Special Scoop: Prem’s Head Start
Prem Tinsulanonda International School is stepping into a new era, focusing on more independent and explorative learning under cutting edge theories and experiences shared by their newest head of school, Mr. Alun Cooper. This world renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) boarding and day school is the first in all of Asia to offer all four IB programmes, from primary to diploma level courses and also the IBCC, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate. Located in Mae Rim, just north of Chiang Mai, Prem boasts excellence in the first degree, offering outstanding services and levels of education and even a one to one MacBook programme.
Editorial: February 2015
If you have been following the news of late, you will know that British journalist Andrew Drummond, a veteran of investigative crime journalism who has mostly written for the British and Australian press from Thailand for over 25 years, is finally packing it in (and up) to return to Blighty. His life has been threatened many times over the decades, but this time, it is the safety of his three children that is forcing him to leave Thailand behind. Threats to them from criminals under the protection of certain authorities have made his stay here untenable.
The Adventures of Tom: February 2015
It’s 2015 and at long last it looks like our great city could be about to get a proper cycling infrastructure. Sections of road will be set aside for the humble bicycler to move around Chiang Mai with the confidence that they will not run up the arse of a motorbike or be mangled under a sport utility vehicle. Tracts of traffic-free tarmac will open up to velocipedes wending their way around the mo … Continued
Secret Islands
What’s more romantic than running away with your lover to a deserted (okay, we’ll settle for lightly populated) island? Not much. And while Thailand’s islands are not exactly a secret, there are plenty of lesser known gems far from the full moon parties and sunburnt masses. So if you have a bit more time to spare and a bit more cash to travel, here are three tropical getaways to check out.
Camping For Lovers
If you and your lover are the outdoorsy types, there’s no better way to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend than zipped into a cosy tent for two atop one of northern Thailand’s many picturesque peaks. Here are three lovely spots, from the basic to the luxurious, to check out! Mon Jam, Mae Rim Most of you have probably visited Mon Jam by now, the magnificent viewpoint at the Royal Project up Mae Sa … Continued
Design Ideas: Methawee Yoktree
Click to Enlarge Antique Coffee Grinder This hand operated coffee bean grinder really brings vintage style back to the kitchen. A classic and simple wooden box, with a really good quality grinder – great for everyday use or even as just an ornament in your home. Price: 800 – 1,500 baht www.temmart.com Ganesha Lamps These lamps are imported from India, but the Ganesha figure is made from clay that … Continued
Music Box: February 2014
Various Artists Hi-Fi Thai Country 3D This album is the second in a series of compilations of contemporary Thai folk from the Baichasong Label, known for its high quality production and the strong musicianship of its session players. What’s particularly notable here is how different these songs sound from the scratchy folk recordings of the past and the current day renditions backed by karaoke-sty … Continued
Is That A Lonely Man? An Interview with Expat Author Lawrence Osborne
A British-born novelist and journalist who has spent most of his life on the move, Lawrence Osborne now calls Thailand his home. His celebrated memoir, 2009’s Bangkok Days, paints a fascinating portrait of Bangkok and the motley cast of expatriates who live there. To date, Osborne has published 11 books and is a regular contributor to the New York Times. His next novel, Hunters in the Dark, a tale set in the underbelly of Cambodian, will be published in May of this year. Here, the critically acclaimed author discusses expat life, Thai culture, Buddhism, Bangkok, books and more.
The Art of Erecting a Garden
Just past the Prem School turnoff, tucked into a lush sea of rippling green rice paddies, is a teahouse. Made from a converted barn and surrounded by a walled garden, it may at first appear like any other teahouse. That is, until you notice the umbrella stands. And the columns holding up the antique sala. Are those…? Yes, folks, those are penises. Welcome to the brand new Erotic Garden and Teahouse of Mae Rim!
Breaking Good
Did you know that Chiang Mai is home to one of the biggest, and self-proclaimed baddest, B-boy crews in Thailand? Do you know what on earth a B-boy is? Well, if, like me, you are not so up to date with the latest trends, the term “B-boy” may be lost on you. Put simply, a B-boy (or B-girl) is someone who is devoted to the hip-hop culture, with a focus on the urban art of breaking or breakdancing. Originating in the Bronx of New York in the 1970s, the term B-boy has evolved over the last 40 years to include other lifestyle identities encompassing music, arts, magic and even, here in Chiang Mai at least, hairdressing.
The Wedding Planner
Araya “Am” Panyanuwat is a recognisable face in Chiang Mai. For most of her working life she has been a Jill of many trades. She spent years working in PR and marketing in a five star hotel, has worked in events organising for the past decade, often moonlights as a much-coveted bilingual emcee – most recently hosting Citylife’s piano concert on Maya’s rooftop – and for the past year, she has been … Continued
Talking for 30 Years: The Informal Northern Thai Group
And so it was in the early eighties that John and Hans frequently met up at the Alliance Francaise where they went for bi-weekly viewings of movies, one of the few social activities available in those days outside private residences. “We kept talking about resurrecting the talks, there were so many people doing fascinating research in those days,” said John. Southeast Asia was exploding with resea … Continued