Community Renaissance
Chiang Mai has been known for its artisans and handicrafts since the Lanna period, the city rife with bustling markets that even today remain a vital part of daily life. But with towering megamalls popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm and traditional markets turning into dime a dozen tourist traps, many worry about rapid modern development replacing what used to make Chiang Mai, well, Chian … Continued
A Winning Recipe: Ido Berger's Tea & Fruits Empire
In business, innovation and success, contrary to expectations, do not necessarily go hand in hand. Great ideas fail to get capitalised and successful empires are often built on the shoulders of creators who came before. To take an idea and turn it into a successful business is a combination of hard work, pure luck, strategy, curiosity, vision and skills. Israeli-born Ido Berger started his young l … Continued
City Guide: Chiang Mai Gate
What are the defining characteristics of your neighbourhood? My neighborhood has loads of small boutique hotels and temples, and it’s close to my workplace, Nok Hook Design Shop, where I design, do graphic work and run a handmade shop to sell my art. Why did you choose this neighbourhood? I opened my studio here over seven years ago, so I have spent most of my adult life here. It’s convenient for … Continued
Hip Hangouts
Two newcomers and one revamped old favourite, these three Chiang Mai hotspots are what everybody’s talking about. With fabulous food and oodles of atmosphere, each one is just begging to be discovered, if you haven’t already. Overstand Cafe One of Chiang Mai’s coolest new hangouts, Overstand is equal parts eatery and art gallery. Their open-faced sandwiches are a work of art in and of thems … Continued
Treat Yourself
Ring in the New Year with a day of pomp and luxury with these three fabulous spots. A sumptuous spa treatment, a fabulous meal, a breathtaking sundowner – a perfect day! Naga Spa New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to make you miserable! For 2015, why not opt for a bit more self-care, and indulge in a fabulous day of pampering. Right now at De Naga Hotel’s beautiful Naga Spa in the old … Continued
Unique Boutiques
Chiang Mai is rife with fabulous independent shops selling all manner of goodies, from fancy gowns to painted elephants to trendy trinkets. Here are a few unique boutiques around the city to check out on your next shopping spree. 1. Lamai This Airport Plaza shop is an experiment in fashion fusion, featuring everything from K-pop bubble necklaces to Harajuku platform sandals to Alice in Wonderland … Continued
Francois Russo: International Man of Luxury
From the outside, Maison Takuya’s headquarters don’t look like much. A low, grey building, nondescript in every way, located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai. It has no sign at the entrance, and at first we’re not even sure we’re in the right place. But this is the home, studio and factory of Francois Russo, an international French designer who specialises in luxury leather handbags under the brand … Continued
Editorial: January 2015
I don’t think that in well over a decade I have struggled so much with an editorial. I know what I want to say, but I can’t say it. I know what I want to insinuate, but I worry the line between wishy-washy and self-harming. There is a government department that I want to write about, but I fear reprisals. Staff of this department run the usual gamut of the hardworking and caring to the corrupt and … Continued
The Adventures of Tom: January 2015
That’s it for another year. Christmas day has come and gone again and the New Year hangover is beginning to slowly ebb. I must admit the festive season was a bit of a result for me. I finally got that Aston Martin DB5 I’ve always wanted. My family and a selection of my dearest friends turned up at the airport to surprise me for a splendid Christmas dinner at Le Crystal of turkey, stuffing and perf … Continued
Floating Holidays
Looking for a tropical getaway? Easy peasy when you’re living in a country known worldwide for its stunning coastlines. And now simpler than ever, thanks to AirAsia’s newest daily route, from Chiang Mai direct to Surat Thani, the veritable jumping off point for Thailand’s best islands and beaches, but also a spectacular destination on its own. Surat Thani Surat Thani’s stunning Khao Sok Nation … Continued
Music Box: January 2015
The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band 21st Century Molam Maft Sai and Chris Menist wrap up a big year with the first release from their touring band, a collection of veteran Isaan musicians and young Bangkok talent. The group’s sound is focused around the swirling, hypnotic playing of Kammao Perdtanon on the phin (sort of a Thai lute) and Sawai Kaewsombat on the khaen (similar to a harmoni … Continued
Convenience Culture
Another day, another eight million people step through 7-Eleven’s automatic sliding doors to a colourful assortment of snacks and items temptingly arranged on white shelves. A toastie? A chopped up hot dog? A packet of lobster hot plate flavoured potato chips? The choices are endless. In 2014, Thailand opened its 8,000th 7-Eleven branch, officially surpassing the United States for most 7-Eleven br … Continued
Being Black in Thailand
Here in Thailand, we’ve all seen a cringe-worthy skin whitening commercial or two, featuring an unhappy dark-skinned person who is miraculously transformed into a happy vibrant white-skinned beauty thanks to some cream or another. But what is the meaning behind this trend? Does a preference for light skin automatically signify racism? How exactly are black people viewed and treated here in Thailan … Continued