April 2020
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
Cover Story: COVID-19: Life in a Pandemic Pages 14-29
NNR Charity: Major NNR Grants to Battle COVID Pages 8-11
Culture Corner: Thai Wai and Himmaphan Forest Pages 32-33
Eco-News: Greener Choices; DIY Bags Page 38-40 Thani Talk is generously sponsored by: September 2019
T h a n i Ta l k
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 by hosting the NNR Annual Charity Bazaar. Additionally, NNR hosts socials and organizes 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
Unofficialnichada.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 2018-2019 Chairperson
Sally Elliott
NNRThaiChair@gmail.com
Vice Chairperson
Liz Garrigan
lizgarrigan@gmail.com
Treasurer
Dorothy Dapaah
nnrthaitreasurer@gmail.com
Activity/Tour Coordinators
Pascale Kervyn Maida Muslic-Kovar
nnrtour@gmail.com
NNR Socials
Chantal Bremner
nnrsocial@gmail.com
Charity & Volunteer Coordinator
Jenna Deacon-Potter
nnrcharity@gmail.com
Advertising Director
Ginny Condra
Thani Talk News Team
Liz Lu (Editor) See below for Thani Talk Team
nnrnews@gmail.com
Distribution Coordinators
Birgit Sund
nnrttdist@gmail.com
Communications Director
Kiki O’Connor
nnrcommunications@gmail. com
095-247-5692 nnradverts@gmail.com
Thani Talk Team: Advertising Director and Proofreader (Ginny Condra), Graphics Consultant (Bill Fear, Rose Marie Academy), Graphic Designer (Shea Barnett) Restaurant Reviewer (Vara Sumetanon), Grapevine Tips and Community News 2 Coordinators (Positions Open), Distribution April 2020 T h aCoordinator n i T a l( Birgit k Sund).
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson
Let Us Show Compassion to All As we are all in the grips of the COVID-19 crisis, let me share a Facebook post I read. It’s spot on as far as I’m concerned: “Dear Ones— For now, the only thing I have to say about the Coronavirus is this: Let’s not judge people too fiercely for how they are reacting to this situation. It may be the case that people are overreacting, or it may be that they are under-reacting....it’s not my place to judge that. I don’t have all the answers and I can’t see into the future—no more than anybody else can. But I do know that when I add my condemnation to the conversation, it just ratchets up hysteria in a different way—and most of all, it’s not kind. If you believe that somebody is overreacting, just try to remember that another word for “overreaction” is “fear”. Try to be compassionate, not contemptuous. We don’t all share the same fears, but we all know what fear feels like, and it’s a terrible sensation. I wouldn’t wish fear on anybody, and I know that a lot of people are genuinely afraid right now.
I have no way of knowing how many people are going to suffer physically from this virus, but I do know that millions of people are already suffering from it emotionally—and those people need love, not contempt. Those people are my brothers and sisters. Let me never forget my compassion for their anxiety, rather than telling them how they should or should not be feeling. And let me also show a strong measure of mercy to the people across the world who are running institutions, schools, governments, and companies right now. Those people are faced with the supremely unenviable task of trying to figure out how to respond to this crisis responsibly. There is no playbook. They will make mistakes. They will overreact; they will under react. They are human beings in an impossible dilemma. I would not wish to be the person faced with such massive, impactful decisions right now. Let me show compassion to them. Let me show compassion to all. And let me never stop asking: ‘How can I help?’” Sally Elliott, NNR Chairperson
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach 1994 - Present
Inside This Issue NNR Social
Letter from NNR’s Chairperson NNR Social Thani Talk News Charity News Cover Story Culture Corner Eco-News Opinion Restaurant Review
3 4 5 8 14 32 38 42 49
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach April 2020
A volunteer group serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities
Cover Photo by Liz Lu Rainbow Art Front gate, International School Bangkok Nonthaburi, Thailand
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NNR Social
NNR Hosts Fundraiser to Support Our Community’s Anti-COVID Projects Let's pass the time with a fun project! NNR Social brings back a popular fundraiser – Wine Survivor! Wine Survivor is a reverse-draw game. The object of the game is to stay in the game the longest, to go as far as you can, and win lots and lots of wine! TO ENTER: Place 1,000 baht in an envelope with your name, phone number and email address and drop in the mailbox at 185 Natakorn Park by Wednesday, April 8. The entry fee will be used to buy one bottle of wine per entry, with the balance directed to anti-COVID support. The Game: Every Friday, starting April 10, there will be a draw of 5 to 10 names (the number depends on how many people we have in total at the start). If your name is drawn you are OUT. The last draw will be held on Friday, May 1, when the three lucky winners will be revealed! The last three standing win the wine! FIRST place winner (last name drawn) gets half of the bottles of wine while the SECOND and THIRD place winners win 1/4 of the bottles of wine each. The more people participating in Wine Survivor means more wine to be won, so be sure to share the event with your friends! Increase your chances in the true Survivor spirit: Use an immunity. If your name is pulled and you are out in an early round, you can add an immunity for 200 baht, which means your name is returned to the pot should it be drawn. A maximum of 3 immunities can be purchased per person in total. Game Guidelines: 1. You must be 21 years of age to enter. 2. The amount of wine to be won will be determined based on the number of entrants. 3. If your name is drawn, you are OUT of the game. It is now time to use an immunity if you’d like. 4. Once all entries are received, a Facebook Event will be created and results will be shared with the Wine Survivor Group. 5. Entry must be received by the Game Administrator by April 8. Please email/What’s App/Message or call to coordinate or enter via Facebook Event. 6. Game starts April 10 and ends on May 1.
Proceeds raised will be used to support our community’s battle against COVID-19
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Good Luck! Chantal Bremner NNR Social Coordinator (Game Administrator) NNRSocial@gmail.com 065-578-1500
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April 2020
Thani Talk News
COVID-19 Throws a Curve
In this Issue: Adapting to Change & Supporting One Another The impacts of COVID-19 caught the entire world off guard. Our community was no exception. From the closure of schools and businesses to the introduction of new hygiene habits and social distancing, the pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Restaurants, spas and gyms were ordered closed. Virtual learning and working from home became the norm. On March 31, the Nonthaburi governor declared an 11pm - 5am curfew for our province. On April 3, a nationwide curfew (10pm4am) went into effect. Here at Thani Talk, we also scrambled to adjust to the ever-changing COVID-19 news, which seemed to morph by the hour. A major first decision by Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), publisher of Thani Talk, was to publish the April edition online only. The NNR Board wanted to protect our team of 30 volunteer distributors, as well as readers of the print edition, by
minimizing potential COVID-19 exposure. Next, content for the April magazine was totally revamped, as we pivoted 180 degrees. The last time Thani Talk magazine had to stop the presses (literally) was in October 2016, when King Rama IX passed away. April’s original cover story on the environment was trimmed (now on pages 38-43) as we targeted efforts on reporting how COVID-19 has affected our community. In the new cover story (pages 15-29), you will find helpful listings of resources for news, delivery of food and other products, hospital information, and more. We also bring you first-person stories of how friends and neighbors have coped and adapted to the many changes and restrictions in our lives. The pandemic affected coverage in other sections of the magazine too. Events and community classes were cancelled, so no calendar. Charity News (pages 8-11) focuses on how NNR grants are helping the fight against COVID-19. In Culture Corner (pages 32-33), Kelly Kabat shares the origin of the elegant Thai wai, now perhaps the world’s safest form of greeting. Stay safe and healthy, everyone. Liz Lu Editor, Thani Talk
Message to Advertisers
Join the Thani Talk Team!
Online Issues in April & May
Advertising Coordinator Position Available
Thank you to all the Thani Talk advertisers for the messages of support when I contacted you about the NNR Board’s decision to go digital in April and May. Out of adversity comes opportunity, and we look forward to acknowledging your advertising support via our Nichada social media outlets and expanding efforts to highlight your businesses and services in the future. We understand that this is a challenging time and that some of your businesses are on hold at this time. We honor the sacrifices you are making and sincerely appreciate your advertising commitments to Thani Talk this year. We all look forward to the time when we can safely resume normal schedules. Stay healthy everyone!
The Thani Talk advertising coordinator position is a great volunteer “job” that you can tailor to your schedule, plus you get to work with Liz Lu, our wonderful Thani Talk editor! Thani Talk advertising helps fund NNR’s mission to support local charities in the Nonthaburi community. The advertising coordinator promotes advertising opportunities and coordinates with advertisers throughout the publication year to relay information about deadlines and ensure artwork files are compatible and are of publication quality. Utilize your existing software skillset or enjoy learning the basics of Adobe InDesign to prepare the advertising layout. If you would like to learn more about the role and this engaging opportunity to join NNR and the Thani Talk team, please email or message me – nnradverts@gmail. com or 095 247 5692. Ginny Condra
April 2020
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April 2020
April 2020
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Charity News
NNR Charity Awards Major Grant to Assist Front Line COVID Medical Workers Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR), your local volunteer group, voted on March 25 to award 50% of its latest round of charity grants to iCare Thailand Foundation, in support of iCare’s emergency project to help front line medical workers serving COVID-19 patients in Thailand. We have heard how governments, worldwide, are having trouble keeping up with the demands of their health services— no matter how ‘advanced’—and are thankful to have some of the gaps filled by the generosity of others. iCare Thailand Foundation is one local organization that is working tirelessly to help with these real needs here in Thailand, and we are proud, at NNR, to have been able to make this major donation to help with their work. This grant will enable iCare to buy essential medical supplies for local front line hospitals, including face masks, disinfectant, soap, etc.(See Michael Andreassen’s report on pages 10-11 for details). Like a small cog in the global machine, NNR is so grateful to be able to partner with iCare, making a difference, as they do their extraordinary work to help the disadvantaged and needy in Nonthaburi, and beyond. There are many reasons for people to join organizations including sense of purpose, camaraderie, sense of action, and doing the 'right thing', and at NNR, we definitely can add our desire to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. COVID-19 has challenged us all to think about how we spend our time, how much we value relationships, and how much we value our health. Gratitude is an essential part of mental health, and I think many of us will be even more grateful for our blessings in the future. Of course, many are not so fortunate, and at the moment we turn our attention to the health workers who are struggling to stay safe as they care for COVID-19 patients. The nurses at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Phra Nangklao Hospital, and Bang Kruai Hospital – all in Nonthaburi – are in need of extra support, as they both work and stay at their hospitals during this pandemic. In addition to buying protective masks and other crucial protective gear, iCare will also treat hospital workers to goodie bags and tasty, hot meals. We salute all medical workers during the current global health crisis. Sally Elliott 8
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) Supporting Local Charities Since 1994
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April 2020
Charity News
8 Local Groups Receive NNR Grants to Strengthen Defenses Against COVID On March 25, the NNR Board of Directors voted to approve grants to eight local organizations whose charity work and community projects it has supported through the years. NNR charity funds come from the group’s annual Charity Bazaar and advertising income from Thani Talk magazine. NNR grants typically support needs such as food, supplies and equipment. Under the current COVID-19 challenges facing our community and the world, NNR asked the groups to use the money “to fund the best strategies to fight COVID”. NNR advised recipients to use the grants to buy “cleaning products, face masks, hand sanitisers and food”.
* Home for the Destitute * Home for Hope * Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities (CCD) * iCare Foundation (Kredtrakan Home for Girls) * iCare Foundation (Poomwaet Home for Boys) * Bumble Bee Free Library * Sailom Project * Thanksgiving Home
** Two other NNR-supported charities – 1Step2Step (program for children with disabilities) and Sparrow Home (home for children whose parents are in prison) – have closed. April 2020
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Charity News
Bringing Hope to those on the Front Lines iCare Delivers NNR-funded Supplies
iCare Thailand Foundation, a non-profit organization whose main focus is providing education to children in need, is no stranger to disasters. From the tsunami in southern Thailand in 2004, to the great flood of Thailand in 2011, we have been providing emergency assistance in times of need. As the COVID-19 situation in Thailand started to escalate, the number of cases were rising on a daily basis. We were contacted by Chulalongkorn Hospital, which asked for assistance. Chulalongkorn is one of the government hospitals that we have partnered with for the past 15 years to provide care for children who are terminally ill from cancer. In talking with the nurses and caregivers at Chulalongkorn (and subsequent conversations with doctors, administrators, and nurses at government hospitals in the Nonthaburi area), we came to realize that a large and immediate need existed in our midst that required fast action on our part if we were going to stem the tide of this pandemic in Thailand. In our conversations with those on the front lines, three needs became immediately apparent: 1. Shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment). While the nurses and doctors on the wards treating COVID-19 patients were properly equipped, nurses on the front line, receiving cases into the hospital were equipped with just regular facial masks, rendering them 10
greatly at risk of infection. So far we have sourced 1,000 N95 masks for immediate distribution to the nurses on the front lines, and we will continue to distribute more as needed. 2. Personal Needs: Out of an abundance of caution, medical professionals on the front line have been staying on the hospital grounds, even while off duty, to prevent further spread into the population. They are living in less than ideal conditions until the situation improves. As morale is so important, iCare Thailand decided to prepare goodie bags for those on the front lines, consisting of some basic necessities and hygiene products, as well as some extras in the form of delicious yet nutritious snacks. In addition, cards with messages of encouragement
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April 2020
Charity News from children and young people from within Thailand were included to let them know that they're not alone in this fight. Encouragement is one of the most powerful forces there is; our hope is that, through all this, these wonderful people who are literally sacrificing their lives on a daily basis realize that they are loved, appreciated, and supported. If we can offer that, we'll have accomplished what we set out to do. 3. Warm meals. For those working long hours at the six government hospitals that are caring for COVID-19 cases, the schedule can be brutal. As part of the aid that we're providing, we've committed to providing hot nutritious meals for those on the front lines on a regular basis, together with the other aid provided. So far, aid has been distributed to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, here in Nonthaburi. In addition, on March 30th, we delivered 100 care packages and hot meals to 100 nurses at Chulalongkorn Hospital. We are scheduled to follow that with a substantial shipment of supplies and food to Bamrasnaradura Hospital on April 3rd. Our target is to provide all six government hospitals on the front lines with what they need to win in the next month. We're thankful for Nonthaburi Neighbourhood Reach who have responded generously and speedily to help us meet the need, along with other generous donors. In addition, Spark Global, the local distributor here for Spalding and NBA Products in Thailand, is donating five percent of sales to this worthy cause. In times of uncertainty such as these, it's easy to think of our own needs and misfortunes, but it's all of our duty to come together and support those who are giving of themselves so selflessly by being the frontline of defense against this disease. In order to continue this program of supporting the frontliners during these times, your help is needed. If you would like to get involved, please contact Michael at michael@icarethailand.com. Michael Andreassen
April 2020
“...it is very possible, and even probable that your support has saved lives. Each mask that we are able to distribute enables the nurses to do their job, and continue to hold the line, in this time of great need, and in turn play their part in helping those (who are) ill recover. Each bag of supplies is a huge morale booster, as is each hot meal provided.�
T h a n i Ta l k
-- Michael Andreassen
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April 2020
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Cover Story
Unforgettable Start to 2020 Adapting to Life with the Coronavirus The last 60 days have been surreal. In late January, we were bystanders, following breaking virus news from Wuhan, China. In late February, our community gently curtailed some activities. The cancelling of overseas trips for ISB high school students was one cautious response. In March, as COVID-19 cases and deaths spiked alarmingly around the globe, the world braced itself for the worst when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic. During the past four weeks, neighborhood establishments gradually shuttered their doors to protect the health of workers and visitors alike -- White Elephant, Bumble Bee Free Library, Das PowerHaus, and Bamboo Spa to name a few. Initially, people tried to forge ahead with their lives as normally as possible. Sports continued for some, with the elbow bump replacing high fives.But the surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths could not be ignored. The world economy reeled from the blow. Workers lost their jobs as businesses closed. Governments around the world rushed to approve aid to help the newly unemployed, especially hourly workers who live paycheck to paycheck. Here in Thailand, the government approved payments of 5,000 baht a month to eligible workers. As tensions grew in other countries, our bubble community was shielded from much of the COVID-19 paranoia seen elsewhere in the world. My daughter in California sent photos of Costco shoppers in long lines that snaked around the parking lot several times. Meanwhile, here in Pakkred, I was able to calmly shop at Big C and Villa. Elsewhere in the world, some people posted experiences of being abused verbally and even physically for being Asian, or for wearing a mask. Here in Asia, some were frowned upon for NOT wearing a mask. I had been following the advice of the WHO and the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) -- no need to wear a mask unless you're sick or on the medical front lines. But today the CDC suddenly reconsidered its mask-wearing policy. It turns out that many COVID-positive people are asymptomatic but contagious. It's not comforting when policy makers don’t get things right. The impacts of COVID-19 on our lives are wideranging. In addition to virtual school, self quarantine, social distancing, six feet apart, Zoom conferencing, restaurant closures, and constant reminders to wash your hands and don't touch your face, nearly everyone's travel plans have been adversely affected. Airlines are cancelling flights left and right, and it's getting more difficult by the day to leave or enter a country. Thailand now requires Thais coming back to the kingdom 14 Than
Villa customers are now all required to wear masks. to obtain a fit-to-fly certificate, plus a certified letter from the Royal Thai Embassy overseas. Thai families with children studying or traveling overseas are scrambling to get their kids home safely. For foreigners, new Thai regulations require 1) a health certificate stating that the passenger has "no laboratory evidence of COVID-19 infection in the 72 hours prior to the departure date, and 2) proof of health insurance for USD$100,000. The documents are difficult to obtain under current circumstances. Not only is international travel curtailed, but domestic travel is also more difficult now under the nationwide curfew. The beloved Songkran holiday in April has been postponed. Grocery trucks that ply the alleys now require customers to line up and stand at a distance from one another. No mask. No service. Money is placed in a basket instead of being passed. Most establishments station guards at the entrance to scan visitors' body temperature. At Macro, the 6am - 8am time slot is reserved for seniors 60 years and older, for the protection of this physically more vulnerable group. IDs are checked to verify age. During this stay-home era, neighbors are searching for ways of staying productive and busy. Jigsaw puzzles are popular. Perhaps others are decluttering during their down time, because Facebook’s Nichada Expats Yard Sale group is buzzing with items put up for sale. During these unprecedented and trying times, I am thankful for the internet and social media that keep us informed, and keep us in touch with one another. We are fortunate to have the technology, resources, and friends and neighbors, to help us weather this storm. Liz Lu
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April 2020
Cover Story
Chronology of Pandemics and COVID-19
Apr. 3
Nationwide curfew (10pm-4am) begins
Apr. 3
53,241 deaths out of 1,016,424 confirmed cases worldwide, in 204 countries and territories, plus 2 cruise ships. Total in Thailand is 1,978 cases with 19 deaths
Mar. 31
Curfew (11pm-5am) in Nonthaburi province announced by governor
Mar. 31
Nonthaburi governor orders schools to remain closed until April 30
Mar. 24
Emergency Decree announced by Thai government (effective March 31-April 30)
Mar. 21
Restaurants in Nonthaburi ordered closed. Take-out orders allowed.
Mar. 18
Ministry of Public Health orders fitness gyms, swimming pools, sports fields closed
Mar. 12
First member of ISB community (a grandparent) tested positive for COVID-19
Mar. 12
World Health Organizaiton declares COVID-19 a pandemic
2020 2019 COVID-19 2012 MERS 2009 Swine Flu 2003 SARS 1968 Hong Kong Flu 1918 Spanish Flu
World Health Organization estimates 250,000 to 500,000 people die of seasonal flu annually (less than 1% of cases) Originally named novel coronavirus. Started in Wuhan, China. Death toll: 53,241 as of April 3 (5.02% % of cases) Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. First reported in Saudi Arabia. Death toll: 866 (34.40 % of cases) H1N1 Virus. First detected in USA. Death toll: 18,000 ( 1.10 % of cases) Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Death toll: 774 (9.50 % of cases) H2N3 Virus Death toll: ~1 million ( ~0.10 % of cases) H1N1 Virus. Origin disputed. Death toll: 17–50 million (>2.50 % of cases)
Sources: World Health Organization, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Thailand’s Office of International Cooperation Department of Disease Control, New York Times, Bangkok Post, Al Jazeera.com, Worldometers, Wikipedia April 2020
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Cover Story
Hospital Policies on Covid-19 Testing Hospital
Telephone
Aetna Clinic 39/626 Soi Nichada Thani
02-960-4216
Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute (BIDI) 38 Moo 4, Dalat Kwan Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi Nonthavej Hospital 30/8 Ngamwongwan Rd. Nonthaburi
Mongkutwattana Hospital 34/40 Chaengwattana Rd. Bangkok World Medical Center 44 Moo 4, Chaengwattana Rd., Nonthaburi Bumrungrad Hospital 33, Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 3, Bangkok Samitivej Hospital (Sukhumvit branch, Soi 49) 133 Klang Alley, Bangkok BNH Hospital 9/1 Convent Rd., Silom, Bangkok
Distance from Nichada Inside Nichada
Offer Covid Test?
Test Procedure
Test Result
No
NA
NA
02-590-3402, 02-590-3427
6.4 km
No, if no symptoms
NA
NA
02-596-7888
6.7 km
No
NA
NA
Yes
B7,500
At COVID testing division. Throat, nasal swab Drive thru test. Throat, nasal swab
02-574-5000-9
7.3 km
02-836-9999
5.1 km
Yes B6,500
02-066-8888
23 km
Yes B10,500
02-022-2222
25 km
Yes. B8,000
02-022-0700
26 km
No
3rd Floor (P2) of B1 Tower Throat, nasal swab 1) Drive thru 2) At ARI Center Throat swab
Within 5 days
Within 2 days Within 3 days Drive thru: 2 days ARI Center: 5 days
NA
NA
* Note: If patient tests positive for COVID-19, hospitals do not automatically admit you. World Medical Center will admit a patient if symptoms are mild. Mongkutwattana will admit. Bumrungrad and Samitivej do not admit COVID-19 positive patients. However, ALL hospitals will coordinate with Thailand’s Department of Disease Control to refer patients to designated treatment hospitals. Hospital information researched by Ploy Leetavorn.
Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute (BIDI) Research Hospital located in Nonthaburi
Established in 1959, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute is located in Nonthaburi, about a 15-minute drive from Nichada. The Thai government set it up following a cholera outbreak that year. The Ministry of Public Health was directed to build the hospital outside of downtown Bangkok in a less populated area. Bamrasnaradura Institute is tasked with the research, prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, including AIDS, yellow fever, influenza and other infectious diseases. In addition to doing research and treating infectious diseases, Bamrasnaradura also offers general hospital services at its 300-bed facility. In addition, the Institute is equipped with 15 negative pressures patient rooms. In a negative pressure room, air in the room is sucked and 16
filtered through a HEPA air filter before being directed away from hallways and other heavily trafficked areas of the hospital. Another function of Bamrasnaradura Institute is to comply with international agreements and provide quarantine facilities for dangerous communicable diseases. It is one of many medical facilities in the country that coordinates with the Ministry of Public Health to treat COVID-19 patients Liz Lu and Ploy Leetavorn
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April 2020
Cover Story
Traveling Back to Thailand by Cruise Ship: In Search of a Port During the Pandemic
Twice a year we return to Thailand from the US. This spring we decided to avoid jet lag and take a slow boat back to Bangkok. Little did we realize that due to COVID-19, ports would suddenly turn away cruise ships. We found ourselves taking a detour before finally docking at Perth, Australia. From there, we caught a flight back to Bangkok. The slow boat was the beautiful Regent Seven Seas Mariner, which launched its 131-day, 7-segment world cruise from San Francisco. We boarded January 24th with 698 other souls. Amazingly, over 50% of the passengers were on for the world cruise, but we had signed up just for the first three segments (56 days) to Singapore. The first segment to Hawaii and then down to French Polynesia went smoothly even as we started to hear of global concerns about the coronavirus. The first segment of the cruise ended in beautiful Tahiti on February 11th. During the second segment from Tahiti to Sydney, we learned that Samoa declined to allow us to dock even though everyone onboard was healthy. Regent responded promptly and added another stop in Fiji. Onward we went to New Zealand, where we learned that the third segment, rather than going up the eastern coast of Australia from Sydney to Singapore, would instead go along the southern coast to Perth. We stayed on while some passengers decided to depart the cruise in Sydney on March 1st. Had we disembarked and flown to Singapore, our original destination, we would have had to self-quarantine for two weeks upon landing in Thailand. Regent offered a great deal to stay on for the fourth segment from Perth to Abu Dhabi, so we signed on. Alas, as we made our way across southern Australia, global conditions continued to deteriorate. Sri Lanka, India and UAE all closed their ports. We received word that the world cruise would now go from April 2020
Perth to Cape Town, South Africa. Ok, everyone was healthy and we were still game. A few days later Regent made the difficult decision to stop the world cruise. Everyone would be disembarking in Perth to fly home. We reached Esperance, Australia on March 15th and prepared to go ashore for our daily tour. Just then, the captain announced that we were dropping our final three tour stops and heading directly to Perth, as Australia was rumored to soon be closing their ports. We disembarked in Perth on March 17th and flew to Thailand, finally arriving in Bangkok on March 18th. At Suvarnabhumi airport, the immigration entrance was blocked off. We discovered that Thailand had just instituted a new online TM8 form which had to first be approved and then stamped before you could enter the immigration area. It wasn’t initially clear how you collected a stamp as the form was online. An ever-increasing stream of arriving passengers congregated at the bottom of the immigration area. We were instructed to scan a QR code, which took us to the App Store to get an AOT (Airport of Thailand) app. Then we had to fill out an application and be approved for an AOT account. Once we registered an account we logged into the AOT app and searched for the TM8 form. We couldn’t find it, so we asked someone to help. The immigration official quickly located it, but when she clicked on it we received an “access denied” message. The official then found a largely illegible photocopy of the TM8 and a pen so we could fill it out manually. Due to the poor quality we couldn’t read it, so we had to ask someone else for help. Once the TM8 form was completed, we had to track down the immigration official with the stamp to get our TM8 “approved”. With the stamped TM8, we made it past the blockade. Then we walked up and went through the normal immigration line. The only easy part was that by the time we finished, all our bags were already waiting on the carousel! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encountered many challenges during our journey back to Thailand – closed ports in Asia and challenging red tape at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Along the way we learned that patience and a sense of humor go a long way. Despite all the changes, our cruise experience was excellent: reuniting with friends from previous cruises, making new friends, enjoying wonderful cuisine and exploring new corners of the world. We are glad we made it back to Thailand safely. We’re also thankful we remain healthy.
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Kevin Sypolt & Jan Van Ekeren 17
Cover Story
Zooming into Kindergarten! work done” and creating quality memories with your family, always choose the memories. Each family has a unique context and a unique set of stressors right now. Each day is a new adventure and some days are better than others. All of the learning opportunities are online, waiting for the right moment in your family’s life. If things are feeling difficult, take a breath, take a bike ride around the lake, take time for what matters most in life. I certainly hope we can get back to “regular” school as soon as possible, but this month we’ve discovered that we’re ALL teachers, we’re ALL learners…and we’re all on this unpredictable journey together. Thanks for your support, Nichada Neighbors! Lucina Galbraith picking up school supplies from her kindergarten teacher Jen Whitman. Kindergarten Video Conferences? Not something I expected to be doing in my career as an Early Childhood Educator, but this month has brought a whirlwind of new learning for us all! We had our first Zoom meeting as a kindergarten class last week and it was SO GOOD to see one another again. Fourteen friends were able to join our virtual "lunch" on Friday. It felt much like our usual morning meetings. We sang, celebrated lost teeth, shared news, and cheered for each other. This will be our regular Friday routine in the coming weeks. It feels good to be together again, even if it’s in a virtual space. Teaching Virtual School in Kindergarten has certainly brought its own challenges, but there have also been many unexpected opportunities. It’s been wonderful to see students in their home environment. Some children feel more comfortable sharing their thinking when they are in their own space, and I’ve been introduced to many adorable pets and stuffed toys! I’ve also appreciated having time to listen carefully to student video reflections and take a moment to think about how I want to give feedback without the millions of distractions that pull focus during a normal day at school. Finally, it’s been delightful to see the warmth and creativity that parents have put into helping their children with their learning. Applause to all of those caring adults out there in our community who are making virtual school work! I’d like to share one more thought about virtual school that’s been voiced by educators around the world. For all the parents of younger children out there, if you have to make a choice as a parent between “getting the online 18
Jen Whitman, Kindergarten Teacher
Drawing and message by Lucina Galbraith, age 6.
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F e b r u a Ar yp r2i 0l 22 00 2 0
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3rd Grader Shares His Thoughts About eLearning Imagine a kid all alone in his house doing Virtual School. What would it feel like? For me it goes like this… What I miss most about school is being with my friends and teachers, because they're really nice and they help me a lot when I'm with them. I think it's easier when I'm at school, because I have everyone to help me and I get more breaks, and I am more active. It's better. But what I do like about online learning is that I'm spending more time with my family than I usually do, and I'm sort of getting to know them better. For example, I played soccer with my dad and built a really cool fort. Also I can go at my own pace in school. I like Zoom because I can talk with my teachers and friends online. I also like the read alouds because they are fun. Most would agree that school is better than online learning. I hope that we can have school again soon! Sebby Galbraith, 3rd Grader
Covid-19 Wreaks Havoc on High School Senior Year Detours Activities from GCW to Graduation
Being a member of the graduating class of 2020 has really been the experience of a lifetime. The school year has been shocking, with college acceptances being the good news and COVID-19 being the “bad”. In early February just before GCW, even though Thailand was not severely affected by the virus, international travel for groups of students was no longer an option. I was bummed out; hiking in Oman had been a goal of mine since junior year. April 2020
I ended up being on an alternative GCW activity doing volunteer work in Pakkred. My friend and I were stuck with a group of strangers, but before long our group of 10 to 20 volunteers got along nicely and we actually had a really fun, enriching and hard-working week. The news about COVID-19 only got worse as we progressed through the year. My friends’ sports events cancelled, hangouts trashed, bubble milk teas missed and movie theater outings postponed. An email came through recently; the school administration cancelled IB tests, and we are now learning with classmates using Zoom. Senior prom is definitely gone, senior trips are basically cancelled. Graduation? Unknown. Perhaps my four years of high school will be recognized.and celebrated at home too. With so much going on within such a short period of time, I have to say, I think I’m a little overwhelmed. But I have also learned a lot more about myself as a student, my friends as classmates, our community as a breathing ecosystem, and our world as one big family. Let’s go through this together; let us defeat this virus as one.
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Jacob Lyu, High School Senior 19
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A Mom’s Experience Homeschooling and Touching Base with Children Back in the US I can say, in the beginning my son Gabe, an ISB 9th grader, was sad due to not having in-classroom social and learning experiences, but he has quickly adapted to using media to connect with friends one-on-one or to group chat. The home schooling program as been quite amazing for me to witness as Gabe has never been home schooled and has shown great discipline even to the extent of wearing his ISB spirit wear! : ) Although group projects can be a challenge with social distancing and having more of virtual component, Gabe has shown responsibility and accountability in the new learning process, which has also taught me to let go and not stress so much on whether he’s keeping up. We are so appreciative of all the hard work from the teaching and school staff making this all possible! As for my grown boys back in the US—one full time worker and one student—each son has different needs and a different experience with how the process is impacting them. I’m thankful they are close to each other and we can weekly FaceTime to be assured they are safe and healthy. Thankful for technology! Livonia Winkles
Social Distancing: Staying in Touch with a Virtual Lunch I think virtual meals together will be the new normal. My high school friends and I all live in Bangkok, and we meet up for dinner once a week. It has been a month since we last saw each other, so we came up with the idea to lunch together. But now we are performing social distancing. By lunching together on Zoom, we will stop spreading the disease and prevent ourselves from infection. We have already scheduled our next Sunday lunch on Zoom. Charintip Tiyaphorn 20
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Cover Story
Local Businesses Scrambling to Adapt: OC Organic and Bamboo Spa Owners Share their Experiences There are two main concerns during the Covid period. Number one is how to keep the store clean of viruses and number two, how to help our suppliers and friends during what is also a difficult time for them. At OC Organic Shop, we use disinfectant spray in the store to kill viruses, and we clean the store with benzalkonium chloride. We provide hand sanitiser both at the cash register and outside. Our staff members clean their hands often with both soap and hand sanitiser. Now we are raising our standards even more by having everyone wear gloves and mask. We are asking our customers to use hand sanitiser before touching veggies to reduce contamination. We have stopped the use of recycled paper bags in order to stop the spreading. To help our supplier friends, we asked them how we can help them through this difficult time. We are selling new stuff that we never sold before, such as coconut water and ready-made Mexican meals from La Monita Taqueria. I believe that we will go through all this together with love and kindness.
OC Organic Shop
Jum Chemnasiri
Bamboo Spa Bamboo Spa has been open for 12 years and we have been through a number of external challenges, such as political crises and the big flood in 2011. But none of that can compare with the COVID-19 pandemic, with invisible but powerful effects on all of our personal lives and even global business. It was already a tough few weeks managing the business, even before the government mandated that all spas close on March 18. Business had already been slowing down, and some people started to cancel their bookings because they had to monitor their kids during home-based learning. While things were still manageable before March 18, our forced closure then created a lot of anxiety, for my staff especially. They are worried about the lost income and paying basic bills. Unlike the food business which can still do delivery, we have no choice but to just wait for the situation to improve. But staying positive has helped me and my staff. We will get through this together, and we will come back strong when we reopen the spa – hopefully soon. Rin Minckler April 2020
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Yoga & Fitness Cover Story Classes
Delivery Services Just a Phone Call or Click Away Online Shopping & Delivery Services Thailand’s Amazon: Lazada & Shoppee
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Lazada is now owned by China’s Alibaba Group. Thirdparty retailers on its website sell everything from hand gel to office furniture. It is one of the largest e-commerce companies in Southeast Asia and is extremely popular with customers in Thailand. Ordering is easy, and delivery is prompt. Website is easy to use.
Shopee, also headquatered in Singapore, is an e-commerce company founded in 2015. It now offers online shopping in 6 other countries in Southeast Asia, plus Brazil. With brand ambassadors including K-pop and sports stars, it is growing in popularity in Thailand. Some retailers use either Lazada or Shopee, but wellknown brands will sell on both e-commerce sites.
Food Delivery Companies
There is a growing number of food delivery companies in Thailand, making it easy to order take-out restaurant food during the lockdown. You can link a credit card to your delivery account or pay in cash. A delivery charge based on distance is included in the bill. If the customer would like to tip on top of the delivery fee, he/she can pay cash
or click on the delivery app to add money after the food arrives. Some restaurants will make their own neighborhood deliveries but refer customers to a delivery service if the customer lives far away. There seems to be cooperation between some companies. Orders made on Lineman are sometimes delivered by Lalamove.
Supermarkets
Here in Nichada, groceries can be ordered on the Villa Market website and delivered by Villa Express staff. Tops Supermarket also delivers groceries and now offers 22
delivery of prepared food through the GrabFood app on Tops Select. Foodland doesn’t deliver but groceries can be pre-ordered online so they are ready for pick-up.
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Cover Story
Food Delivery: Restaurants Support Your Neighborhood Businesses Restaurant and other hourly workers, as well as their employers, are the hardest hit by the March 21st government order to close dine-in service at restaurants. Luckily, take-away orders are still allowed. So, please support our neighborhood restaurants to help them stay in business. This is just a partial list of local eating establishments. If we missed listing you this time around, please contact nnrnews@gmail.com . We’ll add you to the list next month and in the meantime, NNR will feature your restaurant along with other neighborhood eateries in NNR social media .
Neighborhood Restaurants: Le Bouchon (02-038-3020) HealthyLicious (093-018-9565) Cafe Kabul (02-960-3368) Triple G (098-884-2242) Beergasm (095-859-3482) Baan Kimchi (02-952-0031) Sawasdee Cafe de Pakkret (02 108 2685) Cherry Sweet Kitchen (081-446-2646) Que Pasa (02-960-3821)
Sweet Poppy Meals & groceries 02-005-5206
Cherry Sweet Kitchen Smoothies, desserts, etc. 081-446-2646 April 2020
Sweet Poppy (02-005-5206) Premium Pizza (02 105 4555) New York Diner (081-624-2099) Slider Shack (086-773-4140) Vapor (02-832-0055) Tony’s Kitchen (088-564-6955) Sudhathai (02-583-2694) Nearby and Beyond: Salad Factory (02-001-5659) Shoshana (02 282 9948) Fast Food: Burger King (1112) KFC & Pizza Hut (1150) McDonald’s (1711) Subway (02-960-3232)
Beergasm Ribs, pasta, beer 095-859-3482
HealthyLicious Acai smoothies, sous-vide 093-018-9565
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Baan Kimchi Korean cuisine 02-952-0031
Que Pasa TexMex and more 02-960-3821
Slider Shack Burgers & Fries 086-773-4140 23
Cover Story
Specilty Shops & Home Businesses
Homemade Bread by Napisa: Line ID/phone 086-975-7187
Italian Fine Wine Importer Line: @texicawine
Pakistani/Indian Cuisine by Maryam (09-941-21315)
Kimchi by Sunny: 092-915-0039
British & American Classics (089-274-5550)
Carla Zeitune - Menu Quarantine Savories & Sweets (085-449-5666) 24
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Fine Cuisine Line ID: @Mae_Aire
Incredible Edibles: Indian/Pakistani treats by Billy (06-416-15385) April 2020
Cover Story
Delivered to Your Door
Milkman Sa-oat and wife: Milk, eggs, juice & more (081-774-4989)
Deliveries on Tues/Fri Line ID: @rimpingorganicfarm
OC Organic Shop (096 424 4536)
Local Classes Go Online
Baan Shakti Classes Zoom to your homes on Mon., Wed., Fri. For schedule, contact Kerstin @ yoga-of-awareness.com April 2020
Tara Osterstock, Story Time leader at Bumble Bee Free Library, used YouTube to share stories with toddlers during the COVID lockdown. For videos, see Facebook: Bumble Bee Free Library
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Cover Story
Exercising Around the Lake Neighbors Reach Out with Art and Messages
Breath of fresh air around the lake: After a full day of virtual school and working from home, neighbors head to the lake for walks, runs and bike rides. Artistic ones put chalk and paint to good use by drawing and sharing messages to cheer up others. Colorful painted rocks along the path offer fun scavanger hunts.
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Cover Story
Sidewalk Art
Around the Lake
April 2020
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OUR STUDENTS ARE AT THE HEART OF EVERY DECISION. DBS DENLA BRITISH SCHOOL
Launches the “DBS Stronger Together” Campaign
Since the start of the Covid-19 virus outbreak at the beginning of this year, teachers, students, parents, staff, and the management team of DBS Denla British School, a leading international school that bases its teaching on the British independent school curriculum located on Ratchapruek Road, have collaboratively joined forces to overcome the crisis with the DBS Stronger Together campaign. It was initiated to draw on the school’s collective strength in the well-being of its community.
The School’s Safe Environment Contributes Towards the Overall Well-being
Under the DBS Stronger Together campaign, teachers and staff collaborated to create video clips to provide encouragement, such as when the Music Department entertained students who have to study online at home, or when the Nursing team produced a video clip to demonstrate on how to wash hands properly. The Thai Language Department encouraged everyone to greet each other with a ‘Wai’ instead of shaking hands, and other departments have gathered together to send heart-warming good wishes to the DBS community.
Academic Excellence Must Continue, albeit in a different format.
DBS has provided a full range of online distance learning courses since the school was temporarily closed. The advantages of this ad hoc type of learning, are that the students have increased the opportunity to practise their own learning, become more self-disciplined, and responsible as independent
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learners. The students must be able to help themselves as much as possible, which is a crucial life skill that is required when they further progress to study at the university level. The key to providing an effective distance learning programme is a team of skilled teachers. Teachers are not only responsible for teaching, but will also be required to provide assistance and motivation to all of their students to reach their set goals, while parents also become more involved with their children’s studies.
“Soon we will meet again”, is the word that is on everyone’s mind at DBS. DBS laid out a schooling plan in order to continue to promote academic excellence for its students. At the same time, students must also be able to experience enjoyment in order for them to be able to cope with the situation and attain well-being similar to actually being at the school, in accordance to the school’s main objective of “Nurturing Global Leaders”.
“NURTURING GLOBAL LEADERS” T h a n i Ta l k
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Culture Corner
Safe, Healthy Greetings Thai Wai and Chinese Gong Shou
dzubur.blogspot.com
www2.si.mahidol.ac.th
thepattayanews.com
kohsamuisunset.com
Around the world, people are trading in traditional greetings for less intimate alternatives. Chinese are opting for the “gong shou” gesture, placing their fist into the opposite palm. The French are replacing a kiss with looking into each other’s eyes, and waves are awkwardly being used instead of hugs, handshakes and other cultural greetings that include physical contact. Here in Thailand, we are fortunate that our traditional and elegant greeting, the “wai” is possibly more appropriate than ever before. In the West, we recognize this hand gesture as a posture of prayer, but the origin in Thailand and throughout Asia is India, where the act serves as a salutation and blessing. Many who practice yoga begin and close each practice by placing “hands to heart center” and saying “Namaste.” This gesture is called the “Anjali” mudra. Anjali is a Sanskrit word that means “divine offering” and serves as a benediction or a salutation. In yoga, this simple mudra (or hand gesture) is complex and powerful: It encourages composure, allows us to connect the right brain to our left, activates our heart’s energy, and it helps to center our minds and bodies. Accompanied by “Namaste,” it allows us to recognize and to honor our shared inner light and ultimately, universal equality. The word “Namaste” literally translated means “I bow to you,” and has its origin in sacred Vedic literature dating back to about 1500 BCE. In Thailand, the meaning of the wai changes slightly depending on the level of respect that is being conveyed. A casual wai that says “hi” to a friend may entail a quick, slight bow and thumbs just touching the chin. A more respectful wai (where the thumbs touch the nose and the head tips a bit more forward) acknowledges an older person or a person with a higher standing. The most respectful wai is sometimes referred to as a “Monk Wai” where the thumbs touch the eyebrows and is more of a bow than a nod. Regardless of the level and nuances of this elegant greeting, as we are currently keeping more social distance, the Thai wai can be celebrated even more as a cultural gem that conveys our shared respect and gratitude to one another. Chinese Gong Shou Greeting 32
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Kelly Kabat April 2020
Culture Corner
The Himmaphan Forest:
Understanding Thailand’s Mythical Beasts to ascetics and giants, as well as heavenly musicians. The entire mountain system is said to have 84,000 peaks containing seven large bodies of water. One pond, Anodard, is surrounded by five peaks considered to be the great peaks of the Himmaphan.
Living here in Thailand, you’ve likely seen strange and beautiful animals in paintings and designs. They exist everywhere; standing on temple grounds, carved into doors, painted in temple murals, and printed on scarves and items throughout every Jim Thompson store. They can look like amalgamations of several familiar animals, or they can look completely unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Maybe you’ve noticed the elegant “half-chicken, half-woman” that guards the Grand Palace, or you might even own a scarf with an animal that can best be described as “an elephant’s body attached to a mermaid’s tail.” Have you wondered why they appear so frequently in our Southeast Asia world?
The many various creatures living in the forest are described in detail in ancient manuscripts, and their images are based on the imaginations of artists. This explains why you may find very different creatures with the same names. It is common to categorize these mythical creatures into three categories: Two-legged, four-legged and fish-based. Another categorization method is by “base” animal, many which are familiar to us like deer, lions, horses, rhinos, elephants, cattle, monkeys, dogs, birds, fish, crocodiles, crabs, and humans. The other two mythical “base” animals are the naga, which looks like a serpent or a snake, and the Ghilen, which is a Chineselooking monster resembling both a dog and a cat. We have included several images of the many mythical beasts that exist in the murals and images of the Himmaphan Forest and hope that, by learning a bit more about them, you’ll be able to better appreciate their significance and beauty! Kelly Kabat
In Buddhism and Hinduism, it is believed that the geographic center of the cosmic universe is a mountain called Meru or Sumeru. Surrounding the base of the mountain and below the heavens exists the legendary Himmaphan Forest. In some texts, the forest is connected to the heavens and serves as the boundary between the human world and the heavenly world. Although below the heavens, it is said that the forests are invisible to the eyes of mortals who can never enter. Within the forests are mountains, waterfalls, pools and an abundance of fauna and flora. They are also the home April 2020
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Need Good Reads During the Lockdown? For archive editions of Thani Talk (2012-Present) check out this link: issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
Need Your Thani Talk Magazine? For delivery information, please contact Birgit Sund at: nnrttdist@gmail.com.
Cover Stories: Editor’s Picks
Annual Travel Issue
2014 April: Meet Our Muslim Neighbors 2014 December: 10th Anniversary of the Southeast Asian Tsunami. 2014 September: 20th Anniversary of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR) 2015 December: Religious venues: Meet Our Diverse Community: Worshipping and Living Side by Side 2017 October: In Honor of King Rama IX 2018 April: Growing Trend: Men as Trailing Spouses 2019 March: Discovering Nonthaburi 2019 April: Bangkok Shopping District 2019 Nov.: NNR’s 25th Anniversary
2014 February: Aurora Borealis in Sweden, Bungee Jumping in New Zealand, Beaches of Thailand, Disneyland in Hong Kong. 2015 February: Skiing in Canada, Safari in Tanzania, Safari in South Africa. 2017 February: Ballooning in Myanmar; Motorcycle Roadtrip in Thailand; Hanoi to Sapa in Vietnam; Exploring Kyoto; Iceland by Mini Van. 2018 February: Nepal, Red Lotus Lake in Udon Thani Thailand, Koh Rong Samleon in Cambodia 2019 February: Maldives, Dubai, Train to Laos, Cruise to New Zealand and Australia, Day Trips: Snorkeling in Sattahip, Maeklong Railway Market
Cover Stories: News Round Ups 2015 September: International Clubs in Bangkok 2016 October : Charities and Volunteering 2015 November: Sports Roundup 2016 March: Libraries of Bangkok 2018 March & October, 2019 Oct.: Interest Groups 2018, 2019 September: Mega Edition, Grapevine tips
Annual Farewell Issue: (Each May)
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PEOPLE: Profiles 2014 Sept: Alex Janney, owner of Que Pasa 2016 Apr: Rose Marie Wanchupela, Rose Marie Academy 2016 Nov: Bruno Marchal, owner, Le Bouchon. 2017 Feb: Cherry Thamthai, owner Cherry Sweet Kitchen. 2017 Sept: K Veerapong Netiwinyoo, owner, New York Diner. 2018 Apr: Delfin Solomon, founder of Comedy Den 2019 Feb: Jum Chemnasira, owner, OC Organic Shop
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Lakeshore North Condo for Rent
The Most Beautiful Kitchen‌ We Have Ever Cooked In (come see the rest of the house)
Lakeshore North 16A
THB 80,000 420 sq. meters (4500 sq. feet)
3 Refrigerators/ 2 Kitchen Sinks Cook Top Stove and BBQ Grill Custom German Leicht Kitchen Gaggenau Oven, Steam, & Warmer
Available July 1, 2020 Call Lu: 0622763399 luyan.mimmzy@gmail.com
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Eco-News
Choosing to Support Sustainability
As we know, the amount of waste that is created today is reaching critical proportions. As reported by the Bangkok Post*, globally, an estimated 360 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and of that, approximately 14 million tons leak into our oceans as waste products. Currently, less than 10% is recycled. We, as consumers, have become more conscious of our environmental footprint, and many of us increasingly want to embrace more sustainability. This is excellent news, as what can start as a small check in the tide of massive consumerism and waste, can become a huge movement and actually make a substantial difference to
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the health of our world. Recently, the Thai Government banned single use plastic at department stores from January 2020. Result? We need to bring our own bags. Easy! Here we have some other alternatives for you to consider in order to make a difference in the amount of trash that you produce (ending up in landfill) and to reduce your waste footprint. Join us in challenging the way that we go about our day! In these times of uncertainty, this is an excellent time to reflect.. Claire Thieblemont and Sally Elliott *Source: Bangkok Post 4 Nov 2019: “Using plastic alternatives: It starts with Customers�
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Eco-News
Trash Analysis Piece by Piece How I can reduce waste ? WASTE In the Kitchen Coffee filter or capsules Bottles of water Plastic packaging Plastic wrap in refrigerator Food waste
ALTERNATIVES French press coffee maker or reusable filter Carafe or glass bottle of tap water with filter Take reusable bags for loose products Cover with beeswax covers Compost
Everywhere
WASTE In the Bathroom Bottles of shower gel /shampoo Toothpaste
Solid soap and refillable shampoo bottles Homemade tooth paste
Brushing teeth
Toothbrush with rechargeable head or bamboo toothbrush Homemade deodorant
Deodorant spray roll on Face / body cream tube Cotton wool pads
Plastic water bottle
Reusable water bottle
Plastic glass or cup
Reusable cups
Take away plastic cutlery, dishes, cups Paper towels, tissues
Reusable dishes, glasses, knifes, spoons, forks... Cloths and napkins
Menstrual hygiene
Packages
Reusable containers, fabric bags
Shaving cream in a can Tissues
House cleaning Sponges to wash the dishes Disposable wipes
Washable cloth sponges, tawashi, brush Reusable baby cloth wipes
Flasks of household products
White vinegar, black soap, baking soda, soda crystals. Buy in bulk & refill. Essential oil diffuser
Odor spray
ALTERNATIVES
Q-tips
Disposable razors
Cream in a refillable container Washable fabric squares Oriculi (reusable ear cleaners) Menstrual cup or reusable pads Stainless or electric razors Brush and shaving soap Cloth handkerchief
In the Nursery Disposable baby diapers Disposable cottons and wipes
Individual Actions
Washable baby diapers Reusable baby cloth wipes
Yes I can do it / No I can’t do it
Vegetarian diet, or commit to eating less meat and fish Shop in second hand shops for beautiful, gently used clothes Avoid individual packages Cook and make homemade cakes Buy fresh products in smaller amounts Buy household products in refillable bulk supply stores Bicycle trips for short trips. Walk more often! Carpool / use the car / golf cart / motorbike LESS Reduce the number of flights per year April 2020
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Eco News
DIY Paper Bags Turn Unused Paper into Shopping bags
Looking for a fun and useful project during the quarantine? Grab some newspaper, magazines or whatever unused paper you have handy. Turn it into an opportunity to make your own paper shopping bags to replace plastic bags. We saw in last month’s issue of Thani Talk magazine that poor waste management contributes to the global environmental crisis. By reducing the amount of garbage we generate, every one of us can help reduce the size of our waste problem. We really can make a difference! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot. So today let’s talk about replacing plastic bags at home. Here is an idea for reusing our unused paper. We all have some at home! Transform this “waste” into something useful. It can be: newspaper, magazines, draft paper, flyers (yes, we still have flyers in our mail boxes), or any other “old” gift wrapping paper. It’s simple to make our own custom shopping bags. These bags can be used for: • Bathroom trash can • Storage of small things or to empty your pockets • Gift wrap bags • With a bit of creativity, a multitude of other uses. Game on! To the right is a tutorial on the basics of making these easy, quick DIY bags in 3 minutes. Then, you just need to adjust the size, thickness, color, texture (shiny or matte). For fun, add a string for the handles if you’d like. Supplies needed: In addition to paper, you just need a pair of scissors and glue. Follow the steps with this tutorial for a DIY paper bag, and enjoy ! Claire Thieblemont
DIY instructions modified from whitegunpowder.com 40
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Opinion
Opinion: Message from an Animal Lover The Elephant in the Room - Ethical Wildlife Tourism
Animal tourism has a great many grey lines, but in my opinion, there is a very clear line when it comes to animal exploitation—that can be seen, if you really want to see it. Many countries capitalise on tourism that involves animals and wildlife. This can be anything from safaris in Africa to tiger temple’s in Asia. My research has mainly been in Southeast Asia, but it is most definitely not the only place animals are exploited in the name of tourism. Many people don’t question the journey animals take to provide ‘entertainment’ for tourists. But as educated travellers, we should be asking these questions and making sure in all circumstances that animals and humans are not exploited for our pleasure and entertainment. And we should always ask ourselves, is the welfare and the interest of the animal a priority? You have the power to choose. Conservation and Sanctuaries: These words can be deceptive, which is why research is so important. There are many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and conservation programs where people think they are doing great things it’s important to make sure they are more than “good” publicity and an opportunity for a selfie. Handling wild animals is a big red 42
flag. Whether it be picking up baby turtles in hatcheries or releasing sharks into the ocean— touching them can cause serious or permanent damage to their shells or gills plus the added risk of injury from being dropped. Do your research and use your noggin. I worked for an NGO in Thailand where they intercepted a trafficking incident and saved two orangutan babies who were taken to Bangkok from Indonesia in the back of a taxi. They were destined for a zoo and would likely have been dressed up for selfies with tourists. I saw such fear in their eyes as they clung to each other – I couldn’t begin to imagine the journey they had taken. Besides animal selfies, some attractions in Thailand, including Safari World, feature orangutan boxing matches and entertainment shows where they are made to act and perform tricks. Bali has traveling dolphin shows, where dolphins captured from the wild travel in the back of trucks to perform in glorified pools. Vietnam and many other countries still have travelling circuses where monkeys and bears are forced to ride bicycles and tigers must jump through fire, to name a few. This year I heard of a family bringing elephants
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Opinion to their house to be ridden for a garden party. Beside the cruel act of breaking in elephants during their training, many experts confirm that the saddle the elephant is harnessed with is unnatural and causes a great deal of pain. Moreover, elephants are grazers, meaning they are supposed to walk and eat all day, not stand, waiting for rides, walking on hard surfaces that crack their feet in temperatures that can cause heat exhaustion. When you have had the privilege of seeing an elephant (or any other wild animal) in the wild – there is nothing that can prepare you for how truly awesome they are. To see them reduced to chains and human entertainment, quite simply breaks my heart. Here are a few alternatives: Elephants: You can see wild elephants in Khao Yai and Kui B u r i N a t i o n a l P a r k . Support their wild/conservation programs. In Vietnam, ‘Animals Asia’ is trialling alternative tourism, retiring elephants to a national park for people to observe them in the “wild”, while training mahouts to use voice commands instead of hooks. Marine Life: You can see wild dolphins and whales off the coast of Bangkok with a company called ‘Wild Encounter Thailand’ (no diving required, although as a diver seeing them in the ocean is nothing but spectacular). Tigers: You can see wild tigers in Nepal. Thailand has a few tigers but their locations are protected as they are trafficked extensively. Orangutans: See them in Borneo in the thick and incredible jungle. Wildlife belong in the wild. Save up for trips that allow you to see them in their natural habitat; it will far exceed any captive interaction or sighting. I encourage you to think about where you spend your tourist dollars and learn how to support initiatives that actively help protect and conserve wildlife and our environment—not destroy or exploit it. Kayleigh Ghiot April 2020
For more information: Kayleighghiot.com www.civetsandcoffee.com YouTube: mockumentary on gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and tiger tourism in Vietnam. Instagram: Kayleigh Ghiot
T h a n i Ta l k
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T h a n i Ta l k
April 2020
Restaurant Review
Veganerie Soul: Healthy Guilt-Free Dining at Siam Paragon (Try it out after the lockdown!)
I know there are many, many good places to eat at Siam Paragon Mall. However, I am going to try to convince you to give this special vegan restaurant a try. It’s so delicious even the non-vegan eaters would have a hard time NOT loving it! The name of the restaurant is Veganerie Soul. It’s located on the ground floor of Siam Paragon, not far from the Gourmet Market. The restaurant itself is small – 7 to 8 small tables, 20 people maximum capacity. Veganerie Soul claims that their food is delicious (it is!), has 0% cholesterol, has no preservatives, and no MSG. The menu is impressive and consists of a wide range of food including all day breakfast (for example chia pudding, sweet banana baked roti, granola and milk). The choice of milk includes soy/almond or coconut milk. There is also smoothie bowl with toppings such as mango/coconut, acai/berries, and more. For brunch, diners can choose from selections such as monkey crepe, butterscotch hotcake, American pancake set, avocado toast and crispy V-bacon. For sides and snacks, the chef offered baked spring rolls, baked spinach sticks. Salad lovers can choose from green curry zoodles (noodles made from zucchini), and raw Phad Thai (made with spiral zucchini, carrots and cabbages). Sandwich selections included wraps (BLT wrap, Caesar wrap, vegan burger, veganerie cheese burger, and vegan BLT). The vegan pasta menu showcased western and Asian flavors (Italian tomato sauce, green curry spaghetti) Other traditional curries included coconut curry and massaman curry, all served with baked roti. Dessert lovers can choose from more than 10 varieties of sweets, and everything is dairy-free and egg-free! The drinks menu include superfood smoothies, April 2020
plant-protein shakes, and other vegan smoothies. I wish I had gone there with more people so we could order more food to share! But since it was only me and my sister, we got the Caesar wrap, which is a baked tortilla wrap filled with romaine leaves, tomatoes, croutons, V-bacons, cashew nut, and parmesan and Caesar dressing. The wrap came with dipping sauce (I assume it’s extra dressing), and the tortilla wrap was baked crisp and hot! The filling was awesome. Another dish we tried was the Holiday Hash. It’s baked hash browns topped with avocado salsa and vegan Caesar dressing. We especially loved this dish, because the avocado salsa had chunks of pineapples mixed in it, and it was the perfect combination of avocado, lime and a hint of cilantro! After we finished we had room for dessert, and we figured eating healthy didn’t mean cutting out desserts! So we ordered chunky monkey ice cream and cake. We had a choice of banana cake or chocolate fudge cake, and we chose banana cake. It was served warm with soy caramel (Yummy!) and coconut whipped ice cream (tasted like vanilla ice cream!). It was so delicious we finished the entire plate! My sister (non-vegan, full-time meat eater) was so impressed with this restaurant she said she’d come back! It completely changed her thought about eating vegan food. She left with a full and very happy stomach. We both felt good that we ate something good for our bodies! We especially loved the fact that everything served at this restaurant was baked, and not fried. If you, like my sister, think that vegan food is bland, boring and not filling, please give this vegan restaurant a try. You could even have desserts after with NO GUILT! A bonus fact is that this restaurant sells a variety of dairy-free, egg-free pastries and cakes, from red velvet to banana cakes to chocolate cakes to scones. They also offer catering and delivery services. Check out their web site www.veganerie.co.th for details and information about their other branches.
T h a n i Ta l k
Vara Sumetanon
Veganerie Soul
Address: Siam Paragon, Bangkok Telephone: 02 129 4755 Open Daily: 10am - 10pm 49
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