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Opinion
Thai economy is heading south
A
fter years of expansion, the Thai economy is heading for a significantly slowdown. Gross Domestic Production is falling, and Thailand is now in technical recession after two subsequent quarters with negative economic growth.
Could the politicians have reacted differently, or could the Bank of Thailand have taken to measures, which would have eased the impact in the Land of Smiles? To be fair – quite a bit of the economic slowdown has its roots in developments outside the Thai borders, which has had an impact on the domestic economic performance. The abrupt slowdown of the international economy has taken its toll, but contrary to the gradual recovery in the US and the even slower rebirth of the European and Japanese growth, the Thai economy is on its way downhill. The flooding of late 2011 was not to be predicted, but a tax break for car buyers is probably not the first tool an economist would have grabbed in the toolbox to boost growth. The result was a major jump in carsales of 80 percent last year and a subsequent fall in sales in 2013. And at the same time it created a lack of tax revenue to be financed in other ways, not to mentíon the contribution to the everlasting traffic-congestion in the big cities. Neither could the impact from the exorbitant monetary easing in Japan have be predicted. But in the ever changing conditions of the financial world, one has to adapt to reality rather than to turn to verbal abuse of Central Bank governors. Because when the Japanese Central Bank – Bank of Japan – took to the measures of monetary easing in close cooperation with the newly elected Japanese government in the spring, the Asian markets were flooded with huge amounts of cheap Japanese liquidity, all searching for a decent return. An unwanted side effect of the Japanese efforts to change more than 15 years of deflation – called Abenomics – was inflow of huge amounts of liquidity to Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries with a marketdetermined interest-rate. That spurred buying of Thai-based assets and sent the SET skyrocketing. At the same time the Thai Baht was thrown into fluctuations not seen previously. First with an almost ten percent strengthening in the currency-valuation, which was capped by Bank of Thailand-intervention and followed up by a cut in the interest rate. But as the American interest-rates started to climb, the market switched focus to the USA, and investors got rid of the Thai-assets as quickly as possible, creating a financial “Queue at the Exit”. The impact was an even bigger weakening of the Baht than the inflow had made. Again the Bank of Thailand reacted in a proper manner and intervened in the currency market. Fluctuations like these within a timespan of a few months can rip any investment apart, and foreign investors has gone more cautious when they approach Thailand after being burned in the relatively illiquid Thai markets. Financial markets are based on trust, and political outcries for a sacking of the Central Bank governor because of extraordinary conditions is hardly conducive for confidence building. And the Bank of Thailand has been the only steady rock during the financial storm – done what was possible to reduce the longterm negative effects and kept the market from going into a state of panic. With growth of just 2.8 pct. in second quarter, and predictions of a GDP-growth of around 4 percent in 2013, the focus has to change. The billions and billions spent on the governments rice-scheme doesn’t seem to have any impact on personal spending or investments. But is has created a golden opportunity for other rice-producing countries – like Vietnam – to grab a bigger part of the world market, while the Thai-reputation for first class products are deteriorating quickly in the same pace as the stockpiles are rotting in the warehouses. It would probably have been cheaper just to write a check to the rice farmers. Or give investment-incentives to modernize the agriculture sector. Because if the rice scheme has had an impact on spending and investments, things look a lot more gloomy for the growth prospects than previously thought. One thing is for sure – Thailand has to face the music and dance.
Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Thailand ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Thailand. We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia.
Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Assistant Editor: Wachiraporn Janrut wachiraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Karsten Reinholdt Jakobsen karsten@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com Printing : Lake & Foundtain Printing Co., Ltd.
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Coming Events
New Swedish Priest installation in Bangkok When: Saturday 14 September 2013 Where: Christ Church, Convent Road, Bangkok The new Swedish priest in Bangkok, Lars Ryderstad, will be officially installed on Saturday 14 September at 18.00 in Christ Church in Bangkok. The installation will be performed by the Bishop of the Church of Sweden Abroad Sven Bernhard Fast followed by a social gathering. Lars Ryderstad arrived Bangkok by the end of August. His predecessor Lovisa Moller left for her summer break in June after her last service at Bangkok Christian Guest House. Read ScandAsia’s previous presentation of Lars Ryderstad here: http://scandasia.com/new-priest-at-the-church-of-sweden-in-bangkok-lars-ryderstad
Dinner and Presentation of Norwegian Airline When: Tuesday 17 September 2013, 18.30 - 21.00 Where: The Altitude, 25th floor, Westin Grande Sukhumvit, next to Asok BTS Station To celebrate the launch of Norwegian’s new long-haul flights between Bangkok, Oslo and Stockholm, the Thai-Norwegian and the Thai Swedish Chamber of Commerce invites members to a ribbon cutting ceremony and dinner. Norwegian CEO Bjorn Kos tells the story of how it was possible for a small regional airline to become a big international carroer, today marked as Europe’s third largest low fare airline. Bjorn Kos will also present Norwegian’s vision and strategy for the Asian market. Bjorn Kos is one of Scandinavia’s most popular CEOs and a much requested speaker.
SWEA Bangkok 4 days to Ho Chi Minh City When: 26-29 September 2013 Where: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam SWEA members Lena and Cilla have put together an exciting program for fellow SWEA members to visit the vibrant southern capital of Vietnam formerly known as Saigon. The visit will include a trip out of town to see the Cu Chi tunnels and a dinner at the Swedish owned restaurant Au Lac do Brazil Bangkok.
Viking Wheelers Bang Phra tour When: Saturday morning, September 28, 2013 Where: Bang Phra Reservoir Get yourself out of town and join the Viking Wheelers for a bicycle trip around the Bang Phra Reservoir between Sri Racha and Bangsaen. Contact: Finn Sorensen - Finn@caretex.dk
Crayfish Party 2013 When: Saturday 5 October 2013, 18.30 hrs until late. Where: Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Bangkok The evening offers everything that you have come to expect from a Scandinavian Society Siam Crayfish Party – e.g. lots of crayfish, shrimps, cheese, beer and aquavit. Plus dancing the night away! Member tickets are 2,700 THB. Non-member tickets are 3,000 THB. A full table for 10 persons is 27,000 THB if bought by a member. There is in all cases a late fee of 300 baht per seat if purchased after 26 September. Tickets can be bought at Rembrandt Hotel in the reception or by bank transfer to SSS. See details on the website sss.or.th 4 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY SCANDINAVIAN SOCIETY
Past Events
Niels Colov Celebrated 65 Years
N
iels Colov, founder of the Pattaya People Media Group, celebrated on 25 July his 65 year birthday with a big party at the Town in Town Hotel. Congratulations and gifts poured in from all corners of the Pattaya society, and in speeches by friends and business colleagues Niels was praised for his contribution to the prosperity of Pattaya over the years. Niels thanked for all the warm hearted attention with a very personal speech flanked by his wife and three sons before cutting the big birthday cake. The evening offered also a show by Barry Upton and his band who played a tribute to The Beatles in Niels Colov’s honor and finally a show by the Jerry Lee Lewis imitator Jerry Carlson, another of Niels’ favorites.
IKEA’s multi-cultural crayfish party By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
I
KEA Bangkok hosted on 16 August its first traditional Swedish crayfish party with more than 630 mostly Thai participants. The overwhelming success means IKEA will definitely arrange a crayfish party again next year. “We had 600 tickets and they were sold out in two days,” Assistant Marketing Manager Tissana Wateesatogkij tells. “We will definitely do this again next year, and we are also planning to host a similar event in December, where we will serve Christmas food in the buffet,” she assures. Surprisingly few Swedish people were to be found apart from the staff of the Swedish Embassy who on the other hand turned out in a large numbers, and were surprised how much people loved it. “I really wonder how the Thai people knew about this event, but it is just amazing to see how they fill their plates and really seem to like the food,” the Swedish Consul Pär Kågeby says, while he with great routine separates one out of many crayfish before he eats the slightly salty and fresh meat. Although it might take some time before the Thai people start to drink the snaps and sing along on Swedish drinking songs, IKEA really succeeded in creating a great meeting of two cultures.
6 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
1. 2. 3.
The restaurant area of the Swedish furniture giant IKEA in BangNa district Southeast of Bangkok was a true color explosion of red and orange decorations as the crayfish party was about to begin on Friday 16 August around 19.30 pm. The tables were garnished with hats, aprons and songbooks in traditional Swedish style and red crayfish shaped paper chains added to the festive atmosphere of the restaurant. Swedish Consul Pär Kågeby: “The Thai people really seem to like the food!”
Past Events
DanCham’s first networking evening focused on Legal firms
T
he Danish Chamber of Commerce filled up the Stable Lodge Restaurant with members as well as non-members for the first networking of the autumn on Thursday 15 August 2013. The registered number of participants was around 70 and on occasion of the evening’s theme also ten law firms were invited to join the event. After a short presentation from executive Director Hanh Ngoc Nguyen there was room for both the small and the deep talks among the participants. Among the guests were also the three new key staff of the Danish Embassy who attended their first DanCham networking. Along with all the talking the guests could enjoy finger food made from Danish recipes and also a cold draught beer or two were handed over in the bar. The evening ended around 20.30 pm.
September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 7
Past Events
Viking Wheelers back and biking in Hua Hin
T
he Viking Wheelers invaded Hua Hin the first weekend of August this year. The trip marks a fresh return on the social scene of the previously very active Scandinavian biking club. Two of the former key members of the group, Bent Laasholdt and Hans Henrik Melchior are in charge of the revival of Viking Wheelers. The two will jointly assume the leadership, and intend to arrange monthly rides, mostly Saturday morning rides but also with a few weekend rides. The Viking Wheelers is not a racing team, they cycle for fun and have decided that membership will be restricted to Scandinavians and others with special relations with a Scandinavian country. The Hua Hin invasion was the first of a coming season of biking event. The trip was joined by five vikings, Bent Laasholdt (organizer), Alan Valtas, Claus “Bjergged” Bergenfelt, Claus “Paparazzi” Gundersen and Hans Henrik Melchior.
Invasion report The Saturday ride commenced at the north end of the Pranburi beach road by the Kron Luang Chomphorn Khet Udomsak Shrine and the team cycled about 25K south along the beach to the Dolphin Bay and back on scenic, pancake flat roads in wonderful overcast weather, only distracted by the “Paparazzi”, who could not cycle as his hand had not yet recovered sufficiently from a fractured wrist to allow him to, so he spent the time in and out of the support vehicle taking pictures of the hard working Vikings. Claus Bjergged decided that rather than going with the rest of the team in the cars to the shrine with the long name, he would rather cycle down to the Pranburi beach and meet up with the rest of the team there. Which he never did, claiming he got lost and SMS’ed the team a few hours later announcing that he was now back at the hotel after a 83K ride in the wilderness, without knowing where he was. The Sunday ride went inland in the area southwest of Hua Hin. This ride was only about 24K, but with a number of challenging hills. Claus Bjergged decided to ride with the rest of the team and even offered Hans Henrik that he could ride in his slipstream, as if this would be of any help. After the first and only pit-stop, however, he decided to take off by himself, as he wanted to take an extra loop in the hills. The rest of the team conquered the hills with amazing ease. The atmosphere during the more social sections of the invasion lived up to the good old Viking Wheelers tradition and many important subjects were being discussed.
Join on Facebook You can monitor all Viking Wheelers news and plans on the team’s Facebook page by the same name and you can also apply for membership there by sending a “Friends” request. Follow this link: https://www. facebook.com/groups/118950546024. The next event will be a Saturday morning ride around the Bangphra reservoir end September/ beginning November. Follow this link: http:// scandasia.com/ai1ec_event/viking-wheelers-tour-debang-phra/?instance_id=62982
8 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
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Past Events
Action packed day with the Thai-Danish Club By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
T
he Thai-Danish Club managed to gather more than 40 people to the second edition of the successful water rally in the weekend. According to the participants from the first rally in 2006 this one was at least as great as the first. The meeting time was set to 7 am in front of Tesco Lotus Rama II, and on a Saturday there is a risk that especially young people prefer to choose the bed more than a two hours bus trip with unknown people. Luckily it was not what happened on the second water rally trip arranged by the Thai-Danish club. Not only did everybody make it in time, also at least one third of the participants were young people from the Embassy. Even a young Norwegian trainee from Norway’s Embassy showed up. Well supplied with goodie bags containing croissant, coffee and juice we were told to “Grab a Thai” and find a seat in one out of four minibuses, that would take us to the Ban Na Koh Resort in the Kaeng Krachan National Park around 200 km south of Bangkok. There was time for a short presentation and a chit chat before, speaking for my own bus, everyone around me spend the time sleeping the rest of the bus ride. On arrival there was a quick introduction to the Thai-Danish Club and an appropriate thanksgiving to those who made the trip possible. After finding a fitting life jacket we were divided in five groups, in which we would spend the next two hours on a boat, we were told. But before we could board the boats we were given detailed explanations on how to paddle, how to steer and not to mention how to survive in a group. In particularly the latter we had great use of later. Introduced to the rules of the game we went away in each our boat, and it would not take long before the team spirits appeared in the boats. Now for the serious business – who would win the game? On spots along the river we were going to find hidden ingredients for a meal we had to prepare at the last point. In the beginning the boats were all equal, but later on the strongest boats put themselves in front. If it was due to physical strength and superiority or a forgetful coxswain who forgot one of the spots can never be told. Around an hour of river rally later we went ashore to cook a meal from the collected ingredients counting two eggs, corn, rice pancakes, bananas, fish, coca cola and water. It seemed that all teams had an outdoor experienced member on their team, so in short time we were all having a great bonfire, where we could grill the fish, boil the eggs and prepare the serving in general. Having tasted the different group’s cooking results we were ordered out in the knee high river water for the so called water trains. Standing in lines and holding the back of each other’s life jackets each group was shaped as a chain. With the explanation in mind on the importance of the manoeuvre in case of flooding, we could lean back in the water, splashing our legs and see which team would reach the goal around 50 metres down the river. Laughs and squeals proved that the challenge was a hilarious way to end the rally, which had lasted for approximately two hours at that moment. Very wet and very hungry we went back to the resort, where a delicious lunch with chicken, fish, rice and salad was served. For those who did not have enough of the water there would be time for a swim, while the rest spend their time confirming each other in their team’s excellent effort or just a friendly talk to each other. After a short view on top of the dam we found our seats in the buses and returned to Bangkok. Tired but excited after a great day in excellent company we split up and found each our way home. See lots of more photos on the Facebook page of Thai Danish Club.
10 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Past Events
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News Brief
Danish musician in audience with Thai Crown Princess
T
he Danish musician Michael Hanson was on Thursday 1 August 2013 granted an audience with HRH Maha Chakri Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand. The audience was held in order to present the Princess with an audio CD as a gift to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, produced by Michael Hanson himself. The music on the CD is written by HM King of Thailand and recorded in Copenhagen accompanied by HRH Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark on piano and with the vocal by the lead singer from the Danish band Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR). The arrangement was done in collaboration with Dr Pathorn Srikaranonda. The CD also contains the poem Le Fleuve written and recited by HRH Prince Consort Henrik of Denmark. Michael Hanson has mixed the recordings from the various parts. The start of the project goes back to 2012, where Michael Hanson was invited by then Royal Thai ambassador in Denmark to Thailand Khun Piyawat Niyomrerks to attend the 50 years celebration of the Thai elephant in the Copenhagen ZOO. The Danish ambassador Mikael H. Winther sees the recording as a celebration of the relationship between Denmark and Thailand. “We see this as a very important promotion for the relationship between Denmark and Thailand. It is a very unique thing to see
such a collaboration, and then on top of it having a Danish rock band who has its biggest audience in Thailand to join the project. So for us it is a unique product project and a good gift to HM the King of Thailand,” Danish ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther says. The Thai media covered the audience very intensively, and there is probably a good reason to keep the attention on the project. There are more ideas in the melting pot, Michael Hanson reveals. “We hope that we will soon be able to present an event in Bangkok with a live performance of the music from the CD. At the moment I am awaiting sponsorship to support the show,” he adds. It will also soon be possible to acquire the audio CD Echo to an “affordable” price, Michael Hanson promises. Some of the profits from the sale will be donated to an elephant foundation to support the elephants and the elephant workers in the Surin province in Northern Thailand.
Michael Hanson presented the CD to the King in a red velvet box.
Danish Admiral’s Flag returned to Thailand By Gregers Moller
Capt Araya Amrapala, Commander Jakrin Kaorat, Mrs. & Mr. Jean Just, Admiral Polawat Sirodom, Consul Gen Anders Normann, Vice Admiral Rongrit Boonsong Prasert, Rear adm Sutheepong Keawthub, Consul Stig Vagt-Andersen
12 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
A
dmiral Polawat Sirodom, Assistant Commander-inChief of the Royal Thai Navy, received on 24 July 2013 the personal flag of Danish Vice-Admiral Andreas du Plessis de Richelieu who served as Commander of the Royal Thai Navy under HM King Chulalongkorn. The historical artifact was presented by Mr. Jean Just, the grandson of the Admiral, and his wife Anne at a ceremony arranged by Danish Consul Stig-Vagt Andersen and Consul General Anders Normann. Initially, Mr,. Just had wanted the flag to be kept together with the Golden Robe of Admiral Richelieu at the Nicolie Museum, but Mr. Anders Normann convinced him that he should rather present it to the Royal Thai Navy and that it would be more appropriate and “historically relevant” if he visited Bangkok and personally presented the flag. The flag ceremony was a culmination of a three day visit to Thailand by Mr. Jean Just and his wife. The visit included also a visit to the Chulachomklao Fort, where Danish officer in Siamese service fought bravely in the Paknam Incident against the invading French navy ships 120 years ago. “It was truly an important and historic day for Thai Danish relations, - personally I was proud to be privy to witness the final journey of the Commander’s flag,” says Mr. Anders Normann. “Mr. Jean Just’s magnanimous gesture of returning the flag to the Thai Royal Navy has ensured his lasting legacy within the Thai Royal Navy and further cemented Thai Danish relations.” “All descendants of the Admiral have reasons to very proud on behalf of the Richelieu legacy,” he adds.
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September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 13
New Key Members of Team Denmark Asbjørn Overgaard Christiansen, Birgit Sarah Carlstedt and Annette Rosenqvist all started in key positions at the Royal Danish Embassy this August. By Sine Neuchs Thomsen Photos Disraporn Yatprom
T
he Royal Danish Embassy in Bangkok has welcomed three new key staff this autumn. Attache Annette Rosenqvist is the Embassy’s new Head of the Visa Section, replacing Eva Szeftel. Consul Birgit Sarah Carlstedt has taken over as Head of the Consular Section following Tove Wihlborg Andersen’s relocation to Denmark. And Commercial Counsellor Asbjørn Overgaard Christiansen is the new Head of the Commercial Section at the Embassy. The major reshuffle in the Royal Danish Embassy also includes the departure of Mads Beyer, the political counsellor, who will be replaced later in the year. The three new key staff all made their entry to the embassy August 1 and except from all being very enthusiastic about their new jobs they all share an interest in running and in general keeping in good physical shape.
14 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Annette Rosenqvist
Birgit Sarah Carlstedt
has taken over the position as Head of Visa Section that employs 4 other persons. She is going to handle visa applications from people who wants to visit Denmark or stay in Denmark and she is focused on giving a good first impression of Denmark. “I am willing to work hard to give the applicants the best service we can offer with the set of rules we have to follow according the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” says Annette Rosenqvist. She brings who brings lots of experience from other work related foreign stays around the world, to her new job at the Danish Embassy. Earlier she has been working in Mexico, Washington and Moscow. Annette Rosenqvist’s husband decided to stay in Denmark, because he has a very good job at the Danish shipping company J. Lauritzen. “He is sailing a lot, so we will find our ways to get together on different locations around the world,” she ensures with a smile. While the couple’s 20-years old Simon is studying physics in Denmark, the 17-years old daughter is joining her mother in Bangkok taking her IB at NIST International school in Bangkok, where she already found new friends, tells Annette Rosenqvist, who is excited about her new life in Bangkok. “I was surprised to see how many people there is everywhere, but I am looking forward to get started for real and get more into this geographical area,” she adds. Also in her earlier jobs her work has been related to the Visa section.
is replacing Tove Wihlborg Andersen as new Head of the Consular Section. Her most important task will be to help Danish people or other people who have been given permanent residence in Denmark out of the problems they might have ended up in. As the Embassy also covers Cambodia and Myanmar the cases may also be Danes living or traveling in these countries. Birgit Carlstedt expects loads of work in light of the fact that the embassy has the highest number of cases of all the embassies of the Ministry of Foreign affairs. She is highly experienced as she has previously been working with consular tasks in Zambia, Dusseldorf, Madrid, Bratislava and latest Kabul in Afghanistan. “We are working with many different cases from people who end in jail to those who are in the unlucky situation where they have lost their passport or purse,” explains Birgit Sarah Carlstedt “In order to help people financially the person needs to put up a guarantee in some way. It could be the family we ask to provide security, but we are always looking for a good solution for the citizen, also if it calls for at creative one,” she says. Birgit Sarah Carlstedt has relocated to Bangkok bringing both her husband and their cat. “It has been quite a task for the embassy’s people to get the permission to bring him,” she says, and adds after a short break. “I mean... the cat!” Her husband Carsten is already engaged in to Danish a volunteer project in the Surin province. In addition to that he is going to be the coach for Thailand’s national youth handball team for both boys and girls. “That is a huge task to undertake, and the goal is to qualify the teams to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro 2016,” she adds.
Asbjørn Overgaard Christiansen declares already before we start talking about his new job as head of Commercial Section at the Danish Embassy, that he plans taking lessons in Thai language. The language ambition tells us that the new Commercial Counsellor is already deeply engaged with the challenges and options of his new job. “The essence of our work is to help Danish companies being established in the market in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar. The main goal is of course to create growth in Denmark, but in effort to do that, we have to know the export countries and their cultures very well,” he tells. “I have a very good and hard working team and we are prepared to take the next year’s challenges that in particular includes the new options that are emerging in Myanmar after the repeal of the sanctions that previously made it impossible for foreign companies to trade with the country,” he adds. In his private life Asbjørn is married to Gitte who has been able to continue in her current job in the large facility service company ISS - working over the Internet from Bangkok. Together they have a three-year old daughter Anna who just started at the Kid’s Academy nursery in Bangkok. Like his two new colleagues Asbjørn has previously been posted abroad. He has spent four years in Dubai before he stayed three years in Hongkong. His latest job was as Private Secretary to the Minister for Trade & Investment, which he tells, has given him a great insight in the political system, that might become useful in his job at the Danish Embassy.
September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 15
Centara G lands its se ScandAsia talks to Mikko Kataja, a Finnish chef at Centara Grand & Bangkok convention centre at CentralWorld. By Joakim Persson
There’s no doubt that customers are coming here for the view, but we want them also to enjoy the food and the whole package and atmosphere. We want to see them coming back for the food and the service, not only for the view.
16 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Grand in Bangkok econd Finnish chef
R
eally, Finnish chefs are pretty rare (just as its cuisine is) and in particular to be found on Thai territory. So it is then even more remarkable that Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld has managed for the second time to recruit a chef originating from the Nordic region! This also makes the Finnish community very happy since they once again has someone who can properly prepare the Christmas dinner (which is a request he is happy to do, as an exception from normal duties.) Mikko Kataja was appointed chef de cuisine of Fifty Five and RedSky in March 2012 where he is, 55 floors above ground, at the helm of two highcalibre kitchens with in total 21 chefs and different dining concepts. This was an attractive new challenge for Mikko after over ten years in England, primarily London, and numerous openings of restaurants there, including a stint at a Michelin outlet. It was Mikko himself, who had started looking for a position in Thailand. “My partner is Thai-born… I always say that there’s a woman behind everything,” Mikko smiles. The couple met in London five years ago and spent almost four years there together. “I was getting bored of London and at the same time she had difficulty in getting a job within the financial sector as a new graduate and being foreign,” says Mikko. They had been coming to Thailand each year for holidays and travelled around so he was familiar with the country. She was the one who suggested that he should send out his CV to hotel brands in Bangkok. It was not long before offers started coming in, some on even higher level than the position he applied. “To me it was really decisive that I was given charge over two kitchens. The idea of having two totally different restaurants, with two styles of food and two kitchen teams, was for me a new challenge. And it had to be Bangkok – if moving to Thailand it would have to be the city, Bangkok, in the middle of all the cuisines and getting to explore the new world.” Mikko came over to Bangkok to visit the hotel and the restaurants and meet the other expats working and his partner got position in a bank immediately. There was no turning back.
Red Sky Literally at the roof of Bangkok, the concept of the two restaurants is a combination of view and destination dining to which guests come for the food, not only to marvel over the scene of Bangkok’s skyline.
“Red Sky is all about alfresco outdoor dining, and brasserie cuisine, meaning some influence of French brasserie, but with a much wider concept. Our customers basically represent the entire world – you have fifty per cent of Asians, and then you have people from anywhere.” In this context there is quite a challenge for Mikko and his team. “To create a menu catering to if the guests are, for instance French, Australian or a family from India. It’s not possible to please them all but what I’ve created is more likely components I know that works, then basing the dish around that. So I’m trying to create more the brasserie cuisine for people to recognise. We try to have a balanced menu of top-sellers - crowd pleasers and then some other dishes.” Seafood is also popular with most guests. “It’s very different from what I’ve done before. Then we also have classics on the menu as well as nightly specials.” “There’s no doubt that customers are coming here for the view, but we want them also to enjoy the food and the whole package and atmosphere. We want to see them coming back for the food and the service, not only for the view,” Mikko states the ambition. Updating the menus is part of the method to always remain on top. “We keep updating all the time; if we find that something is not selling, or if the dish is getting mixed feedback, it will be the next to go.”
They even combined this with slow cooking in a Sous-vide [French for “under vacuum”], finishing off the meat in the grill to get what Mikko describes as an “unbelievable combination.”
Never stop learning For any chef who wants to be great, flexibility is a key, Mikko explains. “You need to be the master of different techniques and combinations, cuisines, flavours and cooking methods. In London I focused on British produce, clean flavours and locally sourced ingredients and produce. Before that it was all about French cuisine; classical and modern.” “Now coming here to Thailand I can use many aspects I learned before, even molecular gastronomy, and some of the little techniques that make the food better but not something just for wow-impression.” “I also get to teach the proper techniques of French cuisine, basic techniques, more about the flavours and combinations I learned years ago. And personally, I too have learned amazingly a lot since coming here – that is the fascinating thing working in a kitchen: you never stop learning!.”
Fifty Five Then, on the lower mezzanine of the 55th floor is Fifty Five, with its totally different décor and atmosphere and more formal in the service, pays homage to fine dining and high quality steaks. Mikko has brought with him a wealth of knowledge about tradition and modern French (and British cuisine), which he can really utilize within Fifty Five. “It’s simple but more refined, definitely much closer to pure French cuisine. So the customers at Fifty Five know what they are coming for. They know what kind of food we serve or they are just steak lovers,” he describes it. Touring the kitchen he showcases what is clearly playing a significant role in their success: a high-tech charcoal grill oven which gives fantastic results for grilled meat, in particular steaks, which get a unique texture and juiciness. “Cooking steaks in 350+ degrees Celsius in this closable grill is very handy and the smokiness and the crust that come on the steaks are amazing. It gives you something totally unique, an amazing piece of meat that is pink and tender.” September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 17
Food Academy Bangkok Bringing flavours to Bangkok’s Klong Toey slum 1: Students scooping cake batter 2: Students learning to serve customers 3: Princess cake baked by FAB 4: From left: Johanna Palm and Susanna Asklöf
FAB kitchen group shot – students wearing aprons from Royal Kitchen
Susanna Asklöf and Johanna Palm’s Food Academy Bangkok (FAB) project teaches young people in Klongtoey slum to cook, bake and run a restaurant in order for them to become more self-sufficient. By Agneta Bekassy
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Nyborg Gymnasium & Kostskole Skolebakken 13, DK-5800 Nyborg, tlf +45 65 31 02 17 post@nyborg-gym.dk, www.nyborg-gym.dk
18 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
B
orn in Thailand and adopted by Swedish parents at a young age, Susanna Asklöf grew up in Sweden. She returned to Bangkok in 2003 to study at Bangkok University. Susanna is now a professional photographer. With a passion for cooking and baking, Susanna has made her dream come true by starting a project called Food Academy Bangkok (FAB) in Bangkok’s Klong Toey slum. Here she has rented a place where she teaches the young people who live in the slum basic cooking, baking, health & nutrition, basic book keeping and English language for free. The aim is to give them self-confidence and for them to become more self-sufficient. In addition to offering a course to her “students” for free, Susanna offers them a small amount of cash to encourage them to study hard and pay for their daily needs. The course also teaches students to lay a dining table, service guests and other things you need to know to make a successful restaurant business. To motivate young students, Susanna also plans to welcome wellknown cooks to demonstrate their cooking skills by preparing dishes to students at FAB. After they finish the course, they will receive a diploma from FAB and
Susanna will help them to get a job in or outside Thailand. These young people have their own dreams. Many of them want to study but can’t afford it. By her side Susanna has another young Swedish woman, Johanna Palm. Johanna had her education in restaurant, hotel and management in Stockholm. Both women are spontaneous, enthusiastic and positive, seem to take life with a huge sense of humor, and have the skills necessary to make the project a success. FAB is a place where you can organize private as well as business events, expositions, lecturing or just pop in for a cup of coffee and a fresh baked cinnamon roll. It has become popular among visitors to the slum as a place to drop by and take a short break. SWEA Bangkok (Swedish Women
before
1
3
2
4
Educational Association) has recently celebrated the Swedish National Day with a very well organized dinner at FAB. FAB also offers a home delivery service for its bakery. The service, delivered by motorbike messengers, has become increasingly popular in Bangkok. FAB’s bakery menu is extensive. Among their specialties are Princess Cake and sour bread. Susanna and Johanna welcomed us with chilled white wine and a typical Toast Skagen, much enjoyed by all of us. A project like FAB obviously costs money to run and until now FAB has managed with a little help from private donators and income from deliveries and party evenings. The funding is still mainly from their own pockets.
after
FAB, Food Academy Bangkok, 100/16 Keha Klong Toey 4 You can also visit FAB on Facebook or www.foodacademybangkok.com or e-mail: foodacademyb@gmail.com September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 19
Hua Hin Hua Hin is Thailand’s oldest and most traditional attractions as a holiday destination with the charm and fascination of the still active fishing port. While most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for both foreigners and Thais alike. By Gregers Moller
20 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
I
n 1928, King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains an official royal residence. Many of Bangkok’s rich and famous have since built their own beachfront summer homes to the north and south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which has maintained its unique identity. Today’s visitor to Hua Hin will still sense this special atmosphere and old world charm. The quiet, winding streets of the town give the place an atmosphere of calm and sophistication. Hua Hin is glamorous, but not at all snobbish. The Thais in Hua Hin have no arrogance towards foreigners as it has unfortunately become the case at other destinations. Gearing up for growth But Hua Hin is clearly gearing up for growth. The Thai government sees Hua Hin and Cha-am as the new seaside resort destinations for foreigners, and plans for a high-speed train link and Highway
No.8-project will improve connectivity between Bangkok and Hua Hin. Other retail and commercial investments are also being planned in the area to serve the increasing number of tourists, including Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall; Botaneo, The Lifestyle Promenade; an underwater museum; and Venezia Hua Hin, a lifestyle mall. The presence of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin in the middle of the town adds to the attraction of Hua Hin. Nobody wants to have an emergency, but it’s nice to know that should anything happen to the kids or yourself, then you are guaranteed better medical treatment here than you would get in most places back home. Clean beach The beach Hua Hin is one of the cleanest in Thailand. The public beach is just over 8 kilometers long and an average of about 150 m wide at low tide. It is therefore ideal for long walks. The local authorities pay great attention to
the cleanliness of the beach and the water quality is continuously checked. Near Hua Hin, there are other attractive beaches which are mainly used by the local Thais. Particularly noteworthy here is Suan Son, about 10 km south of Hua Hin. The lovely weather Currently, Hua Hin is “off season”. Paradoxically, this is when Bangkok’s expat community prefers to visit Hua Hin. The place is quiet, the prices are low and an occasional warm shower is not only pleasant, it also turns the place into an ever-green tropical garden. A few months from now, the temperature drops and the migrating Scandinavians start arriving. Around Christmas it may barely reach 30 degrees and on some evenings you may even put on a “winter sweater” without sweating too much. Excellent food In the evening a myriad of sophisticated restaurants offer everything from legendary Thai food to superb Italian and French cuisine. “La Grappa”, an Italian restaurant owned by the Dane Peter Kirketerp, is my personal favorite. The Indian restaurant near Hilton is also great. Maybe this is where I should confess here, that there are still several of the Scandinavian restaurants in Hua Hin and Cha-am that I haven’t visited, yet. Upscale nightlife The nightlife of Hua Hin is getting more and more sophisticated as well. “Atlantis Club” - also Danish owned - is definitely on the top of the list for my next visit. Ray’s jazz place up nearby the railway station is also cool. September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 21
The Yellow Door B New children’s department at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin separates healthy babies from the sick so the healthy babies stays like that. By Gregers Moller
22 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
angkok Hospital in Hua Hin opened on 9 August a new pediatric department to better serve the increasing number of families with children in the Hua Hin area. The new department is the latest in a series of improvements of the services offered by the preferred hospital for the Scandinavian community. Among the innovative ideas incorporated in the new pediatric department is the separation of babies with an illness from healthy babies who are there only to get their regular injections or a regular check-up. “There are two entries, a yellow and a blue,” explains Dr. Somarch, the Director of the hospital in Hua Hin. “The first door is the yellow which is for babies with a fever or otherwise sick. The next one is the blue door for healthy babies. The separation will help prevent cross infections.” The new department is aiming not only at serving the Scandinavians and other foreigners living in the area but also the many Thai people who value quality health services especially when it comes to their children. Dr. Varachati Soodjinda, MD., FAAP, is the director or the department. He is an extremely experienced Diplomate of the American Board
The first door is the yellow which is for babies with a fever or otherwise sick. The next one is the blue door for healthy babies. The separation will help prevent cross infections.
Dr. Somarch, the Director of the hospital in Hua Hin, speaking at the opening.
or the Blue Door of Pediatrics who practiced for many years in the United States before being tempted to return to Thailand.
ample and now some couples even fly in only for the birth and to spend the maternity leave in Thailand,” says Dr. Somarch who has recently been given a new and challenging assignment. He
will be in charge of developing the Bangkok Hospital in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, to the same standard as the rest of the hospitals in the Bangkok Hospital group.
Childbirth department Another medical expert that of Dr. Somarch has managed to attract to the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin is Dr. Kitti Loychusak, MD., FACOG. He is the director of the Women’s Wellness Center of the hospital. The center combines the medical disciplines of gynecology and childbirth and offers both natural births and birth by C-section along with the whole area of wellness treatments. Sometimes the mothers go through the regular check-ups during the pregnancy with their local health clinic only to come for the birth to Bangkok Hospital. This is perfectly alright with the hospital. “We have established a cooperation with the local clinics that facilitates this including transfer of the medical records and other documents,” Dr. Somarch explains. A recent trend is a steady stream of Russian women giving birth at the hospital. It started with one couple who told others about how much they had saved compared to back in Russia and the excellent treatment they had received. “Other Russian couples followed their exSeptember 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 23
24 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Finnish Eden in Hua Hin Khun Tip and Paivi outside the gate to Lomakyla Eeden.
T
he Finnish-Thai couple Päivi Kivikangas and Teerapong Apaseesod – mostly known as Khun Tip – are busy putting the final touches to their housing project “Lomakylä Eeden” – Eden Village – North of Hua Hin. The Grand Opening will take place on Sunday 29 December 2013. The whole project is very Finnish in the sense that it is extremely well implemented. There is already a wall surrounding the site, fully laid drain system, wide concrete roads leading to all plots, installed electricity cables, and common facility with sizable swimming pool and landscape have been completed in advance. The village has been granted a village development permit and also EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) certified - such distinguished qualities are virtually unheard of among villages in the area. Of course there is also the perfect Finnish sauna with special anti-slippery floor tiles throughout. So Khun Tip has a background in real estate business? Wrong! “I did my MSc. in Software Engineering and went straight to corporate environment in England. Based in London, I had amazing years growing professionally and extensive travels with France Telecom and Orange UK” Khun Tip returned to Thailand in 2007, and went on to take charge of family business in manufacturing, whose products include gas-operated cooking appliances. 2 years later, Khun Tip met and fell in love with Päivi in Bangkok. Päivi was at the time working as a Finnish Christian missionary under FELM (Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission). There it was, a blessing in the making, their union in marriage didn’t quite prepare them for what to come.
“Well, it all started with my wife – or rather with her parents” Khun Tip laughs. “They came to visit us in 2009 and we had a great vacation together. Then just a week before returning to Finland, they went to visit a friend who already had a house in Hua Hin/Cha Am area, and suddenly bought a house in the same village!”. Khun Tip and Päivi were shocked. “It was the first time I heard about Scandinavian community in the area located just outside Hua Hin town. My curiosity led me to thoroughly visit the area, to discover Swedes and Danes made up larger groups with Finns trailing not far behind. I also did more research on demographic change and travel pattern with Hua Hin as a highly sought-after choice of destination among Scandinavian, I think we have a business case”, he explains. “Both my wife and in-laws supported the idea. They have been extremely resourceful in giving me a crash course in Finnish way of life, likes and dislikes, and their qualities. The more I explore, the more I am convinced I like the people from there” The journey hadn’t begun for almost a year after he toying with the idea and making rounds
with private investors, then the land was discovered for feasible cost, while other things also fell in place just the right moments, that’s when Khun Tip swiftly gathered his resources and started moving toward building the village. Eden village – or Lomakylä Eeden as it says in Finnish by the gate to the compound – is made up of almost 60 plots of land, measuring on average around 440 sqm. Clients have choices of four stylish house models: Aino, Mielikki, Vellamo and Ilmatar – all thoroughly planned down to the last detail. Khun Tip and Päivi further remarked, “ the village is Finnish at conception, but along the way, we thought it’d be wonderful to welcome those who share similar cultural backgrounds too, therefore Eeden is proud to open to people from other Nordic countries. Not strictly Scandinavian, but people who appreciate European way of life”.
Moving into Eden themselves All the infrastructure was put in place and the village will soon be ready to welcome its first resident. Khun Tip and Päivi themselves will be moving in together with their 2 year old son, Sisu. “We are very excited and really looking forward to our new home!” Khun Tip says.
It started with my wife … So, from Software Engineering to running manufacturing company, and to property development – how did that happened? See more details at www.eedenthaimaa.com September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 25
Fast growing kitchen market
N
New manager of Kvik in Hua Hin has great expectations to the future kitchen market.
orwegian Einar Bråthe took on 1 August over as owner of the Danish kitchen shop Kvik in Hua Hin. Einar Bråthe has for the past ten years been working “in and out” of Hua Hin as real estate agent. When the former Danish owners gave it up, he was asked to take over the business, and he did not hesitate a second. “Kvik is a strong brand in Hua Hin and has a strong appeal in Thailand in general both towards farangs and local Thai developers because of the well known Danish design and quality,” the Norwegian said. Despite the fact that he is very new in the job, he is already very optimistic about the future in the kitchen business. “Hua Hin is exploding. They are building condos and villas everywhere here, and they will all need a kitchen, so for me the market looks very exciting,” Einar Bråthe adds. From his previous job he also has many contacts to the local developers. “Of course it is a benefit that I know these developers, because they are close to the people, who are going to need a kitchen”
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Another reason why the sale is exploding just now as he has taking over the business, is that Kvik is running a campaign giving up to 25 percent discount from August 1 till end of September. The campaign has been a success already half way through August. “It has given much more than I expected. We already reached this month’s budget,” he said . Besides from the demand from the farangs, he also sees a lot of options in the Thai market. “I would really like to come into the Thai market because it is growing faster. I have just employed one lady just to take care of that market,” he said. Einar Braathe lives in Hua Hin with his Thai wife, and his suggestions to Scandinavians who are considering to start up a business just like he is just to get started. “If you have just a little adventure in the blood and if you are able to adapt to the Thai way of doing business, you should do it.” The Kvik shop in Hua Hin, is located on the main street Phetkasem Road, just 100 meter from the ESSO petrol station, and the new owner invites everyone in for a cup of coffee and a “Kitchen chat”.
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26 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Good service is good business Bjarne Jensen had been in Hua Hin for one week, when he decided to start his own business. Now two years later his company Hua Hin Data is still growing, and so is the demand for his IT support.
Mr. Bjarne Jensen with his administration staff in front of the office in Hua Hin.
By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
F
rom his office in Hua Hin, Bjarne Jensen controls around 300 computers and 26 servers located in some cases thousands of kilometers away. The PC’s are installed in six call centres located in Denmark, Dubai and Hua Hin. “My main expertise is to put up reliable internet connections that will not break off all of a sudden,” he said. “The companies that I serve realize how much bigger the market for them can be, and how fast they can expand abroad, when their connection is good enough to keep them in constnat touch with customers outside the country where they are sitting,” he explains. As a ten-year old boy, Bjarne Jensen had a computer in his hands for the first time. Ever since that day he has been working with computers and taught himself how to search and find errors, analyse problems and solve them. An ability that is in high demand especially in Thailand, where the standards for internet connections are lower than what people in the US and Europe are used to. Another thing that is highly requested is the kind of service that
Bjarne Jensen delivers. He identifies whatever problem the computer actually has and fixes it. It sounds simple, and that is actually what it is. “I often hear stories, how someone delivers their computer to a helpdesk because of a simple problem that may not be hardware related. Maybe the user can not log in to his or her hotmail account. The helpdesk then can not see the PC has a problem, because the actual problem is internet related, but in attempt to fix it they will reinstall the operating system and software on the computer, - but that will of course not fix the problem!” he adds.
Service is everything
his computer talent and asked him to stay. At that time he was on a usual business trip where he setup all the IT for a call centre in Hua Hin. “Already after one week, he acknowledged that he would be able to start up, and also saw the market potential for the computer fixing,” he tells, and adds that starting up business in Hua Hin is the best decision he ever made. Today, the main service he is providing is the IT support to the six call-centers, which he has customized the setup for in Dubai and Hua Hin. And even though he is busy with his customers, he has a list of upcoming projects in the melting pot.
He has for instance opened a small workshop, where he fixes business and private IT problems. That will take most of his time when there are quiet periods in between the services he provides to the call centres. Apart from that he has just started a partnership with another Dane who’s business InvadeIT in Hua Hin that is selling computers and hardware online. The partnership, is very good for both business and especially for the costumers. “In that way we ensure our common customers a good and reliable service,” he said.
“For me it is important that the customer is satisfied with my service. It will make him come back, and that is the essence in my business,” he explains. “If I can not fix the problem I will not charge the customer. My service should be worth something, and that something is that I solve the problem,” he explains. What in first step made him decide to build up a business were the people around him, who believed in
September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 27
Weekend in
Hua Hin Visiting Hua Hin for the weekend, you can do more than just stay and relax at the resort. By Gregers Moller
T
here is nothing wrong with staying in bed all day, or read a book by the pool side and only get up for meals. But once you have read that book and had that meal, Hua Hin has indeed plenty of more things to do.
Rama VI’s Summer Palace
LA PEROUSE Boutique Resort This is a charming resort whose bungalows were designed by its owner to show its relaxing, peaceful and private atmosphere. La Perouse offers you a variety of different styles to choose from. This cozy, quiet resort in the Gulf of Thailand offers privacy in a beautiful setting. You will feel like you are staying in your very own holiday home by the sea. SCANDINAVIAN COTTAGE GREEK VILLA
North of Hua Hin, half way to the twin city of Cha-am, you will find one of my favorites, the Summer palace of of King Rama VI. The palace also known as Mrigadayavan Palace is designed by an Italian architect and built of golden teak wood in 1923. It is a special feeling to walk around on the many elevated pathways and through the many rooms and imagine the busy palace life when the king was staying there. Often, there is an exhibition as well but the main attraction is the building and its location.
Cicada Market If you are into art and culture – no, not another temple – then check out Cidaca Market. It is divided into four venues: Art A La Mode, Cicada Art Factory, Amphitheatre and Cicada Cuisine. While some head straight for the food zone, I think the Art A La Mode is the most interesting. Art and craft vendors here sell their own creations of clothing, handmade bags, fashion accessories, souvenirs, crafts, used items and cards. Most of the vendors here are young people from art colleges, local vendors, or vendors from Bangkok. You will find it by Hua Hin Soi 87, at the entrance to Hyatt Regency Hotel, and it is open from 4 in the afternoon.
Hua Hin by bicycle MOROC VILLA AMERICAN COTTAGE
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28 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
Many hotels offer bicycles for rent. If not, you can rent one from T & D Bike Rental at 69 Naebkehardt Road, next to the Pananchai Hotel. They also offer motorbikes, but go for the real ones. If you are not a serious biker, then take it easy. Just go South beyond Khao Takiab – the “monkey mountain” to the long, quiet Suan Son beach there. Or go north up to Black Mountain and check out the famous golf club. Getting there is suddenly half of the fun.
Enjoy a massage Back from any of the above, have a massage and pamper yourself. If your resort doesn’t offer it in house, they will for sure be able to advise you where to go. Tell them what you like – if they know that you prefer a soothing oil massage, they will not send you to a place with traditional Thai deep tissue massage.
THE LAPA HUA HIN HOTEL The Lapa,set in the royal town of Hua Hin, is a casual cool alcove with the laid-back attitude. The chic resort embodies the definition of a refreshing respite with its warm and idyllic ambience and blissful surroundings in Contemp-Tropicool style. Located right in the vibrant city center, guests at the Lapa are provided the best of both world. Offering 32 rooms and 35 bedrooms in five configuration, Feature spacious interiors evoking utmost comfort and convenience. Indulgent room amenities include LCD TV, bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower and high-speed wireless internet. Sand cafĂŠ dining outlets providing an extensive menu of Thai and International favourites as well as barbecue, snack and a wide selection of drinks. Be pampered at the S-Sense Spa and be soothed and relieved from a session of massages. To the adventurous, explore the nearby attractions through water sports, fishing, boating and safari. Enjoy our salt & ozone swimming pool for both adults & Kids. The Lapa also offers complimentary shuttle bus service to the town and beach.
Soi Mooban Nongkae, Tumbon Nongkae, Ampur Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikan, 77110 THAILAND THE LAPA HUA HIN 4/115 Tel: +66 32 513 222 l Fax: +66 32 516 714 l www.THELAPAHOTEL.com l www.facebook.com/lapa.huahin
September 2013 • ScandAsia.Thailand 29
Medium
Cones with
whipped cream and jam
Evil
By Sine Neuchs Thomsen
Ingredients • 1 egg • 1 cup white sugar (90 gram) • 1 cup wheat flour • 2-2,5 ts. water • 25 gram melted butter • A bit salt if not in the butter
Are you done?
W
hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt. Name:
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Age: ________________________
Mobile:
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Address:
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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 Octember 2013 30 ScandAsia.Thailand • September 2013
• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. • Whisk egg and sugar frothing with a handheld mixer. Add the flour with a ladle. Add water and mix the mass smooth. • Draw three circles with ten centimetres in diameter on a piece of baking paper and glaze a thin layer melted butter in each of the circles. • To each cone you use one ts. dough, which you spread in the circle with the spoon. Add a little more water if the dough is too thick to spread out. • Bake the circles in the oven a couple of minutes. Only bake 2-3 at a time. Take them out when they are brown on the edge. Quickly after taken them out you loosen them with a spatula and shape them to a cone around a spoon. To keep the shape, let the cone cool down in a bottleneck. If the dough gets too stiff to shape, you can put it back in the oven for a short time, then the sugar will melt, and you can try again.
Serve with whipped cream and preferred type of jam
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