Here’s a site recommended by my Thai friends. http://www.bask1.com/
Apparently, they have a shop in Pantip as well as MBK. You can check prices online and they are said to be the lowest in Thailand. I need a brand new digital camera so that’s where I”ll be heading to compare prices.
Before that, don’t forget to check out the best review site for digital cameras to help you decide on a brand and model. www.dpreview.com
Where: @ The Core, 31/1 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02.6226222, info@thecore.co.th, www.thecore.co.th
When: Saturday, May 19th 14.30 – 16.00
Fee: 1200 Baht
Pilates for Back Pain
Back pain is a growing epidemic which will affect many people during their life time. Much of this is associated with poor posture, improper lifting and bending techniques. The Pilates Studio is offering an educational workshop aimed at preventing the cycle of low back pain which causes misery and suffering.
• To improve understanding of the lumbar spine and the common conditions which affect it.
• To teach a Pilates exercise regime that can help to cope with persistent pain.
• To increase the quality and level of daily activity by addressing poor postural habits which contribute to low back pain.
• Note this workshop is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition •
Elizabeth Hockin MSc OT, Dip COT
Elizabeth holds a diploma and Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy UK and is a member of the Health Professional Council UK and British Association of Occupational Therapists. Most of her working life has been in the NHS UK where she worked with a wide range of medical conditions. A convert to the Pilates method of exercise, having undertaken training with Stott Pilates and Polestar Pilates; Elizabeth has a firm belief that regular practice in Pilates can significantly enhance the quality of life for most people. The Pilates method of exercise fits well with the philosophy of Occupational Therapy, which involves empowering people to achieve their full potential. This is especially relevant to people suffering from chronic low back pain.
The core
The Core is the first wellness center in Bangkok completely devoted to family fitness
At our unique, new studio we offer a variety of classes and activities for women and their families. Women who want to get fit or improve their existing health can choose from a wide range of classes; Pilates, fit ball, yoga or Gyrotonic. For women are expecting or who have recently given birth, they may join in a prenatal yoga or a postnatal support class. Children are also welcome to the Core to join their parents in the aim for better health. For kids we will have a playroom filled fun and educational toys and books. Children who want or need more organized activities can benefit from one or more of the following; music, dance, drama and yoga. Our philosophy for getting children interested in fitness and culture can become a concept they can experience throughout their life. By influencing children in a positive, nurturing manner we are also developing a culture more in tuned with health and the arts. Another aspect of our wellness center is the support we offer parents and their children. For the many stag of childhood development we will offer consulting for pregnancy, postnatal, infants and children. Through a variety of lectures and courses, parents can find encouragement and support. Some courses we suggest are infant massage and family yoga as a fun and relaxing way to bond with your children. We will also offer the services of trained doulas which can help ease the stress and discomfort of pregnancy and childbirth. Our innovative studio is set in a charming, old Thai house surrounded by a peaceful garden and pond in the center of the bustling city. Join us for a wonderful experience for the whole family.
Oriental wood furniture
Landmark Plaza, ground floor
Sukhumvit Road
Daily 10am-6pm,
Gold Bell Furniture is putting on show and sale home decorations made from rosewood and teakwood including dining tables, dressing tables, swivel desk chairs, sideboards, sleigh beds, step chests and high poster beds. Call 02-254-0404 ext 4849.
Home decor
River City shopping complex, Yota Road
Daily 10am-9pm, until June 23
The “Private Collection” exhibition and sale features a range of Indian home decor products. The highlight is a jewel carpet studded with precious stones. Also on display are hand-knotted carpets from Kashmir, marble inlaid with precious stones, furniture sets, silk brocade and household utensils. Free admission. Call 02-237-0077/8.
Mattress road show
Living Gallery, 3rd floor
Siam Paragon, Rama I Road
May 18-27, daily 10:30am-9pm
Kingsdown by Chanintr Group is holding a road show featuring the latest innovation mattresses from the US with its latest mattress product lines such as BodyBlend, BodySystem, PartnerPerfect.
Call 02-129-4477.
Courtroom comedy
Systems Little House, Thong Lo Soi 5
May 19, 2-4pm and May 21, 7-9pm
Bangkok Community Theatre is holding auditions for Romance, a 4-act comedy by Pulitzer-prize winning playwright David Mamet. The play is an uproarious courtroom comedy that lampoons everyone from lawyers and judges, to Christians, Arabs and Jews, to gays and chiropractors. For details, email siamsev@yahoo.co.uk.
Kundalini yoga
Wattana Heights Building
143/39 Soi Wattana, Sukhumvit Soi 19
May 19, 7:15am-6pm
Interested persons are invited to a yoga workshop covering subjects such as the introduction to Kundalini as taught by Yogi Bhajan, useful tips on alignment techniques and a video class with Yogi Bhajan. Call 087-055-4787 or email annickhemsin@hotmail.com.
Flower arrangement
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Ratchadamri Road
May 26, 8:30am-5pm
Sakul Inthakul, one of Thailand’s top florists, is conducting a flower arrangement workshop on the modern interpretation of traditional flower culture of Japan and Thailand. This is also a chance to view a slide presentation of Sakul’s recent works. The fee is 5,000 baht, including materials, coffee breaks and set lunch. Call 02-250-1000 ext 1239/40.
Just moved to Bangkok?
Looking for a network or new outlet?
Culture shock, home sick & need to talk?
Married with kids & outgoing?
Single & professional, not a professional single?
Share the experience and make the most of it while you’re in Bangkok.
Foreigners & Locals are welcome
BNOW is a weekly e-mail network distributed to subscribers with a monthly get together that supports women. Sign up here http://bnow.org/
Here’s something for the pilates enthusiast. Wish I had some time to get there myself! Have not personally tried this place but heard many good things about it. It also happens to be the first Pilates studio in Bangkok (now there several) with properly trained staff. Conveniently located at Manhatun Plaza near Ploenchit BTS station.
Website http://pilates.co.th/
This year’s Hua Hin Jazz Festival will be help on June 8th and 9th. The festival has become a major event on the Hua Hin calendar. Despite its overwhelming success and record crowds packing the narrow strips of beach last year, this year’s event has been trimmed down to just 2 evenings of music. Better book your hotels now if you haven’t already!
Festival website http://www.huahinjazzfestival2007.com
Doesn’t matter if you are a Bangkok newbie or have been living here for years, this is a guide book you gotta have! It has information and numbers of everything you’ll need from hospitals to hair salons and restaurants, compiled by the ladies at the Australian-New Zealand Women’s Group. It’s available at all Asia Books, Villa Markets, Kinokuniya bookstores and Bookazine for 850 baht. Believe me, it will be the best 850 bht you’ll ever spend in Thailand. Visit http://www.bangkokguideonline.com/ for more details.
Conveniently located on main Sukhumvit road, at the mouth of Sukhumvit soi 26 (7 mins walk from Phrom Phong BTS station), is this well-stocked, 2 storey bookshop with over 12,000 used books in many languages. Check out their website for more details and map http://www.dasabookcafe.com/
You can’t possibly come to Thailand and not experience a Thai massage or visit a spa for a matter of fact! Prices are extremely reasonable here and you don’t have to pay tourist prices if you know where to go. I love a good massage and am extremely picky about where I go. Here are a couple of places I recommend:
Asia Herb Association is a Japanese owned massage/spa chain with 2 outlets on Sukhumvit soi 24 (just walking distance from Phrom Phong BTS) and another on Suk. soi 31. Their massuers are well-trained and price is quite reasonable at 350 bht per hour (it used to be 350 bht for 90 mins but prices have gone up since) and currently, 450 bht for 90 mins. Very popular with Japanese and tourists. Advance booking is adviced. Tel: 02261 7401, 02260 8864. Please check with the operator as to which outlet it is you are calling as they have 2 outlets on soi 24.
The other very popular spa is Health Land. Frequented by locals and tourists alike. I do believe prices are cheaper and have common as well as private rooms. The common rooms are seperated by drapes but still quite private and clean. Prices start at 250 bht for 2 hours (at least that used to be the price 3 years ago). Check out their website for outlet locations. www.healthlandspa.com
A useful site for movie lovers is http://www.movieseer.com/ where you can check movie times and schedules for all cinemas in Bangkok.