Technicolour World
“Since I was little, I was always very creative,” says Tjasa Iris. “I made many things out of wood, glass, paper, fabrics. I did lots of photography and painting, too. In the end, I liked painting more than all the other things.” Today, the Slovenian-born artist has broken into the international art scene and is making a splash throughout Southeast Asia in particular for her large scale acrylic an … Continued
If Walls Could Talk
Chiang Mai is awash with art, but many people probably don’t notice the growing number of tagged walls, painted concrete, graffiti style advertising, anonymous stickers, spray painted stencils and mysterious signals dotted around town. Unlike in some parts of the world, street art hasn’t been as prolific here, and has therefore stayed for the most part under the public radar. While you may occasio … Continued
Japan in 60 Hours… Seriously
by Pim Kemasingki When real estate titans Sansiri invited Citylife on a press junket to Tokyo, I exercised my editorial rights, amidst much jealous whining, and put my name down. You see, for no particular reason, Japan had never been on my radar. So a free trip of “Four Nights and Five Days” would be a first for me and sounded marvellous. I began imagining myself reclining under a sakura tree a … Continued
Design Idea
Ormkwan Sanasen Project Manager Property and Investment Central Group of Companies I am a firm believer that good design should always follow function. Designs that I like are usually things that I can use in real life; they have to be practical and beautiful at the same time. The “Chateau Arm Chair” (pictured) by Sophie Roumeliotis (www.CreationTamarine.com) for me defines what my home should be, … Continued
Many Stories to Tell
Who hasn’t always yearned to dine off Mae West’s dinner set from a collectable McGuire table, basking in the candle light of a 1950s era chandelier while being draped in a coyote and fox collar fur coat? Well, here is your chance! Lance Kostrobala, Chai Somyana and Howard Weiner have turned their home down the quiet cul-de-sac of Nimmanhaemin Soi 3 into an extraordinary showroom selling all … Continued
Editorial
The election billboards are up and politics is again the talking point in newspapers, on social media and around coffee tables. So, how fares our democracy after the last decade of turmoil? Surprisingly robust, according to Dr. Suchart Jaipakdee, Head of Chiang Mai’s Election Commission, who I recently sat down with over a few cups of coffee. “My vision for democracy in Thailand is one of a slow a … Continued
CityGuide: Doi Saket
This month, we met up with Aae, a Thai lady who has lived with her partner in Doi Saket for 14 years. Here is her insider’s guide to the lush and lovely neighbourhood, a rural getaway just a stone’s throw from the city. Who lives here? Many small rural communities with an interesting mix, and significant number of, expatriates (many of whom cooperate and communicate with local authorities an … Continued
Bananas and Porn
By James Austin Farrell If I went to Japan (if I had enough money to go to Japan) on one of the many new tours now available to the Thai parvenu, I guess the spectacle of my itinerary would be the pornography tour, or, as it’s apparently known to nudging and winking Thai ladies, a trip to the “gift” shop. A gift, in this case, might be a two hour video of squealing girls dressed in nothing but rai … Continued
Out on the Town with Pimmy & Praewa
Meet Pimmy, 21, and Praewa, 22, students of education at Rajabhat University. They both work part time at Sangdee Gallery and sell cosmetics online. Since Citylife’s editor is getting a bit long in the tooth, we have decided to invite these two girls-about-town to be your monthly guide into what’s cool, hot, new, hip, trending and going viral in our fair city. Between the two of them, they h … Continued
Naked Bunch
I am sitting in a mineral bath with 10 naked people. As I’m sitting there, I’m imagining myself where I am now, in my office, fully clothed, in front of my computer, typing this sentence to kick off the story of my 24 hours as a naturist: “I am sitting in a mineral bath with 10 naked people.” Enter the Naturists Let’s back up and define our terms. What is a naturist? Well, it’s essentially an inte … Continued
Clients’ Spot
The BelleRive Boutique Hotel The beautiful BelleRive Boutique Hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos is situated in the historical centre of the peninsula, close to the temples of Wat Nong and Wat Seansook. From there, it is just a short walk to the main road and to the famous night market, with all its fantastic Lao-designed textiles and local handicrafts. Despite its central location, the hotel enjoys a q … Continued
City7: Late Night Eats
Late Night Eats Got munchies? Never fear, we may not be a city that never sleeps, but there are always places you can find for late night nosh. 01 Jok Somphet This bright yellow eatery near the north gate is open 24 hours a day, and serves up a variety of fabulous hangover-fighters, from the signature jok (a tasty Cantonese porridge) to the delicious basil chicken. Sriphum Road, near North G … Continued
City Buzz
Why Ever Leave Nimman? We do cover other parts of the city, we swear! But the Nimmanhaemin Road area is evolving so fast, with so many fabulous new additions, that we can’t help but highlight them. Here is this month’s roundup. Pasta Cafe Now in its 10th year of operation, Pasta Cafe is one of Nimmanhaemin’s longest-running standbys for international food, and occupies one of th … Continued
Your Say
Beyond the Postcard [Re: Stuck in Place, Frozen in Time, October 2013] The long neck hill tribe villages of Thailand are part of the reason why I wanted to travel to the country. Hearing stories about them, however, I had soon grown ambivalent about visiting them. To this day, after having travelled and even lived for quite a few months in Thailand, I have never been in one such village. I am not … Continued
The Life of Wine
For this month’s column I wanted to write about wine in films. But, a quick Google search later, I realised that this is what wine writers do when they have slammed into a creative cul-de-sac. Now I don’t want you ever to feel like I’ve not ever made an immense effort on your behalf, dear reader, but then again, I have just sat through a bunch of films, and I am certain that you don’ … Continued
What’s Happening?
ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS 3RD SPACE: A PROJECT BY SURFACE ARTS 3th November – 29th December @ H Gallery www.surfacearts.co.uk Artwork from artists Ittirawee Chotirawee, Emma Hammaren, Taryn Takahashi, Jockel Liess, Chris Crainski and Paul Crainski. Private viewing on Sunday 3rd November. NON STILL LIFE BY MAKHA SANEWONG NA AYUTHAYA 7th November – 7th December @ Pongnoi Community Art Space A … 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 I want to recycle my old plastic and cardboard in Chiang Mai. What do I do? Sophie (intern): There are many place … Continued
Music Box
The Avett Brothers – Magpie and the Dandelion Seth and Scott Avett have perfected their feel-good roots-rock sound over the course of their seven albums and are riding as high as ever. Hailing from the Appalachians of North Carolina, they’re perfectly equipped to add touches of bluegrass, folk and country to what is essentially a 70s classic rock formula. With ballads like “Bring Your Love to … Continued
City Talk
Noppharat Buaphaichit, 29, Photographer, Thai It’s just natural. I feel that this photo tries to say that human is just an animal. We don’t have to wear anything to be with nature. It’s cool. For me it’s an art, not anything that should be ashamed of. Pratchaya Yotdamrongroj, 26, Salesperson, Thai I think that if those who are standing there naked are foreigners, it should be fine beca … Continued