Phuang Malai: Thai Floral Garlands

One of the most beautiful and artful things in is the Phuang Malai (พวง​มา​ลัย​).​ This is the Thai traditional garland which is the most common of all the country’s floral creations. These traditional garlands range from simple to highly complex arrangements and are placed as offerings on shrines, temples or are given to special guests as a sign of respect. What is more, the Malai is also frequently used on auspicious occasions.

Phuang Malai

Phuang Malai garlands being constructed in Pak Khlong Talat flower market, (photo: Irene2005, wikimedia.org)

The Thai garlands are created by stringing various flower combinations together that depends on seasonal blooms and on the artist’s imagination. The mixture usually includes one or more fragrant flowers like jasmine and rose buds. Thai garlands at Bangkok Pak Khlong Talat (photo: Deror Avi, wikimedia.org)

It is said that the first recordings of this kind of Thai floral art dates back to the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). He mentioned fresh flower garlands in his work about the “Royal ceremony in 12 months”. Later in the Rattanakosin Era, the Thai flower garland became an important ornamental ceremonial object on special occasions. Worshipped elephant at Wat Kham Chanot near Ban Dung, Thailand (photo: Mattes, wikimedia.org)

There are different kinds of Malai pattern. For example, there is ‘Creature Malai’ which means that the floral arrangement has the shape of an animal. Then there is the ‘Chained Malai’ which is made from rounded Malais connected to form a chain and similarly, there is the ‘Braided Malai’ which means that two rounded garlands are connected and decorated with a pine- shaped malai on each end. An artful Malai (photo: Garland in Thai culture, FB page)

In the ‘Vine Malai’ the garlands are arranged in a vine shape. A garland is a ‘Laced Malai’ when silver and golden threaths are inserted inside and outside the wreath. A special Malai is the orchid one which means that only orchids are used to create the garland.

Floral arrangements at Bangkok Pak Khlong Talat flower market (photo: ovedc, wikimedia.org)

In Thai culture, the Malai is commonly used as an offering, a gift or souvernir. Thus, we can generally distinguish between three main uses of these garlands which are Malai chai deaw (มาลัย​ชาย​เดียว​), an offering to show respect at a shrine or temple, for instance. Then there is Malai song chai (มาลัย สอง​ชาย​), this is when a traditional Thai garland is given to and draped around the neck of a person to emphasize the importance of that person.

Pak Khlong Talat – flowers and vegetables market, nightime, Bangkok (photo: Deror Avi, wikimedia.org)

Finally, there is also the Malai chum rui (มาลัย​ชําร่วย​) which is a souvenir malai. This is a small garland given to people as a souvenir. Thus, Malai chum rui may be compared to the lei in Hawaiian culture. Today, the Malai may also be a fashionable accessory (though many dissapprove of it). For instance, Thai fashion designer Rotsaniyom use small floral garlands for shoe decoration. The Rotsaniyom Malai collection uses traditional Thai flower garlands as shoe decoration (photo: Rotsaniyom, FB page)

At the Bangkok International Fashion Week 2015, I also spotted some interesting and edgy interpreations of the Thai floral garland. Caption this. Edgy incoporation of the phuang malai at the BIFW 2015 (photo: Amat Nimitpark) A hairstyle and face decoration inspired by Thai floral garlands, BIFW 2015 (photo: Amat Nimitpark)

Phuang Malai as an edgy fashion accessory BIFW 2015 (photo: Amat Nimitpark)

Summing up, we may say that Phuang Malai has various forms and functions in Thai culture. In my opinion, it is the most versatile, elaborate and amazing form. Hence, next time you’re in Thailand, get yourself some nice flower wreaths

Yours, Sirinya La Ong Fong: Thai Pop Band

La Ong Fong (ละออง​ฟอง​) is a Thai band formed in 1996. Their musical genre is very much influenced by modern vintage, pop and Swedish pop. The name of the band was originally derived from the French word ‘enfant’ meaning ‘children’. This was transliterared to a more Thai sounding word namely ‘ong-fong’ (ออ​งฟอง​).​ In Thai, the words have a meaning of their own since ‘la-ong’ (ละ​ออ​ง) means ‘drizzle’ and ‘fong’ (ฟอง​) is ‘bubble’.

La Ong Fong

Present members of the band: Ae, On & Man*

La Ong Fong’s music is predominantly feel-good pop music. Their songs are vibrant, cheerful combining pop, jazz and also rock. The lead singer’s vioce is bright and clear.

Today, the band is a trio. The lead singer is ‘On’ Kornkamol Chaiwatanametin. The other two members are ‘Ae’ Pongchuk Pissathanporn (Bass & Vocal) and ‘Man’ Tanupop Notayanont (Guitar & Vocal). They are the present members of La Ong Fong.

La Ong Fong, Thai band*

Actually, the band was launched after Ae and Chompoo met in the Coke Duet Singing Contest back in 1988. ‘Chompoo’ Visa Attaseri was the fist lead singer of the band. She became an artist at GMM Grammy and thus invited Ae to join her.

Ae, on the other hand, asked ‘Fluke’ Danop Srikao whom he knew from scholl to be the drummer. Furthermore, Ae also invited his collegue ‘Nhong’ Witchaya Watthanasup (keyboards) and ‘Man’ Tanupop Notayanont (guitar) to complete the band. Thus, La Ong Fong was born! However, in this constellation the band only produced one album ‘Volume1’. Even though this album was successful, the band was dispersed.

La Ong Fong had a comeback in 2004 when they released the EP Album ‘Volume 2’. Now the band had only three members. Since this EP Album was well-received by the audience, the band deceided to release a full album called Cozy Collection in 2005. Here is ‘Tang Jai Deaw’ (Each heart), a very popular song from the Cozy Collection.

A few recordings at Spicy Disc followed until in 2011 the band came up with a fresh look releasing the album called ‘Wind-up City’. In particular the sound of the song ‘Ab Chob’ (แอบ​ชอบ , like) became iconic.

In 2014, La Ong Fong also ‘turned’ Japanese releasing a five- track EP called ‘Feel Romance Nagasaki’. What is more, the band’s members have also been ambassadors for Nagasaki in Japan. Thus, they also recorded some of their popular hits in Japanese.

La-Ong-Fong ambassadors for Nagasaki in Japan*

Finally, we may say that La Ong Fong is a Thai band making beautiful and versatile music that is gaining popularity even beyond Thailand. Enjoy their amazing sound!

Yours, Sirinya

(*all photos in this post, credit: La Ong Fong, FB page) Yok Manee: Thai Pandan Tapioca Pudding

Yok Manee (ขนม​หยก​มณี​) is a popular Thai dessert made of sweet pandan sago topped with shredded coconut. This dessert is also called ‘Pandan Tapioca Pearls Pudding’. Characteristically, it is quite sweet and sticky – hence, this is also the reason why this ‘khanom’ (sweet) is commonly served in Thai wedding ceremonies. Thai people believe that if the married couple eat Yok Manee, they will never be separated from one another. Thus, their love will be as sweet and strong as this sticky pudding

Yok Manee

Yok Manee, Pandan tapioca pudding (photo credit: m.posttoday.com)

Ingredients for 3-4 portions:

1 cup of sago 1 cup of sugar 2 cups of water 1/2 pandan juice green food colouring 2 cups of ripe shredded coconut 1/2 TSP salt

Preparation:

In a first step, wash the sago in water and then drain it. Set it aside and prepare the coconut topping. Put the shredded coconut on a plate and add the salt. Then toss the coconut and the salt until both are well combined. Set this aside too. Then heat some water in a large pan or work and put the sago in. Add the sugar and stir everything well together until the mixture thickens. Eventually, add in the pandan juice and some drops of green food colouring. Stir again and then pour the mixture on a tray and let it cool down. When the mixture is cold, scoop it and roll up with the coconut. Keep on rolling until the scoop is completely covered with coconut shreds. Put the pudding scoops on a plate and you’re ready to serve!

The following video will demonstrate you how to prepare Yok Manee!

Hope you’ll give this amazing traditional Thai dessert a try!

Yours, Sirinya

(P.S. Please check out my Thai Food Dictionary for more general information)

Rotsaniyom: Thai Fashion Designer

The Thai fashion label Rotsaniyom was founded by the couple Pongsak ‘Off’ Kobrattanasuk and Thita “Gift” Kamonnetsawat in 2007. Initially, this designer couple sold T-shirts at two stalls in Chatuchak Market.

Rotsaniyom

Pongsak ‘Off’ Kobrattanasuk and Thita “Gift” Kamonnetsawat

Since their T-shirts sold very well among vintage lovers, Off and Gift expanded their fashion design and started a flagship store at Siam Center and recently opened another store at Emquartier. The stores are also designed with a vintage touch, thus there is an art deco inspired entrance evoking a nostalgic feeling in the visitor. Rotsaniyom White Label at Siam Center, enjoy the vintage feel-at-home atmosphere

Their style can be described as vintage and retro with an Asian-ethnic touch. Hence, romantic and dreamy patterns, lace and romantic designs are predominant. The dresses are mostly cream coloured, white or pastel. Rotsaniyom designer ‘Gift’ wearing an extravagant lace dress

Designer pieces by Rotsaniyom are supposed to be pieces of art. Thus, the designers appreciate high quality and design incorporating some old school accessories like antique sunglasses or classic hair accessories. However, they also create jewellery and ‘adornments’ that are more edgy. More edgy RSY Adornments

Gift has always been in love with fashion design and she particularly admires Thai fashion designers like Greyhound, Theoddyssee and It’s Happening. They are her main source of inspiration. In her view, there is no need to look at international designers in search for role models or inspiration.

Rotsaniyom: Lace is more

Both designers love the Old Town in Bangkok and they also enjoy collecting vintage items. For instance, Gift bought a Japanese dress from the 1920s which she considers the oldest piece that she owns. Thus, vintage items are also a great source of inspiration for the Rotsaniyom desginers! Rotsaniyom Housestudio

What is more, Gift draws upon movies, female characters and Thai culture for inspiration and ideas. In fact, her favourite female character is Mae Ploy, a young girl entering the service of a princess of Rama V’s Royal Household, in the movie ‘Four Reigns’. Gift’s aim as a fashion designer is to incorporate some Thai elements into modern fashion. Beauty Ideals SS15 runway looks

However, sometimes it seems difficult to bring modern fashion design and elements from Thai culture together. A prominent example is that a lot of Thai people were scandalized at Rotsaniyom’s Malai (Thai garland) collection in 2014 because they used these garlands in their shoe design. Some people did not like this because traditionally the Malai is used for paying respect to elderly people and to the Buddha. The Rotsaniyom Malai collection 2014 uses traditional Thai flower garlands as shoe decoration

Finally, we may say that Thai fashion design that wants to incorporate Thai elements can be a balancing act indeed. Nevertheless, Rotsaniyom is a great and creative Thai fashion brand that catches the fashionista’s eye.

Yours, Sirinya

(All photos in this post, credit: Rotsaniyom, FB page)

Queen Suriyothai & The White Elephant War

Every Thai person knows about the White Elephant War of 1563 and the role that Queen Suriyothai played in this context. The King of Burma learned that the ruler of Siam, King Maha Chakkraphat, owned seven white elephants. The white elephant was considered a symbol of prestige and royal power. Thus, the Burmese King was envious since there were not any white elephants in Burma at that time and he decided to have one at any cost.

Suriyothai

The Ayutthaya Queen Suriyothai Monument (photo credit: Peerapong Prasutr, wikimedia.org)

Therefore, the Burmese King demanded three of King Chakkraphat’s white elephants. The ruler of Siam, however, refused. As a consequence, the Burmese king led his army to Ayutthaya, the capital city of Siam. From the wall of the city King Chakraphat and Queen Suriyothai watched the Burmese soldiers invading the city. Painting of the beautiful Queen Suriyothai, source unknown (photo credit: madmonarchist.blogspot.c om)

They were deeply worried because there were so many enemy soldiers. Thus, the King decided to let them attack the city and then defeat them. Queen Suriyothai was eager to go into battle with her husband but of course, the King disapproved. Nonetheless, the Queen was determined, and when the King went into battle, she remained at his side. Painting by Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, depicting the Queen (center) on her elephant putting herself between King Maha Chakkraphat (right) and the Viceroy of Pray (left). (photo credit: Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, wikimedia.org)

She watched the King lead his war elephants into the heat of battle. He was duelling with the Burmese Prince when the Queen saw her husband’s body weave with the sway of his elephant. It was obvious that the King would soon be killed. However, Queen Suriyothai courageously spurred her elephant between the elephants of the royal warriors and was killed by the fatal spear intended to kill her husband. Suriyothai Monument constructed in 1991 in the area called “Tung Makham Yong” in Ban Mai sub-district, PhraNakorn Si Ayutthaya district (photo credit: Peerapong Prasutr, wikimedia.org)

Hence, King Maha Chakkraphat’s life was saved but he wept for his brave wife and did not stop the war. In four months, however, the Burmese were forced to withdraw their forces and the King of Burma did not succeed in capturing a white elephant.

Queen Suriyothai has become a very popular female historical figure in Thailand. Because of her bravery, boldness and self- determination, she is also regarded as a great feminist. Even though, in history she is only known from three lines in a chronicle, her story was filmed. Thus, ‘The Legend of Suriyothai’ (2001) directed by H.R.H Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol became very popular in Thailand similar to ‘The Legend of King Naresuan’. In 2003 ‘The Legend of Suriyothai’ was also release in the USA and edited by Francis Ford Coppola. Since nearly nothing is known about the historical Suriyothai, her story in the movie was mostly invented. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rxNdA_MJEo

Finally, we may say that the story of Suriyothai and the White Elephant War has intrigued many generations of Thai people. In addition, the Queen may also be regarded as an early feminist with good reason.

Yours, Sirinya

(Reference: Marian Davies Toth, Tales from Thailand. Folkore, Culture, and History, 2nd ed. 1982) Srichand: Thai Beauty Brand

Srichand United Dispensary was founded in 1948 by Khun Phong Hanutsaha. At first, the company manufactured and sold only liquid pharmaceutical products. Later, the firm acquired the formula and business of Srichand Scented Powder from Dr. Leng Srichand. Hence, they changed the name of the company to ‘Srichand United Dispensary’.

Srichand – Thai Beauty Brand

Today, Ravit Hanutsaha runs the company that his grandfather founded in 1948 (photo credit: bangkokpost.com)

Since then, the company has been operating its businesses in pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetics under the Crown and Srichand trademark.

Hence, Srichand (ศรี​จัน​ทร​์) offers three main groups of products which are:

Liquid pharmaceutical products Chemical products under ‘Srichand Professional’ trademark and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Cosmetics products ‘Srichand Powder’ brand, the special feature of the translucent powders is that they can be used as a mask too, e.g. the Tanaka Gold Powder Mask

Srichand Tanaka Gold Powder Mask (photo credit: amazon.com)

The liquid pharmaceutical products are for instance tinctures, skin lotion and Gentian Violet solution 1%. They have the trademark ‘Crown’ and ‘Srichand’. They are produced under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standard.

Srichand Professional is one of the company’s main businesses comprising importing and repacking of chemical and active pharmaceutical products from around the world. The company has high standards and is recogniszed by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, major manufacturers in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, and many in Thailand. Popular for decades – The Srichand translucent powder (photo credit: amazon.com)

Srichand Powder is a renowned and legendary Thai cosmetic product that is produced according to a secret formula that is maintained until today. I have read many reviews recommending the Translucent Powder since it is well known for controlling oily skin while smoothing the surface and leaving a matte texture.

Rebranding has made Srichand products more appealing to younger customers (photo credit: bangkokpost.com) Recently, the powder products have been given a vintage makeover that retains the original brand image while making it modern thus fitting into the 21st century. I think the powder is a good product for me that I would really like to try. Hope to purchase this one soon. It is an amazing Thai best selling product that can also be used as a mask when mixed with water. The price is around 280 Bath.

Finally, I think that Srichand is a traditional but also modern Thai brand offering high quality cosmetic and beauty products. I can’t wait to get my hands on the much praised Translucent Powder

Yours, Sirinya

(Reference: Srichand official page)

Stir-Fried Sweet & Sour Vegetables and Chicken

Stir-fried sweet & sour vegetables and chicken is an easy dish that not only eaten in Thailand but in other Southeast Asian countries as well. It can be prepared with different vegetables and protein sources like chicken or shrimps. For a vegetarian option, you may take tofu instead. The taste of this dish is sweet, sour and salty and thus best served with jasmine rice.

Stir-fried sweet & sour vegetables and chicken Stir-fried sweet & sour vegetables and chicken (photo: Sirinya’s Thailand Blog)

Here is what you need to prepare 2 portions:

100 g chicken (optionally, 10 shrimps, peeled & deveined or tofu) 1/4 cup of diced onions 10 cherry tomatoes 2 small sliced cucumbers 1/2 cup of bell peppers, cut into 2cm stripes (red, green and/or yellow) 1/4 cup of pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces 1TSP minced garlic 1TSP soy sauce 2TSP oyster sauce 3TSP tomato sauce 1TSP sugar 1TSP white pepper 3TSP vegetable oil 1/4 cup of water

Preparation:

Take a pan or wok and heat the vegetable oil. First add the minced garlic and fry until fragrant. Then put in the chicken/shrimps and onions. Stir-fry shortly and then add the bell peppers, cucumber and tomatoes. Add some water and stir- fry for about two minutes. Then add the pineapple, soy & oyster sauce, sugar and pepper. Finally add the tomato sauce and stir-fry until cooked. You’re ready to serve!

This recipe comes from the marvellous cooking channel WhatRecipe.tv. They prepare this dish with shrimps. In the following video, you can easily learn how to cook this meal

Hope you’ll give stir-fried sweet & sour vegetables and chicken a try!

Yours, Sirinya

(P.S. for more general information, check out my Thai Food Dictionary)

Mueang Boran – The Ancient City

Mueang Boran เมือง​โบ​ราณ( ) means literally translated ‘Ancient City’ and is accordingly referred to as ‘Ancient Siam’. It is a park and probably the world’s largest outdoor museum created by Khun Lek Viriyaphant (1914-2000) who also constructed the Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan. Visiting Mueang Boran can be compared to a Thailand-round journey within a day!

The Ancient City At the Ancient City, Samut Prakan**

Mueang Boran, created in the early 1970s, is also located near Samut Prakan in close proximity to the Crocodile farm, about 30 km south-east of central Bangkok, near the coast to the Gulf of Thailand. Amazing architecture at one of the ‘Salas’ in Mueang Boran*

This museum park has the shape of Thailand and spreads over 200 acres. What is more, it features 116 miniature structures of Thailand’s famous monuments and architectural attractions of various provinces such as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai, Phraphuttabat Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Phrathat Chaiya and many more. A historical Thai building at Mueang Boran**

Apart from replicas of historical buildings, you may also encounter stunning mythical beings from Thai culture like the Naga which is the mythical snake. The Naga-Makara – Mythical Snake and Crocodile Composite*

Hence, historical structures are saved in this way and the park can be regarded as an educational area preserving Thai culture and historic building techniques. A dedicated team of local artisans work alongside experts from the National Museum of Thailand. Hence, you also find woodcarvers and other craftsmen at work there. A woodcarver at work in Mueng Boran**

A craftsman at work, Samut Prakan, Ancient Siam** However, not all buildings are miniature, there are also some full-size replicas of existing or former sites.

Monuments from Thai history at the Ancient City*

The facsimiles have been created with the help and assistance of experts from the National Museum in order to ensure historical accuracy. The most outstanding structure of the Ancient City is the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya which was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Further extraordinary replicas are the Phimai Sanctuary in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn located on the border to Cambodia. Chinese style replicas at Mueang Boran*

In the museum park, there are artificial watercourses and mountains. Sometimes you can also spot some shy red-deers that browse the green areas. Apart from the 116 monuments, there are many statues which represent famous incidents in Thai history or literature. For instance, the following picture shows the Buddha at the Stupa of Phra Maha That, Chaiya, Surat Thani. I think this is the Buddha Image of the Dvaravati Period, Ancient City* The Buddha’s face, Dvaravati Period*

Generally, the museum presents different periods of Siamese craftsmenship ranging from prehistorical times, Dvaravati, Srivichaya, Khmer to Lanna, Lan Chang, Hariphunchai and Sukhothai. The following periods called Authong, Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Rattanakosin are also represented there.

A re-creation at the Ancient City**

The landmarks are all in geographical order. Visitors of the museum receive a map in which all monuments are listed and numbered consecutively. Apart from the replicas there are also rare traditional folk arts and cultures. However, sustenance is also provided there – check out the restaurants, food and drink outlets and the Floating Market A waterway at Mueang Boran**

If you wonder how to move around the large park area, you may hire a golf cart or a bicycle. In addition, private vehicles are also allowed at a fee. Amazing sight at the Ancient City**

Finally, we may claim that the Ancient City is an extraordinary outdoor museum that brings Thailand’s history under one roof. Hence, this park also helps to preserve Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

Yours, Sirinya

(photo credit: *Amporn Konglapumnuay, ** Siwaphong Pakdeetawan, Instagram @knack66)

Nadech Kugimiya: Thai- Austrian Actor

For some years now, half-Thai actor and model Nadech Kugimiya has been a popular face in Thai media and the entertainment industry. Hence, he is famous on Channel 3. I think there is hardly any Thai teenager who does not know him. As a devoted reader of my blog, you may know that I have dealt with him shortly in my article about Nadech & Yaya. Nonetheless, there is of course a lot more to say about him seen individually

Nadech Kugimiya

Nadech (photo credit: Nadech Kugimiya FC, FB page)

Nadech, nicknamed Barry, was born 1991 in Khonkaen and his original name was Chonlathit Yodprathum. He is considered to be of Thai-Chinese and Austrian descent. At the beginning of his career there was some confusion about his origins and background because people generally assumed that he must be part-Japanese because of his last name ‘Kugimiya’. What is more, he also has the appearance of a Japanese manga character with his light complexion, thick eyebrows and doe eyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nES93pTPO2Q However, Barry was brought up by his aunt Sundarat and her husband, the Japanese Yoshio Kugimiya. Nadech adores his Japanese foster father and this is the reason why he himself claims to be half-Japanese, even though he is not. However, Nadech does not know Japanese but speaks fluently in Thai and Isan dialect.

‘Barry’ Nadech Kugimiya (photo credit: women.sanook.com)

Barry was discovered at the age of 16 and has been working as a model, actor and singer since then. Up until today, he has been in numerous Thai commercials and on magazine covers. For example, he was in commercials like Trident chewing gum with actress Pachrapa Chaichua, Shokubutsu shower cream for Men, Samsung Monte 3G, Yamaha Fino, Baoji shoes and Lays with Thai- Norwegian actress ‘Yaya’ Urassaya Sperbund.

What is more, he was the first brand ambassador and brand presenter for Thai Air Asia. He was also a surprise guest flight attendant serving snacks to the delighted passengers in 2014

Nevertheless, Barry is not only a ‘pretty face’ – he has been studying Communication Arts at . Hence, most recently he has presented his short film ‘Mr. Peter’s Project’ which is a work to complete his B.A. at Rangsit. The film is concerned with the Nan’s forest conservation. Hence, Barry’s aim is to raise an awareness of deforestation. Here is the film, though only available in Thai.

Nadech has been in numerous TV series and films since 2010 when he debuted in Ngaorak Luangjai. Furthermore, he gained popularity with his work in the series 4 Hua Jai Haeng Khun Khao (Duang Jai Akkanee or Akkanee’s Heart). He played the character of Fai Akkanee Adisuan starring alongside Urassaya Sperbund.

Nadech & Yaya in Akkanee’s Heart (photo credit: iheartlakorns.com)

What is more, he was in Gamerai Gamerak or Love Game Evil Game as “Saichon/Charles Makovich” and in The Rising Sun series also starring alongside Yaya Urassaya. He had a very popular role in Sunset at Chaophraya (Khu Kam, 2013) playing the Japanese engineering officer Kobori who falls in love with a nationalistic Thai beauty called Angsumalin. He also sang the song to this movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok715s5KJBs Hence, it does not come as a surprise that he also won Best Actor from Starpics Thai Film Award for his role of Kobori in Sunset at Chaophraya. This is really well-deserved!

Finally, we may say that Nadech Kugimiya is certainly one of the hottest luk kreung actors in Thailand at the moment. With good reason, he can be called Mr. Everywhere because he is frequently spotted on magazine covers, in television commercials, billboards and soap operas. You cannot escape Barry, thus you must love him

Yours, Sirinya

Media Review: Thailand The Cookbook by Jean-Pierre Gabriel

Today’s media review is about Thailand: The Cookbook by Jean- Pierre Gabriel (text & photographs) (ISBN: 978-0714865294). This book was published in May 2014 by Phaidon Press Limited, London. It comprises 528 pages and 200 colour photos, hardcover. It costs 39,95 EUR.

Thailand The Cookbook by Jean- Pierre Gabriel

‘Thailand: The Cookbook’ by Jean-Pierre Gabriel can be regarded as the most comprehensive and complete Thai cookbook. Thus, the author presents more than 500 authentic Thai recipes drawing on traditional recipes from different Thai cooks. Hence, this cookbook offers an unprecedented look at Thai culinary history, presents and explains ingredients as well as authentic techniques.

THAILAND book shot (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean-Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

The author, food writer and photographer Jean-Pierre Gabriel researched more than three years and travelled more than 25.000 kilometers to document authentic Thai food in the different . Hence, during his travels, he and his team visited markets, Thai homes, restaurants and cookshops to collect the recipes at first hand. Thus, the recipes range from simple street food to elaborate and fine palace cuisine. This cookbook can thus be described as a volume reflecting contemporary and traditional . It presents Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and does not shy away from presenting the more exotic and unusual Thai recipes.

122-3 Chili store (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean- Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

Thus, ‘Thailand: The Cookbook’ starts off with an introduction providing some general information about the making of this book, the author’s travels, sources of information and the characteristics of regional cuisine in Thailand which can be divided in Nothern, Isaan (Northeast), Central, Bangkok, Eastern and Southern Thailand. Before starting with the recipes, the author provides the reader with some pratical information concerning aromatic rules and general Thai cooking methods and equipment. Thailand Cover (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean-Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

The volume as such has ten chapters and a very useful glossary of ingredients & index. The chapters are about ‘Pastes & Sauces’, ‘Snacks & Drinks’, ‘Salads’, ‘Soups’, ‘Curries’, ‘Grilled, Boiled & Fried’, ‘Stir Fries’, ‘Rice & Noodles’, ‘Desserts’ and ‘Guest Chefs’. The single recipes always start with stating the origin, preparation & cooking time and the portion. The chapter ‘Pastes & Sauces’ presents basic Thai pastes like the different curry pastes, jams and dips. Partly, these pastes and dips are needed to prepare other dishes. For example, you will need the curry pastes to prepare the Thai curry dishes and you need the pandan extract to prepare a lot of Thai desserts. 109 dragon frappe (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean-Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

The chapter ‘Snacks & Drinks’ deals with popular appetizers like Thai summer rolls and fried spring rolls. However, the author does not shy away from including unusual recipes like the one for ‘Roasted Crickets’ or ‘Roasted Big Red Ants’. A delicious drink presented in this chapter is for inastance ‘Dragon Fruit Frappe’. There are 52 recipes for ‘Thai Salads’. Among these recipes are very well-known dishes such as ‘Green Papaya Salad’ (som tam) but also more ‘exotic’ recipes like ‘Thai Spicy Salad with Giant Water Bug Eggs’ or ‘Spicy Red Ant Salad’. There is something for everyone among the ‘Soup’ recipes and the ‘Curries’ comprise a large section. There are recipes and varieties for ‘classic’ Thai curry dishes such as ‘Yellow Curry’, ‘Green and Red Curries’ and the popular Thai Muslim dish ‘Massaman Curry with Beef’.

232 beef massaman curry (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean-Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

‘Grilled, Boiled & Fried’ shows the reader how to grill or fry different kinds of meat, seafood but also vegetables in an authentic Thai manner. ‘Stir-Fries’ are about the numerous Thai stir-fried dishes such as Pad Thai without noodles, for instance. However, it also presents recipes that the Westerner is probably unfamiliar with such as ‘Stir-Fried Silkworm Pupae’, for example. ‘Rice & Noodles’ offers a comprehensive collection of Thailand’s popular rice and noodle dishes such as the popular ‘Pad Thai’, ‘Drunken Noodles with Pork’ and ‘Shrimp Paste Fried Rice’, just to name a few. The chapter about ‘Desserts’ reflects Thailand’s amazing variety of desserts such as different kinds of fried bananas and sweets made with pandan extract like the ‘Pandan Pudding’.

464 pandan pudding (Thailand: The Cookbook, Jean-Pierre Gabriel, € 39,95, Phaidon 2014, www.phaidon.com)

The last chapter ‘Guest Chefs’ presents special Thai recipes by different chefs with great knowledge of Thai cuisine. Last but not least, the glossary helps the reader to learn more about unusual and specific ingredients used in Thai cuisine.

In my view, Thailand the Cookbook is a very comprehensive and complete volume about Thai cuisine. I am also amazed by the fact that the author does not shy away from including unfamiliar recipes concerned with the preparation of insects like crickets and ants. This certainly sets this volume apart from other more ‘common’ cookbooks. However, I find that some recipes are quite rare, thus requiring special ingredients which might be difficult to find in Western countries. Nevertheless, I think this cookbook very authentic and an interesting read for everyone interested in Thai cuisine.

Yours, Sirinya