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Bangkok Bulletin
katherine campbell reveals bangkok’s latest news and views
BEAUTIFUL IN BANGKOK
Thailand is no longer just a destination for those wanting to soak up the sun and visit temples or historic ruins. The country is also taking advantage of its world-class medical facilities and procedures, which cost a fraction of the prices found in Europe or North America.
One example of this is Beautiful Holidays, whose recently opened Bangkok centre specialises in cosmetic and plastic surgeries such as breast augmentation and laser tooth whitening.
Linda Belonje, director of the Bangkok branch, says, “The clients are always very impressed by the hospitals in Bangkok. One commented that the hospital looked like a hotel! They also like the way the doctors and staff take time to talk to them about the procedure.”
Belonje reveals that the number one procedure is breast augmentation, which starts at about $3,050, followed by Lasik eye surgery, which starts at $2,300. Both packages include airport pick-up and drop-off , hotel accommodation, all hospital costs and follow-ups. The company also plans to expand into the fast-growing medical tourism industry by off ering hip replacements and heart surgeries. www.beautiful-holidays.com
GOING BACK IN TIME
Chalerm Krung Theatre, formerly called Sala Chalerm Krung, was built to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bangkok in 1932, and was at that time the most modern theatre in Asia. Recently renovated, it now boasts modern cinema and theatre facilities such as laser and multi-video systems that will breathe new life into performances like the traditional khon masked dance. The theatre also hosts ongoing musicals and dramas alongside various film festivals and cultural activities. 66 Charoen Krung (New Road), Wang Burapha, Phirom, tel +66 (0)2 222-1854
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
The newly constructed Siam Paragon, which was launched in a star-studded grand opening last December, is already set to become one of this year’s premier destinations. The 15 billion baht shopping mall boasts the Siam Opera House, Ocean World Aquarium, cinemas, bowling lanes, and 250 retail boutiques featuring brands such as Hermes, Gucci and Chanel. Several international newcomers have also made their debut in the Thai market, including jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels and Mikimoto, alongside fashion brands such as Spain’s Zara and Italy’s Roberto Cavalli. Siam Paragon is located in the heart of the city, flanked by Siam Centre and Central World Plaza, and parked conveniently outside the Siam BTS station. Open daily from 10am to 10pm. www.siamparagon.co.th
TIPPLE ME TIPSY
When it comes to nightlife, Bangkok is one of the world’s leaders in innovatively designed nightclubs and bars. Now four of the city’s most renowned mixologists have designed cocktails with a unique Thai twist. The creative fruits of their labour, with names such as Pomelo Plush Puppy and Kafir Del Mar, are featured in a new book entitled Tipple
Thai. The colourfully photographed collection of recipes contains over 70 concoctions inspired by more than 37 Thai fruits and herbs.
The master mixers – Justin Dunne, Ben David Sorum, Dannie Joel Sorum and Johan Davidsson – are familiar faces on Bangkok’s nightlife scene. Besides giving away some of their secret recipes, the authors also provide nutritional facts and medicinal properties of the ingredients – and they don’t shy away from using some of the ingredients that are mainstays in many Thai dishes, a case in point being the Chilli Blessing.
“Thailand is a place that is globally known for its fascinating and intriguing cuisine,’’ says Dunne. “What an incredible challenge it has been to now take many of these same ingredients found in all these Thai dishes and use them to make a cocktail. It’s about rewarding people with a new experience.”
Tipple Thai is published by Born Distinction and can be found in leading bookstores in Thailand.
FAMOUS FACES
What do Elizabeth Taylor, Sylvester Stallone and Elton John have in common? They’ve all stayed at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, now celebrating 130 years in the city. As part of the celebrations, the hotel is arranging a gourmet food festival from 27 March to 1 April at Le Normandie. Presiding over the event will be three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, who will present his cuisine at lunch and dinner. There will also be a British Theatre Playhouse production of Noel Coward’s comedy Private Lives in the Royal Ballroom in May, as part of the programme of food and cultural festivals taking place until the end of the year. If you’re interested in getting in on the glamour that has enticed celebrities from around the globe, the hotel is off ering special room rates and packages. 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok, tel +66 (0)2 659-9000, www.mandarinoriental.com
THE CROCODILE PRINCE
Don’t miss the exciting tale of Chalawan: The Likay Musical, which is currently playing at the Patravadi Theatre. Presented in the traditional likay “folk theatre’’ style, the musical tells the story of Chalawan, a crocodile prince who can turn into a human and lives in a crystal cave with his two wives.
In the folk tale, Chalawan is portrayed as a villain, but this adaptation sees the story unfold from Chalawan’s point of view.
The show runs every Saturday at 7.30pm until the end of 2006, with a matinee show at 2pm on 18 March. Patravadi Theatre, Arun Amarin Road, tel +66 (0)2 412-7287, www.patravaditheatre.com
WET AND WILD
April is Thailand’s hottest month of the year and also marks the Thai New Year celebration called Songkran.
This popular festival is a time when most Thais in Bangkok go back home to the provinces to pay respect to elders in their families by performing a traditional “bathing ceremony”.
But in Bangkok, this gentle water ritual has evolved into an all-out H2O war, with streets in the main tourist districts of Khao San Road and Silom packed with water-pistol-touting Thais and foreigners looking for their next “victim”. Super-soakers and water bottles are also sold on the streets.
If you are brave enough to enter these areas, be prepared to get soaked, as staying dry will be impossible! www.tourismthailand.org
VIEW FROM ABOVE
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the new Millennium Hilton Bangkok is certainly poised for five-star success. The 543-room, 32-storey hotel, which opened on 1 March, features two ballrooms with a capacity of 650 people, a dedicated Hilton Meetings floor for conventions, a choice of three themed restaurants, a health club and a full-service spa sanctuary.
The hotel will also add London’s hip, award-winning Zeta Bar to Thailand’s nightlife roster. Don’t miss the imaginatively designed bar on the 32nd floor off ering 360-degree panoramic views of Bangkok and beyond. 123 Charoennakorn Road, tel +66 (0)2 442-2000, www.bangkok.com/millenniumhilton
CATWALK CAPERS
From 15 to 19 March, the City of Angels will once again be inundated with fashionistas and models strutting their stuff on the catwalk as Bangkok Fashion Week returns. The event is part of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s initiative to solidify Bangkok’s stamp on the fashion world. Last year’s event featured some of Thailand’s best designers such as Grey by Greyhound, Good Mixer and Nagara.
The five-day extravaganza, staged at the Fashion Dome on Benjakitti Park’s lake and Plenary Hall in Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, will feature talks with leading designers, a trade fair and designers’ showcase, alongside the usual catwalk shows. One designer who will most definitely be making a repeat appearance is HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, who made her fashion debut at August’s event with her Viva Victorian 2005 collection. www.bangkokfashionweek2005.com
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