The Guide Phuket - April 2020

April 2020

COVER: KEEP YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCE! In addition to washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, make sure to respect a safe distance between you and the others to fight against the COVID-19 and the pandemic! (p. 08)

CONTENT

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A touch of classic Thai luxury at Villa Salika Phuket Villa Salika Phuket is a stunning 5-bedroom villa located in the tranquil village of Rawai, on the southwestern coast of the island of Phuket. Fitted with traditional Thai and Balinese elements, it provides all the comfort you need to set foot in the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Keep your social distance!

As we are facing a social and economical crisis in the wake of the novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, we thought it would be a good idea to summarize best practices to keep you safe! We focus on three important aspects of your daily routine; wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping the social distance!

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A market for each occasion Phuket has different markets specializing in various things, such as the food markets, the clothing markets, the second-hand ones, the artistic ones. Markets could be seen as a second economy, not just because items are generally cheaper, but also because it allows people to bargain for their favorite products.

EDITORIAL The damage of COVID-19 has spread across the globe while the medical teams from all countries are working their hardest to save lives. The Guide Phuket as a local media would like to cheer up the heroes out there fighting for us and encourage all of you to help them (and yourself) by self-isolation. Staying home, read the book you never finish, paint, plant, learn something new, take care of yourself and even enjoy your developing cooking skills. Stay safe you all! - Kamin

APRIL 2020

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PHUKET

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Life is a beach Every month, we cover our selection of three stunning beaches that can be visited in Phuket. With so many places to choose from, our team tries to provide a

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good mix between the popular ones and the less crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

Five food to boost!

At a moment when being safe and healthy are the keys for all of us to get through this tough time together, staying at home and eat healthy food complemented with some indoor exercises are possibly some of the best activities to do.

their own happy place.

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Ease into cord cutting with four easy steps Ditching cable for what are known as streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Philo, Apple TV, and more is all the rage these days. Despite what one may think, it’s easy to make the move from traditional cable or satellite TV to a robust, highly affordable and customized TV-watching experience.

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The Guide to Thai language New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn

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Getting to know: Alex Poltavskiy During one of our recent trip to the Phuket old town,

this beautiful language? We’ve got you covered! Our

we had the opportunity to sit down and discuss with

guide to the Thai language will bring you new content

Alex Poltavskiy, Owner and Mixologist at the Gardens

monthly.

Gastronomy Bar, located on Phang Nga Road.

A TOUCH OF CLASSIC THAI LUXURY AT VILLA SALIKA PHUKET Villa Salika Phuket is a stunning 5-bedroom villa located in the tranquil village of Rawai, on the southwestern coast of the island of Phuket. Fitted with traditional Thai and Balinese elements, it provides all the comfort you need to set foot in the Kingdom of Thailand.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

you prefer to eat your meal alfresco or just share a couple of drinks with your friends or family.

On the east side of the house are two additional buildings, containing two twin beds rooms and two king-size rooms.

All the guest rooms come with ensuite bathrooms to maximize your comfort during your stay.

On the opposite side of the villa, you will find the yoga room, which can also be fitted as an additional bedroom if needed Villa Salika is a sumptuous villa located

Right outside the living room is the large

to be. The room is surrounded by windows,

in the peaceful village of Rawai, on the

swimming pool as well as a 6-seat jacuzzi,

allowing for a maximum of natural light as

eponym street perpendicular to Wiset

perfect to relax under the sun and get

possible.

Road. Perched on a small hill, the villa

your suntan ready for the next season. A

offers a glimpse of the beautiful Chalong

few steps away is the main outdoor sala,

Villa Salika offers a complete team of

Bay in the distance, which you can see

which serves as a second dining room if

hospitality professionals to make your

from the lush garden surrounding the swimming pool and from the terrace on the second floor.

We checked-in in the large living room,

WHILE YOU’RE HERE:

dining room, big enough to accommodate

DISCOVER THE SEA GYPSY!

over ten people for breakfast, lunch, and

Phuket sure is famous for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean view from all around

dinner. On the second floor, we found

the island. Whether you are a first-time traveler or an expat willing to spend some

the master bedroom, which follows the

quality time at a local venue while gazing at the stunning views of Phuket’s south

intricate Thai and Balinese design from the

coast, the Rawai Sea Gypsy Village is a great option to consider, with its numerous

rest of the house, and provides with an

restaurants that will cook the fish and seafood you bought at the market and the many

ensuite bathroom completed with outdoor

souvenirs you can purchase to stimulate the local economy.

which separates the lounge area with the

bath and sala. stay as memorable as possible, including a personal chef, who can prepare a selection of Western and Thai food. You can simply let him know what dishes you would like to eat for the next meal, and he will source the fresh ingredients directly at the local markets.

If you want your stay in Phuket to feel special while at the same time enjoying the same amenities you would find in your home, then Villa Salika is a solid alternative to hotels and bed & breakfast, with a strong emphasis on Thai hospitality and dedicated service.

For more information about Villa Salika, please visit their website at www.villasalika-phuket.com.

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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LIFE IS A BEACH With more than 30 beaches to choose from, the island of Phuket stands for its nickname, which is the Pearl of Andaman. Whether you seek to experience the tranquillity of Mai Khao Beach or prefer to mingle among the crowd on Patong Beach, our handy guide will help you find the perfect spot to get the suntan you’ve been dreaming of.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

OUR TOP PICKS

Every month, our team selects for you the top 3 beaches you should visit while staying in Phuket.

All of them have their pros and cons, so we try to provide a good mix between the popular ones and the less crowded ones.

Ao Yon Beach: Ao Yon is a tiny beach located near Cape Panwa, and approximately 10km from Phuket Town. The local neighborhood is rather sleepy, which means the beach is tranquil and perfect for relaxing. The bay is usually filled with boats and yachts, so swimming here can often be challenging. However, it’s a great beach to relax with a book or watch the sunset from.

Karon Beach: Located on the island’s west coast, Karon Beach stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s a favorite amongst tourists, and within close proximity to Patong. During certain times of the year, the current can be rather rough here, so always best to exercise caution before going for a swim.

Nai Harn Beach: Voted as the third best beach in South-East Asia in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Nai Harn Beach is located at the southern tip of Phuket and surrounded by green headlands, Casuarina trees, and coconut palms. The water here is warm and clear, but currents can be dangerous at certain times of the year. A row of tiny restaurants line the back of the beach, and there are a few shops selling souvenirs and beach goods

WHAT TO DO WHEN A JELLYFISH STINGS YOU? Let’s face it: this is certainly something you’d prefer to avoid when enjoying a day at the beach, but the Andaman Sea contains its fair share of the translucent animal. Below is a quick recap on the symptoms one can suffer from a sting and the best way to treat someone suffering from it. Remember that you should always call for a lifeguard to assist you should you be in pain after getting out of the water.

SYMPTOMS

WHAT TO DO

Severe pain on the wound, back, trunk or head;

Bring the injured person out of the sea to a safe place;

Restlessness or confusion;

Call an ambulance (Tel. 1669);

Sweating, chills, nausea or vomiting;

Have the person remain still to prevent the spread of toxin;

Palpitations, chest pain or chest tightness;

Pour vinegar continuously over the wound for at least 30

Breathing difficulty, rapid breathing or panting;

seconds (do not use fresh water).

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

07

KEEP YOUR SOCIAL DISTANCE! As we are facing a social and economical crisis in the wake of the novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, we thought it would be a good idea to summarize best practices to keep you safe!

Wear a mask

Wash your hands properly

Keep the distance and isolate

While wearing a mask will not protect

Let’s make a bet! I can guarantee

This is a tough one, as some of us

you from being infected, it may save

that over 50% of the people reading

still have to show up at the office

the lives of dozens of people if you

this article do not wash their hands

or need to buy some groceries from

happen to be a carrier of the virus.

properly. After all, it is something so

time to time. Make sure to stay at

As we know, the incubation period

basic that there is probably no need for

least two meters away from the next

of COVID-19 can be as long as 14 to

training, right? Wrong! Do yourself a

person in line or your colleagues as it

21 days, during which you may not

favor and watch some tutorial videos

will help curb the spread of the virus.

feel any symptoms. Wearing a mask

on YouTube; you will be surprised at

Try to keep social gathering to small,

is the responsible thing to do in order

the extra knowledge you may gain

limited numbers, or even better, start

to minimize the spread of the virus.

from a few minutes well-spent! Make

a video chat conversation with your

Furthermore, the Government of

sure to wash your hands with soap

friends and family. Do not forget that

Phuket strongly encourages people

for at least 20 seconds and keep in

Phuket, at the time of writing, is under

to wear a mask when visiting public

mind that the hydroalcoholic gel, while

a volunteered curfew, and you should

places and when doing grocery

useful in many situations, is not as

refrain from leaving your house after

shopping.

efficient as your soap at home.

8:00 pm.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS DURING COVID-19 If you feel some of the symptoms from the COVID-19 virus,

COVID-19 Incident Command Center

076 510 068

such as mild fever, dry cough, overall body aches, muscle

Bangkok Hospital Phuket

1719

stiffness, and difficulty breathing, make sure to announce

Vachira Hospital

076 361 234

yourself to the nearest hospital before venturing outside of

Mission Hospital

076 237 220

your home. They will ensure you follow the proper protocol

Phuket Provincial Hospital

076 358 888

as to not spread the contagion further. Here are some of the

Patong Hospital

076 342 633

important phone numbers to remember for Phuket.

Thalang Hospital

076 311 033

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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5 THAI FOOD

TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM At a moment when being safe and healthy are the keys for all of us to get through this tough time together, staying at home and eat healthy food complemented with some indoor exercises are possibly some of the best activities to do. Here we have listed some immune system-boost menus from that you can easily order via online applications!

Gai Ban Tom Kamin or Chicken Stew with Turmeric Turmeric, one of the main ingredients, is well-known for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Gai Ban, which means free-range chicken, offers a shield to protect you from getting sick.

The clear soup with a rich and mild-spicy taste is exceptional and guarantees a feel-good aftertaste!

Gai Pad Khing or Stir-Fried Chicken with Ginger Another herb that helps fight against inflammation is ginger. The hotness helps reduce sore throat as well as other inflammatory illnesses and possibly, nausea. It is also proven to reduce cholesterol and help with chronic pain. The mellow taste of this savory dish is spiced up by the heat from the ginger and other healthy ingredients, such as garlic, onions, chili, and spring onion.

Pomelo Salad This refreshing afternoon treat is highly nutritious and low in trans-fat. Pomelo is rich in antioxidant compounds. It is also high in vitamin C and fibers. Pomelo can have antibacterial and antifungal properties while it also promotes a good heart and offers anti-aging properties. The salad is usually mildly spicy with fresh chili and shallots and blends with ground peanuts, dried shrimps, roasted coconut, and small slices of kefir lime leaves.

Seafood Spicy Salad Shellfish are a great source of zinc, which helps the immune cells to function as they are supposed to. This salad gathers a combination of prawns, mussels, and squids. It is completed with highly anti-inflammatory herbs and infection guards like garlic and shallots.

Tom Yum Goong This classic of Thai cuisine is a great source to prevent and cure cold and seasonal flu. Prawn is another shellfish that is rich in zinc.

Mushrooms can be added as well and offer a good amount of B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

We offer the classic range of mass building machines alongside several weight lifting dumbells and barbells for you to use.

Keeping your heart in good shape is certainly important. You can train your cardio on our numerous treadmills and elliptcials.

The outside garden is the perfect place for a good old Cross Fit whether you plan to train on your own or with a group from the fitness.

A fitness center is a great place to make new friends who share the same goals as you do. Just ask away and our members are happy to help.

Fit Gun Gym Open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm (closed on Sunday) Located in Kathu, Phuket, on the way to Kathu Waterfall +66 85 145 4442 inter_alex@hotmail.com www.fitgungym.com

keep pushing!

Open daily from 4:00 pm ll 11:00 pm.

Closed on Wednesday.

Phuket’s favorite Italian restaurant, serving high-quality food since 2009.

Specialized in home-made, fresh pasta, meats, and seafood, just like in Italy.

Located in Kathu, near Loch Palm Golf. www.dasandrophuket.com

HQ BEACH LOUNGE KAMALA HQ Beach Lounge is located at the northern end of Kamala Beach. It features a tranquil atmosphere, which makes it perfect to enjoy a bit to eat while watching the sunset refreshing cocktail, or rent a beach

CATCH BEACH CLUB BANG TAO

chair, cabana or a unique beach nest.

Catch Beach Club is Phuket’s most exciting and

WEB: www.hqphuket.com

fashionable beach club. The hottest spot on Bang

across the Andaman Sea. Sip on a

Tao Beach, Catch Beach Club boasts a full-on party atmosphere and offers up the region’s best DJs in addition to a well-stocked bar. Enjoy a tasty brunch package while lazing by the pool. < WEB: www.catchbeachclub.com

CAFE DEL MAR KAMALA DREAM BEACH CLUB LAYAN BEACH

Stylish and iconic, Cafe Del Mar is Phuket’s

A stylish oceanfront beach club

areas for maximum entertainment value. Spend

with a superb restaurant & lounge,

some time in the dining venue, swimming

Dream Beach Club is a unique venue

pool, on the dance floor or in the VIP seating and

that curates a tropical lifestyle

alfresco lounge by the beach. Check the beach

experience. Expect world-class DJs

club’s roster of activities, and note, there is a large

and the very best in food and drink.

parking area available on-site.

WEB: www.dreambeachclub.com

WEB: www.cafedelmarphuket.com >

answer to Ibiza. With a prime location on Kamala Beach, the beach club is divided into different

XANA BEACH CLUB BANG TAO XANA Beach Club boasts a stunning location. The venue features a 35-meter pool, state-of-the-art sound system, a variety of tropical cocktails and a delicious food menu. Enjoy the best that Phuket has to offer from day to night at XANA. The beach club features beach loungers, poolside daybeds and VIP cabanas which can accommodate up to 10 people.

WEB: www.xanabeachclub.com

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

Be ready for a gargantuan feast, as Chef Ponchan unveiled a new menu for Thong Dee - The Town Bistro.

THONG DEE THE KATHU BRASSERIE 110/25, Soi Bangthong Kathu, 83120 Phuket Open Tue-Sun 16:00 to 22:00

(12:00 to 22:00 on Sundays)

THONG DEE THE TOWN BISTRO 58 Ratsada Rd, Phuket Town, 83000 Phuket Open Tue-Sat 12:00 to 23:00 For reservation, please call +66 (0)84 309 1198

A MARKET FOR EACH OCCASION Let me get this right: Thai people love their markets. As a matter of fact, we have different markets specializing in various things, such as the food markets, the clothing markets, the second-hand ones, the artistic ones. Markets could be seen as a second economy, not just because items are generally cheaper, but also because it allows people to bargain for their favorite products. It goes without saying that Phuket has its fair share of markets.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

locals gather every day to look at the latest fashion and to eat some delicious food in one of the numerous containers that surround the market.

The other cool place to be seen is the Sunday Market, known by the locals as Lad Yai, which is located on Thalang Road, in the heart of Phuket old town. During one afternoon and one evening per week, the municipality closes down this road, which transforms into a long walking street, where vendors of all kinds set up stands to sell their merchandise.

One of Phuket’s most famous markets

Chillva is another market we would

would be Naka Market, also known as

encourage you to visit; located in

Similar to the other places, we can see that

the Weekend Market. Located on the

Samkong, the venue is opened daily,

the market is segmented into different

outskirt of Phuket Town, the venue opens

except on Sundays. While it is certainly a

parts, allowing to find what you’re looking

each Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 pm

lot smaller than Naka Market, Chillva has

for in a more efficient way. The food

onward. It is by far the largest market on

made a noun for itself, and hundreds of

offering is a bit more international than

the island, with several alleys offering the latest trend in fashion, accessories, and souvenirs.

enjoy, as well as some international

BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!

classics; a great way to try many different

If there is one thing that westerners have some difficulties to understand when

dishes, as the portions are usually small,

arriving in Thailand is that (almost) everything should be bargained here; it’s a

but on the cheap side of things. I would

tradition, especially at markets that sell clothing and other souvenirs (you would

advise staying clear of one particular alley,

not try to negotiate on food). As a rule of thumb, consider what price would make

where one can find cats, dogs and other

you happy, and start the negotiations slightly below that price. A THB 300 shirt, for

animals for sale, as I do not believe it

example, could easily be bought for THB 200. Give it your best smile and you’re all set!

A whole section of the market is dedicated to food, with many Thai specialties to

brings anything positive to the experience.

Naka Market, though you will find enough of Thai food and other Asian dishes as well.

It is well worth the walk, even though you are not looking to buy anything.

You will find other markets in different parts of the island, such as Patong, Karon (at the temple twice a week), Rawai and Bang Tao (the famous Boat Avenue market every Friday). Overall, visiting a Thai market is a unique experience, and you should certainly spend one or two days per month to discover the numerous venues across the island.

Who knows? You may end up getting hooked up on the hustle and bustle and the great street food each stall has to offer.

We certainly are!

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

LIMELIGHT AVENUE PHUKET TOWN Located on Dibuk Road, this indy shopping mall recently celebrated its 4th anniversary.

The mall offers a good mix between clothing shops, restaurants, souvenir boutiques and grocery store on two separate floors while providing regular events to keep the crowd, consisting mainly of locals, entertained. It shares its parking lot with the now-famous Phuket Indy Market on Thursdays and Fridays, so make sure you go there early on those dates if you wish to get a parking spot, as the market takes over from 4:00 pm.

TURTLE VILLAGE MAI KHAO The exclusive shopping destination for the best dining and shopping on Mai Khao Beach. Cuisine choices match wonderfully with the gift, souvenir,

< WEB: www.limelightphuket.com

antique and clothing selections. Outlets include Bill Bentley Pub, the only English pub on Mai Khao

JUNGCEYLON PATONG

Beach; The Coffee Club; Swensens; Supermarket Turtle Mart; Jim Thompson; Narai Phand; Private Collection; Ferera; Paul Ropp; Anita; Eleph; Marie

Patong has its own shopping center, by the

France Van Damme; Unique Art; Tanya Living; Basil;

moniker of Jungceylon. The mall opened in

Phuket Happiness Trip; Cashmere Hut; Joy Isomare;

2006 and covers an area of 200,000 square

Bangkok B.P. Pharmacy, while the new phase include

meters. It is well-known for its full-size wooden

the like of 7 Eleven, Pizza Company, Etam, OVS, Anello and Esprit.

boat, located in the central atrium, linking the various buildings together. Plenty of places to shops, including local and international brands,

VILLA MARKET CHALONG

and a large avenue filled with restaurants and places to relax under the shades.

WEB: www.jungceylon.com >

While Villa Market is known for its imported products, which please foreigner living on the island and looking for comfort food from home, the Chalongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venue is much larger than just a regular supermarket, and offers some restaurants, a DIY store named HomePro, a Banana IT store for all your computer needs, and several other clothing and souvenir shops. It is also home to a large market every Tuesdays, where locals love to stop by and grab some delicious food before heading home.

Beware of the limited parking spaces on that day.

PREMIUM OUTLET PHUKET TOWN

CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest

Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other international names can be found on sale, including

shopping malls in Thailand, comprising of two separate buildings: the long-standing Central Festival, which opened in the 90s, and the newly built extension Central Floresta, which opened

Lacoste, Guy Laroche, Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lee, Adidas and Nike and feature discounts of up to 70%. It is open daily

its doors in September 2018. Both buildings offer a combined area of 185,000 square meters

from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and can be found on

and host more than 700 different shops, from luxury watches and clothes to everyday items.

Bypass Road, not far from the Toyota Dealership.

WEB: www.centralfestivalphuket.com

WEB: www.outletmallthailand.com

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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EASE INTO CORD CUTTING WITH FOUR EASY STEPS Ditching cable for what are known as streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Apple TV, and more is all the rage these days. Despite what one may think, it’s easy to make the move from traditional cable or satellite TV to a robust, highly affordable and customized TV-watching experience.

Cutting cable not only gives you access to the TV shows and movies you already love but will open up a new world of entertainment you can watch when you want and where you want on TVs or almost any device you own like cell phones, tablets, and more.

But where do you start? If you’re thinking of cutting the cable cord and don’t want to go cold turkey, you can test the waters with this quick-start guide that will prepare you for the jump to being a full-fledged “Cord

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Cutter” at a fraction of the cost of cable.

appetite, and you can subscribe to more

Here’s how to get started.

than a few for a lot less than traditional cable or satellite. For example, Netflix offers

1. What do you want to watch?

great original on-demand programming as well as a catalog of beloved movies and TV

Love nail-biting true crime dramas? Are you

shows from THB 280 a month. While for

a romantic who needs to see every heart-

THB 99 a month, Apple TV+ offers several

warming ending? Perhaps a sports nut

unique series and documentaries to watch

who needs to see every game? There are

on your own, with your friends or with the

streaming TV services that appeal to every

entire family. Combined, these two are less

THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

than THB 400 a month, making

an array of products at varying

it easy to imagine a bundle of

price points.

services that is perfect for you, yet costs less than what you’re

4. Explore even more options

paying now for the traditional

with a VPN

THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!

cable.

Did you know that most of the 2. Check out free trials

high-quality streaming services like Hulu a geo-blocked to

Not sure what streaming TV

specific countries? In order to

services are best for you? Try

bypass the system, you can

some free trials. Almost all TV

install a VPN on your computer

streaming services offer free

or streaming device and make

trials, so you can pick a couple

the system believe that you are

to try out before making any

located in the United States.

commitments. If a service

Netflix

requires a credit card to sign

There are thousands of VPN

The website itself does not need any introduction, but it is always

up for a free trial, don’t panic.

services available on the

good to know that it is an option in Thailand. The standard

There should be the option to

Internet, though we would

package will cost you THB 280 per month, or THB 350 is you

cancel before the trial ends and

personally recommend

want to experience your movies and series in HD.

you are charged anything. Take

NordVPN or Express VPN as

note of this date and make sure

they offer great compatibility

to decide if you want to pay up

with Netflix and other streaming

for it.

services.

WEB: www.netflix.com

Da Font Looking for a killer font for your next project, or willing to enhance those gorgeous Christmas E-cards you’re sending every year? Da Font is a font library where you can download thousands of fonts through different categories.

WEB: www.dafont.com

3. How to watch

Once you’ve had a chance to explore the rich trove of

Chances are, you already have

content and sampled a few of

a number of ways to stream

the great streaming TV services,

TV in your home, pocket, and

making the change is quite easy.

backpack. There are apps for

Streaming services require a

computers, smartphones,

high-speed internet connection,

tablets, gaming systems; and

which most homes already have.

of course a slew of devices

If not, shop around for internet

like Roku, Android TV, Apple

service providers that offer high

TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you

bandwidth and are available in

have a smart TV, you can watch

your area.

streaming content directly

All Recipes It’s easy to get lost in culinary madness; luckily for us, websites like All Recipes makes it easy to browse through thousands of

on your TV via an internet

This article was originally

connection. If you need to pick

published by Brandpoint and

website is free to use, and provides feedback from users as well.

up a streaming device, it’s a

is reproduced here with full

WEB: www.allrecipes.com

one-time cost and there are

authorization.

recipes, such as Thai classics to homemade Italian pizzas. The

APRIL 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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Congratulations! You’ve just been Phuketified!

Hotels & Resorts

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Bars & Nightlife

Activities & Spa

Whether you are looking to book a hotel to plan ahead your journey, fancy a cozy restaurant to impress your loved one, or simply search for general information, news and events about Phuket, we got you covered!

WWW.PHUKETIFY.COM Do you own a business in Phuket? Contact us on our website or Facebook page to advertise your venue for free!

THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE EP6: HEALTH PROBLEMS

Symptoms

แพ้ เป็ นลม คัน เจ็บปวด แผลไหม้ ปวดหัว ปวดท้อง ปวดฟัน เจ็บคอ ความดันโลหิ ตสู ง

Diseases and more

โรคเบาหวาน โรคกลัวน�้ำ ท้องร่ วง ไข้หวัดใหญ่ ปอดอักเสบ โรคโลหิ ตจาง โรคหอบหื ด มะเร็ ง โรคหัวใจ หลอดลมอักเสบ

Allergic Pae Faint Pen Lom Itches Khan Pain Jeb Puad Burn Plae Mai Headache Puad Hua Stomachache Puad Tong Toothache Puad Fan Sore throat Jeb Kor Hypertension -

Diabetes Rok Bao Wan Rabies Rok Glua Nam Diarrhea Tong Ruang Influenza Khai Wad Yai Pneumonia Pod Ag Seb Anemia Rok Lo Hit Jang Asthma Rok Hop Heud Cancer Ma Reng Heart Disease Rok Hua Jai Bronchitis Lod Lom

Kwam Dan Lor Hit Soong

Ag Seb

Rash Cut -

Food poisoning -

ผืน่ Peun บาดแผล Bat Plae

Ahaan Pen Pit

อาหารเป็ นพิษ

Appendicitis Ag Seb

Hay fever Fang

ไส้ติ่งอักเสบ Sai Ting

ไข้ละอองฟาง Khai La Ong

วัณโรค ติดเชื้อ อักเสบ บวม บาดเจ็บ ป่ วย เป็ นหวัด ไอ จาม

Tuberculosis Wan Na Rok Infection Tid Chua Inflammation Ag Seb Swollen Buam Wounded Bat Jeb Sick Puay Cold Pen Wad Cough Ai Sneeze Jaam

Visiting a hospital in Thailand While we certainly hope you won’t have to visit a hospital while you are staying in Thailand, rest assured that the quality of treatments you would receive in private hospitals in Phuket and Thailand, in general, are on par with what you could be expected in the West, if not better. After all, Thailand is a big player in the medical tourism industry, and for good reasons; most doctors have international experience, translators are readily available if needed, and of course, the costs of treatments are much cheaper than what you would be asked to pay in other countries.

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GETTING TO KNOW The creativity you can sip – Alex Poltavskiy

During one of our recent trip to the Phuket old town, we had the opportunity to sit down and discuss with Alex Poltavskiy, Owner and Mixologist at the Gardens Gastronomy Bar, located on Phang Nga Road.

Tell us a bit more about yourself; how did you become a

every single competition I could to challenge myself and practice more. Then I came up with the idea that I wanted to have my own bar so me and my friend decided to open our own place and that was the beginning of Gardens Gastronomy Bar.

mixologist?

Why did you choose South-East Asia?

I started bartending about 9 years ago. I’m originally from

Moving to Asia has made me from a bartender to a

Kazakhstan, but moved to Russia to study at the university, so I was looking for a way to make some extra money and found a job in a nightclub. I worked there for about two years. My interest in mixology grew up, but there was no real opportunity working at a nightclub, as most drinks are really basic to make. I found another venue which provided me with more training, but was still treated as a regular nightclub bartender. This is when I decided to move to South-East Asia and start everything from scratch.

I found a bar in Phuket town and started to help the guys there and spend more time with cocktails. I also joined

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

mixologist because there are more products available than in Russia. For example, right now, 40% of the bottles we are using are not available in Russia because of their laws and regulations. It was easier also to buy the equipment, such as smoking guns, to create better cocktails, both visually and from a taste perspective.

What is the secret of a great cocktail?

To me, cocktails do not have to be complicated, but it is important to understand how every single ingredient works. I’ve been working every day, trying to understand

the unique flavors of each ingredient, and how well they can be mixed with each other. If only one component doesn’t go well, the whole cocktail will have the wrong taste. I like to go to the local market at least once a month and buy some products I am not yet used to, and see how I could incorporate them into my creations.

What do you think of the mixology culture in Phuket, or in South-East Asia in general?

Mixology has become a huge trend in Phuket. Since last year, I’ve counted more than three cocktail bars opening in Phuket Town. We are trying to elevate Phuket on the mixology scene, as it is great already for food and the atmosphere.

Similar with South-East Asia, I travel a lot across Asia to understand the culture of each country.

How did you come up with the name “Garden Gastronomy Bar” and what makes it special?

My partner lived in Siberia, a place where it is difficult to find fresh plants and flowers. Seeing how easy it was in Phuket, we decided to name our place Garden Gastronomy Bar. We could see from the beginning that there was not a lot of rooftop bar in Phuket Town, so we decided to open one. Our building is a 4-story building, with each floor having a different concept, always under the garden theme.

The first floor is the tropical garden, with a large bar counter, as we encourage our guests to sit up at the bar and discuss with the mixologists. The second floor is the city garden, where we have our stage with our live band and a nice balcony. The third floor is called the backyard, as you can see the open kitchen from here and have a look at what the Chefs are cooking. Finally, we have the rooftop bar on the last floor, surrounded by fresh plants to keep in mind the garden feeling.

What cocktails should we order at your venue?

We can create almost any cocktails you can think of, as we have gathered a nice collection of liquors from all around the world. We even have great selection of whiskies and rums for you to enjoy with a nice cigar on the balcony.

My personal favourite cocktail is the Old Fashion, but there are hundreds for you to try!

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON GUIDE

OUR MARCH FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET In what appears to be the last month of social activities in Phuket for the next coming months, March offered a few activities and events, such as art exhibitions, grand openings, and the green celebration all Irish were waiting for, St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day!

On March 13, 2020, the French Consul in Phuket hosted an art exhibition titled Three Ways, from three talented local artists.

///////////////////////// On March 4, 2020, Jetts 24 Hours Fitness opened its doors within Central Phuket, on the Festival side. In addition to being opened 24 hours a day, Jetts Fitness offer all the equipment you need to train your cardio and for muscular development. The no locked-in membership costs THB 1,600 per month and gives you access to all Jetts Fitness around the world.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | APRIL 2020

On March 15, 2020, a new wine supplier

your favorite wine. Oriental Vineseries

opened its doors in the heart of Phuket

currently proposes a well-thought

Town, right opposite the Samkong

portfolio mixing wines from the old

Tesco Lotus, under the name Oriental

world and the new world, including

Vineseries.

sparkling wines and other Prosseco.

Located in a four-story building, the

You can find their shop on

wine supplier comes complete with

Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road, right next

several rooms with different atmosphere

to the Aphrodite Cabaret, or give them a

where you can enjoy the latest import of

call at +66 76 249 129.

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On March 17, 2020, The Drunken Leprechaun, in Patong, celebrated St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with the launch of new menu items and a duelist piano show.

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