October 2017
N o w o n l i n e a t : w w w. i s s u u . c o m / n n r t h a n i t a l k
Thani Talk NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
Tribute:
Cover Story:
Halloween:
PEOPLE:
In Honor of His Majesty King Rama IX
Volunteering Opps at NNR Charities
Helpful Info for a Happy Halloween
Meet the Best Milk Delivery Team in Town
Pages 3-5
Pages 14-21
Thani Talk is generously sponsored by:
Pages 30-31
Pages 42-43
NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as hosting an annual charity bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.
Connect with NNR
facebook.com/nnrthailand
issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
expatsofnichada.com
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DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.
NNR BOARD 2017-2018 Chairperson
Henrietta Bullinger
NNRThaiChair@gmail.com
Vice Chairperson
Sally Elliot
sallyelliott@me.com
Treasurer
Sandra Wilson
nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com
Activity/Tour Coordinators
Susanne Rodrigues Pascale Kervyn
NNR Socials
Chantal Bremner
nnrsocial@gmail.com
Charity & Volunteer Coordinators
Mare Harvey Cyndy Henry
nnrcharity@gmail.com
Adverting Director
Ginny Condra
Thani Talk News Team
Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team
Distribution Coordinator
Alyson Espinoza Diaz
Communications Director
Kiki O’Connor
092-458-3505
suratoru@yahoo.co.uk nnrtour@gmail.com
095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com nnrnews@gmail.com 090-656-9930 alysonespinoza@gmail.com niall.kiki@gmail.com
Thani Talk Team: Advertising Director and Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Graphics Consultant (Bill Fear), Restaurant Reviewers (John Marinos, Vara Sumetanon, Barb Lewis), Distribution Coordinator (Alyson Espinoza Diaz) 2 October 2017 T h a n i Ta l k
Tribute to King Rama IX
Remembering King Bhumibol Adulyadej (๙)
One year ago on October 13, 2016, the people of Thailand lost their beloved monarch His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At the time of his death at age 88, King Bhumibol was the longest reigning monarch in the world. During his 70-year reign, the Kingdom of Thailand saw tremendous progress. For the past year, Thais from all over the country have journeyed to the Grand Palace in Bangkok to pay their respects. The Sanam Luang parade ground near the palace has been continuously transformed into a sea of black as mourners, dressed respectfully in black, lined up for hours and waited patiently in the tropical heat. All wanted the chance to bid farewell to the beloved monarch. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was also known as King Rama IX, because he was the ninth king in the Chakri Dynasty (1782-Present). After his passing, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asked the nation to wear black for 100 days as a sign of respect. Government officials and civil servants were asked to wear black for one year. For months after King Bhumibol’s death, people also wore black ribbons as a sign of respect and mourning.
The Thai numeral “9” , representing King Rama IX and his reign, was also featured on banners, signs, clothing, and souvenirs. Thais born during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol (1946-2016) shared social media posts proclaiming, “ I was born in the reign of King Rama IX of Thailand” To pay honor to the importance of His Majesty King Rama IX in the lives of Thais and the culture of our host country, Thani Talk features the important Thai symbol on the cover of our October issue. I invited high school senior Isabelle O’Connor, winner of ISB international school’s Photography Award last semester, to take the photograph of the Thai numeral 9 on a field of black. Isabelle did a superb job, and I’m honored to feature her work on the this month’s cover and share it with our readers. The print edition of Thani Talk is always in black and white, but our online edition at issuu.com/ nnrthanitalk has been in color. This year, the online edition of the October issue will also be in black and white. We wish our Thai friends and neighbors, and our host country, all the best. You are in our hearts.
Inside This Issue
Calendar of Events
NNR Social
Liz Lu, Editor, Thani Talk
Oct. 10: NNR Tour, p. 11
Tribute to King Rama IX NNR October Tour Highlights: NNR September Tour Cover Story: Charity News Highlights: NNR September Coffee morning Community News: Halloween Grapevine Tips Travel PEOPLE Restaurant Review
3 11 12 14 28 30 34 38 42 49
Oct. 13: One-Year Anniversary of the Passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Oct. 11-14: Sop Moei Arts Sale, p.24 Oct. 12: American Women’s Club CCN Halloween Party, p. 30 Oct. 26: Royal Cremation Ceremony Oct. 31 : Halloween, p. 30-31 Nov. 2: NNR Bazaar Charity Bazaar at Chaengwattana Community Church p. 10
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach October 2017
Cover photo by Isabelle O’Connor Isabelle, an ISB senior, is winner of the school’s prestigious Photography Award in June 2017. The cover photo was taken in Pakkred, Nonthaburi Thailand. Instagram: issieoconnor
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Nathalie Jaillet
Royal Thai Cremation Ceremony: October 26
For the past year, the Thai government has been preparing for the Royal Cremation Ceremony scheduled for October 26. While the cremation of a commoner takes place 3 to 7 days after death, the Royal Cremation Ceremony for a monarch takes place more than one year after his passing. Ever since last October 13 when the people of Thailand lost their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, officials and skilled artisans throughout the country have been hard at work building and decorating the elaborate Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang. Artists and workers have also been refurbishing the royal chariot, housed at National Museum Bangkok, for this important event. October 13 has been declared a public holiday. On October 26, the day of the Royal Cremation Ceremony, 216 soldiers from the Royal Thai Army will pull the royal chariot in a procession towards Sanam Luang. The soldiers will be dressed in vermilion red, which by Thai Buddhist tradition is considered an invisible color. Therefore as they pull the chariot, the soldiers themselves are supposed to become invisible, thereby creating the illusion of the royal chariot “floating” majestically in the procession. Towering above the urn and the chariot will be nine royal umbrellas, an honor reserved for a monarch. During the past year, people all over the kingdom have also been making paper versions of the fragrant 4 Than
Dokmai Chan flower, traditionally used at Thai funerals when mourners pay their final respects by saying a prayer before placing the flower on the funeral pyre. You may have seen members of the public at shopping malls and other public venues this past year making paper Dokmai Chan flowers by hand. In the event you wish to pay your respects at Sanam Luang, please dress respecfully in black. Please note that a visit before October 26 may be easier logistically, since on the day of the Royal Cremation Ceremony, the crowds at Sanam Luang will be massive. After the Royal Cremation, the expansive structure built to house the crematorium will be dismantled. None of the materials may be reused. Pieces and sections will be donated to temples throughout the kingdowm to commemorate the Royal Cremation, and to honor the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Liz Lu For more details and news about the Royal Cremation Ceremony, follow Richard Barrow’s informative social media posts at: twitter.com/RichardBarrow.
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National Museum Bangkok
(Page 4): Soldiers rehearse pulling the royal chariot from its home at National Museum Bangkok. (Page 5): Scenes of artisans at work painting murals and statues in preparation for the October 26 Royal Cremation Ceremony. (Rt.): Scafolding around the crematorium at sunset. Photos from social media and other internet sources.
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NNR October Tour NNR October 10 Tour: Tour of Hidden Treasures in Nonthaburi Question: What do spiritual tattoos, fruit-scented soaps and orchids have in common? Answer: You can experience them all on the October NNR excursion. Join us for a day trip to a famous wat (temple) where people congregate to receive spiritual tattoos from revered monks. Tattooing yantras on the skin has been part of Khmer or Thai cultures for perhaps longer than 2,000 years. The wat is a centre for mystical tattoos, and it is also a working, historic Buddhist temple. We will stop at an OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) factory and showroom which specializes in lovely scented soaps, lotions and essential oils, made from natural coconut. Our last stop will be an orchid farm, where you can see an amazing variety of gorgeous flowers (and take a few home!!) There will also be time to enjoy a light lunch and coffee together. Pascale Kervyn and Susanne Rodrigues, NNR Tour Coordinators
Date: Tues, October 10, 2017 Time: 7:45 am to 2:00 pm Where: Meet in front of ISB’s Chevron Theater Cost: 400 baht per person. Lunch to be paid by participants. To sign up: Please email: nnrtour@gmail.com Space is limited to 12 participants.
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Highlights: NNR September Tour
Highlights: NNR September Tour National Museum Bangkok its head to protect the Buddha from the elements -- something I would not have understood without an explanation. The morning came to an end and we found our way back to Nichada. The trip was very well organised and very interesting. Something not to miss while in Bangkok. Location: National Museum Bangkok Na Phrathat Rd, Bangkok Phra Nakorn District, Hours: Wed-Sun from 9am-4pm Closed on Monday and Tuesday Entrance fee: 200 THB
As I boarded the bus at ISB with my fellow Nichada community ladies I felt excitement for the day ahead. The journey to the National Museum, located near the Grand Palace in the historic royal district, held high promises. I was eager to learn more about the culture of my host country after having lived in Bangkok for more than a year. We all realised the opportunity to learn more about the Thai history and culture. As we entered the museum, I noticed the architecture on the outside was very typical of most temples – very ornate, steep roofs, clean and full of light reflecting off the bright tiles and paint. Once we entered with our very knowledgeable guide, the world changed around us as he shared some of the history of the life of Buddha. We all got the opportunity to see beautiful relics and exhibits from Thailand and Southeast Asia, such as sculpture, weapons, porcelain, elephant howdahs, royal furnishing, and antique murals. These were exceptional pieces of art. What made this trip very special was our guide’s depth of knowledge and storytelling ability. As he took us around he shared some of his stories which I found very interesting and also shed light on the meaning of the pieces of art and the exhibits that we saw. For example, during a flood where the Buddha was in danger a snake was able to elevate the Buddha in the waters by having him sit on its coiled body and using 12
On Wednesdays and Thursdays there are free guided tours in English, German, French and Japanese by volunteers from National Museum Volunteers. How to get there: • By Taxi: Most taxi drivers will not know the National Museum, so you may ask instead to go to Thammasat University, on Sanam Luang. The Museum is on your right when facing Thammasat University. • By BTS or MRT: Go to the Siam or National Stadium BTS station and take a taxi from there; it’s a 30 min drive depending on the traffic. Or go to the Hua Lamphong MRT station and take a taxi from there; it’s a 20 min drive depending on the traffic. • By Ferry on Chao Praya: Arrive at Tha Chang Pier N°9 (River Express boats or Orange flag boats). Take a tuk tuk or walk (10 min) through Thammasat University, and turn on your left on Sanam Luang, you have arrived. • By Boat on Khlong San Sap: No English is spoken or help provided, but it’s very fast and cheap. Depending on your starting point, take the boat to Pratunam Pier then change boats and head to Phan Fa Leelat Pier (Golden Mount). From Golden Mount take a moto taxi or a taxi (5 min drive). Not recommended with children and for disabled persons!
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Monica Li October 2017
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Cover Story: Charity News
Shop the Nov. 2 NNR Bazaar to Support Local Charities Meet NNR’s Charity Committee Co-Chairs Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
One of the ways that NNR can support the many charities that we work with is through funding allocations. Just last week, NNR approved approximately 250,000 baht of funding so that the charities can purchase much needed items such as water filters, sports equipment, medical and first aid supplies, school supplies as well as basic items like underwear. It always amazes and humbles us at how thankful the charities are for whatever support we can provide. A major source of the funds for these allocations comes from the profits of the annual NNR Bazaar which will take place on Thursday, November 2nd at the Chaengwattana Community Church in Nichada. The Bazaar also offers several of the NNR supported charities the opportunities to showcase and sell products that their residents make. This year we welcome Thanksgiving Home, SaiLom Project, Home for the Destitute, I-Care, and Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities as vendors at the Bazaar. As you are shopping, don’t forget to head downstairs and check out the wonderful selection of quality handicrafts that will be available. It is also a perfect opportunity to meet some of the passionate, dedicated people who are involved with the charities and to learn more about the work that they do. Cyndy Henry
Mare Harvey and Cyndy Henry deliver your donations and connect you with local charities
Mare Harvey Mare is Canadian and was a former chairperson of NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach). Under her leadership, NNR raised recordbreaking amounts for charity. She and her husband Bill often host fundraisers at their home. She rejoined the NNR Board in June. Cyndy Henry Cyndy is also Canadian, and since joining the NNR Board in June, she has worked tirelessly with Mare to liaise with local charities and deliver massive amounts of in-kind donations . Her husband Ray Forte volunteers his time helping the SaiLom project. (see p. 18)
Working Hard to Deliver Your In-Kind Donations
We Guarantee Your Donations Go to Good Local Causes To donate your time or in-kind goods, contact: Mare & Cyndy at: nnrcharity@gmail.com 14
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Cover Story: Charity News
Volunteering Opportunities NNR Helps You Find the Right Fit Home for Hope is a residential facility (5 homes sharing a common courtyard) that provides a safe home for up to 90 children/youth who have no parents or whose parents are unable to care for them. The home is managed by Father Paolo of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Volunteer Opportunity: Supporting staff with activities for residents, including leading or assisting with games and sports, crafts, music, English classes, etc. Assisting with home improvements/yard work . WHEN: Various times (including weekends) WHERE: Home for Hope is a 20-minute drive from Nichada. Offers of transportation from volunteers are appreciated.
Home for the Destitute
Photo from Google Reviews
Home for Hope
Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD)
CCD is a Thai NGO that began in 1997 and currently has multiple programs that work with disabled children from both government homes as well as from the community. Their goals include teaching social and life skills, working with families of disabled children, assisting and preparing older youth for employment opportunities. Volunteer Opportunity: Supporting CCD staff with various activities for the residents including leading or assisting with games and sports, crafts, music, etc. WHEN: Various days and times WHERE: CCD is a 20-minute drive from Nichada. Any volunteers who have a car/driver and who are willing to provide rides are appreciated.
1 Step, 2 Step
Home for the Destitute is a government-run facility in Pakkred housing up to 400 homeless adults. Additionally, the shelter has a secure detention centre for Cambodian women and children awaiting court proceedings. Volunteer Opportunity: Assist with fruit preparation and service, play with Cambodian children, interact and assist with shelter residents. WHEN: Every Thursday - 10 am to 12 pm WHERE: Volunteers meet at Nichada’s main gate for rides to Home for the Destitute, a 10-minute drive from Nichada. October 2017
The 1 Step, 2 Step program works in partnership with Ban Feung Fa, a local government residential facility for boys and girls with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The program organizes outings/excursions plus visits to the facility to play and interact with the children. Volunteer Opportunity: Assisting with Bangkok area excursions, which are a special treat for the residents as they rarely have the opportunity to leave the facility. For the home visit, volunteers provide whatever support is needed. WHEN: Once a month for outings/ excursions. Various times for visits. WHERE: Facility is a 10- minute drive from Nichada.
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Cover Story: Charity News I-Care (Ban Poomwaet Boys Home)
English classes for the residents. Assisting with monthly birthday celebrations. WHEN: Thursday mornings to assist with English classes. Once a month to assist with birthday celebrations. WHERE: Ban Kredtrakkarn is a secure facility located on Koh Kret Island (From Nichada, it’s a 15-minute drive to the river, followed by a 10-minute boat ride.)
icarethailand.com
Thanksgiving Home
I-Care supports Ban Poomwaet which is a government-run residential facility for boys who have been victims of human trafficking and other forms of abuse. The residents are provided with educational and/or vocational training to support their reintegration back into society. Volunteer Opportunity: Supporting I-Care with English classes for the residents. Assisting with monthly Sports/Fun Day. WHEN: Thursday mornings (9 am – 11 am) to assist with English classes. Last Sunday of each month to assist with Sports/Fun Day. WHERE: Ban Poomwaet is a 10-minute drive from Nichada.
icarethailand.com
I-Care (Ban Kredtrakarn Girls Home)
Thanksgiving Home is a residential facility that provides a home for about 25 children and youth with various forms of disabilities. They provide rehabilitative services as well as assist in developing life skills for the residents. Thanksgiving Home has recently opened a Development and Learning Center which not only provides services to its residents but also to children and youth from the local area. Thanksgiving Home also provides support to community members living in nearby slums. Volunteer Opportunity: Assisting with English learning activities. Assisting with crafts, music and other activities WHEN: Various times (including weekends) WHERE: Thanksgiving Home is a 10-minute drive from Nichada.
SaiLom Project
I-Care supports Ban Kredtrakkarn which is a government-run residential facility for girls who have been victims of human trafficking and other forms of abuse. The residents are provided with educational and/ or vocational training to support their re-integration back into society. Volunteer Opportunity: Supporting I-Care with 16
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Cover Story: Charity News SaiLom Project works with physically and intellectually disabled boys and young men living in a government facility (Rachawadee Home) to assist in developing life skills and provide job training so the young men can integrate into the workforce. Volunteer Opportunity: Assist with monthly excursions. These outings are a special treat for the residents as they rarely have the opportunity to leave the facility. Visit SaiLom Project’s Centre to assist with day programs. WHEN: Last Saturday of each month for excursions (9 am to 2 pm). Assist at SaiLom Centre (various times). WHERE: Various locations across Bangkok (examples: Nonthaburi Pier, Koh Kret Island, Dusit Zoo). Volunteers meet at Ban Rachawadee for Boys, a 10-minute drive from Nichada. Although SaiLom Project will organize transportation for residents and volunteers, the use of volunteer’s vehicles/drivers is appreciated as it helps keep transportation costs down.
sparrow-home-bangkok.com/
Sparrow Home
Bumble Bee Free Library (BBFL)
BBFL offers neighbourhood Thai children and adults access to books, games, magazines as well as free weekly English classes. The library also operates a satellite “Reading Corner” at the Home for the Destitute (a government homeless shelter) Volunteer opportunity: Assisting with weekly English classes and field trips for both children and adults. Offering a special activity to neighborhood Thai kids during their school holidays. Assisting with library duties. Help with Story Time for pre-schoolers. WHEN: Tuesdays for Story Time. Sunday afternoons for English classes. Various times for library duties. WHERE: BBFL is located just outside the front gate of Nichada (to the left and down approximately 500m).
Pakkred Babies Home
Sparrow Home is a residential home for children who are either removed from “at risk” situations or who have mothers in prison. The home ensures that the children are safe, well cared for and, where possible, have access to visit their incarcerated mothers. The home has a maximum capacity of 15 residents who range in age from 1 to 18 years of age. Currently, all but one of the residents are under the age of 10. Volunteer opportunity: Visiting the home and assisting with English learning activities and playing/ interacting with the residents. English lessons are conducted through games, activities and reading. Additionally, volunteers do crafts and provide positive interactions with the children who reside at the home. WHEN: Thursday afternoons (there may be some flexibility on visit times) WHERE: The home is a 10-minute drive from Nichada. October 2017
Pakkred Babies Home is a government residential facility for orphaned and abandoned babies and young children. Volunteer Opportunity: Visiting the home and assisting with the care of the babies and children WHEN: Various days/times - The current Nichada volunteers have been going on Thursdays, but volunteers can visit as often as they like. WHERE: The residential facility is a 10-minute drive from Nichada.
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** Spotlight on Volunteers ** Ray Forte: SaiLom Project
Imogen Lee: Sparrow Home I’m Canadian, and our family of four has lived in Nichada for two years. I have been volunteering with SaiLom Project's monthly outings over the last several months, volunteering one Saturday per month. SaiLom Project supports a local residential facility whose residents are mentally and physically challenged individuals. By volunteering for these excursions the residents have an opportunity to get out of the home for a day of fun. We accompany our friends to different locations such as the zoo or the planetarium. We check out the sites with them and share a meal. We took a very fun trip to the Nonthaburi pier and had a very nice meal at a food court on the river. We bought some fruit for the guys, which made them extremely happy. The food court cooks and staff were also very supportive and engaging with the guys which was great for all involved. We have had 4 to 20 volunteers per trip. The more volunteers that show up, the more residents get a chance to go on the trip. We are very lucky and appreciative to be here in Thailand for work, and it is nice to give something back. Ray Forte
To volunteer at any of the NNRsupported charities, contact NNR Charity Coordinators Mare Harvey and Cyndy Henry at: nnrcharity@gmail.com 18
I am from the UK. My husband Peter and I have two daughters, Beth (8) and Ginny (6) who attend ISB. We moved to Nichada in summer 2016, and before that we lived in Houston, Texas, and San Ramon, California. I volunteer at Sparrow Home, which is currently home to eight children aged between two and 16. Most of them were born in prison, and are being cared for at Sparrow Home while they wait for their mother to be released. The children are taken to visit their mothers regularly. Sparrow Home is a small house with a large garden, and provides a family-like atmosphere for the children. The older children all attend local schools. My weekly visits provide the children with a break from routine (and homework!), the opportunity to play new games and learn new songs, interact with someone different and practise English! I visit once per week for 1-1.5 hours, and I usually prepare some songs, games, activities or crafts to do with the school children (aged 6-9) after school. I teach them new English vocabulary, and we just play! It is very rewarding and fun to teach and play with the children, and see how much they have learnt and their confidence has grown over the year I have been visiting them. My own daughters sometimes come with me, and they also really enjoy playing and teaching, and benefit from spending time outside ‘the bubble’. I usually visit by myself. Another volunteer from Nichada offers occasional music classes, and the ISB Sparrow Home Club visits once per week.
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Imogen Lee
October 2017
** Spotlight on Volunteers ** Kelley Weg: Bumble Bee Free Library
I’m American, and my family includes my husband Alden, my daughter Olivia (14) who attends ISB and my son Nicholas (21) and daughter Natalie (18) who are both in the United States at university. My husband’s job with the U.S. Army brought us to Bangkok two years ago, and our “home” is “wherever the Army sends us.” I was fortunate to meet Liz Lu the summer of 2015 after just moving to Nichada, when she was looking for volunteers to help establish a neighborhood library. Liz Lu grew up with a love for her local library and wanted to pass on the same opportunities to our neighborhood. Bumble Bee Free Library was originally opened to provide a free library to the Thai families and community in our Soi Prasert Islam neighborhood.. It was opened in coordination with the free English classes that are offered every Sunday at a Thai house near the library. Soon after opening our library doors in November 2015, we started receiving requests from the Nichada expats for a story time hour for their small children. Today, we offer library hours four days a week; which includes our Tuesday morning Story October 2017
Time, for any families with preschoolers and toddlers, and our free Sunday English classes. BBFL recently established a Birthday Book Club for our Thai English students and we offer inter-library loans in cooperation with ISB HS/MS library. In May, we opened our first BBFL branch reading corner at the local government homeless shelter -- Nonthaburi Reception Home for the Destitute. I am currently the Vice-President of BBFL and Volunteer Coordinator. I help staff the library, coordinate and train new volunteers, and represent BBFL to new donors and organizations that are interested in learning more about our program. We have become more than a library and English class; we are becoming an activity center and important establishment in the neighborhood for the Thai children to come and enjoy. The BBFL was opened to promote education and opportunities to the Thai and expat communities through a neighborhood library, classes, and activities that help others “learn to read and read to learn”. This was an exciting opportunity for me when I arrived in Bangkok because I love books and championing the cause for literacy; but seeing the joy and excitement on our library members’ faces is my favorite part. Our volunteer base is constantly fluctuating, so we love to have new people contact us on how they can become involved. Our needs for volunteers include: ESL teachers and assistants on Sundays, library shift volunteers, Story Time helpers on Tuesday mornings, and an activities coordinator. Those who would love to join us can email us at bumblebeefreelibrary@gmail. com or ask to join our Facebook Group: Bumble Bee Free Library. We provide a flexible calendar that meets the needs of our volunteers. Our hours are Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9 am - noon, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, noon to 4 pm.. I encourage everyone to serve in an organization where you get to pursue your passions. BBFL was it for me!
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Kelley Weg
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** Spotlight on Volunteers ** Sara Roberts: Pakkred Babies Home I’m Colombian/US, I have been in Nichada for two years, and my kids are 8 and 13 years old. I volunteer at the Pakkred Babies Home with a group of three other volunteers. Pakkred Babies Home is an orphanage close to Nichada with about 1,000 babies and young children. I visit a young girl who is 14 months old. We usually pick up the babies, give them a bath, change them into nice clean clothes, and play with them in the volunteers room which has air-conditioning and many toys. Then we feed the babies and return them to their room. There are two shifts: from 9 am until 11 am and 2 pm until 4 pm. We usually go in the morning once per week. It is possible to go any day It is a wonderful experience that is very rewarding. We can't change the difficult reality of abandoned kids but we can definitively make a big difference in the life of the babies that we visit - all they need is love. The procedure for volunteering at Pakkret Babies Home is very simple. It only requires that you fill a form, provide a copy of your passport and a couple of pictures. Sara Roberts
Volunteer
to Open Your Home to December Holiday Home Tour NNR is exploring the idea of an NNR Holiday Homes Tour in December. Do you decorate your home for the Christmas holidays? Would you welcome being part of a tour for Nichada Thani residents to see your handiwork first hand? If interested, please sign up by contacting Chantal Bremner at nnrsocial@ gmail.com or 092-929-1470.
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Cover Story: Charity News
Other Volunteer Opportunities In addiiton to the many NNR-supported charities and non-profits listed on previous pages, our community also has other organizations and volunteers actively involved in giving back and making a difference. Below are two such groups, both of which welcome volunteers.
White Elephant Thrift Shop Volunteers Volunteer opportunities are available at the White Elephant, a non-profit neighborhood thrift shop located at the Oasis center on Samakkee Road. White Elephant is run entirely by volunteers who sort, price and sell all the great donations we receive. Proceeds are donated to charity. Shifts are only two hours a week (10 am - noon, or noon to 2 pm). The shop is open Mondays-Saturdays. For more information, contact Tipwan Smagpong at: tipwans@hotmail.com. (Tel: 089-525-0290). Tipwan Smagpong
Prison Visit Volunteers
Are you looking for a different type of volunteer experience? There are Nichada residents who visit foreign prison inmates in Bangkok. Here is what Pascale Kervyn has to say about her prison visits: “We visit the Lad Yao Women’s Correctional Centre to support and encourage the October 2017
inmates as they often face stiff sentences. Although it may seem intimidating at first, visiting prisoners has never failed to be a rewarding experience. I have formed a friendship with the woman I visit, and I am inspired by her courage. The visit time is only about 40 minutes of discussion through a glass window. The visit schedule depends on the visitor’s availability. Also, currently we have to arrange visit dates and times in advance with the respective embassies of the inmates --it takes a little planning. We would love to have you join for one or more visits. If interested in visiting the Lad Yao Women’s Correctional Centre, please contact Pascale Kervyn ( pkervyn@gmail.com, Tel: 091 88676096), Lucy Mundia (lucy2472@gmail.com, Tel: 091 0093750) or Sara Roberts (saraparrap@yahoo.com ).
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Nichada Neighborhood Community Fitness & Activities Listings Yoga & Meditation KUNDALINI YOGA
ASHTANGA YOGA With PanZen
Be the Master of your Mind • Wednesdays & Fridays 7:45-9:15 am All levels are welcome! Yoga for Beginners • Tuesdays 9:30-11:00 am 450 THB per class or 10 classes for 4000 THB *** First class try for free! *** Danicha Condo 39/289 Contact Kerstin 086-372-9750 kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com Visit www.yoga-of-awareness.com
IYENGAR YOGA
A great way to improve your flexibility, core strength and get balance in your life. Breath, Body and Mind. All levels - beginner to advanced. • Tuesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Intermediate • Wednesdays 3:45-4:45pm - Advanced • Thursdays 3:45-4:45pm- Intermediate • Saturdays 9:30-10:30am - Beginner For more information: http://panzenyoga.wix.com/panzen Contact: 097227-6999 panzenyoga@hotmail.com
YOGA WITH NAPISA, 500 RYT
Iyengar Iyengar yoga yoga classes classes at at Regent Regent from from Beginners Beginners to to Advanced Asanas. Advanced Asanas. •• Monday Monday to to Friday Friday 7:50-9:20am. 7:50-9:20am. Contact: 081-285-3050, Contact: 081-285-3050, Juan Juan Bodan, Bodan, Iyengar Iyengar and and Ashtanga yoga certified. For more information Ashtanga yoga certified. For more information about about Juan Juan please please visit http://kripa-yoga.com/ visit http://kripa-yoga.com/
POWER VINYASA YOGA Inspired by Baron Baptiste combining elements of classical yoga, Ashtanga, Iynegar and Bikram. This is a powerful asana practice that will help build overall strength in the mind and body. No Air-con. All levels welcome. Monday 9:30 – 10:30 am Tuesday 7:45 -9:00 am Friday 7:45 – 8:45 am, Journey to Power Sequence. Need to have taken 1 Baptiste class before. Contact Kelly: 061 872 7534 yogaporet@gmail.com FB: kellyporetyoga
Alignment Based Yoga Practice • Mondays 8:45-10:15 am: Restorative Yoga & Meditation, All levels; Evening Yoga 5:30-6:45pm • Wednesdays 7:45-9:15 am: Level I - II • Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm: Yoga for Teens • Fridays 7:45-9:00am: Beginner I-II Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187 napisapant.yoga@gmail.com, FB: yogawithnapisa
MEDITATION COURSES Individual or Group Learn TM (Transcendental Meditation). Relieves stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic, athletic and professional performance. Anyone can learn. Expert instruction by a 35-year teacher of meditation. Contact Ellie: eedelhoff@hotmail.com www.TM.org www.DavidLynchFoundation.org
The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly. Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader for more information. If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each month to nnradverts@yahoo.com. 22
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Exercise Classes and Sports BOLLYWOOD DANCE
ZUMBA
Bollywood dance is an exciting and upbeat fusion of Western and Eastern dances with traditional classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s fun...and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance – this is for you! Suitable for all levels. Morning Classes: Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30-10:30am. Afternoon Classes (new!): Tuesdays or Wednesdays 5:00-6:00pm All classes held in Nichada Studio above Starbucks. Contact Irit: 086-004-4840 iritmike@gmail.com
Zumba meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Chaengwattana Community Church. • Monday and Friday @ 7:45 • Wednesdays@ 7:30 The cost is a donation basis, and it goes directly to the surrounding community non-profit organizations. If there is a class cancellation or changes to the schedule students can find out via our FaceBook page, Zumba Nichada Thani or Google Group, https:// groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/zumbanichada.
MASTERS SWIMMING
Tutorials
Nichada Pool Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30am Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Catherine Miller: solviken66@hotmail.com 06-2001-0000, or Kerstin Wild: kerstin.bangkok@gmail.com 086-372-9750
BIKING
Weekend bike rides leaving from the back gate at 7am, 50+km on mountain bikes. Contact Chris: caoglesby@hotmail.com Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30 a.m. Distance and terrain varies with groups for both road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes. Contact Henrietta Bullinger: hbullinger@gmail.com
TENNIS WITH SAGI Certified tennis coach, teaching the Play & Stay method at Nichada tennis court for all ages and levels. Private lessons and groups of up to 4 players. 7 days a week, flexible hours. Tennis is EASY, FUN and HEALTHY. See you on the court! Contact Sagi Luft at 092-271-2110 Email: sagiluft@hotmail.com
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WORLD ENGLISH Enjoy refining skills in oral English and composition with American, Deborah Dunthorn, BA, MFA, TESL Cert. 30 years international experience coaching academic, professional and other clients of all ages and levels of proficiency. To discuss private or group tuition contact 083-0559785 or debhata@yahoo.com.
PIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance. Experience teaching at Westover School in Connecticut. Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes. Contact Info: capricio310@gmail.com Tel: 091-878-6283
“Motivation is what gets you started.... Habit is what keeps you going.” Jim Ryun
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SopMoeiArts & SALE for all new & returning to Nichada OCT 11 to 14 (Wed)
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Highlights: NNR September Coffee morning
Neighbors Connect at NNR’s Sept. 8 Welcome Coffee morning
A great big thank you to those who attended the September coffee morning! It was a pleasure to watch new and returning members of the community get to know each other. Many thanks to Mare and Bill Harvey for hosting the Welcome Coffee in their lovely home. It was wonderful to meet all the representatives from the various organizations in and around Nichada. For more information or to be connected to any one in particular, please feel free to reach out to me for contact details. We can connect you with NNR Charities and the Bazaar for volunteer opportunities as well as Nichada Management, Bumrungrad Hospital, Asian Tigers, ISB PTA, ISB BOOSTER, Rose Marie Academy, Bumble Bee Free Library, Chaengwattana Community Church, After the Boxes, Encouraging Woman, White Elephant, Our Lady of Mercy, Nancy Chandler Maps, American Woman’s Club and ANZWG to name a few. Lastly, we must thank Epicure Catering, Tops, London Pie and Waft Me for sponsoring our morning with tasty delights! For more information please contact Chantal Bremner at nnrsocial@gmail.com or 092-929-1470. Chantal Bremner, NNR Social Chair
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Highlights: NNR September Coffeemorning
NNR September Coffee Highlights
(Above) Hostess Mare Harvey (rt) gets a thank you hug from NNR Chairperson Henrietta Bullinger.
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Community News: Halloween
Halloween News
Halloween is celebrated on October 31. This year it falls on a Tuesday. In our community, trick-ortreating is not limited to just the little ones. Pre-teens and high school teens all get dressed up and join the trick-or-treating festivities. Youngsters chaperoned by parents usually start trickor-treating at around 5:30 pm. Older kids and teens tend to start about 7 pm, and some are still at it until well past 10 pm. On Halloween night, keep in mind the hot weather when selecting a costume. For safety, bring flashlight (a.k.a. torch for some neighbors) or take other measures to stay visible. Bring water bottles to keep kids hydrated. Beware of golf-carts on the main roads. At the Secret Garden on Oct. 31, Nichada is offering Halloween activities such as a Haunted House featuring “Soft Scream” for small children (2:30 pm to 5 pm) and “Hard Scream” for older children and adults (5 pm-8 pm). Tickets cost 100 baht for kids 90 cm to 120 cm, and 200 baht for those over 120 cm tall. Tickets can be purchased at the N1N2 lobby, or at the Nichada rental office before Oct. 31, or at the
Haunted House on the night of Halloweeen. For more information about Haunted House tickets, please contact 02-960-4348 ext. 236. Nichada has announced that “Access to Nichada will be restricted on Halloween. Only homeowners, residents, employees and guests will be allowed after noon. If inviting guests into Nichada to celebrate, residents must contact Nichada security at security@ nichada.com by Oct 24 with guest name, make, model and license plate number of (visitor’s) car. To be included in the Halloween map as offering treats, please send an email with name, address and sub community address to pr@nichada.com by Oct 6.” If you’re not on the Nichada’s trick-or-treating map, another way to indicate you’re handing out treats is to simply provide Halloween decorations outside your home and turn on your entryway light if you’re giving out treats. If you’re opting out of trick-or-treating festivities, or if you run out of candy, just turn off your front entryway lights. Have a fun and safe Halloween, everyone! Liz Lu
Happy Halloween Party by American Women’s Club Casual Connections Nichada Please join us for a super fun potluck Halloween party to be hosted by American Women’s Club member Mary Beth Scrobala Warrener. Everybody is welcome, regardless of nationality, how long you have been here or how long you plan to stay, members or nonmembers alike. The party will be on Thursday October 12, from 11am to 1pm. Location is: Premier Place 3 #1075, Soi 3. For added excitement, there will be a Halloween costume contest. Please contact suchadasmith@hotmail.com if you would like to participate. Suchada Smith 30
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Community News: Halloween
Shop Local for Halloween Costumes & Decor at White Elephant Thrift Shop This Halloween at the White Elephant we have a SCARY amount of costumes! From superheroes to pirates to beautiful princesses, we have them all! There is also a large selection of Halloween themed decorative items, paper goods and treat bags. Support your community AND find that special something you have been looking for! Mary McCarty
(Above) New co-presidents of White Elephant thrift shop, Erika Yepes and Mary Kocis, show off the many Halloween decor and costumes now available for sale at the 2nd floor shop, Oasis shopping center on Samakkee Road.
Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri, and Sat. : 10 am - 2 pm Tues. & Thurs.: 10 am to 4 pm Location: 2/F, Oasis Shopping Center From Nichada, turn left at Samakkee Road. Turn left into Oasis ( near McDonald’s) October 2017
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Grapevine Tips
Heard it Through the Grapevine
This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to others. If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com
Fruit Basket Gift Wrapping Service
In Asia, fruit baskets are popular hostess gifts. They are also appropriate as thank you, get well, and holiday gifts. It’s one reason why Home Fresh Mart at The Mall Ngamwongwan offers year-round fruit basket wrapping service. There’s no wrapping service charge. You only pay for the fruits you buy, plus the cost of
a basket and bow if you didn’t bring your own. For your convenience, a selection of decorative baskets are available for purchase, at between 300 to 500 baht. Large bows only cost 60 baht. Simply shop in the supermarket and select the premium fruits you would like in your gift basket, pay for them first and then take the receipt to the gift wrapping section. Trained staff expertly arrange your purchased fruits in a basket of your choice and professionally wrap it wih cellophane and bow. In downtown Bangkok, Home Fresh Mart at Siam Paragon offers the same service. Liz Lu
One-Woman Salon Comes Highly Recommended I’ve been going to Bewitch at Oasis since I was in middle school. Ten years later, I live in the U.S. and only get to visit Bangkok once a year. Despite my limited time visiting Thailand, I always take the time to go get my hair done by Khun Khrua at Bewitch. She’s an incredibly talented stylist. She always looks out for you and gives you recommendations on how to make you look your best. Whether it’s cutting, straightening, or coloring, Khun Khrua can be trusted to do an amazing job. She speaks good English, and her rates are extremely reasonable. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and gifted stylist! Amber Barnett 34
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Grapevine Tips
Vietnamese Delivery & Catering in Nichada We are very lucky to have the owner of Xuan Mai living here in Nichada! She closed her restaurant downtown but continues to offer delivery service from her home. Meyung Robson will also prepare a custom menu for private parties for up to 12 in her home. Satisfy your craving for a bowl of pho ga or pho bo (chicken or beef noodle soup), pomelo or banana flower salad, cha gio (imperial fried spring rolls), fresh cold spring rolls, BBQ pork on rice noodles or BBQ eggplant….just to name a few. Rest assured, Meyung is committed to MSG-free food and fresh ingredients - always has been and always will. Check out that yellow menu delivered to your mailbox! Call to order from Xuan Mai, 087-077-0605 or go visit the Xuan Mai website www.xuanmairestaurant.com. Meyung prepares all food upon order so please allow 45 minutes for delivery. It’s worth the wait! Ginny Condra
Rooftop Water Park & Games Center at Nearby Mall If you’ll be in town during October break, the amusement center on the 6th floor of the Mall Ngamwongwan may be a good half-day excursion. Not only does the center have SF Cinema, multiple games centers, convenient Thai food court and other fast-food eateries, but it also has a rooftop water park for kiddies called Fantasia Lagoon (Entry fee is 200 baht for adults and 120 baht for children). Liz Lu
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Want to Reach Thani Talk Readers? Print Edition reaches 1,400 local households. Online edition offers unlimited reach. New! Includes listing on new community website.
Interested? Contact: Ginny at: nnradverts@gmail.com 36
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Travel
Luang Prabang, Laos: Perfect Family Get-Away
Last October, my family and I decided to take a 3-day trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, over October break. We had heard such positive remarks from friends about what a wonderful trip it was for their family. The words used to describe it were: “quaint, serene, laidback, cute little town�. That sounded like the perfect trip at the time; so we booked it. It is a quick 1-hour flight to Luang Prabang with an easy visa-on-arrival process. Our boutique hotel had transportation waiting for us at the airport. There are many affordable boutique hotels available, and ours was located right in the Old Town district where the daily morning alms-giving ceremony takes place. We woke up every morning and watched, from our Lotus Villa Hotel balcony, the monks walking the street receiving their gifts from the locals. You will want to plan to get up early at least one morning and witness this local tradition. Bicycles are a popular way to get around the town; so most hotels have them for free rental. It adds to the easy-going atmosphere of Old Town. We took our bicycles to explore and ended up at the highlyrecommended Utopia Bar. It is an open-air, restaurant and bar over-looking the Mekong River. We lounged on their cushions and bean bags and watched the local children play and swim in the river, while eating our delicious food. It is definitely a chill, relaxing eatery to hang-out for an hour or two. Our planned activity while visiting Luang Prabang 38 Than
was to visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary. They provide extremely good care of the elephants they rescue and are howdah (elephant seat) free, which is best for the elephants. We opted for the Full Day Mahout Experience, which included learning how to train the elephants, riding them in traditional Laos bareback style and bathing them in the river, and learning about their elephant hospital which is located right on the grounds. It is evident that they truly care about the animals they rescue. The other two highlights to our trip were the beautiful azure-colored waters of Kuang Si and Tad Sae Waterfalls. The Kuang Si falls are about 30 km from town so requires transportation. While you are there you can stop at the Asiatic Black Bear Rescue Center, which is at the entrance to the falls. It is very small, but fun for the kids to see the bears in close proximity. On our exit from Kuang Si falls, we stopped at a small butterfly park only because our hotel clerk mentioned it. We were so glad we did! This family-friendly attraction was opened in January 2014 by a lovely Dutch couple. You can follow the path on your own if you like, or pay for a tour, to witness the numerous types of butterflies and admire the flora and fauna. Along the way, we stopped at their natural fish spa. Before leaving the butterfly park, there was a lovely cafe where we enjoyed a light lunch and cold drink while chatting with the owners.
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Travel The second waterfall we visited was Tad Sae which was actually part of our Elephant experience. We approached it by boat and it was definitely worth the visit! Both Kuang Si and Tad Sae waterfalls have gently tumbling water over a number of beautiful limestone ledges, creating terraced lagoons perfect for swimming. Our family especially enjoyed Tad Sae where we loved maneuvering over the terraces into new lagoons. They had safe, family-friendly areas for kids of all ages to enjoy. You could easily spend half a day there. There are public toilets, changing rooms, and a snack bar to add to your convenience. Further up, there are larger more impressive falls where the water is much more forceful, but picturesque and perfect photography spots. Luang Prabang still boasts some French influence in the architecture and food. We enjoyed a night at L’Elephant restaurant which was excellent food with a French flair. Our friends enjoyed European cuisine at the Blue Lagoon and highly recommended that one to us. Our trip to Laos was a short three days, but it was balanced with activity and relaxation perfectly. It remains as one of our favorite family get-aways. Kelley Weg
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PEOPLE
Meet Our Friendly Neighborhood Milk Delivery Team
You may have spotted their grey Isuzu pickup truck making the rounds inside and outside Nichada, packed with two giant, red ice coolers containing milk and other perishables. The hard-working couple making door-to-door deliveries in our community are none other than Khun Sa-oat Okari and his wife Khun Amphan. By the time they make it to the Nichada area at around 7am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, K. Amphan, who goes by the nickname Maew, has already been up for five hours. She rises each morning at 2 am to cook the meals they will eat during their 15-hour work day. At 4 am seven days a week, for the past 10 years, they pack their coolers with fresh ice and perishables, and head out to start their delivery routes. I was one of their loyal customers for many years when my children were attending ISB. Now that all my kids are out of the nest, I no longer need multiple milk deliveries each week, but I remain a big fan of K. Sa-oat and K. Maew and love to recommend them to 42
newcomers. They are truly the sweetest couple you can imagine. Allow me to introduce them to you. K. Sa-oat and K. Maew, both born and raised in Pakkred, met nearly four decades ago when they were teenagers working at the Thai Sin Factory near Muang Thong Thani in Pakkred. They handled huge industrial textile machinery; he was in charge of an industrial ironing machine, and she was in the weaving department. They married in 1982. After leaving the textile factory, K. Maew went on to work as a seamstress at the former Thai Garment factory (which later became Mandarin Clothing Co., Ltd.), located opposite the Big C and HomePro on Chaengwattana Road. Meanwhile K. Sa-oat also changed jobs and worked for six years as a delivery man for Polaris before the drinking water company went bankrupt. That change prompted K. Sa-oat to start delivering Chokechai Farm milk from a motorcycle. He also started delivering fruit juice for the Malee company.
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PEOPLE Back in the old days, the couple had to find and recruit their own customers. But nowadays, they depend on word-of-mouth recommendations to develop their customer base. "This year we have more customers (in Nichada) than last year," said K. Sa-oat. Instead of last year's 20 some customers in Nichada, they now have 30 to 40, he said. In addition, they also have 50 to 60 Thai residential customers elsewhere in Nonthaburi, Pratum Thani, and Baan Bua Thong. Together, they deliver milk and yogurt (Meiji and Chokechai brands), fruit juices (Malee and Tipco brands), and CP eggs. They make a modest 3.5 baht per liter of beverage. Although their wholesale costs have increased through the years, they said they have not raised their retail prices for their delivery customers. A down-to-earth and unassuming gentleman, K. Sa-oat said, "Paw yu dai." (We make enough to live on and get by.) Since the majority of their Thai customers leave for work by 6 am, the couple must deliver to Thai families before then. "Deliveries to foreigners can be after 7 am," said K. Sa-Oat, "because at 6 am they're still sleeping." In addition to running their delivery business, K. Sa-oat and K. Maew also take care of their 5-month old great niece on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so that the baby's mother can go to her job at a Pakkred government office. They literally bring the baby with them in the truck three days a week. K. Maew stays with the baby while K. Sa-oat hauls deliveries to customers' doors. K. Sa-oat, now 55, and K. Maew, 54, are peas in a pod. After 35 years of marriage, they still get along beautifully. "We're together every day," she said happily. "We're friends," he added, using the Thai word "peuan," although my guess is that the unspoken meaning is probably closer to "soulmate." "We see eye-to-eye on everything." Several years ago, K. Maew was hospitalized for diabetes and high cholesterol, and K. Sa-oat was right there by her side throughout the ordeal. She now checks in with a doctor every two months and reports that she is doing fine. As for K. Sa-oat, he smiles and flexes the muscle of his right arm, saying, "I'm strong." The childless couple works 365 days a year and leads a simple life together. Each day, after a gruelling schedule of deliveries, they inch their way through heavy traffic back to their home in Pakkred's Wat Ku neighborhood by about 5pm. After dinner, together they watch their favorite television shows. They October 2017
especially enjoy dramas from India and Thai khon theatre. "I have no hobbies. I'm tired," said K. Maew, adding, "Mai mi wan yut," (We have no days off). Customers contact them by phone, but since neither speaks English, they depend on customers asking a maid or other Thai speaker to place orders. They also have precious little time to exercise for health or leisure. Said K. Sa-Oat: "I exercise when I deliver milk. I go up and down the stairs." His wife chimed in, " I exercise when I lift the cartons of milk (from the ice chests)." Despite the language barrier with foreign customers, K. Sa-oat said they find it easier to work with foreigners, who he said do not haggle about price. Their delivered goods cost only a few baht more than what is charged in stores, but some Thai customers have been known to complain about the markup. He said, "Khao hai rao rusuk mai sabai." (They make us feel uncomfortable). In contrast, he said, foreign customers tend to be less concerned about the price and more interested in the product's freshness, on-time service, and whether the service is good. With such a demanding and non-stop work life, what would be a dream vacation if they were able to take one? "I want to take her on a vacation to northern Thailand," said K. Sa-oat. "Weather is good there. She likes cool weather." The couple last visited northern Thailand more than three decades ago before they got married. K. Sa-oat said it would be great to take K. Maew back for another visit to places such as Doi Suthep and the Naam Dok Mae Gan waterfall. What is K. Maew's dream? She giggled and replied, "Go together with him!" Liz Lu
* To place orders, please ask Thai speaker to contact K. Sa-oat at: 081-774-4989 * Any readers interested in pooling resources to make a dream come true for K. Sa-oat and K. Maew, please contact Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com.
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Writers & Photographers Wanted
Got a flair for writing? Good with a camera? Good at meeting deadlines? Contact Liz at nnrnews@gmail.com
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Restaurant Review
Famous Soi Polo Fried Chicken
Polo Fried Chicken is named so not because of any association with the sport of polo. It’s because it’s located in the alley (soi) where the Royal Bangkok Sports Club or R.B.S.C Polo Club is located. My family calls the place Je Gee (Ms. Gee) Fried Chicken. Je Gee has been perfecting her famous fried chicken for decades. Now the third generation of the family runs the place. I remember frequenting this place as a young child with my family; always looking forward to the succulent fried chicken accompanied by the most aromatic and delicious fried garlic I’ve ever known. Je Gee Fried Chicken evolved from a small shop with no air conditioning back in the old days to today’s two separate shops within walking distance from one another. The original is kept open-air with the feel of street food; while the new shop is now equipped with air conditioning for us fussy people and our even fussier children. There’s no need to say why you should go there. The fried chicken here is so good that Martha Stewart herself visited it when she came to Bangkok; the evidence of which is pasted onto the wall of the shop. The chicken always comes out tender and juicy while the skin remains crunchy and oh so flavorful. Did I mention the fried garlic? The fried garlic is a must-try! You’d see almost every table order more of it. It used to come in extra for free but now that it’s so famous, they’re charging 15 baht per plate for it. But it’s so totally worth it. Even little kids will enjoy it though it might be a tad spicy for the younger little ones. The other food they serve there is typical of Thailand’s Issan (northeastern) region; Som Tum October 2017 Than
(green papaya salad), Num Tok (spicy pork or beef salad), Laab (spicy minced meat salad), and many other spicy salads and meat dishes. But those other dishes are never a highlight. Order them if you don’t want to be seen eating Gai Yang (fried chicken) with sticky rice alone. The taste of the other dishes is mild and not spicy enough for my Thai palette. But Martha Stewart might have liked it. You never know. After you finish the whole fried chicken and if you still have room in your stomach, try the coconut pudding (by House of Pudding). It’s a great palette cleanser and so delicious as well. So put this restaurant on your to-go, must-try-whileyou’re-still-in-Bangkok list. You won’t regret it. You might regret the traffic if you go on a weekday. The restaurant is located near Lumphini Park, on Rama IV Road. I usually choose to go on a Sunday and leave home a little early so I won’t catch the crowd, and so that parking will not be an issue. The ride from Nichada on a Sunday is usually less than 40 minutes.
There is parking but space could be quite limited. Oh, and the soi is a narrower-than-usual soi road. It allows two-way traffic when it should NOT. Please take great care when you drive. Polo Fried Chicken is open 7 am – 9 pm every day and almost never closes. A search for Polo Fried Chicken on Google Maps yields an accurate result. They also deliver but it won’t be as good. Trust me, just go there! Vara Sumetanon
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Delivery Restaurant
Phone
Local Business
Phone
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai Cuisine
02-952-0031
Bamboo Spa
02-583-9871
Burger King/Pizza Company
1112
Bank Krungsri
02-582-2669
Cafe Kabul (Indian & Afgan)
02-960-3368
BeWitch Salon
087-099-4569
Cherry’s Cakes
080-070-0180
Blue Sky Cafe
081-811-8455
KFC & Pizza Hut
1150
Bumrungrad Family Clinic
02-960-4216
Clark Hatch Fitness Center
02-960-4326/27
Le Bouchon Food Delivery
02-960-3011
Foot Heaven
061-541-6353
McDonald’s
1711
Hair by Jib
02-960-3783
Mr. Enzo’s
02-960-0412
Happy Teeth Dental Clinic
02-960-3988
New York Diner
081-624-2099
Great Massage
02-960-3691
Pinocchio’s
02-573-5646
ISB
02-963-5800
Le Studio Hair
084-022-9928
Que Pasa
02-960-3821
Nichada Customer Relations
02-960-4300
Salad Factory
02-001-5659
Pandit Carpets
081-828-2562
Scoozi
02-715-8555
Panipa
02-960-3934
Subway
02-960-3232
Rex Pharmaplus
081-834-1306
Sudhathai
02-583-2694
Rose Marie Academy
02-960-3663
Shawn Carpets
090-564-8927
Slider Shack
086-773-4140
Starbucks
02-967-9686
Vapor Restaurant
02-832-0055
Villa Market
02-960-3585
Xuan Mai Restaurant
087-077-0605
Wash-N-Dry
085-945-4132
4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming
02-960-4189
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