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.

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/

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.

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

I am one of those who constantly suffers from neck pains, back aches, migraines etc. My husband often tells me that my body should be donated to medical science. HAHA! but it’s because I have so many problems, that I know many doctors which comes in handy for people my age

If you have been searching, you’d notice that there are not many Chiropractors in Bangkok. Well, lucky for you I know of 2 and both come highly recommended by many.
Most foreigners go to Dr. Don, an American-Japanese doctor who is fluent in both languages, as well as Thai. He charges between 800 - 1000 bht per session and is located on Sukhumvit Soi 23. You can contact his office for a map at 022580350. I have been going to him for almost 3 years now. However, I recently discovered a Thai-Chinese Chiroprator who is amazing and a little closer to my home. As you can guess, most of his clients are Thai and he speaks Mandarin too, but seriously, when it comes to aches and pains, hand gestures are sufficient. When I first went to him, he cracked so many parts in me I never thought were crackable, it was great! LOL. I felt brand new after that and have been going to Dr. Somchai since.
Dr. Somchai is located on house no. 100, Sukhumvit Soi 36. Clinic tel: 022615898. He does not take appointments in advance but what you can do is call when you are on the way and request for a queue no. You will get the queue no. when you arrive and pray that you’re not too far behind. He charges between 600 - 700 bht per session.
Both Dr. Don and Dr. Somchai are very packed and appointments are highly recommended. Get ready to be relieved of your pain! I need another session soon….