The Life of Plaa: One Woman’s Journey from Childhood Slavery to Self-Made Salvation
Gonwarra Kasee, nicknamed Plaa, was born in Bangkok 42 years ago. Her father was a Thai man of Chinese descent from the south and her mother originated in Koh Mak, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The two young lovers had met and fallen in love in the capital: she an orphan, working as a live-in maid to a distant relative; he a student at Ramkhamhaeng University. Just as Plaa’s mother suspected … Continued
Ink of the Gods: The Myth and Magic of Sak Yant
Sak is the Thai word for tattoo and yant is the Thai pronunciation of the Pali-Sanskrit word yantra, meaning “sacred design.” Sak yant (sacred Buddhist) tattoos have been extremely popular in Cambodia and Thailand for a long time. For hundreds of years, Hindu and Buddhist monks and holy men tattooed themselves with Buddhist prayers, mythical creatures or deities. Along with body modifications such as skin piercing and body binding, tattoos have been used by virtually every major society to cope with the spirit world and mark rites of passage.
One Smart Lady
by Pim Kemasingki The President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), Chonchanok Viravan, said in a speech in Seoul in 2008 that Thai women were one of the most entrepreneurial groups of women in the world. This claim has unfortunately not been verified, but as president of an association boasting 45 chapters in 100 nations with a membership of over a quarter o … Continued
Frozen in Time, Stuck in Place
In June of 1979, National Geographic published an article titled “Anatomy of a Burmese Beauty Secret” by Dr. John M. Keshishian, M.D. The article featured a photo of a woman decked out in full traditional Kayan garb, silver pendants dangling from her hair and ears, red and white shirt embroidered with colourful stitching, neck wrapped in approximately 30 gleaming brass coils. She looks tall and pr … Continued
The Laramie Project
Twenty five residents of Chiang Mai – men, women, old, young, gay, straight, Thai, multinational – have spent the past month and a half rehearsing for an upcoming theatrical production, “The Laramie Project.” Everything about this project is intense, starting with the play itself, a docudrama about the real life torture and murder of a 21-year-old gay student in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. Members o … Continued
Heart of Seoul
K-Fever is rife in Thailand, following the explosion of K-pop acts, melodramatic soaps, rom coms, and of course the virally-vile Gangnam Style. Indeed, a trip to Korea is a rite of passage for many young Thais, so Citylife’s office nearly succumbed to a stampede when the invitation for an exclusive media trip to Korea by Centre Korea of North Gate Holiday and Happy World Holiday arrived. Staff wer … Continued
Editorial
My name is Pim and I post pictures of food on social media. It’s all rather embarrassing. I get overexcited when presented with an artistic dish. I gush with enthusiasm when faced with a thrillingly creative menu. I feel like Keats’s Stout Cortez upon the discovery of a unique and spectacular dining venue. And due to being an onl y child, I have always had a problem with over-sharing (which thankf … Continued
Special Scoop
The Barbeque Store One of the best outdoor dining options in town just might be closer than you thought. Chiang Mai has the perfect climate for spending time outside all year round, but we can’t deny that the cool season is our favourite. Why not welcome its arrival with a barbeque? All you need is a backyard, a garden area, some poolside space, an open field, a patio or even just a sma … Continued
Inspiration Incognito: The Unseen Art Scene of Wat Umong
If you drive west from Chiang Mai’s old city, down Suthep Road toward the cloud-capped, blue-green embrace of Doi Suthep, you will reach the back entrance of Chiang Mai University, recently ranked one of the top 100 universities in Asia. Across the street from campus, there are a series of numbered soi. Take any one down far enough and you’ll find a place where nature still flourishes. The air fee … Continued
Design Ideas
Thaiwijit Puangkasemsomboon The abstract artist was born in 1959 in Pattani Province. He graduated from The Fine Arts Department, Silpakorn University and was a visiting instructor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University between 1987 – 1989. He has lived in Chiang Mai for eight years now. www.rama9art.org/thaiwijit Design in Chiang Mai is often both traditional and co … Continued
Clients’ Spot
Fashion King Looking for fashion that will make you feel like royalty? Fashion King Chiang Mai has come to be known as one of the best tailors in the business. They combine professional tailoring and authentic craftsmanship with the finest selection of over 500 high quality materials and fabrics. Choose from cashmere, gabardine, wool, mohair, linen, cotton, silk, and more. Made to measure clothing … Continued
City7: Big Breakfasts
01 Archers Big English-style breakfasts with plenty of protein, beans and toast. And if you drop some scraps on the floor amidst your feeding frenzy, fear not, Mary the big friendly dog (horse?) will scarf it up for you. 133/4 Rachapakanai Road www.archers.asia 083 637 7621 02 Butter is Better Come for the classic diner atmosphere – kitschy 1950s Americana – and stick around for the fabulous food, … Continued
Your Say
Buddhist Bashing Living in a Buddhist country run by the military, no not Burma, where the religion is totally in league with the greedy ruling elite, I find this talk of Buddhism being a religion of peace offensive nonsense. The Christian idea of charity appears to be absent in Buddhist circles and the crass materialism of continuous temple building deprives resources which could benefit t … Continued
The Life of Wine
The Champagne Wars I have a completely unfounded suspicion that the recent kerfuffle over America adding Syria to its long list of bad ideas in the Middle East may in fact be a smokescreen. A cunning diversion to take the eyes of the world off a much more serious situation, the battle lines of which are currently being drawn by the world’s biggest corporation and a bunch of grape-growers just east … Continued
What’s Happening?
Art and Exhibitions “NOMADS NO MORE” PHOTO EXHIBITION Now – 2nd October @ Documentary Arts Asia, Wualai Road Soi 3 088-1387470 This photo exhibition by Taylor Weidman explores Mongolia’s fast track to change. With some of the world’s largest reserves in coal, copper and gold, the country is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But how will these changes affect … Continued
This is Thailand
For those of you with questions regarding Thailand, Thai culture, history, tourism, laws, rules, food, nightlife, subculture, dating, or generally anything as long as it is relevant, we have a panel of experts ready to respond to your enquiries. Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com Is there anywhere I can eat Vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) in Chiang Mai? Sophie (intern): There are plenty of g … Continued
Music Box
Janelle Mon?e – The Electric Lady The uber-creative Janelle Monae continues her upward trajectory with suites IV and V of the Metropolis series of sci-fi concept albums. Loaded with guest artists, orchestral interludes, skits, and numerous nods to classic soul, rock, disco and hip-hop, The Electric Lady initially comes off as wanting to be a big album. It kicks off with the one-two punch of Prince … Continued
City Talk
Wichada Mali, 26 Pharmacist, Thai I love Ang Thong Islands in Surat Thani so much! You have to be tough and hike a little bit if you want to have a nice view of the islands. I got a bit injured from the hiking but it couldn’t stop me from going there again. Herman Lim, 30 Hotel Crew, Indonesian I like Green Palace Temple [Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok]. It is a beautiful place. The desig … Continued
City Buzz
Want to booze with the cool kids? You’ve got options. From laidback expat standbys to artsy hipster hubs, one thing is for sure: in Chiang Mai, you don’t have to drink alone. If you’re into beer, beats and bikes, CMBC is the old city’s latest hotspot. A small place, with a patio out front and a funky blend of exposed brick, low lighting and eclectic art inside, CMBC has created a modern, intimate … Continued
City Guide
For this new feature, we will select a different neighbourhood in and around Chiang Mai each month, along with a resident expert to show us all the best spots. Interested in being featured? Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com with your name and neighbourhood and we will send you a survey! Neighbourhood: Don Keaw (Lower Mae Rim) Resident Expert: Donjai Srivichainanda, 46, Manager of Mae … Continued