok’s
b e s t pa r t y d i s t r i c t ,
Thonglor.
by
p u r i k o r n d e n t h a m a n d n i c h a pa p u s i r i ta n a c h o t e
Thonglor- the Finest
and Trendiest
19
winter 2013
ROOF HIDEAWAY
HOBS
1. Roof Hideaway
Chase’s choice presents the Roof Hideaway. This
third-floor rooftop restaurant and bar is the perfect
escape from the wild and chaotic clubs in the Thonglor/
Ekamai district. The best part of this place is its
ambiance, with the seats perfectly spaced and the lights
lit and dimmed in just the right spots.
There’s also this slight buzz around the place,
nothing loud, just enough to prove how socializing
works when complimented by the jazzy bossa nova
soundscapes. This boutique rooftop terrace is an ideal
spot for a laidback evening with friends or a special
date. facebook.com/roofhideaway
2. Badmotel
Unlike its substandard name, this new Thonglor bar is
anything but bad. This street-concept Thai-fusion
restaurant and bar is unique in its décor. Modeled
literally after a bad motel, the furniture used is
surprisingly comfortable despite its resemblance to
Thai street chairs.
With a first floor indoor and outdoor zone, private
dining on the second floor, and a city view on the
rooftop, Badmotel has a bit of everything to suit your
needs. The DJs play funky and R&B music, promising
a hip party crowd every night. facebook.com/badmotel
BADMOTEL
WINE REPUBLIC
3. HOBs
One of the first beer bars in Bangkok, The House of
Beers offers a wide variety of foreign brews. Small,
cozy, and dimly lit, the bricked interior decorations
hold a resemblance to a European pub, and the outdoor
zone a warm garden terrace.
Hobs’ top quality beers are flown in from all around
the world, and their finest German, Belgian, and Irish
brews make up only half their menu. For beer lovers,
this is one of the few must-visits in Bangkok. facebook.
com/HOBSThailand
4. Wine Republic
What’s Dine & Wine without a bit of Merlot, Pinot, or
Chardonnay? Whatever your preference, Wine
Republic’s extensive wine list will satisfy your taste.
The smooth and soothing live bands gel well with the
dark decorations to create the perfect ambiance for
socializing. There are ample seating options, indoor and
outdoor as well. If wine and talk around town is to your
liking, then be sure to check out this talk-of-the-town
wine bar in the heart of Thonglor. facebook.com/rpb.
winter 2013
20
5, Myst
A perfect bar and restaurant for cocktail lovers located on
the rooftop of Grass (Thonglor soi 12). The freshly
opened Myst claims to blend art and science in its creative
cocktail lists, using molecular mixology skills. Thai and
Italian food are served here, but the main highlight is the
signature cocktails—a bowl of Sangria with a jello shot,
Guns n’ Roses, Passion Fruit Caviar, Crazy Scientist—
that draw attention from crowd. It is a perfect place for
catching up with friends and hosting party. mystthonglor.
com
MYST
Bottoms up
Funky Villa
21
winter 2013
6. Perfume
Decorated with various perfume bottles and the sense of
smell is paramount at Perfume Fragrance Bar and
Aromatic Cuisine. They define themselves as sensible in
cookery as it is in mixology by using post-modern
molecular techniques and fragrance in nearly every food
and drink menu.
Located at Ei8ht building—in the middle of Thonglor
road—makes Perfume even more attractive to the new
generation of restaurant-goers. Substantial meat dishes for
sharing is also offered including rib-eye steal, roasted
baby chicken, braised pork belly and pan-seared seabass.
facebook.com/
7. Bottoms Up
Located at Thonglor 18, Bottom Up offers variety of
alcohol drinks on the menu. This spacious restaurant is
separated into four zones with different styles: Chill Out
in Thonglor, Irish Bar, Wine, and Dining in Gallery. Even
if it sets itself as a wine bar, from the drinks selection that
Bottoms Up offers, it is more than just a wine bar.
The place is a good venue for meeting up with friends.
Besides fusion Italian dishes, wine, signature cocktails
and beers; baraku and live music are also offered for Party
lovers. This is a must-come if you and your friends love
drinking differently—it’s an all-in-one place.
bottomsupthonglor.com/
8. Arena 10
It is a must-come when talking about nightlife and
chilling in Thonglor. Arena 10 is a very famous
community mall composed of pubs, restaurants, football
pitch, and a karaoke room. Funky Villa and Demo, a
well-known pub for partygoers, is also located in Arena
10. This can qualify it as the center of the Thonglor scene.
Japanese and Thai food can also be enjoyed in Arena 10.
For sporty and music lovers, there is a luxurious football
pitch and themed karaoke rooms. It is an all-in-one place
for what-to-do in Thonglor. facebook.com/arena10
facebook.com/arena10.
fashion
Fashionably Fresh
Dubbed “Fashion Fresh Faces” at the prestigious Elle Fashion Week 2013,
three blisteringly hot emerging labels are on the verge of becoming
household names. b y f i t r i m a h a r a n i
Patinya
Sensual, elegant and slightly
quirky: Patinya’s wares are the
meeting point of all three. The
designer, who holds firm to ladylike
classics with a twist, has been
building steady industry buzz ever
since her Autumn/Winter 2011
debut collection. Her namesake
brand showcases clean
sophisticated silhouettes that draws
from another era—accentuating
women’s body with an element of
surprise—proper high-necked nude
maxi at the front, bondage or cutout
details at the back; it’s twist and
turn with a peek-a-boo of skin.
For autumn, she makes a
compelling case for monochromatic
minimalism intensified by a dash of
vibrant red and metallic grey in red
carpet-worthy dresses. Necklines
are dropped tastefully to the waist;
low-backed dresses are highlighted
with mandatory thigh-high slits.
Patinya effortlessly juxtaposes both
the strong and soft sides of women
through simple cutting with
immaculate details. patinyabkk.com
Thea by Thara
Tawanna Thara, whose fashion past
includes working for Phillip Lim,
Anna Sui, Richard Chai and Nicole
Miller, is a designer in her own
right with her adorable label Thea
by Thara. Aimed for the locals with
a lust for girly attire, Thea embodies
the essence of prêt-à-porter—all
about simple, understated pieces
with the concept of women’s
ready-to-wear that’s slightly
fashion-forward.
Every collection yields a
handful of refined ensembles with
an added youthful element—
playsuits, spaghetti-strap tops, mini
dresses and crop tops. Thara doesn’t
stray from basic pieces in pastel
palette, earthy tone and the
exquisite prints that pack fun details
such as trim, twist and drape. Her
youthful, New York City chicinfused aesthetic is sure to charm
the pants off everyone this
season. theabythara.com
Tutti
Having established her own
ready-to-wear label Tutti in 2007,
Tutti Wongpuan has technically
graduated from a “designers to
watch” designation. The
eponymous label has attracted its
growing cult (such as the ever
stylish Chompoo Araya) with
whimsical and other-wordly
designs—bordering on frilly and
frivolous at times. Tutti’s staple
aesthetics feature a chockfull of
lace, organza and chiffon—think
gauzy tops and Peter Pan collars,
frothy maxi or full-on lace mini
dresses.
Her trademark angelic
silhouettes in shades of white, nude
and gold, elevated by rich details of
embroidery and eyelet—somehow
youthful without seeming twee—
has trickled down to her new
venture of children apparel, Tutti
Frutti. Indeed, she seems to spin
clothing out of the inner-princessin-every-girl’s fantasy. Lace is
more. facebook.com/tuttiandme.
winter 2013
22
fashion
SPRING FEVER
F r o m N e w Yo r k
to
vogue from the
L o n d o n t o P a r i s t o M i l a n , d e lv e i n t o w h at i s
S p r i n g 2014 r u n w ay s h o w s . B y f i t r i m a h a r a n i
Ferocious Fringe
Strictly Coachella no more, fringe makes for an
unlikely trend with newly found sophistication.
Altuzara shreds navy-colored leather on second-skin
dresses with a slit—an ultra sexy, high fashion version
that probably has Gisele on its waiting list. Calvin
Klein’s black and white dress gives a maximalist vibe
to its customary minimalist approach to design.
Sporadically placed fringes are cut short and colored
pretty at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
conjured a tasseled-hemmed knit piece that screams
nomad chic. The Great Gatsby flapper dress trickles to
a neon green skirts with feathery fringe at Miu Miu—
clichéd, but no less exciting. On the accessory front,
Celine has always churned It-bag after It-bag—will this
season be different? Phoebe Philo brings back a
refreshing twist from the fringe of fashion—literally—
on Celine forever-streamlined handbags, albeit a
slightly awkward one. Plentiful fringe unexpectedly
spills out of clutches and faux tote openings.Valentino’s
romantic pieces are offset by fringed clutches
embellished with gold clasps. Well, the ‘Valentino red’
makes for an eye-catching arm-candy for sure.
23
winter 2013
en
The Crème of the Crops
Love it or hate it, all things cropped are still the thing
for spring. Designers continue romancing the ‘90s with
a plethora of midriff-baring ensembles. Crop top gets
more err, cropped from revealing just a sliver of skin
last season to full on abs-flashes the next. The New
York crowds are the front-runners, taking a sporty spin
on the look a la DKNY. Lacoste contrasts colors for a
preppy effect, while Max Azria reconstructs the classic
white shirt. Peter Som takes the reinventing to the next
level with silky crop blouses and a hip buttoned-up
boxy jacket. Bold-shoulder crop tops adorn street-ready
Jil Stuart and Balenciaga. The latter keeps it crisp and
sporty with a subtle femininity, keeping the white and
pastel palette and adding in swirls of black and white
flowers. Don’t panic, these offerings are not strictly for
dedicated gym members. Take a page out of the
designers’ book and pair up your crop top with
high-waisted skirts and pants. A one-color scheme,
either white on white or black on black, amps up the
chic.
The Art That Pop
Fashion giants show fairly artisanal
quality in their collections,
transferred from canvas to clothing.
From the scribbled marbling on
Kenzo’s urban-beach smart
separates to geometric Mondrianinspired grids at Alexander
McQueen, this season’s emerging
prints is nothing but bold and
graphic. Swirls of graffiti-like
brushstrokes in vivid hue enhance
and provide movements to Celine’s
sporty silhouette.
Meanwhile, Miuccia Prada
decorates her venue with mural
paintings reworked into clothes and
accessories—including the most
ladylike bag from Prada just yet. As
for Chanel, Karl Lagerfield creates
a smorgasbord of covetable, witty,
youthful ensembles—with an
artistic whirlwind of parallelgeometric strips in upbeat colors
that makes for a visually pleasing
finale. The brand’s signature is
re-executed with a stroke of
creative sophistication in its
accessories too—most evident in
the spray-painted rucksacks,
drenched in tweeds and braided
lanyards.
Floral Flair
The official spring staple makes us
roll our eyes at its banality at
times—but clearly not this season.
An abundance of flowers burst into
life across the four fashion capitals.
London designers have taken a
modern spin on the trend with bold
graphic. Mary Kantrantzou
exercises her signature printextraordinaire and plays with
ruffles, pleats, and volume on
babydolls. Fellow Brit Christopher
Kane, continues to amaze season
after season—this time with a
jaw-dropping, seemingly
psychedelic tribute to Georgia
O’Keeffe. Reproductive organs—
“sterilized petals”, as he calls it—
jumps out of biology textbooks and
transform into bright floral
appliques scattered all over sweater
and sheer mesh gowns. As for
Giambattista Valli, an abundance of
3D petals gradually blend into
ladylike silk shift dresses. But
nobody embodies Italian romantic
better than Dolce & Gabbana. An
array of models floats down the
runway in frothy knee-skimming
sheer gowns—little buds
blossoming into life. sapelectur,
occabore dolesed.
GIVE HER THE SLIP
Picking up where it left off last
season, the resurgence of the ‘90s is
here to stay. Suspended by delicate
straps, slip dresses defy gravity and
dominate the runways for spring.
Donna Karan is bringing back the
iconic slinky ‘naked dress’ from
Sex & The City. A wispy version of
“new kind of lace”, as Narciso
Rodriguez put it himself, takes
center stage in his show. A sheer,
paneled pink number stands out
among the stark black and white
pieces at Helmut Lang. Jason Wu
makes sexy seem oh, so effortless.
He drapes and glams up with a dash
of sparkle. Vera Wang is a master at
juxtaposing athletic influence and
feminine charm with an appealing
ease—racer back gown on top and
slip dress underneath. Meanwhile,
Christopher Kane and Stella
McCartney take a risky plunge with
the neckline.
winter 2013
24
About Face
W at h u s i r i Th o n g s a i ,
w h o g a i n e d h e r s ta r t i n f i l m m a k e - u p , w o r k s
now for the top br and,
K u p ta j i t
When did you first
become interested in
cosmetics? What inspired
your career choice?
When I was an
undergraduate, I was
realizing that make-up can
make women look more
charming and beautiful.
And I always liked to apply
make-up to others,
especially when they
complimented me about my
own make-up. So I soon
decided to turn it into a
career. Especially, as this is
a way I can make others
happy.
The term makeup artist–
do you consider what you
do art?
Yes, when professionally
done it is an art. Art is
something that depends.
25
winter 2013
Guy L aroche. She
ta l k s t o
J i t ta m a s
a b o u t t h e a r t o f m a k e - u p . b y j i t ta m a s k u p ta j i t
on our emotions. It is
expressed by the talent we
have. And this is the same
with make-up. It’s like you
use a person’s face as a
canvas and then, with
cosmetics, create the most
beautiful drawing. But we
have to be very careful
because the face is so
important.
Do you think make-up
artists approach beauty
differently than the
average person?
IIn my opinion, all women
can approach their own
unique beauty. It’s not that
our approach is different;
anyone can create it in her
own artistic way.
What do you think about
Thailand’s approach
compared to international
make-up artists?
It’s no different in quality but
there is a big gap in respect.
What I mean is, international
make-up artists are more
respected for their work as
real artists. But in Thailand
most people don’t know how
much skills are required in
being a make-up artist and
tend to look down on this
career.
Where do you find your
inspiration for creating
different looks?
I like trying new things. I
like trying to create new
looks when possible.
Beautiful places and the
combination of colors I see
can also inspire me in
creating different looks.
How do you decide on a
make-up look for each
person? What key
products do you use?
My key product is
foundation. The foundation
is like the first layer on a
canvas. If the canvas is
clean and ready for
drawing, you can hopefully
create beautiful results.
Before we let you go, what
make-up trends should be
rocking for our audience
in the upcoming season?
Silver and black are coming
back. As you know, we’re
about to celebrate the
Christmas and New Year
season. Silver is everywhere
now and black is the classic
color. Combinations of these
two could be quite
glamorous.
fashion
1
2
3
STREET FASHION
Here are the most outstanding
street-style moments from all
around Bangkok. By Satida
Pinsinchai
“What I wear defines who I am,”
Preen Ravisrarat.
4
6
1 New Suppasit. 2 Dome
Rachanan 3 Win Wathit 4
Sophie Indracusin 5 Benz
Punyaporn 6 Iang Sittha
Sapanuchart 7 Timethai
Plangsin 8 Preen Ravisrarat
7
5
8
winter 2013
26
fashion
FESTIVAL FASHION
H e r e ’s h o w t o l o o k c o o l i n t h e c o l d .
B y pat r a p h a n c h o t i t h a m wat ta n a
Despite thinking Bangkok’s weather is like a perpetual summer, the weather
changes this seasonal time of year, especially northern Thailand. But just because
it’s cooler temperatures outside doesn’t mean your clothes need to be boring and
unflattering. These autumn/winter layer-friendly fashion items are the building blocks
of a solid, stylish wardrobe.
27
winter 2013
Go Retro
W h at
wa s c o o l t o w e a r o n c e i s c o o l a l l o v e r a g a i n .
some of
B a n g ko k ’ s
t o p v i n ta g e s h o p s .
By
Here
are
pat r a p h a n
c h o t i t h a m wat ta n a
Again and Again
This vintage cloth shop offers clothes, shoes and accessories for
women. When you walk through the shop, glittery dresses, a
quality of shirts, skirts and pants will catch your eye. Items are
arranged nicely on hangers and shelves by color and style.
Although the focus of this shop is on girly outfits, the accessories
collection features beautiful costume jewelry that is amazing. They
also offer leather bags and shoes for men. It is hard to leave the
shop empty handed. But if you do, you can also buy online and can
check out new items on their Facebook page and website.
facebook.com/againandgainshop or vintageagainandagain.com.
Triple Stiched
A mall like Rainhill might not seem the place for very trendy,
vintage-styled clothes shop, but this is the place for some terrific
hidden treasures. Triple Stiched specializes in menswear, themed
for guys who seek the look and feel of rock and roll and indie.
Here, you find classic Levis jeans, 60s sunglasses, shoes and
American-brand shirts at a wide range of prices. There are also
exotic pieces that you likely won’t find anywhere else. Once you
enter the shop, you might find it takes a lot longer to leave than
you planned. Rock on. facebook.com/chaochantriplestitchdiary.
Cocue Basics
If you are looking for unique outfits, this shop in Siam Square is
definitely the right choice. Cocue Basics is one of the leading stores
providing fashion ideas for teenagers. There is no concept for the
shop, nor any categorization. The owner likes to focus on mix and
match items, offering items like plain T-shirts with colorful skirts.
Their stock pieces, coming from Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan,
provide cool vintage dresses, old military jackets, classic jeans and
other fashionable old school apparel. Aside from clothing, Cocue
Basics also has the hot items like the very popular Tom shoes.
winter 2013
28
fashion
Men in Wolf’s Clothing
Wolfkind Museum, a men’s wear store at Siam Center, is more than a place
to get pants and shirts. It’s also a place that dresses itself up in art. B y
onsiri sukhumcharoenchit
The men’s clothing store,
Wolfkind Museum, sells
suits, trousers, hats,
T-shirts, plus sunglasses
and other cool
accessories. Most of the
clothes are screened with
drawn paintings. Some
are colorful, but some are
just black and white. Each
style of the designer’s
drawings are unique. And
because every item’s
design is hand drawn, the
clothes are rare and
different from other
29
winter 2013
men’s clothing brands.
The sunglasses at
Wolfkind Museum are
also difficult to find in
other shops. At this shop,
thereare freaky and
signature-style sunglasses
for fashionable men.
Another thing that
separates this place from
other hip and stylish
shops is that it also
resembles a small
museum. A dinosaurs
skeleton funtions as a
clothing rack. There are
also many huge
sculptured bones used to
display products and on
metal-shaped tree
branches are hung classy
hats. All the decorated
artworks, drawings, and
sculptures fascinatedly
convey a one-of-a-kind
shopping scene.
Kritsada Pakawatsoonthorn, the owner, enjoys filling
the shop with his own artworks to enhance the retail
experience. He also produces many drawings for
magazines, composes music for his own band called
The Keylookz, and owns owns a graphic house
company named House of Wolves. Onsiri
Sukhumcharoenchit chats with the all-around artist.
You seem to have an unique style of design. What is
your inspiration?
Inspiration usually comes from motivation. Something
might motivate me to create a particular piece of art.
But sometimes I don’t have inspiration. This means that
a piece of artwork or material becomes a tool that I use
to express myself emotionally. For example, I might
feel exhausted from work or it was a rainy day. I would
then try to express those emotions through art.
What would you call your style?
Actually, I try not to fix my own style. In my opinion,
in the art industry the more you change your style, the
more you will learn. You will keep on improving and
evolving. Like now, when I am moving towards the
fashion industry, from this experience, it teaches me a
lot of new things.
What helped make you who you are today?
I love to think. I always observe my surroundings.
People can usually find me sitting still and apparently
absent-minded. But in reality, I am in a process of
thinking. Therefore, when I am about to begin the next
artwork, I will trace some thought I had and adapt that
thought to what I am producing.
What does the art mean to you?
Art is something you should find fun to do. It is
completely different from doing homework or many
other jobs. You should feel fresh and joyful when
you’re doing artwork. Art never has a fixed meaning, in
my opinion. It is something different each person who
brings a different perspective to it. And ultimately, art
is something you either like or dislike. No matter what
others might say, if you like it, it’s art; if you don’t, it
isn’t.
“ i LOVE TO THINK.
i ALWAYS OBSERVE
MY SURROUNDINGs.
pEOPLE USUALLY
FIND ME SITTING
STILL AND
APPARENTLY
ABSENT-MINDED”
winter 2013
30
T h e e W a n i c h n a n ta c h a r d , 28, d e s i g n e r a n d s o l e
Tadabags, was determined to make his
p l a c e i n T h a i l a n d ’ s fa s h i o n i n d u s t r y b y m e r g i n g
founder of
v i n ta g e a n d p r a c t i c a l i t y i n t o a n i c o n i c s i g n at u r e
collection. by pichcha viraporn
31
winter 2013
Bag It
.
Tell me about your brand. When did you first start
this business?
Personally, I love leather goods, especially leather bags.
But I felt like most leather bags that I bought were
expensive. I wanted everyone to have a chance to use
high-quality leather goods and, most importantly, make
them affordable.
So I started researching about leather in detail,
including production processes, qualities, and types of
local leathers compared with the imported ones. When I
had enough information, I started looking for craftsmen
who can make good quality leather bags.
Why did you name it Tada?
The origin of the name came from the last two words of
my last name when written in Thai: Wanichnantachard
Who are your business partners?
Initially, I planned to partner with my sister. But with
our differences in our ideas about leather goods, I
decided to start the business on my own. I received
advice from my family and peers about the practicality
of my designs. Eventually, the first collection of Tada
Bag Signature came out in four colors including
vintage brown, lively yellow, classy beige and navy
blue.
Where do you get inspiration for the designs?
Our designs are based on a personal preference for
vintage goods.I faced the challenging mission of
creating the ideal bag, which incorporates vintage, goes
with everything, and is unisex in qualities. Initially, I
feared that our products would not suit the customers
since we were a young and new brand. However, after
pre-launching our products, we were booked out within
two days. Our incredible success was thanks to our
friends and supporters in the entertainment business,
who helped promote our products through Instagram.
TADA SIGNATURE
COLLECTION
What was the next plan?
Our second batches of bags were aimed more towards
women. We added two additional colors of vivid violet
and spicy red together with our original four colors. To
my delight, the second batch also sold out. Orders
rushed in one after the other. I am sincerely thankful of
all my customers who have believed and supported my
brand.
What’s next in store?
Our new collection is called Huge; larger bags for
people who enjoy traveling. There is also Furever—real
fur bags—and Soulmate and Soulmate mini, which are
vintage camera bags. All our designs are kept unisex
and classic so it can be used by every age and gender.
Who are your target customers?
Main target customers are the ones who use social
network regularly. I focus on people who use Instagram
and Facebook. Since the first batch was out, we
received positive responses and word of mouth from
our satisfied customers. Word of mouth quickly spreads
between our customers. As a result, our customer base
quickly expands among teenagers and employees.
facebook.com/tadabagbythee.
signature collection
fashion
Some of the unique displays
Fabulous Fabrics
A royal museum in the heart of Bangkok is a hidden gem for people to
explore and learn about Thailand’s rich history of textiles craftsmanship.
By archan leel asmanchai
The Queen Sirikit
Museum of Textiles is the
brainchild of Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit. Inspired by
Her Majesty’s efforts to
protect and ensure the
preservation of Thailand’s
textile arts for future
generations, Queen Sirikit
envisioned a new
museum dedicated to
textiles. To achieve this
vision, the Ratsadakornbhibhathana Building in
the Grand Palace was
graciously granted for this
33
winter 2013
the King to house the
museum.
The Ratsadakornbhibhathana Building, for
many decades the
Ministry of Finance, was
completely renovated and
turned into a new textile
museum; its modern
facilities include a new
lobby, galleries, and an
educational studio,
library, and textile
conservation laboratory.
Nonetheless, its past is
still very much present, as
combines modern galleries
and an innovative style that
enhances a visitor’s
museum experience, while
still retaining a wealth of
19th-century period
architectural details that
honor the building’s
original style.
The museum has three
main exhibition rooms,
named: Artistry in Silk,
Fashioning Tradition and
For the Love of Her
Country.
The first room, Artistry
dozen of Her Majesty’s
designer ensembles made
from hand-woven textiles
produced by both Thai
and foreign designers.
Also, a tablet is installed
alongside each dress to
provide information on
the ensemble, the
commissioned designer,
as well as the occasion
during which the dress
was worn.
The following room,
Fashioning Tradition,
displays Her Majesty’s
dress for Thai women called phra
ratcha niyom (in English referred to
as a Thai dress of royal
endorsement). This national dress
was created during the 1960s,
combining the Thai traditional
costume with a Western-styled
design to create a new national
dress for Thai women. The
exhibition presents this story
through the combination of archival
photographs, films, and more than
30 examples of the outfit from Her
Majesty’s own wardrobe.
The last room, For the Love of
Her Country, tells the story of the
establishment of Support, Her
Majesty’s charity foundation
dedicated to preserving Thai local
village weaving. The foundation
was created form Her Majesty’s
travels around rural Thailand, in
which she grew concerned about
the difficult life of local rural
villagers and problem of how they
supported themselves in times of
natural disasters.
Her Majesty was determined
that weaving could become a
secondary source of income for
local rural women and would also
ensure the preservation of
traditional Thai textiles. This
exhibition room uses archival
footage, historic and contemporary
textiles, interviews, and
documentaries to tell the story of
Her Majesty’s efforts to assure the
preservation of Thailand’s textile
arts through Support.
queensirikitmuseumoftextiles.org
Her Majesty
was determined
weaving is an
income for
rural women
and ensures the
preservation of
traditional Thai
textiles
Thai dress of royal endorsement
winter 2013
34
wellness
the price of beauty
The
lengths to which people will go to achieve
society’s definition of being one of the beautiful people.
b y p u r n a m a pa w a
35
winter 2013
B
eauty plays an important role in
society today; it’s a tough and
competitive world out there.
People strive to look the best
they possibly can. But how far
are some willing to go? It seems
quite a lot. Cosmetic surgery,
often extremely expensive, has
been in demand more than ever, not just among women
but also men and teenagers.
In Thailand, it’s been no exception. Procedures are
not only performed on celebrities who need to keep up
their looks to remain relevant, or on high-society
women who money trying to keep back the hands of
time. Now, even the average person is turning to
cosmetic surgery to simply help boost their confidence.
Thailand used to be known as the leading country for
the gender reassignment surgery; today it is known for
all sorts of cost-friendly cosmetic procedures for both
locals and foreigners.
“Compared to 10 years ago, my patients are a lot
younger. Some come in for medical reasons, but some
come in looking for more satisfaction with themselves,”
says Dr Amorn Poomee, Board Certified plastic
surgeon and member of the American Society from one
of Bangkok’s leading hospitals, Bumrungrad
International Hospital.
Not only has there been a boom in cosmetic
surgeries, but more teenagers have seeking procedures
to help “improve their appearance,” says the doctor,
noting Thai law requires patients to be of at least 20
years of age to undergo cosmetic surgery; anyone
younger requires a parent’s consent.
In more extreme cases, teenagers who are not
comfortable with their sexuality are turning to gender
reassignment surgery to feel more comfortable in their
own skin. This may not be specifically for cosmetic
purposes, but it all comes down to being able to accept
yourself emotionally and physically.
“When I asked one of my 14-year-old patients why
she wanted breast implants at such a young age, she
said she wanted to fit in with her friends at school and
that she wanted a boyfriend,” says Dr Amorn.
Many parents are also becoming more accepting of
their teenage children undergoing cosmetic surgery,
wanting to see them happy. In certain cases, parents are
giving their teenage sons and daughters cosmetic
surgery certificates as graduation gifts. It has made
some skeptics ask: since when has a new nose or
breasts become a reward for academic achievement or,
in fact, a reward of any kind?
This raises ethical questions, such as who is
responsible to stop a patient from having one too many
surgeries? And do doctors have this right unless it is
clear that it can endanger a patient’s health or well
being? Do surgeons get to make the decision when they
would like to draw the line? If a surgeon turns down a
patient’s request, surgeons also note the person will
simply look elsewhere.
“My job is not to judge my patients, but I am
ultimately responsible for my patients,” says Dr Amorn.
“It is necessary for me to be aware of their motives
behind wanting cosmetic surgery. However, if I feel
that it is unnecessary or I feel uncomfortable
performing it, then I will not.”
The price of beauty often comes with risks and
pain. Patients may not be fully aware of the emotional
and mental roller coaster ride that comes with cosmetic
surgery. Nothing is considered a minor procedure. Even
a standard rhinoplasty or facelift is considered a major
surgical procedure.
With the stress of surgery, lack of sleep and
post-surgical recovery time, patients have been known
to spiral into depression. There are also physical risks
to such serious procedures. A facelift can lead to one’s
eyes or mouth not opening properly. Breast implants do
not always result in perfectly shaped breasts. Mistakes
happen and not every surgical patient will find the
results hoped for. Post-surgical infections can result in
severe pain and, in extreme cases, death. “Patients must
be fully aware of the potential risks before undergoing
surgery. They must also be emotionally ready,” say
doctors.
The most important thing is to have realistic
expectations. No one in this world is perfect. There is
no permanent standard of beauty; it really is in the eye
of the beholder. Cosmetic surgery might give some
emotional and physical satisfaction with one’s
appearance, but it comes with a lot of baggage and, in
itself, is not the answer to real happiness and
fulfillment.
At the end of the day, who you are inside cannot be
surgically molded or altered. Who you are is more
important than just how you look from the outside.
Outer beauty may have its temporary rewards, but inner
beauty never fades.
winter 2013
36
Inner Poise
Yoga can be misunderst ood a s ju s t s t re t c h in g e x e rc is e s
that can be practiced on on e ’s own . Ch e c k ou t t h re e
innovative pla c e s t o ge t prope rly pos it ion e d.
by Sarinporn Chulanont
37
winter 2013
Skyfly at Zenergy Fitness
Skyfly is a form of aerial fitness. Whether you are a
beginner or an advanced yogi, it allows you to go
deeper into poses, relieve spinal compression and work
on inversions that might otherwise seem impossible.
The first internationally certified Thai yoga teacher,
Napasorn Mahathanasin, brought the new art, which
was originally developed by Ruby Karen, an aerial
artist from The Ruby Karen Project in California.
“It’s not yoga-fly,” says Napasorn, one of the
founders of the studio. “Skyfly emphasizes more on
body movements.”
The hammocks and the hoops come from the U.S.
The hammock hangs from the ceiling and a hoop, made
of strong steel able to hold about 1,100 pounds, is
connected to the hammock. The equipment allows one
to perform different aerial yoga postures.
Skyfly is available to people of all ages and levels
of experience. It tunes, redefines, boosts mental abilities
and eliminates back pain, says Napasorn. It also
increases growth hormones, she claims, which helps
expanding bones, which can be especially beneficial as
you age.
“When I work with Skyfly in the morning, it
brightens my whole day,” says Nami Kida, a Japanese
student. “I’m here because I followed my friend’s
photos on Instagram when I was in Japan. Now I’m
totally in love with it.” fitnesszenergy.com
Pilates at The Pilates Station
Pilates is one of the fastest growing forms of exercise,
offering a full-body workout system. It is designed to
improve many areas at once; physical strength,
flexibility, posture, mental awareness, body symmetry
and coordination.
“If you do it regularly, the promise of ten sessions
of pilates will change both the way you move and your
posture,” says Patricia Duchaussoy, founder of the
studio, who is considered the first to bring pilates to
Thailand in 2000.
The certified teachers here are able to customize
your workout to help you reach you personal goals.
Classes are limited to six participants to ensure
everyone gets individual attention.
The studio is also a training ground for other pilates
teachers. “We also give back to society,” says
Duchaussoy. “I train instructors, who need 25 hours of
individual training before taking an exam by teaching
patients at universities or hospitals for free.”
pilatesstation.co.th
Hot Yoga at Yoga & Me
Performed in sweltering rooms heated up to 37 degrees
with a continuous set of 29 basic poses, this is a great
way to detox through sweating glands. Also, stretching
in the high temperatures allows you to stretch twice as
much as one usually can.
Yoga & Me, located at Crystal Design Center and
owned by Thai-actress Acharapan Paiboonsuvan—also
known as Pa Gee—offers a varied mix of holistic yoga
training courses designed to benefit the body and mind,
including greater flexibility, strength, stress reduction
and improving blood circulation, which stimulates the
heart to strengthen its contractions. This can also help
lower blood pressure. The post-class benefits? Students
say they feel more energized, rejuvenated and cleansed.
The staff recommends not to eat a couple hours
before class. Instead, bring a bottle of water and make
sure to drink a fair amount for at least two hours before
class. yogaandme.net.
winter 2013
38
Being Natural
Who doesn’t like a clean body and mind? Here are some ways to achieve it.
b y G u n t r a S ata w i r i ya
Detoxification - or detox for short
– is commonly misunderstood as
something that is medical and
therefore hard to understand. In
reality, detoxing is much more
natural than that. Detoxification—in
dictionary terms—is the removal of
toxic substances from a living
organism.
Detoxing, however, does not
only provide you with a clean body.
No matter which type of procedure
is used, be it a nutritional detox,
skin detox or so on, it is designed to
nourish and rejuvenate both your
physical and mental state of health.
With many people having a
busy lifestyle, the importance of
healthy eating tends to become
overlooked, as we rely on
convenient fast food chains or
cheap, unsanitary street peddlers to
save time to do other things.
However, this fast-paced style
of life can lead to alarming
diseases, such as diabetes and
obesity. Detox is a way to cleanse
the body of harmful toxins. And by
eating vegetables and other healthy
39
winter 2013
foods, the combined treatment will
enhance your physical and mental
state.
“The correct way to detox
needs to include your body, mind
and soul; not just any single one.”
says Vikki Aquino, the director of
Elemis Spa at the St. Regis Hotel.
According to Aquino, detoxing
includes eating healthy, some form
of exercise and healing your soul
with activities such as meditation.
Elemis Spa provides a massage and
scrub detox program for healthy
skin improvement and advanced
photographic equipment for specific
skin detox programs.
Generally, organic and natural
are often used interchangeably.
“You have to be careful when
using the word organic because
organic refers to the process, not the
name of the food,” explains Aquino.
“Organic products don’t have to
be natural, but the process used in
making them does.”
Detox-friendly foods are easily
found in neighborhood markets;
fruits, vegetables and other natural
products. “Organic foods would
become the vehicle in removing
harmful substances from your body
more easier and faster,” says
Aquino.
Technological advancements
have also enabled the detoxification
process to become more
convenient. Clinics and spas in
Thailand integrate the science of
detoxing with new technological
machines, which are able to
accurately determine what kind of
treatment a person needs,
quickening and improving the
process.
Another interesting type of
detox is skin detox. This can be
done in either short or long
timeframes depending on the
person’s preferences and needs.
Photographic equipment analyzes
the condition of skin at the deepest
layers, allowing the treatment
process to be implemented at the
right spot. Unfortunately, there are
currently only a few of these
machines being used in Thailand.
Some Like it Hot
One way to escape from the city’s clutter and
chaos is to get soaked, Japanese style. by
eing the first authentic
Japanese hot spring spa in
Thailand, Yunomori Onsen
& Spa offers a unique way to relax
both body and mind. According to
the owner, onsen literally means
“hot spring,” and Yunomori uses
sourced mineral water from
different places in Thailand,
including Ranong, Kanchanaburi
and Lampang provinces rather than
using artificial mineral powder.
There are two wonderful types
of hot springs. If you want to
refresh your mind, Soda Onsen is
recommended. This is said to
increase oxygen in your blood and
improve blood circulation. For
people who need a good
B
detoxification, try the 43-degree
Celsius Onsen, which is said to help
eliminate toxins from the body and
increase one’s metabolism rate.
There is also a similar treatment
using cold water for those with
sensitive skin.
The décor uses natural wood
and granite to give a feeling of
nature, and the whole procedure is
- shower gel, shampoo, a hairdryer
and lotion.
In addition to the baths,
massages are also provided. Plus,
there is a Japanese restaurant, a
cafe, a bakery and a beauty clinic.
Indeed, once checked in, men and
women can have a whole day of
unlimited use, free to spend hours
Sanhajutha Jul anont
soaking away. You can experience
the traditional Japanese
environment here in Thailand.
yunomorionsen.com.
the decor
uses wood
and granite
to give a
feeling of
nature
winter 2013
40
giving
Kid Power
Childline Thailand Foundation helps homeless
children find a better life off the streets.
by Ranuka Rajendram
The Hub Saidek Youth Club is a different type of club one
would normally enter. This is a safe and secure place where
some of Bangkok’s homeless children comes to. It gives a
nurturing vibe with its colored walls, some of which include
the paintings of flowers and figures done by the children.
The colorful atmosphere and compassionate staff makes the
Hub, as it’s commonly called, a completely different
environment from the slums and dirty streets that these
children would otherwise call their home.
Indeed, this becomes a caring refuge they’ve never had,
nor would ever find on the streets. When I recently visited,
there were happy and engaged children everywhere. In one
corner, some children were trying out some dance moves.
On another side of the room, a group of kids were deeply
involved in drawing. Elsewhere, some were at the little
kitchen being provided by the youth workers.
Kamkaiw Bosagornranat is one of the Hub’s youth
workers. She helps children talk about their problems. Fully
dedicated, like everyone else that works here, she will even
go with a child, if needed, to a hospital or the
police station. And, like other youth workers, she also
41
winter 2013
organizes outside activities for the children.
The Hub, which opened in 2011, is located about a
five-minute walk from Hua Lampong railway station,
which is where a lot of the homeless children scrap for
survival. It caters to homeless children under the age of
18, and is open from 9am to18pm. Run by the Childline
Thailand Foundation (CTF), Ilya Smirnoff, CTF’s
executive director, told me the Hub is “a walk-in center
for homeless children. The children come here to do
almost anything here. They can shower, wash their
clothes, use the computers, dance, draw, read books.” On
most days, 20 to 30 children show up; last year up to
10,000 used the facilities.
“Street children need help, all kinds of help: physical
health services, education, and accommodation, and just
general help”, Smirnoff explains. “I wanted to help correct
the injustice; every child should have a home and know
their rights. So, if someone doesn’t have the time to help,
you can donate some money, talk about the issues with
people, and raise awareness.” childlinethailand.org and
thehub.childlinethailand.org.
giving
The Reader
Many people donate money or visit a foster home as a way to give back to
the society. They often overlook things like a talking library, which is a good
way to help others without spending a baht. by
With the advancements of technology, blind people are
able to do many more things than before. But what they
still need help with is book reading. Talking books,
made by those who can see for those who cannot, have
helped enrich the lives of the blind.
“Reading books through Braille is great, but
listening to books read for you by someone who does
not even know you is terrific,” says Wichai Sathien,
who was blinded by a car accident. “It reminds you that
someone out there still cares about you and that you are
not forgotten.”
“Some readers are so great that I have listen to
them over and over,” he adds. “I always enjoy listening
to them making their voices low and high, sad and
happy, serious and playful.”
The number of blind people in Thailand is more
than 700,000. But there are only 7,000 talking books
available for them. This gap provides a great
opportunity for people who want to help in this area.
All you need is your literacy, a little time, and a willing
heart.
Most blind centers in Bangkok welcome volunteers.
W a r a n ya S a e l u e
These centers readily provide recording equipment, as
well as staff to help you with the procedure.
“Many people come in kind heartedly, whiles
others do so because they have been assigned to. But
that doesn’t matter. We are just glad they come,” says a
reading staff at the Thailand Association of the Blind.
“I would suggest those coming to read for the blind
to come with a real intention to help and to read very
carefully and wholeheartedly because unfortunately,
some talking books are too sloppy to be distributed,”
she explains.
Two blind centers in Bangkok include the Thailand
Association of the Blind or TAB, located in SamsenNai, and the Audio Book Room for the Blind on the
third floor of B2S in Central World.
However, with the time constraints for many
people, readings can be done through one’s
smartphone. Read For Blind is a mobile application
made in cooperation with Thai Samsung, AIS, SCB and
Google. The app enables you to record your voice
whenever and wherever you feel like it. So be smart: a
smartphone is all it takes.
winter 2013
42
THE ART of Enlightenment
F o r 35
years,
D u a n g P r at e e p F o u n d at i o n h a s b e e n
Bangkok’s poor.
by Dang Duong Phuong Truc
fighting for the rights of
“Even my life I can give to Khru
Prateep. I might have been worse
without her help,” Boonma Roddee,
the coordinator for the educational
sponsorship program at Duang
Prateep Foundation (DPF), tells me.
Boonma, at the age of 39, has been
working for DPF for almost 20
years. Like most of the staff, she
was once a slum dweller, whose life
was influenced by the foundation
and its founder, Ungsongtham Hata
Prateep often affectionately known
as The Slum Angel.
Being adopted at a very early
age into a poor family of two older
brothers in Bangkok’s Klong Toey
slum, Boonma never had the
opportunity to receive a proper
education. After her foster father
passed away when she was 11, the
43
winter 2013
younger brother decided to leave
home, starting his new life away
from the slum and never once
looked back. The older brother,
meanwhile, became an addict. As
his drug abuse increased, he grew
aggressive. Mental and physical
abuse became commonplace to
Boonma’s life.
“Sometimes he forced me to
buy him drugs or marijuana as he
was afraid of being caught. On the
days when he got his fix I would
not be hit. Other days, he might tie
me to a lamp post on a sidewalk
with a sign hanging on my neck
saying nasty things,” says Boonma.
Then one day, a fit of rage, he threw
Boonma and her mom out on the
street. Without any relatives they
could turn to, a neighbor took them
in. She later asked for help from
Prateep, who offered them both a
place to stay at the foundation.
In her first year of secondary
school, Boonma had to abandon her
studies to take care of her sick
mother in the hospital. Not long
after, her foster mother also passed
away. Boonma, now 13, had no
other choice but to struggle on her
own and take care of her drugaddicted brother. “Sometimes, I
took on part-time jobs such as
cleaning the rust from a boat. Then
at 2 or 3AM, I would scoop pig fat
from a waste pipe in a
slaughterhouse to sell it at the
market. Other days, I would help
out at a food stand. I could only
sleep when the owner allowed,”
Boonma recalls. “But still, I wanted
to study.”
With the support of the DPF
staff and Prateep, Boonma was
encouraged to attend weekend
classes until she graduated the sixth
grade; meanwhile, Prateep offered
her a job to clean up the office to
earn a living. In her free time, DPF
staff taught Boonma typing and
administrative work. Witnessing the
young girl’s determination, Prateep
decided to sponsor her with DPF’s
Education Sponsoring Program.
Boonma finally earned her Bachelor
Degree in Education at the
Chandrakasem Rajabhhat
University and passed the Citizens
Child Protection Officer test in
2003.
Even as a teenage girl, Prateep
nurtured a dream of dedicating her
life to help the society. Early in the
1960s, she initiated “One-Baht-ADay” School for the children of the
slum. In 1978, DPF was officially
registered as a charity emerged
from the efforts of the slum people
to fight for their own lives. Ever
since, Prateep has worked tirelessly
in educational development and to
help solve problems among the
Klong Toey community. Today, the
DPF has 22 ongoing projects to
address four categories of social
issues: educational development,
health services, social services, and
human development. Plus its
created an emergency fund.
And, after years of negotiations
with local authorities, the OneBaht-A-Day School is now
recognized as a school affiliated
with the Bangkok Municipal
Administration. In addition, the
DPF also set up a kindergarten
program, which helps some 200
children from the slums with the
Montessori Teaching Method, as
well as a special school for children
with disabilities. The foundation
also has created opportunities for
children with drug addiction to
emerge into the society with its
“there are
two ways of
spreading
light: to be
the candle
or the
mirror that
reflects
it” - Edith
wharton
New Life Project and the Slum
Children’s Art Club.
Growing in size, the Duang
Prateep Foundation has never lost
touch with its community roots.
Most of the Klong Toey residents
consist of immigrants from
Northern Thailand. They take on
different jobs—as drivers, cleaners,
street vendors, maids, doing
laundry for the neighbors. However,
for a long time they have not been
able to get any legal document to
the land or even a birth certificate
for their children. So the fear of
eviction has been a daily part of
their lives; poor lives that are eked
out for an entire family.
But after years of DPF pushing
for official recognition, plus help
from the Ministry of Interior, slum
residents can now finally apply for
a registration program for a Thai
citizen ID. Eviction is no longer a
fear with a 20-year contract of land
use with the Port Authority of
Thailand and the assistance of DPF
in resettlement.
In an effort to reach out to other
social groups and promote
sustainable development for the
community, the foundation
launched the Youth and Young
Women’s Development Program. It
was created to keep young girls off
the street by providing vocational
training and handicraft skills to
provide an extra source of income
for their family. And with the
Senior Citizen’s Welfare Program,
the elderly of Klong Toey’s slum
will get daily care with medical
personnel and even financial
assistance for medical expenses.
Duang Prateep means “flame of
enlighment,” which is appropriate:
Prateep has brought light into the
darkness of so many lives;
illuminating the way to a better life
and, most important, equality and
dignity. Nevertheless, life in the
slum continues and still is remains
far from a comfortable and healthy
life. For information about donating
or volunteering email dpffound@
ksc.th.com or the website: dpf.or.th/
en.
In her first
year of
secondary
school,
boonma had
to abandon
her studies
to take care
of her sick
mother in
the hospital
winter 2013
44
giving
Perpetual Motion
A rc h Won gc hi nd a we st, 2 7 , t he yo ung CEO and co -fo under
of M ysoc i a l m oti on, star t ed t his so cial ent er pr ise t wo
y e a r s a go, c re a ti ve l y i nc o r po r at ing business wit h char it y.
Wa r anya Sa e l u e f i n d s out ho w he makes do ing g o o d fo r
ot her s so met hing co o l and easy.
b y W a r a n ya S a e l u e
45
winter 2013
How would you define your
business model?
Mysocialmotion is a social
enterprise. We aim to influence as
many people as we possibly can to
contribute in making a difference to
our society. Only one percent of the
people are contributing. Our goal is
to influence the rest of the 99
percent to do the same. To do this,
we apply various tools to make
changing the world more
convenient, interesting and fun.
What makes Mysocialmotion
different from other charitable
organizations?
While most charitable organizations
raise funds merely through
donations, we try not to do
something that’s just goody-goody.
We want to make doing good part
of a person’s lifestyle; like it’s
trendy, like it’s cool. You do it and
you feel good and it positively
impacts others.
What was the inspiration behind
your idea?
During the years of my bachelor
studies, I tried to find answers to
what life meant; what are the
purposes of life? Why are we alive?
After graduating, I spent one full
year doing the so-called selfstudying.
Then one day, I read a book
called Fifty Facts That Should
Change the World. This was when I
learned that millions of people go
hungry everyday. And this was only
one of the 50 facts.This really got
me. I thought to myself: this is what
I want to do something about. And
to me, social enterprises seemed to
be an effective way to do it.
How does it allow people to make
the difference?
Social Giver is one of the projects
initiated by Mysocialmotion. It is a
fundraising platform for social
organizations. For people, it allows
them to enjoy their lifestyles while
making positive differences in the
world.
Imagine you had a thousand
baht. You could do two things; give
it to charity or spend it to satisfy
your needs on restaurants, hotels,
spas and so on. With Social Giver,
you could do both at the same time.
By giving money to charities, you
get vouchers for those restaurants
and hotels in return. The cool thing
about it is that the vouchers are
worth more than the amount you’ve
paid.
How has the public response
been?
We’ve had over 100 donors and
raised more than 270,000 baht in
the past two months. We also have
gotten a lot of press releases, which
shows that the media is interested.
So I think when we start doing
online marketing, which will be our
main focus, this project will grow
considerably.
Do you see Mysocialmotion as a
successful organization?
No, not yet. We are still in the
start-up stage. My goal is for this to
become a go-to place for doing
good. Every time someone wants to
share an idea, or fund a charity, or
just want to do good, I hope they
think of Mysocialmotion. When
that happens, that’s when I would
say we are successful.
mysocialmotion.org.
winter 2013
46
art
Oldies But Goodies
Something
p r e c i o u s w i l l n o t l o s e i t s va l u e . A n d t h e o l d e r i t i s , t h e m o r e
va l u a b l e i t c o u l d b e c o m e , b o t h i n p r i c e a n d p l e a s u r e .
by
T
Mr. Tawee Asawasajapong and Chinese snuff bottle collection from Ming Dynasty
47
winter 2013
N at n a r e e T a e pa i s i t p h o n g s e
hailand is a country with a rich and long history,
so it is no surprise that the capital is a fantastic
place to shop for antiques. One of such are
shops specialized in types of valuable antiques or a
range of items from regions. Here are just three of some
of the top places to find museum-like pieces.
Dark lighting and space-packed with antiques,
Kilin in O.P. Place can’t help but inspire browsing and
treasure hunting. The shop contains items mainly from
Burma and China: from special pieces like a wooden
statue of gong carriers, 19th to 20th lacquer tables from
Burma to 100-year-old wooden string puppets or
300-year-old embroiders from China.
Yet, the piece that holds the pride of shop-owner
Tawee Asawasajapong can easily fit into your palm:
lovely, Chinese snuff bottle. “These snuff bottles are so
popular among Europeans that they are becoming very
rare even in China,” says Tawee. “Initially, people
bought them to hold tobacco powder. Now, it is all
about the little container.”
Each is distinctive in design; carefully carved and
painted with Chinese patterns. About 40 pieces can be
found here. The oldest could be dated back 400 - 500
years ago from the Ming Dynasty. If you are interested
in the history of Asia, this shop is something you don’t
want to miss. facebook.com/opplace.bkk
“We have the biggest and the most complete
collection of antique porcelain in Thailand,” explains
Natta Chotwatchara, owner of Adul Collection in Siam
Paragon. Part of it is displayed in an antique wooden
closet in the middle of the spacious and well-organized
shop. The collection is made up of some 400 porcelain
pieces - each played a different role in the life of king
Rama V and his family. All are beautifully painted in
five colors: white, black, green, red and yellow, telling
the story of Ramayana: the war between good and evil.
Adul Collection also offers large antique pieces,
such as 70 year-old mother of pearl inlaid chairs from
Vietnam, and an ivory inlaid Ching Dynasty screen
from China. Natta, who is passionate about antiques,
welcomes an opportunity to talk with anyone who is
interested in the history and craftsmanship of Asian
antiques. facebook.com/adulcollection
With its dim light and rows of Buddha statues,
Panusnikhoom Perfect Art shop in River City invokes
the feeling of stepping into a small temple. “Some were
decorated with gold and glass by very skillful artista
during Ayutthaya period,” explains owner Sak
Panusnikhom.
The shop also specializes Buddhist necklaces and
other antiques, such as 17 pieces of 100-year-old neatly
carved silver box from Cambodia, and a 17th-century
blue and white porcelain tea set from China.
While each antique shop may be different in size
and items, what they share in common are the friendly
personalities of the owners who love to share their
knowledge and, of course, inspire interest in antiques
twice, or more, your grandma’s age.
From top: Porcelain inspired by Phra Apai Manee poem, Ms.
Natta Chotwatchara and her antique porcelain collection, Mr. Sak
Panusnikhom of Panusnikhoom Perfect Art shop in River City
Dark lighting and
space-packed with
antiques, kilin in
o.p. place can’t
help but inspire
browsing and
treasure hunting
winter 2013
48
art
Wish fulfillment
Popular Youtube
P at r av e e S r i s u n t i s u k , 23,
w i t h h e r o n l i n e W i s h e s o n t h e E a r t h s i t e , ta l k s t o
C h o m p o o pa n t h i p S u n t o r a c h a i a b o u t h e r m u s i c a l l i f e .
49
winter 2013
singer
and turned it into a green screen
and made lots of video versions of
myself. I was around the time I
entered the Faculty of
Communication Arts.
What are you up to at the
moment?
I am currently composing music,
training with Gammy [one of
Thailand’s top record companies],
and trying to improve my skills by
practicing guitar and vocals for
better performances in the future.
You post your songs on Youtube.
Why did you choose that to
express your music?
It started since I was in 11th grade.
The teacher gave the students an
assignment to do on whatever topic
we pleased. So I picked Youtube
because the company had recently
become popular. However, while I
was doing my research, I noticed
that there were a lot of online
singers, so I became interested in
watching those people. And not so
long after, I wanted to do it too.
That was the moment when I used
my camera, laptop and other
equipment to record myself and
post it on the website. It was kind
of an experiment after seeing other
people doing the same thing.
You went under the username
WishesontheEarth from the start.
Why did you pick that?
Yes, I imitated Beyonce Knowles’s
song Wishing on a Star, changing it
into WishingontheEarth. However, I
don’t really know if I got it
grammatically correct or not..
When can someone actually call
themselves a singer? What I
mean is nowadays anyone can
sing songs and post it online
Personally, I think those call
themselves a singer should be the
ones who commit to singing and
dedicate themselves to the art.
Those who go to karaoke or did not
intend to sing properly or at their
best capability, they are not counted
as a real singer.
Is singing included in your future
plans? Or do you have other
goals that you would like to
achieve?
Personally, my goals for the next
five years would be singing.
Singing has always been a part of
my life. So, singing and playing
guitar is still my future plan, and to
improve my skills, because I want
to be known for being good at
something.
How did you feel about having a
fan club and many followers?
At first I was excited. I wasn’t sure
whether it’s real or not because I
never experienced it before. Then,
there was feedback to my
performances, both good and bad. I
was really glad but kind of shocked
when I saw that there were million
views on my videos. But there are
also pressures to keep improving.
But I am the kind of person that
doesn’t want to stand still.
Is it difficult to compose or write
a song?
It all depends. Some songs come
from within; no need to force
myself. There are others where I
have to use a lot of strength and
ideas to make them work, until I’m
pleased with the results.
Which song is your most
favorite?
The song is called Honey Honey by
Abba. The reason was that although
I hurt my leg by knocking it on a
table one day, I didn’t even go to
see a doctor. Instead, I went straight
home and recorded the song out of
joy. I also bought a green curtain
Can you please give some
shout-outs to the people who also
love to sing but don’t know which
way to go?
I believe that those who really have
passion for singing should pursue it
in their own way, if they have the
talent and dedication. A person I
know also gave me an inspiring
piece of advice: ”If you still cannot
do something, it may be because
nature is trying to distinguish those
who really want to do it and those
who don’t.” I was entirely
captivated by that quote and I am
also trying to live up to it.
Is that your personal motto?
Not really. The actual one would be
to live life with happiness. I want to
live a happy life because I don’t get
the point of being sad or upset once
you’re born. Having the chance to
live a life is already a gift from
God.
What is the next song you’re
going to cover?
I have no idea yet. Maybe it might
be some jazz because I’m now kind
of into it.
winter 2013
50
The reel deal
art
At the age of 29, movie director Chayanop Boonprakob’s made his first major
film, Suckseed, a comedy that follows three secondary school students who
form a rock band to impress girls. He talks to Chompoopanthip Suntorachai
about movie making on and off the set.
Why do you want to become a director? Did your
time in the Faculty of Communication Arts help you
decide on what you have become?
I’ve always wanted to be a director. Studying at Faculty
Communication Arts made me even more certain of
that fact. I loved making and watching the movies
made by my friends. The alumni also motivated me
greatly, and movies like Fan Chan or Love of Siam
really motivated me to strive for my goals.
Suckseed was your senior project. What was your
motivation in turning it into a big form movie?
Actually, the short movie I did at the university and the
real one shown in theaters are entirely different; they
just have the same title and theme.
Were there any challenges on the set?
For the thesis film I worked with my brothers and
sisters; we helped each other as best as we could with
our limited knowledge. However, in the real world, to
51
winter 2013
experts—from different fields come together to produce
a piece of work. Things are usually far beyond
expectations, so as fresh graduates, I have to keep pace
with them. We have to do a lot of homework on the plot
of the story we’re going to in order to answer all of the
questions from other staffs.
What is your most valuable experience from making
this film?
There are a lot. If we observe from the crew’s
perspective, maybe it would be the kind generosity
from people who were already in the movie industry;
they gave us guidance, taught and helped us willingly.
Moreover, everyone committed and dedicated him or
herself to work on this since the screen writing; they
even put a part of their real life story into the movie.
How did you feel when you knew you were going to
direct Suckseed?
I felt that it was too soon to direct my own first movie.
However, key people believed in me, so I thought I
should also believe in myself. That’s why I thought I
gave it a shot.
How successful do you rate Suckseed?
Beyond my expectations, since I know I did my best. I
put all my effort into it. The feedback was far more
than what I had in mind. And I want to maintain the
same standards in my next film.
Is there any pressure for the next movie you’re
planning to direct?
It depends on the movie. If it’s similar to the previous
one, of course there’ll be a lot of pressure because
many gags will already be used. Most people cannot
produce the same thing over and over again. You have
to find new inspiration; it depends on the movie. If it’s
similar to the previous one, of course there’ll be a lot of
pressure because many gags will already be used. Most
people cannot produce the same thing over and over
again. You have to find new inspiration.
Are you working on a new film now?
I am currently working on something new. However,
it’s going to take some time before appearing in public.
“If you happen
to get pass
some horrible
experience and
look back, you’ll
see that the
incident could be
the component
for a decent
movie”
What is your movie-making goal?
Right now, I would have to say that it’s to produce a
movie, but not an ordinary movie. It has to be the one
that the audience really appreciates. Accomplishments
in the past don’t guarantee your success in the future.
Can you give advice to those who would like to be a
film director?
There are lots of people have asked me how to become
one. I simply have only one thing to say: just do it. We
live in a free world where anybody can become a
director of his or her own movie. But, of course,
nobody will be your sponsor or give you a budget
unless you prove yourself that you can possibly work
the magic. So just produce your first works within the
budget you have. And find your own style and have
people to see the results. Don’t wait for people to give
you opportunities.
Do you have a philosophy in order to keep on going,
even when faced with major challenges?
The amusement of being a director is facing
catastrophe. Whenever there is a catastrophe, it’s a huge
treasure chest of ideas. This is my personal experience.
For example, if you happen to get pass some horrible
experience and look back, you’ll see that the incident
could be the component for a decent movie.
winter 2013
52
art
Stepping Back in Time
A
C h a o P h r aya R i v e r
Bangkok community.
Archan Leelasmanchai
new museum near the
p r e s e rv e s t h e h i s t o ry o f a
by
53
winter 2013
T
he Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum explores
the interesting history of Bangkok’s Noi
district. The museum combines sleek,
modern galleries and state-of-the-art
facilities while retaining a wealth of
period architectural detail that honor the
building’s original era and style.
Located in the former Bangkok Noi Railway
Station on the grounds of Siriraj Hospital, the museum
has three main sections. The Rear Palace depicts
valuable antiques, such as an old rare map of Bangkok
from the 18th century, ancient swords, and traditional
Thai paintings that were found in the ruin of a palace
near the hospital. All of the antiques are displayed with
multimedia tablets to provide in-depth information.
The Siriraj Hospital section tells the story of the
creation of the hospital during the 19th and 20th
centuries. The hospital was created by the order of King
Rama V, and was the first Western-styled hospital in
Thailand. The king had a vision to create a hospital
with all the western medical technology that was
available at the time to enhance the quality of life. The
exhibition presents the story through historical objects,
such as medical equipments from 19th century, pictures
the hospital over the years, old medical textbooks, and
a model of the operating room. Collectively, they show
the history of medical advancements in Thailand.
The final section, Bangkok Noi Community,
focuses on the life of local people in the area during the
19th century when Bangkok was opening to foreign
traders. As Bangkok prospered, many districts in the
city emerged as centers of trade. Some grew while
others fell. Bangkok Noi was one district that
prospered. This exhibition room uses antiques and
objects mainly donated by local people and includes a
model of the Bangkok Noi village community with
wonderful scaled-down details of houses, shops, and so
forth to give an excellent visual pictures of what it was
once like to live there. The exhibition also has a junk
ship more that is considered to be the largest ship of its
kind ever to be found in Thailand. Si.mahidol.ac.th/
museum.
winter 2013
54
art
Gallery Getaways
Get
lost in four of
B a n g ko k ’ s
m o s t c r e at i v e a n d m u lt i c u lt u r a l g a l l e r i e s ,
a p p r o p r i at e f o r t h o s e s e e k i n g s e r e n i t y a n d a s h o t o f i n s p i r at i o n .
B y S i r i n Yav i r a j
Whitespace Gallery
Art enthusiasts with a passion for distinctive, avantgarde art forms will enjoy the displays shown at
Whitespace Gallery. Though the venue is completely
coated in white, aside from the bare concrete floors, the
far from distracting surroundings is considered part of
the art experience. The coarse but contemporary
ambiance is also ideal for accentuating artworks,
curated by Maitree Siriboon and occasional guest
contributors. The exhibitions to be expected at this
urban retreat never fail to highlight originality,
including a melting pot of painting, sculpture,
photography, installations, as well as new media and
conceptual art. whitesp-cegallery.com
Kathmandu Photo Gallery
Under the supervision of Thai photo-artist Manit
Sriwanichpoom and co-collaborator artist-filmmaker
Ing K. Heavy, Kathmandu Photo Gallery oozes
elements of adventure and charm seen in the antique
pre-war shophouse’s interior, and the hard-to-miss
black-and-white photographs from Manit’s travels.
The uncluttered upstairs gallery consists of
whatever current exhibition on display, while
downstairs, the walls of the mint green, narrow venue
are effectively enveloped with framed photographs of
all sizes. Making the most of its modest space
downstairs, a book corner features an assortment of art,
photography and spiritually adventurous publications.
kathmandu-bkk.com.
We*Do Gallery
The collaborative effort of Francisco Polo and Markus
Herchet to form We*Do Gallery can be described as
exceptional. Influences that shaped the duo’s interior
architect office range from life experiences of their own
and friends, plus inspiring discoveries collected during
their travels.
The sleek-looking showroom radiates a slightly
surreal aura that not only captures the attention of
anyone passionate about design, but also onlookers: a
large array of specialized furniture, design objects, and
55
winter 2013
The one Minute Sculpture Forever
limited edition pieces. The establishment also provides
architectural services, interior design projects, concept
development, design consulting, and art direction.
wedo-gallery.com.
100 Tonson Gallery
100 Tonson Gallery, the minimalist box-shaped venue
designed by leading French designer Christian Liaigre,
is recognized for featuring a diverse mixture of
contemporary exhibitions by both local and
international artists. Its interior is constructed with
glass panels at the entranceway as well as a high ceiling
complete with skylights, making the gallery one of
Bangkok’s most quintessential.
The gallery has been one of the first spaces to
emerge with displays of installation art, video
installation, and conceptual art when it was uncommon
among most local galleries. Keep an eye out for
impressive artworks presented in forms of installation,
new media, painting, and sculpture. 100tonsongallery.
com.
art
Trash to
Treasure
C h at p o r n N i n t h u m m a c h a r t
Th a i D e s i g n e r w o r k i n g
is a
o n a r ecyc l i n g pr o j ec t o f
R e +P a i r . b y
V e e r a n u c h V i r at m a l e e
hers called
As global warming becomes more and more prominent,
people are shifting their preferences to more ecofriendly products. Chatporn Ninthummachart, also
known as Pair, is one among many people who are
aware of this rising problem.
“When I was young, my parents always taught me
to turn off the lights whenever they’re not in use. That’s
what made me so fond of the idea of saving the earth,”
Says Chatporn, 27, who graduated from Faculty of Fine
and Applied Arts, Chiang mai University in 2008.
Her passion towards recycling started with her
thesis when she was a fourth- year student designing a
watch recycled from used products. Her idea was
encouraged by friends, family, and professors at
university, which gave her the inspiration to go on.
After graduating, a big break came when her work
of a recycled watch made from an old milk boxes was
displayed at Bangkok’s TCDC Thailand Creative &
Design Center (TCDC), then nominated and selected as
one of 24 brands at the event to be developed for sale at
the TCDC shop.
Having her product displayed and sold at TCDC
raised a lot of awareness and Chatporn received a great
deal of positive feedback. Her university thesis was
displayed at many events, such as Siam Lalanta and
Bangkok Design Festival. Chatporn then spent half a
year working as a graphic designer, but decided to quit
and started up her own brand, specifically focusing on
recycling.
“When you look at the trash, you have to disregard
its old functions. For example, a gas plastic container,
try to change your perception from seeing it only to
serve a purpose of containing gas. Try to look at its
other functions, such as the qualifications plastic. Then,
write about those features and consider it one by one in
regards of what it can do.”
Chatporn goes on to explain how she could see so
much potential from trash and how such things, ignored
by others, have become her inspiration. From these
creative ideas, she has started her own small brand
called RE+PAIR. She has since been invited to display
at Maison and Objet in Paris, while her artworks have
become a big hit Thailand: well-designed and unique
products with a simple concept of being eco-friendly.
winter 2013
56
Step Up
Hemachandra, 23, is a trained dancer and freelance artist. She takes time from
pirouetting to talk to Jittamas Kuptajit about making the right moves and what
it takes to keep on dancing. .
What type of dancing did you
start with?
I started doing ballet and Thai
classical dance from the age of
nine. Then later on, I added jazz
dancing.
as well. Recently, I completed my
postgraduate diploma at the London
Contemporary Dance School
(LDCS). And now, I am currently
doing a Masters in Dance
Performance at LCDS.
From these lessons, what
evolved?
At first, dancing was just an extra
activity for me. But not until I was
14 did I start taking dance seriously.
I began assisting my dance teacher
in his ballet and jazz classes. From
there onwards, it wasn’t just
dancing that interested me, but I
found that I really enjoyed teaching
What stands out most in your
academic experiences so far?
The people I have met and the new
things I have learned, not just
dancing, but everything in life: how
to live in the society and, especially,
I learned so much about myself
over the years from living away
from home.
57
winter 2013
At what point did you feel you
were making real improvement?
Completing the exercises
correctly and noticing you were
becoming much stronger as a
dancer?
As a dancer, you need to keep
improving. Each day your body is
different. Especially nowadays you
are required to be versatile, so you
need to keep exploring and keep
challenging the body. At the same
time, you need to trust what you
have learned to be able to move on
and improve. You need to
acknowledge what you already
have, but be open and be hungry,
and improve. You need to acknowledge what you
already have, but be open and be hungry, for the most
interesting thing for me is the constant exploration for
new possibilities.
Did you ever feel that you were made to dance? And
if so, how did it effect your decision to pursue a
dance career?
Personally, I do not think I was born to dance. I worked
very hard for it. I always think back of the hard work
that I have done and the knowledge that teachers have
given me. I cannot stop now. I have to continue. And if
I find that it does not really work anymore at some
point, then that is when I will quit.
What advice do you have for beginning dancer?
Keep working hard. Be open-minded. Be mindful about
what is going on in the world and the people around
you. Learn to respect your body and explore it; your
range of movements. Be humble. Trust and enjoy
whatever you do, because if you are not enjoying it,
you are never going learn anything., you are never
going learn anything.
The lessons and commitment is difficult. Did you
ever consider quitting before?
Quitting dance came up once in a while. But it has
never been so serious that I considered following
through. I am still young and this is the time where I
can keep exploring and doing what I love to do.
Did dance effect any of your other interests? If yes,
how?
Dance affects my daily life and vice versa. Pretty much
a lot of things in everyday life affect my dancing.
Everything that happens shapes who I am now. Dance
is also a way of living. Things I learned from dancing
can also apply to my daily life as well. Everything is
movement and movement is dance to me.
Top: Silent Steps in EDge’13 Touring Programme (TECH).
Practice is how you learned to move and improve
Did dance open your eyes to other arts like theater,
art, etc?
Definitely! Contemporary dance for me can be
anything. These days many of the arts is all about
mixing and crossing between art forms. And the
collaboration artists in music, dance, paintings, theater,
circus, voice, and so on.
What does Thailand need to do have a world-class
ballet?
Dance is a classical and beautiful art. Thailand should
embrace the dance and support it. Thai people are
already beautiful dancers and have a long history in
classical dancing. Therefore learning one of the best
dances would be a good thing.
Future plans?
I hope I will always be able to dance because I love it.
Maybe I won’t be able to do it professionally, but that is
all right. I also hope to encourage others to join dance.
10
spring 2013
chase.ac.th
winter 2013
58
art
A Bridge to Nirvana
There
i s a m e a n i n g b e h i n d e v e ry s u c c e s s f u l w o r k
o f a r t , w h i c h i s a l s o o n e o f t h e b e s t w ay s t o
c o m m u n i c at e m o r e p o w e r f u l t h a n w o r d s .
By Sanhajutha Julanont.
59
winter 2013
A
rt is not money, it is
a dialogue that
people learn,
exchange and use to
improve their life,”
says Minette Lee Mangahas, an
American artist who recently
exhibited in Bangkok her major art
installation, Ten Thousand Bridges.
The work pays homage to the
auspicious ceremony celebrating
the 100-year-old Buddhist supreme
patriarch in Thailand: His Holiness
Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the
Supreme Patriarch of the Thai
Sangha.
Mangahas, a Buddhist, says her
art is her dharma; that which
supports and sustains her. And her
artworks are drawn from her
research in history, culture and the
human spirit.
Ten Thousand Bridges is a
multi-media installation that
involved a collaboration of about
10 artists overseen by Mangahas;
all sharing the same vision and
philosophy. Taking over a year to
complete, the installation was
located at the Bhuddhadasa
Indapanno Archives (BIA) at Rot
Fai Park: a bridge of translucent,
flowing fabric—more than 300
yards were used—spanning over
500 feet. It starts at the Bodhisttava
statue at BIA, runs through the
center of the building, and ends on
an island on BIA’s lake around a
special Nalikae coconut tree, which
has four meditation beads that
remain as permanent sculptures.
Other than the installation itself,
the exhibition featured three
additional art pieces, including
sculptures by others artists on her
team. There was also an animation
art piece telling a story of the
Nalikae tree called “A Measure of
Each Moment” by Mangahas. And
there are photos documenting the
project titled “My journey to the
Nalikae tree.”
Mangahas says the exhibit has
the potential to travel to
international venues to supplement
future online resources for artists
and collectors. Inspiration of Ten
Thousand Bridges, says Mangahas,
came from hearing a Nalikae tree
lullaby from southern Thailand. She
found it very sweet and rich in
meaning. The Nalikae is the
Buddha that exists within each of
us, which is naturally confident and
without fears. The rain and thunder
in the song are the doubts,
aggressions, and fears we
experience, but cannot disturb the
calm of our inner Buddha.
Since many Thai people never
heard the lullaby, Mangahas felt it
would be good to highlight it
through her art. She said it shows
people that the Buddhist path is not
an ideal concept; it could apply in
this real, everyday world.
Mangahas hopes her art helps
provide wakefulness and a peaceful
state of mind. Meanwhile,
Mangahas is creating wearable art;
a sub-project from Ten Thousand
Bridges. And the Nlikae beads are
being produced as spiritually
inspired jewelry to help generate
income for the local community.
She has also been available to share
her thoughts and discuss her skills
to those interested in learning more.
One of Mangahas’s
collaborating artists, Somyot
Kamsang, tells me “Mangahas is
evoking the true intension of the
artist. Art is no longer a personal
benefit; many groups of artists are
working for the public’s benefit.”
Mangahas received a Fulbright
Scholarship from Thailand and the
United States Educational
Foundation to support her project.
She has also created artworks in
many other countries that include
America, China, Canada, Germany
and France. Every creation, she
says, is combination of art, people
and place.
Ten Thousand Bridges is
ultimately a prototype of a larger
project called Aksha, which
Mangahas notes is “a platform for
preserving knowledge within Asian
spiritual art traditions.” This
includes Samantabhadri, a sculpture
of the female aspect of the
primordial Buddha in Tibet.
winter 2013
60
sports
Boxing Day
G e t fi gh ti n g f i t a t som e of t hese t o p places.
B y V e e r a n u c h V i r at m a l e e
Legend Thai Boxing
Located in the heart of the city, Legend Thai Boxing is one of the
trendiest and classiest boxing clubs. Its architectural style resembles
a traditional Thai house, but inside the spacious place, there is a
great boxing ring with all the equipment needed to stay fit and firm.
The club also has a large refreshment area with plenty of places to
enjoy a variety of beverages after your workout. Boxing sessions
includes 30-minute warm ups followed by an hour of boxing
training. The club offers many programs, including those for adults,
kids, and advanced Muay Thai. legendthaiboxing.com
RSM
RSM Academy is a popular place for those who are addicted to
exercise, while some of its customers include actors, singers
and top people in business. It offers a wide variety of classes
ranging from beginner to advance. Sessions start with a set of
warm up activities, followed by training sessions that provides
an authentic feel of a real match. RSM provides training
courses from level one through five; one being introductory and
five being professional training which prepares you for the
professional boxing. Their formula, according to RSM, is
provide a unique take on the modern-day gymnasium,
replacing the impersonal approach to health and well being that
is often found in health clubs and combat training centers with
one that is both simulating and holistic. Trainers stress the
physical benefits of a well-planned regime. After a good
workout, there are also some bars and restaurants above RSM
to unwind with other fashionably fit people. rsm-academy.com
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winter 2013
Krudam
While maybe not as classy as some other
clubs, it certainly is authentic. The owner
is a champion of both taekwondo and
traditional boxing, having played in
international matches representing
Thailand. And he’s often around the
club, overseeing the group of
professional trainers. The gym is
spacious and the several boxing trainers
are able to provide programs tailored
exactly to your specific wants and needs.
krudamgym.com
sports
Game on
T h e AFC F u t s a l C h a m p i o n s h i p i s t o b e h e l d i n V i e t n a m
n e x t y e a r . T h a i f u t s a l p l ay e r s b e l i e v e t h e y c a n w i n .
by Waroot Wangwarunyoo
Like many other sports, futsal has a regional
competition of its own. The AFC Futsal Championship
is the main national futsal competition for Asian
nations. The competition of this South Africaoriginated sport was held for the first time in Asia in
1991 and has been held annually since. Iran, having
won 10 out of 12 competitions, has been proudly
boasting a professional league. Countries such as Japan,
Malaysia and Thailand all keen to follow.
The upcoming 13th edition of the tournament will
take place in Vietnam in 2014. There are currently 10
teams qualified for this edition. These, of course,
include Japan, Thailand and Iran as a result of their
previous impressive performances. Moreover, hosting
this year’s tournament, Vietnam is automatically
qualified as well.
“If we can beat Japan, we will be able to win this
competition.” says Uan, Chonburi Blue Wave and Thai
futsal national team fan. He thinks Japan is the
strongest team in this tournament. Rafael Henmi, a
striker of Nagoya Ocean and Japan national futsal team
player, is the key player for Japan. However, Ton, one
of Thai players, still believes that the 13th tournament
can be the time for Thailand to beat Japan and lift the
coveted trophy. He remarks that Thailand’s main
players are in top shapes and full of confidence.
Where to Play
For decades, futsal has been a popular and much-loved
sporting discipline, especially in South America. Now
Bangkok is also becoming a breeding ground for this
indoor version of football.
Boy Tarprajun FC
While football clubs only offer a few futsal fields, Boy
Tarprajun FC offers as many as 10. It is the most
well-known futsal field in Thonburi area. Beyond the
recreational purposes of playing futsal, Boy Tarprajan
FC also satisfies those wishing to improve their football
skills. A former Thai national football player is here to
guide you through every step you need to bring your
proficiency to another level.
For those who do not play, you can watch the
matches while relaxing in an air-conditioned room with
snacks and beverages. The place also offers a wellequipped fitness room for the health lovers.
Moreover, this is not only a sport club; it is a fully
functional place that seeks to be a to-go recreational
club for people of all ages. boytarprajunfc.com
Formation
Beyond the fields, the equipment and the trainers, many
futsal fields readily provide you with restaurants and
cafes. What makes Formation stand out is the live band
that plays during dinners. Feel the musical vibe while
charging your energy at Formation’s restaurant after a
long match.
Moreover, Formation usually holds monthly
promotions for the regular futsal players. These
promotions are so interesting that they keep you from
playing elsewhere. formation-futsal.com
The Hattrick
Located in the heart of Bangkok, The Hattrick has
easily become one of Bangkok’s most popular futsal
fields with most of the players being college students
and office workers. The players here get the opportunity
to play on the fields paved with world-class artificial
turf guaranteed by the Union of European Football
Association (UEFA) and the International Federation of
Association Football (FIFA).
The exciting part is not limited only to the players.
The audience, too, can observe all three fields at the
same time while on the panorama observatory point.
This gives a fantastic futsal-observing experience
unlike anywhere else.
winter 2013
62
sports
Street Fighting Man
I t ta ke s tru e d e d i c at io n and det er minat io n t o spend
a l m ost a l l your l i f e lear ning so met hing . Pr apat po ng
Yuu d e e , 42 , a f ormer pro fessio nal M uay T hai bo xer,
sp e n t 3 3 ye a rs st udying all kind o f mar t ial ar t s.
b y P h at C h a i s o n g k r a m
63
winter 2013
P
ratapong Yuudee
started on a difficult
road to learn martial
arts in his rural
village in the
province of Phayao.
At the early age of seven and eight,
he was practicing with makeshift
punching bags and equipment, and
being taught Muay Thai techniques
by former boxers.
By nine years old, he entered
the ring for his first serious fights.
Pratapong then spent several years
in boxing matches held in local
villages. But at 17, he felt ready to
take the big step; moving to
Bangkok to join a proper gym and
become a professional boxer. Here,
he also learned that everything he
knew before hardly counted.
“It was a huge jump,” says
Pratapong, “From amateur boxing
to the professional world, it was
very different in terms of the
tougher training and the much
higher level of technique. It was
completely new from what I was
had been learning.”
His teachers introduced him to
the boxing gym of Surat Seanglor,
where he spent the next seven years
boxing professionally. When asked
Pratapong says that Muay Thai
has grown in popularity as an
international sport, but feels it has
come with a price: losing its
professional soul in exchange for
such fame. “Now it’s all business;
betting or selling tickets. It’s all
about money.” This, he adds, is
forcing the sport to become rougher
to increase the entertaining value
for viewers. Some, he says, may
even call it semi-acting.
Still, Pratapong says he’s
grateful for what the sport has given
him and the opportunity to be a
professional fighter. His goal now is
to help give Muay Boran
international recognition. Many
people cannot distinguish the
difference between Muay Thai and
Muay Boran, he says, but a few
boxers have been using it in the
ring because of its efficiency.
Perhaps the most famous proponent
of this sport is Buakaw Banchamek.
“True Muay Boran is not just
about being strong or rough. It’s
much deeper than that, and if you
reach that level, you realize that it’s
not just about being strong. It is
combining strength and
gracefulness that make this piece of
art a true beauty which Thai people
should strive to preserve.”
if he was a top fighter in his weight
class of 115 pounds during those
professional years, Pratapong said
that he was somewhere in the
middle. He wasn’t bad but he
wasn’t a high-end earning boxer,
either.
“Professional Muay Thai
boxing is a tough career, both
financially and physically. The
chance of succeeding is really low.
You need to keep it for a long
time.”
Pratapong decided to retire
from professional Muay Thai
boxing largely due to a weight
control problem. He was getting
“It was a huge jump
bigger and keeping his weight to
from amateur
115 pounds became a difficult task,
he says, draining him both
boxing to the
physically and mentally. After his
professional
retirement from the ring, he started
learning traditional Thai boxing or
world. it was
Muay Boran, which he describes as
very differrent
his true love, and spent another 12
years mastering the art.
in terms of the
Pratapong also studied other
tougher training
forms of martial arts, such as
karate, aikido, judo, taekwondo and
and the much
Chinese-styled boxing before
higher level of
turning into a freelance instructor,
teaching students in martial arts and
technique”
self-defense.
winter 2013
64