BANGKOK MOTHERS & BABIES INTERNATIONAL, A PROJECT OF CHILDBIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING FOUNDATION THAILAND June 2020
ExpatExpat Life:Life: CopingCoping withwith BeingBeing LeftLeft BehindBehind www.bambiweb.org
EatingEating YourYour WayWay toto BetterBetter MentalMental WellnessWellness
BecomingBecoming aa Family:Family: PreparingPreparing YourYour June 2020 PartnerPartner forfor BirthBirth Patana School contents 5 Welcome Message 6 Editor’s Corner
Welcome to BAMBI On The Cover Bangkok Mothers & Babies International 16-18 7 Tips to Help Cope with Being Left Behind 30-32 Eating Your Way to Better Mental Wellness and “Support 36-37 Becoming a Family: Preparing Your Partner for Birth friendship through the common bond of parenthood” Special Features Mel Habanananda 12 We Are International Parents 14 Keeping Ears Happy When Traveling 16-18 7 Tips to Help Cope with Being Left Behind 20-21 Art Therapy: Healing Through Creativity 22-23 Staying Home: Warm Your Body and Restore Your Gut Health 24-25 Volunteerism: Getting Active to Settle in
We are a group offering support and 30-32 Eating Your Way to Better Mental Wellness companionship to each other through the 36-37 Becoming a Family: Preparing Your Partner for Birth early years of parenting. 38-40 The Importance of Community Spirit During COVID-19 We offer prenatal and postnatal support, and Beyond regular playgroups, fundraising for charities and more. If you wish to join, come to our New Members’ Coffee Morning or any other regular BAMBI activity. To volunteer to serve on the committee, contact any Events of the committee members listed in this magazine. 6 Committee Meeting
BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth & Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand (CBFT). In Every Issue Mission Statement The CBFT is a non-profit networking and resource center 8 Kid’s Corner dedicated to ensuring the best possible start in life for our 10 Reader’s Corner babies. We believe that this can best be achieved through: 28-29 BAMBI Needs You n Encouraging the appropriate use of technology and 34 June Birthdays medication for all births. n Promoting breastfeeding for every mother and baby in 34 Language Coordinators the community. n Providing information and training to health 40 How to Become a BAMBI Member professionals involved in maternity care. 41-43 Member Discounts n Supporting parents through the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. 44-45 Support Groups
For more information on CBFT, contact: 46-48 Playgroups and Activities English speaking, Tel 05-310-4573; [email protected] Thai speaking, Mobile: 081-776-9391; [email protected] or 49 BAMBI Team [email protected]. Or 50 Member Profile visit: www.cbfthai.org and www.facebook.com/pages/ Hello! ChildbirthBreastfeeding-Foundation-of-Thailand Can you find me in the magazine?
Follow BAMBI on Cover photographer: Yuka Manso Facebook: facebook.com/BAMBIBangkok Cover models: Hiroki and Hanna Manso
WELCOME MESSAGE
Hello readers,
Welcome to June. This is usually a busy What has always worked for BAMBI the month for most of us, whose children are past few years may not as we are facing finishing up their academic year. It’s also a new landscape. Wa month where most are making plans to keep the children busy during the long We are also going through a time of summer break when schools and regular internal change as many volunteers who playgroups are closed. Many of us are have dedicated enormous amounts of fortunate enough to be booking visits their time and effort to make BAMBI home or to holiday destinations. Such ac- what it is today are moving on. Most are tivities we can only dream for now. What due to relocations or because they have used to be “routine” is now replaced by children that have outgrown BAMBI. Bao Minh Lam a new world full of uncertainties. BAMBI was founded in April 1982, We hope by the time this issue is printed The past few months with the pandemic and over the past 38 years it has that BAMBI will be able to reopen some and border closures have highlighted evolved from a small group of mums to activities to support you, our members. the disadvantages of living away from what it is today. All the different mani- Let’s look forward to meeting and inter- family and close friends for many of us. festations of BAMBI are a reflection of acting in the “new normal” at a BAMBI Some of us are probably reassessing the the work and ideals of all the volun- event very soon. choice of living abroad. teers. With the changes in volunteers, BAMBI will welcome a new wave of Warm wishes, BAMBI is also going through a time of committee members with fresh ideas Bao Minh Lam uncertainty. Most of our activities are and BAMBI will once again adapt to Media Coordinator social interactions and support meetups. a new “world.”
www.bambiweb.org • 5 EDITOR’S CORNER
Hello lovely readers,
We’re half-way through 2020, and soon Seasoned expat Laurie Charuson writes we will farewell some families as they that while saying good-bye doesn’t get move away from Bangkok. I would like easier when you are staying behind there to mention a treasured BAMBI News are ways to help manage it. Wteam member who is also leaving. Ema Naito is embarking on her next journey Settling into a new homeland can be after six years in the roles of Assistant tough, and we often look for something Editor, Editor, and then as Deputy Editor. to fulfill us. Volunteering is a great way to Ema has contributed significantly to this do this, and Ema Naito reflects on how magazine and by volunteering many working for BAMBI helped her to step out hours to BAMBI. It’s been a pleasure to of her comfort zone and gave her new Rina Wongpanich work with you, Ema! Thank you for your skills. hard work and for the support you have given to the team. We will miss you Vana Kasemsri shares a heartwarming Pregnant readers should check out the dearly and wish you the absolute best. story of Thais and expats working essential things you need for preparing together to make face shields during the your partner to support you for the birth While it’s been a peculiar year so far, pandemic. of your baby. it has highlighted the importance of community spirit. As international families, Regardless of where we live, we must look Thank you to the contributors and team our time in a country can be limited, and after ourselves. Laura Martin will share the for helping with another issue during these connecting with the broader community importance of eating for mental wellness, challenging times. Thank you for reading, and making friends provides a sense of not just physical health. She also gives us and as always, I welcome your feedback belonging to a place and improves your a delicious, simple, and healthy recipe and contributions. motivation and happiness. We look at for dairy-free Nice Cream. My kids and some of these topics in this issue. I loved making and eating it, so do give Rina Wongpanich it a try! Editor
Do you have a story to tell? We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
BAMBI COMMITTEE MEETING
Photos by Mao Sano
BAMBI's committee meets once a month. This was the meeting held at Antique Cafe earlier in the year. These days we are meeting online as required and hope we can meet in person again Bsoon.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and you can use existing skills or develop new ones. It's a great way to make friends and to grow your skills or learn new ones! Kids are always welcome too, of course.
If you would like to find out more about joining the 6 • June 2020 team, please see pages 28-29 of this magazine. SummerFour weeks of fun Montessori School learning at MMI Pre-School 2020 Thailand July 06 - 24, 2020
e-Learning ProgrammeTry our 2 weeks special short Montessori e-Learning ENROL YOUR CHILD AT for course MMI PRESCHOOL NOW! Toddler for Montessori Warm, caring and stimulating 18 mos-3 yrs Junior environment Montessori Taught by qualified and experienced 4 - 6 yrs Montessori teachers International learning environment Make learning a joyful experience
Get FREE Montessori Language materials - wooden sandpaper letter set and Visit www.mmipreschool.com arts & crafts materials. 4, Soi 44, Sukhumvit Road, Phrakanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand (BTS Station, Phrakanong Exit 2) Welcome to Kids' Corner where we feature BAMBI kids' words, drawings, and photos.
Thank you for sending in your lovely pictures!
Henry, 14 months
Send us your kid's pics!
We’d love to publish your child's words, drawings, poems and photos. Please email them to [email protected] for and be sure to include your child's name and age in your email.
Due 12 June: A special woman in my life
George, 4 years and Hugo, 2 years
Mac Vichita, 1 year and 8 months
Tara, 2 years
Marina, 1 year 9 months Jivika, 5 years
Tokiaki, 4 years
8 • June 2020
READER’S CORNER Books for Children
Disney - Frozen My First Library がたん ごとん がたん ごとん Board Book Block 12-Book Set 著者 安西水丸 Author: Erin Rose Wage 出版社 福音館書店 ISBN: 9781503743632 販売価格 320バーツ 出版年月 1987年6月
Your little one will love to learn with Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and 緑と黒のコントラストが美しい表紙に始まり、子 more amazing Frozen characters! The library includes 12 どもの目を引くシンプルで明るい色の絵柄が続き sturdy board books - the perfect size for little hands - with ます。 early learning content including letters, seasons, family, and Ymore. All the books are housed in a durable, colorful case 「がたんごとん がたんごとん」というリズミカ with a convenient handle, so you can take your book set ルで耳に残る音が繰り返されるのが印象的。イラ with you on the go and share hours of entertainment and ストも言葉もシンプルで、展開もゆったりしてお learning! り、まだストーリーを理解できないお子様でも視 This Book Block library is special because: 覚・聴覚的に楽しむことができます。 Sharing books with your little one strengthens your bond 1987年から30年以上も愛され続けるロングセラ Turning just-my-size pages leads to a lifelong love of reading ー。絵本の入門におすすめです。 Small board books are durable and the perfect size for small children Carry case has a built-in handle for easy travel Includes iconic Frozen characters: Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and more!
Books for Parents
頭のいい子の親がやって The Work/Parent Switch いる「見守る」子育て Author: Anita Cleare 著者 小川大介 ISBN: 9781785043017 出版社 KADOKAWA 販売価格 560バーツ 出版年月 2019年5月
The Work/Parent Switch is essential reading for every 親が頑張りすぎないほうが、子どもは伸びる！ working parent. Written by an expert in child develop- ment and psychology who has worked with thousands of 著者の小川大介氏は、自身が代表をつとめる個別指導 stressed-out working parents, it will walk you through an 塾で5000組を超える家庭と面談を行い、最難関中学へ Tapproach to parenting that will transform family life and の合格者を多数輩出してきました。 fit into modern working patterns. 子どもが自ら学び、成長する子に育つには、親が子ど Covering all the key challenges such as getting everyone もを信じて認めること。 out of the house on time in the morning, managing dif- ficult behavior when you’re tired at the end of the day, 本書では著者の実体験とコーチング・心理学の知見を controlling tech time and avoiding Sunday night home- 踏まえ、「のびのびと育てられているのに、頭のいい work battles, The Parent/Work Switch will help you to 子」が育つ子育て法を紹介します。 stop feeling guilty about being at work and give you the tools to create the family life you want to come home to.
Bangkok Store Emquartier Store Siam Paragon Store 6Th Floor, Isetan Department Store, Centralwolrd, 3Rd Floor, Unit 3B01, Emquartier Shopping Complex, 3Rd Level, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, 4/1-4/2 Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 689 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana 991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, 10330, Thailand Bangkok 10110, Thailand Thailand Tel : +66 2003 6507 Fax : +66 20036515 Tel : +66 2610 9500 Fax : +66 2610 9510 Tel : +66 2255 9834 Fax : +66 2255 9837 Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm Opening Hours: Daily - 10Am To 10Pm Opening Hours: Daily - 10.30Am To 10Pm
https://thailand.kinokuniya.com/
10 • June 2020
MATERNAL MUSINGS We Are International Parents By Karin Hongsaton Zackari
Raising your children internationally brings about different questions of belonging and identity.
Many of us are international parents who have moved away from our home country. Many of us have very international families, with children born Mto parents of different origins. Some of us carry a sense of belonging not based on citizenship, but in our hearts and minds. What do we hand down to our children? Where do we want them to feel that they belong?
I am Swedish, my husband is Thai, and our first child was born in December 2015. We met in Australia but decided to live in Bangkok close to the paternal family. Our child is what they in Thai call luk kreung, ”a half-child”, or in Swedish “a mixed child”.
The term mixed is fairly outdated with its reference to racial ideas. In Thailand, constructed and whatever is said to our experience those changes from within. however, it is still common to refer to children based on the color of their skin my child as half, no matter how whole doesn’t have to resonate within. I will teach my child to respect what is he obviously is. The everyday slips of important to grandparents here and in the tongue by strangers: “The nose is Moving abroad, international Sweden, and we will create ways that Thai, the hair is foreign.” The amused families have also made choices that are important in our little family. One expressions we are met with when I say grandparents, aunts, and uncles might day he will follow his own heart and the father is Thai, so the child is Thai. not be too happy about. Many find that mind. Through school and encounters the older generation are afraid that their with other children and grown-ups, I It makes me uneasy that his identity is values and their language will be lost. hope he will learn to understand and partly determined by what others can We might try to assure them that we'll respect differences. I don’t think we give only see with their eyes. My child’s looks pass it on but at the same time, our lives our children a more unstable ground or – skin, hair, eyes, nose and mouth – is are obviously different and the culture of a less solid belonging in life through our one challenge he, as an international kid, our birth country is not reflected in the life international lives. Instead, I hope we faces in growing up and trying to find an going on around us. We might not even give our children a greater awareness of identity among friends and in society. It be aware of what our culture is until we the wonderful diversity life has to offer, doesn’t matter that there are many ways are confronted with other ways of doing wherever they are, wherever they feel to look foreign, different from Thai. things. that they belong.
Living internationally, whether we The thing with our children is that they This article was first published in BAMBI understand the language or not, we exemplify what culture really is. It is a News in December 2016. know that people gossip about our constantly evolving, lived experience Photo by Andrew Seaman on Unsplash. ways: “They do it like that because they that cannot be kept unchanged. We are from…” Either positive or negative, learn new things and we forget some old About the Author people have a need to determine what knowledge. Some things we’ve always is familiar and distinguish it from the been doing are simply not practical, so unfamiliar. Our kids, running around the we adapt. Karin Hongsaton block, of course sense this judging. Zackari I see how my childhood friends marry Karin is a doctoral It worries me how he will handle this, someone from our hometown, and some student in human rights and Programme once he understands what is said about even settle down in the house where Coordinator for the Centre for East him. At least as parents we hope to they grew up. They raise their kids in a and South-East Asian Studies at Lund make the family a safe place, where society and culture familiar to them and University. She has two Thai-Swedish the child is accepted just the way he/ to the previous generations. Surely, their children aged 4 and 2. she is. Ideas about race are socially ways also change with time, but they 12 • June 2020
HEALTH Keeping Ears Happy When Traveling
By Assist. Prof. Dr. Dhave Setabutr
While the face of travel may have changed recently we still need to prepare for getting back on a plane in the not too distant future. Here are a few tips to help with the planning especially when you are traveling with little ones, and especially for that first flight ever with a baby.
For many people, the summer months can be a time to travel home to their native countries, to relax on a beautiful beach, or spend time visiting loved ones Fvia plane, trains, or automobiles. With that in mind, we have a few tips to keep everyone’s ears happy.
Ear Pressure For those who decide that traveling by air is the most convenient, it is vital to make sure your ears are ready for the pressure changes. As the plane descends and ascends, we are all familiar with the blocked sensation our ears can get. Usually, we can unblock them by chewing gum during this time of the flight.
Basically, you assist in equalizing the an infection of the ear canal that can be earplugs are not necessary for individuals pressure with the help of your Eustachian caused by various bacteria. Usually, it is who swim in clean and chlorinated tube, a mucosa lined tunnel that travels a painful ordeal and most seek medical swimming pools, but help if one swims from your middle ear (behind your treatment immediately. If you are prone in the ocean or a lake. Always ask eardrum) to the back of your nose. If you to these, your physician may recommend your physician about their opinion on have a cold, congestion, or significant an ear cleaning regimen to prevent future this and know that many times custom allergies, pressure equalization may be occurrences. made molds, if recommended, are especially tricky. usually better than those bought over the Also common when we go swimming counter, which may or may not adjust to Before ascending using certain oral is the feeling of our ears being blocked your ear canal. decongestants or nasal decongestant afterward. If it is just water, that will sprays can assist you in equalizing usually resolve on its own. If it persists, The summer months are an excellent time pressure. For little ones, it may be sometimes the culprit can be cerumen (or for rest and relaxation. With these tips, helpful to prepare a drink or breastfeed ear wax). Before your ears got all wet we hope you can give your ears a little during take-off and landing to assist in the pool, the wax may have been dry bit of a rest too. them in doing the same. Children can and you probably didn’t feel anything. sometimes have more difficulty with Sometimes , however, when the wax Image by Getty Images. pressure equalization than adults. If you becomes moist it will cause a blocked have an earache or ear infection before sensation and the feeling that you cannot flying, it might be best to consult your hear as well. If it doesn’t resolve on its physician before you board your flight. own, you may benefit from having your About the Author When we have ear infections, fluid can ears cleaned by a physician. We don’t build up in the middle ear and cause us recommend patients stick anything Assist. Prof. Dr. to have more ear pain . inside the ear canal, as you might cause Dhave Setabutr trauma or even push the wax further into Assist. Prof. Dr. Dhave Swimming the ear canal. Setabutr : M.D., Faculty of Medicine, Swimming becomes a favorite past time Texas Tech University Health Sciences for many of us during the hot months. Ear Tubes Center School of Medicine, T X, USA, Usually, regular swimming does not For patients who may have ear tubes 2008 Board Certifications. He is a spe - require any special precautions during (also known as myringotomy tubes), cialist in otolaryngology and pediatric the summer months. Some individuals many may be concerned about having otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat) at may be prone to what is called to use earplugs during swimming. Recent Bumrungrad International Hospital. swimmer’s ear or otitis externa. This is research , however, has supported that 14 • June 2020
feature
7 Tips to Help Cope with Being Left Behind
An expat struggles when close friends leave. Laurie is a long-term expat who has farewelled many friends. While the good-byes don’t get easier she has learned ways to manage when staying behind.
By Laurie Charusorn
The first 6 months of my life in Thailand During those early months, 95% of my at the office and with my in-laws at were hard, isolating, and lonely. I moved days were lost in translation. I found dinner time and during family outings. to Bangkok with my now Thai husband that my Thai relationships, although Twhom I met while in university. I was first wonderful, were tough at the same time. And then I met Tasha. For those expats optimistic and excited to embark on a When in a group, even when fluent in who have been here a while - I think whole new adventure halfway across the English, most Thais still prefer to speak many of us have a first friend who helped world. But, I had left behind the comfort in Thai. I never worried about being us come to grips with new surroundings, and familiarity of a wonderful, large, the subject of gossip; it was much more and figure out that being an expat isn’t and close-knit family, many friends, and about feeling left out because I couldn’t so bad after all. Tasha appeared like a a successful career in America. Culture contribute to conversations. The same beam of sunshine in the desk next to mine shock is real. was true with my fellow Thai colleagues and literally changed my life overnight.
16 • June 2020 Living abroad is an amazing opportunity that opens so many doors, and allows for a chance to see the world from a bigger perspective. It also creates unique challenges that our friends and family back home may not truly appreciate or understand.
I was able to talk to someone who process. The trick is to go through the being hurt again. When introduced not only spoke English natively, but process and still come through the other to someone new, after the normal also actually understood and could side appreciating the friendship that you pleasantries, my next question was empathize with what I was feeling. She had, and have realistic expectations always, “How long are you planning encouraged me to join a local netball about the friendship that will continue. to stay in Bangkok?” Anything under team, and I had a social life again. I You will still be friends, just not in the 5 years, the person was an automatic learned that I could explore the city, same way. out. But, I eventually learned this isn’t and successfully navigate Bangkok by the way to go. myself. Tasha became my lifeline. 2. Say a proper goodbye. If you close yourself off, you are likely And, just like that, one year later, she Make time for a farewell lunch, dinner the one to be missing out. One of my moved on. I don’t normally cry but or coffee. Buy a small gift that means closest, but short-staying friends, Sophie, I cried. My Thai husband, although something to both of you and/or lived in the apartment building across sympathetic, didn’t quite grasp the write them a card. Tell them what their the street, so it was super easy to pop extent of my sadness. I did not know friendship means to you, and thank them by for a “cuppa” at each other's houses. how I was going to survive without her. for being a part of your life. Don’t make We had a lot in common, and could promises you know you can’t keep. spend hours discussing documentaries, And then, another good friend leaves, books, family, and what we felt about and repeat. 3. Find some friends that have been the world. She provided a sounding and will be in Thailand for a long board for me, and truly kept me sane Even though I still struggle when close time. during a very difficult time in my life. friends leave, here are a few tips I can offer that have helped me cope with Seek out some core friendships with Besides, it’s fun being the person who being left behind after more than 11 other people less likely to leave. I “knows everything” already. I had gone years in Thailand. joined a group of other expat women through all the initial struggles of where who were also with Thai partners. to find this or that, what to do in various 1. Learn to embrace your emotions, I connected with other expats who situations, and I could help connect work through them, and come grew up in Bangkok or had strong friends with other expats or resources through the other side stronger. connections to the country. I recently that I already knew about. co-started a Facebook group called The A close friend leaving is hard. It can Long Run - Thailand to connect with a 5. Take advantage of technology to almost feel like a loss. Expat friendships group of ladies with no plans to leave. stay in touch. are often extra special because there is a sense of shared experiences that This is not a guarantee - many long- The world is smaller than it’s ever been naturally creates a closeness for inside timers do leave as well - you just before. It is now free to “call” and text jokes, misunderstanding the local culture mitigate the risk. via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, together, and crazy stories. It happens LINE, or any other social media much faster than when you are at home 4. Do not shut out the short-stayers. channel of choice. Take advantage because everyone is ‘in the same boat.’ of them! With time differences, plan It’s okay to cry. It’s healthy to allow After Tasha left, for a few years, I ahead for convenient times to call or yourself to feel your emotions, to be gave in to the all too common reaction chat. Set reminders on your phone if upset, and to go through the grieving of shutting out new friends to avoid you need to.
www.bambiweb.org • 17 6. Don’t get too upset or beat I believe these tips also apply to kids, but for a chance to see the world from a yourself up if you drift apart. And, they need your help to facilitate. Help bigger perspective. It also creates give grace to friends who’ve left them understand and work through their unique challenges that our friends emotions. Talk to them and support them and family back home may not truly and don’t stay in touch as much as through the grieving process. Seek out appreciate or understand. Now that I you’d like. long-term friends for yourself that have have my own toddler to consider, I hope kids of similar age(s). This way, when to take my own advice, help her through Life goes on, and it doesn’t stop for classmates inevitably leave, they still the inevitable loss of close friends, and anyone. There’s something about being have some stability. Coordinate with establish some long-term friendships in the same city that creates a closeness leaving friends’ parents to allow the along the way. that is just hard to replicate when you’re children to stay in touch via technology, countries apart. In my experience, my or even by becoming pen pals. Fellow mamas, we’ve got this! closest friends are those where we can pick back up no matter how long we’ve Living abroad is an amazing opportunity Photos courtesy of the author. been apart. that opens so many doors, and allows
7. Remember your kids will likely About the Author experience the same challenges within their own friendships. Laurie Charusorn
I now work at KIS International Laurie is the mom of a spunky almost 2-year-old daughter and has School, and I see the revolving door made Bangkok her home for over 11 years. She loves her job as of international families moving on an International Admissions Manager for KIS International School every few years. For kids who grow where she has been working since 2018. She is very lucky to have friends living all up in an expat family and especially, over the world as a direct result of being an expat in Bangkok. If you plan on stay- if they attend an international school, ing in Thailand for the foreseeable future, be sure to check out the Facebook group: it’s nearly impossible to avoid making The Long Run - Thailand. For more information about KIS International School, friends who will eventually leave. please visit www.kis.ac.th.
18 • June 2020 www.bambiweb.org • 19 feature Art Therapy: Healing Through Creativity
As told by Amy Diener to Rina Wongpanich
Known for her dot-style of painting Amy Diener is a talented young artist living in Bangkok. She speaks about her art and how she has found comfort in it after years of dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
What is your background and how did you start painting? WI’m originally from New York and grew up in the suburbs of NYC. I started getting into art during my junior year of high school because my teacher was super inspirational. I then went on to study art education at SUNY New Paltz, where we would take plenty of art classes each semester to improve our artistic practice.
Can you tell us more about the dots and how you started painting in this style?
The dot style means everything is made of dots in my painting! There are no lines, or other types of marks present. I dip and drop acrylic paint onto the surface, and many types layer one dot on top of the other. My artwork also draws influence from sacred geometry, the Fibonacci sequence, and the cosmic world.
The process is extremely healing and meditative. I started painting dots after You have been open about your the ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) a low point in my life. Many times, experience with anxiety and OCD. therapy method. This method forces you I experience roller coasters of highs Can you tell us a bit more about it? to face your fears head-on, "exposing" and lows, and after the lows there is a you to your obsessions, and "preventing" beautiful thing at the end of the rainbow, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or delaying you from engaging in the and this is my dot painting. is a type of anxiety involving obsessive compulsive ritual. I engaged in ERP with thoughts in the mind like triggering my therapist weekly for about two years. compulsions - repeated conscious I recovered gradually, but tremendously behaviors that help to alleviate anxiety from the thoughts. It affects over 8 million people in the US and Canada alone: many experience onsets from the ages of 18-23. Most individuals including myself didn't understand what they were experiencing at first and when and how to seek help.
How did you seek treatment and how has art helped you?
I went through a few therapists before finding an ideal match. I chose a therapist that was effective in treating OCD using 20 • June 2020 How else has painting helped you channel your anxieties into something positive?
over time. I have not "fully" recovered as it will always be a part of my life, but I am at the point where it does not interfere with my daily living.
Along with seeing a therapist, I used painting to alleviate anxiety. It’s allowed me to turn my suffering into beautiful and healing art that I hope has a positive effect on the wellbeing of individuals experiencing my art.
How else has painting helped you channel your anxieties into something positive?
Although this is my personal story of overcoming OCD, there are still millions of kids and adults fighting their own battle with it today. My hope is that through my relationship with art, I can share my message, turning suffering into inspiration and beauty. My mission is to give back to the OCD community, and I donate a portion of my painting sales to the International OCD Foundation so they can support everyone to live fully.
How can parents use art to help their children with expressing their emotions or dealing with mental illness?
They could sign their kid up for an art therapy class or just have their kid engage in art practices that involve healing experiences - try painting dots, explore colors, and don’t worry about the end product. Just focus on the process.
Do you have any tips on how people rather enjoy the process! This is the most About the Author can utilize art to get through the important part. current pandemic or difficult times? Amy Diener Does living in Bangkok have a Take any materials you have lying special influence on your work? Amy Diener is a New around, and experiment and play York-based artist cur- with them and enjoy the experience of Yes, I am heavily inspired by the colors rently living in Thailand. She special- creating and/ or watch some YouTube from my travel encounters. The vibrant izes in vibrant dot paintings. She’s had tutorial videos! color combinations of the city of Bangkok a long history of battling OCD (obses- have inspired my paintings. Also, there sive compulsive disorder) and wants What advice can you give to people is a strong focus on mindfulness and to bring awareness and destigmatize who haven't tried art as a form of meditation in this city, and my work mental health through art & mindful- therapy, particularly if they think draws on these themes. ness. See amydiener.com, or connect they are not artistic? with her at [email protected], or @ What do you do when you are not amydienerpaintings on Instagram and I think it doesn’t matter if you are not painting? Facebook. “artistic.” That is so subjective anyways. What one person considers “good,” When I am not painting, I am practicing might be considered otherwise by aerial yoga, Latin dancing, hanging out another. So please don’t even think with friends, or watching Netflix! this way. Rather, the joyful and healing process of creating art should be the Photos courtesy of Amy Diener. focus. Don’t stress on the end result, but www.bambiweb.org • 21 FEATURE 巣ごもり生活、身体を温めて腸を元気に！ By 行宗あお子 ウイルス拡散防止のためにはとても大事な外出制限ですが、私たちの身体もなまっ てしまいがち。一体どんな影響があるのでしょうか…？
今回のコロナウイルス対策は、私た ちが未だかつて経験したことのな い、大規模かつ長期的なものでした ね。厳しい行動制限が、大人だけで なく子供達の身体にも影響したので はないでしょうか？懸念される点は 以下の４つです。
１ 運動不足 ２ ストレス（生活リズムの乱れ、 自由の制限、自分時間の減少、 混沌とした状況などなど） ３ 日を浴びる時間の減少 ４ 過度な除菌、消毒（今回のコロ ナ対策の様に一日に何度もアル コール消毒をするなど） 層体温は３７℃位になります。 曲げてお尻を後に引き、反り腰にな 単に「冷やさない」だけではなく、 らないよう気を付けながら、下がれ この４つによって、身体に起き 積極的に体の中（腸）を温める方法 るところまで下がります。肩は楽に るマイナス要素は・・・ は以下の通り。 して、おへそが凹むのを感じてみま A 自律神経の乱れ ・ 温かい物を摂る（冷たい物はな しょう。そして膝をつま先と同じ方 B 腸内環境の悪化 るべく摂らない） 向（内側に入らないよう）に向け、 C 免疫力の低下 ・ 筋肉を動かす…特に全身の70％ 踵の真中で床を押して立ち上がりま D 筋力の低下 の筋肉がある下半身や褐色脂肪 す。ポイントは膝の向きと重心。慣 等、沢山考えられます。どれも、悪 細胞がある肩甲周りの運動、美 れるまでは難しいかもしれません 化してしまうと改善するには時間を しい姿勢を保つことなどが効果 が、上手になると、お尻と内腿が引 要しますが、対策は難しくありませ 的です。 き締まりますよ！ ん。私が考える最も効果的な対策 ・ 質の良い睡眠をとる は、 また、普段のしゃがむ動作の時にも 『腸内常在菌を元気にする！』こと 菌に栄養を与えて温めてあげると、 応用してもらえれば、骨盤のゆがみ です。 菌が増えて、免疫力のUP、幸せホ にも効果的です！ 善玉菌を摂ると良いというのは聞い ルモン（セロトニン）や快眠ホル たことがあると思いますが、善玉菌 モン（メラトニン）の増加、自律神 文字だけでの説明では解りづらいと は食べるだけではなかなか増やせ 経バランスの改善、血流の改善、ア 思うので、ご興味のある方は是非ス ないのです。まずは“菌が繁殖しや レルギーの緩和、ストレス耐性がつ トレッチのクラスにも、ご参加くだ すい環境”を整えてあげることが大 く、デトックス、美肌ダイエット効 さい。 切です。方法は大きく2種類ありま 果、などなど嬉しいことが沢山！ す。 更にビタミンDを多く含む食品（イ About the Author ワシ、サンマ、鮭、干しシイタケ、 １ 善玉菌の栄養を摂る きくらげなど）を摂取する、今ある 行宗 あお子 プレバイオティクスと呼ばれる菌の ものや元気でいられることに感謝す 餌になるものを積極的に摂りましょ る、なども健康に効果的です。 ホットスタジオでイ う。 ンストラクター、 〇オリゴ糖、食物繊維、発酵食品 最後に、多くの筋肉を動かせるお得 エステテイシャン、加圧トレーナ ✕抗生物質、防腐剤を多く含む食 なエクササイズを紹介します。それ ー、ファスティングセミナー講師 品、砂糖、アルコール、過度な除菌 は何といってもスクワットです！あ を経験して、現在はひめままバン 消毒 まりに有名なエクササイズですが、 コク等でストレッチのワークショ 股関節は体で一番大きな関節なの ップ、ダイエットセミナーなどの ２ 体温を上げる で、ここを上手に動かすことが出来 活動をしている３歳男児の母で 手作りヨーグルトを作るとき、発酵 ると、一度に沢山の筋肉を使えます す。元々健康オタクでしたが、息 に適した温度は４０～４５℃ですよ よ。 子を授かり、家族の健康と幸せの ね。腸内（体内）温度も、３８～ 脚を腰幅に開き、踵の真ん中で床を ために、更に勉強中です。 ４0℃が理想的です。となると、表 押します。膝ではなく股関節を折り 22 • June 2020 Staying Home: Warm Your Body and Restore Your Gut Health! By Aoko Yukimune / Translated by Fumi Yasui The decrease in physical activity from staying at home is weakening our bodies. One mom shares how you can counter these ill effects by boosting your gut health and doing a simple but powerful exercise.
The recent measures against COVID-19 that works on many muscles: squatting! were on a large scale and lasted longer The hip joint is the largest joint in the than anything of the sort that we’d ever body, so if you can move it well, you experienced before. The tough restric- can use many muscles at once. Ttions have physically affected both adults 1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and children in the following ways: and press down into the floor from 1. Lack of exercise. the middle of your heels. 2. Stress from disturbed routines, restric- 2. Think of bending your hips (rather tion of freedom, reduction of your own than your knees) and squat down time, and uncertain situations, etc. as far as you can. Take care not to 3. Less time spent in the sun. arch your back. Feel like someone 4. Excessive sterilization and disinfec- ideal temperature for fermentation (i.e., is pulling you backwards from your tion (we’re using alcohol to disinfect when the bacteria are active) is 40- hips. Keep your shoulders relaxed many times a day as part of the co- 45oC. Along the same lines, the ideal in- and feel your navel tuck in. rona countermeasures). testinal (body) temperature is 38-40oC, 3. Then, keeping your knees pointed in which means the body surface tempera- the same direction as your toes (i.e., These have negative effects on the body ture will be around 37oC. don’t buckle your knees inward), push such as: the floor from the middle of your heels • Disturbance of autonomic nerves Ways you can actively warm your body to come back to standing position. • Deterioration of the intestinal environ- (i.e., your intestine) — and not just pre- ment vent cooling — include: The points to watch out for are the direc- • Decreased immunity • Eat warm food (try to avoid eating tion of the knees and the center of grav- • Muscle weakness cold food as much as possible) ity. It may be difficult until you get used to • Move your muscles. It’s especially it, but if you can do it well, your buttocks There may be many other possible nega- effective to exercise the lower body, and inner thighs will tighten! tive effects on the body besides these. If where 70% of the body’s muscles these effects get worse, it can take time are. Also important are the shoulder The general movement is also effective to correct them — but it’s possible. blades, which have many brown fat for correcting pelvic distortion if you ap- cells around them. This also helps to ply it when you’re bending down to pick And, in my opinion, the most effective mea- up a child or a toy from the floor! sure is to energize the intestinal bacteria! maintain a beautiful posture. • Get a good night’s sleep. To try it out and have a go at doing it You may have heard that you should When the bacteria are nourished and correctly I recommend joining a stretch- consume good bacteria, but you can’t ing class. increase good bacteria just by eating warmed, there are many happy results. them. First, you have to prepare an en- Your gut bacteria increase; you boost Photo by Oleg Magni from Pexels. vironment where bacteria can easily re- your immunity. Your levels of the hap- produce. piness hormone (serotonin) rise as does the sleep comfort hormone (melatonin), About the Author There are two main methods to do that. and your autonomic nerve balance and blood flow improve. You may get relief Aoko Yukimune 1. “Feed” the good bacteria from allergies, gain resistance to stress, Aoko is the mother of You can actively take prebiotics, which detoxify — and these all contribute to a 3-year-old boy. She feed the good bacteria. beautiful skin and diet! has worked as an instructor, esthetician, Good: Oligosaccharides, dietary fiber, pressure trainer, and fasting seminar lec- fermented foods In addition, eating foods with high vi- turer, and is currently engaged in stretch- Avoid: Antibiotics, preservative-rich tamin D (sardines, saury, salmon, dried ing workshops and diet seminars. A life- foods, sugar, alcohol, excessive disin- shiitake mushrooms, jellyfish, etc.) and time health enthusiast, since having her fection appreciating what you have will also son, she is studying further for the health boost your health. 2. Increase body temperature and happiness of her family. When you make yogurt at home, the Lastly, I will introduce a great exercise www.bambiweb.org • 23 FEATURE
Volunteerism: Getting Active to Settle in
By Ema Naito-Bhakdi
Transitioning to becoming a stay-at-home spouse in a foreign country can be isolating. Former BAMBI News Editor, Ema Naito reflects on how volunteering for BAMBI helped her step out of her comfort zone and gave her the skills to reinvent her career.
You’re living in a foreign country be- of babbling on about baby poo and number three to muster up the courage cause of your spouse’s job. You don’t sleep. I bored myself. to volunteer for BAMBI as assistant edi- speak enough of the local language, tor for their monthly magazine. A year and your visa doesn’t allow you to work. Breaking out of my comfort zone later, I found myself editor in chief, re- YAnd you’ve taken on a new role as a sponsible for producing the 60-page stay-at-home caregiver. LESSON: You might have to go out of magazine for our (then) over-500 mem- your comfort zone, but taking the plunge ber families. The transition from “working” to “stay-at- may lead you to unexpected places. home” (often used as a synonym for “un- Once again, fear stopped me. I didn’t employed”!) can be tough, even if you Seasoned expats know that volunteering think I had the professional background weren’t in a foreign country. But that for- is one great way to make new friends, to be the big EDITOR IN CHIEF. It took a eignness can add another layer of isola- do something meaningful, and find one’s bit of encouragement from my husband tion—linguistically, culturally, physically, sense of belonging. (who probably later regretted it) before I and professionally. could go once again out of my comfort But sometimes, it’s not easy to take that zone and give it a go. My days as a stay-at-home mom revolved first step. Inertia, shyness, the sheer ex- around nursing and feeding, potty train- haustion of parenting young children, The payback was more than I could have ing, sleep training, transporting the kids fear...there are so many reasons that ever imagined. I got to try out new skills to/from kindergarten, and planning/ can keep you back. and develop old ones, gain experience supervising/joining play (I’m eternally to add to my CV, and earn acknowledg- thankful for our household help!)—all My biggest mental block was fear—of ment and respect from my peers. worthy activities to grow a functional hu- having to meet so many strangers, of ad- man being...but I was bored. justing to yet another world, of not being And seeing many of my fellow volun- good enough to do the job. teers pursue their interests and passions Deprived of adult interaction and through and after their BAMBI experi- thought, I felt stagnant and capable only It took me until the post-birth high of baby ence in new, reinvented careers gave 24 • June 2020 me the courage to strike out into a new parties, and invitations to semi-annual career too. In my case, in appreciation events.) exchange for many Digging in, finding my new community A note: volunteering is great but like any- hours of labor, I thing, “fit” is important. If you’ve given it LESSON: Volunteering can give you a a fair shot but you’re not enjoying your sense of belonging—the more so, the got practical work work or it’s not what you had in mind, deeper you engage. then I think it’s perfectly ok to step away experience to beef up (but try not to burn your bridges in the The editor is required to attend monthly my resume, created process). BAMBI managing committee meetings, and the introvert in me recoiled at the a portfolio of work, Now that I’ve left Bangkok, I’m finally prospect of meeting so many new peo- ready to move on from BAMBI. But I’m ple. secured references for forever grateful to the organization and the wonderful volunteers I’ve got to work But then I discovered we were all in future jobs, and built alongside there. the same boat: we were professional my network. And women (men were also welcome, but it The original version of this article was was usually women) who couldn’t work made friends! posted on the blog of Families in Global in Thailand and who were keeping our Transition, www.figt.org. professional selves alive by running BAMBI. Volunteering gave us an outlet Giving and receiving: A two-way street Photos by Azusa Uchida. for our itch to make use of our skills and Volunteering isn’t all about altruism or experiences, for the good of our com- pure self-fulfillment. We shouldn’t shy munity. away from acknowledging what we About the Author “get” out of volunteering as well. I came to look forward to the commit- Ema Naito-Bhakdi tee meetings. To be in a room full of In my case, in exchange for many hours Ema is an independent women passionate about their work of labor, I got practical work experience English editor (www. was inspiring and energizing—an ex- to beef up my resume, created a portfo- theclarityeditor.com) who has been on perience missing from my previous role lio of work, secured references for future the BAMBI News team since 2014. as an assistant editor working remotely jobs, and built my network. And made She now lives in Singapore, raising from home. It was the full-on engage- friends! three cross-cultural kids, singing ment that gave me my new community classically, and blogging at www. and reconnected me with my profes- (I also appreciated that BAMBI gave crossculturalfamily.com (日本語ブログ: sional identity. practical privileges to volunteers, such as emanate28jpn.blogspot.com). free entry to all playgroups and BAMBI www.bambiweb.org • 25 26 • June 2020 www.bambiweb.org • 27 BAMBI NEEDS YOU! BAMBI is run by a group of lovely volunteers. Want to have fun, work together with other great parents, brush up on your pro- fessional skills, and do something for the BAMBI community? This is your chance. As many of our current Committee members are moving on from Bangkok BAMBI has a number of critical roles to fill to ensure ongoing service to members. BAMBI is great fun and a lovely welcoming community of like-minded parents trying to support and improve the parenting experience for all families in Bangkok. If you have some time and passion to spare, come and join us.
To apply or if you have any questions about these volunteer opportunities, please email [email protected] detailing which position(s) you are interested in. We have a number of exciting opportunities currently available:
CHAIRWOMAN TREASURER Be our CEO and coordinate the work of the Committee. Takes care of all financial aspects of BAMBI. This in- Our Chairwoman acts as BAMBI’s official representative in cludes: supporting BAMBI volunteers on financial aspects, the wider community and liaises with other voluntary groups processing payments and receipts, reporting to the com- in Bangkok. Chairs the monthly Committee meetings and mittee and helping to prepare the annual reports, and writes a monthly column for the magazine. Endeavors to ensuring compliance with accounting/bookkeeping. As be present at BAMBI meetings and activities. Prepares an- a voting member of the BAMBI Committee the candidate nual report for the AGM and the CBFT. Together with the will be required to attend monthly committee meetings. Treasurer, sets the budget for each member position, e.g. BAMBI events, BAMBI charities. Responsible for recruiting new volunteers and is the first contact for new people inter- ested in volunteering. WEBSITE COORDINATOR Responsible for content, layout and updating the BAMBI ACTIVITIES LEADERS website. Coordinates all website technical functioning Works together with Activities Coordinator to organize activi- with the assigned agency. Provides email support to BAM- ties for older kids (3-6 years). Attends and manages the activ- BI volunteers and coordinates with committee members re- ity: collects entrance donations, and welcomes new and cur- garding website structure, content, policy, financing, etc. rent members. Helps the Coordinator develop new activities Works diligently with the Website Assistants to ensure that and coordinate with activity leaders and venues. Requires a all classifieds, events, vacancies, etc. are up-to-date and minimum commitment of one afternoon per month. site-appropriate. Attends monthly committee meetings as a voting committee member. No IT experience needed.
PROMOTIONAL DESIGNER Designs promotional materials for BAMBI (event flyers, playgroup flyers, BAMBI gifts etc,). Comes up with fun ideas for designs and helps to make our promotional materials more attractive. Some experience with Photo- shop (or a similar program) is necessary for this position. A great opportunity to let your creativity flow and your imagination fly!
28 • June 2020 ASSISTANT EDITOR, BAMBI NEWS NEW MEMBERS COORDINATOR This is a remote position, with occasional face-to-face team Arranges monthly New Members’ Coffee Mornings (one meetings. Works closely with the editor to revise articles to weekday morning per month) and Pop-up playgroups (usu- ensure that the magazine is free of inconsistencies and er- ally one weekend morning per month). Communicates rors. Follows the editorial guidelines to complete tasks, in- with venues via email and site visits (usually once per cluding copyediting, proofreading, and uploading articles venue), prepares communications for Facebook, website on the website. If needed, may write articles. Must possess and BAMBI magazine. Welcomes families and introduces a great level of English, an eye for detail, and the ability to BAMBI membership at the Coffee Mornings. For Pop-up work to deadlines. playgroups, you will be required for 2-3 hours one Satur- day morning per month. You don’t need to be a native English speaker and you will be supported by the team assistants. As a voting member of the BAMBI Committee, the coordinator will be required to attend monthly commit- tee meetings.
PLAYGROUP LEADER/CO-LEADER Attends and manages the playgroup: collects entrance donations, welcomes new and current members to the playgroup, and takes photos of the playgroup for BAMBI News magazine. BAMBI playgroups are predominantly ‘free-play’; however, Playgroup Leaders and Co-leaders can voluntarily introduce circle time or short activities to their playgroup at their discretion. We have positions TREASURER ASSISTANT for Playgroup Leaders/Co-leaders at various locations throughout Bangkok, Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Silom. Helps the Treasurer take care of all financial aspects of BAM- BI, including but not limited to: supporting BAMBI volunteers on financial aspects, processing payments and receipts, pre- paring reports to the committee and annual report, ensuring compliance with accounting/bookkeeping. Financial back- ground is not mandatory, but preferred.
EDITOR, BAMBI NEWS This is a remote position, with attendance required at the monthly committee meeting and occasional team meetings. The Editor plans content for the monthly magazine and gath- ers articles from an extensive database of writers. Works with the Deputy Editor to assign articles to assistants for edit- ing, proofreading, and uploading on the website. Decides on the layout of the magazine and coordinates production with the help of the team and a graphic designer. Must pos- sess an eye for detail, a high level of English, and the ability to work to deadlines. Training provided.
www.bambiweb.org • 29 FEATURE Eating Your Way to Better Mental Wellness
By Laura Martin
We know what to eat to stay fit, but what about eating to stay sane? Laura Martin explains the gut and brain connection and guides us towards eating better so we can feel happier during times of stress.
What if I told you that you can eat your way towards happiness? WDue to the uncertainty of current events, kids being home from school, parents now becoming homeschool teachers, working from home, routines being thrown off-balance, and the lack of physical community - feelings of anxi- ety and unease might be creeping in at an all-time high. Add a child that needs your full attention and things just get much more difficult.
Wanting to make better choices for yourself and your family during this time is critical but with the raised levels of stress and anxiety, do you feel like you’re making quick choices rather than smart choices?
I’ll help break down how you can use your kitchen to stay sane for 15 minutes or less a day and get your kids involved in the process as well!
Gut-Brain Connection
You’ve probably heard that maintaining the health of your gut is quite important. But how important is it?
Your gut is home to over 100 trillion different bacteria (called your microbi- ome) that control just about everything about you. These bacteria control your digestion, weight balance, cravings, skin, hormones, genetics, and even It’s our biology. Our brains are wired Luckily, it’s not all bad news. In fact, your moods. There’s a reason that they to turn to food to feel better. This can there are foods that can help make call your gut your “second brain”. either be used to our benefit or can ex- you feel energized and happy. These acerbate the negative feelings. foods flood your body with essential Beyond bacteria, your gut is also home nutrients, allowing the brain to produce to 90 percent of your serotonin levels For instance, people with depression neurotransmitters that give you a natural -- your happy hormone -- and 50 per- often crave comfort-food such as sug- high. This is why I focus on using nutri- cent of your dopamine hormones. This ar, processed carbohydrates, and un- tion to fight depression and anxiety. helps to explain why during these times healthy fats. These foods can contribute of high stress that you may be craving to increasing the symptoms that come Food for energy and when you feel a bit more chocolate and pizza than along with depression due to the con- run down usual as it helps to give you a boost in stant communication between the gut The healthiest mood-boosting foods happiness. and the brain via the vagus nerve. might not always be the first thing on
30 • June 2020 your mind when you find yourself stress- Luckily, there are foods that can calm of your cells, your colon thrives on wa- eating your way through the kitchen. those anxious feelings and amplify ter. Make sure you do this before your When stressed it’s more common to those feel good hormones. Due to the morning coffee! be found finishing off bowls of greasy direct link between the gut and the chips or sneaking in some of your brain, we can influence how we feel 2. Eat a variety of fiber child's chicken nuggets. These pro- with our daily food choices. With all this attention on carbs, fats, cessed foods may taste amazing in the and sugars we have completely forgot- moment but often leave you feeling less- Get Started with These Tips ten about fiber. Our gut thrives on fiber. than-amazing afterwards. Not only do our foods affect our moods, This is how you can ensure that your but our moods affect our digestion. gut bacteria are well fed and thus your Eating a diet that doesn’t align with When anxiety and depression are at a brain is running at top speeds. In any your nutritional needs can cause dam- high so is inflammation in the body. This gut healing protocol, you want to aim aging effects to your mood, which can added inflammation takes the energy for 4 colors of vegetables on your plate lead to a weakened immune system, that is supposed to be used to digest at a time to boost your fiber intake. stubborn weight gain, and stress-related food away from the gut and directs it headaches. towards the brain. 3. Chew your food Consuming food is a comforting ex- This is due to your body responding to Have you noticed that lately you’re a perience and it is often used as a cop- different foods in different ways. Have bit more bloated than usual? That’s ok! ing mechanism in stressful times. How you ever noticed that after a night of You just need to find a diet that fits into many times do you eat quickly when pizza and fries it’s harder to wake up in your life, meaning one that is built for you’re stressed about work or after a the morning? Or those days when your the busy parent and with children run- fight? Or how often do you eat lunch diet is filled with wholesome fruits, veg- ning around. standing up while chasing your kids gies, proteins, and fats you can keep around? Doing this doesn’t allow for up with your kids? Some foods can My top tips for getting started are: the necessary digestive enzymes to give you bursting energy and mental be used to help the body break down clarity, while others, like those full of 1. Drink enough water your meal. processed carbohydrates — like white We are all giant cucumbers dealing breads and pasta and deep-fried treats with emotions. Our bodies are made 4. Eat a whole, real foods diet — can leave one feeling bloated and up of 60% water, so to ensure that your First, you’ll want to identify which foods run down. gut is healing and your body is thriv- are causing inflammation in your body. ing you need to stay hydrated. On top Then you’ll want to opt for a nutrition
www.bambiweb.org • 31 Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream 4 frozen bananas cut into chunks 1 avocado 1/2 teaspoon mint extract 1 tbsp cacao 2 - 3 tablespoons cacao nibs or choco- late chips
Add all the ingredients to a food pro- cessor and process on high until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
For a harder texture, transfer the ice cream to a glass container and freeze overnight. If you enjoy "soft serve", serve ice cream immediately.
If freezing overnight, when you're ready to serve simply remove banana ice cream from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Scoop into bowls and top with desired toppings!
For more recipes and to learn more about how you can gain back control over your emotions and build a healthy routine into your busy schedule, head over to www.healingtohappy.com.
Photos courtesy of the author.
plan that is rich in whole, real foods that in until it doesn’t feel like work any- About the Author to make sure that your brain is flooded more and then add in more. with rich nutrients. These foods help to Laura Martin alleviate anxious feelings and boost Get Going with This Recipe happy hormones: fatty fish, dark leafy Even as you get better, it is still hard Laura is a Bangkok greens, legumes, nuts and seeds, olive to change your diet. There seem to be based Certified Holis- oil, avocado, antioxidant rich foods, few enough pleasures in life when you tic Nutrition Consultant and founder herbal teas, quality sourced protein, tur- are feeling low. Our emotional brains of Healing to Happy – an online ho- meric, and bone broth. can associate eating sweet food with listic, nutrition-focused program that reward, reminding us of being comfort- helps women suffering from anxiety 5. Find a routine that works for you. ed as a child. This is why I’m a fan of and depression. After battling through Your routine is not going to be the helping students in my programs to find depression, disordered eating, and same as my routine. Where I see many tasty things cooked simply. hormonal imbalances that left her people going wrong is when they try with crippling digestive issues, Laura to compare with or copy the top social Here’s one of my favorite recipes that has simplified the process of build- media influencer. Why set yourself up you can do with the kids, perfect as the ing healthy habits and guides others for failure before you even begin? Be hot summer continues in Bangkok, plus through their own healing journey realistic. Set one small goal and work it’s dairy-free! with online courses: Signature Gut Re- charge Program and the G(u)t Happy Bundle. If you want more information, you can contact her at Laura@heal- ingtohappy.com.
32 • June 2020 www.bambiweb.org • 33 June Birthdays Happy Birthday from BAMBI!
1st Birthday 2nd Birthday 3rd Birthday 4th Birthday Ema Shimokawa Irisa Vimolratana Naohiro Yaguchi Thomas Thornhill Miho Tanaka Ailada Supjaroenkoon Abeer Ajmani Singh Sirikorn Jullaket Lily Le grand Ryosuke Uchi Eva Kindred Mana Sattathip Bodhi Molloy Rise Notoya Ezrael Yen Rizal Ludwig Rowan Burkett Dariya Singh Nilyn Limpasane Veewin Sarapanich
5th Birthday 6th Birthday 7th Birthday 9th Birthday Hanyu Ye Varante Kanthajate Eva Rose H Chimin Tsumugi Kodama Dilan Wongpanich
10th Birthday Ryan Kenneth Jetarin Stevens
BAMBI’S LANGUAGE COORDINATORS
BAMBI has members from many different countries, and we’re happy to offer help in some of the languages with the most members.
Chayuda, Thai Coordinator สวัสดีค่ะเพื่อนสมาชิกแบมบี้ ดานะคะ เป็นสมาชิกและอาสาสมัครของแบมบี้มา 2 ปีแล้วค่ะ ยินดีตอบ ค�ำถามและให้ค�ำปรึกษาเป็นภาษาไทยกับสมาชิกและผู้ที่สนใจเข้าร่วมกิจกรรมของแบมบี้ทุกท่านนะคะ ติดต่อมาได้เลยค่ะ Email: [email protected]
Sara, Chinese Coordinator 各位華人媽媽好! 我叫 Sara, 是一位香港泰國混血兒媽媽, 我先生是台灣人, 有一個兒子 Jasper, 我在曼谷已經住了27年了。
我將為各位華人BAMBI會員提供中文協助以及回答中文問題。
Email: [email protected]
Yoshiko, Japanese Coordinator Japanese Coordinatorのスウィニー淑子です。BAMBI日本人メンバーの方、何かご不明なこ とや知りたいことがありましたら、お気軽にいつでもお問い合わせください。一緒にBAMBI を楽しみましょう！
※日本語コーディネーターとしてお手伝いいただける方を募集しています☆詳しくは本誌の 「BAMBI Needs You」をご覧下さい。
Email: [email protected]
34 • June 2020 02 258 8085 www.letsasia.com
for children 4 -12 yrs from Jul.6 - Aug.21 (7 weeks)
www.bambiweb.org • 35 featBumpsure & Babies
Bumps & Babies is a support group for women of all nationalities who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The BAMBI website calendar and Facebook pages hold current information regarding what’s on. Meetings are coordinated by a medical professional who is also there to offer support. If you are a new parent to Bangkok and are looking for support regarding information on doulas, breastfeeding, child birthing classes, babywearing or postpartum depression, please feel free to ask our coordinator or visit www.bambiweb.org and look under ‘Services’ to find our ‘Bumps & Babies’ page.
Becoming a Family: Preparing Your Partner for Birth
By Iasnaia Maximo
Here is a look at how your birth partner can prepare to provide the emotional and physical support you will need to bring your new baby into the world.
During pregnancy, nature pretty much prepares a mother for childbirth. Every woman has all she needs to bring her baby earthside, and while there is no denying that birth is very much between the mother and baby, her partner may feel Dlike a mere spectator or somehow excluded from the whole event. But it doesn’t need to be that way.
The presence of fathers at the birth of their child is a relatively new development in our modern history that was propelled by pregnant women’s requests to be supported by those they loved and needed the most. French Obstetrician Michel Odent claims that having the father in the room may impact birth outcomes.
When I was in labor with our first child, my partner and I were alone in our houseboat for most of it, except for the last two hours when the midwife finally joined us. He patiently brought me drinks and food, and tenderly attended to me. He only came to give me a massage or a hug when request- ed, and for the most of it — 20 hours give or take — I got on with it by myself. He made himself scarce and didn’t intrude in my space but was just there in the corner of my eye. Mind you, he had thought that it would last for three days! How to prepare
As the birth drew closer, our midwife arrived and subsequent- Because of my work, I have been privileged to witness beau- ly announced the 8cm dilation. My partner realized it was tiful, intimate, and affectionate moments between partners the point of no return. That’s when I needed him to be physi- during labor and birth. In my role of caring and holding cally close to me, and we received our baby together. space for the couple to bloom with minimal disturbance, I offer a list of things for the partner to follow. While most A well-prepared partner is not only the primary source of are commonplace tips that are easy to find and follow, my emotional and physical support, but he/she is also a fun- recommendation is to focus on the inner work that needs to damental part of what constitutes a positive birth experi- be done beforehand and try to create a calm atmosphere at ence for the mother and baby. The other parent's behavior all times. It should be a joyous experience for both of you. and attitude during labor leading to birth entail being truly present emotionally, being able to listen, preempt, and Inform yourselves, discuss all your wishes with your care pro- respond to the mother’s needs, as well as showering her vider and research the options. When I teach my Partner’s with unconditional love. They are also the principal Oxy- Preparation classes, we talk about “What, When, How and tocin inducer by using their hands, voice, and intuition to Why” things, events, procedures, and protocols happen or support the mother. are performed. We explore the pros and cons that will be
36 • June 2020 BAMBI is a project of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Foundation of Thailand and welcomes speakers from all areas, presenting a wide range of information. All attempts are made to present topics of interest to BAMBI members, but those who present do so independently of BAMBI and as an organization, we remain impartial to any points of view expressed. Coordinators: Yaz ([email protected]) and Emma ([email protected]) Suggested family donation: 100 BAMBI-members with membership card & 300 for non-members. Membership can be processed and renewed during the session. BAMBI Library: Bumps & Babies has a significant collection of books about pregnancy, childbirth, baby care and parenting. Books can be borrowed by anyone in return for a 500 fully refundable deposit. Queries to be directed to: [email protected]
helpful if you need to make decisions or negotiate time limits. Discuss your birth plan and different scenarios, be on the same page and use it as a guideline, be flexible, and enjoy the ride.
Most of the time, the father (or other chosen birth partner) is the only source of support for hours and hours. Nurses only come for checks, and doctors will be present only when birth is truly imminent. Because no one knows you better than your partner, being the mother’s advocate and voice is essential. Being mindful of your words and avoiding negative connota- tions is also vital for the entire pregnancy.
Considering that it is likely the first time you will both experi- ence a birth, get yourselves acquainted and start watching some of the thousands of positive deliveries available on the internet. We learn by observing, by modeling behavior and by watching. Demystifying, and to some extent, desensitizing to the birthing process, to its noises, fluids, and unique rhythm of labor, is helpful. This way, your partner can learn about the birthing process, gain an understanding, and feel confi- giving birth, especially the first baby, brings changes and dent in supporting you in bringing your baby into the world. transforms the dynamic of every relationship that you have in your life. This may well be with your parents, in-laws, friends, Understanding and accepting birth and your partner. Some marriages don’t survive the first year after a baby. Try to resolve issues before the birth and work Whether you are looking at letting the physiological process out ways that involve mutual respect and partnership. unfold, as in natural birth, or choosing the medicated or sur- gical route, it is useful for the birth partner to understand the Work together as a team and communicate openly, accept- “mechanics” of birth. Know the process, the stages, that it ing the adjustment, and embrace the changes. Adapting and can take a long time, and that there is no predictability. Birth making time to be an individual, and a couple at times is es- is messy, and there are plenty of bodily fluids, whichever sential. Adjust your attitudes and behaviors in ways that will way it goes. create a deeper sense of connection, and as a result, your relationship will develop into something far more special, a However, it is not about how much you know or how to count family. contractions but observing and participating. Use this infor- mation to calm your mind and heart by allowing the process Images by John Looy on Unsplash. to unfold as seamlessly as possible. No training is needed to be a loving and attentive birth partner. Once fears and con- cerns are put aside, all attention should be on the mother, on About the Author her basic needs, making her feel safe, loved, and accepted. Iasnaia Maximo Be a calm, confident, loving presence. Sometimes that in- cludes taking a nap when labor is still slow, as any adrena- Iasnaia, a Brazilian with a pinch of Irish, line in the room is detrimental, and keeping everything as who started out as a Lawyer, now dedicates relaxed as possible is fundamental. her time and passion to empower and support women in all aspects of motherhood as a Doula and HypnoBirthing prac- Nurture your relationships titioner. She has lived in Thailand since 2016 with her Ger- man husband and their two boys, who were home-birthed Relationships can and often do change after a baby, but your in Amsterdam. Together they enjoy eating their way through birth experience will remain with you and will shape both Bangkok and traveling. She is part of BAMBI Bumps & Ba- of your lives and your baby’s life, forever. The reality is that bies team. www.maedoula.com
www.bambiweb.org • 37 FEATURE The Importance of Community Spirit During COVID-19 and Beyond By Vana Kasemsri
Staying home didn’t stop Khun Oramat from being proactive with seeking out a way to help the community. With the help of her community, they made more than 10,000 face shields for hospitals at a time when they were needed the most.
For some families, staying at home dur- ing the COVID-19 pandemic meant more time could be spent with each other and Fwhere possible, to partake in activities to benefit their communities and good causes. One fine example was from Khun Oramat Tianpreecha, who took time dur- ing the lockdown in Bangkok to make face shields for Thai medical teams, who were giving their all to help the commu- nity during this unprecedented crisis.
Khun Oramat is a single mother who started a property business after she retired from full-time office work. Now 90% of her villas are occupied by expat families close to international schools in Bangna. When news of the pandemic broke, and international schools started to close down, followed by company employees having to work from home, Khun Oramat needed to act fast to com- help. They set up a small production line As the “housebound” period extended ply with government regulations. She inside the house, but the production line into April, many of her expat neighbors prepared for dozens of families to be was not moving fast enough. After sev- living within the villa compound saw her essentially stuck within compounds for eral days, Khun Oramat decided to set “face shield” making activity progress- several months. Her security staff was up the production line outside her home, ing. Every morning, with an eye for fun kept busy with “temperature checks” and with a couple of tables and chairs lined but meaningful outdoor activity to be in- checkpoints, but her sales office team up under shady trees and enlisted her volved in, they volunteered and joined would not have much to do! Despite sales staff to help. Days passed under in. The original production line expand- many businesses having to lay off peo- the shade of the old communal trees ed from the original two tables to seat all ple or send their workers back to their and her efforts paid-off handsomely as volunteer helpers who came each day. home provinces, Khun Oramat was de- she was able to box up over 1000 face After their daily morning walks, families termined to keep all her staff employed shields, all sent to the neediest medical would stop by and contribute to the and hopefully, busy. Hence the idea of teams in different Bangkok Hospitals. work before heading back home. After the face shield project was born. weeks of progress, Khun Oramat and her neighborhood families were able to After a friend introduced a Thai Red deliver 2000 more face shields to Thai Cross project for the elderly, Khun Ora- hospitals before running out of the initial mat was determined to make her own materials brought back from her first Red contribution. The Red Cross had a short Cross visit. video teaching the elderly how to make face shields as there were big demands Khun Oramat posted her activities on from every hospital in the country. She Facebook, hoping to gain more support visited the Thai Red Cross to donate for to continue the work. Her prayers were them to purchase materials to make the answered as friends and neighbors face shields but instead returned home praised her and sent over more materi- with face shield making materials her- als. self! Her daughter and granddaughters saw the materials and were eager to Continues on page 40 38 • June 2020 A new concept of bilingual nursery (Thai/Eng) for your child development. Let‛s trial to prove ! “Your child learns faster than you think”
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www.bambiweb.org • 39 Many companies, whose employees As we live in a world with so many un- About the Author were working at home also donated predictable events, we must stay true to more materials. Khun Oramat and her our values, and if there are opportuni- Vana Kasemsri family were able to continue with the ties to do good for the country and the face shield project until the end of April communities, we should take them! I Vana Kasemsri, a Thai until, again, materials ran out. am certain that Khun Oramat will come national born in the into our minds when we are looking for US, has lived overseas for a significant By the beginning of May, hospitals had inspiration or new ideas to do good. I part of her life. She has been a BAMBI increasing government support and other truly feel that she uniquely represented volunteer and now works for B Grimm donors, and Khun Oramat realized they a generation of grandmothers who be- Company, overseeing their charity no longer needed more donations of face lieved in always setting good examples and conservation projects. Vana en- shields. She can be extremely proud that for their grandchildren. Isn’t this what we joys spending her free time exploring by the end of April, she had sent over are all looking for – good examples for Bangkok and its surrounding provinces 10,000 “home-made” face shields to our kids? with her family. She hopes to share hospitals around Thailand responding to her views and travel experiences with the hospitals who had contacted her per- For those interested in Face Shield mak- newcomers to Thailand and BAMBI sonally through her Facebook posts. She ing techniques, please send a message members. You can email her at info@ was happy to say that many of the face to Khun Oramat via her Facebook page tpmcf.org. shields worn by medical staff at Bang- at facebook.com/Fantasiavillath kok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital, Srithanya Hospital and other provincial hospitals such as Songkhla Nakharin Hospital and HRH Queen Sirikit Hospital in Sat- tahip to name a few, were made by her Fantasia Villas expat occupants and her Go to any BAMBI Playgroup or event, including New Members Coffee 【BAMBI主催の各プレイグループやイベント会場で】 Morning, and pay the fee. 会費のお支払いは、BAMBI主催の各プレイグループやイベント会場で行えま family. They felt so fortunate to have had You will get a membership card and receipt on the spot. す。BAMBI会員証とレシートはその場でお渡しします。 BAMBIにて登録情報を確認後、会員登録が完了したことをお知らせするメール BAMBI will activate your online account within a few days and you will が 届きます。これには数日を要します。 the chance to contribute. receive an automated activation email. メールを受信した後、www.bambiweb.orgにログインし、登録情報が正しい When you receive the activation email, please go to www.bambiweb.org か確認してください。最新のメンバー特典やイベント情報満載の会報誌「BAM- and check your profi le details as soon as possible, so we can send you BI News」をご自宅にお届けするには、正しい現住所の登録が必要です。 As the pandemic situation has improved your monthly BAMBI magazine. BAMBIはいかなる第三者にもメンバーの個人情報を提供することはありません。 dramatically, Khun Oramat and her Note BAMBI does not share your information with any third parties. また、メール受信後、無料でクラシファイド掲示板に投稿することが可能となり You can also now start placing Classifi ed Advertisments for free on the ます。 family have decided not to obtain any BAMBI website. more donations for her face shield mak- ing project. She wants to now focus on other ways to help Thai communities and AT ANY BAMBI is actively looking for her next initiative. PLAYGROUP OR EVENT Khun Oramat also recognized that it can 【BAMBIウェブサイトと銀行振り込みで】 Make an ATM or online payment to the BAMBI/ BANK DETAILS CBFT account. 振込先詳細 be extremely rewarding for expat com- Bank: Thanachart Bank BAMBIウェブサイトで会員登録し、ATMまたはオンライン Once the transfer has been made, go to Branch: 489 Ekamai バンキングで会費をお振込みすることもできます。 munities living in Thailand to help those www.bambiweb.org, complete the membership SWIFT CODE: THBKTHBK 銀行振込をお済ませの後、BAMBIウェブサイト application form, and upload a scan or photo of your Account No.: 489-2-40200-6 （www.bambiweb.org）の会員登録フォームに必要事項 a を入力したうえで、振込伝票、またはATM振込でのお客様 transfer slip as proof of payment. Account Name: CHILDBIRTH AND in need. After the COVID-19 pandemic, (as shown on ATM/online banking 控 え の 画 像 をアップ ロ ードしてください 。 Because of the Thai banking system, we are unable screen. ATM タイの銀行システムでは、この控えがなければ振込主を確 this will be a good time to make a great- to see who made the transfer without this slip, and will またはオンラインバン キング のスクリーンに表 示されま 認 することができず、したがって会 員 登 録 を完了させること not be able to activate your membership. ができません。 er contribution. す。) BAMBI will activate your account within a few days 会員登録フォームの情報を受信してから数日で、登録完了 Annual membership fees after receiving your submitted form. 年間会費 をお知らせするメールが届きます。 * New members（ 新規） ฿1,100 また、メール受信後、無料でクラシファイド掲示板に投稿す When you receive the activation email, you can start * Renewing members（更新） ฿1,000 I am honored to have had the chance placing Classifi ed Advertisements for free on the ることが 可 能となります。 to meet and speak to Khun Oramat, BAMBI website. 会員証は2週間以内に、登録された住所へ郵送いたします。 Your BAMBI member card should be posted to you who has inspired me and others in many within 2 weeks. ways to work selflessly for a cause. She was so passionate about doing good for the country. She was a true representa- VIA WEBSITE tive of a vibrant family-oriented expat AND BANK TRANSFER community, helping to set up good ex- Your membership is valid for12 months from the date Your username and password amples for her family and community to of registration. do good for Thailand. The expiry date is written on the back of the card you have been issued. Unless you have reset it, the username is the email address you provided Please renew when the year is up. and the password is your membership number. b 会員登録の有効期限は入会日から12ヶ月となります。有効期限は会員証の裏面 初期設定のユーザーネームは会員登録時のメールアドレス、パスワードは4桁の に記載されていますので、ご確認下さい。また、自動更新はされませんので、更新 会員番号（例:4546)となります。 の際はお手続きが必要です。
Always check BAMBI’s website and Facebook page Have membership issues? for regular updates.
Make sure to check www.bambiweb.org and the BAMBI Facebook page If you have any membership issues please email [email protected]. (@BAMBIBangkok), and sign up for the e-newsletter for regular updates. その他BAMBI会員について何かお困りの際には、データベース担当者 BAMBIウェブサイト（www.bambiweb.org）やFacebookページ （[email protected]）へお問い合わせください。日本語でのお問い合わ （@BAMBIBangkok）でも随時情報更新を行っておりますので、どうぞご覧下 せは [email protected]へどうぞ。 さい。メールマガジンへのご登録もお忘れなく！ OTHER TIPS 40 • June 2020 Member Discounts Flash your BAMBI Card and enjoy special discounts, now in Pattaya area too!
The following organizations offer BAMBI members special discounts upon presentation of your BAMBI membership card or if you mention that you are a BAMBI member when calling.
BANGKOK AREA SING DANCE ACT & DESIGN with SWIMMING BANGKOK: Musical Theatre for KIDS at The Hop Private swimming lessons at your own or online! Suitable for children aged 6 swimming pool. DISCOUNT: 20% and BEAUTY to 12 years old. Improve your child’s free shipping for all accessories and confidence, spontaneity and creativity swimsuits. Use the promo code BAMBI20 JOHNY LIVE: A mobile hairdresser stylist through song, dance and art, in a warm to enjoy the discount. who can visit your home. and supportive environment. CONTACT: www.swimmingbangkok.com DISCOUNT: Cutting and colouring For workshops, please visit or email [email protected] services in the comfort of your own home www.musicaltheatreforkids.com or with an exclusive 25% discount for all message on Facebook at www.facebook. BAMBI members. com/musicaltheatreforkids. food CONTACT: Tel: 087-105-1614, DISCOUNT: 10% off all class packages [email protected], or online subscriptions. NEW: ANTIQUE CAFÉ AND CAKES: www.facebook.com/Johny_Live_Hair, CONTACT: Kristen Rossi, DISCOUNT: 35% off of any bakery item www.johnylive.com. [email protected] when you order any drink. CONTACT: Tel: 02-258-6005 NICHE SALON BANGKOK: Hair salon / NEW: PLAYVILLE: FACEBOOK: AntiqueCafeBkk Nail spa/Wax studio DISCOUNT: 1. 100 baht discount to join Kerastase salon, hair color, and Keratin. baby play date every Monday 10:00- NEW: BABY BIB CAFÉ AT BAMBiNi Nail spa with CND Shellac. Wax studio 11:00. This includes all day entrance fee ViLLA: with Caronlab Australia. Experimented to playville for a child under 1 year old DISCOUNT: 10% discount on menu incl. stylists - English speaking - Private room. and 1 adult. Booking required. 2. 20% food, drinks and cakes. DISCOUNT: 10% discount off all services discount on entrance fees weekdays, CONTACT: Tel: 02-056-4336 for BAMBI members. 10% weekends. 3. 15% discount on FACEBOOK: Babybibcafe CONTACT: Booking via phone membership fees 4. 15% discount on 026543993 or 0925156395 or on parties, play dates, events. NEW: BLUE PARROT: facebook.com/nichesalon.th CONTACT: Tel: 02-297-0091 DISCOUNT: 10% discount on the bill. Location : 3d floor - CRC tower - All FACEBOOK: playvillethailand CONTACT: Tel: 02-235-4822 Seasons Place - Wireless road - BTS FACEBOOK: blueparrotbangkok ploenchit FITNESS KLONG PHAI FARM: Free Range EDUCATIONAL Chickens, ducks, and eggs BANGKOK DOLPHINS: DISCOUNT: Free delivery for the first JUMPING CLAY: Specially-designed DISCOUNT: 10% off all swimsuits and order with over ฿1,000 of purchase educational programs under the concept in-store merchandise. CONTACT: [email protected], of "Learn through Play. CONTACT: Soi Klang Racquet Club, order at www.khlongphaifarm.com and DISCOUNT: 10% off for BAMBI members Sukhumvit 49/9. Tel: 02-712-9297. mention BAMBI. CONTACT: JumpingClay Seacon Square www.bangkokdolphins.com Tel: 02-016-3907 Srinakarin (3rd Floor). Tel: 095-759-6686 081-869-2051 02-721- KIDDY-KICKS: Children aged 1 to 6 STEPS WITH THEERA: A health- 8968 years are welcome to develop their focused coffee shop and cafe that also Email: [email protected] soccer skills in various venues around provides vocational training for adults Facebook: @JumpingClay Thailand Bangkok. Free for toddlers under the age with special educational needs. The of two; ฿380-420 for children aged 3 to 6 menu is diverse with options for those LITTLE PEA: A space for families in the years old. with and without dietary requirements community to connect through multi- DISCOUNT: 15% discount on and a kids food and drink menu. The cafe sensory play, fun activities and enriching membership fees. strives to create a community space that food. CONTACT: Tel: 082-645-6406, is accessible for everyone. DISCOUNT: 10% off at the Little Pea [email protected] or DISCOUNT: 10% off at the Ekkamai 10 Cafe (with minimum ฿300 purchase of www.kiddy-kicks.com and Sukhumvit 42 branches only. food and beverage). CONTACT: 02-381-6590, CONTACT: Unit P1, Play Yard (2nd LITTLE GYM: stepswiththeera.com Floor) The Common, Thonglor Soi 17, DISCOUNT: 10% off membership fees, if Wattana, Bangkok 10110. registered on the day of the free visit for NEW: SUNNY SIDE UP: Tel: 02-712-5245 all branches. CONTACT: DISCOUNT: 10% discount. The discount Email: [email protected] - Emporium Tower: Tel: 02-664-8994-5 can be applied to Entrance Fee, food, FB/IG: littlepeabkk - Central City Bangna: Tel: 02-3994415 beverage, Private Party and/or any other Web: www.littlepeabkk.com and 023994445 in-store purchase. - Central Chaengwattana: Tel: 02-101- CONTACT: Tel: 092-659-3880 0200 FACEBOOK: sunnysideupcoplayingspace - Central Rama 3: Tel: 02-673-5957 - The Walk Kaset Navamin: Tel: 099- 451-6292
www.bambiweb.org • 41 NEW: THE 51 TASTY MOMENTS: samitivej-virtual-hospital-sem/ PARENT SUPPORT DISCOUNT: 15% discount on lunch At the end of your payment process, menu (not applicable on set lunch. 2 please use BAMBI Promotional Code: courses + 1 soft drink @ 320 Baht net / BAMBI20 - Valid until 31 December 2020. AYASAN SERVICE: 3 courses + 1 soft drink @ 480 Baht net. CONTACT: Tel: 02-711-8181 DISCOUNT: 20% off agency fee to all Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm. BAMBI members. CONTACT: Tel: 098-870-7051 IASNAIA MAXIMO: Pregnancy, Birth and CONTACT: www.ayasan-service.com FACEBOOK: the51tastymoments Postpartum Doula. (maid/nanny/elderly care), HypnoBirthing Educator, Childbirth www.ayasan-driver.com (driver), Classes, Lactation and Breastfeeding www.ayasan-app.com (on-demand), HEALTH Support, Newborn care, Infant Massage www.gomaid-agency.com (Indonesia), instructor. www.jobnurse.co (medical job platform) BUMRUNGRAD HOSPITAL: DISCOUNT: 10% off Doula support. 20% DISCOUNT: 10% discount for cash off Breastfeeding Support. KIDS HOME & FAMILY SERVICES: payment and 5% discount for credit card CONTACT: [email protected] or Nanny, maid and babysitting services. payment on room rate, medicine, lab, www.maedoula.com DISCOUNT: 10% BAMBI discount for medical supplies, and x-rays except for hourly rate and daily babysitting services. doctor’s fee, package or other discount NEW: PHYSIO CLINIC: Japanese style ฿1,000 discount for the first month of program, chemotherapy, other special physical therapy will change your life! monthly babysitting services. medicine and supplies verified by DISCOUNT 10% OFF!! All physical CONTACT: Khun Jin, Bumrungrad Hospital. therapy treatments. Tel: 02-656-7024/5, CONTACT: Tel: 02-066-8888, CONTACT: Nuamcomplex, 4th Floor, www.thaikidshome.com www.bumrungrad.com Sukhumvit 33,Phromphong. Tel:02-070-7900 KIIDU: J-CLINIC: e-mail: [email protected] DISCOUNT: 5% discount for membership DISCOUNT: 10% off treatment fee FB: @Saha Clinic Physio fee for full-time nannies/maids, and 5% (manual therapy, electronic treatment, IG: physioclinic33 discount for on-demand nannies/maid. acupuncture and Chinese herbal CONTACT: 1044/2 Sukhumvit 44/2, medicine), except initial visit fee, doctor Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10110. consultation fee, taping, supporter and MISCELLANEOUS Tel: +66 2 5506038 medicine; 10% off physiotherapy and LINE: @kiidunanny acupuncture coupons; 5% off student BANGKOK SELF STORAGE: WhatsApp: +66 972462073 athlete coupon. DISCOUNT: 25% off storage units. www.kiidu.com CONTACT: Prompong 02-262-0831 / CONTACT: Tel: 02 249-9357, Thonglor 02-185-3433 / [email protected], shopping Ekkamai 02-115-8433 or www.bangkokselfstorage.com facebook.com/jclinic.th or jclinicth.com FB@StorageBSS ENGINOU (Play & Learn): PAINAWAY CLINIC: Pain relief through DESIGN2U: A full-service web design DISCOUNT: 15% off all merchandise Japanese adjustment therapy. company which focuses on customer purchased both at the physical shop and DISCOUNT: Free 3D scan for foot or satisfaction. Professional and fluent in online, with the code bambionly, with posture report (normal price: ฿500) both web design and English. minimum purchase of ฿1,000. CONTACT: B1 Floor, Interchange 21 DISCOUNT: 10% off web design. Shop location: 2nd Floor Marketplace Tower, Sukhumvit 21, Asoke. CONTACT: Tel: 089-748-1073 or Nanglinchee Tel: 02-258-1361, 081-488-9698, [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] [email protected], Tel: 081 989 0820 www.painawayclinic.com, YENG ACELAR PHOTOGRAPHY: FB: @painawayclinic Portrait photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, fresh 48, and SAMITIVEJ SUKHUMVIT AND families. DISCOUNT: ฿1,000 off any SAMITIVEJ SRINAKARIN HOSPITAL: photography packages. DISCOUNT: 10% off as follows: CONTACT: Tel: 095-790-8130, - Outpatient: medicine, laboratory work [email protected], and X-ray for self-pay FB: @yengacelarphotography - Inpatient: room charges, medicine, laboratory work and X-ray for self pay (excludes vaccination, CT, MRI, ultrasound, dental, special devices and special medication. No discount is available on insurance and doctor’s fees.) Unlimited free online consultations through Samitivej Virtual Hospital https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/
Here I am!
42 • June 2020 PATTAYA AREA Française School Chayapruek 1, Soi HEALTHUT: Providing all your organic & 4; or Joymax Studio Playground (Soi vegan food nutrition services under one Siam Road). Private lessons also can roof. Super food powder, probiotic, kefir BEAUTY be provided at your residence or chosen drinks & homemade cottage cheese. location. DISCOUNT: 10%, up to 15% off on ESTHER BEAUTY & WELLNESS superfoods, probiotic beverages and CENTRE: Facial massage & spa PATTAYA FITCLUB: Tone up, burn healthy snacks treatment, hair cut, care, style and fat & sweat to keep fit & healthy. Learn CONTACT: 206/118 Soi Town in Town, treatment, along with nail spa, manicure about good nutrition and good eating Central Road, Pattaya Klang, next to & pedicure with qualified, English- habits, or start with a nutrition program Harbor Mall, or order online. Manee, speaking stylists. Servicing ladies & with a certified wellness coach. Morning, Tel: 099-391-5664, www.healthut.com, gents. Also has beauty & whitening evening & weekend classes; zumba, [email protected]. Servicing all over products. yoga (adult & baby-n-mum group), Thailand, check website for product DISCOUNT: 10% off for all services kickboxing, TABATA HIIT and gym range. LOCATION: 124/139 South Pattaya workout with a personal trainer available. (behind Tamar Bakery at Pattaya 3rd Your little ones can play in a child- Road – use this for GPS) friendly, carpeted play area inside the MISCELLANEOUS CONTACT: Ruth, Tel: 090-983-2947, studio. Book a free body fat scan and LINE: ruth155 evaluation. THAI BUSINESS HELP: Visa DISCOUNT: First class free for zumba or applications & renewals, visa run, 90 day report, extensions, company setup, work Education TABATA HIIT, 10% for all other classes CONTACT: JOYMAX & FUN Gym at permit application & renewal, annual Soi Siam area, other locations available. audit, social security & tax, accounting, SECONDHAND ENGLISH BOOKS Shinta, Tel/LINE: 098-402-1693, bookkeeping. FOR KIDS: Children's books, imported FB: PattayaFitclub. Check our updates DISCOUNT: 10% discount. from the UK, new and secondhand. for schedules of classes & location. CONTACT: Tel: 089-543-4424, Over 3,000 books to choose from, for [email protected] and 1 year of age up to teenagers. A mix of www.thaibusinesshelp.com everything, educational, story books, HEALTH touch and feel, characters such as Peppa Pig and Disney. Also can post anywhere BANGKOK PATTAYA HOSPITAL: A SHOPPING in Thailand. premier tertiary healthcare provider, DISCOUNT: 5% off any books purchased dedicated to international quality and THE PARTY SHOP: Carries an extensive LOCATION: 34/16 SP5 Village, customer focused care. We are the first range of party and novelty items from Moo.2, Prompranimit Road, Nongprue, hospital in the Eastern Region with all the balloons, party poppers, party hats, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150. technologies equivalent to those used in banners, fancy dress costumes, party CONTACT: Tel: 086-363-1458 the major hospitals in Bangkok. plates, piñatas and toys. The Party Shop or 094-442-3646 (Thai), Email: DISCOUNT: can also arrange magicians, clowns, face [email protected], FB: @ Outpatient: 10% off on pharmaceutical painting, jumping castles and rides for secondhandenglishbooksforkids items, general dentistry; 5% for your party – call or come in for a chat to prosthodontics treatment. discuss your next event. Food In-patient: 10% off for in-patient room DISCOUNT: 10% off everything in store rate (exclude ICU, CCU and NICU), CONTACT: Welcome Town off Pattaya pharmaceutical items. Klang. Khun Saa, Tel: 091-206-1316, SUNNY’S RESTAURANT & BAR: Three Remarks: For cash payment only. FB: ThePartyShopThailand. distinct restaurants within one venue: Excludes all types of vaccination/special an Isaan-style outdoor BBQ for the medicines and medical investigation TOM K JUST BE ABSOLUT most authentic somtam south of Isaan; equipment (laboratory work, x-ray, CT, JEWELLERY: A European jewelry a sports bar with great selection of pub ultrasound) or doctor fee. For self-pay designer. Handmade exclusive fine food and selection of draught beer; and only and cannot be used with personal jewelry, unique pieces or customer the steakhouse. Kids can run free and health insurance or other promotional designs made in traditional goldsmith play in the safe enclosed outdoor and campaign, special discounts, etc. workmanship. Private showroom; can indoor play area, or swim at the kid’s CONTACT: Tel: 038-259-999 offer private jewels events at customer pool. site. DISCOUNT: 10 % off your bill for your HEALTH & NUTRITION: Have your DISCOUNT: 10% discount on non-sales whole family breakfast as a shake, a healthy meal in or promotion items. Showroom, jewels CONTACT: Soi Map Yai lia 24 between a glass with a balanced Herbalife cellular events: Host gets 15 % on non-sales Soi Neunplabwan and Soi Khao Noi. nutrition. Great for busy mum & toddler or promotion items, advance booking fussy eaters. Will help with healthy weight required. Fairs, bazaars: please send Fitness management, lose weight, tone up, or email or find updates on Facebook. just to be healthy. Servicing all over CONTACT: clientservices@ Thailand by post, or have your wellness absolutstylish.com, SELF DEFENSE PATTAYA: Learn check at the shop. IG: tomk_just_be, to defend yourself. Overcome your DISCOUNT: 25% off VIP Package. FB: TOMKJustbe. fears. Get in shape. Be more confident Receive a half pack of low-calorie protein in yourself. Learn punch techniques, bars for every order. Free body fat scan & release from various grabs and evaluation (please book appointment). strangulation, psychological preparation Would you like to offer special LOCATION: 124/139 South Pattaya promotions to our members? Please & physical endurance. (behind Tamar Bakery at Pattaya 3rd email us at [email protected]. DISCOUNT: First class free, 20% off all Road – use this for GPS). classes (class fee ฿300 per person) CONTACT: Shinta, Herbalife Ind. For businesses in the Pattaya area, CONTACT: Oleg, Tel/LINE: 095-404- Distributor, Tel/LINE: 098-402-1693 0060. Studio at Jomtien: Jomtien École please contact bambi_pattaya@ bambiweb.org.
www.bambiweb.org • 43 Support Groups
PLEASE NOTE: The groups listed here are run independently of BAMBI, except where otherwise noted. This listing is provided for informational purposes only, and inclusion does not constitute endorsement by BAMBI. Please contact the respective groups for more information.
Pre- and Post-Natal Support Doulas in Bangkok Japanese Support 産後鬱などの日本語サポート If you are pregnant and have • 大手病院（日本語可）：バンムンラートやサミテ questions about birth in Bangkok, need ィベート病院の心療内科、バンコク病院のバンコ BAMBI Bumps and Babies Bangkok recommendations for doctors, hospitals クメンタルヘルスセンター For pregnant women, new mothers and other care providers, or if you are • K&N Support Office：産後うつも含む、カウン and their babies, Bumps and Babies considering hiring a doula, come and セリングを提供。月～土、10時～18時。事前予 holds regular talks on topics pertaining meet some of Bangkok’s doulas at 約要：[email protected], Tel: 093- to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding "Choices in Childbirth," a free informal 020-1077。所在地：22nd Flr., CTI Tower, and the postpartum period. Bumps gathering on the fourth Saturday of each 191/41 New Rachadapisek Rd（BTS Asok/MRT and Babies is also home to the BAMBI month, 10am-1pm at Kuppa, Sukhumvit Sukhumvit駅より徒歩10分） library with many titles available to rent. 16. For more information, visit • バンコクこころのでんわ：匿名で電話相談が可。 A TENS machine hire is also available. www.facebook.com/bangkokdoulas. 日・月・火、10時～16時。Tel: 02-392-2680 The group meets every Wednesday • Cotree（コトリー）：日本発のオンラインカウン except the second Wednesday of the New Mothers Get Together セリングサービス。https://cotree.jp/ month, 9:30am-11:30 at Antique Café @ The Best Beginning (Soi Sawatdi 1, off Sukhumvit 31); and The Best Beginning offers a new Parenting one Saturday per month (check Calendar mothers’ get together on Monday for dates). Suggested donation is ฿100 afternoons. The meetings host a Adoption Support For Families In for BAMBI members and ฿300 for non- variety of guest speakers, including a Thailand members. For more info and to be added pediatrician, life coach, physiotherapist, There are many people in Bangkok who to the Bumps mailing list for details of and nutritionist, and offer an opportunity are adopting or have adopted a child. forthcoming sessions, please contact to meet and connect with other new For more information please contact [email protected]. mums. Price ฿500 per session with Amanda Degler via the group’s Facebook 10% discount for BAMBI members. Pre- page, ‘Adoption Support For Families In BAMBI Postnatal Support Group New booking is essential on facebook.com/ Thailand’. Moon thebestbeginning. For all mothers and babies. The New Bangkok Area Homeschool Network Moon Team are there to support the Breastfeeding Café Bangkok Group transition into parenthood by providing BCB is a breastfeeding support group If you are interested in homeschooling a supportive and non-judgemental – a place where women can meet, your child(ren) you can find many environment to share birth experiences encourage, and support each other with network groups on Facebook. For more and feelings about motherhood. Meetings breastfeeding issues. BFC meets every information please contact Adeline Mills include a mixture of structured sessions Thursday, 10am-12pm, in Antique Cafe, at [email protected]. with topics related to evidence-based Soi Sawatdee Sukhumvit Soi 31. The postnatal and baby care, and some cafe is now integrated into the Small Bangkok Babywearing Club informal sessions. Tuesdays, 9:30am- World Playspace supported by BAMBI. This group aims to help parents and 11:30. Antique Café, Soi Sawatdi 1, off There will be a lacto doula present who children learn and celebrate the joys of Sukhumvit 31. Suggested donation is can offer advice and individual support babywearing. You are welcome to try ฿100 for BAMBI members and ฿300 if required. For more information please on slings from our sling library or get for non-members. For more info please email [email protected]. Facebook one-on-one help. For more information [email protected]. page: Bangkok Breastfeeding Café. please contact Cari Chou: bangkok. [email protected]. Visit Fertility Support Group Breastfeeding Support Group the Facebook page for updates on This is a monthly group for those who @ The Best Beginning gatherings: Bangkok Babywearing Club. wish to discuss fertility matters. The The Best Beginning holds a free aim of the group is to create a meeting breastfeeding support group every Compassionate Friends place to chat and share experiences, Monday, 11am-1pm at their center A support group for parents and other and to offer support in a non-medical in Interchange Tower (B2 Level) family members who have lost a child framework. The group meets at 10am on Asok. The sessions are staffed by or children either post- or prenatally. the first Tuesday of every month at D’ark lactation professionals who are there to This group is run by a couple who restaurant and cafe in Sukhumvit 49. provide lactation advice, support, and have lost children and aim to provide a For more information email namaste@ reassurance to new mums. Drinks and space where affected family members namastenicolai.com. There’s also a snacks are provided. Come along, have can share and discuss the grief they secret group on Facebook: IVF Bangkok. an afternoon out, meet new friends and are experiencing. For more information To join, please email namaste@ take some expert advice home with you! namastenicolai.com with your Facebook please contact Nicole Lasas on 085-240- link, or send a Facebook message to 3803 or [email protected], or Gregor Namaste Nicolai. Former on [email protected].
44 • June 2020 There are a range of support groups in Thailand, which are run independently of BAMBI. Most are open to everyone, some ask a small donation and/or some ask for a reservation. Please contact the respective groups for more information.
Nutrition Café Special Needs Support to Women Nutrition Café is for parents with babies and children of all age groups, that are seeking help in coping with their child’s LEAP (Learning and Educational Beyond Boobs nutrition, eating behavior or disorder, Advocacy Program) Founded by two breast cancer survivors, to exchange experiences and get This group serves as a point of contact for Beyond Boobs offers information and free advice in a relaxed atmosphere. parents in need of support, referrals and support to breast cancer fighters and Nutrition Café takes place every 1st information concerning their children’s survivors in Bangkok. The group hosts Saturday of the month between 10am- special needs, including learning monthly support group meetings. For 12pm at Steps with Theera in Ekamai disabilities, developmental delays, more information, please see and is held by nutrition specialist Karin sensory integration and autism. For further www.facebook.com/ Biran. For more information, visit information email leapbangkok@gmail. beyondboobsbangkok or email Nutrition Cafe on Facebook or contact: com. [email protected]. Karin Biran (Nutritionist B.Sc MA.N, Eating Disorder Specialist), Karinrai@ Rainbow Room - A Special Needs Bangkok Breast Cancer Support gmail.com. Awareness Center Group (BBCS) This is a group of parents, family and This group aims to provide personal Pattaya BAMBI Group friends of individuals with developmental attention as well as mental and If you live in the Pattaya/Rayong area and behavioral special needs, who come emotional support to women who and are keen to meet other BAMBI together to raise positive awareness have been diagnosed with breast members, please contact the team at by offering information, education, cancer. BBCS holds a weekly clinic [email protected]. empowerment and encouragement through at BNH Hospital to support women a “parent-to-parent” model. Meetings for diagnosed with breast cancer, and Single Parents Support Group parents of children with Down's Syndrome conducts outreach programs. Monthly Are you a single parent who would held every 4th Wednesday of the month; meetings are held every third Thursday like to meet other single parents in meeting for parents of children with of the month at 10am at their office at Bangkok? Please join our weekly coffee autism, every 2nd Thursday of the month. the Queen Sirikit Center, Basement morning. Depending on the ages of the An inclusive playgroup is held every 2nd Level, Chulalongkorn Hospital, 1873 children, playdates can be organised as and 4th Saturday of the month, at 11/13 Rama IV Road. For more info, email well. We meet on Tuesday or Thursday Thonglor 25 Sukhumvit 55 Wattana, [email protected] and mornings at the Starbucks in Sukhumvit Bangkok 10110 Thailand. For further [email protected], Soi 23. For more information please information and to RSVP, please contact call 02-256-4991~2, ext. 1026 or contact Sakshi at [email protected]. The Rainbow Room on 02-023-2396 or 085-908-8002, and Fathers and mothers are all welcome! www.facebook.com/specialrainbow. bangkokbreastcancer.com.
TWINS and Multiples Group Support Group for Parents with Dyslexic This group provides support and Children contacts for parents who have, or are This is a support group for parents with expecting, twins or multiples. There’s children who are struggling with reading, also a weekly playgroup and a monthly writing and spelling or those who are To send in any updates or dinner. The group is not just for English- dyslexic. Dyslexia in Thailand provides corrections to the listing details, speaking parents, they can provide information, support and solutions to the please contact chairwoman@ support in French, Spanish, Portuguese, families of children who are struggling with bambiweb.org. Thai, etc. For more information please dyslexia. For further information please contact Jessica Pelham on 089-685- contact [email protected] or 9615 or [email protected], or visit dyslexiainthailand.com. Any queries look for the Facebook page: Bangkok will be forwarded to qualified specialised Twins Group. ‘Orton Gillingham’ teachers (there are only three in Thailand) who will be able to assist the parents or arrange a meeting.
TENS Machines for Hire The BAMBI Bumps and Babies team are now offering a TENS Machine Rental Service.
TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation offers a drug-free alternative to conventional pain relief in labour. Rental is available from 37th week of pregnancy for a maximum 35-day period. Cost: ฿400, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for members or ฿700, plus a ฿1,500 refundable security deposit for non-members. Hire is subject to terms and conditions. For more information, please contact [email protected].
www.bambiweb.org • 45
Playgroups and Activities
BAMBI holds regular playgroups and activities around town, open to both BAMBI members and non-members. Please always check BAMBI’s online calendar before setting out, as our playgroups are run by volunteers and are occasionally subject to last-minute cancellations. Before going to a non- BAMBI playgroup, please contact the school/venue to confirm that it is open and the playgroup is running. We would love some help with our playgroups and activities, so please volunteer if you have some time to spare at your favorite group. It’s easier and more rewarding than you think to get involved. Contact either [email protected] or [email protected], or if you are in Pattaya, [email protected]. Thank you!
ING available. Storytime Preschool, 85 Soi Sama- BAMBI EKAMAI PLAYGROUP: Thursday, 9:30– BAMBI PLAYGROUPS harn, Sukhumvit Soi 4. Nearest BTS: Nana. For more 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. A weekly welcome info please contact: [email protected]. song will be followed by a free-play playgroup with BAMBI playgroups are characterized by snack. The last 15 minutes of the session is dedi- free play, and the use of school toys and Sukhumvit - Central: cated to singing/story time. Bright Skies Interna- tional School has a huge and nice indoor space playgrounds. The donation per family for Asoke (Soi 21) to Ekkamai (Soi 63) for kids of different ages and a leafy garden setting all BAMBI playgroups is ฿100 for mem- outside. Bright Skies International School: House bers and ฿300 for non-members, except Let’SPlay PLAYGROUP: Monday, 9:30-11:30am. For 11, Ekkamai Soi 6, Sukhumvit Soi 63. Car park avail- where otherwise noted. New Members’ children aged 0-5. Large covered outdoor play area, able at Big C, near the school in Soi 6. No need to Coffee Mornings are free. You can join indoor play area, circle time with singing and story- register, just walk-in. For more info, please contact: or renew your membership at our play- telling. Snack for children and water are provided. [email protected]. School will open the grounds at 9:25am. Please enter groups and there is no need to reserve a via gate on Soi 17 only. Bring photo ID to exchange BAMBI BANGKOK PREP PLAYGROUP: Tuesday and spot—please just come along! at the gate for entrance. Seeh Phinong International Thursday, 9-11am (During Term time – please con- Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi 17. For more info, please tact Bangkok Prep to confirm). For children aged NEW MEMBERS’ COFFEE MORNING: Last Wednes- contact: [email protected]. from 6 months to 3 years. An excellent opportunity day of the month, 9:30-11am. This is a free session to strengthen parent-infant bonding with sensory ac- for new members to come along, make new friends BAMBI NOVOTOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, 10am- tivities and dance & music exposure, with fun learn- and find out more about BAMBI and living in Bang- 12pm. For children aged 0-5. BAMBI’S first playgroup ing for children and activities to enhance children’s kok. Please check for details on the BAMBI Facebook at a hotel in Bangkok! With a 55cm-deep toddler pool creativity. Led by our highly experienced British Play- page. For more info, please contact: newmembers@ and regular pool, there is plenty of space for parents group Leader in an international setting. Pre-registra- bambiweb.org. 最近入会された方・入会を検討され and kids to play together. Novotel provides towels for tion is strongly encouraged. Please email: jbeilby@ てる方のために、毎月最後の水曜日午前９時半から use during the playgroup; shower and change facili- bkkprep.ac.th. Bangkok Prep International School, １１時に開催。お子さんもご一緒にどうぞ。入場料 ties available. The activities room is air-conditioned 23 Sukhumvit 53 (next to Thonglor BTS). Limited 無料、当日の入会も受け付けています。日本語での and suitable for non-walkers and older toddlers. parking, using public transport is preferred. お問い合わせもOKです。 There will be circle time, snacks for children, water and coffee. If you would like to stay and have lunch, DADDY’S PLAYGROUP: Some Saturdays, 9:30- Silom/Bang Rak a heavy discount is available to playgroup attendees 11:30am. Please check BAMBI's online calendar for the lunch buffet. Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, for dates. Daddy's playgroup for dads and their 0- to 19/9 Soi Sukhumvit 20. Free parking at hotel and free BAMBI BRITISH CLUB PLAYGROUP: Thursday, 9:30- 5-year-olds! The school has huge and nice indoor hotel shuttle to entrance of Soi 18. For more info, 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Our very popular space for kids of different ages and a leafy garden please contact: [email protected]. playgroup at the British Club has reopened! Newly setting outside. No need to register, just walk-in. renovated large outdoor play areas and indoor areas. Bright Skies International School, House 11, Ekka- There’s a large children's pool and children’s chang- BAMBI SAWATDI PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, 9:30- mai Soi 6, Sukhumvit Soi 63. Car park available at ing room facilities. Snacks, coffee, tea and water pro- 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. This is a friendly and Big C, 100m from the school. For more info, please vided. 189 Surawongse Road (entrance is via Silom relaxed stay-and-play with a soft and outdoor play contact: [email protected]. Road, Soi 18; please show ID). For more info please area, circle time with songs, and snacks. IPC Interna- contact [email protected]. tional Kindergarten, Sukhumvit Soi 31. For more info, Pattaya please contact: [email protected]. BAMBI RIVERSIDE PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, 10am BAMBI PATTAYA PLAYGROUP & COFFEE MORNING: -12pm. Located in a beautiful historic Thai house with BAMBI TINY PANDAS PLAYGROUP: Tuesday, 9:30- If you live in the Pattaya/Rayong area and are keen to a large playground and green garden area. There will 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Mandarin playgroup, meet other pregnant women or mothers with babies be storytelling and activity by library staff. You can aims to expose your child to the language through and toddlers, please join us. Follow us on Facebook read with the children in one of the many reading cor- activities such as music and melodies, dramatic sto- (Bambi Pattaya) to find out more about our coffee ners and have the opportunity to borrow books. Lim- rytelling, socialization. Circle time, activities and sto- mornings, playgroups and other social activities. For ited parking available onsite, ample parking at TCDC rytelling by the center's teacher. Snacks for children more info, email: [email protected]. in next the next soi. It's also a 2 minutes walk from and water are provided. Nancy Language School, K Wat Muang Kae Pier with express boats to Sathon Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26. For more info, please con- Pier/Saphan Taksin and boat across river to Icon- tact: [email protected]. BAMBI ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER Siam. Snacks and water for children. Darunbannalai CHILDREN Children’s library No. 1, Soi. Charoenkrung 34, (Wat BAMBI SUKHUMVIT 31 PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, Muangkae), Charoenkrung Rd., Bangrak District. 10am-12pm. For children aged 0-5. Please come (์Near General Post Office and TCD).For more info along for sand play, a cool gym playroom, fun gar- Activities require advance registration. please contact: [email protected]. den, some snacks and circle time with other kids and We always welcome new ideas and vol- mothers. The First Steps International Pre-school, unteers. Feel free to contact us at activi- Sukhumvit - Top 58/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Yaek 4. Close to BTS Phrom [email protected] (Expressway to Asoke) Phong; Tuk tuk shuttle service is provided. For more info, please contact: [email protected]. BAMBI FOOTBALL AT SP This activity is designed by football coaches to be fun and active. With a coach SATURDAY NANA PLAYGROUP: Last Saturday of the BAMBI THONG LO PLAYGROUP: Wednesday, 9:30- for the younger kids and another for the older ones, month, 9:30-11:30am. Please see BAMBI’s online 11:30am. For children aged 0-5. Outdoor play area, children 3-8 years old will enjoy practicing new soc- calendar. For children aged 0-5. Every month there’s indoor play areas, circle time with singing and story- cer skills at SP International Kindergarten’s covered a new activity such as dancing, singing, crafting etc to telling by Bangkok Prep’s school teacher. Snack for play area. keep children interested and entertained, indoor soft children and water is provided. Please bring photo ID Age: 3-8 Day and Time: 1st Monday of the month, play area for babies, and outdoor play area. Snacks to exchange at gate for entrance. Bangkok Prepara- 16:00-17:00 Registration: https://forms.gle/ir5376Ez for children, water, tea, and coffee are provided. Do- tory & Secondary School, 23 Sukhumvit 53. Nearest EDuSGHYz8 Location: Seeh Phinong International nation per family: ฿100 for BAMBI members, ฿300 for BTS: Thong Lo. For more info, please contact: play- Kindergarten, Thong Lo Soi 17. Nearest BTS: Thong non-members. Free tuk tuk rides between BTS Nana [email protected]. Lor Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, Exit 2 and school from 9:15am. There is NO PARK- ฿400 per child for non-members
46 • June 2020
Lor Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, who would like to add their playgroup to ent. Participate in circle time songs, listen to stories, ฿400 per child for non-members this listing and our website, or update make arts and crafts, and get fit with yoga and dance. their details: please contact playgroups@ Outside are a racing track with cars and bikes, slides and swings. Snacks provided for children and carers. FOOTBALL AT SOLTILO PARK This activity is de- bambiweb.org. A parent or carer must stay with the child throughout signed by Bangkok French Academy professional the session and is solely responsible for the child's football coaches to be fun and active. With a coach Sathorn / Yen Akart / Silom care. Cost: ฿550; ฿400 for BAMBI members. Kids' for the younger kids and another for the older ones, Academy International School, Discovery Campus children 3-8 years old will enjoy practicing new soc- Ekamai Soi 2 and Imagination Campus, Srinakarin cer skills at Soltilo Familia Soccer School Thailand’s GARDEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday, 2:30- Soi 57. To reserve a place please call Ms Ivy, 084- football pitch. 3:30pm. Ages 8 months to 2 years. Activities include 071-1115 or contact [email protected]; www. Age:3-8 Day and Time: 4th Monday of the month, arts and crafts, circle time, singing and movement kidsacademy.ac.th. 16:00-17:00 Registration：https://forms.gle/zj1jcn- and having fun! Cost: Free. Garden International BRzfzJJ2Yh6 Location: 20 Soi Atthakawee 1, Rama School, 34/3-4 Yen Akart Road, Sathorn. For more 4 Road Klongtoey. Behind K , Village on Sukhumvit info please contact: Khun Pang on 02-249-1880 or LITTLE EXPLORERS’ DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY- Soi 26. Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong. Parking Avail- [email protected]; www.gardenbangkok. GROUPS: Monday and Wednesday, see www.little- able Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, com. explorersthailand.com/playgroups for schedule. This ฿400 per child for non-members toddler playgroup focuses on the 5 developmental SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Wednes- domains: communication and language, social and emotional development, cognition and learning CREATIVE MOVEMENT Come bust a move with the day, during term time, 1:15-3:15 pm. For children readiness, fine and gross motor skills, and daily liv- talented instructors from rumPUREE dance studio! aged 1-3 years. Please call school to check sched- ing skills. Facilitated by a teacher or a developmental Your children will learn to move their bodies to the ule. Children can make full use of the school’s superb specialist, in English. Each child must be accompa- rhythm in fun, age-appropriate ways. Early Years indoor and outdoor environment and nied by at least one adult throughout playgroup time. Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 2nd Monday of the enjoy arts and crafts activities, sand pit and messy Limited to 6 adult-child pairs per session. Reserva- month, 16:00-17:00 Registration：https://forms.gle/ play, books, music, construction, and water play in tions required. Cost: ฿500; 50% off for BAMBI mem- Nhu2EwmsxTtBapyD6 Location: rumPUREE- world the Splash Pool. Join in storytime and sing-along bers. Little Explorers, 109/1 Soi Thonglor 5, Sukhum- dance studio (Asok), 2nd FL, Jasmine City., Sukhum- sessions led by Early Years staff. Refreshments vit 55. For more information or to RSVP, please con- vit Soi 23 Nearest BTS: Asok, MRT: Sukhumvit. Park- and snacks provided for children and parents. Cost: tact [email protected]. ing free 3 hrs. ฿300 per child, ฿100 per child for BAMBI members. Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, ฿400 Shrewsbury International School, 1922 Charoen per child for non-members Krung Road, Wat Phrayakrai. Free shuttle boat ser- MODERN MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL PRE- vice from Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Thaksin). Res- SCHOOL: Montessori Playgroup every Tuesday from ervations open on every Monday of playgroup week 12:30 - 13:45. Every Playgroup is based on a theme, KIDS ZUMBA Come along for an hour of danc- from 10.00am onwards. For more info please call the planned and structured. Montessori Playgroup is ing fun, keeping fit and learning some new Zumba school on 02-675-1888, ext. 1404. taught by qualified and experienced Montessori skills. Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 3rd Wednesday of the teachers in an international learning environment us- month,16:00-17:00 Registration：https://forms.gle/ ing Montessori materials. Suitable for children aged j377c1NSTXA8oXej7 Location: rumPUREE- world Sukhumvit - Top (Expressway 18 months to 3 years old. dance studio (Asok), 2nd FL, Jasmine City., Sukhum- to Asoke) Cost: 50% discount for BAMBI members. Non-mem- vit Soi 23 Nearest BTS: Asok, MRT: Sukhumvit. Park- bers fee is 6500 THB for 10 sessions or 1 session ing free 3 hrs.Donation: ฿200 per child for BAMBI STORYTIME PRESCHOOL: Tuesday and Wednes- can be purchased for ฿800. 4 Sukhumvit 44 Alley, members, ฿400 per child for non-members day, 9:30-11:30am; and Thursday, 3-4:30pm. Bring Phra Khanong. Please contact Valda Skubina, Head along your little ones from 8 months to 3 years old of Admin, Tel: 027120958, admissionsmmithai@ KIDS YOGA Fun, interactive yoga activity for for some fun and well-planned semi-structured gmail.com. kids Age: 3-6 Day and Time: Last Friday of the 'Mum & Me' time. (Nannies/daddies are welcome.) month,16:00-17:00 Registration：https://forms.gle/ Along their motto of 'When We Play, We Learn', fun SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BANG- hBYbAUd2obZGrzsZ6 Location: Bambini Villa., & practical activities held following different themes KOK, TOTS PLAYGROUP: Monday, Wednesday & Sukhumvit Soi 26. Parking free 3 hrs. Donation: ฿200 each week. The huge shaded garden with chilled Friday, 9-11am. An activity-based toddler program per child for BAMBI members, ฿400 per child for non- purified water pipelines installed to keep your child for children aged 12 months to 3 years old, offer- members cool. Cost: ฿200. Free shuttle to Nana BTS after the ing engaging activities that toddlers love! Music and session. Storytime Preschool, 85 Soi Samaharn, movement, storytelling, arts and crafts, water-sand PLAY-BASED NATURE ACTIVITIES Along with Grow Sukhumvit Soi 4 (BTS Nana). For more info, check sensory play, outdoor play, literacy and numeracy Learning Gardens, fun nature and gardening activi- www.storytime-preschool.org or call 081-646-4535. games. Snack included. Cost: ฿450/session (฿4,500 ties will be offered. Age: 3-6 Day and Time: 1st Tues- Email [email protected] to get on the for 11 sessions); for BAMBI members, ฿350/ses- day of the month,16:00-17:00 Registration：https:// mailing list and receive updates on weekly activities sion (฿3,500 for 11 sessions); buy 10 get 1 free. forms.gle/M3okT9D6VJEkQWVH7 Location: Bam- and themes. All sessions in English, but includes a Chinese pe- bini Villa Sukhumvit Soi 26, parking free 3 hrs. Dona- riod. Singapore International School, at Pracha Uthit, tion: ฿200 per child for BAMBI members, ฿400 per Sukhumvit - Central: Asoke Ekkamai and Suvarnabhumi campuses. Tel: 02-714- child for non-members (Soi 21) to Phra Khanong (Soi 71) 4099, Email: [email protected], Facebook: @ sisbekkamai.
NON - BAMBI PLAYGROUPS LEGO PLAYGROUP: Monday to Thursday, 10am- OISCA INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN PLAY- 12pm. For children aged 2-5 years. Structured ac- GROUP: Wednesday, 9:30–11:30am. For children tivities, where kids can have fun building Lego with Non-BAMBI playgroups are run by the aged 1-4. Variety of activities such as storytime, arts games, activities and storytelling. A fun, hands-on school, not BAMBI volunteers, and are and crafts, playdough center, singing and dancing. way for children to develop basic skills in early lit- Outside play area has slides, monkey bars, sand pit, mostly structured where the school/ eracy, letter and sound recognition, fine motor skills, climbing and balancing. Snacks provided for children. center organizes some activities for the and language skills. Snacks provided. Cost: ฿350 for A parent or carer must stay with their child throughout participants. Flash your BAMBI card and non-BAMBI members; ฿250 for BAMBI members. the session and is responsible for their child’s care. Reservations required at least one day before. Young receive a discount at the following play- Cost: ฿400; ฿200 for BAMBI members. 876 Soi Pridi Place Plaza, A-231 Second Floor, Sukhumvit Soi 23. groups. Please check with schools di- Banomyong 36, Sukhumvit Soi 71, Khlongton Nua. Contact: 02-662-3039 or 081-734-5872, kidsrobot- rectly for any changes or queries before Contact: [email protected], Tel: 02-381- [email protected], or www.facebook.com/kidsrobotics- attending. Some of these playgroups 9852. learningcenter. require reservation. There are more non- BAMBI playgroups listed on the BAMBI BANGKOK PREP SCHOOL: Tuesday and Thursday, KIDS’ ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Mon- 9-11am. For 6 months up to 3 years old. An excellent website and BAMBI’s Facebook page. day-Saturday, 9:30-11:30am. Structured playgroup opportunity to strengthen parent-infant bonding with Don’t forget to check them out! Schools for children aged 1 to 4 years. Each session is differ-
www.bambiweb.org • 47 sensory activities and dance & music exposure, with Tel: 02 331 1874/5, Email: admissions64@anglosin- Water provided. Cost: ฿400 per child/ hour, ฿300 per fun learning for children and activities to enhance chil- gapore.ac.th, or vist anglosingapore.ac.th/64/admis- child/ hour for BAMBI members. The Londoner, 1178 dren’s creativity. Led by our highly experienced Brit- sions/lion-cubs/ Pattankarn Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok, 10250. Se- ish Playgroup Leader in an international setting. Cost cure parking available. Booking preferred. For more ฿450/lesson; 50% off for BAMBI members. Bangkok Huay Kwang / Rama 9 / Bangkapi info [email protected] or via the facebook Prep International School, 23 Sukhumvit 53 (next to page messenger (https://www.facebook.com/TheLit- Thonglor BTS). Contact and Registration: jbeilby@ tleLondonersBKK/). bkkprep.ac.th KIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm. For children aged 6 months-4 years and their parents. Structured playgroup with singing, danc- Minburi PRECIOUS LEARNERS WORLD NURSERY AND KIN- ing, arts and crafts, storytime, free play and snack. DERGARTEN: Wednesday & Friday, 10am-12noon. Nannies welcome on Mondays and Wednesdays. GERMAN PLAYGROUP “SPIELZWERGE” at RIS Swiss For children aged 1-6 years. Funtastic thematic play- Free pick-up/drop-off service from Ekkamai BTS sta- Section – Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok: Monday group run by a teacher and assistants. Theme-based tion on Tues, Thurs and Fri (please contact school for and Wednesdays, 2:30-4pm. German-speaking play- activities include story time, role play, arts & crafts, details). Cost: ฿400; 50% discount for BAMBI mem- group for children aged 2-3 years. Play, read books, water play, sand play, sensory, trampoline, bicycle/ bers. KIS International School, Kesinee Ville Estate, sing, and create with your child in a caring and friendly car track, puppet show, music, dance and more. In- 999/124 Pracha-Utit Road Huay Kwang (located one atmosphere, with a small group of 7 to 10 children un- cludes snacks and drinks. Children get to take their block north of Rama 9 Road and east of Asoke-Rach- der the supervision of an experienced German-speak- artwork home. Cost: ฿500 per session, special pack- adapisek, MRT Thailand Cultural Center). For more ing group leader. Accompanying parents do not need age ฿4,500 for 10 sessions; 50% discount for BAMBI info please contact: 02-274-3444, [email protected] or to speak German. Price for the whole semester (ap- members. Reservation required at least 1 day before. www.kis.ac.th. prox. 35 sessions): ฿11,900; 20% discount for BAMBI Precious Learners, 32 Soi Sukhumvit 62, Yaek 1, members (or pro rata, if entered after the semester has Bang Chak, Phra Khanong (BTS: Bang Chak, Exit 4). started). RIS Swiss Section-Deutschsprachige Schule Contact: 02-052-6849/097-094-0439, www.preciou- THE REGENT’S SCHOOL, BANGKOK, BABY AND Bangkok, 6/1 Ramkamhaeng 184 Road, Bangkok. For slearnersworld.com, Facebook: @preciouslearner- TODDLER GROUP: Monday-Friday, 9.30-11.00 am. more info, please contact: admin@ris-swiss-section. sworld, Instagram: preciouslearnersworld. Come and join us, other mums, nannies and children for a session of fun toddler interaction, whilst also giv- org or www.ris-swiss-section.org; 02-518-0340, ext. ing you a break in your busy lives! We’ll provide them 120, or 095-506-3670. FIRST STEPS INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL: Thurs- with stories, arts and crafts and, on Fridays, your child days, 10-11:15 am. For children aged 8-30 months. can escape the heat with a swim in the pool with our Structured English playgroup run by teaching staff. Thonburi / Taling Chan fully qualified teacher. Main activities change each week, including arts and Cost: ฿400; ฿200 for BAMBI members. The Regent’s crafts, splash day, storytime, puppet show, music, KENSINGTON INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN: School, Bangkok, 601/99 Pracha-Uthit Road, Wang- dance and cooking. Use of the school grounds after Tuesday, 1:45-3pm. For children aged 1-2 years. Ac- tonglang. For more info/reservation please contact: playgroup has finished. Includes snacks and drinks. tivities include painting, sand, water and playdough in 02-957-5777, Ext 202 or [email protected]. Free tuk tuk pick-up and drop-off service from Soi 31 our creche classroom and sand pit. Snacks and re- RSU building (please call for details). Cost: ฿450; 50% freshments provided. Cost: ฿300; 50% discount for discount for BAMBI members. First Steps Interna- KIDS FIRST INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN: Wednes- BAMBI members. Kensington International Kinder- tional Preschool, 58/2 Sukhumvit 31 (Soi Sawasdee) day, 2-4pm. For children aged 4 months-3 years. Chil- garten, 88 Bangprom, Ratchapruek Rd, Talingchan. Yak 4 (BTS Phrom Phong or Asoke). For more info dren will enjoy a variety of brain-stimulating activities, Please reserve your spot by calling 02-864-9977. For please contact: 02-260-3152, [email protected] tactile arts, yoga for kids, music & rhythm, sensory & more info please contact: [email protected] or or www.thefirststeps.ac.th. logic classes, messy and water play in a bright, beauti- www.kensington.ac.th. ful and spacious indoor space as well as outdoor gar- THE APPLE TREE INTERNATIONAL KINDERGAR- den. Cost: ฿250 for BAMBI members; ฿350 for non- Rayong TEN: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 – 11:00AM. Aged members. 57/1 Soi 7, Rama 9 Road, Huai Khwang. 9 months to 2 years old. Activities include sensory Free shuttle van service for pick up from Rama 9 MRT ST. ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - GREEN activities,singing & dancing,outdoor play,promoting station at 1:45pm. Contact and reservation: 086-378- VALLEY, RAYONG CAMPUS: Monday and Thurs- social skills,enhancing creativity,and learning through 9188, 086-378-9186 or 02-090-2147. day, 1:30-3:00pm. For children aged 0-5. Structured play. No snack time. Cost: ฿100 for BAMBI members, playgroup with singing and dancing at the beginning. ฿200 for non- members. ID is required to enter. 54 Soi KID ABLE THE MALL NGAMWONGWAN LANGUAGE Shaded outdoor play area with a trampoline, a sand Athakrawi 1,Sukhumvit soi 26,Sukhumvit road. Limit- SCHOOL: Playgroup and Montessori teaching in Eng- pit and a bike track, as well as an air-conditioned in- ed parking available. For more info or to RSVP, please lish & Chinese for Preschool and kids aged 1 to 12 door area with a dress-up corner, drawing, painting contact Tel: 085-333-5558, 02-258-4599 or email wel- years old. Cost:10% off for all classes, First class free. and playdough, dolls corner and mini kitchen. Run by [email protected] 9th Floor Education zone, The Mall Ngamwongwan. a highly-qualified and well-known teacher with over Tel: 081-848-6300 / 062-387-3883, FB: @KidableN- 20 years’ experience, Ms Retno Cheah. Cost: ฿150 WW, Line: @kidablenww BABIES GENIUS: Mon/Wed/Fri 2:20-3:20PM - Smart for non-members; 50% discount for BAMBI members. Babies for 6 months to 1.1yrs old. Mon/Wed 3:30- St. Andrews International School, Rayong, 1 Moo 7, 4:30PM - Smart Toddies for 1.2 yrs.old to 1.11 yrs old. SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Wednes- Banchang - Makhamkoo Rd, Tambol Samnakthorn, Fri 3:30-5PM - Kiddie Bright for 3-6 yrs old. day, 1:30-3:00pm, aged 0-3 years old. Explore the soft Banchang, Rayong. For more info please contact: “Smart Babies” Class with parental participation, help- play gardens, splash pool and a wide range of toys 03-803-0701, www.standrews-schools.com or admis- ing them overcoming stranger anxiety and develop and resources. Spend time with your children in our [email protected]. physically through play.“Smart Toddies”Class with pa- beautiful and purposeful early learning environment. rental participation, helping them to learn walking with Storytime and sing-along sessions led by our teach- confidence, develop their listening skills, vocab., arts & ers. Cost: ฿300;฿100 for BAMBI members. Shrews- Dusit crafts skills and develop physically through play. “Kid- bury International School,982 Rim Klong Samsen die Bright” After school class with the fun of Phonics, Road (Rama 9). Reservations open on every Monday ST. ANDREWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DUSIT: English conversation and mathematics. Cost:Buy of playgroup week from 10.00am onwards. For more Tuesday, 9:30am- 11am, 6 months -3 years old. Op- 2 classes get 1 class free (Non-Member 450/class; information, please call 02-203-1222. portunity for your child to develop and increase their BAMBI 300/class). Monthly access *specially $4000 social, sharing, cooperation skills and master every- (unlimited play)** 5 classes/week. Babies Genius THE LITTLE LONDONERS- EARLY YEARS PLAY- day tasks through multi-sensory activities, learning Sukhumvit 47 (@Rain Hill Community Mall)For more GROUP: Saturday, 10am - 12pm. For children aged through play, song or dance, with weekly story time info please contact:0819851996; 022617388 or face- 2- 5 years. This English language playgroup aims and water play, in our safe, creative and spacious in- book.com/babiesgenius.sukhumvit47 to help improve your child’s English language in a door and outdoor areas. Cost ฿150; ฿100 for BAMBI fun and interactive environment. We are two female members. St. Andrews International School Dusit, ANGLO SINGAPOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: teachers from the UK, who have a passion to develop 253/1 Sawankhaloke Road, Dusit Bangkok 10300. Anglo’s Lion Cubs meet 3 times a week, Mondays, young children’s skills & learning. A variety of meth- More information, call +66 (0)2 6686231 or email Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am – 11:15 am. Cost: ods to stimulate learning in a fun way; such as arts [email protected]. ฿250 for BAMBI members, ฿400 for non- members. & crafts, games, singing, role play and much more!
48 • June 2020 BAMBI Team BAMBI is managed by an elected committee of volunteers and all BAMBI members are encouraged to volunteer. Vacancies can be found on the BAMBI Needs You page in this magazine and are posted online; you are welcome to contact [email protected] with inquiries.
Patron Non-Voting Positions Playgroup Leaders Mel Habanananda: [email protected] Activities Assistant BAMBI Playgroups are made possible by Honorary Members Yuka: [email protected] members who volunteer as Leaders. You Paula Young can get in touch with them with any questions Anna Ingham (Bumps & Babies Founder) Advisor about the playgroup, or to help out! Simmi: [email protected] Kathy Leslie Ravit El-Bachar Daniel BAMBI News - Assistant Editors British Club Ema: [email protected] Da / Sher / Eric Voting Positions Sadia: [email protected] [email protected] Sadef: [email protected] Chairwoman Ashima: [email protected] Ekkamai VACANT: [email protected] Hanae / Mayumi / Sassy BAMBI News - Deputy Editor [email protected] Vice-Chairwoman Francine: [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] BAMBI News - Japanese Editors Let’S Play Hanae: [email protected] Yukiko / Tomoko / Sara / Sassy Secretary Fumi: [email protected] [email protected] Bao Minh: [email protected] BAMBI News - Photo Editor Novotots Treasurer Mao: [email protected] Akiko / Haruka Katharina: [email protected] [email protected] BAMBI News - Photo Assistants Yoko / Sher / Azusa Activities Coordinator Riverside Ruby: [email protected] BAMBI Pattaya Coordinators Hetal / Pou Pae / Sabrina Chie: [email protected] [email protected] Editor, BAMBI News Rina: [email protected] Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator Saturday Nana VACANT: [email protected] Jane Charities Coordinator [email protected] Yoshiko: [email protected] CBFT Advisor Cherry: [email protected] Sawatdi Database Coordinator Charities Assistant Arti / Yoko / Takako Liz: [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] [email protected]
Events Co-Coordinators: Chinese Coordinator Sukhumvit 31 Party Events Sara: [email protected] Miki / Ryoko / Haruka Dharak: [email protected] [email protected] E-Newsletter Yard Sales VACANT: [email protected] Thong Lo Dharak: [email protected] Events Assistants Michelle / Emiko [email protected] New Members Coordinator Mayumi: [email protected] Shoko: [email protected] Lindawati: [email protected] Tiny Pandas Japanese Coordinator Helen / Ruby Playgroups Coordinator Yoshiko: [email protected] [email protected] Mao: [email protected] Me-Time Coordinator Emi: [email protected] Pattaya PR/Media Coordinator Chie Bao Minh: [email protected] Member Benefits Coordinator [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] Website Coordinator Gloria: [email protected] Bumps & Babies Assistant New Members Assistants VACANT VACANT: [email protected] Emily: [email protected] Voting/Exofficio/By-Invitation Playgroups Assistants Bumps and Babies Co-Coordinator Sara: [email protected] VACANT: [email protected] Mie: [email protected] Advertising enquiries to: Promotions Designer Advertising in BAMBI News BAMBI News is the non-profit monthly Lily: [email protected] Finn Balslev newsletter of Bangkok Mothers and Babies Tel: 02-943-7166-8 ext. 116, International. It is distributed free of charge Promotions Design Assistants MB: 081-866-2577 VACANT to members. Editorial contributions from Fax: 02-943-6618 members are welcome. Where possible, Secretary Assistant Email: [email protected] please submit articles and photographs by Natalia: [email protected] email directly to our BAMBI News editors. Artwork Please send editorial enquiries to editor@ Thai Coordinator Enquiries to Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. bambiweb.org. Chayuda: [email protected] Tel: 02-943-7166 Ext: 106 Dao Treasurer Assistants Fax: 02-943-6618 Fidel: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The views expressed in the articles in Yoko: [email protected] this magazine are not necessarily those Aki: [email protected] of BAMBI committee members and we assume no responsibility for them or their Website Assistant Hetal: [email protected] effects.
www.bambiweb.org • 49 Member Profile Meet Yoko Kawaguchi Yoko is from Tokyo and backpacked around South America in her twenties and before moving to Bangkok.
Where are you from and what’s your nationality? Can you tell us about your life back home? I am Japanese and from Tokyo. My husband is originally from WHokkaido. We worked together in the same company be- fore moving to Bangkok. My husband got the position here in Bangkok so I quit my job. Before coming to Bangkok, I traveled around South America for four and a half months on my own. I spent my twenties backpacking around many countries.
Can you tell us something about your career and work? And what about your spouse? I was an interior designer making offices before I came to Bangkok. I graduated from Musashino University of Art in To- kyo. My major was mostly lighting design so when I made of- fice receptions I focused on lighting. My husband still works as an interior design manager at the same company in Bangkok.
Please tell us a little bit about your family. What were your main challenges when you first arrived in My husband and I have two active boys. My eldest is 4 years Thailand? old and he was born in Thailand. My youngest is 18 months I was newly pregnant with my first baby after I came to Bang- old and was born in Japan. They have a lot of energy and kok. I had terrible morning sickness and couldn’t stand certain though they make me feel exhausted, they make us very happy. smells from the outside like food stands. My eldest son was born on New Year’s Eve and every taxi we tried did not want When did you come to Thailand? What do you miss the most to go to the hospital. I waited for 40 minutes in my apartment about your country? lobby. I started having contractions every 5 minutes so it was My husband moved to Bangkok in 2014 and I followed in a tough start to having my first baby. early 2015. We definitely miss the outdoor life like camping, trekking, bouldering outside, and others. We also miss deli- How did you find out about BAMBI? cious Japanese food and hot springs. My friend who used to live in the same apartment building introduced me to BAMBI. At that time, they were looking for a Can you tell us a bit about your routine here in Bangkok? playgroup leader so I joined and then left BAMBI when I went My eldest attends school during the day, and my youngest and to give birth to my second son in Tokyo. Now I have rejoined I spend time together at home, at the playgroups, playing at BAMBI again. the park, or playing with friends. Staying home all the time due to COVID-19 makes us wish that we could play outside more. Are there any specific suggestions you can give to BAMBI’s new members here in Bangkok? What do you love most about Thailand? Which parts of Thai- Go to playgroups or try activities and meet new people. You land have you traveled to, and which did you enjoy the most? and your child can find new friends. You might even find best Thai people are so kind to kids. I definitely love that and it friends during your life in Bangkok. Don’t be super serious makes it easier to raise children here. We love Thai food and when it comes to taking care of children. Please take it easy Thai massage too. and enjoy your life in Bangkok. We have been to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Kra- bi, Phuket, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Chacho- engsao, and Rayong. My husband and I hold diving licenses though we cannot go diving yet because of our small children. One day, I’d love to go diving in the Similan Islands.
50 • June 2020