The Guide Phuket - September 2020

September 2020

COVER: WELL-BEING AT LE MERIDIEN PHUKET Plenty of room categories, dozens of activities, large swimming pools, and a direct beach access: Le MĂŠridien Phuket Beach Resort is a well-known hotel in the Karon area favored by local and international travelers alike. (p. 04)

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Well-being at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort Plenty of room categories, dozens of activities, large swimming pools, and a direct beach access: Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is a well-known hotel in the Karon area favored by local and international travelers alike. During the month of August, the team of The Guide Phuket was invited to spend the week-end at the resort.

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Issara Restaurant & Bar Issara Restaurant & Bar is the newest contender in the Phuket food scene, occupying a segment often forgotten by other restauranteurs; a menu created using only locally sourced ingredients and a true passion for delivering exceptional dishes.

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Getting to know: Thibault Spithakis Last month, we had the pleasure to sit down with Co-Founder of Phuket’s favorite rum, Thibault Spithakis, who created the well-known Chalong Bay Rum back in 2012. We couldn’t resist but asking him a few questions about the state of the business during those strange times.

EDITORIAL While Thailand is currently under discussion to potentially re-open the island to international travelers from October onward, most of the businesses are still suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. A quick visit to Karon or Patong, with their rows of closed businesses and shops, is a testament to the economic devastation we are currently going through; let’s hope the situation improves rapidly so that people on the island can get access to the many jobs they have lost. - Kamin

September 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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Thanyapura Specials During the month of September, our good friends at Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort have come up with two promotions that are just too good to be true.

good mix between the popular ones and the less

If you are interested in holistic health and visiting

crowded ones, so that each and everyone can find

some of the greatest fitness facilities on the island,

their own happy place.

make sure to give Thanyapura a try!

Bring compassion into yoga practice

The Guide to Thai language

Yoga and service to others are popular activities, but

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New to Phuket or simply never took the time to learn

most people don’t think about how much they have in

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

common. Both activities facilitate learning new ideas

guide to the Thai language will bring you new content

that can positively impact your world view.

monthly.

Exploring Phuket’s latest mall: Porto de Phuket This iconic open-air shopping mall, located in the heart of Cherng Talay, right next to Boat Avenue, has opened its door in December, 2019 and provides several new outlets that were missing in the area, from unique restaurants to supermarket.

TRANQUILITY AND WELLBEING AT LE MERIDIEN PHUKET BEACH RESORT Plenty of room categories, dozens of activities, large swimming pools, and direct beach access: Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is a well-known hotel in the Karon area favored by local and international travelers alike.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 2020

for single or couple massages among the delicate scent of teakwood and otherworldly aromas.

After signing a few documents indicating our health, the front desk escorted us to our room, where we were introduced to our therapists and the treatment we were about to experience.

During the month of August, the team of The Guide Phuket was invited to spend the weekend at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, a 470-room hotel located in a tranquil alcove between Karon and Patong.

The check-in was smooth and professional, incorporating all the elements of the “new” normal, such as temperature controls and hydro alcoholic gel aplenty.

After spending a comfortable amount of time by the large swimming pool and enjoying their daily happy hour promotions, it was time to explore Le Spa, which could only be described as the Mecca of pampering. The ten treatment rooms offer complete privacy and allow

We decided to try one of their signature massages, the candle therapy. The staff used the melting wax from specificallydesigned organic candles to slowly massage the skin and entangled our muscles after the activities by the pool and the beach.

After a two-hour massage, we decided to call it a day and retire to our room, but not before a short walk on the stunning Karon Noi beach, which can only be accessed

Our room, like almost 70% of the resort, was offering unobstructed views over the white, sandy beach adjacent to the venue, and provided us with all the amenities and comfort you could expect from a five-star resort, such as the Malin + Goetz set of showering products and the satellite TV channels to keep you busy should the rain comes.

through the hotel; white sand, coconut trees, and the infinity of the Andaman Sea... did we wake up in heaven?

Following a good night’s sleep, we ventured to Pakarang Restaurant, located next to the pool, for a well-deserved breakfast. A large buffet with a selection of bread, pastries, corn flakes stands next to the hot dishes, which include Thai and western delicacies (hash browns and bacon, anyone?).

It was time to leave, but not without a last look at the amazing view over the Andaman Sea. We will be back for sure!

In the meanwhile, check out the exciting promotions they offer on their social media.

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort is located on 29 Soi Karon Nui, in Karon. You will find the resort on the road linking Karon and Patong. For information and bookings, please call +66 76 370 100 or visit their website at www.lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com.

September 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 | September 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.

Bang Tao Beach: Home to much of Phuket’s 5-star luxury resorts, Bang Tao Beach is a pleasant stretch of beach on the Phuket’s west coast. The northern end of the beach has a small coral reef, which is perfect for snorkeling. As usual, pay close attention to the red flags and warning signs nearby the beach, as rip currents can occur, especially during the monsoon season.

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.

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).

September 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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ISSARA, THE FREEDOM OF SERVING LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS Issara Restaurant & Bar is the newest contender in the Phuket food scene, occupying a segment often forgotten by other restauranteurs; a menu created using only locally sourced ingredients and a true passion for delivering exceptional dishes.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 2020

lunch, which, in hindsight, was a fantastic decision.

We started with the Korean fried chicken bao buns, served with a spicy glaze and pickled cucumber, which offered a festival of textures in our mouths, the crispy fried chicken balancing the softness of the bao bun. A true delight!

We then followed with the Soft-shell crab tempura and the Barracuda teriyaki with shitake orzotto. The crab dish reminded us of a Yam Som-O, yet it provided distinct Issara, in the Thai language, can be

provide a fresh breeze from the air

flavors that reinforced the delectable

translated as freedom, independence, or

conditioning. We chose to sit inside

aromas from the shell. The true star,

self-sufficiency. We could not think of a

and were promptly offered drinks and

however, was the Barracuda fish, cooked

better name to describe one of Phuket’s

recommendations by the professional

to perfection and served with orzotto, an

newest restaurants, located on the road

staff. We decided to trust Chef Nikola’s

Italian dish similar to risotto, but made with

leading to Kata Noi, as Executive Chef

passion and asked him to decide on our

pearl barley instead of rice.

Nikola Lesar has created a menu using only locally sourced ingredients.

And it tastes absolutely superb!

We visited the venue a few weeks ago, after receiving an invitation to try out their innovative approach to gastronomy, which blends foreign culinary influences with local ingredients.

The venue itself is rather large and separated into different seating areas, some being alfresco while the others A special mention would go directly to their Chef’s Cheeseburger served with salted egg yolk potato fries, as their secret sauce is to die for.

Issara Restaurant & Bar is a fantastic addition to the Phuket’s dining scene, and a venue we are sure you’ll come to love and appreciate as much as we do, especially if you believe in the importance of cooking with local ingredients over expensive imports. Oh, and it is a great place to chill out, too, whether you are planning to visit with your loved one or with a group of friends.

Issara Restaurant & Bar is located on 1/34 Kata Noi Road, on the way to Kata Noi’s beach. The restaurant is open from 1:30 pm to 11:00 pm and it closes on Mondays. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 604 296 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/restaurant.issara.

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THANYAPURA

SPECIALS FOR YOU During the month of September, our good friends at Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort have come up with two promotions that are just too good to be true. If you are interested in holistic health and visiting some of the greatest fitness facilities on the island, make sure to give Thanyapura a try!

9.9 Flash Sale For 12 hours only, Thanyapura is offering 99 1-month sports club memberships for only THB 1,099 each (usual price THB 4,500).

Available on 9 September from 9 am to 9 pm (GMT +7), this is perfect for those yet to renew their membership or those wanting to experience the 360 membership options from Thanyapura.

The membership includes unlimited access to Thanyapura’s world-class sporting facilities, daily fitness classes, one fitness consultation, one nutrition assessment with an accredited specialist, as well as a discount at the resort’s food and beverage outlets, spa and discounts on regular room rates. Membership is valid until 31 October 2020.

New holiday, new active escape Thanyapura is also offering its lowest rates yet with over 75 per cent off regular room rates starting at just THB 900 per night, with no minimum stay. The offer applies to stays between 3 to 8 September 2020, and applicable on bookings made from now until 7 September 2020. The hotel promotion also includes daily breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, unlimited sports access to world-class amenities and 40 per cent off dining. Guests can use the promo code SEP2020 when making their booking.

Located on the Thai island of Phuket and just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort is an active holiday destination offering personalised programs ranging from sports and fitness to nutrition and lifestyle medicine for both groups and individuals. An oasis for people looking to rebalance and recharge their lives, Thanyapura helps guests feel and perform better for a healthier, happier lifestyle through sustainable and holistic practices.

Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort is located on 120/1 Thepkasattri Road, in Thalang. For information about their promotions and bookings, please call +66 76 336 000 or visit their website at www.thanyapura.com.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 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 | September 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 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

BRING COMPASSION INTO YOGA PRACTICE Yoga and service to others are two popular activities, but most people don’t think about how much they have in common. Both activities enrich your life, connect you to the community, and facilitate learning new ideas that can positively impact your world view.

When you serve others, you let go of your own agenda for a while, working toward a common goal that is bigger than yourself. In practice of Kundalini Yoga, this leads to “shuniya,” the elimination of ego-driven goals replaced by compassion, love, and a sense of belonging. To enjoy the countless benefits of shuniya, bring more compassion into your yoga practice with these three tips.

Help others enjoy the benefits of yoga There are plenty of individuals who have not had a chance to benefit from yoga. You will find that these are people who stand to benefit the most, including veterans, prisoners, and atrisk youth. Many of these individuals feel a sense of detachment from their communities or have experienced

trauma at some point in their lives and yoga can bring them a sense of peace.

Yoga shows people of all races, religions, and social backgrounds that there is an underlying equality among humans. If you are a licensed teacher, use your gifts to volunteer at nonprofits and other community groups. If you aren’t a licensed teacher, consider inviting friends and family to join you in an in-person or virtual class.

Bring Kundalini and karma yoga into your life Karma yoga is one of the 22 forms of ancient yoga and is part of Kundalini Yoga. It is known as the yoga of egoless action. The goal is to act without ego, removing tension and expectation from your being.

Whether you are caring for children or doing chores, it’s important to bring conscious intention to your every action and be fiercely present in the now.

Support the world with seva Seva means selfless service, beautiful work done from the heart without any thought of reward or gain. Seva takes many forms, from volunteering in community projects to silently cleaning a sacred space. One of the more public ways to practice seva is through “langar,” the Sikh tradition of serving free meals to anyone who is hungry, regardless of religion, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Food is a need we all share. Preparing and sharing meals with no expectation of reward or recognition is a pure seva.

This article was originally published by Brandpoint and is reproduced here with full authorization.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 2020

Your islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite fashion!

Check out our Social Media to discover our unique pieces. laboutiquestoreanddesign laboutiquestorea 084 840 0943

EXPLORING PHUKETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LATEST MALL: PORTO DE PHUKET This iconic open-air shopping mall, located in the heart of Cherng Talay, right next to Boat Avenue, has opened its door in December, 2019 and provides several new outlets that were missing in the area, from unique restaurants to supermarket.

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 2020

To complete the delightful shopping experience, we suggest you make a stop at one of the numerous restaurants available for you to eat a bite.

Tu Kab Kao is a classic southern Thai restaurant, which opened its door a few years ago in Phuket Town; the perfect venue to taste a delicious Moo Hong or a Gaeng Som. Another restaurant that originally originates from Phuket Town is Suay restaurant, a Thai fusion restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide for two years in a row. Feel free to try their Porto de Phuket is the latest venture from

place when looking for running shoes and

signature Soft Shell Crab Burger, served

Central Retail Corporation, the retail arm

other sportswear. A Jim Thompson is also

with shrimp fat fries, or the marinated

of Central Group of Company, on the

available to satisfy your need of exotic

lemongrass lamb chops with a delicious

island of Phuket. Located in Cherng Talay,

fabrics. In addition to the big brands, you

papaya salsa.

within the proximity of Boat Avenue and

will stumble upon smaller shops, such as

Laguna Phuket, this lifestyle shopping

jewelry stores and art boutiques.

Finally, you can indulge in Russian

mall brings together high-end fashion, sportswear, convenience store, and many restaurants and eateries.

complete with a dine-in section offering

BARGAINING IS NO SHAME; IT’S AN ART!

roasts and other bistro pub dishes. You

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

have to give the Italian Porchetta a try on

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

your next trip!

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

First, you will find their signature grocery store Central Food Hall, which comes

not try to negotiate on food). As a rule of thumb, consider what price would make You will also find a B2S store, one of

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

Thailand’s leading stationery stores, as

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

well as a Supersports, which is the go-to specialties at Spice House Restaurant, a Russian-themed restaurant with branches all over Phuket, which has served happy customers for over ten years.

Porto de Phuket is open daily from 08:00 am to 10:00 pm. You will find a large parking lot available, though bear in mind that leaving the parking can be difficult depending on the time of the day and the amount of traffic outside.

Overall, this shopping mall is a welcome addition to the area and provides a breath of fresh air thanks to its design and the numerous boutiques it brings with it.

WEB: www.facebook.com/portodephuket

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SHOPPERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIGHTS

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 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. < WEB: www.limelightphuket.com

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, 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

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GETTING TO KNOW In August, we sat down around a glass of Mojito with Thibault Spithakis, CoFounder of Chalong Bay Rum at their restaurant, Cane Crush.

Last month, we had the pleasure to sit down with CoFounder of Phuket’s favorite rum, Thibault Spithakis, who created the well-known Chalong Bay Rum back in 2012.

We couldn’t resist but ask him a few questions.

Tell us a bit more about yourself

loved the country from before. Before leaving the US, we did several market studies to find out the best way we could implement our beverage into Thailand and took a flight to Phuket.

How did you come up with Chalong Bay Rum? When we moved to Thailand, we thought there was

I was born in the south of France, near Marseille, where

something to be done in the spirit business. Marine’s

I grew up in the countryside, helping my grandfather and

background is in biology, and both our family were working

father in the grape growing and wine making. My parents

in the wine and spirit industries, so we were familiar with

really pushed me to get out of the countryside to study,

the many processes needed to produce alcohol.

so I ended up studying business administration in France, specializing in Finance. Once I graduated, I wanted to travel the world to experience different cultures and ended up pursuing my work experiences in England and China, before landing a job in Russia, where I lived with Marine, the CoFounder of Chalong Bay Rum, for over a year.

After an 18-month trip to the United States to study my MBA, I landed a job in Corporate Finance, but I was worried the impact on my soul would be too much, so we decided to move to Thailand and try our luck there, as we really

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THE GUIDE PHUKET | September 2020

We chose rum because Thailand is one of the top producers of sugar cane in the world, not just by size, but also by quality, and we wanted to create a product that uses ingredients from local farms.

Self-sufficiency, empowerment of local farmers, and strong support to the local communities are the foundations of Chalong Bay Rum, and we ensure our sugarcane partners receive all the tools and training they may need and receive a higher value for the sugarcane and their work than standard market rate.

What activities do you offer to visitors and Rum aficionados?

We started with a simple visit of the factory, where people can learn how rum is produced and the different stages of the distillation process. We opened our bar and restaurant later on, which we have now rebranded to Cane Crush, and made a partnership with Suay Restaurant to provide our guests with a festive experience around cocktails and interesting food concept.

We also offer cocktails workshops, and run several events every week, including our famous Latin nights on Thursdays, and our newly-launched BBQ & Burgers on Saturdays, and our special Taco Tuesdays with Reggae music.

What is the future of Chalong Bay Rum? We are currently building a new indoor space at Cane Crush to launch “Suay at Chalong Bay”, a dining experience where we will develop further the culinary side of our venue. As usual, we will keep pushing for international awards, as it gives our brand a strong recognition, both in Thailand and internationally.

In addition, we are preparing a big surprise coming soon, though I can’t reveal all the details yet; make sure to stay tuned and follow us on our social media!

Finally, you have been an expatriate in Phuket for a long time; tell us one thing you absolutely love with the island, and one thing you wish could be changed or improved.

There are so many things that I love it would be difficult to make a list, but if I had to choose, I would say that I love the Phuket culture and the fact that Phuket managed to keep its identity and traditions alive.

For something that could be improved, the air conditioning at the airport needs some fixing (laughs). More seriously, I believe public transportation could be so much better, and it would help with tourism, too.

The restaurant, Cane Crush, is opened daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. You can find the restaurant on Soi Palai in Chalong. To find out when the visits and workshops are available, make sure to visit their website at www. chalongbayrum.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/canecrushth.

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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 RECAP 2: FROM HERE TO THERE

Vehicles

รถ รถตู้​้� แท็​็กซี่​่� ตุ๊​๊�กๆ เรื​ื อ เครื่​่� องบิ​ิน เฮลิ​ิคอปเตอร์​์ รถมอเตอร์​์ไซค์​์ จั​ักรยาน รถกะปะ รถราง รถไฟ รถไฟใต้​้ดิ​ิน

Car Rot Van Rot Too Taxi Taxi Tuk-tuk Tuk Tuk Boat Reua Plane Kreuang Bin Helicopter Helicopter Scooter Rot Motosai Bicycle Jak Kra Yan Pickup Rot Gabpa Tram Rot Raang Train Rot Fai Subway Rot Fai Tai Din

Locations Police station Tham Ruat

Directions

สถานี​ีตำ�ำ รวจ Sathaani

ธนาคาร Ta Naa Kaan ไปรษณี​ี ย์ ์ Prai Sa Nee โรงพยาบาล Rong Pa Ya Baan คลิ​ิหนิ​ิก Clinic สถานี​ีรถเมล์​์ Sathaani

Bank Post office Hospital Clinic Bus terminal Rot Meh

สนามบิ​ิน Sanam Bin สถานี​ีรถไฟ Sathaani

Airport Train station Rot Fai

ร้​้านอาหาร Raan Ahaan

Restaurant Park Suaan

สวน

ซ้​้าย ขวา ตรง เหนื​ือ ใต้​้ ตะวั​ันตก ตะวั​ันออก ต่​่อหน้​้า หลั​ัง ติ​ิดกั​ับ บน ล่​่าง ที่​่�ไหน

Left Saai Right Khwaa Straight Throng North Neuua South Dtai West Tawan Tok East Tawan Ok In front of To Na Behind Lang Next to Tit Kap Above Bon Below Laang Where Thi Nai

The real name of Bangkok Did you know that Bangkok’s real name in Thai language is “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya

กรุ งเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสิ นทร์ มหิ นทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตนราชธานีบูรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์ มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิ ทธิ์). Obviously, this is a bit too long, so Thai people usually refer Witsanukam Prasit“? (

to their capital as either Krung Thep Mahanakhon, Krung Thep, or it can be abbreviated as Kor Tor Mor.

September 2020 | THE GUIDE PHUKET

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