Thani talk 2015 october

Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk

NONTHABURI NEIGHBORHOOD REACH

Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994 OCTOBER 2015

Now online at: www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Make a Difference

Volunteeer!

Cover Story Chari�es

&

Volunteering

Feature Breast Cancer

Awareness

Feature Halloween

Tips

Cli

par

thut.

com

Pages 9 to 15

Page 8

Page 39

Travel Korat Zoo

Pages 42 to 43

Pages 20 to 22

Culture 101 Temple E�que�e

2

About NNR & Thani Talk Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk----October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015

1 page 19 x 26.5 cm. 3000 baht

1/2 page 19 x 13 cm. 1,800 baht

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• Rates per issue, discount for annual ad.

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• Deadline for all ads is the 10th of each month.

• Contact [email protected] for more information

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DISCLAIMER: The placement of advertisements and articles in this newsletter does not constitute or imply endorsement

by the NNR of any product or service. The NNR accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement and

the opinions expressed in any articles are not necessarily the views of the NNR committee.

NNR BOARD 2015-2016

NNR (Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach) is a not-for-profit organization of

volunteers dedicated to serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local

charities since 1994. We achieve this by publishing Thani Talk, a free monthly

magazine that has a distribution of 1,400 copies, as well as hosting an annual charity

bazaar. We host monthly socials and organize monthly tours. There are no

membership dues, and anyone living in Nonthaburi is already a member.

Facebook.com/nnrthailand

Issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

https://sites.google.com/site/

nnrguide

Connect with NNR

NNR Guide

Chairperson Mare Harvey [email protected]

Vice Chairperson Henrietta Bullinger [email protected]

Treasurer Livonia Winkles [email protected]

Activity/Tour

Coordinators

Jesmin Tarana

Susanne Rodrigues

084-388-4457

[email protected]

NNR Socials Denise Warta 090-013-8490 [email protected]

Charity and Volunteer

Coordinators

Jennifer Skobel

Wanda Grove

[email protected]

[email protected]

Advertisements Laura Sadowski

089-924-5306

[email protected]

Thani Talk News

Team

Liz Lu (Editor)

Annette Long (Proofreader)

086-784-7171

[email protected]

Distribution

Coordinator

Shana DeHaven [email protected]

Bazaar Committee: Barb Lewis (Coordinator), Mare Harvey (Sponsors), Tipwan Smagpong (Vendors), Natalie Lollback

(Volunteers)

3

Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015

NNR & Community Events Inside This Issue

NNR Social: Evening at Le Bouchon 4

NNR Tour: Ancient City 5

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 8

Cover Story: Charities & Volunteers 9-15

Community Fitness, Dance, Tutors 18

Halloween in Nichada 20

Around Nonthaburi & Beyond 34

Asian Culture 101: Temple Etiquette 39

Travel: Korat Zoo 42

Highlights: NNR September Tour 46

Restaurant Review: SALT 49

Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee 29

Grapevine Tips 24

Oct. 1-4 International Bike Fair at

Impact, Muang Thong Thani

Oct. 3 Secret Garden at new Nichada

Complex

Oct. 10 AWC Halloween Fundraiser at

Amari Watergate Hotel

Oct. 11 Breast Cancer Exams for Local

Workers

Oct. 12 Canadian Thanksgiving

Oct. 13 NNR Tour to Ancient City

Oct. 15 NNR Social at Le Bouchon

Oct. 17 Hong Kong Ladies Gala at

Sheraton Grande

Oct. 31 Halloween.

Haunted House at new Nichada

Plaza

NNR Board Members 2015-2016

Members of the NNR Board organize social activities and volunteer opportunities that bring our entire

community together. (Above, lt to rt): VP Henrietta Bullinger, Tour Co-Chair Jesmin Tarana, Thani

Talk Editor Liz Lu, President Mare Harvey, Tour Co-Chair Susanne Rodrigues, Welfare Co-Chairs

Wanda Grove and Jennifer Skobel, Social Chair Denise Warta, newsletter Distribution Coordinator

Shana DeHaven. Not pictured: Treasurer Livonia Winkles and Advertising Director Laura Sadowski.

Volunteers are the backbone of Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach (NNR)

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NNR Social Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015

NNR October Social at the

Le Bouchon Sports Bar! Thursday October 15th

6pm

Come play some pool or

Catch up with friends or

Watch sports on big screen TVs

For more information please contact:

Denise Warta at [email protected]

or

09 0013 8490.

Age requirement for

Sports Bar.

Photo provided by Bruno Georges Marchal

Photo provided by Bruno Georges Marchal

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NNR Tour Thani TalkThani TalkThani TalkThani Talk————October 2015October 2015October 2015October 2015

NNR Tour: Ancient City An Outdoor Museum of Miniature Landmarks

October 13

Date: Tuesday, October 13th

Time: 7:45 am

Where: Meet in front of Chevron Theatre, the bus will leave on time, we aim to be back at 2 p.m.

Cost: Entrance fee for foreigners 700 baht; resident 350 baht

(please bring your Thai ID/ proof of residency).

Transportation cost will be shared. Lunch to be paid by participants.

What to bring: Hat, Sunscreen, Water, Comfortable Shoes, Camera and Good Mood.

The tour is limited to 12 participants To Sign Up: Please Email: [email protected]

Please include your full name and cell phone number.

Susanne Rodrigues and Jesmin Tarana,

NNR Tour Coordinators

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The Ancient City, a popular tourist attraction in

Samutprakan, is both historical and entertaining!

This 32- acre outdoor museum is known for its

miniature replicas of nearly 100 of Thailand's

most important historical landmarks and monu-

ments, including many palaces and temples.

The spacious park means that we can tour the tree

-lined grounds by bike or golf cart. We will have

lunch in a restaurant at a small floating market in

the park.

Go

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Feature: Breast Cancer Awareness Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Laura Sadowski

October is Breast Cancer

Awareness Month. This annual

international campaign supports

the awareness, early detection, and

treatment of breast cancer, which is

the most common cancer in women

worldwide.

Over 1.3 million cases of breast cancer are

diagnosed every year, and about 450,000 women

die each year from this disease (World Health

Organization, 2015.)

Causes of breast cancer are not fully under-

stood; so early detection and treatment remain the

best option for a good outcome. The American

Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams

every three years until age 40 and then annual

mammograms from then on.

Most deaths from breast cancer occur in low

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

NNR Funds Exams for Local Workers

-income women who have limited access to

testing, and this is true for Thailand. Perhaps you

would consider taking your maebaan (maid) for a

women’s physical exam as part of this campaign.

Monkutwattana General Hospital on Chaeng-

wattana Road offers mammograms and breast

ultrasounds for 2,000 baht. For more information,

call 02-574-5000-9 ext 8138.

NNR joins the cancer prevention campaign

by funding free exams for local women workers.

On Sunday, October 11th, medical person-

nel, volunteers from the NNR, together with the

Bangkok Breast Cancer Support Group, and the

ISB HS Breast Cancer Awareness Club are

offering free clinical breast exams with follow-up

mammograms to Nichada workers living at the

Nichada work camp.

Spread the word! Early detection saves

lives!

Bangkok Breast Cancer

Support Group

Website:

www.bangkokbreastcancer.com

Email:

[email protected]

Tel: +02 256-4991-2 ext 1026

Queen Sirikit Centre

for

Breast Cancer Founda.on

Website: www.qscbcfounda�on.org

Email: [email protected]

“After conducting research about breast

cancer in Thailand, we were dismayed to

discover that the majority of Thai women who

were diagnosed with breast cancer were already

in the advanced stages (3 & 4) of the disease,

therefore leading to high mortality rates. This

may have been avoided had they been diagnosed

in the early stages and received correct treatment

at the appropriate time.

The BBCs actively support early detection

and breast cancer awareness, as this is first and

best form of defense against this disease.”

BBC Website

Resources

for Support & Informa.on

In Thailand

9

Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Even from the Nichada Bubble we can

help make a difference.

NNR raises money through fundraisers

such as its popular annual charity bazaar, raffles,

parties, and ad sales from Thani Talk.

All proceeds are donated to local charities

to help those in need.

In this month’s cover story, we introduce

you to the many charities supported by NNR, as

well scores of volunteer opportunities right here

in our neighborhood, or just a stone’s throw

away. Help out. Jump in. Make a difference.

NNR Bazaar

Funds

Charity Work

Save the Date! Nov. 5th

10


Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach Serving the Nonthaburi community and supporting local charities since 1994

My husband and

I moved to Bangkok at

the beginning of 2015,

and to Nichada in

May. Before here, we

were in Jakarta, Indone-

sia for about 3 years. As

is the case here, Jakarta

had so much poverty and

it was in your face every-

day. I started to almost

become numb to it.

We had women’s/expat groups there as well,

and I always wanted to get more directly involved

in the charities, and I actually started to, but it was

closer to when we were leaving. I did run the

AWA Thrift Shop one year though!

When we moved to Bangkok, it became more

forefront in my mind to actually do it, and not

just talk about it. Of course Linda Feltham, the

prior NNR Charity & Volunteer Coordinator,

helped move that along when she asked if I would

be interested in helping to take over her position in

the NNR.

Talk about diving in! I agreed, and luckily

we made it a co-coordinator position with Wanda

Grove. Thank you Wanda!!

We come to a foreign country, gain so much

life experience and amazing memories, and need

to do more than just take. There is so much need

out there that it seems a bit overwhelming.

Hopefully we’ll be able to continue the great

contributions of the NNR and find more ways to

get everyone involved..

Moving from the

Washington, D.C. area to

Thailand brought changes I

could not have anticipated

from reading travel blogs

or books.

We moved to

Nichada in July 2014 and

our family had never lived

abroad. I first started

volunteering with the

orphanages nearby.

I helped take them on

outings occasionally. It was such a rewarding

experience to help these kids go on an adven-

ture. They were so excited just to go for a ride in

the car! And a movie or trip to Ko Kret was

icing on the cake. It is nice to volunteer for these

outings as a newcomer because I could just

volunteer for each outing as it came along.

This past summer I decided to co-share

the volunteer coordinator position with Jennifer

because I had so much fun helping these local

charities as well as working with Jennifer and the

other board members.

I am able to help so many in little ways by

matching volunteers with their interest and helping

charities get the supplies they need to help each

individual.

Watching children overcome adversity and

maximize their potential is such a rewarding

experience that inspires me and makes me very

happy to be part of NNR!

NNR Welfare Commi)ee

Puts Your Dona-ons to Work Meet the new Co-Chairs

Jennifer Skobel Wanda Grove

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A Look at Local Chari.es

& Projects Supported by NNR

Baan Fueng Faa Orphanage for mentally and/or physically

handicapped children.

Baan Rachawadee Ying Home for girls with disabilities

Baan Rajawadee Home for boys with disabilities

Home for the Destitute Home offering shelter and food

to the homeless

Sparrow Home Home for children of prisoners & other at risk kids

Christian Care Foundation

for Children with Disabilities Non-profit offering 8 projects for the disabled

Thanksgiving Home Non-profit group serving disabled boys and girls

San Tawan Children’s Home Foundation Christian-based home for abandoned children

NNR also supports scores of other projects covering

health & education. See following pages for more info.

12


Interested in volunteering but don’t know

where to start and not ready to commit to

specific times? No problem! We can still use

you.

FYI, Many of our volunteer opportunities

are within about 20 minutes from Nichada.

Opportunities include, but not limited to:

-Feeding the disabled at one of the many

government homes.

-Chaperoning a monthly group trip to give

kids from group homes a chance to go out and

about.

- Teaching arts and crafts to kids and adults at

group homes. Options available for once per Jennifer Skobel

NNR Matches Volunteers with Needs

month volunteering. (Weekend slots are great

opportunities to include your own kids.)

- Teaching basic English words that can be

communicated with motion; think charades.”

Some slots only require one hour per week.

-Teaching a vocational skill such as cooking,

beauty care, etc. You can teach disadvantaged

women job skills and help them become self-

sufficient.

These are just some of the volunteer

opportunities available. If you have a specific

area of interest, let us know. We can put you in

touch with the right people.

Volunteer and Make a Posi-ve Change in the World

Baan Rajawadee: A government home for

physically and/or intellectually disabled boys.

Baan Rachawadee Ying: A government home

for physically and/or intellectually disabled girls.

Both group homes provide basic shelter and care

for disabled children ages 7 to 18.

Need Volunteers to interact with the children

and stimulate their developmental skills. Also

need volunteers to help feed the most disabled.

Contact Dorothy Klynstra at:

[email protected]

Photo provided by Dorothy Klynstra

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Volunteer Opportuni-es in Our Neighborhood

CCD: Christian Care Foundation for Children with

Disabilities is a care home for children with

disabilities. It also has a day care center and

encourages development of physical, mental,

emotional and social skills. It also supports families

caring for their disabled children at home by

offering day care so parents can work.

Needs volunteers to play with the children.

Contact Tarn at [email protected]

Baan Feung Faa: A government orphanage for

mentally and/or physically handicapped children

ages birth to 10 years.

Need volunteers to play with the children

Contact Dana Stehwein at [email protected]

ThanksgivingHome:Homeforadolescent

girls.Providesvocationaltrainingtopreparethe

girlsforemployment.Workswithgirlsfrom

thegovernmentorphanages.

NeedsvolunteerstoteachEnglish,computer,

sports,cookingorotheroccupationaltraining.

ContactKhunWanchaiat:

[email protected]

PhayathaiHomeforBabies:Homefor

orphanedandabandonedchildrenagesbirthto

6years.Alsohasaunitfor36HIVpositive

childrenwhoneedcarefromvolunteers.

Needsvolunteerstoplaywiththechildrento

stimulatedevelopmentalskills.

Contact:[email protected]

[email protected] LadYaiPrison:Women’sCorrectionalCenter

Needsvolunteerstovisitandencourage

foreigninmates.

[email protected]

[email protected]

Save the Date

Saturday, November 7 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thanksgiving Home Fundraiser

“Breath of Hope”

at

Duhrakij Phundit University

YWCA: Cares for preschoolers while promoting

their development.

Need volunteers to teach English, do an activity or

just help care for the children.

Contact Khun Saisom at 0807709335.

Brachabadee School for Disabled Children:

School serving disabled children keen to learn

English. Need volunteers to teach English. Would

also like volunteers with physical therapy (PT)

background to help train staff in use of simple PT

aids such as walkers.

Contact Jennifer Skobel at [email protected]

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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Cover Story: Charities & Volunteering

HomefortheDestitute:Offersshelter,food,

medicationandtrainingtohomelessadults.

Needsvolunteerstointeractwiththeadults,

helpprovide0irst-aidcare,advisethecrafts

teamandhelpmarkettheirproducts,playwith

Cambodianchildrendetainedattheshelter,

servefooddonatedbyNNR.

[email protected]

Sparrow Home: Provides a home for children of

prisoners and other children in at-risk situations.

Sparrow Home provides a home-like setting and

takes children to see their incarcerated parents in

order to help them maintain a bond.

Need volunteers to teach and play with the kids.

Contact Monika Dettmann at:

[email protected]

Sailom Project: Supports young men with intel-

lectual disabilities by teaching them independent

life skills.

Needs Volunteers to teach the young men how to

cook, shop, take public transportation, and budget

and manage money.

Contact Dorothy Klynstra at:

[email protected]

Soi Prasert Free English Class: Provides free

English lessons to Thai children in the neighbor-

hood just outside Nichada. One-hour Sunday

class follows a free library hour.

Needs volunteer teachers of all ages to help

speak with the Thai students and read with them.

Also looking for volunteers with art and music

experience to lead crafts and music projects.

Contact Liz Lu at [email protected].

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Extra Halloween candies For orphans and other local Thai children.

Clothing and shoes, new or used

For orphanages, homeless shelter & group homes.

Recyclables (bottles, plastic, paper) For young men at Sailom project to earn income.

Toys & Sports Equipment For local Thai schools and group homes

School Supplies and books For children at YMCA, schools, and local library.

Nutrini food supplement For children with cerebral palsy.

To donate, contact: Jennifer Skobel at [email protected]

Wanda Grove at [email protected]

Want to Help, but Short on Time?

White Elephant Thrift Shop : A second hand

store that donates all its profits to local charities.

Donations can be dropped at White Elephant:

2nd Floor, Oasis shopping center, on Samakee

Road (by McDonald’s).

To Volunteer, contact:

Patti Madigan at [email protected], or

Mary McCarty at [email protected]

Thrift shop volunteers sort clothing for sale.

Young man

at a group

home shreds

donated

paper to

earn money.

An egg seller

buys the

shredded

paper.

Soi Prasert Free Library: Provides reading hour

and books for neighborhood kids just outside

Nichada. Need volunteers to help librarian, and

to read stories with, and to children.

Contact: Liz Lu at [email protected]

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Google.com/Images

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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Community Fitness and Activities

The Community Fitness and Activities page lists local classes/groups that meet regularly.

Some have fees associated with them, while others are free. Please contact each group leader

for more information.

If you would like to list your group here, please submit your announcement by the 15th of each

month to [email protected].

Yoga&Meditation

MEDITATION COURSES -Individual or Group Learn TM (Transcendental Medita�on). Relieves

stress and anxiety. Improves health, academic,

athle�c, and professional performance. Anyone can

learn. Expert instruc�on by a 35-year teacher of

medita�on.

Contact Ellie Edelhoff for more informa.on

www.TM.org,

www.tmeduca.on.org,www.DavidLynchFounda.o

n.org

YOGA WITH NAPISA

Monday, 8:45-10:15 am: All levels, Energize and

Restora�ve Yoga. Wednesday 7:30-9am: Level 2,

Wednesday 5:30-6:45 pm: Level 1-2, Friday 7:30-

8:45 am: Level 1- 2 @ Nichada Fitness Studio above

Starbucks.

Contact Napisa C. Pant, 086-975-7187,

[email protected], FB: YogaWithNapisa

KUNDALINI YOGA-Flexible Yoga for Mind

and Body Beginners to advanced welcome! Tuesdays 9am-

10:30am or Fridays 8-9:30am Danicha Condo

39/289. Private classes available.

Contact Kers.n Wild [email protected]

086-372-9750

IYENGAR YOGA Iyengar yoga classes at the Regent, from Beginners

to Advanced Asanas. Every weekday (Monday to

Friday) from 08:00 am. to 09:30 am.

Contact: 0812853050, Juan Bodan, Iyengar and

Ashtanga yoga Cer.fied. For more informa.on

about Juan please visit hFp://kripa-yoga.com/

Sports

BIKING Weekend bike rides, leaving from back gate at

7am, 50+km on mtn bikes.

Contact Chris:

[email protected]

Weekday rides leave the back gate at 7:30 a.m.

Distance and terrain varies with groups for both

road bikes and mountain/hybrid bikes.

Contact Meg: [email protected] or

084-908-9388

RANGER BOOTCAMP: Come have fun and get fit at Ranger Bootcamp!

All fitness levels are welcome!

Class Times: 7:30am, Monday - Friday + addi�onal

day/night classes per demand

Loca�on: Varies depending on class and �me

Fees: varies

Contact: Jack at [email protected]

or 087-552-6007

MASTERS SWIMMING Nichada Pool, Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30.

Every swimmer is welcome. Contact Kevin:

[email protected] or Kers.n:

[email protected] 086-372-9750

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Community Fitness and Activities Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

DanceClassesBOLLYWOOD DANCE Bollywood dance is an exci�ng and upbeat fusion of

Western and Eastern dances with tradi�onal

classical Indian dance styles. It’s funky, it’s sexy, it’s

fun... and it’s a great workout! If you love to dance –

this is for you!

Morning classes: Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30-

10:30am

Evening classes: Mondays 5-6pm

All classes held in Nichada. For loca.ons and further

informa.on, contact Irit: 0860044840

[email protected]

SPIRIT DANCE Join the party in a dance fitness/wellness class.

Swing and sway in a carefree and fun filled

environment, to great music from virtually every

genre. Spirit Dance incorporates various dance arts

as well as movement from mar�al and healing arts,

and it embodies a holis�c approach: Strength,

mobility and flexibility for your body, with bliss,

delight and ela�on for your mind. Let your hair

down. Let your SPIRIT soar. Let your life DANCE.

Classes are at a drop-in basis. Fridays, 9.30-10.30am,

at Dance Studio above Starbucks For further info,

contact Irit: 0860044840 [email protected]

TutorialsPIANO LESSONS FOR ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS

By experienced professional with a Masters from University of Ariz. in Piano Performance and experience

teaching at Westover School in Connec�cut. Place: 39/891 Regent Price: 1000 baht per 30 minutes

Contact Info: [email protected] Tel: 091-878-6283

LATIN RHYTHYMS DANCE Improve your dance skills in different rhythms:

cumbia, salsa, merengue, bachata, rock and roll,

pop.

Mondays: 8:30-9:30 advanced

Tuesdays: 8:30-9:30 beginners

Wednesdays: 8:30-9:30 advanced

One more day will be opened for beginners.

All classes held in Nichada Raintree 39/776

Contact: Blanca De la Vega Tel 0863483287

20

It’s October, and that’s when nostalgia for

fall in my home country sets in. Cooler tempera-

tures, shorter days, the changing leaves, and a visit

to the pumpkin patch--these are the things that

those of us from the Western Hemisphere typically

equate with the fall season. But after 15 years as an

expat, I have become accustomed to life without

fall as I knew it.

Actually, I can even say that I now appreci-

ate the Nichada Halloween experience for what it

is—a community-wide effort to celebrate the other

part of the fall season by providing trick-or-

treating, haunted houses, and the ghoulish fun of

Halloween for all who wish to participate.

And, those who wish to participate often

include people of all ages and backgrounds:

infants, teens, and adults, from many different

nationalities. Apparently, dressing up in costumes

and walking around neighborhoods ringing door-

bells is a popular way to bring people together!

No matter what role you take, it is truly

amazing to be a part of this event. For instance,

some may decide to don a costume and follow

their small children around as they ring doorbells

and ask for a “trick-or-treat.” Others may decide

to stay home and hand out treats, while their older

children go out with friends.

Some may decide to forgo the trick-or-

treating altogether and attend neighborhood haunt-

ed houses, or they may opt to stay home and avoid

the crowds. If this is the case, one can simply

turn off the outside lights and shut the door to

keep trick-or-treaters away.

In the past, preparing for Halloween was a

little daunting, but it has become much easier

lately as the Thais have come to embrace this

celebration. Decorations and costumes can be

found in Chinatown on Sampeng Lane, or at

department stores like Central and Emporium. It’s

also easy to have costumes custom made from a

Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Halloween

Halloween

in

Nichada

21


picture. Khun June, an English-speaking tailor

located on the upper level of shops next to Subway

outside Nichada, is highly recommended.

Candy can be purchased in bulk at Macro,

Big C, and Lotus. Some neighborhoods pool their

resources, and each participating household

purchases candy for a big container. Then the

neighbors sit and dole out candy at one central spot

in the neighborhood.

The first trick-or-treaters usually appear just

as the sun starts to set, around 6 p.m., and the door-

bell ringing can go on until around 8 p.m. There is

no need to feel obligated to have enough candy for

this entire time. When the candy is gone, turn out

the lights! Some neighborhoods will run out sooner

than others.

Alas, there are no pumpkin patches to visit,

but Villa Market started selling imported pumpkins

a few years back. If you can’t afford the hefty

price, it’s still possible to bring your children by to

see what a western pumpkin looks like! Enjoy the

season! Laura Sadowski

22


Halloween Tips

Costume Sources

Safety Tips

White Elephant Thrift Store Costumes to be stocked beginning Sept. 28

(see samples on the right).

2nd Floor, Oasis Center

Samakkee Road

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10am to 2pm (Wed. 10am

to 4pm), Sat. 10am to noon.

Department Stores Central Dept. Store branches

Big C branches

Clothing Markets Pratunaam

Chinatown

Made to Order Seamstress Khun June (she speaks English)

Near Subway sandwich shop outside Nichada

Mobile: 081-497-3641

Stay visible in the dark On Oct. 31, the sun will set at 5:51pm, shortly

before the youngest trick-or-treaters start

ringing door bells. Bring a flashlight/torch.

Add reflecting tape to costumes.

Chaperone little ones Keep an eye on the little ones. Popular venues

such as Regent (known for American candies)

get crowded. Trick-or-treating is hard work.

Chaperones may want to carry water to keep

kiddies hydrated.

Watch out for cars and golf carts Main roads of Nichada will be lined with

parked cars and golf carts. Keep an eye out for

moving vehicles packed with revelers.

Thailand is hot and humid! Choose cool

costumes in breathable fabrics. Ph

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Heard It Through the GRAPEVINE This column offers a chance to share all those good finds and tips that are helpful to

others. If you have tips to share, please send them to Liz at [email protected].

Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Hail Taxi Via Smartphone App

Apps Offer Free Tex.ng & Calling Op.ons

No need to pay for text messages or calls, now

that there are so many free text services availa-

ble. Newcomers may have noticed that in

Thailand, the Line app, developed by NHN

Japan, is wildly popular among Thais, who love

to share cute stickers via the app. WeChat,

developed in 2011 by China’s Tencent, is the app

of choice for many in China. And there’s also

Whatsapp, owned by Facebook and the most

popular messaging app in the world. Download

the apps and save a bundle on domestic and

international calls and texts.

Grabtaxi is a free smartphone application that

allows you to call a taxi straight from your phone

here in Bangkok. You type your starting location

and destination, and the nearest taxi driver will

pick up your request. I used Grabtaxi a few

weeks ago, just to test it out.

The application itself was user friendly and

intuitive. The app is entirely in English, but I

would only recommend it if you speak some

basic Thai or have a Thai speaker available to

answer questions from drivers, most of whom

do not speak English. The drivers may call to

verify your starting location. For example, they

may ask what landmarks are nearby, and which

house or building is near your pick-up point.

There’s an option to add tips to encourage

drivers to accept your ride ‘bid,” but if you need

a ride during rush hour, even tips may not offer

enough incentive. Riders pay 25 baht above the

metered fare for the service. Payments are made

in cash directly to the driver.

Overall, Grabtaxi worked for me. If you would

like to try it, be sure to have a Thai speaker

available to answer questions from drivers.

Spencer Barnett

Liz Lu

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Heard It Through The Grapevine Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Thai Costume Rental

Neighborhood Car Wash Offers Convenience

During my recent stay in Bangkok, trying a Thai

costume rental service was probably one of my

favorite experiences! The rental place is right

next to the pier at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),

just after you walk into the temple complex.

For only 100 baht, they let you wear traditional

Thai clothing (you get to pick the colors) and

then they take pictures for you on your camera

or smartphone. The people who do it are very

nice; they suggest different spots for you and

give you different mudras/ positions to pose in.

It's a cool thing for tourists, since there aren't a

ton of chances to see traditional Thai clothing,

let alone wear it! I appreciated the chance to be

immersed in Thai culture, and at such a cheap

price. It's great because you don't have to invest

in buying Thai traditional wear, but you get to

experience the culture in a unique way. I highly

recommend it for anyone who would like to

experience traditional Thai wear firsthand, and

get a nice picture in front of the Wat Arun gate

as well!

Margaret Von Rotz

In addition to car wash services at gas stations

and in the parking lots of shopping malls, it’s

good to have quality car washes available just

around the corner.

Of the many car wash businesses on Samakkee

Road outside Nichada’s main gate, my favorite is

Like Car Wash next to the Oasis Center. There

is a comfortable, air-conditioned waiting room.

Owner Khun Bae and his wife closely supervise

their crew and use 3M cleaning products. Wash

and vacuum cost between 170 to 200 baht

depending on size of car. Liz Lu

Photo provided by Margaret Von Rotz

29

Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 Social Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee

Highlights: Welcome Back Coffee

On Friday, September 11 there was a packed

house at the annual NNR welcome back coffee

hosted by Shana DeHaven. A lot of new and

returning residents enjoyed getting to know one

another and catching up on summer events.

Representatives from several area clubs and

organizations were also present so newcomers

could learn what activities are available in the

community. Bumrungrad International Hospital

was also present handing out goody bags packed

with lots of pertinent information.

Thank you to Segafredo Zanetti for

supplying and serving a wonderful selection of

coffees. NNR also thanks Tops for supplying

delicious pastries and breads. We would also like

to thank all the ladies who brought homemade

goodies to share.

Thank you, Shana DeHaven, for opening up your

home for everyone to get back into Nichada

happenings.

Denise Warta

Hostess Shana DeHaven

34

Around Nonthaburi and Beyond

Chaengwattana Community Church Adult Sunday School—8:30am

Sunday Service—9:30am

Encouraging Women—Wed., 9am

Men’s Meeting—Thurs., 5am

Community Prayer—Tuesdays 7:30-8:30am

Youth Alpha Group (high school) Sunday 6pm

Youth Group (middle school) Thursdays 6:30pm

http://www.cccthailand.org (02-911-6700)

Catholic Mass in Nonthaburi

Our Lady of Mercy Church 69/13 Moo 1, Tiwanon Rd. Ban Mai, Pakkred.

English Mass: Sundays at 5:15pm

Contact us at: [email protected]

Discover the Rosary, contact Chris at

[email protected]

Synagogue

Beth Elisheva Synagogue, Mikveh & Jewish

Center 121 Soi SaiNamThip 2, Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22

Tel: 02-663-0244; Fax: 663-0245

Mosque Soi Prasert Issaram Mosque

8 Moo 3 Soi Prasert Issaram, Pakkred, Nonthaburi

Neighborhood mosque near Nichada Thani.

Buddhist Temple

Wat Bua Khwan (วดับวัขวญั)

1 Moo 9 Ngamwongwan Road,

Muang, Nonthaburi

02-952-8062; Watbuakhwan.com Popular local

temple offering merit-making, prayer, blessings

and funeral services. 15 minutes from Nichada. Go

via Samakkee Road, on shortcut soi just before the

expressway on-ramp near Ngamwongwan.

Worship Venues:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 50/33 Moo 4 Chaengwattana Road

Sunday Worship Service--9 am.(in English)

Family History Research Group--Mondays,

9-12 p.m.

Book Group--2nd Wed./month, 11 a.m.

“Foodie” Group--1st Tues./month,10 a.m.

Youth Group—Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Contact Marie Lewis (092-581-9606)

Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Events:

Thailand One Stop

Shopping Expo 2015

Impact,

Muang Thong Thani

Oct. 10-18

10am to 9:30pm

Baan lae Suan Fair (Design and Décor)

Challenger 1-3, Muang Thong Thani

Oct. 31 to Nov. 8

9am to 9:30 pm

International Bike Fair

Impact, Muang Thong Thani

Oct. 1-4, 2015

10am to 9pm

BIG + BIH Fair (gifts & lifestyle products)

BITEC (BKK Int’l Trade & Exhibition Centre)

Event Hall 101– 106

Oct. 22-23

10am to 9pm

35

You missed the Start? No problem at all, please contact me!

37

For Archive Copies of

Thani Talk,

Click:

www.issuu.com/nnrthanitalk

Nonthaburi Neighborhood Reach

39

Asian Culture 101 Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Asian Culture 101

Temple Etiquette: Head, Shoulders , Feet and Shoes In Thai culture, etiquette

regarding the head and feet are

extremely important, so it

behooves us to educate

ourselves about the rules in

order not to unknowingly

offend our host country.

Head: It is considered

rude to touch someone’s head,

even that of a child. Young

people generally lower their

head as they walk past an elder. A Buddha head

should not be used as décor (i.e. on a coffee table),

and if it’s in a home, should have a place of honor.

Shoulders: Monks bare their shoulders, but

when you’re visiting a temple, do cover up out of

respect. At Wat Pho, underclad tourists (bare

shoulders, cut-off shorts, etc.) are asked by staff to

borrow a long-sleeved, almost floor-length green

coat when inside the temple. The 200 baht

borrowing fee is returned when the coat is returned

at the end of the visit. The loaner coat is made of

a synthetic material, so it doesn’t breathe and

you’ll swelter. Better to dress appropriately to

begin with.

Feet: Rule #1 before you enter an Asian

home, and it’s even more important when visiting

a temple, is to remove your shoes as a sign of

respect. It’s also crucial NOT to point your feet at

anyone. Inside a temple, when kneeling in front of

a Buddha image, be sure to have your feet pointed

away from the image, with your feet either directly

under your derriere, or to the side.

Shoes: The no shoes rule was already

mentioned above. Please know that removing

one’s shoes is not only expected before entering an

Asian home or a Buddhist temple, but it is also the

etiquette at Thai mosques. For example, if you

visit one of the mosques in our neighborhood

(there’s one on Soi Prasert Issaram and one on

Samakkee Road), you must remove your shoes

before entering.

By observing these simple rules of etiquette,

you will be welcomed everywhere in Thailand.

Liz Lu

Photo above by

Margaret Von Rotz.

Other photos from

Google.com/ Images.

41

For more than 30 years, Carl Janowitz has provided therapy

for adults, couples, adolescents and families. Carl

spent most of his life in the US where he earned his Master’s

Degree in Counseling Psychology and completed his

internship before working in both residential settings and

private practice. In 2003, he was offered a full time position

as the only Western Psychologist at Bumrungrad Hospital

where he spent five years in clinic before going into private

practice. Now with offices in both Bangkok and Pattaya, Carl

specializes in clients dealing with life changes, relationship

conflict, depression, anxiety and stress and also focuses on

both adolescents and adults with self esteem issues.

For a confidential appointment please call

089 680 3503 or [email protected]

www.bangkoktherapy.com

Carl Janowitz

Marriage and Family Therapist Circle One Building

1674 Petchaburi Rd. (Near Bumrungrad)

When Life Feels

Overwhelming

Reach Out for Help…

Writers Needed

Got a flair for wri-ng?

Good at mee-ng deadlines?

Contact Liz at

nnrnewsle)[email protected]

42

Travel: Korat Zoo Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Korat Zoo: A Hidden Jewel Road Trip to Isan Province, Northeastern Thailand

Approximately 260 kilometers and a 4- hour drive

northeast of Bangkok, an under-appreciated

treasure of Thailand lies tucked away in lush

forest. Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, also known as the

Korat Zoo, is an excellent choice for your next

family trip. A long drive through the beautiful

Thai countryside is all that stands between you and

this delightful experience for the whole family.

What really sets Korat Zoo apart from world-

famous attractions such as the San Diego Zoo is

the intimate atmosphere of the park. Herds of

exotic ungulates roam the zoo freely, and open air

enclosures house kangaroos, hippos, elephants and

many other fascinating creatures. New additions

include habitats for camels and llamas. The

animals all look well-cared for, and the enclosures

are designed for maximum interaction (such as the

specially designed giraffe-feeding towers.)

Vendors next to the enclosures sell bananas and

vegetables (to feed deer) and long Thai string

beans (to feed giraffes.)

The sprawling layout of the zoo is perfect for

biking from one display or enclosure to another.

Elephant rides are no longer available, but the zoo

still offers a wide selection of other forms of

transportation through the park. In addition to

bike rentals including tandem bikes, visitors can

also rent golf carts, or jump on a trolley. The zoo

entrance fee is incredibly reasonable at 150 baht

for foreigners and 100 baht for Thai residents. The

zoo also has a sister attraction: a water park that

many Thai families take their children to for the

day.

Drink and snack kiosks dot the park, but for a

good local meal, try one of the roadside

restaurants just outside the zoo. We grabbed

dinner at an outdoor restaurant and enjoyed a

hearty meal of Isan favorites, such as grilled

chicken, barbequed pork, sticky rice, and green

papaya salad. We topped off the meal with

homemade ice cream sticks in popular Thai

flavors such as taro, Thai tea, and lychee.

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Travel: Korat Zoo Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

Amber Barnett

Although visiting the Korat Zoo is a fantastic day

trip, I recommend that you make it a weekend

excursion so that you can rest up and stay the night

at a local hotel after a fun day at the zoo. You may

want to head to town and try hotels such as the

Dusit Princess Korat or the Romyen Garden Place.

Downtown Korat, known for a popular shopping

mall featuring a Flintstone-like exterior design,

bustles with energy at night and is fun to explore.

Another reason to make the Korat Zoo outing a

2-day trip is that the drive back from Korat to

Bangkok can be very harrowing for drivers if done

at night. Most of the roads are narrow highways

that often lack street lighting at night, so daytime

driving is strongly recommended.

Nakhon Rachasima is one of the "big four" cities

in northeastern Thailand’s Isan province, Taking

the family on a road trip to the Korat Zoo is an

excellent way to experience a slice of rural,

upcountry Thailand. Happy travels!

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Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015 NNR Tour Highlights

Highlights from Sept. 23 Na-onal Museum Trip

I participated in the museum tour today and was

incredibly impressed with how knowledgeable the

guide was. Benedict provided a great overview of

the history of Thailand which was so interesting.

Many of the questions I had about the temples,

Buddha and other Thai traditions were answered. I

am now looking forward to bringing my family

and friends to the museum so that they can also

learn more about this amazing country that we live

in. Thanks so much for organizing .... I can't wait

for the next tour! Cyndy Henry

Thanks for organising the Bangkok Museum tour.

It was great to have Ms. Benedict as our guide.

She shared her wealth of knowledge with us and

provided such interesting insight in Thai history,

in terms of religion and many other topics, which

as a newcomer, we found very exciting and

informative. Looking forward to the next one.

Shepali Jain

It was a very enlightening tour. I enjoyed learning

more in depth about Thai culture, what the

paintings in the temples mean, what every part of

the Buddha statues mean, Thai history. Benedict,

our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and made

the tour easy to follow.

Bertha Itinger

Benedict was a fantastic tour guide. She brought

the history of the museum to life. I especially

loved her descriptive narratives about the Buddha.

Patti Madigan

The tour with National Museum Volunteer guide

Benedict was fabulous! I can appreciate the detail

and understand the meaning behind Thai

architecture and art so much more. She explained

the dynamic relationship between Hinduism and

Buddhism in a way that really demonstrated how it

is constantly evolving and captured your attention.

Thank you for accommodating me on the trip.

It was great! Phoebe Bredin

Thank you so much for a great tour at the National

Museum today. It was very informative and a nice

look into Thai culture. And we had a lovely guide.

I'll go again with guests! Raphaelle Fahmi

49

Restaurant Review Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015Thani Talk ~October 2015

SALT: Eclectic Dining at Its Best

Perhaps it’s not often that the fine people of

Nichada Thani find themselves in Ari - a hip

neighborhood about 10 km north of downtown

that’s full of restaurants, bars, and shops which

offer a comparatively quiet alternative to

Sukhamvit or Silom. But if you are in the neigh-

borhood, I’d recommend a visit to Salt.

Far from a trendy restaurant-of-the-moment, Salt

is a longtime favorite that has developed a loyal

following since it opened in 2011. This

venerable eatery has maintained its status at the

top of Bangkok’s dining scene through its

winning combination of cuisine and atmosphere.

Located on Soi Ari 4, about 300 metres from the

Ari BTS station, Salt is spacious, with floor-to-

ceiling glass walls. There are tables in the

industrial room near the bar, a large area for

dining al-fresco, as well as tables in the wine

cellar area. Salt takes great pride in its hand-

crafted décor.

As for the food, there is something for everyone.

The long menu, prepared by Thai chef Gog and

his staff, features Italian (in particular their

signature wood-fired pizzas), French cuisine

(frog legs anyone?), and a sushi menu.

Normally I would be wary of a place offering

such a variety food, but Salt seems to do

everything well.

Don’t judge me, but at one dinner I enjoyed

fresh oysters with uni, caviar, and a yuzu sauce,

a mushroom and pumpkin ravioli salad, grilled

tofu with a spicy miso sauce, and Kurobuta

(highly prized Japanese pork from the

Black Berkshire pig) stuffed with foie gras. It

all worked well together and was a wonderful

meal.

The pork, in particular was so succulent and

juicy. I’d happily recommend it, however there

is so much on offer you’re bound to find one of

your favorites or something new and exciting.

Salt also has an extensive wine and cocktail

menu, to ensure you can find the perfect

beverage to pair with your eclectic meal.

The dishes at Salt are not cheap, neither are they

very pricey, even by Bangkok standards.

Appetizers average about 200-300 baht and

entrees are generally in the 400-600 baht range.

If you want to enjoy delicious food in a cool

atmosphere, alongside

the young and hip of

Bangkok, make your

way to Salt.

Address: Corner of Soi

Ari 4, Phaholyothin

Road, Soi 7

John Marinos Photo by Pannapa Na Nan

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Providing high quality custom tailoring for more

than 45 years,

Raja’s Fashions has been featured in Men's Vogue

Magazine,

Interna�onal Living, Worth Magazine, Esquire,

Fortune,

BangkokGuide,LonelyPlanet,Frommer’sGuide,

DRESS SHARP. LOOK SHARP. FEEL SHARP.

Providing high quality custom tailoring for more

than 45 years, Raja’s Fashions has been featured in

Men's Vogue Magazine, Interna�onal Living, Worth

Magazine, Esquire, Fortune, Bangkok Guide, Lonely

Planet, Frommer’s Guide, Fodor’s Guide, The

Washington Post, Vivre A Bangkok, Conde Nast

Magazine and many other travel magazines.

Delivery Restaurant Phone

Baan Kimchi Korean BBQ/Thai

Cuisine 02-952-0031

BBQ Sandwich King 086-773-4140

Bukhara (Afghan/Indian) 082-443-1398

Burger King/Pizza Company 1112

Food Loft 02-831-5588

KFC and Pizza Hut 1150

Le Bouchon Food Delivery 02-960-3011

McDonald’s 1711

Milano’s @ Pro Club 02-582-1555

Mr. Enzo’s 02-960-0412

New York Diner 081-624-2099

Que Pasa 02-960-3821

Sapna (Indian and Afghan food

delivery) 02-960-3141

Scoozi 02-715-8555

Subway 02-960-3232

Sudhathai 02-583-2694

Slider Shack 086-773-4140

Hot Spot Restaurant and Bar

(Indian and Chinese Food) 084-671-8318

Local Business Phone

Bamboo Spa 02-583-9871

Bank Krungsri 02-582-2669

Blue Sky Café 081-811-8455

Bumrungrad Family Clinic 02-960-4216

Clark Hatch Fitness Center 02-960-4326 / 27

Crystal Holiday Travel 02-960-4469

Hair By Jib 02-960-3783

Happy Teeth Dental Clinic 02-960-3988

Great Massage 02-960-3691

ISB 02-963-5800

Le Studio Hair 084-022-9928

Nichada Customer Relations 02-960-4300

Pandit Carpets 081-828-2562

Panipa 02-960-3934

Pum’s Salon 02-583-7117

Rex Pharmaplus 081 834 1306

Rose Marie Academy 02-960-3663

Shawn Carpets 090-564-8927

Starbucks 02-967-9686

Twist 02-911-6839

Villa Market 02 -584-5444

Wash-N-Dry 085-945-4132

4 Legs Pet Shop Grooming 02-960-4189

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