The Intersection

Worldwide Accent Project | Bangkok, Thailand

TALE OF THE TWO FASHION PRINCESSES

If you've heard about this well, who cares? I'm telling it again...


Two princesses walk into a fashion show. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand and Princess Beatrice of York were each seated in the front row of the Elie Saab show in Paris.

But when Princess Sirivannavari approached Princess Beatrice to say hello, she was rebuffed by Beatrice's guard, who told her, "She don't want to meet no princesses. She's sitting here, not getting up." Princess Sirivannavari replied, "Is that the sort of Princess you've got?" and went back to her seat.




[source]

TRAVEL+LEISURE: World's Top 10 Cities

Two of Travel+Leisure Magazine's Top 10 Cities in the World are in Southeast Asia. It just so happen that the Top 1 and 2 are in Thailand! Yey!

Bangkok is the World's No. 1 City destination according to 16,000 voters. The northern Thai city of Chiang Mai came in 2nd. Last year, they were voted 3rd and 5th respectively.

This great news was a big boost to the morale of Bangkokians after the 10-week civil disorder that rocked the city. The poll stopped a few days before it happened.

Incidentally, the T+T also listed the Top 10 Cities in Asia: Bangkok (1), Chiang Mai (2), Siem Reap (4), Hanoi (8) are Southeast Asian cities that made it to the list.

Here is the full list of the World's Top 10 Cities.

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Thailand Bags Best National Costume & Miss Photogenic

Thailand's delegate to the Miss Universe 2010, Fonthip Watcharatrakul (ฝนทิพย์ วัชรตระกู), bagged both Best National Costume and Miss Photogenic awards.

The winning National Costume

The inspiration from Thai ancient murals.

The designer, Phalin Aphinyakul, who won over hundreds of submissions.

The winning photograph for Miss Photogenic.

Thank you, Pook Look!

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RECORD BREAKING STINGRAY CAPTURED IN THAILAND

A mega-stingray was caught in the Maeklong River here in Thailand!

This is part of a program to tag stingrays and check their population. Our hero this time is a Brit dude named Ian Welch -- a biologist and a champion angler. Thanks dude, for sharing your expertise. *wink wink*

The stingray weighs 771lbs and measures 7 feet by 7 feet plus its 10 foot long whip, I mean, tail. It took 13 men and 9 hours to finally land it. I so miss Steven Irwin right now *sigh*

And the kicker was...she is pregnant! You could just imagine how big her boyfriend is! Stingrays of her specie can weigh as much as 1,100lbs. The preggy mom was release a few hours later.

See full story here.

There are still a lot of hidden animals in our paradise. Ones that keeps on surprising us.

Speaking of which, have you heard of that news about a mega-mega-phyton striking fear among residents of a certain river in Borneo? The aerial photo (apparently discovered on Google Earth) is circulating the Internet. Uhm...but that's another story...

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THE TEMPLE OF A MILLION BOTTLES

The Wat Phra Maha Chedi (more famously known as Wat Lan Kuad) in Thailand’s Sisaket Province is the latest addition to Southeast Asia’s official list of eco-friendly tours.


It is made of 1.5 million recycled beer bottles donated by just about everybody who knew what was going on since 1984. Monks of this monastery started using coloured beer bottles as decorations, but people started donating and the inflow went on for the next 25 years.

So... what's a monk to do? Use all donated bottles like there's no tomorrow!


Wat Lan Kuad literally means: “Temple of a Million Bottles” and already making news around the globe. The temple complex has 20 buildings all made of recycled bottles and the monks intend to build more!


Green Heineken *Thank you, Denmark!* and brown Chang Beer *Thank you, Chonburi!* bottles are used to make the walls and roofs. It is all spectacular!


There’s also a mosaic of the Buddha made of recycled beer tin-caps! Amazing, isn’t it? =)

Ok, let's sing together now...

1.5 million bottles of beer on the wall
1.5 million bottles of beer!
You take one down, and pass it around
1,499,999 bottles of beer on the wall!

1,499,999 bottles of beer on the wall
1,499,999 bottles of beer!
You take one down, and pass it around
1,499,998 bottles of beer on the wall!

1,499,998 bottles of beer on the wall
1,499,998 bottles of beer!
You take one down, and pass it around
1,499,997 bottles of beer on the wall!...

Geez! Goodluck!

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EVERYTHING IS SET...WE'RE WAITING FOR YOU

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THE GREAT HORNBILL: Our Heritage Icon

Here’s one heritage icon instantly associated to our beloved region – the Great Hornbill of the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines. *other species found in Vietnam*

They are called แก้ไข นกกก in Thai, Kalaw in the Philippines and Burung Enggang in Malaysia and Indonesia and Kenyalang in Kalimantan. *what is it called in your language?*

I visited Jurong Bird Park in Singapore a few weeks back and this birdie does it all the time. When I walk in the aviary, they always land to get in the way. So, either I go back where I come from or I just make a run for it. What do they want from me?

Obviously, these great birds are fearless. That’s why they are the symbol of numerous tribes like the Iban people of Borneo, the Dayaks of Kalimantan, the Igorots of Ifugao -- Brave, fearless warriors of the land. Sarawak is known as the "Land of the Hornbills".

They can grow up to 4ft in height with a wingspan of 5ft! That’s why they are sovereigns of the rainforest. The Hornbill’s most distinct feature is that ginormous thingy on top of its’ already ginornous bill – it’s called a “casque” by those who want to have names for anything & everything. A casque – don’t forget.

It is said that Hornbills use their casques (only males has it) for aerial battle. Like what those deers and goats do – butt fight! Although nobody has actually seen Hornbills in actual aerial butt fight.. It’s just a legend perhaps.

The Great Hornbill is in the list of Threatened Species. We can’t afford to lose another one of our endemic icons.

Save the forest, protect the Great Hornbills –

heritage icons of Southeast Asia.


Buceros bicornis


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*Thanks to Mr Bauer for the photos

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10 COOL FACTS ABOUT AYUTTHAYA อยุธยา

Welcome to my hometown -- The abode of my family and the realm of my ancestors.

1. Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, a Thai kingdom existed from 1350 to 1767 AD.

2. It was one the most powerful kingdom the world has ever seen. Its territory included a huge part of Burma, the Lanna Kingdom, the Yunnan & Shan Sri Provices of China, the whole of Laos, the whole of Cambodia, South Vietnam and all of Malaya.

3. The City of Ayutthaya’s population was well over a million people in the mid-17th century while London had barely half of it.

4. The ambassador of King Louis XIV of France compared the size and wealth of Ayutthaya to Paris in the 1600s. King Narai of Ayutthaya had close ties with the French king sending each other gifts regulary.

5. Its name was derived from Ayodhya in Northern India. The city of Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana.

6. The ancient city lies in an island where 3 rivers meet – the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Passak Rivers. It can be reached from Bangkok through the great Chao Phraya River.

7. Ayutthaya is a World Heritage Site. So, it means the whole city is protected. Ancient ruins like the Royal Palace and a handful of majestic temples are all that is left but – it’s like a time capsule back in ancient Siam.

8. The ancient city is best explored on foot or a bicycle. It is quiet, it is relaxing and good exercise too. The northwest of the city is where most of the ruins are.

9. Ayutthaya is the only place in Thailand without standard written Romanticized form. You may find it written differently around Thailand – Ayuthaya, Ayodhya, etc. But no matter how it is spelled, it is pronounced as /Ah-yoo-tuh-yah/.

10. Ayutthaya is just an hour away from Bangkok. Take a cab or the bus at Morchit Station.


We are waiting for you.

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WE'RE OK, GUYS!

I didn't plan BISEAN's first blog post for 2009 to be like this...

But for all those who sent emails, comments, SMS, Morse codes and smoke signals demanding we let them know we are alright...well, here. We are alright.

The BISEANers were actually pissing the night away at Clarke Quay last night. Yes, in Singapore.

Too bad what happened to Santika. More than 59 people died last night in a fire *sigh*. Our sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

Santika is just 3 mins walk from my flat in Bangkok (Santika at Ekkamai 9, I live on Ekkamai 10). If it just happened we were in town, the whole gang would be there for sure (But we'll definitely leave early for Q Bar).

Ok, this is just a short post. Just to let our demanding readers know.

--Pisanu in Singapore

PERFECT SPECIMEN: Nat Myria Benedetti

Certified Dance Diva.

Myria Benedetti is a Thai-Swiss-Italian model/actor/pop star in Thailand. She is more famously known by her nickname "Nat". Nat was born on 6 Feb 1975 in Switzerland to a Thai mother (Jinda Tengmeesri) and a Swiss-Italian father.

Nat is one of the few Leuk Kreung superstars who has maintained popular status since the 90s.


More photos of Nat here...




Eurasians are the hottest people on Earth.

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FORBES' 10 NEXT GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD

Here's something for global investors and Real Estate moonies like me...


Forbes Magazine compiled a list of the World's 10 Next Great Cities a few days ago. And guess who made it?

Pffft! Not a clue? --

This list won't make it to BISEAN if at least one of our SEA Cities aren't mentioned!

Ok, ok, let's spill it...

Kuala Lumpur is at No.4 and Bangkok is at No. 9.

There. Take that!

While traditional World cities are suffering from economic slowdown, these 10 cities are blossoming and fast becoming to be the World's most important cities.

Read the full story here or view Forbes' slideshow here.

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***Thanks to TAO for pointing this out =)

OUR ENTRIES TO THE 81st OSCAR Best Foreign Language Film

The Oscars has invited 96 countries to submit entries (films) to their Best Foreign Language Film category. This award has been given out since 1956 and so far, Vietnam is the only country in our region to achieve an Honorary Award (a nomination) in 1993.

Singapore’s entry this year is "My Magic" -- a film about a single parent’s attempt to win his sons love and respect; the former magician made a painful choice that lead to the two souls coming in terms with each other. Dialogues in Tamil and directed by Eric Khoo. [FilmAsia’s review]

Thailand’s entry is the much publicized and highly controversial film -- Love of Siam (รักแห่งสยาม). A film about a gay romance of two teenage boys and discusses sexuality with “groundbreaking” frankness. The film made US$1.3 million in 3 weeks and almost swept all the local film awards. Dialogues in Thai and directed by Chookiat Sakveerakul. [WiseKwai’s review]

The Philippines’ entry is the picturesque film "Ploning"; about a man’s search for the enigmatic woman who has deeply wounded him in the past (not literally, heartbroken is the right word). Dialogues in Cuyonon/Filipino and directed by Dante Nico Garcia. [Rianne Soriano’s review]

Vietnam, the only Southeast Asian country to ever nominated, did not send any entry this year. The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture received only 1 entry (Black Forest) to represent the country but the film wasn’t commercially released [read as: disqualified]

Indonesia, the only other more successful SE Asian country in the Oscar’s Best Foreign Language film with more than 5 films accepted to the competition did not make it to the 01 Oct deadline.

Malaysia, Cambodia and Burma did not send entries this year; while Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste do not have local movie industry.

BISEAN wishes the best of luck to “My Magic”, “Love of Siam” and “Ploning”. Make us proud!

Nominations (Honorary Awards) will be announced on 22 January 2009, and the winner will be announced on 22 February 2009 at the 81st Oscars.

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Related post: Our Oscars So Far

MEET THEOS: Southeast Asia's Newest Satellite in Orbit

While most of Southeast Asia was celebrating the Eid-ul-Fitr; Thailand was launching its first natural imaging satellite in Yasny, Russia.

The first and only imaging satellite in Southeast Asia was launched in 01 October 2008 (Wednesday) around 6:37pm by a Russian Dnepr rocket. It was successfully placed in parking orbit and for the first time [in 03 Oct] – orbited across the sky above the kingdom and took photos of the Big Mango! (Bangkok)

*I am eagerly awaiting the released photos! Argh! I can’t wait!*

Its name is THEOS -- a 715-kg satellite built by EADS for Thailand. It stands for THailand Earth Observation System.

And anytime now, will transmit images of world-wide geo-reference photos for environmental & coastal monitoring, forestry & flood risk management and track illicit drug plantation and trafficking. THEOS will provide access to any part of Thailand in less than 48 hours.

THEOS is fully owned, controlled and maintained by Thailand. Its control station is in Sri Racha manned by the Thai Space Agency GISTDA.

The Space Technology race in the region is in full swing! –

Bring it on, Indonesia! =)

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Related Post: Southeast Asian Satellites

WHAT GOES ON DURING HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI?

The Hari Raya is one of my most awaited events in Southeast Asia. I would go to my Muslim friends’ house and eat and eat as much as I can – uhm, did I just sound like a free-riding cheapskate there? LOL. Nah, kidding aside…the Hari Raya is a special day when Muslims celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with their families.

Greeting me, greeting you. Hari Raya literally means... “Day of Celebration”. Aidilfitri is the Malay term of the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei use the greeting “Selamat Hari Raya” while Muslims in Indonesia use “Salam Aidilfitri”. This is also a time for reconciliations and the words...“Maaf zahir dan batin” are added which means “I seek forgiveness with all my being”. “Happy Eid” is acceptable to English speaking greeters.

New stuffs for the kids! Just like Christmas or Songkran, Hari Raya is also most awaited by children. This is the day they get new clothes, new shoes, new PlayStation *that’s for me!* and all sorts of presents. The adults are extra generous by giving small amounts of money they call “Duit raya”. *Ch-k-ching!*

Everybody is in a festive mood! People would be extra happy, extra friendly and seem like they are switched on to shopping mode as well! Big cities and towns would have sale, big promotions, discounts and the malls are playing Hari Raya songs non-stop! TV show extravaganzas and concerts rule the airwaves for the succeeding days.

1 light bulb, 2 light bulbs, 3 light bulbs…City streets transform into a Disney-like feel with all the thousands of light bulbs on just about anywhere they can stick in onto -- like stars descended from the heavens. More traditional families in towns use lamps to decorate their houses at night time.




Traditional costumes galore! It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes on Hari Raya. Men would wear “baju” and women would wear “kurung” or “kebaya” – they will take pictures of themselves and post it on MySpace for the entire world to see! I really love it when they flaunt and proud of wearing their traditional costumes! Simply admirable.

Honk! Honk! Most people would hold traditions the best they can. There is “Balik Kampung” which means going back to one’s home town and celebrate Hari Raya with their relatives and childhood friends. You wouldn’t believe the nationwide traffic caused by this mass exodus! Traffic enforcers are on a 24-hour alert!



Come in! Come in! On the eve of the celebrations; mothers, grandmas and aunts are busy preparing food, cakes, sweets and the best dishes – Ketupat and Rendang are on top of the menu. Supermarkets would sell instant-versions of it for the city people. And the most beautiful of it all is the “open house” – where you can just show up to other people’s house and eat to your hearts’ desire.

Behind all this modern celebration of the Hari Raya is an earnest tradition of keeping close to their religion. Muslims would start the day with a prayer at the mosque, visit people who are close to their hearts and be compassionate with all sincerity.

The Hari Raya is truly a Southeast Asian tradition to behold.


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* Note: The Eid-ul-Fitr is also a national holiday in the Philippines.
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