10 Bangkok cooking schools that will turn you into a master chef. Or at least a decent one | CNNGo.com
It wasn’t that long ago that Bangkok’s cooking-school scene was defined by just a handful of pricey hotel-bound sessions, all of which dealt strictly with Thai food. Today there’s a huge range of prices, locations and cuisines to choose from.
Keep in mind when choosing a school that a typical half-day course should at least include an introduction to fundamental ingredients and techniques and a hands-on chance to prepare and cook at least four dishes.
Most schools offer a revolving cast of dishes, making it possible to study for a week without repeating a lesson and Thai courses often include a visit to a wet market. Nearly all lessons include a set of printed recipes and end with a communal lunch where you get to sample your handiwork.
At the more expensive schools, students are also usually given an apron, a gift box filled with Thai cooking ingredients and a certificate that’s sure to impress your friends, even if it doesn't land you a job at El Bulli.
Ready to learn? Here are 10 great cooking courses in Bangkok that offer a wide range of cuisines and styles.
Bangkok cooking school Amita's canal-side location adds to the learning experience.
Amita Thai Cooking Class
Amita’s lessons are held in an antique canal-side home in Thonburi, making it the homiest of Bangkok’s Thai cookery schools. Classes include an explanatory visit to the resident herb garden and instruction in four dishes, with the fee including transportation.
162/17 Soi Wutthakat 14, Wutthakat Road, Thonburi. Tel: +66 (0)2 466 8966. www.amitathaicooking.com. Lessons: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday-Tuesday. Price: 2,800 baht/lesson.
Baipai Thai Cooking School
With an army of staff and set in an attractive suburban villa, Baipai offers two daily lessons that each teach you how to make four dishes. See the website find out which ones are on offer on which days.
150/12 Soi Naksuwan, Nonsee Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 294 9029. www.baipai.com. Lessons: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Price: 1,800 baht/lesson.
At Beccofino, students have a rare chance to learn how to cook Italian from professional chefs.
Beccofino
This upscale Italian restaurant now offers conference-style classes in Italian cooking. Instruction in three recipes is followed by an executive chef lunch and a wine tasting.
146 Soi 4, Soi Thong Lor. Tel: +66 (0)2 392 1881. www.beccofino.co.th. Lessons 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday & Saturday. Price: 1,500 baht/lesson.
Bo.lan
One of Bangkok’s best upscale Thai restaurants is offering private tuition in Thai cooking, taught by the restaurant’s chefs/owners. Held on Saturdays, courses vary in skill level, with the Fundamental Plus course featuring a visit to a market and the Turn Pro course tacking on an additional Sunday session.
42 Soi Rongnarong Phichai Songkhram, Soi 26, Sukhumvit Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 260 2962. www.bolan.co.th. Lessons: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday. Price: 3,900-8,200 baht per course.
At Khao Cooking School, lessons are taught by Kobkaew Najphinit, who has been teaching for over 30 years and authored several Thai cookbooks.
Blue Elephant Cooking School
The longstanding Blue Elephant is Bangkok’s best-equipped cooking school. Two courses are offered daily, with the morning session featuring a visit to a local market and the afternoon session including a detailed introduction to Thai ingredients.
233 Sathon Tai Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 673 9353. www.blueelephant.com. Lessons: 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1:15 p.m.-4.30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Price: 2,800 baht/lesson.
Face
This attractive restaurant compound recently opened a cooking school with instruction in Thai, Indian and Japanese cooking. Lessons are taught by natives of those countries, and there’s also the option of the chefs teaching private lessons at your home.
Face, 29 Soi 38, Sukhumvit Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 713 6048. www.facebars.com. Lessons: 9 a.m.-noon, Wednesday-Friday. Price: 2,500 baht/lesson.
Students of Mrs. Bablir learn how to make Indian classics like chicken tikka masala and vegetable samosas.
Khao Cooking School
Khao San Road is the least likely place one would expect an authentic Thai cooking school experience, but Khao was started up by an experienced authority on Thai food and features instruction on a wide variety of authentic dishes. Come for regular daily lessons or arrange for private tuition.
D&D Inn, 68-70 Khao San Road. Tel: +66 (0)89 111 0947. www.khaocookingschool.com. Lessons: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 2:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Price: 1,500 baht/lesson.
Mrs Balbir’s
Television personality-slash-restaurant owner Mrs Balbir offers courses in Indian cooking from her Nana-area restaurant. Lessons span three Saturday sessions and a total of 12 Indian dishes, ranging from savory to sweet. There’s even a cooking course for maids, taught in English or Thai.
155/1-2 Soi 11/1, Sukhumvit Road. Tel: +66 (0)81 835 6553. www.mrsbalbir.com. Lessons: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. every Saturday. Price: 6,000 baht/course.
Students at Silom Thai Cooking school learn about the different styles of rice, including how to make the popular sticky version.
Oriental Hotel Thai Cooking School
Bangkok’s poshest and most expensive cooking school is located across the river from the Oriental Hotel in an antique wooden home. Lessons here feature a daily revolving menu of four dishes, with much of the ingredient preparation done in advance and the cooking done in groups.
Oriental Hotel, 48 Oriental Avenue (Soi 38, Charoen Krung Road). Tel: +66 (0)2 659 9000. www.mandarinoriental.com. Lessons: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. & 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Price: 4,000 baht/lesson.
Silom Thai Cooking School
This casual, home-based cooking school crams a visit to a local market and instruction of six dishes into nearly four hours, making it the obvious choice for those on a budget. Transport is available.
Read more: 10 Bangkok cooking schools that will turn you into a master chef. Or at least a decent one | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/eat/10-bangkok-cooking-schools-654075#ixzz10ebZXVYB
Sunday, September 26, 2010
NTT opens new office in Ayutthaya, Thailand | TradingMarkets.com
NTT opens new office in Ayutthaya, Thailand | TradingMarkets.com
NTT Communications Corporation (NYSE: NTT | PowerRating), a provider of network, management and IT service solutions, announced today that its subsidiary NTT Communications (Thailand) Co Ltd will be opening a new branch office in Ayutthaya, Thailand at the end of the months.
The company said that the new branch office, due to open on 30 September, will be the companyaEUR(TM)s third branch office in Thailand and will provide multinational companies with ICT solutions including services such as network, data centre and security, systems integration and Internet access services.
Ayutthaya is located 70 km north of the countryaEUR(TM)s capital, Bangkok. It has a large-scale industrial estate which has been developed over the last two decades and some 500 Japanese and other multinational companies are currently located in the region.
The new branch means that NTT common now has a network of subsidiaries and offices in 73 cities in 29 countries or regions around the world.
NTT Communications Corporation (NYSE: NTT | PowerRating), a provider of network, management and IT service solutions, announced today that its subsidiary NTT Communications (Thailand) Co Ltd will be opening a new branch office in Ayutthaya, Thailand at the end of the months.
The company said that the new branch office, due to open on 30 September, will be the companyaEUR(TM)s third branch office in Thailand and will provide multinational companies with ICT solutions including services such as network, data centre and security, systems integration and Internet access services.
Ayutthaya is located 70 km north of the countryaEUR(TM)s capital, Bangkok. It has a large-scale industrial estate which has been developed over the last two decades and some 500 Japanese and other multinational companies are currently located in the region.
The new branch means that NTT common now has a network of subsidiaries and offices in 73 cities in 29 countries or regions around the world.
Bangkok Post : Sanan to push for Kaeng Sua Ten dam
Bangkok Post : Sanan to push for Kaeng Sua Ten dam
Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart on Friday insisted he will again push for cabinet approval for the construction of the long-delayed Kaeng Sua Ten dam in Phrae province.
Maj-Gen Sanan said this in the House meeting in replying to a question by Samphan Tangbenjapol, a Democrat Party MP for Sukhothai, about the management of water resources in the Yom River basin which encompasses Phrae, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan provinces which have suffered from severe drought and flooding.
The question was directed to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who assigned Maj-Gen Sanan to reply on his behalf.
Maj-Gen Sanan said that according to Mahidol University's research on development of water resources in that area the problems of drought and flooding can be solved with either Kaeng Sua Ten or Yom River dam.
By comparison, Kaeng Sua Ten is more viable in terms of engineering and costs, he said.
Maj-Gen Sanan said he would push for the Kaeng Sua Ten dam project, which has been delayed for nearly 20 years, and hopes for cabinet approval within the term of this government.
Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart on Friday insisted he will again push for cabinet approval for the construction of the long-delayed Kaeng Sua Ten dam in Phrae province.
Maj-Gen Sanan said this in the House meeting in replying to a question by Samphan Tangbenjapol, a Democrat Party MP for Sukhothai, about the management of water resources in the Yom River basin which encompasses Phrae, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Nakhon Sawan provinces which have suffered from severe drought and flooding.
The question was directed to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who assigned Maj-Gen Sanan to reply on his behalf.
Maj-Gen Sanan said that according to Mahidol University's research on development of water resources in that area the problems of drought and flooding can be solved with either Kaeng Sua Ten or Yom River dam.
By comparison, Kaeng Sua Ten is more viable in terms of engineering and costs, he said.
Maj-Gen Sanan said he would push for the Kaeng Sua Ten dam project, which has been delayed for nearly 20 years, and hopes for cabinet approval within the term of this government.
Volunteer in Thailand with Cross-Cultural Solutions
Volunteer in Thailand with Cross-Cultural Solutions
Thailand, a Buddhist country, experienced exponential growth in the late 20th century in economy, industrialization, and population. Progress continued until 1997 when the Thai currency collapsed as a result of overextension and fluctuating worth. This financial crisis led to increasing unemployment, decreasing social services, and a widening socio-economic divide in Thailand, and even affected many other Asian countries.
Since then, the government has been able to make considerable progress in development, and combat health issues such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, even after the country regained its financial footing, education continues to be a challenge. While literacy in the country is high, school enrollment, especially at the secondary level and beyond, is comparatively low and education has a direct link to future employment options. Since Thailand was never colonized, its education system has a unique structure, and therefore may not help students to compete for employment on the global stage.
Thailand, a Buddhist country, experienced exponential growth in the late 20th century in economy, industrialization, and population. Progress continued until 1997 when the Thai currency collapsed as a result of overextension and fluctuating worth. This financial crisis led to increasing unemployment, decreasing social services, and a widening socio-economic divide in Thailand, and even affected many other Asian countries.
Since then, the government has been able to make considerable progress in development, and combat health issues such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, even after the country regained its financial footing, education continues to be a challenge. While literacy in the country is high, school enrollment, especially at the secondary level and beyond, is comparatively low and education has a direct link to future employment options. Since Thailand was never colonized, its education system has a unique structure, and therefore may not help students to compete for employment on the global stage.
Monuments and statues in Bangkok ? a Glimpse of Thailand?s Rich History « Inside Bangkok
Monuments and statues in Bangkok ? a Glimpse of Thailand?s Rich History « Inside Bangkok
The city of Bangkok, apart from being famous for its numerous entertainment and shopping venues, is also home to a considerable number of important statues and monuments. All of them have a rich history to its existence and is revered by many of the Thai people. Much of the statues and monuments are located along busy areas of the city, and still events like parades and celebrations are held at these sites to commemorate them.
Many of the sculptured statues and monuments initially made in Bangkok were influenced by Buddhist culture. Today however, it is easy to see the Western influence on the architectural styles and designs. One of such is the Democracy Monument designed by the Italian Corrado Feroci in remembrance of the military coup in 1932 where democratic constitution had gained first rule. Situated on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this monument is truly a majestic sight with four 24 meter tall wings that surround its base.
The Victory Monument is also a breathtaking sight with its tall structure that has an obelisk in its center. It was built in 1945 to commemorate the Thai victory over the French colonists in the Indo-China struggle. Located on Phahonyothin Road are many other sculptures dedicated to those who gave their lives up in this conflict can be found here.
An important monument that stands to recall the lives of those that were taken during the 1973 pre democratic protest is the October 14 Memorial. This monument is eye catching with its granite spire that stretches on towards the sky. Tourists upon visiting the memorial should venture into the museum housed in its structure that takes you back into this historical event.
Amid Bangkok’s many statues are many of King Rama from different eras and time periods. The King Rama I statue lies next to the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge, and is a sculpture that is larger than life of this king. The King Rama V statue is located near the Royal Plaza and continues to be revered and honored by many Thai people as they flock in to pay respect towards it. The sculpture was built here in 1908 and depicts the king in a field marshal outfit. There is also a grand looking statue of King Rama VI set majestically outside the entrance of the Lumpini Park. Built in 1942, the statue is covered in metal plating and much bigger than a normal life size statue.
Tourists holidaying in Bangkok should visit many of these historical monuments and statues which reveal much about the country’s past. If you are looking for Bangkok accommodation which is well placed for exploring the city, the Compass Hospitality complex is great choice. The complex offers luxury apartments in Bangkok that are comfortable and elegant.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
The city of Bangkok, apart from being famous for its numerous entertainment and shopping venues, is also home to a considerable number of important statues and monuments. All of them have a rich history to its existence and is revered by many of the Thai people. Much of the statues and monuments are located along busy areas of the city, and still events like parades and celebrations are held at these sites to commemorate them.
Many of the sculptured statues and monuments initially made in Bangkok were influenced by Buddhist culture. Today however, it is easy to see the Western influence on the architectural styles and designs. One of such is the Democracy Monument designed by the Italian Corrado Feroci in remembrance of the military coup in 1932 where democratic constitution had gained first rule. Situated on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this monument is truly a majestic sight with four 24 meter tall wings that surround its base.
The Victory Monument is also a breathtaking sight with its tall structure that has an obelisk in its center. It was built in 1945 to commemorate the Thai victory over the French colonists in the Indo-China struggle. Located on Phahonyothin Road are many other sculptures dedicated to those who gave their lives up in this conflict can be found here.
An important monument that stands to recall the lives of those that were taken during the 1973 pre democratic protest is the October 14 Memorial. This monument is eye catching with its granite spire that stretches on towards the sky. Tourists upon visiting the memorial should venture into the museum housed in its structure that takes you back into this historical event.
Amid Bangkok’s many statues are many of King Rama from different eras and time periods. The King Rama I statue lies next to the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge, and is a sculpture that is larger than life of this king. The King Rama V statue is located near the Royal Plaza and continues to be revered and honored by many Thai people as they flock in to pay respect towards it. The sculpture was built here in 1908 and depicts the king in a field marshal outfit. There is also a grand looking statue of King Rama VI set majestically outside the entrance of the Lumpini Park. Built in 1942, the statue is covered in metal plating and much bigger than a normal life size statue.
Tourists holidaying in Bangkok should visit many of these historical monuments and statues which reveal much about the country’s past. If you are looking for Bangkok accommodation which is well placed for exploring the city, the Compass Hospitality complex is great choice. The complex offers luxury apartments in Bangkok that are comfortable and elegant.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Budget Travel in Thailand - Thailand Travel Information
Budget Travel in Thailand - Thailand Travel Information
The main reasons for travel are to experience other cultures and to gain an insight to other ways of life. Clearly the best way to do this is to ‘go native’ and try as best you can to experience a country the way it is experienced by locals. This means eating the local food where locals eat it, travelling in the same way locals travel, and going to the same places locals might go for entertainment. If you ‘go native’ in Thailand, your travel experience will certainly be an inexpensive one.
Street and restaurant food in Thailand is some of the best in the world. It’s cheap, and above all, it is Thai – one of the world’s most favoured cuisines. Travel in Thailand is also inexpensive. However, if you hunger for something a bit different, Thailand’s restaurants offer a wealth of culinary experience offering food from almost every part of the world at affordable prices.
Long hauls from one end of the country to the other by bus or train can often cost only a few dollars. The emergence of a number of ‘low cost’ airlines in Thailand now means that air travel is no longer the privilege of a wealthy minority – a number of special promotions advertised on the Internet now mean that aircraft travel can be as cheap as any other form of travel. Imagine flying to the Northeast of Thailand for only 99 Baht – it’s possible if you keep your eyes open!
Depending on what you do, entertainment in Thailand can also be reasonably inexpensive. Cinema tickets are among the cheapest in the world and local and international artists perform concerts at prices substantially cheaper than you will encounter in the west. Look around and you will find bars clubs and other entertainment venues all available at moderate prices. But probably the most enticing aspect of travel in Thailand for the budget traveller is accommodation. Thailand is well equipped for those on limited budgets. Almost every part of Thailand has guesthouses and low-cost hotels available for only a few dollars a night. Look around and you’ll find cheap, clean and safe budget accommodation is plentiful, whatever your budget
The main reasons for travel are to experience other cultures and to gain an insight to other ways of life. Clearly the best way to do this is to ‘go native’ and try as best you can to experience a country the way it is experienced by locals. This means eating the local food where locals eat it, travelling in the same way locals travel, and going to the same places locals might go for entertainment. If you ‘go native’ in Thailand, your travel experience will certainly be an inexpensive one.
Street and restaurant food in Thailand is some of the best in the world. It’s cheap, and above all, it is Thai – one of the world’s most favoured cuisines. Travel in Thailand is also inexpensive. However, if you hunger for something a bit different, Thailand’s restaurants offer a wealth of culinary experience offering food from almost every part of the world at affordable prices.
Long hauls from one end of the country to the other by bus or train can often cost only a few dollars. The emergence of a number of ‘low cost’ airlines in Thailand now means that air travel is no longer the privilege of a wealthy minority – a number of special promotions advertised on the Internet now mean that aircraft travel can be as cheap as any other form of travel. Imagine flying to the Northeast of Thailand for only 99 Baht – it’s possible if you keep your eyes open!
Depending on what you do, entertainment in Thailand can also be reasonably inexpensive. Cinema tickets are among the cheapest in the world and local and international artists perform concerts at prices substantially cheaper than you will encounter in the west. Look around and you will find bars clubs and other entertainment venues all available at moderate prices. But probably the most enticing aspect of travel in Thailand for the budget traveller is accommodation. Thailand is well equipped for those on limited budgets. Almost every part of Thailand has guesthouses and low-cost hotels available for only a few dollars a night. Look around and you’ll find cheap, clean and safe budget accommodation is plentiful, whatever your budget
Steel Guru : Japanese carmakers prefer Thailand to India as small car hub - 167034 - 2010-09-26
Steel Guru : Japanese carmakers prefer Thailand to India as small car hub - 167034 - 2010-09-26
Japanese automakers are veering around to the idea of using Thailand as a global hub for their compact cars in the Asia-Pacific region and parts of Europe. In contrast, India's domestic market will be top priority though exports could be conceived later.
Importing fully built up cars back to Japan from Thailand is also emerging a strong possibility. The Thai eco car plan is a key growth driver of this strategy where the likes of Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Suzuki and Mitsubishi have planned similar models for India. For instance, the Nissan March is the Micra for India while Honda's compact car will debut in both countries by end-2011.
Where Thailand outscores India as an attractive location is the fact that it is part of the ASEAN Free Trade Area, which eliminates tariff barriers between 10 countries in the region. Japanese carmakers have constantly maintained that similar trade pacts would help Indian ancillary suppliers become part of their global sourcing plans.
What is interesting about the Thai eco program is the opportunity of exporting cars back to Japan. Nissan, which launched the March early this year, is a case in point.
Mr Ammar Master senior marketing analyst of JD Power and Associates said that “In a bold move, the company relocated production of its March from Japan to Thailand. Thai shipments to Japan began in end June and we expect volumes to reach 40,000 units this year and 60,000 units in 2011.”
Honda is expected to follow a similar business plan where its small car will be part of the Thai eco project and exported from there to Europe and Asia (and even back to Japan). For India, the company will focus on catering to the large domestic market.
Toyota has the Etios planned for an India debut and reports have been doing the rounds that it will find its way into Thailand's eco car plan too. Suzuki, likewise, is tipped to launch the Swift in Thailand while Mitsubishi is working on an eco car that could also enter India as part of an alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen.
Has India lost out to Thailand as a hub for compact cars? Not everyone agrees with this view, citing the cases of Ford, General Motors and even Nissan, which exports the Micra to nearly 100 countries in Europe. Sources said that “India offers the best mix of costs and quality even while Thailand has the advantage of free trade pacts and Japanese patronage.”
Japanese automakers are veering around to the idea of using Thailand as a global hub for their compact cars in the Asia-Pacific region and parts of Europe. In contrast, India's domestic market will be top priority though exports could be conceived later.
Importing fully built up cars back to Japan from Thailand is also emerging a strong possibility. The Thai eco car plan is a key growth driver of this strategy where the likes of Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Suzuki and Mitsubishi have planned similar models for India. For instance, the Nissan March is the Micra for India while Honda's compact car will debut in both countries by end-2011.
Where Thailand outscores India as an attractive location is the fact that it is part of the ASEAN Free Trade Area, which eliminates tariff barriers between 10 countries in the region. Japanese carmakers have constantly maintained that similar trade pacts would help Indian ancillary suppliers become part of their global sourcing plans.
What is interesting about the Thai eco program is the opportunity of exporting cars back to Japan. Nissan, which launched the March early this year, is a case in point.
Mr Ammar Master senior marketing analyst of JD Power and Associates said that “In a bold move, the company relocated production of its March from Japan to Thailand. Thai shipments to Japan began in end June and we expect volumes to reach 40,000 units this year and 60,000 units in 2011.”
Honda is expected to follow a similar business plan where its small car will be part of the Thai eco project and exported from there to Europe and Asia (and even back to Japan). For India, the company will focus on catering to the large domestic market.
Toyota has the Etios planned for an India debut and reports have been doing the rounds that it will find its way into Thailand's eco car plan too. Suzuki, likewise, is tipped to launch the Swift in Thailand while Mitsubishi is working on an eco car that could also enter India as part of an alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen.
Has India lost out to Thailand as a hub for compact cars? Not everyone agrees with this view, citing the cases of Ford, General Motors and even Nissan, which exports the Micra to nearly 100 countries in Europe. Sources said that “India offers the best mix of costs and quality even while Thailand has the advantage of free trade pacts and Japanese patronage.”
A market economy thrives in Bangkok - thestar.com
A market economy thrives in Bangkok - thestar.com
BANGKOK — Shopping at Bangkok’s seemingly endless lists of markets is as much a part of the country’s DNA as spicy tom yum goong soup and the white sand beaches of its southern islands. Residents of Thailand’s capital take to the activity with a tenacity that makes you wonder whether it should be named the country’s official sport. From bulk buys of Hello Kitty nail clippers in Chinatown to near-perfect duplications of famous art on Silom, Bangkok’s markets are everywhere, and offer a variety of goods that will impress even the most jaded shopper.
The granddaddy of this vibrant shopping scene is the 35-acre Chatuchak Weekend Market (On Nut BTS; Chatuchak MRT), which dates to the mid-1900s. Located in Bangkok’s northern Chatuchak district, the open-air expanse of stalls is legendary; indeed, when someone says, “Have you been to the weekend market yet?” there’s no need to ask which one they mean. Chatuchak is only a skeleton of itself during the week, but it comes alive on weekends with bustling masses eager to make that one great find, be it a funny T-shirt or an antique doorknob.
Chatuchak’s energy comes from the roughly 200,000 shoppers that walk through its gates every Saturday and Sunday. Kilometres of compact aisles (called sois in Thai) zig and zag through a dizzying variety of goods as shoppers search for animals, furniture, clothes, art, food, plants and even weapons (bring home a few throwing stars for Mom!). Scattered food stalls whip up $2 bowls of mouth-watering noodles that would cost four times as much in Canada, while wandering vendors offer freshly made coconut ice cream out of a freshly made coconut bowl.
For a shopping experience that’s the exact opposite of Chatuchak, head over to Suan Lum Night Bazaar (corner of Rama IV and Wireless Roads). In fact, do this before you do anything else, because it might not be around for much longer. The comparatively quiet market is slowly closing up one vendor at a time because of a lengthy battle that will eventually see it completely shuttered (this was supposed to happen in 2006), although many vendors still remain. Busy but not packed, it sells everything from boutique furniture to jewelry to Indian incense and is clean and well-lit.
To make a night of it, head a few blocks west to Silom Road where the infamous Pat Pong Night Market spills out of Soi Pat Pong onto Silom for several blocks on either side. Though mostly crammed with tourist tchotchkes and dodgy tuk-tuk drivers, the atmosphere is certainly never boring, and it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends.
To sample a more local market where few tourists ever go, visit the Saphan Phut Night Market (Saphan Phut Road, under the Memorial Bridge), where all manner of new and used clothes, crafts, furnishings, art and general knick-knacks can be found at great prices. Many of the goods here are brought in from the slightly, er, grungier Thai/Cambodian border markets, so you’ll likely run into a few unique finds.
Just around the corner (Chakphet Road) you’ll find yet another market, but one that’s unlike any other in Bangkok. This is Pak Klong Talat, the flower market. You’ll likely be able to smell it before you see it. For three blocks on either side of the road, colours and activity leap out of every space as vendors run to and fro carrying huge sacks of flowers of all sizes and types: chrysanthemums, roses, daisies, orchids, haleconias and dozens more you won’t recognize.
The market is busiest from 11 p.m to 6 a.m, when trucks and boats from farms in surrounding provinces bring huge shipments of flowers into Bangkok for local vendors to buy wholesale. Prices for the public aren’t too bad either — a newspaper-wrapped bundle of 24 roses will set you back about 60 baht ($2), and orchids — much prized and valued in colder climates like Canada — sell for 30 baht ($1) a bunch.
There are many more markets to see, but try these on for size first to get a good idea of what’s available. And remember: bargain hard, but be nice — vendors have to eat too.
BANGKOK — Shopping at Bangkok’s seemingly endless lists of markets is as much a part of the country’s DNA as spicy tom yum goong soup and the white sand beaches of its southern islands. Residents of Thailand’s capital take to the activity with a tenacity that makes you wonder whether it should be named the country’s official sport. From bulk buys of Hello Kitty nail clippers in Chinatown to near-perfect duplications of famous art on Silom, Bangkok’s markets are everywhere, and offer a variety of goods that will impress even the most jaded shopper.
The granddaddy of this vibrant shopping scene is the 35-acre Chatuchak Weekend Market (On Nut BTS; Chatuchak MRT), which dates to the mid-1900s. Located in Bangkok’s northern Chatuchak district, the open-air expanse of stalls is legendary; indeed, when someone says, “Have you been to the weekend market yet?” there’s no need to ask which one they mean. Chatuchak is only a skeleton of itself during the week, but it comes alive on weekends with bustling masses eager to make that one great find, be it a funny T-shirt or an antique doorknob.
Chatuchak’s energy comes from the roughly 200,000 shoppers that walk through its gates every Saturday and Sunday. Kilometres of compact aisles (called sois in Thai) zig and zag through a dizzying variety of goods as shoppers search for animals, furniture, clothes, art, food, plants and even weapons (bring home a few throwing stars for Mom!). Scattered food stalls whip up $2 bowls of mouth-watering noodles that would cost four times as much in Canada, while wandering vendors offer freshly made coconut ice cream out of a freshly made coconut bowl.
For a shopping experience that’s the exact opposite of Chatuchak, head over to Suan Lum Night Bazaar (corner of Rama IV and Wireless Roads). In fact, do this before you do anything else, because it might not be around for much longer. The comparatively quiet market is slowly closing up one vendor at a time because of a lengthy battle that will eventually see it completely shuttered (this was supposed to happen in 2006), although many vendors still remain. Busy but not packed, it sells everything from boutique furniture to jewelry to Indian incense and is clean and well-lit.
To make a night of it, head a few blocks west to Silom Road where the infamous Pat Pong Night Market spills out of Soi Pat Pong onto Silom for several blocks on either side. Though mostly crammed with tourist tchotchkes and dodgy tuk-tuk drivers, the atmosphere is certainly never boring, and it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs for friends.
To sample a more local market where few tourists ever go, visit the Saphan Phut Night Market (Saphan Phut Road, under the Memorial Bridge), where all manner of new and used clothes, crafts, furnishings, art and general knick-knacks can be found at great prices. Many of the goods here are brought in from the slightly, er, grungier Thai/Cambodian border markets, so you’ll likely run into a few unique finds.
Just around the corner (Chakphet Road) you’ll find yet another market, but one that’s unlike any other in Bangkok. This is Pak Klong Talat, the flower market. You’ll likely be able to smell it before you see it. For three blocks on either side of the road, colours and activity leap out of every space as vendors run to and fro carrying huge sacks of flowers of all sizes and types: chrysanthemums, roses, daisies, orchids, haleconias and dozens more you won’t recognize.
The market is busiest from 11 p.m to 6 a.m, when trucks and boats from farms in surrounding provinces bring huge shipments of flowers into Bangkok for local vendors to buy wholesale. Prices for the public aren’t too bad either — a newspaper-wrapped bundle of 24 roses will set you back about 60 baht ($2), and orchids — much prized and valued in colder climates like Canada — sell for 30 baht ($1) a bunch.
There are many more markets to see, but try these on for size first to get a good idea of what’s available. And remember: bargain hard, but be nice — vendors have to eat too.
Art Institute names new curator of Asian and textile arts - Chicago Tribune
On the heels of the opening of the Alsdorf Galleries of Indian, Southeast Asian and Islamic art, and in tandem with the autumn reopening of renovated galleries for textiles and Japanese art, the Art Institute of Chicago has a new curator to head related departments.
Today, the museum made public the appointment of Daniel Walker as its Pritzker Chair and Curator of Asian Art, as well as the Chair and Christa C. Mayer Thurman Curator of Textiles. Walker's dual duties go into effect Oct. 18.
"It's one of the top positions at one of the top institutions," Walker said of his appointment via telephone today, "and it's very difficult to imagine what might be better than that."
Walker joins the Art Institute's curatorial staff following a brief stint as an independent consultant, after heading Washington, D.C.'s Textile Museum from 2005 to 2009, preceded by seven years as head of the Islamic Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1988 to 2005). His curatorial career began at the Cincinnati Art Museum; he left in 1988 as curator of Ancient, Near Eastern and Far Eastern Art.
Today, the museum made public the appointment of Daniel Walker as its Pritzker Chair and Curator of Asian Art, as well as the Chair and Christa C. Mayer Thurman Curator of Textiles. Walker's dual duties go into effect Oct. 18.
"It's one of the top positions at one of the top institutions," Walker said of his appointment via telephone today, "and it's very difficult to imagine what might be better than that."
Walker joins the Art Institute's curatorial staff following a brief stint as an independent consultant, after heading Washington, D.C.'s Textile Museum from 2005 to 2009, preceded by seven years as head of the Islamic Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1988 to 2005). His curatorial career began at the Cincinnati Art Museum; he left in 1988 as curator of Ancient, Near Eastern and Far Eastern Art.
Asian art auctions in NY exceed estimates | Reuters
Asian art auctions this week totaled nearly $50 million, including $3.3 million for an ancient wine vessel that set a new record at Christie's for an item sold to an online buyer.
The vessel dating from the 12th or 11th century BC was the top seller at Christie's where the week-long sales fetched more than $20 million, far exceeding pre-sale estimates.
Sotheby's said their total was more than $27 million.
"This week's sale saw enthusiastic bidding and strong prices across a range of different categories from porcelain and jades, to furniture and paintings," said Dr. Caroline Schulten, Sotheby's head of Chinese works of art.
"Collectors from around the world often raised the bidding to multiples of the high estimate in order to secure the very best works," said added in a statement.
A Christie's spokesman said their online record for the wine vessel adorned with a dragon surpassed the previous record for an item sold in an online sale in 2008 when $1.27 million was paid for a Stradivari violin.
Theow H. Tow, the deputy chairman of Christie's America, said the small vessel still had "residual millet wine solidified in the bottom."
Christie's next highest selling piece, a ritual food vessel from the 10th century BC changed hands for nearly $3 million.
Tow said that bronze pieces are particularly valuable.
"Bronze work is an indispensable section in the development history of ancient China, symbolizing the advanced civilization and embodying the social hierarchy," he explained in an interview. "Bronzes were predominantly made for the wealthier class to begin with, the material being rare and expensive."
The auctions were part of New York Asia Week, which has been held since 1995. The event is also held in March.
In addition to Christie's and Sotheby's, more than a dozen other art galleries held exhibitions and auctions.
According to Tow, the quality of ancient Chinese art makes it unique, even among other notable pieces of ancient art.
"The bronze age in any culture gives one a very good marker for comparison with other early cultures. The fact that China stumbled upon casting bronze around 1900 BC places it behind development in the Euphrates Delta, Luristan and Egypt but in terms of bronze casting skills by 1200 BC it was second to none when judging by form and quality," he said.
Also included in the auctions were antique and contemporary art from Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia.
The vessel dating from the 12th or 11th century BC was the top seller at Christie's where the week-long sales fetched more than $20 million, far exceeding pre-sale estimates.
Sotheby's said their total was more than $27 million.
"This week's sale saw enthusiastic bidding and strong prices across a range of different categories from porcelain and jades, to furniture and paintings," said Dr. Caroline Schulten, Sotheby's head of Chinese works of art.
"Collectors from around the world often raised the bidding to multiples of the high estimate in order to secure the very best works," said added in a statement.
A Christie's spokesman said their online record for the wine vessel adorned with a dragon surpassed the previous record for an item sold in an online sale in 2008 when $1.27 million was paid for a Stradivari violin.
Theow H. Tow, the deputy chairman of Christie's America, said the small vessel still had "residual millet wine solidified in the bottom."
Christie's next highest selling piece, a ritual food vessel from the 10th century BC changed hands for nearly $3 million.
Tow said that bronze pieces are particularly valuable.
"Bronze work is an indispensable section in the development history of ancient China, symbolizing the advanced civilization and embodying the social hierarchy," he explained in an interview. "Bronzes were predominantly made for the wealthier class to begin with, the material being rare and expensive."
The auctions were part of New York Asia Week, which has been held since 1995. The event is also held in March.
In addition to Christie's and Sotheby's, more than a dozen other art galleries held exhibitions and auctions.
According to Tow, the quality of ancient Chinese art makes it unique, even among other notable pieces of ancient art.
"The bronze age in any culture gives one a very good marker for comparison with other early cultures. The fact that China stumbled upon casting bronze around 1900 BC places it behind development in the Euphrates Delta, Luristan and Egypt but in terms of bronze casting skills by 1200 BC it was second to none when judging by form and quality," he said.
Also included in the auctions were antique and contemporary art from Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia.
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