The Guide Phuket - January 2021

January 2021

COVER: WE SURVIVED 2020! HAPPY NEW YEAR! It is official; the year 2020 is over and we can only hope that 2021 will bring with it an end to the Coronavirus pandemic as well as a speedy economic recovery through all sectors that have been hit by the various lock downs imposed around the world.

CONTENT

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Tranquility and sunsets galore at Sunsuri Phuket Nestled on the hills on Nai Harn Beach, the Sunsuri Phuket is located a mere 500 meters from the ocean and offers splendid views over the Andaman Sea from the large terraces available in each room and villa. Time to read our latest hotel review!

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Experience The Slate Sunday Brunch Discover an affordable, yet high-quality Sunday brunch, where premium Surf and Turfs are served on a beautiful buffet line showcasing the best culinary delights from Thailand, Japan, and even Canada! Served at the stunning Rivet Restaurant, several packages are available to cater to all gourmands.

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Getting to know: Stuart Coackley From a passion to travel the world to a life-long experience in property real estate in several countries, Stuart Coakley, the Sales Director of M2 Property Discount Center, the first and only property discount center in Thailand, sat down with us and shared his experience, passion and vision.

EDITORIAL Happy New Year, everyone! We somehow survived 2020 and are getting ready for 2021, a year we hope will be better than what we witnessed over the last few months. As usual, let us know about your businesses so that we can help you spread the word; whether you are organizing an event or launching a new product or service, we would love to know! We hope this new year will bring you good health and happiness! - Kamin

January 2021

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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Healthy sleep in 2021 According to a 2018 survey from YouGov Omnibus, over a third of the Thai population (35%) sleeps less than the recommended seven hours or more of

good mix between the popular ones and the less

sleep every night, as recommended by the American

crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

their own happy place.

10

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Pop up Zuma Restaurant is back!

Featuring modern Japanese cuisine that is authentic

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

but not traditional, Zuma offers a sophisticated twist

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

on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal

guide to the Thai language will bring you new content

eating and drinking.

monthly.

Experience the lifestyle of Rawai Sea Gypsy The Sea Gypsy community in Rawai has been living in the same parcel of land for many decades now and continue to sustain itself thanks to the skills of its fishermen and the influx of tourists buying souvenirs and eating in its restaurants.

TRANQUILITY AND SUNSETS GALORE AT THE SUNSURI PHUKET Nestled on the hills on Nai Harn Beach, the Sunsuri Phuket is located a mere 500 meters from the ocean and offers splendid views over the Andaman Sea from the large terraces available in each room and villa.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

both an Asian and Western clientele. We appreciated that their Thai food options focus on dishes from Phuket and the southern part of the country, especially when it comes to seafood.

The swimming pool is actually a combination of five different pools of various shapes and styles, including one dedicated for children and a diving pool, which comes complete with a diving platform and a waterslide.

Our latest hotel review brings us to Sunsuri Phuket, an upscale resort located a few steps away from Nai Harn Beach, which was ranked in the Top 3 of the most beautiful beaches in South-East Asia by TripAdvisor.

even came with a rain shower, which is always a big plus.

Fancy a bite while lazing near the pool?

Surf Pool Bar & Restaurant comes to the rescue, offering lunches and snacks throughout the day.

The all-day dining, dubbed Sail Restaurant, is located on the second floor of the main building and will please the palate of

Soothie Spa is certainly a place you will want to spend some time at, as they are offering a good selection of massages and

The resort is built on the hill opposite Nai Harn Lake, which provides guests and visitors with unparalleled views over the Andaman Sea from the 133 rooms and villas surrounding the swimming pool.

We stayed in their Premium Deluxe room category, a 50 sqm. room located on the last floor of the eastside building. The room was spacious and built around a large King Size bed directly facing the terrace.

Sunsuri Phuket provides all amenities you should expect from an upscale resort, from coffee maker to minibar, and the bathroom treatments to rejuvenate yourself during your stay. The gym is of decent size, too, and provides the necessary machines and equipment needed to stay in good shape.

Sunsuri Phuket is all about experiences, and they went to great lengths to organize various activities that can be booked from the Front Desk; we particularly enjoyed the Drip Coffee experience at the Nai Harn Lake as well as the Romantic Picnic Getaway, which they organize on Nai Harn Beach. Those activities can be booked regardless if you are a guest of the resort or not, so there is no excuse not to give it a try!

Sunsuri Phuket is located on 11/5 Moo 1, in Rawai, a few steps away from Nai Harn Beach. For information and bookings, please call +66 76 336 400 or visit their website at www.sunsuri-phuket.com. Make sure to check out their promotions on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sunsuriphuket.

January 2021 | 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 | January 2021

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.

Kata Beach: Known as Phuket’s ‘Surfer’s Paradise’, Kata Beach is one of the most beautiful of all of Phuket’s beaches. It’s a halfmoon crescent of white sand which lines a bay that is cut deep between two green headlands. The water at Kata Beach is crystal clear and there is a small coral reef which is excellent for snorkeling. During the green season, Kata Beach is a great place to learn how to surf due to its rolling waves.

Surin Beach: Located between Bang Tao and Kamala Beach, Surin Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the island. Surin Beach boasts fine white sand and emerald sea, and is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. The beach often has rather strong winds, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing.

Nai Yang Beach: Nai Yang is a charming beach a few minutes south of Phuket International Airport. The northern end of the beach is part of Sirinath National Park, which protects the beach from any further developments. The atmosphere here is laid-back, and the beach is excellent for families. If you are looking to eat fresh seafood right on the beach, Nai Yang is definitely the right spot to visit in Phuket!

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).

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE DECADENCE AT THE SLATE SUNDAY BRUNCH Discover an affordable, yet high quality Sunday brunch, where premium Surf and Turfs are served on a beautiful buffet line showcasing the best culinary delights from Thailand, Japan, and even Canada!

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

and pepper, though their spicy seafood sauce was to die for!

Another highlight of The Slate Sunday Brunch is the Wagyu Pad Kapraow, a traditional Thai dish with stir-fried holy basil and chili, except in this case the protein is replaced with stunning, meltin-your-mouth Wagyu beef. Believe it or not, but we regularly dream about this dish and it alone justifies another trip to their venue.

Located on the shores of the peaceful Nai Yang Beach, The Slate showcases a medley of old traditions and wondrous new inspirations, inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past and its industrial development.

At the center of the resort stands the Rivet Restaurant, home to a delectable Sunday Brunch, which we had the pleasure to try a few weeks ago alongside friends and other media.

A strong focus is on seafood, which you can eat in various shapes and forms; sushi, sashimi, grilled lobsters, or even served in a delicious curry; as you can feel the freshness of the sea in every bite you take, we would recommend just a pinch of salt

If beef is not your thing, you can indulge in their spit-roast pork and chicken rotisserie, served with a large selection of sauces, from tangy, zesty lemon to the spicy flavors we get to love in the Kingdom of Smiles.

A brunch of that caliber would not be

Most of the buffet lines can be accessed on the patio outside, while the main dining room is left for the guests to sit back and relax.

The brunch itself receives its inspiration from many countries, including Thailand, of course, but also Japan, The Philippines, and even Canada. completed without a selection of desserts and some cheeses, which we were very pleased with, as it allowed our palate to diffuse some of the heat.

The Slate Sunday Brunch is available with different packages, starting from THB 2,100 per person for the non-alcoholic version to THB 2,950 per person, including a free-flow of wines and sparkling. THB 5,700 per person will net you a free-flow of Veuve Clicquot and Piper-Heidsieck champagnes should you fancy. In addition, children aged 7-12 enjoyed a 50% discount, while the younger crowd dine free with an accompanying adult.

Rivet Restaurant is located within The Slate on 116 Moo 1, on Nai Yang Beach. For information and bookings, please call +66 76 327 006 or visit their website at www.theslatephuket.com/dine/sunday-brunch. The brunch is available on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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POP UP ZUMA RESTAURANT IS

BACK TO PHUKET Featuring modern Japanese cuisine that is authentic but not traditional, Zuma offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. With eleven venues around the globe and five seasonal locations, Phuket certainly deserved to be on the list.

Located at the Anantara Layan Resort from December 18 to January 17, 2021, Zuma showcases a variety of dishes from its three kitchens: the main kitchen, the sushi counter, and the robata grill.

Among the many dishes, we would encourage you to try, the Chef’s selection of Sashimi is a good introduction to the world of Japanese cuisine, as it comes with five different styles, allowing you to sample the freshness of all the ingredients used in the process.

On the grill side, we really enjoyed the spicy Yakiniku chicken wings with sea salt and lime, the jumbo tiger prawn with yuzu pepper, and the melt-in-the-mouth A4 wagyu sirloin with truffle sauce and chili ponzu.

A great idea is to visit the restaurant during lunchtime, as their lunch menu is lighter on the price and offers some alternative options we have not seen during dinner. For example, a selection of Donburi, or Japanese rice bowls, can be found from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. We enjoyed the freshwater eel with slow-cooked egg and nori and the spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chili, and sweet soy.

Vegetarians will be pleased to know that several options are available, such as the sweet corn with shiso butter and the sweet potato with teriyaki glaze and sesame.

Zuma is located at the Anantara Layan Resort, a few steps away from Layan Beach, and will remain open until January 17, 2021.

For more information about their upcoming events, please call +66 76 317 200 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/AnantaraLayanPhuket.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

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 | January 2021

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 12:00 to 22:00 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

RESOLVE TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY SLEEP IN 2021 Why should we make healthy sleep a New Year’s resolution?

According to a 2018 survey from YouGov Omnibus, over a third of the Thai population (35%) sleeps less than the recommended seven hours or more of sleep every night, as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

“Insufficient sleep contributes to the risk for several of today’s public health epidemics, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. As such, it is critical that we incorporate healthy sleep habits and routines into our daily lives to be our best in 2021,” said Dr. Kannan Ramar, AASM President.

good sleep, both mental and physical health suffer greatly, putting people at an increased risk of chronic disease.

Sleep makes you happier - Sleep has a positive effect on mood and overall sense of well-being and can improve relationships with others.

Sleep makes you smarter - Getting the right amount of sleep is conducive to learning, memory recall, creativity and cognitive function.

Here are some tips to kick off the New Year with healthy sleep:

Resolve to make 365 days of healthy sleep your goal for 2021 by keeping in mind its extensive benefits:

Obtain adequate sleep - Set a bedtime that allows you to get enough sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Identify an appropriate bedtime for your age and lifestyle using the AASM bedtime calculator.

Sleep makes you healthier - Without

Establish a bedtime and waketime

routine - Consider developing a nightly routine that evokes calm and relaxation, which may include reading, journaling or meditating.

Ensure the bedroom is a space for sleep - Limit noise and distractions by making your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool - and only use the bed for sleeping, not watching TV or reading.

Set boundaries for blue light exposure - Consider setting a technology curfew by turning off your TV and other electronic devices 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. Silence your notifications and charge your devices away from your bed so you are not tempted to look at social media or news alerts.

Limit alcohol, caffeine and large meals before bed - Avoid consuming caffeine after lunch and avoid alcohol near bedtime, as both can disrupt sleep.

This article was originally published by Brandpoint and is reproduced here with full authorization. Some statistics have been updated from the original article to reflect the Thai market.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

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EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE OF RAWAI SEA GYPSY The Sea Gypsy community in Rawai has been living in the same parcel of land for many decades now and continue to sustain itself thanks to the skills of its fishermen and the influx of tourists buying souvenirs and eating in its restaurants.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

You will find several restaurants near the sea gypsy market in front of Rawai beach, that serve delicious seafood using several recipes. The gimmick here is that you can select your preferred protein at the market, such as fish, crab, lobster, rock lobster, clam, oyster, prawn or squid/octopus, and then carry the fresh ingredients to the restaurant you like, which will weigh your seafood and suggest the price for cooking. By sitting near the entrance of each restaurant, you will enjoy the stunning view of Rawai beach, especially during sunny weather, when the blue sea Phuket sure is famous for its fresh seafood

traditional long-tail boat and a fishhook,

is contrasting with the long row of colorful

and stunning ocean view from all around

using a metal bead to sink the rope. Some

long-tail boats parked in the shallow water.

the island. Whether you are a first-time

of them also prefer to go fish diving or use

traveler or an expat willing to spend some

a traditional fishing net. The freshness is

Once you have indulged with delicious

quality time at a local venue while gazing

100% guaranteed as the seafood are being

fresh seafood, time to go for a digestive

at the stunning views of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south

sold right once they come back onshore.

walk inside the sea village of Rawai.

coast, the Rawai Sea Gypsy Village is a great option to consider.

tribe. Most of the villagers here still make a

THE OTHER TREASURE FOUND IN THE SEA

living by fishing and then sell their catches,

Seafood is not the only treasure the fishermen of the Sea Gypsy Village can find in the

alongside other fresh products such as

Andaman Sea. Many of them also specialize in pearl diving, which are then sold at the

vegetables, fruits, meat, and spices, in the

market, alongside other souvenirs crafted by the other villagers. While you should not

market adjacent to their village.

try to bargain on the price of your food, you should certainly try to do so if purchasing

Moobaan Chaolay [Sea Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village], also known as Thai Mai Village [New Thais Village] houses the Urak-Lawoi sea gypsy

some pearls or a souvenir. Keep in mind that the price of a pearl is determined by The fishermen from the village still fish

many factors, such as its shape, color, and shininess.

the traditional way. They usually use a You can still see the authentic, traditional lifestyle of the villagers here, especially the area in front of the beach where they keep their long-tail boats, home-made fishing nets and more. You will surely get some shots of local kids running around, jumping in the water and play alongside the many boats.

The sea gypsy people do not have traditional religion like Buddhism. Instead, they believe in and worship the spirit of their ancestors and the goddess of the sea. The Loy Rua [floating the boat] ritual is an important annual ceremony sea gypsy across Thailand carry on for many generations during October, to help to eliminate evil and unfortunate events from the village.

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

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 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

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 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

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER REMOTE CITIZEN Whether working from home for the

or classmates during virtual get-togethers.

can make our home and work lives more

first time, helping kids navigate the new

A great start is to be sure to mute your

productive. This can start with something

madness of Zoom classes, or simply

microphone when you’re not speaking to

as simple as taking a look at your overall

trying to connect online with relatives,

avoid adding background noise to a group

home network. For instance, many people

our newfound pandemic-driven remote

meeting. This may sound obvious, but it’s

struggle with serious bandwidth issues

lifestyles are creating a completely new

something we often forget, and it’s a great

throughout the day with kids and parents

relationship between ourselves, our homes

basic skill to teach your kids as well.

dropping from online classes and meetings

and our technology. Regardless of your

due to less-than-ideal Zoom connections.

current work/home situation, we can all

Another step to consider is investing in a

One way to solve this is to look into

be better virtual remote citizens to ensure

ring light to brighten your appearance and

alternative internet providers, specifically

a less stressful, more fruitful experience.

present the best possible you on camera.

those based on fiber infrastructure.

Here are five ways to ensure you are

These lights are low-cost strips of LEDs

This can boost internet speed to several

creating a virtual space that works for

that provide flattering light that brings you

hundred megabits per second and put an

everyone.

out of the shadows. They can even give you

end to connection problems.

a healthy glow.

Practice proper Zoom etiquette

Take security into your hands Set up your home for success

Regardless of our mood behind the scenes,

As computers become even more of a

it’s still important for all of us to follow

With our homes now doubling as our

central hub for both our professional and

best practices to convey responsibility and

office, school or business headquarters,

personal lives, everyone must be vigilant

professionalism to coworkers, customers

making personal investments in technology

and take care of that home like they would

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

any other. Be vigilant about

It’s also critical to show

what you’re downloading and

respect for others. If you need

the tools you’re using and

something from a coworker or

monitor what is happening on

educator, think twice before

your system, because an IT

blithely making an unannounced

team or teacher won’t be there

video call or making a surprise

to fix it for you if it breaks. For

request after hours.

THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!

example, think twice before downloading that cool Zoom

Cut others some slack

background or filter; it could end up crashing your system,

No matter the position at your

damaging your camera or worse.

company, or the role in your

Without immediate assistance

household, it’s very important to

from an IT team or other

understand how the pandemic is

professional, you could miss an

affecting your peers, family and

important meeting, that final

their emotions. For instance,

exam or the big pitch your small

some people love working and

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

business has been waiting for.

learning from home and are

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

feeling positive and motivated

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

Set boundaries and show

during this time. Others,

want to experience your movies and series in HD.

respect

however, are struggling on all

Netflix

WEB: www.netflix.com

fronts and can’t wait to get back As 2020 shatters the

to the office or school. As stress

boundaries between the office

levels rise, it’s vital for everyone

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and home, many of us find

to be more responsive and

ourselves working constantly

understanding.

and answering emails into the wee hours of the night. Many

In the end, all of us are trying

students’ usually regimented

to do our best. So if you hear

schedules have been thrown out

a dog barking or kid screaming

the window. In this new era, it is

in the background of your call,

crucial to evaluate your work-

or if someone’s connection is

life balance. Take a hard look at

bad and they keep cutting out,

your daily routine. Every time

instead of getting frustrated, act

your work-life balance skews

first with empathy.

too far towards the work side,

All Recipes It’s easy to get lost in culinary madness; luckily for us, websites

compensate by doing something

This article was originally

for yourself during office or

published by Brandpoint and

school hours.

is reproduced here with full

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

authorization.

WEB: www.allrecipes.com

like All Recipes makes it easy to browse through thousands of recipes, such as Thai classics to homemade Italian pizzas. The

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

21

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 RECAP EP5: FAMILY AND GREETINGS

Family

Family (part 2)

พ่​่อ แม่​่ พ่​่อแม่​่

Father Poh Mother Mae Parent Por Mae Grandpa (Father) - Poo Grandma (Father) Ya Grandpa (Mother) Ta Grandma (Mother) Yai Son Look Chai Daughter Look Sao Young brother Nong Chai Old brother Pee Chai Young sister Nong Sao Old sister Pee Sao

ปู่​่� ย่​่า ตา ยาย

ลู​ูกชาย ลู​ูกสาว น้​้องชาย พี่​่�ชาย น้​้องสาว พี่​่�สาว

Greetings

ลุ​ุง ป้​้า

สวั​ัสดี​ี Sawasdee How are you? - สบายดี​ีไหม Sabai dee

Uncle Loong Aunt Pa Nephew Niece Cousins -

Hello -

Nong

Yindee Thi Dai Roujak

หลานชาย Laan Chai หลานสาว Laan Sao ลู​ูกพี่​่�ลู​ูกน้​้อง Look Pee Look

สามี​ี ภรรยา หลานชาย หลานสาว ญาติ​ิ ลู​ูกเขย ลู​ูกสะใภ้​้

Husband Samee Wife Pan Ra Ya Grandson Laan Chai Granddaughter Laan Sao Relative Yaat Son-in-law Look Khoey Daughter-in-law Look Sapai

mai?

Nice to meet you! It is hot today. -

ยิ​ินดี​ีที่​่�ได้​้รู้​้�จักั

วั​ันนี้​้�อากาศร้​้อน

Wan Nee Aagard Ron

Where do you go? -

คุ​ุณจะไปไหน

Khun Ja Pai Nai?

Have you eaten yet? -

ยั​ัง Kin Khao Reu Yang?

กิ​ินข้า้ วหรื​ื อ

The use of Khrap and Kha in your sentences

ครั​ับ) and Kha (ค่​่ะ) are particles that are generally used at the end of a sentence to denote a certain level of respect

The words Khrap (

to the person you are talking to. The word Khrap is used exclusively by men while the word Kha is used by women. For example, if you

สบายดี​ีไหมครั​ับ). A woman asking the same

are a male asking a stranger “how are you?”, you should say “Sabai Dee Mai Khrap” (

สบายดี​ีไหมคะ). The gender of the person you are talking to is not relevant.

question, however, should say “Sabai Dee Mai Kha” (

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

23

GETTING TO KNOW Last month, we sat down with Stuart Coackley, Director of Sales at the M2 Property Discount Center, in Wichit, to chat about the property business.

From a passion to travel the world to a life-long experience in property real estate in several countries, such as South Africa, Russia, Portugal, Spain, England, and Thailand, Stuart Coakley, the Sales Director of M2 Property Discount Center, the first and only property discount center in Thailand, sat down with us and shared his experience, passion and vision.

Tell us more about your background and experience in the property business.

I come from Liverpool, England and was educated there but knew from a very early age that I wanted to travel and see as much of the world as possible. I first set of on my life journey when I was 16 years of age but spent a couple of years working around my own country before getting on a plane alone one day to start my adventure abroad.

My first destination was Portugal and this is were I was lucky enough to meet a new friend who introduced me to the property business. That was my entry door to the real estate business, 33 years ago. I stayed in Portugal for about 10 years before moving to another assignment in Cape Town, South Africa, then in the early â&#x20AC;&#x2122;90s, perestroika

24

THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

happened in Russia and the Soviet Union collapsed so I thought it would be a good place to do business and it was one of the best experiences of my life, I set up offices in Samara, Kirov and Kazan and promoted off site real estate sales in Spain and Portugal.

It was during this time that I vacationed in Thailand and stayed in Bangkok and Kho Samui and I immediately fell in love with the country and its people and vowed to myself that one day I would come back either to live/retire or do business. 7 years ago, unfortunately I was divorced and was looking for a change I was at this time back in the UK and was sales director of the biggest online travel website in the country icelolly.com. We had made this company a great success with my help and my team and took this company to a successful sale to a venture capitalists by the name of Palatine so this was my chance to move on and I was lucky to be offered the sales directors role at Absolute world a Phuket based property company. This is owned by an old friend of mine who I have known since my days in Portugal and was my opportunity to establish myself in the property business in Thailand.

After a couple of years, I was offered the sales directors role at another developer company called TBD Group

where I worked for 4-5 years before deciding to change the way we did business, mainly because of COVID-19, so we came up with the concept of a property discount center, which is where we are now.

Please share with us the concept of the M2 Property Discount Center.

The Property Discount Center is the first online marketplace in Thailand for buying and selling the best residential and commercial properties. We have a good selection of objects for investment and/or own residence, as well as for obtaining Permanent Residency for the whole family. Only at our company, can you buy commercial real estate with full ownership for foreigners. For example, such commercial objects as restaurants, cafes, shops, spa salons, pharmacies, and others can be registered both for a foreign legal entity and for a foreign individual, without registering a Thai company.

There is a large selection of commercial real estate objects with 100% ownership for foreigners in our projects Mai Khao Beach Condotel (342 real estate objects) and 777 Beach Condotel (820 real estate objects).These are the first projects in Thailand that were built and designed as Condotels and after the commissioning of these facilities (Mai khao Beach Condotel - May 19, 2019, 777 Beach Condotel - December 1, 2020) this is confirmed in the title deed, which can be reissued to the buyer within 24 hours. These complexes can be used as a hotel with the right to obtain a hotel license, which allows renting apartments and other commercial real estates (restaurants, spa, cafes, ...) legally daily and/or longterm rent.

When buying real estate in full ownership for a total of 250,000 euros (the required amount can be collected from the purchase of one or several objects), you can apply for an indefinite permanent residence for the whole family even without the help of lawyers, without bureaucratic problems and collection of documents, at any time without restrictions when you need it. Only registered ownership is required.

If there is a language barrier between seller and buyer, our managers will help you. We speak Russian, Chinese, English, Thai, French, and other languages. The signing of the contract can take place remotely without the arrival of both the buyer and the seller in Thailand. If necessary, we provide full legal support at all stages of the deal.

What are the advantages buyers and sellers get from working with M2?

Kong, Macau, Singapore, Europe, China, Russia, as well as participate in online real estate exhibitions. Most of the other agents wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put you on priority if your property doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make as much commission compared to others.

For us, it is in our interest to promote all properties, as we do not focus on commissions. We help the buyers and sellers with legal consultancy. Our website is very easy, guiding you in every step of the process. You can go all the way to transferring ownership, without coming to Thailand, through a power of attorney.

M2 Property Discount Center can be found at 90/8-9, Moo 2, Chaofa West Rd., between Chalong and Phuket Town. Visit their website at www.propertydiscountcenter.com.

First of all, we are actively marketing in many countries. We advertise our Center not only in Thailand, but also in Hong January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

25

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON GUIDE

OUR DECEMBER FAVORITE MOMENTS IN PHUKET In addition to the Christmas and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve celebrations hosted all across the island, December saw the opening of a few restaurants and lounge bars, especially in the north of the island, while the iconic Kata Rocks celebrated its 6th anniversary with a brunch well-worth exploring.

On December 18, 2020, The Guide Phuket attended the Grand Opening of the Summerset Bar & Lounge, located in Cherng Talay. A great place to visit for cocktails!

///////////////////////// On Saturday, November 28, 2020, the iconic Kata Rocks celebrated its 6th anniversary among friends, owners, and members of the press.

The gargantuan brunch was served from 12:00 noon onward, alongside sparkling delights and a breathtaking view over the Andaman Sea. Happy birthday Kata Rocks!

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | January 2021

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020,

Several shows were organized to keep

the well-known Japanese Steakhouse

the crowd excited throughout the

Banihana opened its door in Phuket,

evening, including traditional dances and

within the stunning JW Marriott, in Mai

gymnastics.

Khao.

The venue opens daily for dinner and The many convives gathered in and

for lunches on Saturdays and Sundays.

around the venue to experience the

We strongly recommend trying out the

delicated Japanese cuisine, served

Wagyu Oyster and the Kobe Japanese

Teppanyaki-style by the talented Chefs.

Ribe Eye!

/////////////////////////

On December 17, 2020, pop-up restaurant Zuma re-opened its door at the Anantara Layan Resort, offering a tantalizing selection of Japanese cuisine and sashimis.

January 2021 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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