Suuai
Monthly news for Chiang Mai Thailand
June 2023
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| Chiang Mai Umbrella Factory |
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Birds eye view from the editor
Greetings all as we get a peek into the beginning of summer. In May a fictional picture was posted on FB depicted the sun resting on the top of a Thai road, it probably couldn’t of been more closer to the truth. Hot melting boiling was the talk of the month of May with temperatures reaching over 105 deg/f. When the long awaited rain finally came the temperatures welcomely dropped back down to below 80 deg/f with sighs of panting relieve. Any aircon was the place to be.
Consul’s Garden celebrated England’s Coronation with English food concessions, cultural dancing, traditional bagpipes, and a display of English cars. Fighting the heat people still managed to come out and enjoy the day concluding with a raffle to include a round trip ticket to London England. Congratulations Andy Williams (winner).
The restaurant Twist opened in May after a long and anticipated wait. Hooray! Everyone knows David from David’s Kitchen who sadly had to close during the covid dark times, but is finally back again. Chef Ben a 3 star Michelin trained chef has put together a complete menu described as modern progressive. From the opening tasting it appears to be a glowing success already.
The city had a rain dance parade in May and miraculously it rained! An answer from the gods above. |
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| A rain dance parade and rain it did! Incredibly the rain dance worked and it miraculously rained during the rain dance performance. An answer from the gods above. |
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Why did Thailand change its name from Siam?
Thailand was formerly known as Siam, and it officially changed its name to Thailand in 1939. The name change was made to reflect the country’s cultural and historical identity, as well as to promote a sense of unity among the various ethnic groups that make up the Thai population.
The word “Thailand” means “land of the free,” and it was chosen as the new name to emphasize the country’s independence, which it had maintained throughout its history despite colonization attempts by neighboring countries.
The decision to change the name was made by the government of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who was the prime minister at the time. He introduced a number of reforms aimed at modernizing and unifying the country, and the name change was just one of them.
Today, Thailand is known for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine, and it remains an important player in Southeast Asia and the world at large.
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| Students were introduced and given the opportunity to show off their newly learned talents to some of the top and most respected Chefs in town, and also given a q/a opportunity to ask the chefs about their particular needs and expectations. |
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| One Chef at a time cooking school |
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One Chef at a time cooking school inspired and founded by the brains of Brian Pern from London England whose past includes working for the Savoy Hotel.
The school funded by donations only, gives students with virtually nothing / no resources the opportunity to learn a sustainable trade and work towards developing a positive and productive future.
The students enroll in a high intensity and hands-on 12 week cooking education to include all aspects of working in a kitchen with inventory control, time management, ingredient education, cleanliness, utensil proper safety procedures and table etiquette.
Restaurant owners clamor in line waiting for the students to graduate and to be given the opportunity to offer employment to one of the accomplished and now newly decorated students. A win win for all.
Brian is very modest to speak about his accomplishments; his humanitarian project, but ultimately has the potential of being an enormous institution of epic proportions welcomed and admired by all.
Giving back and much much more. |
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| Spectacular images from Chiang Mai’s lighting storm in the Month of May. Photographer Wiradej Thongsuwan of Chiang Mai. |
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Thailand Tourism video
One of the most prettiest songs ever written about Thailand
[ This is the Moment ]
The Isan Project
Song written by Will Robinson
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| Tattoo art |
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Tattooing has a long and rich history in Thai culture, dating back hundreds of years. In traditional Thai culture, tattoos are known as “sak yant,” which translates to “tattoo yantra.” Sak yant tattoos are typically created by Buddhist monks or practitioners of traditional Thai medicine, and are believed to have spiritual and magical powers.
For many Thais, getting a sak yant tattoo is seen as a way to show their devotion to Buddhism and to seek protection from supernatural forces. Each tattoo design has a specific meaning and is believed to offer different benefits, such as protection from harm, good luck, or success in business.
In addition to sak yant tattoos, there is also a growing popularity of tattoos in modern Thai culture. Many young Thais view tattoos as a form of self-expression and personal style. Tattoos are increasingly seen as a way to convey one’s identity, beliefs, and values.
Overall, the reasons why Thais like tattoos are complex and multifaceted, and vary depending on individual beliefs, cultural traditions, and personal preferences.
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Chiang Mai University Street Food
Everynight starting at 5pm |
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CMU dinner for 50b.
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| Bangkok Hospital Thailand |
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Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai viewed as the premium care hospital in town, the hospital is equipped with all the advanced technology equipment, lab, and every specialty care department.
A typical visit to the hospital is less than a 10 minute check-in process, and immediately escorted to the department of choice. At the department it’s almost an immediate check-in vitals taken and then usually not more than another 10 minutes to see the Doctor. A remarkable and impressive level of premium service. Once seen by the doctor any needed tests are done on the same day with test results to usually follow in the hour after the test. Wow!
For my own personal experience it was the most gentle blood draw that i had ever experienced. Also when visiting the Doctor a nurse accompanies you in the room too; taking any needed notes and follow thru immediately on the Doctors requests. The speed and level of care is all just jaw dropping fantastic.
Every Month they promote different care packages making a visit to the hospital a quick all-in-one experience. (Above).
Recognized and admirably awarded every year to include the American founded JCI (Joint Commission International) hospital award too. |
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| Hilltribe traditional ceremonial dress |
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Twist Restaurant
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Twist restaurant opened May 15th 2023 in a very long and much anticipated wait. David Gordon whom everyone knows from David’s Kitchen was one of the many casualties from the dreaded Covid period struggling to make payroll while forced to keep the doors closed during that unimaginable time period. But now thankfully its all behind us with a new beginning ahead [Twist Restaurant]. The menu is a modern progressive type cooking style crafted together with Chef Ben a University and 3 star Michelin taught kitchen perfectionist.
David’s Kitchen staked it’s claim in the pre-covid times by doing over 200 covers every night for years and having people fly in from all over to come experience his exquisite restaurant. Now the next chapter begins! |
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| Needing help all year round the Agape Home Orphanage in Chiang Mai is one of many orphanages in town.
Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Agape Home for babies with HIV/AIDS opened in May 1996 as a response to the plight of children impacted by the spread of HIV/AIDS across Thailand.
Many of the children who come to the Agape Home to live are, or are at risk of being, HIV positive.
Many of them have already lost their parents to AIDS, and there are no other options for their care.
At Agape, these children can get the love, medical care and education they so desperately need.
Every year the Shangri-La Hotel has invited the children for a night of Christmas celebration to include a Christmas dinner at the hotel.
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More talented pictures from the International ballet competition in Bangkok Thailand.
CR: Bualoy Photography |
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| Karen Tribe / Ring Necks located about 30 minutes north of Chiang Mai |
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The Karen tribe, also known as the Kayan, is an ethnic group that lives in the mountainous regions of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. One of the distinctive features of the Karen tribe is the practice of wearing brass rings around the neck, which gives the appearance of elongating the neck.
The tradition of wearing these brass rings is believed to have originated in Myanmar, and it is thought to date back over 200 years. The practice is not universal among the Karen tribe, but it is most commonly associated with the sub-group known as the Padaung.
The exact origins and purpose of the practice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been a way of distinguishing the Padaung from other tribes and as a form of protection from tiger attacks. The tradition also has a cultural and aesthetic significance, as the long neck is considered a symbol of beauty and elegance in Karen culture.
The practice of wearing the brass rings has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, and some members of the Karen tribe have capitalized on this by opening up their villages to visitors. However, there has been some controversy around the issue, as some have criticized the practice as exploitative and objectifying. Nonetheless, the Karen tribe continues to preserve its unique cultural heritage and traditions, including the practice of wearing brass rings around the neck. |
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| England’s Coronation celebrated at the Consul’s Garden in Chiang Mai |
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Grocery store on wheels
Pattaya Thailand
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China Town / Nail Salons
After 6pm in Chinatown makeshift Nail Salons take over the streets with rows and rows of ambitious workers charging as little as 100b ($3.00) for a complete manicure. |
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Miss Car Show
Participants compete to be the next car show girl (s).
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| During the Covid days |
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Starlux next route destination is said to be San Francisco and also they’ve just recently partnered with Alaskan Airlines in an effort for more loyalty program offerings.
On their site there’s been notably some flights canceled, which appears to be weather related. Incredibly the CEO flew to Japan to personally apologize in person to the stranded customers. |
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