Thai Cooking Classes Bangkok

Image via Wikipedia

Thai cooking is not a science it is an art. There is no “one way” to prepare a meal. Meaning personal preferences can be easily catered for. Thai cooking is also very forgiving, very sociable and enjoyable. When combined with the delicious flavors of the food, it is no surprise that cooking is a national past time!

Thai cooking is a fine mix of Indian, Chinese and indigenous influences. Over centuries it has evolved to become what it is today – a flavorful and healthy world-renowned cuisine. But what really makes Thai foods so unique and loved? Actually it isn’t one item, but rather a combination of may ingredients, each contributing to make Thai cooking so tasty. To start with, Thailand is a “Land of Plenty”, being blessed with a year round growing season. Soils are fertile and rain is sufficient thereby allowing for a wide range of cultivatable crops.

At the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy you can acquire new skills and techniques to combine, coconut milk, peppers, spices and herbs, seasonings, sauces, and curry pastes with vegetables and meat or seafood to make delicious dishes. Classes are kept small and intimate to give maximum attention to students and lessons are given by K. Chayanut Boonmerod, who speaks Thai and English, and has several years experience at Wandee School - the leading Thai culinary college.

Every morning’s lesson starts with a shopping tour of the local Asoke produce and seafood market where students will learn how to select the best and freshest ingredients for their cooking. Many of the herbs used in the cooking are grown organically at the school, ripe for picking on the day of your lesson.

The Academy itself is set in an authentic Thai house, where students have the choice of 9 different lessons, making over 30 different Thai dishes. Lessons follow through form preparation to cooking, presentation and eating! There is a big emphasis on the fun that can be had from making delicious food for your self and your friends.Image via Wikipedia

For those completing 2 courses, there is Certificate of Achievement - giving you a lasting reminder and proof that you can now cook genuine tasty and healthy Thai food.


Lessons make perfect gifts for loved ones, visitors to Thailand or those who need to get better in the kitchen!! Team building cooking parties are also a great way to bond with colleagues as a fresh alternative from going to the bar or restaurant. At the end of every lesson, students are provided with a full list of recipes and instructions so that they can recreate their new-found knowledge time and time again.

Cooking Classes are rated in Bangkok's "Most Popular" tours.

There are many styles and options, we have tabled them at this link.

from here you can also see all of rated "Most Popular tours Bangkok"

The number one (1)  tourism feature of any country it it's people and their culture and that's why we created "APAC" A Personal Assistant <> Concierge and the slogan is "get the most use a host".  It works, it's why everyone comes back aagainn and again.

Build Resilience

We can all take steps to reduce stressful emotions in the face of hardship by strengthening our resilience. Resilience refers to the capacity of an individual to cope with stress, overcome adversity or adapt positively to change. 

Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have, rather it involves behaviours, thoughts and actions which can be learned and enhanced. By strengthening resilience you will be better able to persevere through any of life's challenges.

The American Psychological Association suggests “10 Ways to Build Resilience”:

1. Make and Maintain Connections - Maintaining good relationships with close family members, friends and people in the community are important. Reaching out to someone you trust can be comforting and supportive as this positive action allows you to talk through your feelings, thoughts and reactions.

2. Remember that Some Crises are Beyond Your Control - A person cannot change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but a person can change how they interpret and respond. Focusing your attention on what you do have control over promotes coping and resilience.

3.  Accept that Change Is a Part of Life - You will be able to find ways to adapt to changing circumstances, e.g. establishing goals and taking decisive actions.


4. Move Toward Your Goals - Develop realistic goals and move toward these goals by asking yourself, “what’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”


5. Take Decisive Actions - Rather than detaching completely from problems, stresses and wishing the problem would go away, take action. 


6. Look for Opportunities to Self Discovery -Try to understand your own experiences of dealing with loss, hardship or emotional problems. Look for opportunities of self discovery after adversity as people often learn something about themselves and find the experiences create opportunities for personal growth.


7. Develop a Positive View of Yourself - Look for and develop positive traits and view yourself positively to build your confidence in your strengths and abilities.


8. Keep Things in Perspective - Try to consider these stressful circumstances in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. You have tackled past affliction that may have felt overwhelming at the time. Tap into those successful skills to get through current challenges.

9. Maintain an Optimistic Outlook - Having an optimistic and hopeful outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen.

10. Take care of yourself - Engage in healthy behaviours like eating well, regular exercise, plenty of rest and relaxing activities. Boosting your physical well-being is also good for your emotional health and can enhance your ability to cope. 

If you are struggling on your own and nothing seems to be working it might be helpful to see a professional who can help you look at the situation objectively and help you find ways to cope. 

Busting stress with wellness

Organise a well deserved holiday!


There is No better place then to rejuvenate and enjoy Hospitality than Thailand, see the video and "just do it"

Aussie dollar aims for the sky 'could hit $US1.70'

• Tim Boreham  from The Australian  May 9th 2011

THE Australian dollar is likely to build on its standing as one of the best performing currencies in the world, despite last week's decline from a record $US1.10 level on concerns of a pending commodities rout.

The rampaging dollar 'could hit $US1.70' as budget and industries threatened

ANZ chief Mike Smith said yesterday that the currency was likely to resume its climb above $US1.10, and one of the world's leading foreign exchange experts predicted the dollar would continue to rise and could hit $US1.30 in 2013 and $US1.70 by 2014.

This spells bad news for non-resource sectors such as manufacturing and tourism and poses a dilemma for the government as it strives to achieve a budget surplus by 2012-13.

"I can't see that there is anything to knock it off its perch because it's not only the strong Australian dollar, it's also the weak US dollar," Mr Smith said yesterday.  "And when you think about what is happening in the US, I can't see them increasing rates for at least 18 months and that will have an impact."

Global currency expert Savvas Savouri, of the British-based Toscafund hedge fund, went a step further, predicting the greenback would be relegated to a "museum", as China reluctantly moved to upwardly revalue its own currency, the yuan.

Combined with ongoing commodities demand and Australia's relatively high interest rate settings, this meant the dollar "promises to enjoy one of the most impressive bouts of appreciation of any currency within the G20 (industrial nations) and indeed beyond".

Dr Savouri, in Sydney for a conference, predicts the dollar will reach $US1.30 by 2013 -- and $US1.70 by 2014, as the greenback relinquishes its "exorbitant privilege" as the world's default currency. "The simple fact is the appreciation of the Australian dollar will be extraordinary," Dr Savouri told The Australian yesterday.

"There can't be a crisis in commodities as long as economies such as China and India are gorging on them.
"The idea that Goldman Sachs or other speculators are hoarding commodities is absurd. If you are building hospitals and highways, you need all of these riches from out of the ground."

On the flip side, Dr Savouri expects ongoing pressure on the greenback, which enjoys "exorbitant privilege" as the currency of choice for traded currencies. He said China inevitably would move to revalue its currency to tackle inflationary and speculative pressures, most notably in the Chinese property market as investors chased yuan-linked assets.
But he believes China will engineer a "soft" yuan adjustment, by which the currency remains weaker (or at least stable) against European currencies.
Having built a huge surplus of US dollar foreign reserves "to the frustration of Washington", China is likely to chase alternative currencies, including sterling and the Australian dollar.

"The yuan's period of being coupled to the US dollar will soon have to end," he said. "It will do so because Beijing deems it time to do so, not because Washington forces the matter."

Dr Savouri is unconcerned about the problems flowing from Australia's "two-speed economy".
On Friday, the dollar touched a low of $US1.05 before recovering to close just under $US1.07.

Miss Tiffany Ladyboy queen 2011

After a week of score accumulation, friendship building activities and visits at various places around town and the eastern coast, finally three most beautiful contestants of this year Miss Tiffany's Universe have been crowned and presented prizes worth a total of a million baht.

click image to expand

The exciting and talented cabaret shows filled beauty pageant which was aired live on National TV channel 7 on Friday night had ended with great impression and happiness shared between both the viewers and the contestants. You can view a hundred more of exclusive photos of all the 30 finalists competing for the crown on the night in Miss Tiffany's Universe pageant contest theatre taken on the stage and behind the curtain and more on activities between May 1-5 in 'VIEW GALLERY'-slide show.


Saturday, 07 May 2011  By  Pattaya Mail Reporters

Miss Tiffany's Universe 2011 Winner: Sirapassorn Auttayakorn (Sammy) student, 1st Runner-up: Saranratch Chaiyakorn (Nut) student, and 2nd Runner-up: Thissanamadee Bunniyom (Ji Ji) student

(From left) 1st Runner-up: Nut, Winner:Sammy
and 2nd Runner-up: Ji Ji

Winner of Miss Tiffany's Universe 2011:
Sirapassorn Auttayakorn or Sammy (No.5)

Other awards presented on the night are as follow, Best Costume: Thissanamadee Bunniyom (Ji Ji) student, Photo Genic: Thissanamadee Bunniyom (Ji Ji) student, Miss Congeniality: Archiraya Trithanawiboon (Eggy) business owner, and Most Stylish Cocktail Dress: Atchreechaya Tanuganurat (O) business owner

Sammy receives the award from Chonburi governor Vichit Chartpaisit

2nd Runner-up: Thissanamadee Bunniyom (Ji Ji)

'Nong Poy' Treechada Miss Tiffany's Universe 2004
and Miss International Queen 2004

Other articles

Blog Ladyboys,  Forum article Ladyboys,  Web articles Ladyboys

Ladyboy shows Bangkok - visit Tourism Database Bangkok - see Calypso

Risk Leadership: Social Media - Friend or Foe?

Do you block access to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and a host of other "inappropriate" social media? Should you?

Editorial by

Phillip R Smith  FAICD AII AIM CD

Founding Director of Central Insurance Brokers Perth West Australia

http://www.centralins.com.au/    more about me at http://www.ps.austhai.biz/

Here are my thoughts. However, if this grabs your interest lets benchmark

Social Trends - The workplace is continuously evolving. You may have seen for yourself a new, younger CEO allowing the pent up desire for changes in workplace culture to evolve where the older predecessor did not. In my view there is no doubt social media is a key element of the immediate future of our workplaces. The question is, what should it look like for your organisation?

Risks of allowing access - A few of the most obvious risks include impact on productivity and inappropriate workplace behaviour such as bullying and harassment and damage to corporate reputation. Other risks that may be present include IT security risks as social media sites are havens for the mischievous. Even so, most of these risks are manageable. Time wasting and inappropriate workplace behaviour can occur on Facebook using an employee's smart phone while sitting at their desk as easily as using the organisation provided desktop. IT security can be addressed at some expense. Perhaps it is better to bear some of these risks and actively manage them through access policies and training?

Risks of denying access - If you deny access you are stating that social media does not have a role in the workplace. While this might be true for some organisations where the distraction of social media can be a safety concern, there are many organisations, from leading technology companies to media to the police, using these tools right now. The risk is then two-fold. 1) You may be missing out on much needed talent as many of the younger generation may steer clear of you. 2) You may be missing out on the opportunity to manage parts of your business in a better way because you have not allowed your workforce to explore how social media tools can benefit the organisation.

Opportunities - Managed well, I suggest that even the most conservative organisation can benefit from social media access within the workplace. Social media can be used amongst the workforce to build and foster relationships, share knowledge and mould organisational culture. Twitter can be more effective than SMS for keeping staff and other stakeholders informed during rapidly evolving events. For SMS your staff and customers have to keep you updated regarding a change of number, with Twitter, anyone can follow you.

So, "lead" or "follow", either way I believe most businesses will need to be there sooner than many of us think. 

Related article 

Small Business get with smart Marketing

LinkedIn is now megga stream for business links

Central Insurance Brokers, Perth WA

Restaurant Treasures Bangkok April 2011

It's a tough job but someone has to Thai

As "Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok" rises with popularity so too does the shared smiles and great experiences. 

Editorial by Phillip Smith.  Director AusWaThai
Our guests are amazed at what this Megga city has to offer and quite frankly every outing I get a little "gob smacked" by yet more Gemstones! 

Bangkok is a fountain of wellness, mostly because of the people you meet; the source of synergy and it goes without saying Thai hospitality is unique. 

In April we add a few Restaurants to our treasure map! 

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The Long Bar : 5 Star dinning

click on photo to expand

25th flr, a hidden jewel in Bangkok’s crown. It's stylish and elegant and the Panoramic view of the city skyline is all consuming.

The worlds "Longest Table" or slide into a booth with lavish cushions to cuddle up and relax into the evening.   All elements are outstanding.

A cutting edge concept.

Zone: Sukhumvit (Soi 16)

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MahaNaga:   5 star dinning

click on photo to expand

I would never have believed this place until I saw it for myself. 

A rose among thorns, rich earthy colours inside and out.  Elegant courtyard, surrounded by cosy dining rooms all offering garden views.

It's a Thai fusion fare at its best. The dishes on offer are clearly the fruit of the chef's creativity and hard work.

Zone: Sukhumvit (Soi 29)

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River City BBQ:   3.5 stars + a treat

click on photo to expand 

You'll either love or hate  "Moo Gadaa" (DIY Thai BBQ) - this one is a Diamond.

DIY or menu sets at ridiculous low prices.  
5th flr rooftop view at the Chao Phraya River (priceless views)
The roof is alive with a "tropical garden" which divides the BBQ area from the "Balco Bar" an alfresco rooftop bar where you can enjoy cocktails and jazz music at basement prices. Sink into an outdoor lounge and absorb the view of the river.

The location is a "Travel Spot" directly opposite Millenium Hilton. 

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Good news
All venues are logged to a Public Access Tourism Database Bangkok.  

The database (for tour planners) shows functional data such as:-

Intensity, Price Point, Map location Photos, Venue rating, Zone location, Transport methods.

You can view the Database (under construction) at this link
The database is rated "Advanced user", so we added a link to the consumer style search engines.

The Database is a collaborative effort by 
Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok, local travel agents field work by enthusiastic PA's from "Asoke PA", a unique local "Personal Assist (Concierge) service for Tourists. 

"Asoke PA" service was initially for Corporate clients but the cost is so low and great value now everyone is "Getting on Board"

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In April we met more special people at the AustCham Sundowner in Bangkok

Andrew Smith, Director of Inovastra:  

• Accounting Services in Bangkok and Perth WA.  Andrew (WA lad) is a frequent flyer

Brett Gannaway, former Executive Officer of AustCham Thailand

• WA bread, Bangkok based 17yrs now serving as a Business and Events consultant.

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I'm pleased to confirm both are gentlemen and highly qualified for their Portfolios. The social contact at AustCham Sundowners is well known (Bangkoks' number 1 Bis networking event). If your serious about Bis Thailand you have to meet these guys, their skill and knowledge is priceless!  

Visit soon, share Thai Smiles, a memorable experience.   

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International Data Roaming costs are sending you broke!

Image via WikipediaWe continue to hear stories of travellers with smartphones (particularly iPhone users) incurring huge data-roaming bills, particularly Telstra customers.

One (big) reason for this is the charging mechanism used by Telstra (Optus also has its problems). Telstra charges 1.5 cents per kilobyte, PLUS a 50c per-data-session flagfall. A data session is a connection from your handset.

There can be (and often are) many simultaneous data sessions running on an iPhone, for instance the default e-mail setting is to check e-mails every minute - that means that even if you don't send or receive e-mails but don't change the settings you will incur a charge of more than 50c each minute.

Image via CrunchBase 

If you leave your phone on whilst roaming for a 16-hour day, that is more than $720 per day, just for (no) e-mail! It makes a mockery of the per-kilobyte charge, as the effective rate jumps up to perhaps as high as 2.5 or more cents per KB when the flagfall is included


 
People are constantly confused by the topic..  is it a call cost or a data pack cost?
 
You can actually use one for the other and vice versa - but be warned doing so will either save you a bucket of money or bury you in debt.  They accumulate cost diferently .. see this forum article about the data rate for either and how it is effected by which application you use (ie., talking or surfing the web)
 

Good News

  For the Aussie Business Exec's travelling to Bangkok
The "Asoke PA" service has set up a bargain deal on Thai Sim cards with Phone and Data Packs!
 
They can hook you up to include unlimited Internet use for about 15% of the rate you would pay in Australia.   The idea is to switch sim cards on arrival and use the local service.  

 

Apart from the massive savings on net use you will also save huge costs on phone calls

 

Make sure you have made sure you phone is unlocked so you can switch sim cards.

 

Asoke PA service is a new concept to provide "Personal Assistants" for busy travellers or those on short term stay. The PA's fastrack everything for you  to ensure a seamless experiencfe; Orientate, Translate and Negotiate.

 
see more at Asoke PA.