Sawasdee feb 2014 opt

YOUR PERSONAL COPY FEbruary 2014Welcome to a world of discoveries

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Choc cityA decadent tour of Brussels

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Contents

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VEntUREKeeping you up to speed with the latest news, trends and exciting events in thailand and beyond.

RomAncing thAilAnd From the traditional to the cultural, wedding ideas with a thai twist.

citY oF thE momEnt: los AngElEsin between bouts of star spotting, lA has plenty of gems to satisfy your craving for the glitz of hollywood.

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44To enjoy the digital version of SawaSdee, simply go to www.thaiairways.com and click on the Sawasdee banner

gAllERY: REEl mAgic Retro movie posters offer a nostalgic trip back in time.

chocolAtE cApitAldiscover a chocoholics decadent tour of Brussels.

RoYAl pAgE the work of the Friends in need (of pa) Volunteers Foundation.

wElcomE ABoARdnews, route tables and maps from thai Airways international.

Brussels, city of chocolates Photo: Neil Farrin/ JaI/Corbis

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please send us an email at [email protected] to let us know your ideas on how we may further improve our services. For more information, please explore our website at www.thaiairways.com and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Thaiairways for the latest news.

[email protected] www.thaiairways.com like www.facebook.com/Thaiairways

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WeLCoMe

ChokChai PanyayongSenior exeCutive viCe PreSident, CommerCiAl ACting PreSident tHAi AirWAYS internAtionAlPuBliC ComPAnY limited

welcome aboard our Royal orchid service and thank you for flying with thai Airways international. with February internationally celebrated as the month of love, weve lined up some special features in this issue of Sawasdee to get you in the mood. As more couples look to having destination weddings, weve highlighted romantic places and ideas here in thailand for making special proposals or for enjoying an extraordinary time with your significant other.

we also present a special piece for chocolate lovers that takes you on a decadent trail of the celebrated chocolates of Brussels. For those who love star-gazing, youll find hollywood hot spots and hidden gems in our city of the moment feature on the glamorous city of los Angeles. i am sure you will find Sawasdee an entertaining read this month.

no matter which thAi aircraft youre on to your destination of choice, we wish you a pleasant flight and look forward to serving you again soon. thank you for flying thAi.

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thai aiRWays inteRnationaL PUBLiC CoMPany LiMiteD89 vibhavadi rangsit road, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, thailand www.thaiairways.com

eDitoRiaL aDvisoRy BoaRD Senior executive vice President, Commercial department ChokChai Panyayong vice President, Corporate Public relations PetChPRing saRasin

PUBLiCitas (thaiLanD) LtD5th Floor, lumpini iBuilding, 239/2 Soi Sarasin, rajdamri road, lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, thailandTel: +66 2 651 9273 to 7 Fax: +66 2 651 9278www.publicitas.com/thailand

managing director steven Chookiat PangviPhas [email protected]

aDveRtising Sales & marketing director Janya LiMManee [email protected] executive nattaPon taChaMontRekUL [email protected] executive WatsaMon PhUninLaWan [email protected] executive nontRa PoonnoPathaM [email protected] executive Reza BizMaRk [email protected]

PUBLishingmanaging director JoUi ongeditorial director RoD MaCkenzie managing editor MiMi gRaChangnetaRa deputy editor Winnie LeUngContributing Sub-editor sakinah Manaff-gReen Contributing Sub-editor JaCqUeLine DanaM Senior Art director ginny gayContributing designer WoRaPot BoonyakatePublishing Services DoReen LaUContent Solutions Betty LisWanty

Please send editorial enquiries to [email protected]

is published monthly for Thai airways International Public Company Limited by Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. The views and opinions expressed or implied in sawasdee do not necessarily reflect those of Thai airways International Public Company Limited or its publishing agent. all information correct at time of print. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Thai airways International Public Company Limited and Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. all rights reserved. Copyright 2014 by Thai airways International Public Company Limited and Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. Printed by wPS (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

aUstRaLiaPUBLisheRs inteRnationaLeCharlton DSilva Tel: +61 292 523 476 Fax: +61 292 522 022Email: [email protected]

aUstRiaPUBLiCitas aUstRiaandrea Kuefstein Tel: +43 121 153 0 Fax: +43 121 216 03Email: [email protected]

BeLgiUMPUBLiCitasSarah Van Haute Tel: +32 263 984 20 Fax: +32 263 984 30Email: [email protected]

CanaDaPUBLiCitas CanaDaWayne St. John Tel: +1 416 363 138 8 Fax: +1 416 363 288 9Email: [email protected]

ChinaPUBLiCitas ChinaLibby Chen Tel: +86 10 6588 8155 Fax: +86 10 6588 3110Email: [email protected]

DUBai UaeintegRateD aDveRtising seRviCesPrasad amin Tel: +971 444 757 60 Fax: +971 444 757 61Email: [email protected]

fRanCePUBLiCitas sasNicolas Hinfray Tel: +33 153 648 881 Fax: +33 145 009 481Email: [email protected]

geRManyPUBLiCitas gMBhGunnar W. Hintz Tel: +49 69 71 91 49 0 Fax: +49 69 71 91 49 30Email: [email protected]

hong kong, taiWan, MaCaUPUBLiCitas hong kong LtDMichele Li Tel: +850 251 615 10 Fax: +852 252 832 60Email: [email protected]

inDiaMeDiasCoPe PUBLiCitas (i) Pvt LtDrachna Gulati Tel: +91 11 2373 0869 (d); +91 11 2373 0873-74 Fax: +91 11 2373 0868Email: [email protected]

inDonesiaPt MeDia ManDiRiSarah Grace Hutabarat Tel: +62 218 355 510 Fax: +62 218 293 563Email: [email protected]

itaLyPUBLiCitas inteRnationaL s.P.a.Marzia Solinas Tel: + 39 02 55 19 43 85 Fax: + 39 02 55 19 90 19Email: [email protected]

JaPanPUBLiCitas JaPan k.k.Hiroko Minato Tel: +81 335 476 333 Fax: +81 335 476 330Email: [email protected]

koReaMeDiReP Co.Soohoon Oh Tel: +82 2 734 0786 Fax: +82 2 734 0787Email: [email protected]

Latin aMeRiCaPUBLiCitas ChaRney / PaLaCios & Co.Lucio Grimaldi Tel: +1 786 388 6390 Fax: +1 786 388 9113Email: [email protected]

MaLaysiaPUBLiCitas inteRnationaL sDn BhDaudrey Cheong Tel: +60 377 296 923 Fax: +60 377 297 115Email: [email protected]

the netheRLanDsPUBLiCitas B.v.Peter Landsheere Tel: +31 203 119 710 Fax: +31 203 119 712Email: [email protected]

noRth aMeRiCaPUBLiCitas Usabruce brandfon Tel: +1 212 330 073 4 Fax: +1 212 599 829 8Email: [email protected]

singaPoRePUBLiCitas singaPoRe Pte LtDHoo Siew-Sai Tel: +65 6836 2272 Fax: +65 6634 5231 Email: [email protected] Thay Tel: +65 6836 2272 Fax: +65 6634 5231 Email: [email protected]

sPainPUBLiCitasbibiana Mojarro Tel: +34 913 237 913 Fax: +34 917 335 958Email: [email protected]

sWitzeRLanDaDnative s.a.Pierre Denonin Tel: +41 227 964 626 Fax: +41 227 970 270Email: [email protected] Girardot Tel: +41 227 964 626 Fax: +41 227 970 270 Email: [email protected]

UniteD kingDoMPUBLiCitas LtDane Elorriaga Tel: +44 203 263 6100 Fax: +44 203 263 6133Email: [email protected]

oveRseas aDveRtising RePResentatives

like thai Airways internationals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ThaiAirways for the latest news and updates

AwArds & AccolAdes Bronze Awards, Design: Best Use of Photography;

Editorial: Best Overall Editorial, Custom Content Councils 2013 Pearl Awards

Honourable Mention for Best Magazine Design, 43rd Creativity Print & Packaging Awards 2013

Gold Award, 8th Thai Print Awards 2013

Honourable Mention for Best Airline Publication and Best Use of Photography Overall Publication, 2013 Content Marketing Awards

Award of Excellence in Magazine Design, Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) 2013 Awards

Award of Excellence, 2012 Asian Publishing Awards

Winner

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Design: Best Use of Photography+

Editorial: Best Overall Editorial

Bronze Awards

Publicitas (thailand) ltd tel: +66 2 651 9273/4/5/6/7 www.publicitas.com/thailand

Winner

at theCustom Content Councils

2013 Pearl Awards, held in New York

ventUReplAcEs, FAcEs, ExpERiEncEs & moRE

sanD-sationaL oUtingslook out for cool sand sculptures along Australias famed gold coast this month during the surfers paradise sand safari. For other outstanding outing ideas, turn to page 24.

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2123 feB sAlsAFEstiVAl switzERlAnd, zURich home to Europes biggest salsa party, this event features up to nine shows each night. dont worry if you dont know the steps as you can pick up tips at the workshops. salsafestival.com

128 feB wondERcool copEnhAgEn discover the danish citys cultural delights at this annual event. this years highlights include video art in historic buildings, and an unusual design and gastronomical experience at designmuseum danmark. wondercoolcopenhagen.com

511 feB sAppoRo snow FEstiVAl one of Japans largest winter events sees snow statues and ice sculptures lining odori park, the grounds at community dome tsudome, and the main street in susukino. snowfes.com/english

79 feB KARAchi litERAtURE FEstiVAl inspiring debates and discussions about books drew 50,000 people to last years event. this year, expect more than 200 speakers congregating at Beach luxury hotel for the festival. karachiliteraturefestival.org

39 feB stoCkhoLM

Design Week More than 60 high-

profile design events will be held at various venues throughout the

city, in conjunction with the Stockholm Furniture & Light

Fair. stockholm designweek.com

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89 feB ViEntiAnE intERnAtionAl RUgBY chAmpionship teams from around the world compete for the trophy in this high-level rugby competition. laorugby.com/Lao_Rugby _Federation/Vientiane_Championship_2014.html

1028 feB mUscAt FEstiVAl discover the magical beauty of the sultanate of oman and how urban development has not eroded any aspect of its history and heritage at this annual festival. muscat-festival.com

2628 feB dhRUpAd mElA, VARAnAsi Varanasi is renowned for big music festivals particularly during winter and spring. this one is devoted to dhrupad, a classical form of vocal genre. A double-headed drum, pakhavaj, accompanies the singer. up-tourism.com

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23 MaR mARAtonA di RomA Rome hosts about 50 side events to cheer on the marathon runners as they take in some of the worlds oldest and most important historical landmarks. maratonadiroma.it

8 MaR wildFoods FEstiVAl, nEw zEAlAnd this event may well be the only place on Earth where you can sink your teeth into wasp larvae ice cream, cucumber fish, sheep milk cheeses and wok-fried clams, all in the same day. wildfoods.co.nz

9 MaR Rolling stonEs 14 on FiRE toUR, mAcAU mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie wood and charlie watts will set the cotai Arena ablaze, along with special guest mick taylor, who was a member of the band from 1969 to 1974. From 19 march, the band heads to Australia for the next leg of the tour. rollingstones.com

89 MaR Big phAt phnom pEnh hAt toURnAmEnt ten teams will compete in this years ultimate Frisbee-throwing event, which is themed olympics. phnompenh. hattournaments.com

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thaievents

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1416 MaR thE gRAnd pAttAYA intERnAtionAl mUsic FEstiVAl Billed as Asias longest beach music festival, this free concert features four stages with local and international musicians performing all types of genres from pop to new age. pattayamusicfest.com 2529 MaR snooKERs plAYERs chAmpionship gRAnd FinAls, BAngKoK held for the first time in the thai capital this season, 32 of the worlds leading players will compete for the total prize money of 300,000, with the winner to receive 100,000. worldsnooker.com

30 MaRcindEREllA & pRincE oF thE goldEn conch shEll 2014 , chiAng mAi the chiang mai Ballet Academy proudly presents cinderella & prince of the golden conch shell 2014 as part of the 12th charity musical dance play at the Kad theatre. the play combines various dance styles including classical

ballet, jazz, thai contemporary, hip hop and flamenco performed by leading thai and international dancers. For more information, please contact Tel: (66) 81 881 1114

1315 aPR songKRAn songkran falls during the hottest time of year in thailand, at the end of the dry season. celebrated as the traditional thai new Year, it is a welcome respite from the heat as fun water plays among locals and visitors take place throughout the Kingdom.

1012 feB tRAng UndERwAtER wEdding cEREmonY held at pak meng Beach in trangs sikao district, couples seal their love in an unusual way by signing their wedding certificates underwater. tourismthailand.org

1216 feB thE BAY REgAttA, phUKEt/phAng ngA/KRABi this yachting event is held in and around the waters of phang nga Bay. there will be plenty of shoreside activities for spectators as well. bayregatta.com

2123 feB Khon KAEn opEn srichaphan tennis Academy is the venue for this tennis tournament with a difference all the players are wheelchair-bound. itftennis.com/wheelchair/tournaments

79 feB chiAng mAi FlowER FEstiVAl Flower floats, a beauty contest and an agricultural exhibition and fair are some of the highlights of this annual event. tourismthailand.org

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aLL natURaL help your children discover the wonders of the natural world with the new Ritz Kids childrens programme. created for 4- to 12-year-olds with Jean-michel cousteaus ocean Futures society, Ritz Kids uses fun activities to bring home environmentally friendly messages as well as encourages appreciation for local cultures. its available at 81 hotels, including phulay Bay, a Ritz-carlton Reserve in Krabi. ritzcarlton.com

MasteR Chefs the French are now not the only ones to have their cuisine added to the United nations cultural heritage list. traditional Japanese food, or washoku, has made it to the list as well. washoku is a combination of seasonal ingredients, a unique taste and a style of eating steeped in centuries of tradition. unesco.org

the BeaUtifUL gaMe nicknamed as such by a sports commentator, football has evolved from a mere sport to a symbol of national identity. with the 2014 world cup coming up in June, the los Angeles county museum of Art examines the subject of football and its interactions with societies around the world in Ftbol: the Beautiful game. the exhibition is on from 2 February to 20 July. lacma.org

aRt attaCk Fancy an art-

inspired studio on your next vacation

down Under? the Art series

studios offer all the creature comforts

and lets you immerse yourself

in art with original artworks, books,

tours, classes and curators. the

Bendigo studio in Victoria will open in may, while the larwill studio in

melbourne will open in december.

artserieshotels.com.au

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UnCoveR geRManys

seCRets travel brochures

promote the most popular

attractions, but theres often much

more to discover in a destination. if

you are planning to visit germany,

check out hiVino, a website that helps

you discover the countrys hidden

gems, from spas and seasonal attractions

to medieval castles and old towns.

hivino.travel

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aMos on toUR since her debut in the early 90s, tori

Amos has been hailed as one of the most innovative singer-songwriters

in American pop. Expect more of her piano-driven tunes in her Unrepentant

geraldines world tour, which starts in may in Europe with stops in london, paris and Amsterdam. toriamos.com

aRtfUL stays if you love art, a new hotel in taipei may be a dream come true for you. the 235-room humble house taipei is home to an extensive collection of classic artworks. the outdoor garden, for example, features large butterfly artworks. humblehousehotels.com

fReeDoM WaLk nelson mandela captured the hearts of not just south Africans, but many around the world as well. walk in his footsteps with the 10-day mandelas Journey to Freedom package, which includes visits to the infamous Robben island in cape town and hector pieterson museum in Johannesburg. flysaavacations.com

shoPPing haven more than 5,000 stores in tokyo, Kansai and Fukuoka are giving discounts of up to 70 per cent during Japan shopping Festival, which ends on 28 February. look out for interactive events and demonstrations or pick up tips on how to shop like the locals to get the most out of this festival. gojsf.com

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BLUe WonDeR the four-star Blue marine Resort & spa on phukets patong Beach is now part of the centara fold. Renovations are ongoing at the resort to bring it up to par with centaras other properties. Besides the usual rooms and suites, Blue marine also offers one- and two-bedroom villas, each with its own pool. centarahotelsresorts.com

BeLgian tReasURe Chest Belgiums Royal museums of Fine Arts

has opened muse Fin-de-sicle, which specialises in artworks from 1868 to 1914. on display

are works by Belgian artists such as James Ensor, Fernand

Khnopff, lon spilliaert, Victor horta, henry van de Velde and philippe wolfers as well as works by foreign

artists such as paul gauguin, Auguste Rodin,

pierre Bonnard, mile gall, louis majorelle and Alphonse mucha.

fin-de-siecle-museum.be

siMPLy sanD-sationaL A sand trail, the Australian sand sculpting championships and a surfers paradise Foreshore display are what you can expect if youre at the gold coast from 8 February to 2 march. look out for spectacular sand sculptures, Australias best sand sculptors in action and build your own sand art pieces at this free sand safari event. surfersparadise.com

exPos on DoR

gustave dor began his artistic

career at the tender age of 15, first

as a caricaturist and then as a professional

illustrator. Rediscover the

works of this 19th-century

master at gustave dor (1832-1883). the power of the

imagination, an exhibition at

musee dorsay in paris, which runs from 18 February

to 11 may. musee-orsay.fr

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gaMe on the 22nd winter olympic games kick off in sochi, Russia the first time its being held in the country since the break-up of the Russian Federation. over 17 days, from 7 to 23 February, the city will play host to 6,000 athletes from 85 countries participating in 89 different events in 15 winter sports. sochi2014.com

noRtheRn exPosURe the aurora borealis, or the northern lights, is a spectacular phenomenon, but notoriously difficult to pin down. A new mobile app, norway lights, may just solve this problem. it provides a three-day extended forecast, an hourly forecast, facts and photo tips, among other features. the app is available for ios, Android and windows phones. visitnorway.com

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aRtBeat

/ wordsFiona Caulfield

Immerse yourself in the creatively cool energy of Mumbais thriving arts community

kaLa ghoDaCoLoURfUL

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This page, clockwise from topa recent textiles exhibition at artisans

womenswear at designer boutique Obataimu

Traditional dance performance at last years edition of the Kala Ghoda arts Festival

artisans gallery space, which includes a second-storey loft

Opposite pageMurals by artist Brinda Miller, depicting the maritime history of Mumbai

this vibrant cultural precinct located in south mumbai is home to the citys best museums, educational institutions, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. As well as grand streetscapes lined with some of the finest heritage buildings in the city, it is a delightful neighbourhood to take a stroll and explore the many small bylanes to discover cutting-edge designers and hip cafs.

Kala ghoda is the epicentre of the citys art world, home to major public art institutions including the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Jehangir Art Gallery, which has five galleries including the terrace that specialises in photography. there are also some superb private galleries showcasing indian contemporary art including Gallery Beyond and Galerie Isa both are located in the great western Building, a grand structure dating back to 1847, which once

housed the East india company. this is located just near the naval dockyards, whose outer walls have wonderful murals by artist Brinda miller, depicting the maritime history of the city.

one of the newer galleries in Kala ghoda is Artisans, founded by Radhi parekh, a graduate from the prestigious national institute of design in Ahmedabad. Besides supporting leading ngos and trusts, parekh presents the work of cutting-edge, independent artists, artisans and designers.

Art enthusiasts can also enjoy specialist tours of this area. Mumbai Magic offers a two-hour art walk and Beyond Bombay Tours has an Art musings walk where you can gallery hop and interact with owners and artists.

Across the road from Artisans, next to the sky blue Knesset Eliyahoo synagogue, which has a stunningly beautiful interior, is Filter, a boutique and gallery

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showcasing the work of indias best graphic artists. this is the brainchild of advertising guru Alok nanda. Along with his agency colleagues, he presents a well-curated range of stylish designer objects, with a strong focus on paper-based products including art prints, magazines, notepads and cards.

A few steps away in Ropewalk lane is the hip Kala Ghoda Caf, which contributes significantly to the cool quotient of the neighbourhood. owner Farhad Bomanjee, a photographer returned from a long stint abroad, decided to create his perfect caf in what was an early 20th-century barn. the compact space with whitewashed walls has vaulted ceilings, skylights and room for just a few tables. the caf frequently hosts photographic shows and they serve delicious, simple food. the house-blend coffee is the best in town and made from organic, shade-grown coffee beans, sourced directly from plantations in south india.

At the end of Ropewalk lane is the newest venture to open in

national gallery of modern Art ngmaindia.gov.in/ngma_mumbai.asp

Jehangir Art gallery jehangirartgallery.com

gallery Beyondgallerybeyond.in

galerie isagalerieisa.com

Artisansfacebook.com/artisanscentre

mumbai magicmumbaimagic.com

Beyond Bombay toursbeyondbombay.in

Filterfiltershop.in

Kala ghoda cafkgcafe.in

obataimuobataimu.com

Kala ghoda Arts Festival19 February 2014kalaghoda association.com

the area, Obataimu. creative director noorie sadarangani chose this Japanese name which literally translates as overtime to embrace the notion of fuller time, celebrating slow creation and the actual process of making an object, connecting production to consumption. the store/gallery features an innovative school for tailors, where you can see your clothes being made, combining Japanese tailoring principles and aesthetics with indian colours and craft skills.

Always a high-energy area, Kala ghoda is at its best during the annual arts festival held in February. the 2014 programme, from 19 February, will feature over 350 events across categories such as visual arts, music, theatre, dance and film. Be sure to check out the street acts, heritage walks and literature workshops for children as well as adults. Kala ghoda will be abuzz with locals and visitors enjoying shows as well as shopping at street stalls selling arts and crafts from across india.

This page, clockwise from topObataimu boutique

Find cool and unusual souvenirs at Filter, which showcases the work of some of Indias best graphic designers

an auto rickshaw art installation at the Kala Ghoda arts Festival

Opposite page, from topaccessories and stationery at Obataimu

expect plenty of street acts during the annual Kala Ghoda arts Festival

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thaistyLe

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/ words mimi

grachangnetara

Set the right tone for a special Thai-inspired Valentines Day

designers Fielddecorate your living room with gorgeous cushions made from recycled cotton fabric. Available in a selection of vibrant colours inspired by thai nature, theyre perfect for a cosy evening with that special someone.designersfield.com

is in the aiR

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manop RachoteA perfect evening is very dependent on the right lighting, and tropical nights candles, made of pure, organic beeswax and essential oil extracts from tropical flowers (such as jasmine, frangipani, ylang ylang and gardenia), will make all the difference. the brand prides itself in being one of the few candlemakers that avoids using synthetic fragrances. manop-rachote.com

oopsstuff Ever experienced that awkward moment of wanting to move closer, but dont quite know how to approach her? heres a way: offer a traditional finger massage with the Fish Finger a local product made from bamboo and youll have her eating out of your hands. oopsstuff.com

doi organics For that essential pre-date makeover, try UsdA-certified organic thai soap made from kaffir lime, papaya, mangosteen or lemongrass. made from natural vegetable glycerin, youre sure to feel like a million dollars. chiangmaiorganics.com

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MyWoRLD

/ interview mimi

grachangnetara

In 2013, you won the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific, and had good performances in the Thailand Super Series and GT Asia Series a pretty great year for you. What do you attribute your success to?i believe its all due to a lot of driving time in the race car. Just as the saying goes, practice makes perfect i take all my races as practice to develop my driving skills toward

perfection. Although no one is perfect, a lot of practice can take you in that direction.

What do you have in store for 2014?i will be joining the British gt series.

You started your career as a kart racer how do you compare karting with motor racing?the difference between karting

A rising star in Thailands world of motor racing, 20-year-old Pasin Lathouras talks to Sawasdee about life in and out of the racing circuit

and racing at the Ferrari challenge, for example, is the horsepower and weight of the vehicles karting is more responsive as the kart itself is lighter, but it doesnt go as fast. in motor racing, the cars have more horsepower and weight. theres more speed, but i dont feel as nimble when turning a corner.

Thailand is slowly beginning to take an interest in motor racing. As a Thai racer, what would be your dream circuit in Thailand?An ideal circuit in thailand would be a street circuit, as there arent many of these in the world, and thailand would be able to attract lots of spectators if we had one.

What more needs to be done in order for Thailand to compete with countries such as Singapore, which hosts a night race on a street circuit?thailand needs full support from the government because hosting something as huge as an F1 race is extremely costly.

A huge racing circuit is being built in the northeastern Thai province of Buriram. How much potential do you see for this place? Can it become Thailands next big thing?i believe that the circuit at Buriram

neeD foRsPeeD

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This spread, clockwise from far lefta moment of victory for Pasin Lathouras

driving the circuit at Sepang, Malaysia

Focus and determination in the driver's seat

driving through Macaus Grand Prix pit laneto waving spectators

Proud winner at the 2013 Ferrari Challenge asia Pacific

the track, getting into the car and driving the first couple of laps always reminds me why i do what i do.

To date, what has been the most challenging task for you as a racer? the most challenging task for me as a racer is to recover from an accident. Accidents and racing are part and parcel, but recovery periods depend on each driver some recover quickly, others take much longer.

What is your definition of a good motor racer? A person who adapts to different circuits and different conditions quickly. Also, a good driver must be consistent. the race isnt won on the first corner. the driver must be able to adapt to different conditions accordingly.

Which racers do you look up to?i look up to all Formula 1 drivers. to reach that point in their racing careers, they must have gone through a lot of hard work and dedication they all have my utmost respect.

What has been your proudest moment since you started motor racing?my proudest moment was in 2013 in the world finals for the Ferrari challenge, where i had to compete with professional drivers from Europe and north America, and they were known to be very good racers. Racing among them and finishing fifth in the finals was a huge achievement for me.

What do you do when youre not racing cars?im still trying to earn a university degree, so i spend my time away from the circuit fulfilling my duties as a hardworking undergraduate.

Since your idea of a good time is driving, you must be a fan of road trips what is your ideal road trip?my ideal road trip would be going with my family or friends up to the north of thailand during winter december is usually the best time, where the temperature up north is lovely and cool. one thing i love is driving up in the mountains in a convertible.

What car are you driving now?we currently have a Ferrari 458, a nissan gt-R and a maserati granturismo, so i take them out often. i drive a porsche cayenne on my daily commute to university.

What are three dream destinations on your travel list?i want to go back to santorini in greece because its a beautiful place. Also at the top of my list are the maldives and France.

has a lot of potential to attract many different series such as the moto gp or Formula series or even the super gt series from Japan. this can be thailands stepping stone into international motor racing.

Youve been in love with speed since the age of 13. Does this reflect your personal character? Do you do everything very quickly, for example? How does speed make you feel? since i developed a love for speed at a very young age, speed has indeed influenced me as a person. i tend to want to get things done quickly, but sometimes i also appreciate taking things slowly. speed always excites me. no matter how bad i feel outside

38

For couples looking for remarkable ways to say their I dos,

Thailand offers possibilities that will truly make it a day

worth cherishing / words Tina Hsiao-Kluk

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nny J

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/Get

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t h A i s p o t l i g h t

A special day calls for extraordinary moments, and

those who have experienced a wedding in thailand know that

ceremonies can be as varied as the natural surroundings on offer as a venue. couples have a wide choice of backdrops to complement the celebrations,

from mountains in the north to tropical beaches down south

even remote offshore islets can make for an exclusive gathering. Flexible options combined with all-inclusive services covering

everything from securing a venue to facilitating a marriage

registration all contribute to the strength of thailands destination wedding market.

matrimony was the theme the tourism Authority of thailand chose to highlight at last years

world travel market in london, showcasing the countrys

romantic appeal as a wedding and honeymoon destination

with the tagline, world Event: Romantic thailand.

RomancingThailand

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Traditional Tiescouples looking to tie the knot at a traditional thai ceremony can easily do so with the help of wedding organisers available through most resorts and hotels. northern thai lanna weddings similar to a traditional thai wedding but with a few regional idiosyncrasies are also offered by larger resorts in popular destinations such as chiang mai or chiang Rai.

A Buddhist ceremony typically takes place on the morning of a thai wedding, when the couple receives blessings from monks. Foreigners Buddhist or not can opt to incorporate this ritual into their wedding day if they wish. next follows the khan maak procession, which sees the groom accompanied by traditional thai musicians and dancers as he passes through a series of gates. his party can only gain access to the bride-to-be by persuading her relatives and friends offering envelopes of cash and making public declarations to look after his bride all done in convivial jest.

the couple is eventually joined together by sacred white chords perched around their heads, as guests line up and pour lustral water from ornate conch shells over their hands while offering well wishes. one of the main differences between a lanna and traditional thai wedding is that instead of the rod nam sang water pouring ceremony, pook kor mue a wrist-tying ritual where guests tie blessed white strings around the bride and grooms wrists takes place.

About 60 per cent of all the weddings held at our resort last year were thai or lanna style. out of those, the majority of the couples included at least one thai partner, but we are also seeing more foreign couples choosing the traditional ceremony, says sasinipa duangsuwan, conference services manager of Four seasons Resort chiang mai.

This page, clockwise from topThe pook kor mue ceremonial ritual is unique to traditional northern Thai weddings

auspicious gifts carried by the groom and his close family and friends during the khan maak procession, which include desserts, sugarcane and banana trees

a khan maak procession led by the groom with gifts for his bride

Lanna wedding guests tie sacred string around a couples wrists for good luck

Opposite pageThai wedding accessories

40

Tropical Attractionsweddings have also become ubiquitous in thailands beach destinations. Jeanette skelton is a Quintessentially weddings-recommended planner who has been curating high-end western-style ceremonies for the past seven years. my clients are mostly Asia-based, overseas-educated locals or regional expats who choose to get married in thailand because its a travel hub, says skelton, who is also the managing director of luxury Events phuket. her clients are often regular visitors to the Kingdom, and usually not particularly drawn to a traditional ceremony, although some hints of destination remain popular, she reveals, including launching kom loy lanterns into the evening skies and floral decor comprising orchids and other locally sourced flowers.

the vast majority of luxury Events weddings are held in upscale rental villas, where guests enjoy design and time flexibility, as well as absolute privacy. it is a misconception that everything in thailand is cheap, especially on phuket or samui, says skelton, whose weddings start at Us$50,000 for 80 to 100 guests. You do get what you pay for, so choosing a wedding planner who has solid relationships with suppliers will save you money.

signature weddings, the sister company of award-winning villa management and rental firm luxury Villas and homes, has also seen a sharp rise in demand for bespoke villa weddings over the past few years. we manage weddings in many of our villas on Koh samui and phuket, says wedding manager and planner tina Roper-morley. the majority are western-style ceremonies infused with thai flavours, including long drum processions, fire dancers and even elephants.

Upping the ante on privacy and exclusivity, couples can now also exchange their vows offshore in thailands famed cerulean waters. in 2012, superyacht charter company Yacht solutions organised the first-ever superyacht wedding on a deserted island in the mergui Archipelago, just a days cruise from phuket. the wedding was attended by a handful of guests and officiated by the yachts captain. we have also previously organised a wedding in the similan islands, says gareth twist, managing director of Yacht solutions. other weddings have been arranged on board yachts in utmost privacy, with stunning backdrops and no onlookers.

the price of a superyacht wedding depends on the size and type of vessel chartered, how far the yacht has to sail, the number of guests, and any personalised extras required for the ceremony. of the five superyacht weddings in the last three years, says twist, one of the most recent ones we organised cost in the region of Us$40,000, excluding the superyacht charter costs.


41

Left, clockwise from top leftwedding organised by Luxury weddings, where the groom and his groomsmen wore custom Converse sneakers, and the bride and her bridesmaids wore couture dresses

Customised wedding floral decoration at Baan asan, Koh Samui

a purpose-built platform erected over the infinity pool at a small, modern villa, which hosted a wedding organised by Luxury events

wedding reception held on the beachfront lawn of Ban Suriya on Koh Samui

Left, clockwise from far lefta Phuket Baba Peranakan wedding portrait of asi Mamanee, Charg daffaires of the Royal Thai embassy and Ittha Mamanee

a Baba-Yaya wedding portrait from the 1940s. The bride was from the prominent Koysomboon family, who were involved in Phukets mining business. This image, shared by the brides niece Rabiab Jitkua, was one of the inspirations for the revival of Phuket Baba-Yaya weddings in 2005

a wedding road show held by members of the Thai Peranakan association at the Blue elephant Governors Mansion Phuket

BelowChildren from wittaya Sathid School of Phuket keeping the Baba-Yaya culture alive

For a ceremony that brings together culture, history and island appeal, phuket Baba-Yaya weddings tick all the boxes. the traditional celebration, named after the peranakan chinese settlers who arrived on the island in the 19th century, was revived at a 2005 event. the purpose is to draw attention to this particular cultural aspect of phuket and at the same time assist the locals in attracting more tourism interest, says pranee sakulpipatana, vice president of the thai peranakan Association and organiser of the events.

the three-day festivities include a traditional tea ceremony ritual and a procession of participating couples through specially decorated streets of phuket old town, culminating at Blue Elephant thai restaurant for a wedding feast. An additional day is set aside for couples to relax or go on a honeymoon day trip to nearby islands.

i dream of doing something for my birthplace, my province, adds sakulpipatana, who is also the former director of phuket cultural center in Rajabhat University and a fourth generation phuket Yaya. the phuket Baba wedding is an opportunity for us to keep our culture alive through the conservation and showcase of traditional Baba wedding rituals, costumes and cuisine.

the sixth phuket Baba-Yaya wedding is tentatively scheduled for 2022 June 2014. the event, organised by the thai peranakan Association, is open to all couples, regardless of nationality, looking to tie the knot, renew their vows, or simply to experience the traditional festivities and cultural heritage of thailand.

Cultural Connections

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Wedding & Honeymoon

(.) Amazing Thailand

Amazing Romance

.

Honeymoon Destination in Thailand


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In between bouts of star spotting, Los Angeles has plenty of other gems to satisfy your cravings for the glitz and glam of Hollywood / words Britt Collins / photos Jennifer L. Johnson

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Bustling Hollywood Boulevard in

Los angeles


46

This spread, clockwise

from aboveFiring up a cocktail

at acabar

enjoy beverages and gourmet food at The

Cheese Store of Silverlake

Old-style glamour at The Beverly

Hills Hotel

The raw and arty Line Hotel in

Koreatown

French-Moroccan Casbah Cafe on

Sunset Boulevard

los Angeles is a multicultural mosaic of a city with a vibrant nightlife, culinary innovations and style to spare. if you take time to explore the patchwork sprawl of neighbourhoods from the buzzing and revitalised Arts district to Eastsides hip silver lake or the breezy beach culture of Venices Abbot Kinney lA is full of hidden gems and plenty of homegrown charms. As the stars descend on hollywood for the awards show shuffle in the lead up to the 86th Academy Awards, this is one of the most thrilling times of the year to be here...

EAT & DRINK lA is known for its world-class food scene from its alfresco bistros to fine-dining eateries that is fired up by its ethnic diversity and continually reinvented by some of the countrys most exciting chefs. Among the buzziest new hot spots is Acabar (acabar-la.com), a decadent restaurant/lounge set in a palatial moroccan-style riad. its imaginative menu is a culinary adventure, following the fabled spice route through southeast Asia, india, lebanon and northwest Africa. For a sumptuous brunch, check out Fig & Olive (figandolive.com), whose menus are centred around farm fresh and locally sourced seasonal ingredients try the blood orange mimosas and fig and walnut pancakes. the perennially packed RivaBella (innovativedining.com/restaurants/rivabella) dazzles with streamlined italian classics such as seared swordfish, black truffle ravioli and cannoli in a sophisticated, sun-dappled space with soaring citrus trees and a retractable roof. the hard-to-get-into nYc transplant Raos (raosla.com), famous for its old-world elegance and uncomplicated cooking, is the new A-list haunt. with celebrity

snaps on the walls and golden oldies on the vintage jukebox, the chops-and-martinis joint evokes a Mad Men vibe.

the latest weird and wonderful entry to lAs nightlife scene is dance club/exhibition space DBA (dbahollywood.com) in the heart of west hollywood. standing for doing business as, dBA is touted as a blank canvas brought alive by a revolving set of curators expect everything from art displays, cabaret and avant-garde performances to go with your cocktails. Reservations are essential. Another sexy new nightspot is Warwick (warwickla.com) with its multiple bars, oversized chandeliers and cushy couches, it is becoming known for its fashionable crowd as much as its cocktails. The Powder Room (powderroomla.net), a slip of a diner and cocktail parlour, is the late-night place to chill out over classic tunes, handcrafted cocktails and its signature spiked milkshakes. Feeling especially indulgent? try the Us$500 Velvet goldmine alcoholic milkshake that is topped with edible gold leaf and comes with a swarovski ring. For a mellower scene, Bar Stella (cafestella.com) is all dimly lit cosiness, friendly folks and lovely drinks.

47

some FAvourite hidden gems?tucked down an alleyway in the Arts district is the daily dose inc (dailydoseinc.com), a tiny caf with a flower-filled outdoor patio. the walls are covered in vines and you feel as though youre in an old town in Europe. theres always a cool-looking crowd enjoying fab cappuccinos and some of the best sandwiches in town. i also like Abbot Kinney for the quirky shops,

beach-shack cafs and people watching.

where do you shop?douglas Fir (facebook.com/douglasfirstore), a brilliant little menswear store, which carries carefully selected labels geared for men over 30. nothing is too trendy and unwearable, but its always fresh and current with pieces from designers like martin margiela and paul smith. And you spot the

occasional male celeb in there shopping too. mohawk man (mohawkgeneralstore.com), is a recently opened eclectic boutique and art gallery thats an offshoot of mohawk general store, which stocks everything from vintage clothing, under-the-radar designers, and rare music and books in silver lake.

dining recommendAtions?high up in the malibu hills is the old place (oldplacecornell.com), a bar-restaurant that looks like a frontier saloon from a movie set. its quaint and cosy with homespun cooking like macaroni and cheese bake, mushroom skillet and berry cobbler. in the 70s, it was a backwoods pit stop for stars laying low like Jason Robards and steve mcQueen. these days all the locals and showbiz folks crowd the bar. the woodland setting and country air, pines and horses make it the perfect oasis in a busy city.

the LoCaL WoRD

Londoner Bradley Tuck,

food and travel public relations consultant,

shows us the hot spots of his adopted

hometown.

STAYthe Beverly Hills Hotel (dorchestercollection.com/en/beverly-hills/the-beverly-hills-hotel) is the starriest crash pad in town. the fabled pink palace has played host to many superstars and still sizzles with old-time glamour. Fun and frivolous, W Hotels (wlosangeles.com) star-studded poolside bar, destination restaurants and lavish spa are made for lingering. hipster chain Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/losangeles) brings its brand of retro-chic coolness to the iconic United Artists theatre. this 182-room boutique hotel boasts swanky touches, like a rooftop bar, screening room and retro turntables.

the arty Line Hotel (thelinehotel.com) in Koreatown is set to be an all-hours social club, with a rooftop pool, restaurant serving hotpot-style street food, vegetarian canteen, bakery, and a nightclub all open into the wee hours. A boutique B&B set in an ivy-clad mansion, Venice Beach House (venicebeachhouse.com) offers low-key luxury amid rolling lawns and a seaside locale. Expect polished wooden floors, oriental rugs, four-poster beds and shelves of vintage books.

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SHOP & PREEN when it comes to shopping, melrose place has some of the finest boutiques in lA. the iconic Maxfield (maxfieldla.com), housed in a stunning geometric space, stocks a globally curated mix of modern and vintage jewellery, shoes, art and mens and womens luxury lines. Fashion folk also go to Decades (decadesinc.com) for vintage couture and ready-to-wear. cult fave swedish concept store Acne Studios (acnestudios.com) has recently opened a west coast outlet, occupying 465 square metres complete with art installations in the historic Eastern columbia Building on Broadway.

For a post-shopping pick-me-up, indulge in head-to-toe pampering in the citys many beauty emporiums. For full-on escapism, head to Ciel Spa (cielatsls.com), which has an exotic menu of rejuvenating oxygen facials, scrubs and body wraps, amid the soothing philippe starck-designed all-white setting. the west hollywood skincare shrine Face Place (faceplace.com) is snug, low-key and has just one signature treatment a deep yet gentle pore-cleansing facial.

stylists extraordinaire Johnny Ramirez and Anh cotran have an elegant new hair atelier Ramirez|Tran Salon (ramireztran.com), bringing elements of new York and paris to lA. the young style set will prefer Aveda concept salon Fandango (fandangosalon.com) for affordable cuts and colour.

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where do you liKe to hAng out? intelligentsia (intelligentsiacoffee.com) in silver lake not only is it full of attractive and interesting people, the coffee is really great and the service is fast and friendly. Rpublique, (republiquela.com) is a new caf-bakery-canteen in an amazing cathedral-like space that serves parisian bistro food like baguettes, pastries and great coffee.

restAurAnt recommendAtions?petty cash taqueria (pettycashtaqueria.com) is fun; you can play shuffleboard and down mezcal all night long. stella Barra (stellabarra.com) does the best pizzas with ingredients like smoked mozzarella and black truffles.

good dAnce cluBs?teddys at the hollywood Roosevelt hotel for great dJs and stylish crowd. i like that

its more of a lounge with a dance floor than a huge club. Afterwards head upstairs to the spare Room, an old-fashioned gaming parlour with a 20s speakeasy vibe.

And hiKing?Bronson canyon is wonderful. its an easy drive, allows dogs and great for sightseeing. solstice canyon is another favourite, where you can go to the beach to cool off after your long hike.

the LoCaL WoRD

Stacy Kessler Aungst, fashion

art director, shares some of her favourite haunts.

This page, clockwise from above leftGraumans Chinese Theatre an iconic La attraction

Sitting pretty at the Mondrians Skybar

Chris Burdens antique street lamp Urban light installation at LaCMa

Opposite page, from topJust another day on Rodeo drive with fast cars and limos

Hipster hangout at Sunset Junction

head for hollywood to see how movies are made, check out the attractions at Disneyland and Universal studios, and indulge in a little star-spotting on Rodeo Drive. its all possible with Royal orchid holidays.

Los angeLes BasiC stay (Rohx60)2 days/1 night or more

For more information on Royal Orchid Holidays, call 0 2356 2888, email: [email protected] or visit www.thaiairways.com/roh or our worldwide offices.

included 1 nights accommodation with breakfast

THaI operates daily flights to Los angeles. For more information, please visit www.thaiairways.com

CULTURE with its uniquely laidback vibe and creative energy, los Angeles has quietly become a cultural force. The Broad (thebroad.org), a contemporary art museum designed by diller scofidio + Renfro, is slated to open at the end of the year and will be home to nearly 2,000 pieces of art from the foundation and collections of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad.

Art lovers will want to stop by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (lacma.org), which is the largest art museum in the western Us. short on time? get a glimpse of chris Burdens Urban Light installation consisting of 202 restored antique street lamps at the entrance, then catch the spectacular James turrell retrospective (till 6 April 2014), complete with light projections, holograms and optical illusions.

take the tram up to the Getty Center (getty.edu/museum), a white limestone complex, for the art, architecture, gardens and dizzying views of lA. photo buffs must visit the Annenberg Space (annenbergspaceforphotography.org) for its free photography exhibitions. currently, you can see some of the most famous snaps, from the sublimely beautiful to the politically charged, at the power of photography: national geographic 125 Years exhibition (till 27 April 2014).

STAR GAZINGwith the awards season in full swing, the city is swarming with celebrities of every stripe. hollywoods biggest party of the year is oscars night the awards ceremony is held on 2 march at the dolby theatre on hollywood Boulevard, where fans queue for days for a spot overlooking the red carpet. Chateau Marmont (chateaumarmont.com), the storied showbiz outpost where helmut newton took some of his most famous portraits, still draws A-listers such as Ryan gosling and naomi watts, who come to dine and drink around its palm-fringed patio. the mondrians Skybar (mondrianhotel.com), the atmospheric poolside lounge perched on the rooftop where people really do jump in the pool with drinks, is a sure bet for a glimpse of stardust. Laurel Hardware (laurelhardware.com) located in a (yes, you guessed it) former hardware store, is the current late-night choice for young hollywood.

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50

Acabar

(acabar-la.com)

Fig

& olive (figandolive.com)

rivaBella

raos (raosla.com)

Britt Collins Jennifer L. Johnson

the Beverly Hills Hotel

(dorchestercollection.com/en/beverly-hills/the-beverly-hills-hotel)

Beverly Hills Bar nineteen12

W Hotel (wlosangeles./com)

Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/losangeles) line Hotel (thelinehotel.com)

Helmut lang (helmutlang.com)

Academy Awards

51

isabel marant

(isabelmarant.com) maxfield (maxfieldla.com)

decades (decadesinc.com) rodeo drive

Acne Studios

(acnestudios.com)

the Broad

(thebroad.org)

2,000 eli

edythe Broad los Angeles

Country museum of Art (lacma.org)

Annenberg Space (annenbergspace forphotography.org) the Power of Photography :

national geographic 125 Years

27 2557

2

dolby theatre Hollywood

Boulevard

Chateau marmont (chateaumarmont.com) Skybar (mondrianhotel.com)

laurel Hardware

(laurelhardware.com)

www.thaiairways.com

(Rohx60) 2 1

. 0 2356 2888 [email protected]

www.thaiairways.com/roh

1

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Getty Museum Fig & Olive

Bar Stella

Isabel Marant

g A l l E R Y

52

t hailands filmmaking industry dates way back to the 1930s a period described as the golden age when several studios began to produce films. After a brief pre-world war ii lull, the industry enjoyed a movie renaissance through the resurgence of 16mm film after the war. more artists were commissioned to paint montage-style movie posters to promote the latest flicks.

in the days before the internet, a films success was predicated on these very posters the only reliable marketing tool available. they may no longer have a place in the 2 1st century, but these colourful, montage-style artworks continue to woo a legion of vintage collectors still madly in love with the golden era.

Retro movie poster

s may be a thing of t

he past,

but for the hopeless

romantic, a glimps

e at some of

the finest film post

ers preserved by the

Thai Film

Archive offers a no

stalgic trip back in

time/ words Mimi Grach

angnetara

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Left Ped Noy or The Duckling first premiered in Thailand in 1968. It was shot with a 35mm-film camera by Prince Bhanubandh Yukol.

AboveWai Olawon was Thailands first teenage romance film directed by renowned director Piak Poster, who initially earned fame through his promotional film posters. The movie starred Thai film legend Pairoj Sangwoributr.

g A l l E R Y

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Below Thailands answer to Charlies Angels, Kanong Krung was about four girls from different regions of the country who came to conquer Bangkok.

RightCherd Songsri directed Puen-Paeng, which premiered in 1983. It tells the story of three people involved in a love triangle, starring actor Sorapong Chatree.

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AboveDuang Jai Mae starred the darlings of Thai cinema of the moment Sombat Metanee and Mettha Roongratana.

g A l l E R Y

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AbovePopular actress Petchara Chaowarat co-starred with Sombat Metanee in Thai Yai.

Opposite page, topThis poster is for the stage play Kiattisak Ta-han Sua, which was on show around 19471952. It was an adaptation of The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.

Opposite page, bottomHanuman 7 Yod Manoot featured Thailands action heroes and villains from Thai classical drama.

g A l l E R Y

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Home to decades-old historic Thai films, the Thai Film archive was founded by historian dome Sukwong in 1984. It was originally known as the National Film archive and operated as a unit under the Fine arts department until it became a public organisation in 2009. Film buffs visiting the archive are also encouraged to explore the nearby Thai Film Museum, a treasure trove of artefacts and memorabilia. fapot.org

About the Thai Film Archive

LeftPerhaps one of the most famous Thai films of all time, Nampu was directed by Yutthana Mukdasanit.

RightPlae Kao or The Scar is a 1977 romance-drama directed by Cherd Songsri starring Sorapong Chatree. The film is a tragic love story between two peasants in rural Thailand.

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Brussels is celebrated for its beer and mussels, art and architecture. But the

ultimate reason to go is for its chocolates. As the 18th-century French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-savarin so wisely

put it: nine of every ten persons say they love chocolate. the tenth lies. in other words, if youre like most people, youre

a chocophile in which case, Brussels should be at the top of your travel list.

d i s c o V E R

/ words Amy M. Thomas

Capital of the World

CHOCOLATE

This page, clockwise from above

Chocolates are big business in Belgium

delectable chocolate masterpieces at Pierre Marcolini

One doesnt have to walk very far on the streets of Brussels to find a chocolate shop

Leonidas makes more than 100 Belgian chocolate varieties

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Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is more affectionately known as the world capital of chocolate. consider the countrys sweet stats: over 2,000 chocolatiers

in a nation that covers a mere 30,280 square kilometres. that probably explains why the average Belgian consumes over eight kilogrammes of chocolate every year, the fifth highest among the top chocolate consuming nations. travelling to Brussels almost warrants a rich and decadent purchase; in fact, more chocolate is bought at Brussels national Airport than any other outlet in the world.

But in the city, the chocolate epicentre is the grand sablon, a triangle-shaped square surrounded by antique stores, art galleries and about a dozen chocolatiers. And further flung, residential neighbourhoods, such as saint-gilles and saint-gry, also have their fair share of chocolatiers. its simply part of the Belgian culture.

todays chocolatiers can be divided into two categories: the classics and the new guard. the former group includes those that have been sating generations of chocophiles; brands that established Brussels in particular, its pralins, which are defined by the Belgians as chocolate shells filled with a soft centre as a chocolate powerhouse. the latter encompasses a generation of artisans who are reinventing traditions, exploring innovative flavour combinations and breaking the proverbial mould. Both groups offer delicious decadence. here are 10 stops that should be part of the citys edible explorations.

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The ClassiCsLeonidAs, Godiva & Neuhaus most people have sampled leonidas, godiva and neuhaus the biggest names in Belgian chocolate, their boxes of bonbons can be found the world over. despite being large manufacturers, they still pride themselves on traditional methods using high percentages of cocoa, mixed with sugar and cocoa butter. then they give their shell-moulded treats distinction and flavour with ingredients ranging from turkish hazelnuts to French cognac to morello cherries. while all three chocolatiers have celebrated histories and international recognition, we owe a special debt to Jean neuhaus who invented the pralin back in 1912. take a lap around the grand sablon to help you decide which of the big three is your favourite.

Leonidas Address: Place du Grand Sablon, 41Tel: +32 2 513 14 66Godiva Address: Place du Grand Sablon, 47-48Tel: +32 2 502 99 06Neuhaus Address: Rue Lebeau, 79 Tel: +32 2 502 38 13

Wittamer while this century-old chocolatier, popular with both locals and tourists, is still family run, it has risen to international acclaim. Brother and sister paul and myriam are at the helm of wittamer, relying on recipes created by their grandfather, henri, back in 1910. the chic chocolatiers hot pink interior with its long, zigzagging counter elegantly displaying the various bonbons, reflects a rare female touch in the industry. Amongst the melt-in-your-mouth options: chewy coffee-flavoured caramels, mildly spicy cinnamon ganaches, and classic milk almond pralins. the shop also offers such delicacies as macarons, jams and, at their next-door tea salon, savoury and sweet plates like quiches and cakes.

Address: Place du Grand Sablon, 6 Tel: +32 2 512 37 42

Pierre Marcolininot only is pierre marcolini the harry winston of Belgian chocolatiers, creating bonbons as refined and seductive as jewels, hes also a world-champion pastry chef. You can see his artistic cakes and pastries at one of his two boutiques on the grand sablon. or you can head straight to his two-storey flagship, where theres nothing but exquisite chocolate. Amongst the little gems violet-infused ganaches, pralins accented with gold leaf, truffles flavoured with tonka beans are marcolinis single-origin grand cru chocolate bars. For over ten years, marcolini himself has been scouting the globe for the best cocoa beans, becoming the only chocolatier in Brussels to work directly with plantations in countries like Venezuela and madagascar. he then brings the beans back to his local ateliers, where he transforms them into the beauties that they are.

Address: Place du Grand Sablon, Rue des Minimes, 1Tel: +32 2 514 12 06

Marygiven the number of chocolate boutiques on the grand sablon, you might think a presence there is essential for any chocolatier worth its caramel centre. But mary, the 95-year-old chocolatier thats a favourite of the Belgian royal family, has four boutiques in Brussels, none on the highly trafficked square, but each worthy of visiting for their beauty. the original shop on Rue Royale which was recently refurbished and epitomises the brands modern elegance made founder madame mary delluc popular with the king, who travelled by each day. theyre still worthy of royalty. handcrafted treasures include caramel, marzipan, chocolate mousse, ganache, liqueur and cream-filled pralins, along with truffles, tablets and all manner of confections. splurge on un ballotin, a decorative box for the ultimate Belgian souvenir.

Address: Rue Royale, 73Tel: +32 2 217 45 00

This spread, clockwise from far leftBoasting over 2,000 chocolatiers, Belgians are spoilt for choice

Godiva prides itself on using traditional methods to make chocolate

The modern and sleek Leonidas store belies its long history

Chocolate-dipped orange slices by Neuhaus

The Neuhaus boutique in Galerie de la Reine

Leonidas is one of the oldest chocolate companies in Belgium

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The New Guard Frederic Blondeelonce upon a time in Brussels, it was all about the traditional pralin. these days, bold flavours, surprising pairings and nouveau techniques rule. take Frederic Blondeel, for example. his unexpected combinations include blackcurrant and cardamom, raspberry and clove, and green apple and coriander. the results are so sublime they have made him perhaps the most celebrated local chocolatier since pierre marcolini. his charming boutique in the residential saint-gry neighbourhood also has a tearoom where you can get jams, macarons and ice cream in the summer months.

Address: Quai aux Briques, 24Tel: +32 2 502 21 31

Laurent Gerbaud one of the relative newcomers to the Brussels chocolate scene, laurent gerbaud has already established a legacy. Believing that ingredients are the key to excellent chocolate, his creations boast persian cranberries, piedmont hazelnuts and Japanese yuzu, among other worldly flavours, and are beautifully crafted using 50 per cent milk chocolate or 75 per cent dark. his selection is relatively small in a town where chocolatiers teem with options, but everything in the store is worth sampling. You can even get a glimpse of the chocolates being made through a window at his contemporary atelier-boutique in the bustling museum district.

Address: Rue Ravenstein, 2D Tel: +32 2 511 16 02

Zaabrmany of the new-guard chocolatiers pride themselves on having boutiques or ateliers; zaabr, a 600-square-metre outlet south of the citys centre calls itself a factory and rightfully so. the first thing you see when you walk inside is an enclosed workstation with stainless steel equipment, a marble counter for tempering chocolate, and enough space for about 10 guests to learn about and create their own sweet treats. Beyond that, the space opens into a retail section, maintaining the clean, industrial aesthetic. what will you take home: a chocolate bar with cardamom from malabar in india, lemongrass from sri lanka, or chilli pepper from texas? theres literally a world of possibilities to explore at this modern chocolatier.

Address: Chausse de Charleroi, 125Tel: +32 2 533 95 80

Passion chocolatAlthough this 16-year-old chocolatier originally started in the residential woluwe-saint-pierre neighbourhood, it joined the big guns on the grand sablon in 2009 a great example of the new guard evolving Belgian chocolate, but retaining their roots. the small shop has a passion-ate following for its artisanal pralins, ganaches and truffles. dusted with coconut shavings, studded with whole walnuts, infused with lemon verbena, there are over 80 varieties. with so many to choose from, it helps to sample a flavour or two and the accommodating staff are happy to oblige.

Address: Avenue Louis Gribaumont, 20Tel: +32 2 772 47 10

This spread, clockwise from aboveLaurent Gerbauds chocolates feature exotic ingredients such as Japanese yuzu and Persian cranberries In Brussels, youll find chocolate truffles to suit every chocolate lovers taste

a fashion show featuring couture gowns made of chocolate is set to be a highlight at this years Salon du Chocolat

Brussels chocolate shops are a treat for both kids and adults

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THaI operates four flights weekly to Brussels. For more information, please visit www.thaiairways.com

iMMeRse yoURseLf in the aRt of BeLgian ChoCoLate-Making, Both Past anD PResent.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate inside a rickety 317-year-old building near the grand Place, Brussels main market square, is the museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. immediately upon entering, youll be treated to a small biscuit thats been drenched in molten chocolate before watching a live demonstration on melting and moulding chocolate. the rest of the museum is devoted to the origins and history of cacao, including educational charts, photos and timelines, along with artefacts such as pitchers designed especially for melting and serving hot chocolate.

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Salon du Chocolat A huge success in cities like Paris, new York and tokyo, the Salon du Chocolat is finally coming to Brussels for the first time this year. this is the worlds largest event devoted entirely to chocolate and a stop in the world capital of chocolate is long overdue. enjoy the always-popular fashion show of chocolate dresses, classes and demonstrations, along with opportunities to sample and purchase goodies from Belgiums best chocolatiers classic and new guard.

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Frederic Blondeel Saint-Gry

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Zaabr Zaabr 600 .. 10

Neuhaus

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her Royal highness, who is president of the Foundation, joined the organisations first operations by collecting donations and visiting flood victims in Bang phlat district of Bangkok. since then, the Foundation has expanded its operations and encouraged more members of the public and the private sector to help people in need. Emphasis is placed on humanitarian assistance

and mental rehabilitation. her Royal highness plays a vital role encouraging the Foundations committee and operators, as well as members of the public and the private sector that has supported the Foundation.

Apart from assisting disaster-affected people and helpless victims by recruiting volunteers to carry out the missions, the Friends in need (of pa) Volunteers Foundation also conducts other

special activities. For instance, it offers mental rehabilitation for disaster victims, provides them with temporary shelters and helps establish childcare centres to ease the burdens of affected families.

Each year, a bazaar organised by the Foundation receives great attention from the general public. many organisations including thai Airways international with its continued support of the Foundation participate in

selling products at the bazaar, and proceeds from the sales go to the Foundation.

All organisations involved in the Foundations activities are well aware of the spirit of volunteerism and its charitable purposes. the president of the Foundation, who works actively for this organisation, serves as a role model for humanitarian work and is a source of inspiration for the people in need.

Volunteers Foundation

Friends in Need (of Pa)

Severe floods in Bangkok in 1995 caused not only massive destruction to the lives and property of local residents, but also pain and suffering. The damage brought by the

catastrophic floods was so heavy that the public sector and charitable organisations alone could not provide prompt and widespread assistance. Following the situation,

the Friends in Need (of Pa) Volunteers Foundation was launched to help those suffering from natural and man-made disasters, especially floods. Initiated by Her Royal Highness

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, a daughter of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Foundation is run through the Thai Red Cross Society.

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AlcoholAll drinks are served free of charge. only alcoholic drinks served by our cabin attendants may be consumed.

it is recommended that you drink nonalcoholic drinks as

flying can cause dehydration, but we are happy to serve alcoholic drinks to passengers aged 18 years and over. cabin attendants may decline to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be intoxicated. this regulation has been implemented for passenger safety, in accordance with thAis air traffic policy and procedures.

Special MealsVegetarian, low-fat, infant, children, kosher and muslim meals are available on board by

special request. Requests for special meals must be

made when making your reservation at least 48 hours in advance.

Speciality ItemsA wide range of items is available on thai Airways international flights for passengers with special requests, including toys, milk bottles, diapers, bibs, postcards and writing materials. Ask one of our cabin crew should you require one of the above, or need any assistance.

Communicationsome of our aircraft are equipped with cordless telephones and facsimile machines. the charge for their use is Us$8 per minute.

Special Care for Childrenthere are special services for

children aged between 5 and 16 who are travelling alone. A fee

applies. please give us advance notice so that your child can enjoy our constant care and supervision throughout his/

her journey.

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Carry-On Baggagepassengers may carry one item of hand baggage to place in a closed overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. the overall dimensions of such baggage should not exceed 115cm (45 inches) or 58 x 34 x 23cm. its overall weight should not exceed 7kg.

alcoholic beverages and CigarettesAlcoholic beverages and cigarettes are controlled items. A passenger is allowed to bring 1 litre of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes into thailand free of duty. the exceeding amount will be prosecuted and confiscated.

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Foreign Currency Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding uS$20,000 or its equivalent out of or into the Kingdom of thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a customs officer. Failure to declare upon bringing foreign currency that exceeds the amount restricted by law or its equivalent out of or into the Kingdom of thailand or making any false declaration to a customs officer is breaking customs laws. if you have any enquiries, please consult a customs officer.

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Essential information to make your thAi flight as smooth as possible.

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please study the safety card in your front seat pocket and locate the closest emergency exits near you. Be sure to keep your seat belt fastened during takeoff and landing, and at all times while seated. For safety reasons, passengers are asked to refrain from sleeping on the aircraft floor and unnecessary walking during the flight. sleeping passengers may be injured during unexpected turbulence unless firmly restrained by their seat belt. After landing, please remain in your seat with your seat belt fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the fasten seat belt sign has been switched off. Electronic devices1. prohibited devices on board at all times for your safety portable electronic devices such as radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, portable radio-controlled toys, radios, television receivers, citizen band radios, pagers, electronic toys and wireless devices (mouse, bluetooth, etc) must be switched off once the aircraft doors have closed and shall not be used on board during the entire flight.2. Acceptable devices on board during flight devices that do not emit radio signals including portable video equipment, laptops or portable pcs without printers, cassettes/cd/dVd/mini disc/mp3 players (used with headphones only), electronic games, electronic calculators and electronic shavers may only be used when the seat belt sign or no portable

electronic devices/no mobile phones sign is switched off after takeoff until the seat belt sign or no portable electronic devices/no mobile phones sign is switched on again before landing. Flight mode capable mobile phones and portable digital assistants (pdAs) can be used in the same flight phase as the devices above when in flight mode.

however, use of any portable device suspected of interfering with flight operation shall be prohibited. 3. Acceptable devices on board for entire flight: hearing aids, heart pacemakers, electronic watches and authorised inflight equipment are allowed during the flight.

Beverages on boardAlcoholic drinks will not be served to passengers aged under 18 years. cabin attendants reserve the right to decline serving alcohol to passengers who appear intoxicated. consumption of personal alcoholic drinks is prohibited on board at any time.

Smoking smoking is not permitted by law on all thAi flights.

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the regulations have been implemented for passenger safety, in accordance with tHAis air traffic policy and procedures. tHAis flight attendants follow specific measures that strictly comply with safety regulations set by the civil aviation board to secure the safety of aircraft, passengers and airline property.

gentLe infLight exeRCises

1 Ankle Circles lift feet off the floor. draw a circle with the toes, moving one foot clockwise and the other foot anti-clockwise. Reverse

circles. do each direction for 15 seconds.

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tipDrink plenty of water or juice during your flight

3 Forward Flex with both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend foward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back.

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4 Foot Pumps First, start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward. second, put both feet flat on the floor, and third, lift heels high, keeping balls of feet on the floor. continue in 30-second intervals.

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there are some gentle exercises you can do that will improve your comfort level during and after a flight. most important is that passengers should perform leg exercises and simple arm movements, especially during long flights. we recommend you do these exercises three or four times every hour. none of them should be performed if they cause pain.

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2 Arm Curls start with arms held at a 90-degree angle: elbows down, hands out in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down,

alternating hands. do this exercise in 30-second intervals.

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hsh prince Bhisatej Rajani, president of the Royal project Foundation, recently presided over the opening ceremony of the Agricultural Fair and Flora Festival, themed colourful Flowers, at the Royal park Rajapruek in chiang mai.

some of the highlights of the event include the hor Kum luang, an exhibition on hm the King, an exhibition on the King Bhumibol tulip, the largest orchid park in the northern region, booths displaying an array of fresh vegetables, special menus from the Royal projects, a new theory garden and new gardens from national organisations. during the festival, there will also be orchid contests, live music in the garden by popular thai artists and traditional lanna shows. the horticultural event, which started in december 2013, will continue through 28 February.

(Flora Festival 2013)

Royal Park Rajapruek

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his Excellency mr li Keqiang, the premier of the state council of the peoples Republic of china, was a guest of honour at the Flora Festival and was welcomed by thai prime minister Yingluck shinawatra. the chinese premier admired the royal Jiangnan gardens, popular during the tang dynasty, a significant period for chinas arts, culture and literature. the thai government took this opportunity to host a grand banquet to welcome his Excellency to thailands northern capital, chiang mai.

His Excellency Mr Li Keqiang Visits Chiang Mai

Inaugural THAI Smile Flight to Luang Prabang

thai Airways international, through its thAi smile business unit, recently launched its inaugural flight from Bangkok to luang prabang, in the lao peoples democratic Republic.

mr chokchai panyayong, thAis senior Executive Vice president of commercial and Acting president, and his Excellency mr lee Boonkham, lao Ambassador to the Kingdom of thailand, presided over the ceremony of the inaugural flight from Bangkok to luang prabang. Also joining the opening ceremony at suvarnabhumi Airport were mrs soithip trisuddhi, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry of transport and thAi smile Board member; mrs Rawewan netrakavesna, general manager of suvarnabhumi Airport; mrs sarinee sangprasit, Executive Vice president

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Aeronautical Radio of thailand ltd.; and mr woranate laprabang, managing director of thAi smile Business Unit.

thAi smile operates four round-trip flights per week from Bangkoks suvarnabhumi Airport to luang prabang, on tuesday, Friday, saturday and sunday, on the Airbus A320-200 aircraft, to support the economy and tourism industries of thailand and laos. luang prabang has become popular with tourists for its ancient culture and relaxed lifestyle. the city won the UnEsco award for Best preserved city in southeast Asia and is registered as a world heritage city. luang prabang has many architectural points of interest, including ancient temples and French colonial homes.

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dr Ampon Kittiampon, thAi chairman of the Board of directors and mr chokchai panyayong, thAi senior Executive Vice president of commercial and Acting president, recently represented thai Airways international in presenting new year greetings to general prem tinsulanonda, president of the privy council of the King of thailand and statesman at si sao thewet Residence.

thai Airways internationals Royal orchid plus (Rop) frequent flyer programme recently celebrated its new partnership with the okura group, the first Japanese hotel chain to partner with thAis Rop programme. mr Viroj sirihorachai, thAi Vice president, sales & distribution, Regional department, and mr Kenji goto, Representative director, hotel okura, joined in celebrating the partnership, which offers Royal orchid plus members more opportunities to earn miles with each qualifying stay with hotels under the okura group. thAi currently flies to seven destinations in Japan, including sapporo, sendai, nagoya and osaka.

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THAI Presents New Year Greetings to General Prem Tinsulanonda

THAI Royal Orchid Plus Partners with Okura Group

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SawasdeeType Area : (w)180 x (h)246 mm. / Trimmed : (w)210 x (h)276 mm. / Bleed : (w)220 x (h)286 mm.

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Flying Doctors

As part of thai Airways internationals ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives, staff members recently led a team of doctors and nurses to provide routine check-ups for students at a local school in suan peung district, Ratchaburi province. the children were also treated to haircuts, enjoyed fun-filled activities and ended their eventful day with a hearty feast provided by thAi staff members.

the Flying doctors campaign first kicked off in sa Kaew province in 2010. since then, the national carrier has been organising the event annually across different parts of the country.

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Joyous Journeystravelling can be exhausting, especially when it involves long hours in a confined space on a plane with little to do. thai Airways international understands the importance of providing passengers with high-quality entertainment services to pass the time and in unparalleled comfort throughout their journey.

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