YOUR PERSONAL COPY MARCH 2014Welcome to a world of discoveries

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Fish fashionAquatic supermodels caught on camera

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Contents

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9VeNTUReKeeping you up to speed with the latest news, trends and exciting events in Thailand and beyond.

THAI CULTURe: NobLe wARRIoRS before Muay Thai existed, a centuries-old martial arts form called Muay Chaiya was practised by Siamese warriors. SRI LANKAS GReATeST HITSThe wildlife and cultural gems in the crown of the Pearl of the Indian ocean.

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44To enjoy the digital version of SawaSdee, simply go to www.thaiairways.com and click on the Sawasdee banner

GALLeRY: FISH eYeS Come face to face with some supermodels of the sea.

RIdING HIGHTake in the magnificent scenery of New Zealand through one of the worlds most iconic rail journeys.

RoYAL PAGe Royal duties of a prince and princess.

weLCoMe AboARdNews, route tables and maps from Thai Airways International.

Betta fish of Thailand Photo: Visarute angkatavanich

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Please send us an email at customer@thaiairways.com to let us know your ideas on how we may further improve our services. For more information, please explore our website at www.thaiairways.com and like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Thaiairways for the latest news.

customer@thaiairways.com www.thaiairways.com like www.facebook.com/Thaiairways

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WeLCoMe

ChokChai PanyayongSenior executive vice PreSident, commerciAl Acting PreSident tHAi AirWAYS internAtionAlPuBlic comPAnY limited

welcome aboard our Thai Airways International flight and thank you for choosing to fly THAI. Its a historic month for THAI as we introduce our Sky Connect wi-Fi service as part of our expanded service to passengers who travel on board our Airbus A330-300 and A380-800 aircraft, ensuring connectivity even from the air. we are certain that this new service, combined with THAIs new design concept within our cabin interior, will make your journey with us an unforgettable one.

Throughout this year, THAI will continue our ongoing fleet programme, taking delivery of 14 new aircraft and decommissioning 13 older aircraft, thus giving customers more options when flying THAI. All new aircraft will have great new cabin interiors based on contemporary Thai design concepts.

March is also an exciting month for Thailand as the ancient capital of Ayutthaya prepares to host the world Thai Martial Arts Festival. Highlights include the wai Kru ceremony, fighting competitions and thrilling performances by show boxers. For fans of Thai boxing, this issue of Sawasdee includes a feature on Muay Chaiya, which will give readers more insight into the origins of Muay Thai.

For those flying to New Zealand this month, do consider an attractive way of enjoying the countrys breathtaking scenery by rail. A feature on train journeys will offer tips on suggested routes and itineraries that will allow visitors to appreciate the countrys natural beauty from a different perspective.

No matter which aircraft youre on with THAI to your destination of choice, we wish you a pleasant flight and look forward to serving you again soon.

tHAi Sky connect

Wi-Fi

330-300 380-800

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(thai contemporary)

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thai aiRWays inteRnationaL PUBLiC CoMPany LiMiteD89 vibhavadi rangsit road, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, thailand www.thaiairways.com

eDitoRiaL aDvisoRy BoaRD Senior executive vice President, commercial department ChokChai Panyayong vice President, corporate Public relations PetChPRing saRasin

PUBLiCitas (thaiLanD) LtD5th Floor, lumpini iBuilding, 239/2 Soi Sarasin, rajdamri road, lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, thailandTel: +66 2 651 9273 to 7 Fax: +66 2 651 9278www.publicitas.com/thailand

managing director steven Chookiat PangviPhas steven.fong@publicitas.com

aDveRtising Sales & marketing director Janya LiMManee janya.limmanee@publicitas.commarketing executive nattaPon taChaMontRekUL nattapon.tachamontrekul@publicitas.commarketing executive WatsaMon PhUninLaWan watsamon.phuninlawan@publicitas.commarketing executive nontRa PoonnoPathaM nontra.poonnopatham@publicitas.commarketing executive Reza BizMaRk reza.bizmark@publicitas.com

PUBLishingmanaging director JoUi ongeditorial director RoD MaCkenzie managing editor MiMi gRaChangnetaRa deputy editor Winnie LeUngcontributing Sub-editor sakinah Manaff-gReen contributing Sub-editor JaCqUeLine DanaM Senior Art director ginny gaycontributing designer WoRaPot BoonyakatePublishing Services DoReen LaUcontent Solutions Betty LisWanty

Please send editorial enquiries to mimi.grachangnetara@publicitas.com

is published monthly for Thai airways International Public Company Limited by Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Sawasdee do not necessarily reflect those of Thai airways International Public Company Limited or its publishing agent. all information correct at time of print. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Thai airways International Public Company Limited and Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. all rights reserved. Copyright 2014 by Thai airways International Public Company Limited and Publicitas (Thailand) Ltd. Printed by wPS (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

aUstRaLiaPUBLisheRs inteRnationaLeCharlton DSilva Tel: +61 292 523 476 Fax: +61 292 522 022Email: charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au

aUstRiaPUBLiCitas aUstRiaAndrea Kuefstein Tel: +43 121 153 0 Fax: +43 121 216 03Email: andrea.kuefstein@publicitas.com

BeLgiUMPUBLiCitasSarah Van Haute Tel: +32 263 984 20 Fax: +32 263 984 30Email: sarah.vanhaute@publicitas.com

CanaDaPUBLiCitas CanaDaWayne St. John Tel: +1 416 363 138 8 Fax: +1 416 363 288 9Email: wayne.stjohn@publicitas.com

ChinaPUBLiCitas ChinaLibby Chen Tel: +86 10 6588 8155 Fax: +86 10 6588 3110Email: libby.chen@publicitas.com.cn

DUBai UaeintegRateD aDveRtising seRviCesPrasad Amin Tel: +971 444 757 60 Fax: +971 444 757 61Email: prasad@iasmedia.com

fRanCePUBLiCitas sasNicolas Hinfray Tel: +33 153 648 881 Fax: +33 145 009 481Email: nicolas.hinfray@publicitas.com

geRManyPUBLiCitas gMBhGunnar W. Hintz Tel: +49 69 71 91 49 0 Fax: +49 69 71 91 49 30Email: gunnar.hintz@publicitas.com

hong kong, taiWan, MaCaUPUBLiCitas hong kong LtDMichele Li Tel: +850 251 615 10 Fax: +852 252 832 60Email: michele.li@publicitas.com

inDiaMeDiasCoPe PUBLiCitas (i) Pvt LtDRachna Gulati Tel: +91 11 2373 0869 (d); +91 11 2373 0873-74 Fax: +91 11 2373 0868Email: rachna.gulati@publicitas.com

inDonesiaPt MeDia ManDiRiSarah Grace Hutabarat Tel: +62 218 355 510 Fax: +62 218 293 563Email: sarah@mediamandiri.co.id

itaLyPUBLiCitas inteRnationaL s.P.a.Marzia Solinas Tel: + 39 02 55 19 43 85 Fax: + 39 02 55 19 90 19Email: marzia.solinas@publicitas.com

JaPanPUBLiCitas JaPan k.k.Hiroko Minato Tel: +81 335 476 333 Fax: +81 335 476 330Email: hiroko.minato@publicitas.com

koReaMeDiReP Co.Soohoon Oh Tel: +82 2 734 0786 Fax: +82 2 734 0787Email: soohoonoh@medireponline.com

Latin aMeRiCaPUBLiCitas ChaRney / PaLaCios & Co.Lucio Grimaldi Tel: +1 786 388 6390 Fax: +1 786 388 9113Email: lucio.grimaldi@publicitas.com

MaLaysiaPUBLiCitas inteRnationaL sDn BhDAudrey Cheong Tel: +60 377 296 923 Fax: +60 377 297 115Email: audrey.cheong@publicitas.com

the netheRLanDsPUBLiCitas B.v.Peter Landsheere Tel: +31 203 119 710 Fax: +31 203 119 712Email: peter.landsheere@publicitas.com

noRth aMeRiCaPUBLiCitas UsaBruce Brandfon Tel: +1 212 330 073 4 Fax: +1 212 599 829 8Email: bruce.brandfon@publicitas.com

singaPoRePUBLiCitas singaPoRe Pte LtDHoo Siew-Sai Tel: +65 6836 2272 Fax: +65 6634 5231 Email: siew-sai.hoo@publicitas.comPeggy Thay Tel: +65 6836 2272 Fax: +65 6634 5231 Email: peggy.thay@publicitas.com

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oveRseas aDveRtising RePResentatives

like thai Airways internationals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ThaiAirways for the latest news and updates

AwArds & AccolAdes Bronze Awards, Design: Best Use of Photography;

Editorial: Best Overall Editorial, Custom Content Councils 2013 Pearl Awards

Honourable Mention for Best Magazine Design, 43rd Creativity Print & Packaging Awards 2013

Gold Award, 8th Thai Print Awards 2013

Honourable Mention for Best Airline Publication and Best Use of Photography Overall Publication, 2013 Content Marketing Awards

Award of Excellence in Magazine Design, Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) 2013 Awards

Award of Excellence, 2012 Asian Publishing Awards

Winner

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ventURePLACeS, FACeS, exPeRIeNCeS & MoRe

ConteMPLate CzanneMadrids Museo Thyssen-bornemisza is hosting a retrospective on French artist Paul Czanne, the first organised in Spain in 30 years. For more exhibitions and cultural happenings this month, turn to page 22.

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eventsthis month

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2830 MaR HoNG KoNG SeVeNS Some of the worlds greatest rugby players and thousands of fans from every corner of the globe will flock to Hong Kong Stadium to watch 28 teams vie for the prestigious title and the top prize of US$150,000. hksevens.com

69 MaR RAMFeST, JoHANNeSbURG A stellar line-up of international and local acts will perform at this annual event. Highlights include Scotlands biffy Clyro and Killswitch engage from the US as well as South Africas Protoculture and Gangs of ballet. ramfest.co.za

716 MaR oSAKA ASIAN FILM FeSTIVAL Taiwanese film Kano will make its international premiere as the opening film for this festival, which celebrates its ninth edition. expect to see films produced in Asia or with subject matter related to the peoples and countries of this region. www.oaff.jp

1923 MaR bALISPIRIT FeSTIVAL The world-famous arts hub of Ubud hosts this spiritually charged event that showcases the worlds best in health, yoga, lifestyle, well-being, world music, community and social change. balispiritfestival.com

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2130 MaR oSLo INTeRNATIoNAL CHURCH MUSIC FeSTIVAL oslo Cathedral is the main venue for this event. Classic works by notable composers such as Handel and bach are performed by some of the worlds top choirs. oslokirkemusikkfestival.no

21 MaR9 JUn 19TH bIeNNALe oF SYdNeY Australias largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts festival is back. This three-month exhibition is packed with artist talks, forums, guided tours and family days all free to the public. biennaleofsydney.com.au

2630 MaR MeLboURNe FLoweR & GARdeN SHow Award-winning displays and floral design workshops are some of the highlights. This family-friendly event includes a disney Fairies Childrens Garden, with activities such as face painting and an animal farm. melbflowershow.com.au

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1821 aPR aRtshoW

BUsan This is the event

to share and enjoy everything about art, from discovering new

artists to art tours for the so-called

super collectors. artshowbusan.com

6 aPR MILANo MARATHoN The route for this marathon promises to be smooth, with no rough surfaces and virtually all on level ground. entirely closed to vehicle traffic, the route starts at the Fiera di Rho-Pero and crosses the most iconic parts of Milan to end in Piazza Castello. milanocitymarathon.gazzetta.it

610 aPR 1ST ASIA FISTbALL CUP, LAHoRe The history of fistball can be traced back to the Roman empire, but this european sport is becoming popular in Asia as well. Players try to hit a ball over a net using their fists, much like volleyball. ifa-fistball.com

11 aPR4 May SPRING dIPPeMeSS, FRANKFURT This German city welcomes the arrival of spring with the largest folk festival in the Rhine-Main

region. Held at the Festplatz (Fairground) on Ratsweg, the adults can shop for arts and crafts at

the market while the children have fun on the rides. frankfurt-tourismus.de

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thaievents

30 MaR CINdeReLLA & PRINCe oF THe GoLdeN CoNCH SHeLL, CHIANG MAI Thai Airways International and Chiang Mai ballet Academy are two of the co-organisers of this charity performance, which is held in conjunction with the 86th birthday anniversary year of His Majesty the King. Proceeds will go toward the Friends In Need (of Princess Pa) Volunteers Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society. Call Tel: (66) 81 881 1114 for more details

30 MaR5 aPR CHIANG MAI INTeRNATIoNAL CRICKeT SIxeS one of the worlds most popular amateur cricket tournaments, this annual event will be held at the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club. chiangmaisixes.com 1315 aPR SoNGKRAN Regarded as the longest holiday in Thailand, Songkran the Thai New Year is traditionally celebrated for three days in a row. songkran2014.com 8 JUn LAGUNA PHUKeT INTeRNATIoNAL MARATHoN Laguna Phuket Resort is the start and finish points for this annual event. phuketmarathon.com 15 JUn15 aUg AMAZING THAILANd GRANd SALe department stores, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions nationwide offer discounts galore in this annual shopping extravaganza. tourismthailand.org

thaievents

coming soon

1016 MaR FIRST ASIAN ARCHeRY GRANd PRIx 2014, bANGKoK organised by the National Archery Association of Thailand, this tournament will be held at the Sports Authority of Thailands archery range. worldarchery.org

1323 MaR woRLd MUAYTHAI CHAMPIoNSHIP, bANGKoK This prestigious Thai boxing event will see experts in amateur and professional categories fight it out for the champion title and belt. worldmuaythaifederation.com

1416 MaR THe GRANd PATTAYA INTeRNATIoNAL MUSIC FeSTIVAL In addition to concerts, this nocturnal event has booths selling music-related accessories and stalls selling food, all within the same venue at Chonburi. tourismthailand.org

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CRUise DoWn the ayeyaRWaDyAmawaterways is launching a new ship and two cruise itineraries on Myanmars legendary Ayeyarwady river. Also known as the Irrawaddy, the river will be the highlight of the 10-night and 14-night voyages on the all-suite amaPura. This 56-passenger vessel sets sail this November. amawaterways.com

RUn foR yoUR LifeThe end of winter and beginning of spring seems to be a good time for marathons if the scheduling of some of these events is anything to go by. March sees at least three marathons: brisbane Sprint on the 8th, Nagoya City Marathon on the 8th and 9th, and Copenhagen world Half Marathon Championships on the 29th. spartanrace.com.au, city.marathon-festival.com, iaaf.org

shoPPing By PaRisdid you know that the French capital has 61,232 shops and that 8,500 of

them are devoted to clothing and accessories? The Paris Shopping Book is an indispensable guide to all the great shops, cultural venues and places to eat in this fashion and shopping capital. Copies are available for free at any Paris Convention and Visitors bureau tourist information point.

en.parisinfo.com

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WiLD aBoUt BaseLexhibitions and processions

are the key highlights of basel Carnival, which takes place

from 10 to 12 March. It starts when the clock in the tower of St Martins strikes four oclock

and all the streetlights in the city centre are switched off.

Thousands of piccolos and drums then herald the arrival

of lanterns in all shapes and sizes. More parades take place

over the next two days, along with a display of lanterns at

Munsterplatz. basel.com

Czanne RetRosPeCtive

Spains first retrospective on Czanne in 30 years is

now on at Museo Thyssen-bornemisza in Madrid.

on display are 49 oils and nine watercolours loaned by museums and private

collections around the world, many of which have

never been exhibited in Spain. museothyssen.org

MUseUM MakeoveRThe National Museum in bangkoks Phra Nakhon district will be the first to benefit from a government plan to refurbish all of Thailands 44 national museums. displays will be modernised and cultural programmes will be enhanced with more traditional performances such as khon and likae.

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toP ChefsMacau and Hong Kong are home to

some of the worlds best restaurants and chefs. In the former,

Cantonese restaurant Jade dragon (right)

received its first Michelin star this

year, while The Tasting Room

retained the star it earned last year. In

Hong Kong, guests at InterContinental can

learn trade secrets from celebrated chefs

such as Lau Yiu Fai and Hideki endo.

Called Cooking with The Culinary Stars, the cooking classes

cover everything from classic

cooking techniques to speciality and seasonal dishes.

cityofdreamsmacau.com, ihg.com

fLights of fanCySee the volcanoes and islands of Aucklands Hauraki Gulf like the birds do, from the vantage point of an original 1961 de Havilland beaver. Considered one of the worlds most iconic float planes, its now being used by Auckland Seaplanes to offer scenic flights as well as vineyard lunch packages on waiheke Island. aucklandseaplanes.com

PResiDent of PoP to visit eURoPeJustin Timberlake will visit europe as part of his The 20/20 experience world tour. beginning 30 March in the UK, the pop star will bring his electrifying live shows to fans in London, Paris, Zurich and more. justintimberlake.com

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Meet the people behind one of Thailands all-time favourite desserts, khao lam

sWeet tReats

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Got a soft spot for Thai desserts? Try the local favourite khao lam sticky rice cooked in bamboo which is the star product of Chonburi province. Visitors passing through religiously make a pit stop for Mae Niyom, owned by the eponymous Niyom Soyson who has been making khao lam for 50 years near the famous Nong Mon market. Easy though it may seem to prepare, the best khao lams actually require a great deal of energy and patience. High-quality sticky rice called kiew ngu is used because it is fragrant and holds its shape after its cooked. The grains are soaked in water from 9pm until 3am (the best time that will allow them to soften to perfection), after which theyre placed in segments of bamboo and topped with popular ingredients, such as taro, black beans or coconut meat. For guaranteed happiness, coconut milk is poured into the bamboo segments and the cooking begins. Mae Niyom is the only place in Chonburi that still makes khao lam the traditional way with an open fire, which means a wait of up to four hours for that slice of deliciousness.

This spread, clockwise from topCoconut milk is added to lift the flavour

Roasting the bamboo segments in an open fire imparts a delicious smokiness to the khao lam

Mae Niyom has been making these tasty desserts the old-fashioned way for 50 years

Khao lam typically comes with taro, black beans or coconut meat

Sweet treatS

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Jet set/ words

Jasmine Phull

This spread, clockwise from top

Misty morning at emirates

wolgan Valley Resort & Spa,

which is a three-hour drive from

Sydney

Cycling at arkaba Station, an 1850s private

homestead in South australia

Native australian

bush flowers

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overworked, overcaffeinated and underslept, last January I was in dire need of rest and rejuvenation. A successful, yet emotionally draining five months of prepping for a major project had left me on the brink of a breakdown. I yearned for time to myself sans the buzzing, beeping and f lashing of my handy devices, but cutting the umbilical cord wasnt so easy. I wanted to be free of digital domination but lacked the self-discipline I longed for. Something had to give, and a tech break whereby holidaymakers enjoy a getaway free from the clutches of an insistent inbox or persistent phone was my escape.

UnPLUg to ReChaRgeEver been on a holiday but ended up too obsessed with your gadgets to appreciate your surroundings? Sounds like you need a digital detox holiday

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So channelling brook Shields in The Blue Lagoon, armed only with a return ticket, I switched on my out of office inbox message and made my way to Queenslands remote Lizard Island resort, where the only thing Id be checking was my tan line! My first morning was spectacularly sunny, and as a tweet of a different kind ushered me into consciousness, I kicked off the covers, rolled out of bed and pulled back the curtains. wispy clouds broke up a blue sky that beamed down on a wide expanse of ocean and verdant greenery.

Located on the northern most point of the Great barrier Reef, the resorts isolated lagoon is surrounded by fringing reefs, native plants and local birds. Its a dizzying view that reminded me of the beauty of Mother Nature, something many millennial men and women are too busy to appreciate. Here, 240 kilometres north of Cairns, I was without tweets, posts, pins, pokes and pixels. I was Robinson Crusoe stranded for five days on a desolate island with the sun, sea and land at my disposal.

As a secluded seascape, reached only by private plane, this location is

reserved for the truly serious digi-detoxers. designed in the name of unplugging, an approach promoted by Professor Timothy Sharp from the Happiness Institute, my Anchor bay bungalow showed no promise of Internet surfing, tele-tuning, mouse-clicking or mobile madness. I hadnt checked my phone or email since boarding the flight 27 hours ago, but who was counting? Two glass doors opened onto a large deck, chairs, cushions

This spread, clockwise from top

emirates wolgan Valley Resort &

Spa is nestled in the shadow of australias Greater Blue

Mountains

escape to the Himalayan ranges and

cleanse your mind at one of

the last Buddhist monarchies

in the world, Bhutan

Lounge by the pool at Lizard

Island

Colourful friezes adorn the walls

of Tiger Nest Monastery

Pool with a view at emirates

wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Sleep in a tree and swim in a

pond at Bangkok Tree House

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hot sPotsLizard Island, Australializardisland.com.au

Arkaba Station, Australia arkabastation.com

emirates wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australiawolganvalley.com

Nomads Land, Cambodianomadslandcambodia.com

bangkok Tree House, Thailandbangkoktreehouse.com

Tiger Nest Monastery, bhutan tigersnestbhutan.com

and privacy abound, while a narrow path provided me direct access to the beach. Towel, glasses and favourite book at the ready, I was feeling a little bit spoilt and, to be honest, a little bit smug: The next two days without technology should be a breeze, I whispered to no one. No longer swimming against the tide of technology, I slowly scanned the panorama, and across the watery horizon, I spied visitors of the boat House paddling glass-bottomed

kayaks atop the cobalt blue, and dinghies destined for one of the 24 private beaches.

by day four, I was slowly feeling the effects of this tech-purge while standing on the great coral reef awaiting my second snorkel dive, phantom phone vibrations sent shivers up my neoprene wetsuit. Almost drowning in despair, I clutched at my imaginary pocket and wondered if my editor had called with news of my last pitch. My nomophobia was acting up, a 21st-century term for those that fear being out of mobile reach, and I was feeling dirty. Tech-free tourism, a term coined by Professor Ulrike Gretzel from University of wollongong, was quickly revealing my addictive need to over-communicate. I prayed a swim with the potato codfish would wash away my sinful tech thoughts.

on the flight back to the mainland, I took in the overwhelming beauty that disappeared behind me. If I learnt anything from this e-tox, its that despite all the lows, it certainly relieved the anxiety and stresses of a life dictated by gadgets. Since the advent of portable devices, our ability to communicate almost anywhere means mixing business with pleasure has become as routine as a reflex. The gadget-savvy find constant connectivity so habitual that we cant imagine leaving technology behind a sad measure of our workaholic nature. when I got home, the first thing I did was to buy an alarm clock, because the bed is no place for an iPhone.

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/ w ords mimi

grachangnetara

/ illustrationsAtpark tripper

Food is an essential part of Thai life. Here are some all-time favourite essentials that youll usually find in every Thai kitchen

sPiCe it UP

Mortar and pestle No kitchen is complete without the ubiquitous mortar and pestle, widely used to crush garlic cloves, peppercorns, coriander roots and chilli core ingredients in cooking any Thai dish. The best mortar and pestles are typically made in Ang Sila municipality in Chonburi province.

Sri Raja sauceSri Raja has made

a name for itself in kitchens around

the world and is traditionally

enjoyed with seafood. Nowadays,

it can be enjoyed with almost any

dish. The very first Sri Raja sauce was made in Thailand

some 80 years ago under the Sri Raja

Panich brand in Sri Raja district,

Chonburi province.

Chilli paste A Thai meal would not be complete

without the chilli factor. A dollop of nam prik pao or chilli paste is the answer to

every culinary conundrum. This sweet and spicy chilli paste is usually enjoyed with

rice or even as a spread.

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Coconut milkAnother indispensable ingredient in Thai cooking is coconut milk. Food purists will insist on using freshly squeezed coconut milk, but if time is of the essence, you cant go wrong with the ready-made kind.

Nam plaLife would be meaningless if there was no fish sauce. A drop or two makes all the difference between an average and a mind-blowing meal. even a simple dinner of boiled eggs and rice would be made better with nam pla.

Shrimp pasteFamous for its heady aroma, the purplish brown shrimp paste Thais know more commonly as kapi is made from fermented ground krill mixed with salt. Kapi is an essential ingredient in many Thai curry dishes.

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MyWoRLD

/ i nterview maida Pineda

An encounter with a disabled baby elephant spurred Mike Spits to launch Elephant Parade, a stunning, moveable showcase of life-sized elephant statues

Mike Spits used to get his highs from skiing downhill at 130 kilometres per hour, but the former competitive skier from the Netherlands has traded the snowy slopes for an unlikely mission: saving the Asian elephant. In 2006, Mike and his father, Marc, launched elephant Parade to draw public attention to and support for Asian elephant conservation, through an open-air art installation featuring painted and decorated life-sized baby elephant statues.

Since then, the Parade has visited about 8 countries from belgium to Singapore and the US with over 1,000 life-sized statues exhibited and auctioned. Its the worlds largest exhibition of its kind, and many famous personalities from fashion designer diane von Frstenberg and singer Katy Perry to Formula one drivers Fernando Alonso and

tRUnk shoW

Felipe Massa have supported it with their own designed and decorated elephant statues. Currently on a national tour of the UK, the elephant Parade supports The Asian elephant Foundation in distributing funds to various organisations dedicated to the well-being of Asian elephants, as well as ultimately saving them from extinction.

In between his hectic schedule, Sawasdee chats with Mike about a special baby elephant and travelling in Thailand.

How did your love affair with elephants begin? Actually, it started with my father, who heard about a small elephant hospital called Friends of the Asian elephant, while on holiday in Chiang Mai. At the hospital, he was moved by his encounter with baby elephant Mosha, who had lost her leg after stepping on a landmine. when we launched elephant Parade, Mosha not only became its star, but also the first elephant to receive a prosthetic leg. Mosha showed us that we should never give up. She still receives help from elephant Parade, and we have vowed to support her for the rest of her life.

The Elephant Parade showcases some of the worlds best artists. Where did you find them?

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This spread, clockwise from lefta spring-themed elephant in emmen, the Netherlands

Mike Spits with Mosha

elephant Parade House in Chiang Mai

elephants hit the streets of Singapores Central Business district in 2011

delight durian elephant in Singapore

Actually, all over the world! They immediately say yes when we approach them. we also have some great in-house and talented local Thai artists.

Where has the Elephant Parade travelled to? we have visited the Netherlands, belgium, denmark, Italy, Singapore, Trier-Luxembourg and California in the US, and we hope to go to Hong Kong and bangkok this year. However, our merchandise is available in many more countries, such as dubai, Panama and Malaysia.

Any memorable stories transporting these elephants for exhibit? People sometimes think were transporting real life elephants and this causes much commotion!

DiD yoU knoW?

1 the most expensive elephant auctioned was the Singing Butler rides Again by Jack vettriano, which sold for 155,000 at the elephant Parade london auction.

2 A fibreglass elephant in the exhibit stands at 150cm and weighs in at approximately 70kg.

3 the trier-luxembourg elephant Parade featured one solid marble elephant. Swedish artist Jens Klelund sculpted it from a solid block of carrara marble, and the finished elephant weighed about 2,300kg!

Tell us about your experiences travelling in Thailand. What do you love most about the country? Thailand is a country with many fantastic cultural elements and great pride. The people are very artistic and friendly. It has been great to learn so much about a very different culture than where Im from.

Favourite places you must visit when you are in Thailand?I love bangkok and Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, I dont have enough time to break my bangkokChiang Mai routine, as I would love to trek around the country. I will soon do this with my kids.

Any interesting places you would recommend for visitors to Thailand?The Friends of the Asian elephant

Hospital, as this is where our journey started. Here, you can possibly get a glimpse of Mosha.

Have you seen Mosha again?I usually see her a few times a year. Mosha grows fast and needs new prosthetic legs all the time. She is a sweet elephant and unfortunately, cannot go back into the wild anymore because of her disability. Soraida Salwala, her caretaker, gives her much love and attention. Whats on your travel bucket list?Id like to visit many Thai islands, such as Samui and Samet.

The first flagship elephant Parade House is in Chiang Mai. You can view full-size elephant Parade statues, paint your own replica elephants and learn about asian elephants. For more information, visit elephantparade.com

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Mu

/ words Robert Carry / illustrations Supharsit Vongromngen

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Fight fans the world over have fallen in love with Muay Thai, Thailands flagship martial art and the countrys national sport. Admired for its speed, aggression and effectiveness, Muay Thai gyms have been springing up everywhere from Italy to Ireland and from Argentina to Australia. Muay Thai superstars like buakaw banchamek and Saenchai, meanwhile, have become household names in countries far from their homeland. However, there is another largely unknown fight form native to Thailand that also evolved from the days of the old Siamese empire: Muay Chaiya.

both Muay Thai and Muay Chaiya owe their orgins to Muay boran, a group of martial arts practised by soldiers of the Siamese army, which were initially designed for use on the battlefield. The sacking of the old Thai capital of Ayutthaya by the burmese in 1767 led to the destruction of any historical records that might have chronicled the early years of Muay boran and the martial arts that developed from it, but what is known is that each of Thailands main regions had their own style of Muay. Fighters from the north had Muay Jerng, Muay Korat was practised in the northeast, while Muay Chaiya was popular in the south.

Before Muay Thai even existed, a centuries-old martial arts form known as Muay Chaiya was practised by Siamese warriors.

Today, it is making a tentative comeback / words Robert Carry / illustrations Supharsit Vongromngen

NobleWarriors

This spread, from far lefta Muay Chaiya fighter kicks a banana tree as part of his training routine

The deadly hak kor erawan position

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exhibition matches between fighters became popular at festivals and religious events, while the best fighters from each region were frequently summoned to the capital to compete before the Royal Court. Muay Korat was famed for its use of forceful punches, while fighters from Lopburi were feared for their use of smart moves and clever tactics. Muay Chaiya, which got its name from the town of Chaiya in the province of Surat Thani, became famous for a signature move that translates into english as tiger pulled by the tail, when fighter Plong Chamnongthong used it to earn a key victory during a bout at the Royal Court.

These competitive fights showcased the unique aspects of each regional style, but they also precipitated the drift toward the single codified ring sport we know today as Muay Thai. but while Muay Thai was adopting roped rings, gloves and other trappings borrowed from western boxing, practitioners of Muay Chaiya were holding closer to the fight forms raw battlefield origins.

The core goal of Muay Chaiya remains that of dispatching ones opponent as quickly as possible, thereby reducing the chances of sustaining injury. Unlike modern Muay Thai, Muay Chaiya is strictly no holds barred. often described as being sneaky and nasty, the eyes, throat, groin and joints are all fair game for attack.

The Muay Thai fights that we see today are about who can throw the most punches, explains Prawit Kittichanthira, a Muay Chaiya teacher. Unlike Muay Thai, Muay Chaiya involves a series of graceful moves... its a true art of self-defence.

However, Muay Chaiya bears some similarities to modern Muay Thai. Like its more well-known cousin, Muay Chaiya relies heavily on knees, elbows and kicks with the shins. but unlike Muay Thai, Muay Chaiya puts a huge emphasis on defence. Fighters utilise their elbows and forearms to defend against punches and other attacks to the head. The result is a style of fighting that not only proved effective on ancient battlefields, but which also works extremely well today as a practical and effective form of defending oneself.

I love Muay Thai and as a child I would go to bouts with family and friends, explains Thai youngster Nathamon Somkid on how she first got interested in the sports martial arts. but I never knew that Muay Chaiya existed.

However, Nathamon, who now trains under instructor Phuwasak bangsansanee (also known as Kru Mut), quickly fell in love with Muay Chaiya once she discovered it. Today, she is committed to bringing the largely unknown fight form back from the edge of extinction: I want to learn everything there is to know about [Muay Chaiya] so that I can preserve this national treasure.

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Opposite page The tai kao Phra Sumen position

This page a Muay Chaiya boxer binds his fists before a fight

while gloves, pads, bags and other custom training equipment are used in Muay Chaiya schools today, in years past, fighters honed their skills with what they found around them. before punch bags, banana trees and wooden posts wrapped with rope or cloth were used for practising kicks and conditioning the lower limbs for impact. Limes dangling from strings were used to practise head movement, and rope was used to protect the fists.

Monasteries served as centres of learning for much of Thailands history, with monks taking on the responsibility of teaching literacy, art and history as well as religion. As with many other Asian martial arts such as kung fu in China, monks at times also found themselves acting as the custodians and teachers of Muay Chaiya.

Students progressed slowly and would often spend years mastering just the footwork that forms the foundation of Muay Chaiya before being taught any strikes. However, when their teachers felt they were ready, they would undergo an unusual and extremely demanding initiation test. before joining the ranks of elite Muay Chaiya fighters, would-be fighters first had to prove their skill by passing the nang krok test. This involved a student sitting on a large mortar with his face covered in white powder. Next, he would be attacked by up to three opponents in succession. Afterwards, the attackers would have their fists examined for traces of powder from the students face. If any was found the student was deemed to have failed. only when he had fended off the attacks without sustaining a single blow to his face would he then be admitted to the ranks of the elite Muay

Chaiya fighters and be deemed ready for battle.Muay Chaiya features many other ritualistic

practices. each practitioner would perform a wai kru ceremony before each bout, which involved checking the suns location to make sure it was at his back, in the belief that it would bring him victory. Next, fighters would taunt their opponent by writing his name on the ground before trampling on it. with the ceremony complete, both practitioners would be in no doubt that there was now no room for talk or negotiation and that their fight was unavoidable.

Although some of the rituals involved in Muay Chaiya are no longer practised, some of its more ancient elements are still alive today. Muay Chaiya practitioners still wear traditional clothing and protective equipment. A loin cloth is tied around the waist and positioned over the groin area by each boxer. This krajap is then stuffed

with other materials to fully protect the fighter from kicks, knees and other blows. Fighters also bind their fists with special yarns, wear head bands known as prajiad hua and armbands called prajiad kaen. one of the

charms of Muay Chaiya is its costumes, says Nathamon.

while it has much to offer both as a form of self-defence and as a part of Thailands cultural and combat history, sadly, Muay Chaiya is

facing an uncertain future. It remains largely unknown even

among Thailands fighting fraternity. Im worried that Muay Chaiya will soon disappear, admits long-time practitioner Prasert Yalah. Prasert, who has

spent decades touring the provinces and performing at

events in a bid to help preserve the art, continues, we have a

responsibility to the Thai people to save it. I dont want Muay

Chaiya to die.

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Beyond its pristine beaches and romantic mountain tea trails, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean offers unrivalled biodiversity with tropical forests, marine

and wildlife, and a host of archaeological, religious and

cultural attractions

/ words Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

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This spread, from lefta woman

works on a tea plantation

See more than 100

bird species, imcluding

kingfishers, at Talangama

wetland

Talangama Wetland This is one of the finest urban wetland reserves close to a capital city anywhere in the world. It is surprisingly rich with a variety of wildlife from birds, butterflies and dragonflies to smaller mammals. The calls of the alpha male purple-faced leaf monkeys regularly boom from the treetops. Not many cities can boast of an endemic primate in their backyard, especially a leaf monkey that needs plenty of tall trees and connected canopy. Although its babies are cute, the adult males can be intimidating and on several occasions, I was challenged by a male bounding down from the canopy, barking at me. dazzling dragonflies and butterflies flit about in the sunshine on dirt roads where children in white uniforms walk to school. In a single morning in April, I saw 70 bird species from wetland ones such as sparring purple swamphens and herons, to woodland birds such as orioles. You can also catch a glimpse of a few nationally threatened butterflies and dragonflies, and if youre lucky, photograph half a dozen species from a single spot. A good network of surfaced and unsurfaced roads makes access to this site easy.

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Yala Nat ional Park Yala, along with Corbett National Park in India, are the two best places in Asia to see a wide variety of mammals on a safari. To boot, Yala is the best site to see leopards block one of the park has one of the worlds densest leopard populations. My top recommendation would be to spend some time waiting at a water hole (some are the size of small lakes), and watch the ebb and flow of life. Also, listen to the songs of birds and the occasional alarm call that betrays a predator. once, I was photographing some orange-breasted green pigeons when a sloth bear padded past just a few feet from my vehicle. on another occasion, a troop of grey langurs unleashed a crescendo of alarm calls. It was deafening and I had not even realised that the group was resting over me in the tall palu trees, which is one of the dominant species (Manilkara hexandra) in Yalas forests. Minutes later, two tiny leopard cubs came into view and warily approached the water, taking care not to fall prey to the crocodiles that lurked beneath.

Minneriya and Kaudulla Nat ional Parks

This page, clockwise from aboveYala National Park has one of the worlds densest leopard populations, upping your chances of seeing one on a safari

watering holes are the best places to spot animals

Get up close with wildlife on a safari in Sri Lankas national parks

Surprisingly, the largest annually recurring concentration of wild elephants is not found on the African continent, but in Minneriya and the nearby Kaudulla National Parks. during the elephant Gathering between June and october (peaking in August and September), between 200 and 300 elephants gather on the drying lake bed. during the wet season, the elephants move to higher ground in the nearby Hurulu Forest Reserve. The elephants have

become habituated and will often gradually work their way close to parked vehicles. Sometimes, theyre so close that they can be heard munching grass. evening safaris are best as the Asian elephant does not like being out in the open on warm sunny days. As night falls, the elephants become more vocal, and grunts and high-pitched squeals ring across the open plain, fringed in the distance by undulating hills. besides elephants, look out also for Sri Lankan sambar and axis deer.

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Whale Watch ing Triangle Imagine being out in the Indian ocean under a blue sky and hot sun. Not much is happening, the skipper has cut the engine and the boat is drifting. Suddenly, there is a whoosh and the largest animal on the planet surfaces next to you. Mirissa, Kalpitiya and Trincomalee are the three key whale-watching locations in Sri Lanka. The season for Mirissa and Kalpitiya is from december to mid-April, while Trincomalee is best between March and April. However, in Trincomalee, I have seen whales all the way through August and September. A few times a year, all three sites are visited by small pods of enigmatic orcas or killer whales, which have been individually identified by the orca Project Sri Lanka. The most likely cetacean to be seen in Mirissa is the blue whale followed by pods of spinner dolphins. Kalpitiya has super-pods of spinners, and I once came across one that stretched across a kilometre in length and featured about two thousand or more dolphins. brydes whales, a tropical whale, are regularly seen, but are unobtrusive. Kalpitiya is also good for pelagic seabirds, and I have often encountered skuas, shearwaters and noddies in mid-April, just before the southwest monsoon sweeps in and makes the seas too rough for whale-watching boats.

Anuradhapu ra The location of Anuradhapura is unusual for a powerful ancient kingdom as it was not built near a major seaport or river, where water allows for a good transport link. Anuradhapura, a UNeSCo world Heritage Site, is in the interior of the North Central Province, between the eastern and western halves of the island. Its two coasts are alternatively under the sway of the southwest or northeast monsoon the former brought traders from Arabia, Greece and Rome and the latter from China. It became the centre of trade, and the heart of an ingenious system of complex and vast irrigation works that allowed agriculture to flourish in the seemingly inhospitable dry lowlands. For over ten centuries, the capital held sway with its command of technology and agriculture. Such was its wealth that its gigantic stupas were the largest and tallest ancient structures made of brick. Investing so much of the nations cash pile into non-revenue generating assets may have contributed to its eventual demise. Today, Anuradhapura has been excavated and the gigantic stupas restored. Much of the secondary forest that swept like a jungle tide over the ancient city has been left intact, so it has a wonderful lost city atmosphere, with monkeys engaged in bitter tribal wars, while pilgrims meditate earnestly in the company of saffron robed monks.

This page, from topa sperm whale making a splash as it surfaces

The wealth of the ancient kingdom of anuradhapura saw some of the worlds largest brick stupas rise from its lowlands

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Sigiriya This granite rocky inselberg dominates the dry lowland landscape. It has a long history of use by ascetics, but came to prominence in fifth century Ad when King Kassapa made it his capital. He indulged in making it aesthetically beautiful with pleasure gardens and paintings of beautiful maidens. Many visitors find the 180-metre ascent their most memorable archaeological experience in Sri Lanka. Sigiriyas history, however, is mixed. Legend has it that Kassapa demanded from his father, King dhatusena, all of his wealth. The king took Kassapa to one of the large irrigation reservoirs

he had constructed, waded in with his son, scooped up some water and told his son that this was his wealth. Food security and the wealth of agriculture was lost on the mad, artistic Kassapa, who murdered his father in a fit of rage and usurped the throne. His half-brother Moggallana returned from India with an army, and Kassapa committed suicide as the battle turned against him. Large clusters of killer bees hang like a menacing toxic black fruit on the rocks some say the bees are the souls of the warriors who once guarded Sigiriya.

The forest around the moat is one of my favourites for a primate safari, and I enjoy listening to the beautiful song of the white-rumped shama melting into the night, as the churring of the nightjars announce the triumph of dark over light.

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Opposite pageThe ancient city of Sigiriya had terrace gardens with fountains and canals

THaI Smile operates six flights weekly to Colombo. For more information, please visit www.thaismileair.com

Kandy The dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most sacred sites for buddhists around the world. It is set within a complex of temples beside a lake in this hill capital, which is a UNeSCo world Heritage Site. Set in the cooler mid hills, the town can be pleasant to explore with a number of curio shops. Kandy is also renowned for the famous annual esala Perahera, a spectacular

This page, from aboveStep inside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Kandys comfortable weather is perfect for exploring on foot

pageant with dancers, fire eaters and caparisoned elephants, held over 10 days leading up to the full moon in July or August. Kandy has always had an artistic legacy and there are many shops selling crafts and various artefacts with Kandyan-style ornamentation.

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www.thaismileair.com

Yala Yala corbett Yala

Minneriya Kaudu lla 2 200-300 Hurulu Forest reserve

Whale Watch ing Triangle mirissa Kalpitiya trincomalee mirissa Kalpitiya mirissa

Kandy Yala Talangama Wetland Sigiriya

Anuradhapu ra 10 Anuradhapura Anuradhapura uneSco

Sigiriya Sigiriya Kassapa Sigiriya

Kandy Kandy (esala Perahera) 10

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G A L L e R Y

Pterois, commonly known as lionfish, is a genus of marine fish characterised by their showy pectoral fins, venomous spines and coloured bands of red, white, cream or black, which serve as a warning to potential predators.

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For those captivated by the underwater world, Thailands

wonders will never cease to

amaze. Visarute Angkatavanich has

been fascinated by the variety of freshwater and

saltwater fish that can be found in

Thailand for years. His photographs mostly shot at

Thai aquariums remind us just how breathtaking these fanciful fish can be

/ photos Visarute Angkatavanich

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Above Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), which is a popular freshwater species for aquariums.

Right Sepiella inermis, commonly known as spineless cuttlefish, at Siam Ocean World.

Left An alligator fish (Atractosteus spatula) at Siam Ocean World.

I ve adored fish since I was a young boy, says Visarute. His father used to buy a variety of them for his fish tank at home, including Siamese fighting fish, goldfish and guppies. He could spend an entire day studying their movements as they swam. They are beautiful animals, and I decided to photograph them professionally after I bought a fish tank for my daughter. The most difficult part is ensuring that everything is spotless the tanks, the water because the tiniest speck of impurity can ruin a shot. Timing is also crucial. obviously you cant get them to pose for you, so youve got to study their character before purchasing them. It takes several visits to the fish market and a great deal of patience in choosing the perfect models.

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Siamese fighting fish are also known as betta fish. This crowntail betta is so-named because its fringed tail can look like a crown.

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Their somewhat rabbit-like mouths give rabbitfish their name. Also known as spinefoots, they belong to the genus Siganus.

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Below Colourful guppies (Poecilia reticulata), one of the worlds most widely distributed tropical fish, are a favourite for freshwater aquariums.

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Above Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums. They are coral reef dwellers native to the Pacific.

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Goldfish are a freshwater fish in the Cyprinidae family. This telescope eye or dragon eye goldfish is characterised by its protruding eyes.

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Halfmoon tail Siamese fighting fish. The wild ancestors of betta fish are native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

About the photographer

Visarute angkatavanich adores fish. Now a professional photographer and graphic designer, he applies the same lighting concepts used to photograph products for his fish shots. View more of his work at facebook.com/visarute.angkatavanich

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The TranzAlpine train, which passes through and below the mountain ranges of

New Zealands South Island, remains one of the worlds most iconic rail journeys

/ words Nick Walton

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T R A V e L o G U e

New Zealands Tranzalpine train chugging along the waimakariri river

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M y breath fogs up the window and I have to bunch up my sleeve to wipe away the condensation thats building the higher we climb, but the view is well worth the effort. outside is a winter wonderland, a landscape of steep mountain sides, their peaks lost in low clouds, their flanks pasted with thick icing sugar snow that lies in clumps beside the railway line. I feel like were at the top of the world as the train chugs and shrugs its way up the incline, climbing ever higher into the snowy mountains, children of all ages up and down the carriage staring out fogged-up windows, noses pressed against the glass, eyes wide.

we all remember remarkable firsts in our lives; it might be the first time you saw the ocean, the first time you flew in an airplane, or the first time you kissed your significant other. These moments stay with us for years to come. For me, it was the first time I travelled on New Zealands TranzAlpine railway, a four-and-a-half-hour, 223-kilometre climb through the backbone of the South Island, between the garden city of Christchurch and the weather-whipped town of Greymouth, gateway to the glaciers and ruggedly beautiful coastline of the west coast.

My first time riding those rails was in 1988, only a year after the traditional ChristchurchGreymouth express trains, which had been operating since the 1920s, were replaced with a new tourist-friendly initiative designed to showcase the remarkable skyline and incredible diversity of the South Island. The old rolling stock was given a vibrant new blue paint job, larger windows and stylish dining cars were added. Suddenly, staff that had been working a line used almost exclusively by farmers, students and retirees headed to and from the big smoke of Christchurch, had to cater to international travellers who had come to ride the rails, cross the lines four towering viaducts and play hold your breath through each of the 19 tunnels.

Ive always had a thing about trains, and Im clearly not the only one. Thanks to the steady growth of the airline industry, we can zoom between virtually any two destinations in the world in a matter of hours, but the elegance and nostalgia of train travel still appeals to travellers from across the globe whether its riding the rails through the Canadian Rockies or through the rural landscape of New Zealand. In fact, not long after it was launched, the TranzAlpine was named one of the top ten day-trip train journeys in the world, a distinction it has proudly retained.

In the years since that first grandmother-escorted winter journey, Ive travelled on the train twice again, as a teenager and as

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an adult, one way and return, in summer and winter, alone and with friends, and the magic remains. Under KiwiRails ownership, modern rolling stock was introduced in 2012, with an advanced air bag suspension system for a quieter, smoother trip and non-reflective windows on both the sides and the roof to ensure captivating views. A two-two-one class configuration ensures there is space for everyone, and table seating for four is great for family or friends travelling together.

There is a sense of excitement in the air at Christchurch Railway Station as travellers congregate on the platform, finding their appointed carriage. with suburban trains dying out in the 1970s, the TranzAlpine remains a minor celebrity in Christchurch, and locals wave as the train chugs its way through suburbs of weather-boarded houses, childrens play sets in the backyards, past timber yards and country stores, and then out across the flat Canterbury plains in summer a brilliant palate of golds and greens, in winter a wide open landscape of dark earth and white snow, the lumbering line of ancient peaks that make up the Southern Alps crawling ever closer.

Most of my fellow passengers, in their rows of blue airline seats, are content to gaze at the scenery and daydream, plugged into the trains GPS-triggered audio commentary system, while others, myself included, bundle up and head to the open-air observation car certainly one of the best additions to the TranzAlpine. our route slips between

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oTHeR GReAT TRAIN JoURNeYS oF New ZeALANdKiwiRail Scenic Journeys also operates two other rail journeys in New Zealand. The Coastal Pacific between Christchurch and Picton at the top of the South Island is a stunning journey offered daily between October and april. It runs along the Pacific coast and through the steep Kaikoura Ranges before reaching the fertile wine region of Marlborough. The Northern explorer travels between auckland and wellington in the North Island, navigating the world-famous Raurimu Spiral and the volcanic plateau, home to Mounts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. kiwirailscenic.co.nz

Lake Sarah and Lake Grasmere and then follows the course of the ice-fed waimakariri river, its mineral-rich waters turquoise and foaming white. we charge into the waimakariri Gorge (its name means cold waters in the Maori language), crossing the braided river on a low-slung bridge that cascades across white-hued river stones and a vivid streak of icy blue before reaching land again. Not long after, were soaring over the formidable Staircase Viaduct, at 73 metres the highest viaduct on the line. Its standing room only in the observation car as the last cool winds of winter bite at my cheeks and lips and blur my eyes, but the view is completely mesmerising.

There are also chances to step off the train, including at the journeys summit, the tiny railway town of Arthurs Pass, where the train halts long enough for a few photos and a stretch of the legs. Arthurs Pass is only home to about 45 souls today, but in the past it was an important centre during the gold rush of the 1800s. Heading west again we dive into the otira Tunnel once the worlds longest emerging high above the deep mountain valleys of the dramatic west Coast, passing through ancient rainforests and then thick groves of alpine beech on its descent toward Greymouth.

everything is different on this side of the Southern Alps. Its wet almost all year round as clouds from the Southern ocean dump their rain on the climb over the peaks, and the golden plains of Canterbury are replaced by timeless rainforests,

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This spread, clockwise from far leftIn a country known to have more sheep than people, this will certainly be a common view on any train excursion

KiwiRails Coastal Pacific journey runs between Christchurch and Picton

a Maori carving of the indigenous people of New Zealand

while in New Zealand, try the local Bluff oysters

depart from aucklands Britomart Station for the Northern explorer journey to wellington

Railway scenery from Christchurch to Greymouth

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the north and south islands of new zealand offer some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in the world. take an extended tour of the north islands scenic wonders. aUCkLanD RotoRUa taUPo extension (Roh/nze5)6 days/5 nights

For more information on Royal Orchid Holidays, call 0 2356 2888, email roh.rsvn@thaiairways.com or visit www.thaiairways.com/roh or our worldwide offices.

included Airport-hotel transfers Five nights accommodation with breakfast Sightseeing tours to waitomo Glowworm Caves, waiotapu Thermal Reserve, Tahorakuri pine forests, Lake Taupo and morebeyond this, other packages and optional tours are available and can be purchased separately.

towering ferns and low clouds. This is coal country, and the TranzAlpine pauses to let lumbering coal trains cross the peaks bound for the port at Christchurch. our journey continues as the train curls its way around Lake brunner on the approach to Greymouth. Here, many passengers leave the train to head for the glaciers, national parks and coastal communities of the west. In March, the TranzAlpine is a popular way to reach the annual wild food festival at Hokitika. others, on day trips, lunch on whitebait fritters and bluff oysters at the local pub before making their way back to the station, where the eastbound train stands ready to start the long, steady climb back into the alpine valleys and ancient peaks of the real Middle earth.

THaI operates daily flights to auckland. For more information, please visit www.thaismileair.com

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Royal Deed

/ words Wineenart Phanvut

Her Royal Highness is the first member of a royal family in the world who can play guzheng, a Chinese classical zither. This traditional instrument was introduced in the Chinese royal court as far back as 2,500 years ago. The Peoples Republic of China has appointed Her Royal Highness as a cultural ambassador for China, in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Thai-Chinese cultural ties.

Aware of the importance of musical and cultural exchange in strengthening Thai-Chinese relations and wanting to promote better

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn represented His Majesty King bhumibol Adulyadej in presiding over the final day of the royal funeral rites ceremony for His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch on 31 January 2014, at Tamnak Petch, wat bovorn Nives Viharn.

understanding between the two countries, Her Royal Highness organised the concert Thailand and China: Two Lands, one Heart in 2001. Six friendship concerts under this name have so far been held. The sixth one took place in december 2013 in three major Chinese cities beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.

At this concert, Her Royal Highness performed both Thai and Chinese songs. The show also featured Thai and Chinese classical dances. The audience was greatly impressed by the performances, which told of the history and cultural life of the two nations.

The programme was capped with the song Thailand and China: Two Lands, one Heart, which was composed by Her Royal Highness. This beautiful song brought an end to the impressive show, which reflected deep and strong Thai-Chinese relations.

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Royal Contribution

Professor Dr Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn, the youngest daughter of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, is a well-renowned scientist and is also recognised for her musical talents

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AlcoholAll drinks are served free of charge. Only alcoholic drinks served by our cabin attendants may be consumed.

It is recommended that you drink nonalcoholic drinks as

flying can cause dehydration, but we are happy to serve alcoholic drinks to passengers aged 18 years and over. Cabin attendants may decline to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be intoxicated. This regulation has been implemented for passenger safety, in accordance with THAIs air traffic policy and procedures.

Special MealsVegetarian, low-fat, infant, children, kosher and Muslim meals are available on board by

special request. Requests for special meals must be

made when making your reservation at least 48 hours in advance.

Speciality ItemsA wide range of items is available on Thai Airways International flights for passengers with special requests, including toys, milk bottles, diapers, bibs, postcards and writing materials. Ask one of our cabin crew should you require one of the above, or need any assistance.

CommunicationSome of our aircraft are equipped with cordless telephones and facsimile machines. The charge for their use is US$8 per minute.

Special Care for ChildrenThere are special services for

children aged between 5 and 16 who are travelling alone. A fee

applies. Please give us advance notice so that your child can enjoy our constant care and supervision throughout his/

her journey.

at your service

Carry-On BaggagePassengers may carry one item of hand baggage to place in a closed overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. The overall dimensions of such baggage should not exceed 115cm (45 inches) or 58 X 34 X 23cm. Its overall weight should not exceed 7kg.

Alcoholic Beverages and CigarettesAlcoholic beverages and cigarettes are controlled items. A passenger is allowed to bring 1 litre of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes into Thailand free of duty. The exceeding amount will be prosecuted and confiscated.

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Foreign Currency Any person who brings or takes an aggregate amount of foreign currency exceeding US$20,000 or its equivalent out of or into the Kingdom of Thailand shall declare such amount of foreign currency to a customs officer. Failure to declare upon bringing foreign currency that exceeds the amount restricted by law or its equivalent out of or into the Kingdom of Thailand or making any false declaration to a customs officer is breaking customs laws. If you have any enquiries, please consult a customs officer.

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Customs Laws

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Essential information to make your THAI flight as smooth as possible.

onboard essentials

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Please study the safety card in your front seat pocket and locate the closest emergency exits near you. be sure to keep your seat belt fastened during takeoff and landing, and at all times while seated. For safety reasons, passengers are asked to refrain from sleeping on the aircraft floor and unnecessary walking during the flight. Sleeping passengers may be injured during unexpected turbulence unless firmly restrained by their seat belt. After landing, please remain in your seat with your seat belt fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the fasten seat belt sign has been switched off. Electronic devices1. Prohibited devices on board at all times for your safety portable electronic devices such as radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, portable radio-controlled toys, radios, television receivers, citizen band radios, pagers, electronic toys and wireless devices (mouse, bluetooth, etc) must be switched off once the aircraft doors have closed and shall not be used on board during the entire flight.2. Acceptable devices on board during flight devices that do not emit radio signals including portable video equipment, laptops or portable PCs without printers, cassettes/Cd/dVd/mini disc/MP3 players (used with headphones only), electronic games, electronic calculators and electronic shavers may only be used when the seat belt sign or no portable

electronic devices/no mobile phones sign is switched off after takeoff until the seat belt sign or no portable electronic devices/no mobile phones sign is switched on again before landing. Flight mode capable mobile phones and portable digital assistants (PdAs) can be used in the same flight phase as the devices above when in flight mode.

However, use of any portable device suspected of interfering with flight operation shall be prohibited. 3. Acceptable devices on board for entire flight: hearing aids, heart pacemakers, electronic watches and authorised inflight equipment are allowed during the flight.

Beverages on boardAlcoholic drinks will not be served to passengers aged under 18 years. Cabin attendants reserve the right to decline serving alcohol to passengers who appear intoxicated. Consumption of personal alcoholic drinks is prohibited on board at any time.

Smoking Smoking is not permitted by law on all THAI flights.

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the regulations have been implemented for passenger safety, in accordance with tHAis air traffic policy and procedures. tHAis flight attendants follow specific measures that strictly comply with safety regulations set by the civil aviation board to secure the safety of aircraft, passengers and airline property.

gentLe infLight exeRCises

1 Ankle Circles Lift feet off the floor. draw a circle with the toes, moving one foot clockwise and the other foot anti-clockwise. Reverse

circles. do each direction for 15 seconds.

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tipDrink plenty of water or juice during your flight

3 Forward Flex with both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend foward and walk your hands down the front of your legs toward your ankles. Hold stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back.

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4 Foot Pumps First, start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward. Second, put both feet flat on the floor, and third, lift heels high, keeping balls of feet on the floor. Continue in 30-second intervals.

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There are some gentle exercises you can do that will improve your comfort level during and after a flight. Most important is that passengers should perform leg exercises and simple arm movements, especially during long flights. we recommend you do these exercises three or four times every hour. None of them should be performed if they cause pain.

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2 Arm Curls Start with arms held at a 90-degree angle: elbows down, hands out in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down,

alternating hands. do this exercise in 30-second intervals.

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as the representative of His Majesty the King, recently presided over the presentation ceremony of the Prince Mahidol Award 2013 at the Chakri Throne Hall, The Grand Palace.

Thai Airways International was a proud sponsor of this prestigious occasion, bringing award selection committee members and award recipients to the Kingdom of Thailand. This years laureates in the field of medicine both hail from the US: Professor dr david d. Ho, director and Ceo of the Aaron diamond AIdS Research Center, and dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, National Institute of Health. In the field of public health, awards were given to Professor Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, from belgium, and dr Jim Yong Kim, former director of the world Health organizations HIV/AIdS department, from the US.

The Prince Mahidol Award Foundation, of which Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the president, was established on 1 January 1992 to commemorate the centennial birthday of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla. The Prince Mahidol Award is conferred annually to individuals or institutions, firstly, in the field of medicine for mankind, and secondly, for outstanding contribution in the field of public health for the sake of well-being of the people. Award recipients are presented with a medal and certificate of achievement, along with US$100,000.

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the Princess Srinagarindra Award Ceremony 2013, at which Thai Airways International, as a Member of the board of Trustees of the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation, was humbly present.

Conferred annually since 2000, the Princess Srinagarindra Award is given to an individual or group of registered nurses and/or midwives who have made significant contribution to the development of the nursing profession. In 2013, the award was conferred on Miss Chieko Nohno of Japan (above, third from right), who contributed to the protection of health, welfare and rights of all vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Japan, and in the development of midwifery in Japan and Asia Pacific.

Thai Airways International in Norway has won the prestigious award for best Intercontinental Airline in the Norway Grand Travel Awards 2014 for the tenth consecutive year.

on behalf of THAI, Mr Arnuphap Kittikul, THAI General Manager, Norway, recently received the award at the presentation ceremony at the Radisson blu Scandinavia Hotel in oslo. The event was also attended by Mr Pricha Nawongs, THAI General Manager, Scandinavia; Mr Theerakun Niyom, Ambassador of Thailand to Norway; and Mr Sarawut Patamarangkul, THAI Airport Services Manager, Norway.

The Norway Grand Travel Awards were organised by Travel News, a leading independent Norwegian travel trade magazine. The award presentation ceremony was attended by leading travel agencies and key decision makers in the travel trade industry. Award nominees were selected by a travel trade jury and voting is conducted by a random selection of more than 800 travel agents all over Norway.

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Princess Srinagarindra Award

THAI Wins Norway Grand Travel Award for Tenth Year in a Row

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THAI and TCEB Hunt for World-class Bloggers and MICE Event OrganisersThai Airways International and Thailand Convention and exhibition bureau (TCeb) recently embarked on a joint campaign through social media channels to find a blogger to represent Thailands MICe destinations. The campaign, titled Thailand MICe destination Review Competition aims to showcase the capability and readiness of five unique MICe cities in Thailand.

From nearly 100 profile submissions received from 20 countries, five finalists were selected and flown to Thailand in January to discover the countrys MICe cities. The finalists were Mr Robert Schrader and Ms Stephanie Selesnick from the United States, Mr Nguyen duc Hoang from Vietnam, Ms Jennifer Lee Sio Ying from Singapore, and Ms Victoria Philpott from the United Kingdom.

After their inspection and review of all venues and meeting facilities in the five MICe cities bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Khon Kaen the five blogger finalists had five weeks to promote and share their experiences through their blogs and other social media channels. The blogger with the highest views for Most Inspiring blog and blog with best Content will receive cash awards. Stay tuned for the winners announcement in mid-March 2014.

THAI is committed to promoting the Kingdom as a destination for business events. This competition is a great online initiative, and we are very lucky that we had five qualified bloggers to help show the world that Thailand is the next go-to MICe destination.

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Royal Porcelain from Siam The Ring CollectionThai Airways International, oslo, the Royal Thai embassy and the Museum of Cultural History in oslo have collaborated to present a special exhibition, Royal Porcelain from Siam The Ring Collection. Held at the Museum of Cultural History, the exhibition will run until 31 August 2014.

31 2557 royal Porcelain from Siam unpacking the ring collection

The exhibition is a unique opportunity for visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship of bencharong porcelain and recognises the close friendship between Thailand and Norway. In conjunction with the exhibition, a beautiful book on bencharong has been published, titled Royal Porcelain from Siam Unpacking the Ring Collection. The book is distributed in both Thailand and Norway.

In 1904, the Museum of Cultural History received a special gift from Thailand donated by Captain Theodor Ring. The naval captain had collected bencharong porcelain while working as an officer in the Royal Siamese Navy. He later became the commander of the Maha Chakri, the Royal Yacht of HM King Chulalongkorn. The porcelain was produced in China for the Siamese market in the 1700s and 1800s. At first, bencharong was used exclusively by the Royal Court. Later, it made its way to the tables of the wealthy elite. Today, new bencharong is produced in Thailand and is a popular souvenir for tourists.

bencharong means five colours, and the porcelain is adorned with flowers and characters from Thai mythology. Colourful patterns cover the entire ceramic surface in thick layers. A variant of bencharong is called Lai Nam Thong, and is distinguished by the generous use of gold. The rich ornamentation and lively mythological figures on bencharong can also be found in other Thai arts and handicrafts, such as gold and silver work, lacquer, sculpture and architecture. Although bencharong was originally made in China, it is still quintessentially Thai, as visitors to the exhibition in oslo will experience. For more information, visit khm.uio.no/english

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Royal Visit to THAIs Border Patrol Police SchoolHer Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn recently visited Thai Airways Internationals border Patrol Police School in Sa Kaew province to donate necessary supplies to teachers and students.

THAI has been involved in developmental projects for over 30 years. with THAIs support, maintenance work on classrooms as well as the completion of a canteen and library have been possible. The companys main focus is to ensure that every child has the right to a good education.

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Gift of Love

Health is Wealth

To mark Childrens day, Thai Airways International staff members came together to donate toys to underprivileged children. Part of these donations were also given to students