The Guide Phuket - July 2020

July 2020

COVER: EXPLORING CORAL ISLAND, IN STYLE This stunning catamaran will drop you off on Coral Island for you to spend the day enjoying the various activities and feasting on delicious Thai food while being surrounded by unique creatures, like the delightful hornbills (p. 04).

CONTENT

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Catamaran day trip to Koh Hey Koh Hey, known in English as Coral Island, is a small stretch of land located 15 minutes from Phuket via speedboat, or approximately 40 minutes if you choose the option of a luxurious catamaran, as we recently experienced. The departure was set from the Kan Eang at Pier restaurant, in Chalong.

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The legend of Phuket noodles at Mee Ton Poh Mee Ton Poh is a local brand that serves Hokkien-influenced cuisine to happy diners since 1946. Today, Mee Ton Poh has expanded to four branches across the island of Phuket, in Phuket Town, Kathu, on Sakdidech Road, and the last one in Thalang.

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Great bargains not to be missed at Premium Outlet If you are looking for a bargain, then look no further than Premium Outlet. This rather large shopping mall can be accessed from the Bypass Road and is surrounded by enough parking spaces that welcome both cars and motorcycles.

EDITORIAL July is a very special month for Thailand, as we are launching phase 5 of the country’s reopening. This means that all businesses got the green light to re-open and explore the new mechanics of consumerism in a post-Covid era. While travel remains limited, we hope that we will soon return to the Phuket we knew and loved, so that we can try to mitigate the disastrous economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. - Kamin

JULY 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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not just any restaurant, but a steakhouse nonetheless!

their own happy place.

24

The truth is healing is a life long journey. It’s personal,

has been a while since we were truly excited by new restaurant opening its doors in Phuket Town. And

crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

14

Since the pandemic started, we must admit it something, anything really. That is until we heard of a

good mix between the popular ones and the less

Healing through Shavasana

Let’s meat for a feast

20

Getting to Know: Chef Ponchan Last month, we had the pleasure to sit down with the

slow and uncomfortable. One of the things that makes

talented Chef from behind the stoves at Thong Dee -

yoga very special is that the practice is a reflection of

The Kathu Brasserie, a Phuket institution you will find

how you live and breath your life.

often find on the first page of TripAdvisor.

Five ways to help prevent home cyberattacks Being home 100% of the time has become the new norm for many people in Thailand, as social distancing is implemented in communities across the country to slow the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic. Connected devices are being used virtually nonstop, as the homebound stream shows to binge watch to help pass the time.

CATAMARAN DAY TRIP TO KOH HEY During the month of June, The Guide Phuket boarded the stunning Secret, a 50 feet catamaran for an adventurous day trip to the island of Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island.

Koh Hey, known in English as Coral

A short walk to the pier led us to the

parasailing. We chose to spend a great

Island, is a small stretch of land located

Secret, a stunning 50-feet catamaran

amount of time on their Bali swing,

15 minutes from Phuket via speedboat,

with plenty of space to relax while we

which lets you run from the side of a

or approximately 40 minutes if you

were gently sailed to Coral Island.

cliff. Wild sensations guarantee!

Once you arrived on the island, you

At the center of the island, you will

are free to explore and partake in the

find the main restaurant, which

The departure was set from the Kan

various activities that are available

serves traditional Thai food alongside

Eang at Pier restaurant, in Chalong,

to you. Some of these activities are

refreshments. Again, you will have to

where we were briefed to various

included in your package, such as

refer to your package to check what is

security measures. In addition to

snorkeling and kayaking the shore with

included and what is charged extra.

their standard safety instructions, we

a transparent kayak, allowing you to

received additional information with

see the fish and corals from the safety

After lunch, why not spend some time

regards to the Covid-19 pandemic. For

of your embarkation.

on the beach chairs and work on your

choose the option of a luxurious catamaran, as we recently experienced.

example, their boats are only loaded

tan? It is always good to take the time

with 50% passengers, to increase

Other activities incur an additional

to relax from all those activities and

social distancing on board.

fee, such as ziplining, banana boat, and

enjoy the sun for a few hours.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | JULY 2020

Before we even realized, it was time to go home, and we boarded

sure the expedition you choose is the one you will enjoy the most!

our wonderful catamaran for a trip back to Chalong Pier. A few Instagram pictures later, we disembarked safely and said goodbye

For information and bookings, you can reach them by phone at

to our lovely tour guides, who were always on hand should we

+66 81 416 7555 or email at relax@bananabeachkohhey.com.

need any information during our tour.

Alternatively, make sure to check out their Facebook page for the latest promotions and announcements.

As mention earlier, the company offers several tours and packages, from the half-day island hopping to a full-day adventure with

www.facebook.com/BananaBeachKohHey

activities included; the best is to contact them directly to make

THE HOUSE OF THE HORNBILL Are you an ornithophile? That is, a person who likes birds. If so, you will love your stay on Banana Beach, the main stretch of sand on Coral Island, as it is home to the beautiful hornbill.

The staff often feeds the birds with bananas and other fruits so that they get acquainted with the presence of humans. Therefore, it is easy to find yourself surrounded by dozens of hornbills at the same time. While the birds are not aggressive, we would not recommend trying to touch them or feed them directly.

The owners love the birds so much that most of the buildings you will see on the island are inspired by the beak and other parts of the bird. The roof of the main restaurant is certainly an homage to the lovely animal.

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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 | JULY 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.

Patong Beach: The beating heart of Phuket’s nightlife, Patong Beach is the most famous beach on the island and the center of entertainment, restaurants, shopping and hotels. The beach itself has soft sand and warm clear water. Behind the beach you’ll find the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s tourism business, which features hotels, restaurants, bars, street bazaars and shops crammed into a colorful, lively mix that showcases a vibrant Thai tourist beach town.

Mai Khao Beach: Located north of Phuket International Airport, Mai Khao Beach is a lovely beach to escape the crowds. The long stretch of sand seems to go on and on, while the soft sand and clear waters are stunning. Mai Khao Beach is almost always empty, which gives the beach a very deserted feeling, even during high season when some of the island’s other beaches are crowded.

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.

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).

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THE LEGEND OF PHUKET MEE HOKKIEN AT MEE TON POH RESTAURANT Mee Ton Poh is a local brand that serves Hokkien-influenced cuisine to happy diners since 1946. Today, Mee Ton Poh has expanded to four branches across the island of Phuket, in Phuket Town, Kathu, on Sakdidech Road, and the last one in Thalang.

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ball. They serve big, round, bouncing fish balls made of fish meat. They are soft in texture but rich in flavor.

Ho Mok, a steamed fish in coconut milk and curry, wrapped in banana leaf, may not sound like a starter for some of you, but it should be! Ho Mok is categorized in their appetizer page and could be paired as a side to any savory dish on the menu.

Apart from Mee Hokkien and Mee Ton Poh, there are also a few other noodle choices, such as Curry Mifen, which is vermicelli served with spicy curry sauce, Stir-fried noodles, such as ‘Mee Hokkien’

still tender. Dipping those mouthful cuts

Rad Na Mee Grob [crispy noodle served

and ‘Mee Ton Poh’, are the stars

with their special sweet red sauce will

in thick and mellow gravy], Pad Kee Mao

that continue to attract people from

complete the flavor perfectly.

noodle and stir-fried noodle in Tom Yum sauce.

everywhere on the island. Each location offers various noodles to choose from,

Another interesting appetizer when you

such as yellow noodles, vermicelli, and big,

visit Phuket and Mee Ton Poh is the fish

If you crave for rice, Mee Ton Poh also

flat rice noodles, but all of them are stirfried with their special recipe. They always add a generous amount of protein, such as pork, fish meat, shrimp, clam, squid, and more to fulfill every bite.

On the appetizer side, those guys are not playing around. Their Pork Satay is very well marinated and the sauce is exceptional. If you love crunchy munchies, a local entrée like Tao Gua, a deep-fried tofu that comes with spring roll, is a perfect choice here. The crust outside is golden and crispy while the inside part is serves delicious rice menus, the likes of Pa Ka Prao with rice, Pa Naeng with rice, green curry with rice, Stir-fried sweet pepper with rice and more. Each menu comes with your choice of protein, including pork, chicken, prawn, and calamari.

The restaurant also reorganized its seats and hygiene standard to fit in the recent Covid-19 situation. There is a QR code to check-in and check-out, hand sanitizer at the entrance, fever test, and distanced seats at each ta ble.

Mee Ton Poh currently has four different locations on the island, including Phuket Town and Kathu. The restaurants are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. For information and bookings, please call +66 87 474 9923 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/meetonpoe.

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L E T ’ S M E AT

FOR SOME

FEAST Since the pandemic started, we must admit it has been a while

since we were truly excited by something, anything really. That is until we heard of a new restaurant opening its doors in Phuket Town. And not just any restaurant, but a steakhouse nonetheless!

Let’s Meat Bar & Grill is a brand new steakhouse located on Phang Nga Road, in the heart of the old Phuket Town. Being located in the old town means a lot from an architectural standpoint, and we were pleased to see that the venue kept the original walls, playing only with lights and subtle black & white paintings, representing an era when steaks were all it mattered.

At the entrance, you will be welcome with a reasonably large salad bar, complete with olives, tomatoes, pasta, lettuces, onions, soups, and more, which is included in the steak price or can be accessed separately for THB 149.- per person.

While the restaurant serves a selection of pasta and pizzas to please all palates, we have to focus this review on what really matters here: the amazing proteins!

The menu is very simple to use; choose your favorite protein, from a selection including classics like beef tenderloin, ribeye, sirloin, and the sensational Wagyu ribeye, all imported from Australia, pick a side, your favorite sauce, and voila! In addition to the perfectly-cooked beef, you can choose other proteins like pork, chicken, salmon, or shrimps.

While you wait for the talented Chefs to cook your meal to your liking, feel free to visit the buffet for a refreshing salad or a soup, while the staff and owners will ensure you receive their complimentary appetizer: Italian Prosciutto and Gouda cheese, a wonder to accompany their large wine selection and delicious cocktails.

A dinner at Let’s Meat Bar & Grill is a fantastic experience if you fancy eating meat, or simply want to enjoy the charm of Phuket old town for an evening out with your friends or family.

Let’s Meat Bar & Grill is located on 33 Phang Nga Road, in Phuket Town. The restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, closed on Mondays. For information and bookings, please call +66 91 826 2194.

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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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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

HEALING THROUGH SHAVASANA ‘How can I heal myself if a world is such a mess?’, one may say. The truth is healing is a life long journey. It’s personal, slow and uncomfortable. One of the things that makes yoga very special is that the practice is a reflection of how you live and breath your life.

Acknowledge the subtle energy that

understood as a symbol for the circle

off somewhere else than being fully

you can receive and create within

of life . The yin and yang, the rise

conscious to the present moment.

yourself, as the guru Paramahansa

and fall, the birth and death, and the

Notice your own thoughts by pulling

Yogananda quoted “Change yourself

becoming and letting go. The practice

your attention back to inner focus.

and you have done your part in

allows you to go deep into a healing

As a beginner, imagining of your

changing the world”.

state of meditation as you lay down

favourite flower, trying to focus on

on your back, completely soft and

one thing than switch one thing to

As we are familiar with asana that

surrender. Your inhalation is to feed

another. Observe your own thoughts

they are mimicking of natures and

the body— flowing energy that we

-- whatever that comes to you, do not

animals, we generally begin from the

call prana, the exhalation arises to

judge. Before finishing your practice,

ground first and slowly make our way

letting go of your dead parts or thing

descend those energies into your

to standing. Each asanas may planned

that doesn’t serve you.

psyche then seal the observations with

to gradually build into the peak pose,

a gratitude. Notice again of the space,

and eventually mellow it down to more

Shavasana is known to be one of the

your body, your mind and your feelings.

restorative.

hardest of the practice, yet the most

Just like anything has to come to an

important practice of all the postures.

end, we rather embrace the closure

It is normal for the mind to wander

than to sorrow about the endings.

Shavasana or corpse pose, can be

This article was written by Vasucha Hongyok. Make sure to follow her pages on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vasuchayoga and Instagram @vasuchayoga.

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The place to eat, drink and be seen. Even the most experienced food lovers will be delighted at the staaons oďŹ&#x20AC;ering a diverse cuisine. The 76Bar Drink & Dine can take you from lunch to the early hours, thanks to its relaxing indoors or its roooop bar with a sophisscated seleccon of cocktails and ďŹ ne wines.

+66 (0)76 343 111

GREAT BARGAINS NOT TO BE MISSED AT PREMIUM OUTLET For more than ten years, along the side of Bypass Road in Phuket Town, Premium Outlet has served thousands of customers with discounted items from big brands like Nike, Adidas, Fifa, Calvin Klein, and more.

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which offers a large selection of shoes and sportswear, available in many sizes and colors.

The discounts are clearly displayed on each product and can be claimed by each and everyone, as there are not linked to flight tickets, like in a duty-free shop.

In addition to clothing and accessories, a whole building is dedicated to kids’ wear and toys to keep your children busy and interested.

If you are looking for a bargain, then look no further than Premium Outlet. This

Among the many shops and brands

Foodwise, Premium Outlet is a bit shy

rather large shopping mall can be accessed

represented at the mall, you will find your

compared to other shopping venues, but

from the Bypass Road and is surrounded

grand classics like Nike, Levi’s, Quicksilver,

still manages to keep its customers well-

by enough parking spaces that welcome

Playboy, Lee, Reebok, and more. In

fed; a food court is “sometimes” available,

both cars and motorcycles.

addition, there is a big Adidas Factory,

depending on the number of shoppers

The outdoor lifestyle shopping mall

women’s clothing, accessories, and kids’

BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!

zone.

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

comprises large alleys between each building, facilitating the movement from the various zones, such as men’s and

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

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

items, with discounts often going as high

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

as 70% to 80%, though this means that

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

most of the pieces of clothing you will find

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

there are last year’s fashion. wandering the alleys, and you will find a few food outlets serving Thai food and the classic Western munchies, such as burgers, hot dogs, and French fries.

If you find yourself in need of some new clothing, you should visit Premium Outlet first, before going to your regular shop, just to see what kind of bargains are available to you; you may end up with a few extra pieces you did not know you wanted!

Premium Outlet is open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and is located on 888 Moo 2, Ko Kaew, on the side of the Bypass Road, right after the Toyota showroom.

Check out their website at www. outletmallthailand.com.

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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS

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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 Brand-name clothing and sports accessories at

CENTRAL PHUKET, PHUKET TOWN

bargain prices, this is the brand promise of Premium Outlet. Apart from numerous Thai brands, other

Central Phuket is the largest shopping center of the island and goes into the top 3 largest

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

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GETTING TO KNOW Meet the talented Chef behind one of Phuket’s most appreciated brasseries, Thong Dee – Chef Ponchan Chiarram

Last month, we had the pleasure to sit down with the talented Chef from behind the stoves at Thong Dee - The Kathu Brasserie, a Phuket institution you will find often find on the first page of TripAdvisor. We took this opportunity

Where comes the inspiration behind Thong Dee? In 2009, my husband and I wanted to start a business together in Phuket; a cliché for sure, and we chose the

to get to know the team a bit more.

restaurant business as we always found it difficult to find

Tell us a bit more about yourself?

Thai food for me and comforting western food for him.

I was born in Buriram but I have been a Phuket resident

for everybody. In the beginning, the menu was 80% Thai

for 15 years so I consider this my home forever since.

When we started Thong Dee eleven years ago, I had no professional education in cooking at all. I never cooked Western food before, except for a two-week crash course

a place that would make us both happy, mixing real, spicy We wanted to create a place that would have something and 20% European. Today, it is quite the opposite. The menu is a selection of dishes and recipes we have picked up along the way. We learned from young French-inspired, fine-dining Chefs to old retired Irish Chefs, as they taught

in our home with my later to be mother-in-law.

us the ropes of the trade. Of course, we kept the home

When I was cooking, I always enjoyed preparing balanced

The Lasagna, and Rhubarb Cake.

and tasteful dishes, and I noticed that my food made people smile. While I never dreamt of becoming of Chef, this reaction nurtured a great passion in my life, as it makes me happy to see our guests smile after a lovely meal spent with their loved ones.

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cooking dishes from Sweden, such as Swedish Meatballs,

What is the unique selling proposition of Thong Dee compared to other restaurants?

We have a wide variety of dishes that have been carefully

selected and perfected for years. We also try to provide a high level of service and attention to details without adding to the final bill. For us, when you visit Thong Dee, it has to be more than a meal, it is a feeling and an experience. Our motto is “You come as you are and you leave like a star!”

Which dish is the most difficult to cook?

Anything new! but half-jokes aside, the duck breast has to be cooked just right; too long and its too well-done, too short and it is too rare.

Also, most Thai foods need to have the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, sour & savory.

Also, which dish would you recommend to a new visitor? kathu.brasserie.

The duck, of course! we do it in different styles, such as “Normandy”, “A l’Orange”, “Pad Ka Prao”, and in salad variations. The Sunday Roasts are also a Thong Dee signature; we have people coming from all over the island every Sunday to enjoy them. We do the chicken, lamb & beef in Kathu and the chicken & pork in Phuket Town. It’s definitely a must-try!

The Massaman Curry Lamb & The Lasagna have to be recommended, too! Why? Try them and you will taste the answer!

What are your plans for the future?

Surviving 2020, period. Meaning, keeping all staff at full salaries and paying our operation costs. If we manage to do that, we will have accomplished the new 2020 goal. And what do you do after accomplishing a goal? You create a new one!

A 2019 dream was to open the 3rd branch in Cherngtalay area, Thong Dee – The Laguna Eatery. For now, that is a very distant dream, but what is the point of having a dream if it can’t come true. We can only do our best and keep pushing forward. We still in love with this paradise island called Phuket.

Thong Dee - The Kathu Brasserie is opened from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. You can find the restaurant on Soi Bangthong in Kathu as well as in Phuket Town, on Soi Rasada. You can find more information on their website at www.thongdee.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thong.dee.

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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!

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THE GUIDE TO THAI LANGUAGE EP10: CLOTHING

Clothing

เสื้​้� อกั​ันหนาว Sua Kan Nao เสื้​้� อเชิ้​้�ต Sua Shirt เสื้​้� อยื​ืด Sua Yeud กางเกง Gang Gaeng กางเกงขาสั้​้�น Gang Gaeng Ka

Sweater Shirt T-shirt Trousers Short San

ชุ​ุดชั้​้�นใน เสื้​้� อแจ็​็คเก็​็ต ชุ​ุดสู​ู ท กระโปรง ชุ​ุด รองเท้​้า หมวก

Underwear Choot Chan Nai Jacket Sua Jacket Suit Choot Suit Skirt Grapong Dress Choot Shoes Rong Tao Hat Muag

Colors of clothes

Verbs for shopping To go shopping -

ไปซื้​้�อของ Pai Seu

Kong

ซื้​้� อ Seu To sell - ขาย Khai To have - มี​ี Mee To look for - มองหา Mong Ha To match - จั​ับคู่​่� Jab Ku To return - คื​ืน Keun To like - ชอบ Chob To love - รั​ัก Rak To refund - คื​ืนเงิ​ินให้​้ Keun Ngen Hai To buy -

สี​ี ขาว สี​ี ดำ�ำ สี​ี เหลื​ือง สี​ี ส้ม้ สี​ี แดง สี​ี เขี​ียว

White See Khao Black See Dam Yellow See Leuang Orange See Som Red See Daeng Green See Khiao Blue - สี​ี ฟ้​้า/สี​ี น้ำ� �ำ เงิ​ิน See Fa/See Namngern Gray See Thao Pink See Chompoo Purple See Muang Brown See Namtaan Silver See Ngern Gold See Thong

สี​ี เทา สี​ี ชมพู​ู สี​ี ม่​่วง สี​ี น้ำ� �ำ ตาล สี​ี เงิ​ิน สี​ี ทอง

Thai size is not European (or US) size One thing you will notice almost immediately once you start shopping for clothes in Thailand is that the sizes you may be used to back in your home country will appear different here. Most Thai people are generally slimmer and slightly shorter than Europeans and Americans, leading to different sizes being used. If you took pride in wearing an S size tank top, do not be offended if you have to look at an M, or sometimes even L size, to feel more comfortable. Overall, most shops offer changing rooms, where you can try various outfits before purchasing them.

JULY 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

23

FIVE WAYS TO HELP PREVENT HOME CYBERATTACKS Being home 100% of the time has become the new norm for many people in Thailand, as social distancing is implemented in communities across the country to slow the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

Connected devices are being used virtually nonstop, as the homebound stream shows to binge watch and video chat with friends to help pass the time. Unfortunately, most residential computing networks aren’t regularly maintained and monitored to protect against security breaches. This presents hackers with a virtual playground of which to take advantage.

“Cybercriminals are continuously looking for ways to exploit computer system vulnerabilities and home networks are popular targets because so many of our devices - phones, TVs, computers, even appliances - are connected to them,”

24

said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance Director

network - and the devices connected to it -

of Product Management. “Insurance

from hackers.

companies provide solutions to help financially protect homeowners and renters

Power down your devices.

if they fall victim to a cyberattack. There are also steps they can take ahead of time

This disables the internet connection,

to help prevent one from happening in the

cutting off access to any personal

first place.”

information stored on your computer.

Unattended machines are easy targets for

Following are five tips to protect your home

THE GUIDE PHUKET | JULY 2020

hackers, especially if you’re asleep.

Secure your wireless network.

Install recommended updates.

Information accessed on an

Smartphone, computer, tablet

open network, including email

and smart TV manufacturers,

passwords and sensitive bank

among other providers of

information, is fair game for

connected devices, offer

hackers. Don’t make their jobs

periodic software updates

easier - protect your Wi-Fi

to protect against potential

network with a strong password

security breaches. Chances are,

that’s difficult to guess. Wireless

if an update is recommended,

routers that are issued by cable

hackers have already discovered

providers are typically assigned

a way to access your personal

a network name and password

property and information, so

that’s easily located on a label

keep your software up to date.

on the device itself. These can

Set your devices to install auto-

be changed using your online

updates when possible.

account, so do this as soon as possible for added security.

THREE WEBSITES TO VISIT TODAY!

Coursera Continuous development is a critical skill in today’s economy,

Beware of phishing scams.

and attending online classes does not have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, it is 100% free on Coursera, an online education

Invest in anti-malware software.

Phishing scams aren’t new, but hackers continually use more

Malware - or malicious

sophisticated email - and even

software - can be installed

text messages - to trick people

on your computer without

into providing their personal

platform that offers classes from various universities.

WEB: www.coursera.org

Mint Did you know that almost half of the population in Thailand has zero savings and lives paycheck to paycheck? Time has come for a change. With Mint, you can create your online budget for free, and easily record all your expenses into different categories.

WEB: www.mint.com

your knowledge so hackers

information. Once again, do not

can damage your system,

click on the links or attachments

steal personal information or

in messages from unknown

restrict your access to extort

senders.

money from you. Anti-malware software helps protect against,

“Even the most vigilant

detect and remove malware,

individuals can experience a

stopping cybercriminals from

cybersecurity breach,” said Li.

doing further damage. Also, avoid downloading music or

This article was originally

video files from suspicious

published by Brandpoint and

websites, and clicking on links or

is reproduced here with full

email attachments in messages

authorization.

sent from unknown senders

Project Gutenberg If you’re an avid reader, chances are you’ve already come across Project Gutenberg, an online database of more than 60,000 e-books that are free to download. You can search for books by

to help prevent malware from

authors or by using the search engine available on the site.

infiltrating your system.

WEB: www.gutenberg.org

JULY 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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