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No regrets – leaving Thailand after 32 years to enjoy Cornwall’s clean air

8/12/2022

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Bangkok’s air quality finally drove DAVID BARRETT to seek a better life in the UK. But there are still many things this well-known marketing guru misses about the Land of Smiles
After more than three successful decades in Thailand, what prompted the return to the UK? It must have been an incredible wrench, or maybe not?
Bangkok’s air quality drove me to leave Thailand and relocate to the UK after 32 years of living in Krungthep. It was during the thick smog of 2019 and the need to close windows and wear a mask in Bangkok’s city centre that set my plans in motion.
I began the slow process of selling my assets in Thailand to part fund my relocation to the UK. It was time for a move and I was up for an exciting new adventure. My property hunting since 2019 had me bidding at auctions for houses in Pembrokeshire, Bath and Devon. Eventually, Cornwall came up.
After protracted negotiations, I bought a modest 1831 Grade II listed Cornish stone cottage in the Heritage Quarter of Helston, gateway to the Lizard Peninsula. I had bought the property online, unseen in a town I had never visited. I felt pretty confident, as I had researched the area and felt the property would give me a good base to settle back into UK life.
The move was timely because the address I had been using in the UK as my main contact was no longer available. Being away from the UK for so long, I was off the radar. I was not on the electoral register. I had no credit history. No banking inactivity. I’d not been paying rates, utilities or a phone bill. This all meant I was in ghost mode in the UK.
This was the biggest challenge I faced with the move back home. Getting a credit card was not easy as I had no history with credit rating agencies, even though I had substantial funds in my bank account. 
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Chris Craker:Maestro and Music Master

8/12/2022

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Founder and CEO of Karma Studios in Bangsaray, just south of Pattaya, Chris Craker has been helping Thai musicians realize 
their full potential at home and abroad since 2009. The BigChilli talks to Chris about his extraordinary introduction to Thailand 
and his many successes since settling here.
​You have worked with some of the world’s leading musicians and orchestras, but your first musical collaboration in Thailand was with someone rather special. Please elaborate:
Back in 1994 I was producing a record with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. A fax was delivered to me during the sessions, asking if I would be interested in recording the music of His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his reign as the Monarch in Thailand.
 
Initially, I thought it might be a prank being played on me by one of my colleagues in the orchestra, as the opportunity seemed so 'incredible'! However, after a few further exchanges it was indeed a sincere and true approach from The Rear Admiral, Mom Luang Usni Pramoj on behalf of The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, who had heard some of my previous recordings and liked them. They wanted me to engineer and produce an album that was to be called 'Near Dawn', which was, essentially, a collection of His Majesty's 'Greatest Hits', expertly arranged by ML Usni, for symphony orchestra.
 
This recording, which was a joy to work on, was with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and became very popular in Thailand and across the globe. It was the start of a relationship that saw me ending up making some eleven recordings of His Majesty's music, arranged for many different combinations of instruments. It was also the start of my love of Thailand, where I now reside and have made my home.

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Only the best seafood for Chef Wilfred at Blue

24/10/2022

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His imaginative, soulful cooking is deeply rooted in French tradition and gastronomical know-how.

After several prestigious posts in the US, Wilfrid moved back to Thailand as the Executive Head Chef on the opening team of Blue by Alain Ducasse. In its first year of operation, the restaurant was awarded one Michelin star.
Seasonal ingredients, respect for the products in his dishes,
keeping diners happy and the constant search for perfection are the pillars of Chef Wilfrid Hocquet's menus at Blue by Alain Ducasse, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Iconsiam, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok Growing up in the Montpellier region in the south of France, Wilfrid's first job aged 20 was with Chefs Jacques and Laurent Pourcel in their three-Michelin star Le Jardin des Sens. Then he headed to Monte Carlo to work for the iconic Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris (three Michelin stars) in Monaco. Later he moved to Thailand, staying for two years, first as the Executive Chef of D'Sens and then Quince, both well-known for their French and Mediterranean menus. After several prestigious posts in the US, Wilfrid moved back to Thailand as the Executive Head Chef on the opening team of Blue by Alain Ducasse. In its first year of operation, the restaurant was awarded one Michelin star.
His imaginative, soulful cooking is deeply rooted in French tradition 
and gastronomical know-how. Over the years, he has developed a unique ability to marry premium French products and local delicacies, transforming them into extraordinary works of art on the plate.
With seafood accounting for up to 40% of the items on Blue's menu, Chef Wilfred has to be particularly careful in selecting the quality of its source, supply and sustainability Interestingly, he relies on one supplier not only for every seafood product imported from France but also for the majority of seafood used at Blue-Thammachart Seafood. Building trust between a chef and his most important suppliers is a key factor in a restaurant's success. We have a good working relationship with Thammachart and can rely on them for regular deliveries of quality products, twice a week, which is absolutely vital," says Chef Wilfred. "They have good contacts overseas so can give us very useful advice on the availability of seafood according to seasons and possible price changes, which is so important for a restaurant like Blue as we try to stay close to products' seasonality.
"They are a company that looks after their customers.' Blue enjoys a high approval rating from its guests, sixty percent of whom are Thais while the rest are expats and tourists.
The restaurant retains its Michelin star in the latest edition.

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When it comes to seafood,Chef Gerard knows the most reliable source

24/10/2022

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Chef Gerard's kitchens stock a long list of imported products, including fresh seafood, oysters and wild cod from Norway, langoustines from Denmark and sea trout from France.

Gerard Villaret Horcajo, Chef de Cuisine at Michelin
starred Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu at The Okura Prestige Bangkok, has been gaining considerable attention from knowledgeable diners since arriving in Thailand a few months ago
Hailing from Spain, Chef Gerard is passionate about world gastronomy and puts his heart and soul into his cooking. He comes to Bangkok from Ciel Bleu, the Michelin two-star restaurant at Hotel Okura Amsterdam, where he worked alongside renowned chef Arjan Speelman.
After working at several restaurants in Spain with organic farmers and local fishermen, Chef Gerard gained his first Michelinstarred kitchen experience when he joined two-star holder Ciel Bleu as Chef de Partie in 2011.
In 2015 Gerard moved to Vendome, the renowned three-star restaurant in Bensberg, Germany. He later worked at Daalder restaurant in Amsterdam (one Michelin star) and De Librije at Zwolle in the Netherlands, another rare holder of three Michelin stars.
Chef Gerard's extensive know-how in fine dining ensures that he delivers exquisite culinary experiences for guests and visitors to Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu.

"I look into the complete supply chain, from original source and sustainability to actual delivery, checking things like correct temperature during transportation."
One of his key partners here in Bangkok is Thammachart Seafood, known for its top quality, sustainably sourced seafood, which supplies Chef Gerard's kitchens with a long list of imported products, including fresh seafood, oysters and wild cod from Norway, langoustines from Denmark and sea trout from France.
Other quality items from Thammachart Seafood include Blue lobster from Brittany in France, Dutch shellfish and French caviar.
The background of each product is carefully assessed by Chef Gerard. "I look into the complete supply chain, from original source and sustainability to actual delivery, checking things like correct temperature during transportation."
Chef Gerard says he likes working with Thammachart Seafood because of its reliability. "They deliver twice a week, which is the same as the best companies in Europe. This is important for a world-class restaurant."
The feedback from diners at Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu has been extremely positive, he says. "The quality of the scafood products we use is our top priority, not the price."

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Business back to normal plus two important investments from Belgium this year

24/10/2022

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"The longstanding friendship between our two royal households is of course a cornerstone of our relation.
​I could also mention the increasing academic cooperation between our universities or the shared trade and investment opportunities."
Interview with H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d'Yves, the Belgian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand
By Kathleen Pokrud
​When did you arrive in Thailand and what are your impressions so far?
I arrived during the pandemic, and I'm appreciating the country more and more every day, discovering the kindness of its inhabitants, its rich variety and way of life and the cultural treasures of the country.

Please update us on Belgium since the pandemic.
In Europe, and in Belgium in particular, life has returned to normal, and all measures linked to the pandemic have been now lifted. We are now working on the economic recovery in all its aspects. Of course, the aggression of Russia against Ukraine and its impact on Europe and the world complexifies it. It nevertheless creates an opportunity to strengthen European cooperation.
The European Union is also at the forefront of the measures to overcome the climate change challenge. Belgium is a leader in innovation in this regard, having developed technologies ranging from wind power at sea over battery technology to laying the groundwork for the use of green hydrogen in industry and transport.
Bilateral relations between Belgium Thailand began over 150 years ago. How do you see the significance of this relationship?
It would be difficult to summarize 
our multifaceted relation in a few words. We can highlight a few aspects: the longstanding friendship between our two royal households is of course a cornerstone of our relation. I could also mention the increasing academic cooperation between our universities or the shared trade and investment opportunities. The cultural and personal exchanges in many forms - from student exchanges, families composed of both nationalities, tourists or expatriated citizens - are key elements of this positive relationship


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Pattaya's ‘other Beach Discover a laid-back and tranquil resort located between two great seaside rivals

24/10/2022

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Rabbit Resort's owners, Paisan and Deborah Bundityanond
By Colin Hastings
With record-breaking land prices and beach houses costing hundreds of millions of baht, it's no wonder this stretch of coast is being dubbed Billionaire Street Are we talking about one of Thailand's fabulous international resorts like Phuket, Samui or Ko Tao?
No, this is Dongtan Beach, sometimes also known as Pattaya Park Beach, a surprisingly delightful and still under-commercialized beach strip situated between Pattaya and Jomtien that has caught the eye of shrewd investors in recent years and is now captivating visitors who in the past bypassed the area on their way to its two much better known beaches.
Despite escalating land prices, all small ocean front lots have now been sold and only one larger piece of land is still available - but you've got to be in the multi-millionaire class to buy it. On a nearby plot, a luxurious private pool villa is being constructed with an anticipated price tag of more than 300 million Baht.
Although Dongtan Beach is actually a continuation of Jomtien Beach, the main road connecting Pattaya's Thappraya Road and Jomtien skirts around the area, traditionally leaving it somewhat isolated and overlooked. It didn't help that Dongtan's beach road was for years closed at its far end, deterring visitors from exploring further. But that all changed a while back when the north end of the road was opened up and linked to the busy Phratumnak area of Pattaya. To date, the road sees little through traffic and parking is easy.
Dongtan's beaches are sandy, generally quiet and shaded by trees. It's a popular spot for family picnics and for watching often dramatic sunsets over Ko Larn. There are safe swimming areas and the presence of life guards makes it ideal for children. The reputation Dongtan once had as Pattaya's exclusively gay beach' is long gone and irrelevant.
Although Dongtan Beach is actually a continuation of Jomtien Beach, the main road connecting Pattaya's Thappraya Road and Jomtien skirts around the area, traditionally leaving it somewhat isolated and overlooked.

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PROFILE: Nikki Busuttil

24/10/2022

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Passionate about rock climbing, fan of extreme sports, martial art, distance running, urban cycling, open water diving, yin yoga and more. Why this Brit loves Thailand
"My interests are constantly evolving, and there are a great many things I'm passionate about, from sustainability and the environment, to literature and history, music, art and design, as well as, of course, as travel."

You have an unusual family namewhat's the origin? And how do you pronounce it?
Bu-zu-teal - it's Maltese! My family, on my father's side, is from the beautiful Mediterranean island, where the people are among the most hospitable in the world.
How long in Thailand?
​I've possibly been in Thailand too long, but I do love it here, and it's almost impossible to quit! Bangkok makes such a great base, from which to travel. Life is easy to adjust to here, and Thai people are truly welcoming. Making friends is a painless process, which a constant influx of fresh blood, and there's so much to do and see, in this constantly evolving country.

I've witnessed so much change. I'd even go so far as to say that coming to Thailand was probably one of the single, unexpectedly best decisions I've ever made. My life here has unfolded in such an unimaginably pleasurable way, despite whatever challenges have come along.

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Clown Eckie Helping Thailand's needy with fun event

24/10/2022

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Dressed in his colorful outfit and donning lashings of makeup, he was one of Bangkok's most recognized faces. But there's another side to Clown Eckie, aka Eddie Haworth, whose tough background inspires him today.
Gift of Happiness Foundation is a nonreligious and non-political charitable
organization founded by Eddie Haworth FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London), known by many as Clown Eckie, that provides much needed fun and interactive edutainment, health and educational resources to children and their families living in poverty in Thailand. It was granted full charitable status by the Thai Government in December 2009.
How did you first get involved? In 2000, I was invited by the British Embassy in Thailand to perform at a charity event for children living in poverty. I was inspired and decided to set up a charity to help people in need. The Gift of Happiness Foundation was launched in XXXXXX??????
Over the next two decades, the Gift of Happiness team and I have worked with schools, businesses, and communities to provide needed resources and laughter to underprivileged children in Thailand.
Giving happiness is a recognition that we are all the same in our desire to be happy, healthy and safe and that giving happiness to others leads to a happy life.
What is the mission of the Gift of Happiness Foundation?
Our mission is to ensure that needy children and families in Thailand are provided with the resources and opportunities needed to sustain a meaningful, healthy, and happy life. We unconditionally provide free happy events, plus tons of essential goods to thousands of people who normally have very little to be happy about!
We seek to expand the network of individuals we serve while forming additional collaborative partnerships with NGOs, schools, and agencies. We work to improve need identification in Thailand and the process of resource allocation. We are a non-religious and non-political charitable organization.
Tell us about yourself:
I was born in a caravan in Manchester, UK, in 1952. I had three sisters, sadly all deceased. Mum and dad worked 12-hour shifts in factories in the mill town of Bolton, Lancashire.
I went to a large urban secondary modern school where I learned


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Kavin Intertradeholds unique multipurpose trade show for F&B,hotel, retail and franchise

24/10/2022

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With over two decades of experience, Kavin Intertrade has managed more than 150 trade shows and owns a portfolio of 10 premium, industryspecific trade and consumer events.
Kavin Kittiboonya, Managing Director of Kavin Intertrade Co, Ltd said, "Established in 1999, the company has experienced unprecedented growth and success, acclamations from industry leaders, government agencies, and local and international associations. We are proud to be part of Thailand's exhibition industry that generates Bt53 billion and creates more than 43,000 jobs yearly."
Based in the heart of Bangkok, the company employs 26 highly experienced and dedicated staff. "The team takes great care of each step from preparation, conceptualization, execution, promotion, and facilitation. Our approach to business is unique, emphasizing local roots and global reach. Our intention is to create energetic, educational, and invigorating environments to achieve business goals of providing a business platform between sellers and buyers," said Mr. Kavin,
Kavin Intertrade's up-andcoming show is unique - it is a 3-combined international trade show under one roof: 'One-stopshop: food service, hotel, retail, and franchise solutions, which will be held on October 20-23, 2022, at BITEC, Bangkok
The first show is the 16th Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services (TRAFS) - Thailand's NO.1 show of equipment and raw materials for restaurants, cafes, F&B, and food services.
The show is an excellent platform for hoteliers, restaurant managers, café owners, and those in food services to purchase or source new equipment and raw material, both food and drinks, from more than 100 Thais and international exhibitors, with more than 7,000 items worldwide.
With support from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), together with hotel and food industry associations, the ThaiItalian Chamber of Commerce, and leading food schools, the organiser has crafted many unique activities that are free to join so visitors can get the most out of their visits, such as Thai and Italian's food and drinks demonstrations, seminars led by

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From Vietnam to Klong Toey

24/10/2022

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Over the years, many books have been written about the Mercy Centre, the renowned foundation overseen by Fr. Joseph H. Maier and his team that helps poor children and families in Bangkok's slums.
A recent addition to the list, and definitely one of the best, is 'Mercy's Heroes' by Tom Crowley, a Vietnam veteran battling with PTSD who left a successful business career in Asia to work as a volunteer in Bangkok's biggest slum in Klong Toey.
What sets Tom's book apart is the way he adroitly contrasts his military adventures, including being wounded in action, with his bitter-sweet but mostly rewarding experiences with the foundation. Both portray a strug. gle for survival.
​

Tom is an excellent writer and 'Mercy Heroes' highlights the healing that is to be found in helping others. www.koehlerbooks.com

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