Well Done Chuwit, I’d Punched Him As Well

Gubernatorial candidate Chuwit Kamolvisit punched a TV anchorman straight in the face and stomped on him for asking questions that were agreed on beforehand to be left off the record. Reports The Nation: “Nearly at the end of the live interview, (Channel 3’s anchorman) Visarn (Dilokwanich) asked Chuwit about the details of his plan to compete against Apirak Kosayodhin.”

“Apirak is seen as the strongest candidate in the Bangkok governor election. While asking the question, Visarn told his audience that Chuwit already gave him the details of his tactic behind the scene. At that moment, Chuwit looked at Visarn furiously and asked him why he talked about the interview behind the scene, which was supposed to be off the record.”

“Visarn shot back with a question whether Chuwit behind the scene is the same with Chuwit on TV. Chuwit argued that what he said behind the scene should be left behind the scene and Visarn should ask him about his campaign plan instead. But Visarn kept on demanding Chuwit to say whether he is the same person behind the scene and in front of TV.” And then the éclat:

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October 2, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine, Media, Politics, The Interview | 5 Comments

Recall Rumors: China Milk Scare Hits Thailand

Over a friend of a friend of a friend I got an SMS that reads: “Pls help to sms to others - FYI the following items have been recalled due 2 china’s milk situation …” - listing a wide array of products available in Thailand allegedly made from milk in China.

Not that I trust food safety in Thailand - but I wondered: Who recalled those products? The SMS concludes with: “Stores hv been asked by ava 2 remove them. If u hav any of these items in yr hse don’t eat them.”

Who the heck is “ava.” The “Agri-food and Veterinary Authority” (AVA) of Singapore it turns out. Right, the warning originates in Singapore that knows much stricter food safety controls than Thailand. But most listed items are available in Thailand as well.

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September 23, 2008 | Filed Under Body & Mind, Food & Wine | 6 Comments

Another Thai Colonic Irrigation

Felt depressed lately? Tired? Even sad? Blame yourself. But you may also blame your colon. Get our basic explainer here, how to feel lighter, happier, more energetic again - & Thais are masters of the the art of colonic irrigation:

“Cleansing your colon is a rejuvenating, relaxing and highly effective way to remove matter and stuff that your body doesn’t really require. Have an improved cardiovascular and blood circulation, even loose some extra weight.”

Ten years ago Ian Belcher endured seven days of enemas in Thailand. On a return visit he lost a stone and wrinkles. But beware of imitation: You may get so hungry that you consider eating your moisturizer or shaving cream.

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September 23, 2008 | Filed Under Body & Mind, Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism | Leave a Comment

Culinary Elitism @ 9th World Gourmet Festival

To be elitist in Bangkok seems to be on vogue these days. So let’s be straight out elitist. As it’s this glorious time of the year again with the World Gourmet Festival @ the Four Seasons Hotel. From September 22nd to 28th.

Well, the cheapest event at the festival, the Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Tasting, will set you back some 600 baht. The Gala Dinner 8,500++. The Gourmet Festival though is not about money.

It’s about a unique chance to eat off the plates of some of the world’s best chefs: Award-winning master chefs under one roof for a week-long celebration of outstanding food, exquisite wines and, yes, cooking classes with the masters.

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September 16, 2008 | Filed Under Culture & Arts, Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism, Truly Bangkok | 14 Comments

Bangkok’s A Beach

Stuck in Bangkok, I know. Need a break? How about some beach. Some fresh air, great seafood and nice flow of beer. Nah, you don’t have to head all the way down to Pattaya or even Hua Hin. Remember, Bangkok has a long wild coastline hardly anybody knows. Bangkok’s basically a coastal city.

And what a coastline Bangkok has. Wild mangrove wood and fields upon fields as far as the eye can see. The proximity of the ocean is the lung of the metropolis. Which is why the mega city has relatively better air than smaller, sleepier, landlocked Chiang Mai surrounded by mountains and slashing and burning.

Don’t know Bangkok’s coastline? Log on to Google Earth or Microsoft’s Virtual Earth and fly over that desolate stretch of coast. But you’re longing for the Bangkok coastline AND some beach cum seafood. Freshest cheap seafood. Nothing easier than that.

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September 16, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism | 8 Comments

Magic Ice Cream

No, nothing to do with magic mushroom, but expect some tantalizing aphrodisiac side effects if you enjoy the marvelously unique ice creams of Spice Story at Siam Paragon.

They say it’s just ice cream, but hey. With flavors such as Pepper Magic or Hibiscus Plus Jujube Sorbet, you seriously expect they won’t have any healing, if not medical effect?

To make it short: You find most delicious gelato in Bangkok, just to mention the fresh arrival of Mövenpick. But none matches the sophisticated, if not adventurous creations of Spice Story. And they taste as wild as they sound.

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August 7, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine, Gadgets & Shopping, TTT - Top Thai Things, Truly Bangkok | 4 Comments

Thailand’s Disgrace Thai Airways

Had no other option, had to fly Thai Airways to Europe and back. Economy class it goes without saying. To let you know upfront: How much deeper can the service of a renowned airline fall.

Thai Airways should get a disservice award. Not only that there couldn’t be any less space inbetween seats (try an Arab carrier for comparison), the food is a celebration of utter minimalism.

Take this: In the middle of the night, somewhere before the Himalayas, the air passenger is overcome by a slight appetite. He gets up, walks to the back of the plane and kindly asks for a sandwich. “Sorry sir, no snacks.”

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August 3, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism | 12 Comments

Soi Arab: A Crossroads Of Two Cultures

Arabs are everywhere these days in Bangkok, so flush they are with oil cash and don’t know what to do with all that money. Have a medical checkup at one of Bangkok’s leading hospitals. Chances are you’ll be lonely farang surrounded by Arabs.

Here’s a recent article on Bangkok’s one and only Soi Arab, written by longtime Bangkok resident Jennifer Gampell. If one Bangkok expat lifestyle writer knows Bangkok, it’s Jennifer. She dishes up some Soi Arab insights even you weren’t aware of.

And agreed with Jennifer: Shahrazad’s a must in the treasure called Soi Arab. You’ll want more of their nan bread that comes fresh from the stone oven and of the wonderfully creamy hummus and …

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July 21, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine, Travel & Tourism | 7 Comments

“R Burger”: Yet Another Japanese Burger Joint

This one is different. You’ve tried them all. And R Burger at Siam Square will still surprise you. As they’re not serving the traditional bread buns. But Chinese-style steamed buns that are fluffier and a whiff sweeter than run-of-the-mill hamburger buns.

And a key ingredient of R Burger’s burgers is Marine Collagen. Go figure. But the burgers don’t taste the way they sound. They’re different and they’re fabulous. Especially the “Maguro Wasabi Mayonnaise Burger” with lots of tuna and healthy DHA.

Right, R Burger is another Japanese Burger joint venture after MOS Fine Burgers‘ phenomenal arrival in the kingdom. R Burger won’t be that successful, as they’re not that mainstream. Nevertheless worth some visits when you’re in the area.

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July 20, 2008 | Filed Under Food & Wine | 5 Comments