Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk
NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH
Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994 OCTOBER 2015
Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
Make a Difference
Volunteeer!
Cover Story Chari�es
&
Volunteering
Feature Breast Cancer
Awareness
Feature Halloween
Tips
Cli
par
thut.
com
Pages 9 to 15
Page 8
Page 39
Travel Korat Zoo
Pages 42 to 43
Pages 20 to 22
Culture 101 Temple E�que�e
2
About NNR & Thani Talk Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk----October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015
1 page 19 x 26.5 cm. 3000 baht
1/2 page 19 x 13 cm. 1,800 baht
1/4 page 9 x 13 cm. 1000 baht
• Rates per issue, discount for annual ad.
• Based on space availability.
• Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month.
• Contact [email protected] for more information
Thani Talk
Ad Rates
DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement
by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and
the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.
NNR BOARD 2015-2016
NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of
volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local
charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly
magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as hosting an annual charity
bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no
membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.
Facebook.com/nnrthailand
Issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
https://sites.google.com/site/
nnrguide
Connect with NNR
NNR Guide
Chairperson Mare Harvey [email protected]
Vice Chairperson Henrietta Bullinger [email protected]
Treasurer Livonia Winkles [email protected]
Activity/Tour
Coordinators
Jesmin Tarana
Susanne Rodrigues
084-388-4457
NNR Socials Denise Warta 090-013-8490 [email protected]
Charity and Volunteer
Coordinators
Jennifer Skobel
Wanda Grove
Advertisements Laura Sadowski
089-924-5306
Thani Talk News
Team
Liz Lu (Editor)
Annette Long (Proofreader)
086-784-7171
Distribution
Coordinator
Shana DeHaven [email protected]
Bazaar Committee: Barb Lewis (Coordinator), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong (Vendors), Natalie Lollback
(Volunteers)
3
Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015
NNR & Community Events Inside This Issue
NNR Social: Evening at Le Bouchon 4
NNR Tour: Ancient City 5
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 8
Cover Story: Charities & Volunteers 9-15
Community Fitness, Dance, Tutors 18
Halloween in Nichada 20
Around Nonthaburi & Beyond 34
Asian Culture 101: Temple Etiquette 39
Travel: Korat Zoo 42
Highlights: NNR September Tour 46
Restaurant Review: SALT 49
Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee 29
Grapevine Tips 24
Oct. 1-4 International Bike Fair at
Impact, Muang Thong Thani
Oct. 3 Secret Garden at new Nichada
Complex
Oct. 10 AWC Halloween Fundraiser at
Amari Watergate Hotel
Oct. 11 Breast Cancer Exams for Local
Workers
Oct. 12 Canadian Thanksgiving
Oct. 13 NNR Tour to Ancient City
Oct. 15 NNR Social at Le Bouchon
Oct. 17 Hong Kong Ladies Gala at
Sheraton Grande
Oct. 31 Halloween.
Haunted House at new Nichada
Plaza
NNR Board Members 2015-2016
Members of the NNR Board organize social activities and volunteer opportunities that bring our entire
community together. (Above, lt to rt): VP Henrietta Bullinger, Tour Co-Chair Jesmin Tarana, Thani
Talk Editor Liz Lu, President Mare Harvey, Tour Co-Chair Susanne Rodrigues, Welfare Co-Chairs
Wanda Grove and Jennifer Skobel, Social Chair Denise Warta, newsletter Distribution Coordinator
Shana DeHaven. Not pictured: Treasurer Livonia Winkles and Advertising Director Laura Sadowski.
Volunteers are the backbone of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR)
4
NNR Social Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015
NNR October Social at the
Le Bouchon Sports Bar! Thursday October 15th
6pm
Come play some pool or
Catch up with friends or
Watch sports on big screen TVs
For more information please contact:
Denise Warta at [email protected]
or
09 0013 8490.
Age requirement for
Sports Bar.
Photo provided by Bruno Georges Marchal
Photo provided by Bruno Georges Marchal
5
NNR Tour Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015
NNR Tour: Ancient City An Outdoor Museum of Miniature Landmarks
October 13
Date: Tuesday, October 13th
Time: 7:45 am
Where: Meet in front of Chevron Theatre, the bus will leave on time, we aim to be back at 2 p.m.
Cost: Entrance fee for foreigners 700 baht; resident 350 baht
(please bring your Thai ID/ proof of residency).
Transportation cost will be shared. Lunch to be paid by participants.
What to bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Comfortable Shoes, Camera and Good Mood.
The tour is limited to 12 participants To Sign Up: Please Email: [email protected]
Please include your full name and cell phone number.
Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Tarana,
NNR Tour Coordinators
All
an
rufu
stra
velo
gu
e.co
m
The Ancient City, a popular tourist attraction in
Samutprakan, is both historical and entertaining!
This 32- acre outdoor museum is known for its
miniature replicas of nearly 100 of Thailand's
most important historical landmarks and monu-
ments, including many palaces and temples.
The spacious park means that we can tour the tree
-lined grounds by bike or golf cart. We will have
lunch in a restaurant at a small floating market in
the park.
Go
ogle
.co
m/I
mages
Go
ogle
.co
m/I
mages
6
7
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Feature: Breast Cancer Awareness Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Laura Sadowski
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. This annual
international campaign supports
the awareness, early detection, and
treatment of breast cancer, which is
the most common cancer in women
worldwide.
Over 1.3 million cases of breast cancer are
diagnosed every year, and about 450,000 women
die each year from this disease (World Health
Organization, 2015.)
Causes of breast cancer are not fully under-
stood; so early detection and treatment remain the
best option for a good outcome. The American
Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams
every three years until age 40 and then annual
mammograms from then on.
Most deaths from breast cancer occur in low
October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NNR Funds Exams for Local Workers
-income women who have limited access to
testing, and this is true for Thailand. Perhaps you
would consider taking your maebaan (maid) for a
women’s physical exam as part of this campaign.
Monkutwattana General Hospital on Chaeng-
wattana Road offers mammograms and breast
ultrasounds for 2,000 baht. For more information,
call 02-574-5000-9 ext 8138.
NNR joins the cancer prevention campaign
by funding free exams for local women workers.
On Sunday, October 11th, medical person-
nel, volunteers from the NNR, together with the
Bangkok Breast Cancer Support Group, and the
ISB HS Breast Cancer Awareness Club are
offering free clinical breast exams with follow-up
mammograms to Nichada workers living at the
Nichada work camp.
Spread the word! Early detection saves
lives!
Bangkok Breast Cancer
Support Group
Website:
www.bangkokbreastcancer.com
Email:
Tel: +02 256-4991-2 ext 1026
Queen Sirikit Centre
for
Breast Cancer Founda.on
Website: www.qscbcfounda�on.org
Email: [email protected]
“After conducting research about breast
cancer in Thailand, we were dismayed to
discover that the majority of Thai women who
were diagnosed with breast cancer were already
in the advanced stages (3 & 4) of the disease,
therefore leading to high mortality rates. This
may have been avoided had they been diagnosed
in the early stages and received correct treatment
at the appropriate time.
The BBCs actively support early detection
and breast cancer awareness, as this is first and
best form of defense against this disease.”
BBC Website
Resources
for Support & Informa.on
In Thailand
9
Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Even from the Nichada Bubble we can
help make a difference.
NNR raises money through fundraisers
such as its popular annual charity bazaar, raffles,
parties, and ad sales from Thani Talk.
All proceeds are donated to local charities
to help those in need.
In this month’s cover story, we introduce
you to the many charities supported by NNR, as
well scores of volunteer opportunities right here
in our neighborhood, or just a stone’s throw
away. Help out. Jump in. Make a difference.
NNR Bazaar
Funds
Charity Work
Save the Date! Nov. 5th
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Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994
My husband and
I moved to Bangkok at
the beginning of 2015,
and to Nichada in
May. Before here, we
were in Jakarta, Indone-
sia for about 3 years. As
is the case here, Jakarta
had so much poverty and
it was in your face every-
day. I started to almost
become numb to it.
We had women’s/expat groups there as well,
and I always wanted to get more directly involved
in the charities, and I actually started to, but it was
closer to when we were leaving. I did run the
AWA Thrift Shop one year though!
When we moved to Bangkok, it became more
forefront in my mind to actually do it, and not
just talk about it. Of course Linda Feltham, the
prior NNR Charity & Volunteer Coordinator,
helped move that along when she asked if I would
be interested in helping to take over her position in
the NNR.
Talk about diving in! I agreed, and luckily
we made it a co-coordinator position with Wanda
Grove. Thank you Wanda!!
We come to a foreign country, gain so much
life experience and amazing memories, and need
to do more than just take. There is so much need
out there that it seems a bit overwhelming.
Hopefully we’ll be able to continue the great
contributions of the NNR and find more ways to
get everyone involved..
Moving from the
Washington, D.C. area to
Thailand brought changes I
could not have anticipated
from reading travel blogs
or books.
We moved to
Nichada in July 2014 and
our family had never lived
abroad. I first started
volunteering with the
orphanages nearby.
I helped take them on
outings occasionally. It was such a rewarding
experience to help these kids go on an adven-
ture. They were so excited just to go for a ride in
the car! And a movie or trip to Ko Kret was
icing on the cake. It is nice to volunteer for these
outings as a newcomer because I could just
volunteer for each outing as it came along.
This past summer I decided to co-share
the volunteer coordinator position with Jennifer
because I had so much fun helping these local
charities as well as working with Jennifer and the
other board members.
I am able to help so many in little ways by
matching volunteers with their interest and helping
charities get the supplies they need to help each
individual.
Watching children overcome adversity and
maximize their potential is such a rewarding
experience that inspires me and makes me very
happy to be part of NNR!
NNR Welfare Commi)ee
Puts Your Dona-ons to Work Meet the new Co-Chairs
Jennifer Skobel Wanda Grove
11
Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
A Look at Local Chari.es
& Projects Supported by NNR
Baan Fueng Faa Orphanage for mentally and/or physically
handicapped children.
Baan Rachawadee Ying Home for girls with disabilities
Baan Rajawadee Home for boys with disabilities
Home for the Destitute Home offering shelter and food
to the homeless
Sparrow Home Home for children of prisoners & other at risk kids
Christian Care Foundation
for Children with Disabilities Non-profit offering 8 projects for the disabled
Thanksgiving Home Non-profit group serving disabled boys and girls
San Tawan Children’s Home Foundation Christian-based home for abandoned children
NNR also supports scores of other projects covering
health & education. See following pages for more info.
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Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Interested in volunteering but don’t know
where to start and not ready to commit to
specific times? No problem! We can still use
you.
FYI, Many of our volunteer opportunities
are within about 20 minutes from Nichada.
Opportunities include, but not limited to:
-Feeding the disabled at one of the many
government homes.
-Chaperoning a monthly group trip to give
kids from group homes a chance to go out and
about.
- Teaching arts and crafts to kids and adults at
group homes. Options available for once per Jennifer Skobel
NNR Matches Volunteers with Needs
month volunteering. (Weekend slots are great
opportunities to include your own kids.)
- Teaching basic English words that can be
communicated with motion; think charades.”
Some slots only require one hour per week.
-Teaching a vocational skill such as cooking,
beauty care, etc. You can teach disadvantaged
women job skills and help them become self-
sufficient.
These are just some of the volunteer
opportunities available. If you have a specific
area of interest, let us know. We can put you in
touch with the right people.
Volunteer and Make a Posi-ve Change in the World
Baan Rajawadee: A government home for
physically and/or intellectually disabled boys.
Baan Rachawadee Ying: A government home
for physically and/or intellectually disabled girls.
Both group homes provide basic shelter and care
for disabled children ages 7 to 18.
Need Volunteers to interact with the children
and stimulate their developmental skills. Also
need volunteers to help feed the most disabled.
Contact Dorothy Klynstra at:
Photo provided by Dorothy Klynstra
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Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Volunteer Opportuni-es in Our Neighborhood
CCD: Christian Care Foundation for Children with
Disabilities is a care home for children with
disabilities. It also has a day care center and
encourages development of physical, mental,
emotional and social skills. It also supports families
caring for their disabled children at home by
offering day care so parents can work.
Needs volunteers to play with the children.
Contact Tarn at [email protected]
Baan Feung Faa: A government orphanage for
mentally and/or physically handicapped children
ages birth to 10 years.
Need volunteers to play with the children
Contact Dana Stehwein at [email protected]
ThanksgivingHome:Homeforadolescent
girls.Providesvocationaltrainingtopreparethe
girlsforemployment.Workswithgirlsfrom
thegovernmentorphanages.
NeedsvolunteerstoteachEnglish,computer,
sports,cookingorotheroccupationaltraining.
ContactKhunWanchaiat:
PhayathaiHomeforBabies:Homefor
orphanedandabandonedchildrenagesbirthto
6years.Alsohasaunitfor36HIVpositive
childrenwhoneedcarefromvolunteers.
Needsvolunteerstoplaywiththechildrento
stimulatedevelopmentalskills.
Contact:[email protected]
[email protected] LadYaiPrison:Women’sCorrectionalCenter
Needsvolunteerstovisitandencourage
foreigninmates.
Save the Date
Saturday, November 7 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thanksgiving Home Fundraiser
“Breath of Hope”
at
Duhrakij Phundit University
YWCA: Cares for preschoolers while promoting
their development.
Need volunteers to teach English, do an activity or
just help care for the children.
Contact Khun Saisom at 0807709335.
Brachabadee School for Disabled Children:
School serving disabled children keen to learn
English. Need volunteers to teach English. Would
also like volunteers with physical therapy (PT)
background to help train staff in use of simple PT
aids such as walkers.
Contact Jennifer Skobel at [email protected]
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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering
HomefortheDestitute:Offersshelter,food,
medicationandtrainingtohomelessadults.
Needsvolunteerstointeractwiththeadults,
helpprovide0irst-aidcare,advisethecrafts
teamandhelpmarkettheirproducts,playwith
Cambodianchildrendetainedattheshelter,
servefooddonatedbyNNR.
Sparrow Home: Provides a home for children of
prisoners and other children in at-risk situations.
Sparrow Home provides a home-like setting and
takes children to see their incarcerated parents in
order to help them maintain a bond.
Need volunteers to teach and play with the kids.
Contact Monika Dettmann at:
Sailom Project: Supports young men with intel-
lectual disabilities by teaching them independent
life skills.
Needs Volunteers to teach the young men how to
cook, shop, take public transportation, and budget
and manage money.
Contact Dorothy Klynstra at:
Soi Prasert Free English Class: Provides free
English lessons to Thai children in the neighbor-
hood just outside Nichada. One-hour Sunday
class follows a free library hour.
Needs volunteer teachers of all ages to help
speak with the Thai students and read with them.
Also looking for volunteers with art and music
experience to lead crafts and music projects.
Contact Liz Lu at [email protected].
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Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Extra Halloween candies For orphans and other local Thai children.
Clothing and shoes, new or used
For orphanages, homeless shelter & group homes.
Recyclables (bottles, plastic, paper) For young men at Sailom project to earn income.
Toys & Sports Equipment For local Thai schools and group homes
School Supplies and books For children at YMCA, schools, and local library.
Nutrini food supplement For children with cerebral palsy.
To donate, contact: Jennifer Skobel at [email protected]
Wanda Grove at [email protected]
Want to Help, but Short on Time?
White Elephant Thrift Shop : A second hand
store that donates all its profits to local charities.
Donations can be dropped at White Elephant:
2nd Floor, Oasis shopping center, on Samakee
Road (by McDonald’s).
To Volunteer, contact:
Patti Madigan at [email protected], or
Mary McCarty at [email protected]
Thrift shop volunteers sort clothing for sale.
Young man
at a group
home shreds
donated
paper to
earn money.
An egg seller
buys the
shredded
paper.
Soi Prasert Free Library: Provides reading hour
and books for neighborhood kids just outside
Nichada. Need volunteers to help librarian, and
to read stories with, and to children.
Contact: Liz Lu at [email protected]
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Google.com/Images
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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Community Fitness and Activities
The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly.
Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader
for more information.
If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each
month to [email protected].
Yoga&Meditation
MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn TM (Transcendental Medita�on). Relieves
stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic,
athle�c, and professional performance. Anyone can
learn. Expert instruc�on by a 35-year teacher of
medita�on.
Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more informa.on
www.TM.org,
www.tmeduca.on.org,www.DavidLynchFounda.o
n.org
YOGA WITH NAPISA
Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: All levels, Energize and
Restora�ve Yoga. Wednesday 7:30-9am: Level 2,
Wednesday 5:30-6:45 pm: Level 1-2, Friday 7:30-
8:45 am: Level 1- 2 @ Nichada Fitness Studio above
Starbucks.
Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187,
[email protected], FB: YogaWithNapisa
KUNDALINI YOGA-Flexible Yoga for Mind
and Body Beginners to advanced welcome! Tuesdays 9am-
10:30am or Fridays 8-9:30am Danicha Condo
39/289. Private classes available.
Contact Kers.n Wild [email protected]
086-372-9750
IYENGAR YOGA Iyengar yoga classes at the Regent, from Beginners
to Advanced Asanas. Every weekday (Monday to
Friday) from 08:00 am. to 09:30 am.
Contact: 0812853050, Juan Bodan, Iyengar and
Ashtanga yoga Cer.fied. For more informa.on
about Juan please visit hFp://kripa-yoga.com/
Sports
BIKING Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at
7am, 50+km on mtn bikes.
Contact Chris:
Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30 a.m.
Distance and terrain varies with groups for both
road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes.
Contact Meg: [email protected] or
084-908-9388
RANGER BOOTCAMP: Come have fun and get fit at Ranger Bootcamp!
All fitness levels are welcome!
Class Times: 7:30am, Monday - Friday + addi�onal
day/night classes per demand
Loca�on: Varies depending on class and �me
Fees: varies
Contact: Jack at [email protected]
or 087-552-6007
MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30.
Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Kevin:
[email protected] or Kers.n:
[email protected] 086-372-9750
19
Community Fitness and Activities Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
DanceClassesBOLLYWOOD DANCE Bollywood dance is an exci�ng and upbeat fusion of
Western and Eastern dances with tradi�onal
classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s
fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance –
this is for you!
Morning classes: Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30-
10:30am
Evening classes: Mondays 5-6pm
All classes held in Nichada. For loca.ons and further
informa.on, contact Irit: 0860044840
SPIRIT DANCE Join the party in a dance fitness/wellness class.
Swing and sway in a carefree and fun filled
environment, to great music from virtually every
genre. Spirit Dance incorporates various dance arts
as well as movement from mar�al and healing arts,
and it embodies a holis�c approach: Strength,
mobility and flexibility for your body, with bliss,
delight and ela�on for your mind. Let your hair
down. Let your SPIRIT soar. Let your life DANCE.
Classes are at a drop-in basis. Fridays, 9.30-10.30am,
at Dance Studio above Starbucks For further info,
contact Irit: 0860044840 [email protected]
TutorialsPIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS
By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance and experience
teaching at Westover School in Connec�cut. Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes
Contact Info: [email protected] Tel: 091-878-6283
LATIN RHYTHYMS DANCE Improve your dance skills in different rhythms:
cumbia, salsa, merengue, bachata, rock and roll,
pop.
Mondays: 8:30-9:30 advanced
Tuesdays: 8:30-9:30 beginners
Wednesdays: 8:30-9:30 advanced
One more day will be opened for beginners.
All classes held in Nichada Raintree 39/776
Contact: Blanca De la Vega Tel 0863483287
20
It’s October, and that’s when nostalgia for
fall in my home country sets in. Cooler tempera-
tures, shorter days, the changing leaves, and a visit
to the pumpkin patch--these are the things that
those of us from the Western Hemisphere typically
equate with the fall season. But after 15 years as an
expat, I have become accustomed to life without
fall as I knew it.
Actually, I can even say that I now appreci-
ate the Nichada Halloween experience for what it
is—a community-wide effort to celebrate the other
part of the fall season by providing trick-or-
treating, haunted houses, and the ghoulish fun of
Halloween for all who wish to participate.
And, those who wish to participate often
include people of all ages and backgrounds:
infants, teens, and adults, from many different
nationalities. Apparently, dressing up in costumes
and walking around neighborhoods ringing door-
bells is a popular way to bring people together!
No matter what role you take, it is truly
amazing to be a part of this event. For instance,
some may decide to don a costume and follow
their small children around as they ring doorbells
and ask for a “trick-or-treat.” Others may decide
to stay home and hand out treats, while their older
children go out with friends.
Some may decide to forgo the trick-or-
treating altogether and attend neighborhood haunt-
ed houses, or they may opt to stay home and avoid
the crowds. If this is the case, one can simply
turn off the outside lights and shut the door to
keep trick-or-treaters away.
In the past, preparing for Halloween was a
little daunting, but it has become much easier
lately as the Thais have come to embrace this
celebration. Decorations and costumes can be
found in Chinatown on Sampeng Lane, or at
department stores like Central and Emporium. It’s
also easy to have costumes custom made from a
Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Halloween
Halloween
in
Nichada
21
Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Halloween
picture. Khun June, an English-speaking tailor
located on the upper level of shops next to Subway
outside Nichada, is highly recommended.
Candy can be purchased in bulk at Macro,
Big C, and Lotus. Some neighborhoods pool their
resources, and each participating household
purchases candy for a big container. Then the
neighbors sit and dole out candy at one central spot
in the neighborhood.
The first trick-or-treaters usually appear just
as the sun starts to set, around 6 p.m., and the door-
bell ringing can go on until around 8 p.m. There is
no need to feel obligated to have enough candy for
this entire time. When the candy is gone, turn out
the lights! Some neighborhoods will run out sooner
than others.
Alas, there are no pumpkin patches to visit,
but Villa Market started selling imported pumpkins
a few years back. If you can’t afford the hefty
price, it’s still possible to bring your children by to
see what a western pumpkin looks like! Enjoy the
season! Laura Sadowski
22
Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Halloween
Halloween Tips
Costume Sources
Safety Tips
White Elephant Thrift Store Costumes to be stocked beginning Sept. 28
(see samples on the right).
2nd Floor, Oasis Center
Samakkee Road
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10am to 2pm (Wed. 10am
to 4pm), Sat. 10am to noon.
Department Stores Central Dept. Store branches
Big C branches
Clothing Markets Pratunaam
Chinatown
Made to Order Seamstress Khun June (she speaks English)
Near Subway sandwich shop outside Nichada
Mobile: 081-497-3641
Stay visible in the dark On Oct. 31, the sun will set at 5:51pm, shortly
before the youngest trick-or-treaters start
ringing door bells. Bring a flashlight/torch.
Add reflecting tape to costumes.
Chaperone little ones Keep an eye on the little ones. Popular venues
such as Regent (known for American candies)
get crowded. Trick-or-treating is hard work.
Chaperones may want to carry water to keep
kiddies hydrated.
Watch out for cars and golf carts Main roads of Nichada will be lined with
parked cars and golf carts. Keep an eye out for
moving vehicles packed with revelers.
Thailand is hot and humid! Choose cool
costumes in breathable fabrics. Ph
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Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to
others. If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at [email protected].
Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Hail Taxi Via Smartphone App
Apps Offer Free Tex.ng & Calling Op.ons
No need to pay for text messages or calls, now
that there are so many free text services availa-
ble. Newcomers may have noticed that in
Thailand, the Line app, developed by NHN
Japan, is wildly popular among Thais, who love
to share cute stickers via the app. WeChat,
developed in 2011 by China’s Tencent, is the app
of choice for many in China. And there’s also
Whatsapp, owned by Facebook and the most
popular messaging app in the world. Download
the apps and save a bundle on domestic and
international calls and texts.
Grabtaxi is a free smartphone application that
allows you to call a taxi straight from your phone
here in Bangkok. You type your starting location
and destination, and the nearest taxi driver will
pick up your request. I used Grabtaxi a few
weeks ago, just to test it out.
The application itself was user friendly and
intuitive. The app is entirely in English, but I
would only recommend it if you speak some
basic Thai or have a Thai speaker available to
answer questions from drivers, most of whom
do not speak English. The drivers may call to
verify your starting location. For example, they
may ask what landmarks are nearby, and which
house or building is near your pick-up point.
There’s an option to add tips to encourage
drivers to accept your ride ‘bid,” but if you need
a ride during rush hour, even tips may not offer
enough incentive. Riders pay 25 baht above the
metered fare for the service. Payments are made
in cash directly to the driver.
Overall, Grabtaxi worked for me. If you would
like to try it, be sure to have a Thai speaker
available to answer questions from drivers.
Spencer Barnett
Liz Lu
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Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Thai Costume Rental
Neighborhood Car Wash Offers Convenience
During my recent stay in Bangkok, trying a Thai
costume rental service was probably one of my
favorite experiences! The rental place is right
next to the pier at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),
just after you walk into the temple complex.
For only 100 baht, they let you wear traditional
Thai clothing (you get to pick the colors) and
then they take pictures for you on your camera
or smartphone. The people who do it are very
nice; they suggest different spots for you and
give you different mudras/ positions to pose in.
It's a cool thing for tourists, since there aren't a
ton of chances to see traditional Thai clothing,
let alone wear it! I appreciated the chance to be
immersed in Thai culture, and at such a cheap
price. It's great because you don't have to invest
in buying Thai traditional wear, but you get to
experience the culture in a unique way. I highly
recommend it for anyone who would like to
experience traditional Thai wear firsthand, and
get a nice picture in front of the Wat Arun gate
as well!
Margaret Von Rotz
In addition to car wash services at gas stations
and in the parking lots of shopping malls, it’s
good to have quality car washes available just
around the corner.
Of the many car wash businesses on Samakkee
Road outside Nichada’s main gate, my favorite is
Like Car Wash next to the Oasis Center. There
is a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting room.
Owner Khun Bae and his wife closely supervise
their crew and use 3M cleaning products. Wash
and vacuum cost between 170 to 200 baht
depending on size of car. Liz Lu
Photo provided by Margaret Von Rotz
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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Social Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee
Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee
On Friday, September 11 there was a packed
house at the annual NNR welcome back coffee
hosted by Shana DeHaven. A lot of new and
returning residents enjoyed getting to know one
another and catching up on summer events.
Representatives from several area clubs and
organizations were also present so newcomers
could learn what activities are available in the
community. Bumrungrad International Hospital
was also present handing out goody bags packed
with lots of pertinent information.
Thank you to Segafredo Zanetti for
supplying and serving a wonderful selection of
coffees. NNR also thanks Tops for supplying
delicious pastries and breads. We would also like
to thank all the ladies who brought homemade
goodies to share.
Thank you, Shana DeHaven, for opening up your
home for everyone to get back into Nichada
happenings.
Denise Warta
Hostess Shana DeHaven
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Around Nonthaburi and Beyond
Chaengwattana Community Church Adult Sunday School—8:30am
Sunday Service—9:30am
Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am
Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am
Community Prayer—Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am
Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm
Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm
http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)
Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi
Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.
English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm
Contact us at: [email protected]
Discover the Rosary, contact Chris at
Synagogue
Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish
Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22
Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245
Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque
8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi
Neighborhood mosque near Nichada Thani.
Buddhist Temple
Wat Bua Khwan (วดับวัขวญั)
1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road,
Muang, Nonthaburi
02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local
temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings
and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada. Go
via Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the
expressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.
Worship Venues:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road
Sunday Worship Service--9 am.(in English)
Family History Research Group--Mondays,
9-12 p.m.
Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11 a.m.
“Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month,10 a.m.
Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Contact Marie Lewis (092-581-9606)
Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Events:
Thailand One Stop
Shopping Expo 2015
Impact,
Muang Thong Thani
Oct. 10-18
10am to 9:30pm
Baan lae Suan Fair (Design and Décor)
Challenger 1-3, Muang Thong Thani
Oct. 31 to Nov. 8
9am to 9:30 pm
International Bike Fair
Impact, Muang Thong Thani
Oct. 1-4, 2015
10am to 9pm
BIG + BIH Fair (gifts & lifestyle products)
BITEC (BKK Int’l Trade & Exhibition Centre)
Event Hall 101– 106
Oct. 22-23
10am to 9pm
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You missed the Start? No problem at all, please contact me!
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For Archive Copies of
Thani Talk,
Click:
www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk
Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach
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Asian Culture 101 Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Asian Culture 101
Temple Etiquette: Head, Shoulders , Feet and Shoes In Thai culture, etiquette
regarding the head and feet are
extremely important, so it
behooves us to educate
ourselves about the rules in
order not to unknowingly
offend our host country.
Head: It is considered
rude to touch someone’s head,
even that of a child. Young
people generally lower their
head as they walk past an elder. A Buddha head
should not be used as décor (i.e. on a coffee table),
and if it’s in a home, should have a place of honor.
Shoulders: Monks bare their shoulders, but
when you’re visiting a temple, do cover up out of
respect. At Wat Pho, underclad tourists (bare
shoulders, cut-off shorts, etc.) are asked by staff to
borrow a long-sleeved, almost floor-length green
coat when inside the temple. The 200 baht
borrowing fee is returned when the coat is returned
at the end of the visit. The loaner coat is made of
a synthetic material, so it doesn’t breathe and
you’ll swelter. Better to dress appropriately to
begin with.
Feet: Rule #1 before you enter an Asian
home, and it’s even more important when visiting
a temple, is to remove your shoes as a sign of
respect. It’s also crucial NOT to point your feet at
anyone. Inside a temple, when kneeling in front of
a Buddha image, be sure to have your feet pointed
away from the image, with your feet either directly
under your derriere, or to the side.
Shoes: The no shoes rule was already
mentioned above. Please know that removing
one’s shoes is not only expected before entering an
Asian home or a Buddhist temple, but it is also the
etiquette at Thai mosques. For example, if you
visit one of the mosques in our neighborhood
(there’s one on Soi Prasert Issaram and one on
Samakkee Road), you must remove your shoes
before entering.
By observing these simple rules of etiquette,
you will be welcomed everywhere in Thailand.
Liz Lu
Photo above by
Margaret Von Rotz.
Other photos from
Google.com/ Images.
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For more than 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided therapy
for adults, couples, adolescents and families. Carl
spent most of his life in the US where he earned his Master’s
Degree in Counseling Psychology and completed his
internship before working in both residential settings and
private practice. In 2003, he was offered a full time position
as the only Western Psychologist at Bumrungrad Hospital
where he spent five years in clinic before going into private
practice. Now with offices in both Bangkok and Pattaya, Carl
specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship
conflict, depression, anxiety and stress and also focuses on
both adolescents and adults with self esteem issues.
For a confidential appointment please call
089 680 3503 or [email protected]
www.bangkoktherapy.com
Carl Janowitz
Marriage and Family Therapist Circle One Building
1674 Petchaburi Rd. (Near Bumrungrad)
When Life Feels
Overwhelming
Reach Out for Help…
Writers Needed
Got a flair for wri-ng?
Good at mee-ng deadlines?
Contact Liz at
nnrnewsle)[email protected]
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Travel: Korat Zoo Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Korat Zoo: A Hidden Jewel Road Trip to Isan Province, Northeastern Thailand
Approximately 260 kilometers and a 4- hour drive
northeast of Bangkok, an under-appreciated
treasure of Thailand lies tucked away in lush
forest. Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, also known as the
Korat Zoo, is an excellent choice for your next
family trip. A long drive through the beautiful
Thai countryside is all that stands between you and
this delightful experience for the whole family.
What really sets Korat Zoo apart from world-
famous attractions such as the San Diego Zoo is
the intimate atmosphere of the park. Herds of
exotic ungulates roam the zoo freely, and open air
enclosures house kangaroos, hippos, elephants and
many other fascinating creatures. New additions
include habitats for camels and llamas. The
animals all look well-cared for, and the enclosures
are designed for maximum interaction (such as the
specially designed giraffe-feeding towers.)
Vendors next to the enclosures sell bananas and
vegetables (to feed deer) and long Thai string
beans (to feed giraffes.)
The sprawling layout of the zoo is perfect for
biking from one display or enclosure to another.
Elephant rides are no longer available, but the zoo
still offers a wide selection of other forms of
transportation through the park. In addition to
bike rentals including tandem bikes, visitors can
also rent golf carts, or jump on a trolley. The zoo
entrance fee is incredibly reasonable at 150 baht
for foreigners and 100 baht for Thai residents. The
zoo also has a sister attraction: a water park that
many Thai families take their children to for the
day.
Drink and snack kiosks dot the park, but for a
good local meal, try one of the roadside
restaurants just outside the zoo. We grabbed
dinner at an outdoor restaurant and enjoyed a
hearty meal of Isan favorites, such as grilled
chicken, barbequed pork, sticky rice, and green
papaya salad. We topped off the meal with
homemade ice cream sticks in popular Thai
flavors such as taro, Thai tea, and lychee.
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Travel: Korat Zoo Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
Amber Barnett
Although visiting the Korat Zoo is a fantastic day
trip, I recommend that you make it a weekend
excursion so that you can rest up and stay the night
at a local hotel after a fun day at the zoo. You may
want to head to town and try hotels such as the
Dusit Princess Korat or the Romyen Garden Place.
Downtown Korat, known for a popular shopping
mall featuring a Flintstone-like exterior design,
bustles with energy at night and is fun to explore.
Another reason to make the Korat Zoo outing a
2-day trip is that the drive back from Korat to
Bangkok can be very harrowing for drivers if done
at night. Most of the roads are narrow highways
that often lack street lighting at night, so daytime
driving is strongly recommended.
Nakhon Rachasima is one of the "big four" cities
in northeastern Thailand’s Isan province, Taking
the family on a road trip to the Korat Zoo is an
excellent way to experience a slice of rural,
upcountry Thailand. Happy travels!
OneW
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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 NNR Tour Highlights
Highlights from Sept. 23 Na-onal Museum Trip
I participated in the museum tour today and was
incredibly impressed with how knowledgeable the
guide was. Benedict provided a great overview of
the history of Thailand which was so interesting.
Many of the questions I had about the temples,
Buddha and other Thai traditions were answered. I
am now looking forward to bringing my family
and friends to the museum so that they can also
learn more about this amazing country that we live
in. Thanks so much for organizing .... I can't wait
for the next tour! Cyndy Henry
Thanks for organising the Bangkok Museum tour.
It was great to have Ms. Benedict as our guide.
She shared her wealth of knowledge with us and
provided such interesting insight in Thai history,
in terms of religion and many other topics, which
as a newcomer, we found very exciting and
informative. Looking forward to the next one.
Shepali Jain
It was a very enlightening tour. I enjoyed learning
more in depth about Thai culture, what the
paintings in the temples mean, what every part of
the Buddha statues mean, Thai history. Benedict,
our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and made
the tour easy to follow.
Bertha Itinger
Benedict was a fantastic tour guide. She brought
the history of the museum to life. I especially
loved her descriptive narratives about the Buddha.
Patti Madigan
The tour with National Museum Volunteer guide
Benedict was fabulous! I can appreciate the detail
and understand the meaning behind Thai
architecture and art so much more. She explained
the dynamic relationship between Hinduism and
Buddhism in a way that really demonstrated how it
is constantly evolving and captured your attention.
Thank you for accommodating me on the trip.
It was great! Phoebe Bredin
Thank you so much for a great tour at the National
Museum today. It was very informative and a nice
look into Thai culture. And we had a lovely guide.
I'll go again with guests! Raphaelle Fahmi
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Restaurant Review Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015
SALT: Eclectic Dining at Its Best
Perhaps it’s not often that the fine people of
Nichada Thani find themselves in Ari - a hip
neighborhood about 10 km north of downtown
that’s full of restaurants, bars, and shops which
offer a comparatively quiet alternative to
Sukhamvit or Silom. But if you are in the neigh-
borhood, I’d recommend a visit to Salt.
Far from a trendy restaurant-of-the-moment, Salt
is a longtime favorite that has developed a loyal
following since it opened in 2011. This
venerable eatery has maintained its status at the
top of Bangkok’s dining scene through its
winning combination of cuisine and atmosphere.
Located on Soi Ari 4, about 300 metres from the
Ari BTS station, Salt is spacious, with floor-to-
ceiling glass walls. There are tables in the
industrial room near the bar, a large area for
dining al-fresco, as well as tables in the wine
cellar area. Salt takes great pride in its hand-
crafted décor.
As for the food, there is something for everyone.
The long menu, prepared by Thai chef Gog and
his staff, features Italian (in particular their
signature wood-fired pizzas), French cuisine
(frog legs anyone?), and a sushi menu.
Normally I would be wary of a place offering
such a variety food, but Salt seems to do
everything well.
Don’t judge me, but at one dinner I enjoyed
fresh oysters with uni, caviar, and a yuzu sauce,
a mushroom and pumpkin ravioli salad, grilled
tofu with a spicy miso sauce, and Kurobuta
(highly prized Japanese pork from the
Black Berkshire pig) stuffed with foie gras. It
all worked well together and was a wonderful
meal.
The pork, in particular was so succulent and
juicy. I’d happily recommend it, however there
is so much on offer you’re bound to find one of
your favorites or something new and exciting.
Salt also has an extensive wine and cocktail
menu, to ensure you can find the perfect
beverage to pair with your eclectic meal.
The dishes at Salt are not cheap, neither are they
very pricey, even by Bangkok standards.
Appetizers average about 200-300 baht and
entrees are generally in the 400-600 baht range.
If you want to enjoy delicious food in a cool
atmosphere, alongside
the young and hip of
Bangkok, make your
way to Salt.
Address: Corner of Soi
Ari 4, Phaholyothin
Road, Soi 7
John Marinos Photo by Pannapa Na Nan
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Providing high quality custom tailoring for more
than 45 years,
Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue
Magazine,
Interna�onal Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire,
Fortune,
BangkokGuide,LonelyPlanet,Frommer’sGuide,
DRESS SHARP. LOOK SHARP. FEEL SHARP.
Providing high quality custom tailoring for more
than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in
Men's Vogue Magazine, Interna�onal Living, Worth
Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely
Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, The
Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast
Magazine and many other travel magazines.
Delivery Restaurant Phone
Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai
Cuisine 02-952-0031
BBQ Sandwich King 086-773-4140
Bukhara (Afghan/Indian) 082-443-1398
Burger King/Pizza Company 1112
Food Loft 02-831-5588
KFC and Pizza Hut 1150
Le Bouchon Food Delivery 02-960-3011
McDonald’s 1711
Milano’s @ Pro Club 02-582-1555
Mr. Enzo’s 02-960-0412
New York Diner 081-624-2099
Que Pasa 02-960-3821
Sapna (Indian and Afghan food
delivery) 02-960-3141
Scoozi 02-715-8555
Subway 02-960-3232
Sudhathai 02-583-2694
Slider Shack 086-773-4140
Hot Spot Restaurant and Bar
(Indian and Chinese Food) 084-671-8318
Local Business Phone
Bamboo Spa 02-583-9871
Bank Krungsri 02-582-2669
Blue Sky Café 081-811-8455
Bumrungrad Family Clinic 02-960-4216
Clark Hatch Fitness Center 02-960-4326 / 27
Crystal Holiday Travel 02-960-4469
Hair By Jib 02-960-3783
Happy Teeth Dental Clinic 02-960-3988
Great Massage 02-960-3691
ISB 02-963-5800
Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928
Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300
Pandit Carpets 081-828-2562
Panipa 02-960-3934
Pum’s Salon 02-583-7117
Rex Pharmaplus 081 834 1306
Rose Marie Academy 02-960-3663
Shawn Carpets 090-564-8927
Starbucks 02-967-9686
Twist 02-911-6839
Villa Market 02 -584-5444
Wash-N-Dry 085-945-4132
4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming 02-960-4189
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