By Little Wandering Wren

T​he email was the most exciting of the year: ‘The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to invite you on a trip to Lampang and Chiang Mai to learn about the current situation on elephant care in Thailand, as well as how we are moving forward towards more sustainable solutions for elephant-based tourism in Thailand’.
My response was immediate and positive. I was to join a diverse group of influencers and journalists for an incredible three days’ learning from vets, elephant welfare specialists and those working in elephant tourism and rehabilitation fields.
Let me introduce you to vlogger Christopher, photographer James and Insta Kate. Each has a passion for storytelling and sharing their experiences in Thailand on their social media channels in their creative and unique ways.
‘Overall this trip was a mix of incredible moments, differing views, eye-opening learning experiences and life long memories.  I was very happy to learn how Thailand’s plans to change and better the lives of domestic elephants.’ – Kate
You couldn’t miss Instagram’s Go Where Kate Goes. Amongst a sea of dark-haired women, Kate’s bright blond hair and curly whirly eyelashes greet you across a crowded room, along with her genuine Canadian girl-next-door smile. As we gather at Lampang Airport ready for a day of tourism, temples and elephants, Kate is the only one in a floaty skirt, and with a split in the side at that.
This is the first time I’ve been on a TAT trip with an InstaQueen and I’m fascinated to see her at work.
During the week Kate works for an on-line English language school for children. Her emerging Insta stardom has materialised with part-time effort and eye-catching photos, encouraging others to go where Kate goes.
Kate is fun, and although I’m old enough to be her mother, we bond amongst the spirit-trees when I offer to take her photo. Kate has all the moves.  A quick flick of the hair, a back turn with an over the shoulder glance, and with every click of the camera, a spontaneous and cute pose. The camera loves Kate.

​By Deborah Bundityanond

H​ow exactly do we pronounce your name?” was my first question to Cees as I am sure that the many different versions he hears must infuriate him. But no, he is really quite chilled about it.
He tells me that phonetically “Case” is the correct pronunciation but due to the problems many people have had with it, he is more than happy to answer to his nickname of KC.
“So how long have you been in Pattaya and why?” I am also curious to know. Well, Cees arrived in 1997 to open a restaurant on Pattaya Beach road called Samsara - a Buddhist term referring to the endless cycle (birth, death, and rebirth). For those of you who were in Pattaya back then you may well remember it as a rather beautiful, upmarket restaurant with a mezzanine floor, valet parking and a French/Thai fusion menu.
Having come from a hospitality background Cees was careful to oversee every detail and at that time had to travel back and forth to Bangkok each week sourcing everything from plate ware and cutlery to all the glass, lighting, and interior decorations.  Two years on, however, Pizza Hut made an offer that could not be refused. They were desperate to make the site their Pattaya Outlet and so Samsara closed, and the Pizza Hut branch took its place.
Guessing my next question would be - how he then found himself working in property rather than hospitality - Cees explained that during his time at Samsara restaurant many guests were impressed by the flair he had shown in the design of the restaurant. When Samsara closed, he was frequently asked for redesign & remodeling advice for both commercial as well as residential properties. Before long he had a team together for turnkey contracting. Then in 2003 he was asked to join Town & Country Property Real Estate Agency and that is probably how most people know him. When the original founders decided they would like to be bought out he and his Belgium business partner Herman van Gucht became the sole proprietors of Town & Country Property.

■ The Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) race and brand are at the pinnacle of the sport of Ultra Trail running. 
In terms of prestige and importance to the sport and the athletes involved, it is on par with higher-profile major events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the US Open Golf Tournament, and Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. The race, originating from Chamonix, Switzerland, is well-known and revered among Ultra Trail Runners worldwide. 
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic causing the cancelation of trail running events around the world, the UTMB Thailand event was the only UTMB branded event in the world in 2020.  The Thailand trail scene is already vibrant and booming in popularity and the kingdom regularly hosts many excellent races.
Within just a few weeks of the UTMB Thailand, there was the Ultra-Trail Chiang Rai, the Doi Nhok Trail, the CM6 Ultra, and the Pong Yaeng Trail. All first-class popular events in Thailand, and all within relatively close proximity of each other.  
In an extraordinary twist of fate, Thailand’s success in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed it into the de-facto world capital of Ultra Trail running in 2020.
Blessed with warm weather year-round, or at least not too cold, every weekend there are professionally well-organized events all over the country.  It is also home to the foothills of the Himalayas in the north, giving numerous options for organizing an Ultra Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Northern capital is clearly the epicenter of it all. 

■ The 2020-2021 Siam Hockey League was nine games in when Thailand unfortunately saw a resurgence of the Coronavirus. 
Like many sports leagues across the globe, the SHL is taking a break from action due to government restrictions. The league hopes to be back on the ice shortly, and SHL executive management is busily preparing for hockey's return.
This hiatus gives us a good opportunity to do an early "mid-season" recap of the league so far. 
After a successful draft, players and fans have been witness to the most talented season the Siam Hockey League has ever had. In the standings, Novotel Spitfires hit the ground running, and haven't looked back.  With a record of 7-1, Novotel is the class act of the league, and have only one loss on their otherwise unblemished record. 
KCG is doing their part to keep pace with Novotel with five wins, two losses and one  overtime loss, only three points behind Novotel. 
New squad Siam Mandalqy is sitting in third place with seven points.  
Aware has had a rough start to the campaign and sits with  one win and two points.  Aware has looked strong for stretches of play, but an early season goaltending change threw them for a loop, and we look for them to rebound as the playoffs draw closer.
On the statistical side of the recap, Novotel is also setting the standard.  As the hiatus began, the top four points leaders were all on Novotel.  Thai National Team captain Ken Kindborn and Novotel captain Mike Freeson are tied for the league lead at 16.  Newcomer Tomas Stastny is third with 14 points, and Thai National Team speedster Mangkorn Sukwiboon is fourth with nine.  Tied with Mangkorn is fellow Thai National Team player Patrick Forstner, and KCG snipers Harrison Oztemel, Jese Starostra, and Jan Isaksson.
Between the pipes, last year's league MVP and multiple award winner Leo Liao sets the pace with a 2.25 goals against average. Rookie Novotel netminder Ben Kleineschay is second with a GAA of 2.83.
The SHL would like to thank all players, refs, fans and staff for their continued support and understanding during this trying period in our history. 
Be assured that once we are able to, the SHL will be back on the ice and ready to entertain fans with the fastest sport in Thailand (Please check out the weekly SHL podcasts sponsored by the BigChilli magazine
at www.siamhockeyleague.com.).

Dear “I do,”

■ Thanks for sharing your question and it’s special to hear about your feelings for this woman. Although I understand your eagerness to bring your relationship to the next level, it seems you have some lingering doubts about whether marriage is the next logical step. You wonder whether Covid is making you more impulsive and if this is indeed the case, can you think of any other steps in between dating and marriage that you might feel more certain about? You might ask yourself why you want to hurry into marriage at this time; are you afraid of losing your girlfriend to someone else and/or do you feel marriage would strengthen your bond?
From my perspective as a psychologist and relationship counsellor, in general I would say 3 months is too soon. Of course, there are cases where it has worked for people, but oftentimes in the first few months of a relationship we feel in love and the initial “chemistry” with the other person can make us feel very positive about everything in the relationship. Over time, this passionate, in love feeling may develop into loving the other person for who they are, both their good characteristics and their weaknesses. There is a wise saying in Europe: “Let all the seasons pass your courtship” (courtship is an old word for dating), which implies that a relationship needs at least one year to get to know one another through different seasons of our life. In order to get to know the other person well and to check whether your values align, you may need to take more time. Dreaming about the future together is a great way to discuss your values and expectations regarding marriage. What are your hopes and dreams and what are your girlfriend’s hopes and dreams? Do you share the same values on finances, family, cultural issues, and spirituality for example?
You mentioned that you have not met her parents yet – maybe this would be an interesting “next level” step to take. This way, you give your relationship time to grow and develop by getting to know each other within family settings and among friends. You’ll both have the opportunity to become who you are, and friends and/or family can be an important part of that journey.
For Valentine’s Day you might think about creating a special time to express your intentions of developing the relationship to the level of marriage and ask your girlfriend what her ideas are. You could create a romantic setting and play a game where you ask each other questions about different aspects of life and connect deeply in that way. This is a bit different than asking her to marry you –that would require a yes or no—but it would create the space to explore and dream about a future together.

Best wishes to you in your relationship!

UNO MAS delivers Seafood on Ice & Champagne Packages across Bangkok
​
Experience the Spanish and Mediterranean delights normally served up at UNO MAS’ rooftop restaurant in the comfort of your own home.
Freshly-imported delicacies include Canadian lobster (1 piece per person), Alaskan king crab, black tiger prawns, slipper lobster, New Zealand mussels, and smoked salmon.
The brunch also includes fresh-baked baguettes with butter as well as an assortment of petits fours.
Brunch package for 2 people plus a 0.75-liter bottle of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne: THB 7,999 (net)
Brunch for 4 people plus a 1.5-liter magnum bottle of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne: THB 15,555 (net)
Find out more about UNO MAS below:
Website: www.unomasbangkok.com
Facebook: UNO MAS
Instagram: Unomas_Bangkok

“Year of the Ox” with Culinary Specials at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant
Guests at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, can choose from the finest imported salmon and fresh abalone, with small servings for 2-4 guests or large portions for groups of 5-10 people. 
Prices from THB 1,228++ to THB 2,888++
Alternatively, guests can discover a selection of exquisite à la carte dishes, crafted especially for this occasion. 
Join us on Chinese New Year’s day for a live lion and dragon dance. Starting at hotel’s entrance at 9.20 hrs on Friday 12 February 2021, this parade will wind its way through the hotel, entertaining every guest.
Great joy, happiness and prosperity will be served for lunch (11.00-14.30 hrs) and dinner (17.30-21.30 hrs) at Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, from 2 to 21 February 2021. For more information and reservations, please
Call 02 059 5999 or email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com 
Website: www.bangkokmarriottmarquisqueenspark.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PagodaChineseRestaurant/  
Line official account: @pagoda

​Exclusive Take-away Deal at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Receive 35% off on a-la-carte menu items at 57th Street Restaurant and 25% off on a-la-carte menu at The District. Our chefs are ready to serve you from our kitchen to your home. Savor our succulent dishes with a variety of Thai, Indian and international menu from 57th Street as well as premium steaks and seafood from The District. Discover our impeccable menu at http://bit.ly/BKKMS_TakeAwayMenuJan2021
For further information and orders, please call 02-797-0000 or email to diningbangkok@marriott.com