Final intouch apr may 2015 hr

INTOUCH2015 April - May

Tel: +66 (0) 2274 3444Email: [email protected] School Accredited

“With the power of imagination, characters can actually �y o� the page”Jun, Grade 11.

At KIS International School in Bangkok, Thailand, all students can shine. The midsize, caring community allows KIS students to be con�dent and to be appreciated as an individual, with unique dreams and strengths. The school is a full IB school, o�ering the International Baccalaureate Programmes for all age groups (IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma), ensuring an academically rigorous curriculum that not only prepares students to be successful at university, but also teaches important life skills. KIS, it’s all about Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit.

Check out the students’ videos to learn more about their passion www.kis.ac.th

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BANGKOK GUIDEAvailable at

Asia Books, Bookazine, Kinokuniya,

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HOW TO ADVERTISETo discuss advertising opportunities, please contact InTouch Magazine Advertising at [email protected].

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One-off ads and packages are offered. By choosing a one-year package, advertisers secure placement of their ads in six (6) consecutive issues of In Touch with the benefit of a 10% discount. The deadline for placing ads is the second Tuesday of the month prior to publication, artwork is accepted until the 20th of the month. Please book early as space is limited.

3 TO OUR READERS

• President’s Report

4 MEMBERSHIP

• ANZWG Committee 2015/16

• New Members

• Monthly Morning Tea

• Members’ Birthdays

• Get to Know ...

• AGM

12 KIWALAS

• Kiwalas Playgroup

16 DATES

• ANZWG Calendar

18 ACTIVITIES

• Immigration Detention Centre Visits

• Mahjong on Saint Patrick’s Day

• Bobble Football

24 COMMUNITY PROJECTS

• THEP Trip

28 SPOTLIGHT

• Lifestyle

• Health and Fitness

• Education

32 COMMUNITY INFORMATION

• Contacts

• Community Noticeboard

24 THEP Trip

Welcome to the Australian-New Zealand Women’s Group Bangkok, In Touch magazine.For more than 50 years ANZWG has played a major part in the lives of many expatriate women who have been lucky enough to reside in this fascinating yet

sometimes challenging city.

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INTOUCH April/May 2015

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www.anzwg-bangkok.org

As the AGM was held just a couple of weeks ago I would like to take the opportunity to say welcome to a big group of new ladies to the ANZWG Committee! This significant turnover was due to so many of the previous committee members either leaving Bangkok in the middle or at the end of this year, or simply deciding it is time for someone else to have the opportunity. Amazingly all except for six ladies are new (myself, Lisa, Heather, Jo, Sarah and Alicia). However due to the diligent work of the sub-committees over the last year there is plenty of assistance on offer via handover notes, meetings and offers of help for a month or two, so I expect that the transition will be fairly smooth.

To the outgoing committee members I would like to say a heartfelt thank you for being a wonderful, communicative and enthusiastic bunch of women. So much progress has been made putting together informal guidelines for the different sub-committees, planning a fabulous mix of social activities, reaching out to new members, preparing for our big project this year with the 20th Edition of the Bangkok Guide due in early 2016, administration of the Facebook group and pulling the InTouch magazine together.

The year seems to be marching forward with the Mother’s Day lunch being organised by the Kiwala’s ladies with help from Activities; before long it will be time to start forming a Melbourne Cup committee, and the Friendship lunch is September and all the while the important Bangkok Guide 20th Edition project is running along in the background. Yes, sometimes I do have moments of panic over all that we need to do but it always seems to fall into place.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the magazine. It took some time to find an affordable printer to enable us to once again deliver to you a lovely hardcopy of the InTouch magazine. Advertisers are essential to covering our costs, so if you have contacts for a potential advertiser please send in the details or ask them to contact Kate via our advertising email: advertising @anzwg-bangkok.org.

I would like to acknowledge Heather and the work she has done over the last two years transforming our magazine into a very slick publication. Siobhan is taking over this role, and is so excited and enthusiastic that I am sure we will see further enhancements made to a great publication that reflects so well what we are about as a group – first and foremost helping each other in a social and friendship context, and then working to contribute to improving the welfare of women and children in Thailand via our time and fundraising.

With Songkran almost upon us I hope you have a chance to experience the slight madness that comes with it; try and dodge a complete drenching. I didn’t last year - my family thought it was hilarious when I had a bucket tipped over my head.

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SPresident’s Report

www.anzwg-bangkok.orgINTOUCH April/May 2015

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IPANZWG Committee 2015 - 2016

Executive [email protected]

President, Marylou [email protected]

Vice President, Alison [email protected]

Treasurer, Katrina [email protected]

Assistant Treasurer, Ann [email protected]

Secretary, Sarah-Jane Farnham [email protected]

Assistant Secretary, Stephanie [email protected]

Membership [email protected]

Alison Howe

Chona Boardman

Felicity Fox

Diedre Larkin

Welfare Team, Community [email protected]

Heather Clarke

Gillian Watson

Megan Peel

Activities [email protected]

Sarah Dobbs

Courtney Black

Jessica Tseng

Lia Siebert

Jenny Nicholls

Jo Gadsden

Kiwalas [email protected]

Alicia Doogue

Becs Bellingham

[email protected]

Lisa Coxhell

InTouch [email protected]

Siobhan Bland

Advertising [email protected]

Kate Ganner

Bangkok Guide [email protected]

Lisa Coxhell

Bangkok Guide Sales [email protected]

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INTOUCH April/May 2015www.anzwg-bangkok.org

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Bronwyn Skerritt

I am a practising psychotherapist, with two university-aged daughters living and studying in Australia. I have lived abroad a couple of times.

Carni (Carolyn) Johnston

I have two gorgeous children, Max 9 and Daisy 7. My husband works in Australia in the mining sector and is away approx. one month at a time (with five days home). We are living in Thailand to experience another culture!

Emma Vandermeer

I just moved to Bangkok with my husband and 15-month-old son, from bonny Scotland. We’ve been living in the UK for six years, but after the arrival of our son we decided we wanted to be a bit closer to New Zealand, and as luck would have it my husband was offered a job in renewable energy here in Bangkok. Before having my son I was working in recruitment and HR for Heathrow Airport. I love cooking vegetarian food, travel and lapping up the sun after so many years without it!

Jessica Tseng

I have moved to Bangkok from Perth since 2013 and started working as a freelance makeup artist. I like to travel, meet new friends and learn new things. I also enjoy volunteering in charitable activities whenever I have the time.

Johanna Selth

I am delighted to be in Bangkok after eight years in Beijing (which was great for many years, but boy did we need a change!) and to be a part of ANZWG. I am here with my husband who

works at the World Bank, and my two primary-aged children, who are attending NIST. Apart from enjoying the weather, the shopping and the many interesting things to do here in Bangkok, I am also volunteering two days a week at an NGO that provides legal services to urban refugees. I enjoy reading, running and pilates, and am interested in learning to cook Thai food.

Lauri Barrett

Our family moved to Bangkok early this year after three-and-a-half exciting and interesting years in Shanghai. We have two adopted daughters from Taiwan (9yrs & 8yrs) who are attending the American School of Bangkok. I am a former corporate marketing manager but have been living the “Tai Tai” life since our positing to Shanghai. I enjoy exploring local markets and getting involved in the community. I’m an avid tennis player and I’m looking forward to joining the ladies on Thursday mornings.

Melina Gin

I am a New Zealand born Chinese, and immigrated to Australia when I was 10, living 30 years in Sydney and the last four in Adelaide due to my husband’s work commitments.

We relocated to Bangkok in January with our two boys aged eight and six. This is our first overseas posting with my husband’s employer. I am having a break from my career for the time being to ensure our boys are settled and make their transition as smooth as possible. Prior to moving abroad I worked for 25 years as an insurance property specialist, and may

look at work opportunities down the track.

Our children are very much involved with outdoor activities like soccer, AFL, cricket, swimming and bike riding. They both go to NIST and are in Years 2 and 3.

Robyn Hill

We moved to Bangkok in November and are having a great time. We have three kids at NIST, so we are busy with all their activities! I love sport, especially swimming and can be found in our pool a lot. Back home our family is involved with the surf club, so going to beach locations is important to us during holiday times. I love craft, reading and seeing the sights.

Tammy Schneider

I love to serve and support others to achieve their goals, dreams and outcomes. A great organiser and project manager, I have excellent liaison and communication skills and work well with people of all ages and background. I have worked and supported many charities in Australia, Cambodia and Vanuatu and was also the Vice President of the Women’s International Group in Phnom Penh in 2010.

Toni Brendish

We are an Aussie/Kiwi couple who are both working. We have teenage children and have been expats for the past six years. We are both passionate about rugby and enjoying the country we live in.

Wendy Buckingham

My husband and I have an online business building and

New Members

If you’d like to know more about ANZWG, go to www.anzwg-bangkok.org.We’d love to see you at the monthly ANZWG Morning Tea (see Dates on pp16 & 17).


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New Members Continued...

managing websites and video hosting for clients. I’m officially retired, but still assist with developing my information website “To Be A Life Coach” and other writing needs of my husband’s company. My background is as a feature writer, life coach and author. We are most likely only in Thailand for a few months “having an Asian experience/adventure” and a shortly moving to Chiang Mai for a spell.

My interests: Classical music, getting out into the countryside, personal development, the media, old movies, English history. Also fascinated by politics worldwide.

We will introduce our other new members, Ann York, Ingrid Richardson, Tiffany Shield, in a future InTouch Issue.

Chocolate “Hiccup” Peppermint Cake

Ingredients

2 bottles of Champagne 6 whole double eggs 1 1/2 cups oil 3 tubs of yoghurt 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon cocoa (Columbian is always best!)1 tablespoon baking powder

Icing

12 fresh mint leaves (must be picked fresh that morning and covered with dew) 2 cups icing sugar 1lb butter (salt free) 2 tablespoons milk (fresh from the cow is best - can be substituted for camel) 1 king-sized New Zealand Cadbury Milk Chocolate (available from Marylou Rainsford at a discount!)

Method

Pour a large flute of Champagne. Drink Champagne. Refill. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Drink Champagne.Refill.

Grease 2 x 20cm baking tins and dust with icing sugar. Pour cake mix into tins. Drink Champagne. Refill. Place tins in preheated oven for 40 minutes at 120 degrees - set timer.

Eat king-sized New Zealand Cadbury Milk Chocolate bar, ensuring you leave a few crumbs as you go - these will be used as garnish later. Drink Champagne. Refill. Drink Champagne. Refill. Drink Champagne. Refill.

If you can be bothered to check on the cake when the timer goes off, ensure to wear oven gloves. Use a skewer to see if the cake is cooked the whole way through. If extra cooking time is required, just shut the oven door, and pour a further glass of Champagne. If the cakes are cooked, toss them onto a cooling rack.

To make the icing mix, caress the dewy mint leaves, then pound in mortar and pestle. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, add icing sugar, softened butter and milk. Drink Champagne. Refill. Mix well.

If after waking on the kitchen floor and finding the cat eating the mixture, ice the cakes - being careful to remove any cat hair, and the cakes from tins. Using your fingers to ice at this stage is acceptable. Sprinkle with your chocolate crumb garnish. Place in the fridge to cool.

Proudly present to spouse after dinner and enjoy with a refreshing glass of bubbles. Be sure to double check for any cat hairs you may have missed earlier.

A tried and tested recipe from Bridget “Hiccup” McBean

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AprilSophie Berger 2 AprilSharyne Lazaroo 10 AprilLeanne Whittingham 11 AprilKate Ganner 15 AprilRosemary Lindsay 16 AprilIngrid Richardson 18 AprilJodie Holdsworth 19 AprilToni Brendish 22 AprilMae Hurley 25 April

MayTanya Wenczel 1 MayDebbie Nederkoorn 4 MayJessica Tseng 4 MayMaribel Magnaye 5 MayHani Damjanovic 7 MayJacki Byrne 7 MayChona Boardman 17 MayDaniela Everest 20 MayTrudy McKenzie 21 MayCarni Johnson 25 MayKate Newberry 25 MayKatie Michel 25 MayJenni Boyce 31 May

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Chiropractic and Physical TherapyThe best of both worlds under one roof

Get relief fromLower Back Pain

Chiropractic Treatment

Physical Therapy Performed by Licensed Physical Therapists

Gentle Techniques for Delicate Patients

Traditional Adjusting Techniques

Therapeutic Massage Techniques

Medical Referrals Available When Necessary

Care for Sports Injuries

Custom Made Orthotic Arch Supports

Diet Modification for Pain Control

Fitness Consulting

Neck Pain

By appointment only.

Holistic Health Systems Ltd.438/13 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai) Bangkok 10110Tel: (02) 711-5102 Mobile: (081) 627-0312, (089) 455-3915Email: [email protected], [email protected] www.thailandchiropractor.com

Herniated Disc Pain

HeadachesTingling and Numbness in the Arms and LegsShoulder, Arm and Wrist Pain

Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot Pain Mar

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Flexible Working Hours to Accommodate Even the Busiest Schedules

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AcupunctureLaser AcupunctureChinese Herbal MedicineCuppingElectro-NeurostimulationChiropracticTherapeutic Massage TechniquesDietary RecommendationsLifestyle Recommendations

Back and Neck PainJoint and Muscular PainArthritisHeadachesWeight LossFertility and Menstrual DisordersMenopausal SymptomsAnxiety and DepressionDigestive DisordersRespiratory DisordersAllergiesCirculatory DisordersNeurological DisordersUrinary/Kidney DisordersFacial RejuvenationAcne and Other Skin Disorders

By appointment only.

Holistic Health Systems Ltd.438/13 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai) Bangkok 10110

Tel: (02) 711-5102 Mobile: (081) 627-0312, (089) 455-3915Email: [email protected], [email protected]

www.thailandchiropractor.com

Flexible Working Hours to Accommodate Even the Busiest Schedules


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Alison Howe, Vice President & Membership

How long have you lived in BKK?

The kids and I have been here fourteen months, hard to believe how quickly that has flown by.

What are your favourite restaurants and shops?

With two kids with nut allergies we are fairly limited with restaurants. Our favourite family restaurants would be Bacco, L’Opera and Gusto. We are lucky that we are pretty much spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants over here. I’ve tried many but don’t really have a favourite. Like most, finding clothes to fit is very limited. I’m happy just to window shop and have a big splurge when I go back home or on holidays. I usually go to VNC for shoes as they cater to big sizes.

Where would you go for a massage/haircut/manicure?

Haircut - uz@mile in Ekkakmai; Mani/Pedi - Ten Ten Nail Spa in Phrom Phong; Massage - Ashamed to say I haven’t been for one, I will have to put that on my to do list!

What are your top three things to do in Thailand/Bangkok?

Visiting the Ancient City (Mueang Boran) is easily accessible from Bangkok. You can hire a bike or golf buggy and visit historic sights all in one place. Hua Hin is a lovely family friendly beach town. A Bangkok Food

Tour is a must for any foodie; I can guarantee you will walk away stuffed.

What do you like most about Bangkok?

What I love most is the wonderful people I have met, everyone has been so welcoming. There is always something going on in Bangkok; the social life keeps you very busy.

What do you miss the most about home?

Where do I start ... the usual culprits like family and friends. But also blue skies, clean air, being able to read labels, customer service, my hills hoist, driving, Aussie food ... going grocery shopping and being able to get everything I need in one place and finding it in the section that it should be in. The list is endless ...

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you, or that you have seen in Thailand?

You just have to venture outside on a daily basis and you shake your head to the strange sights that you see. From how many people can you fit on a motorbike and what they transport on them, to constructions workers (work care would have a heart attack!) to people carrying dogs and cats in baby carriers.

What advice would you give someone new to Bangkok?

I would recommend that you sign up to expat groups that appeal to you, its a great way to start your network. Say yes to invites from people, as they will likely become a big part of your life. Volunteer your time to the many charities here in Bangkok or even just at your school.

Who’s Next?

We will feature one or two of the new 2015/16 ANZWG Committee members in each new issue of InTouch.

Take an active role inyour health with a variety

of health screening forevery lifestyle

Today-April 30, 2015

Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital

Personalized health check-ups

• Life Beauty Life Melasma Clear Formula Vitamins for blemish and dark spots reduction 3,500.- (from 4,000.-)

Remark: - No food or drink at least 8-10 hours prior to a check-up. - Prices include doctor’s fee but exclude outpatient service fee.

Laser treatment program for blemish, wrinkles and acne scars reduction

• Laser CRL, Prolyte, IPL, Crystal Bright Buy 5 sessions, get 25% off*

Facial contouring program

• Botox, Filler 10% off• Deep Lift 40,000.- (from 50,000.-)• Ulthera-S Full Face 72,000.- (from 80,000.-)• Facelift Program with “No Needle Lift Technique” 45,000.- (from 70,000.-)

Remark: - *Free Eucerin Aesthetic White Day Fluid 30 ml. and White Night Fluid 30 ml. worth 2,600 baht when purchasing Laser Treatment Program (first 150 persons). Please show your receipt at Eucerin counter, Samitivej Esthetics Institute, to receive free products. - Prices exclude outpatient service fee.

Many more packages available on smtvj.com/ANZWG2015

For more information and making appointment,please contact [email protected].


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Photos by Jodie Holdsworth and Sarah-Jane Farnham Svensson

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Photos by Sarah-Jane Farnham Svensson


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Kiwalas is a playgroup for parents and children aged 0-6 that meets every Tuesday morning in members’ homes from 9:30am. Kiwalas helps ANZWG achieve its aims of supporting its members in Thailand and fostering friendship between its members. All ANZWG members or partners of ANZWG members, are welcome to attend. If you are new to Bangkok and have young children please contact either Alicia or Becs at [email protected], to find out the details of our next playgroup.

In Memory of Jojo

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Jojo Cheung, an inspiring woman who died unexpectedly on Monday 9 March in Sydney. Jojo leaves behind her beautiful young daughter Daisy, proud husband Julian, and countless friends and family in both Australia and Thailand. Jojo was a supportive friend and we were lucky to have her as part of our Kiwalas community. Jojo fought an awe-inspiring, very brave and public fight against breast cancer. We honour Jojo’s memory by asking everyone in the ANZWG community to “check your boobies”, as she so often asked us to do.

Kiwalas is proud to report that a donation of AU$500 was collectively made to Jojo’s chosen charity, Breast Cancer Network Australia, www.bcna.org.au, which provides information, support and care for women diagnosed with breast cancer. We are sure that more donations would be appreciated.

Thank You Carmel!

With the ANZWG AGM done and dusted for 2015, it is an opportune time to thank Carmel Norton for her hard work as Kiwalas Co-ordinator. Carmel has done our playgroup proud,

being a grounded and generous representative on the committee, who is always thinking of others, especially the disadvantaged women and children in Thailand that ANZWG strives to support. At playgroups, Carmel is always sporting a sincere smile and goes out of her way to reach out to new members or those who haven’t attended for a while. Behind the scenes, she is a well-organised co-ordinator who finishes tasks ahead of deadlines and has made sharing the role a joy. We wish her well with her post-grad study in Educational Business Leadership!

Comings and Goings

Goodbye to Bec and Nelson Hilton and their two Bangkok-born babes, Josh (3) and Lochie (1). We will miss your yoga classes Bec, but hope you enjoy surfing in Hawaii, your new home. Aloha!

Warmest welcome to Emma Vandermeer, husband Ashley, and son Arlo (1) who are getting into the swing of things at playgroup. Lovely to have another Kiwi in our group, bringin us to about 70:30.

Lucy O’Donoghue is also braving the summer heat with her little guy, Peter (5 months), to join us at playgroup. Lucy spent her first playgroup giving out jars of Vegemite - what a way to win over us Aussies!

Water Parks!

Now for some fun! It’s heating up in Bangkok and with Songkran holidays around the corner, Kiwalas thought it would be good to share some reviews on water parks in and around Bangkok. Sawatdi Pi Mai!

Cartoon Network Amazone Water Park, Pattaya by Carmel Norton

This waterpark has only recently opened and is about 20 minutes or so from downtown Pattaya. We

had a nice time there with another Kiwalas family in January. The kids really enjoyed some of the more adventurous rides and the wave pool was a big success with the little ones in particular. The water was freezing though when we first arrived and it took some time to warm up, so going in a warmer time of year is recommended!

As much as we enjoyed the day it is very expensive compared to other water parks in Bangkok. Adults 1,290 baht and kids 890 baht, so if you are taking a family of five, the cost really adds up! You are really paying for the Cartoon network ‘branding’ and the newness of the rides. A fun but pricey day for the family.

Santorini Park, Cha-am by Melanie Stainlay

We stopped off at Santorini Park on our way to Dolphin Bay. The carousel and ice cream shops were a hit with my daughter. There’s also a ferris wheel, but the real fun to be had is at the water park. There is a huge wading pool with several small slides, and a pirate ship with water coming from every direction imaginable. There is a relaxing lazy river and a wave pool (which was not in operation when we were there).

For the daring parents or teenagers, there are some seriously scary slides. One of them even requires you to wear a helmet - I refused to let my husband try it! If people in Thailand don’t wear helmets on

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April - May Kiwalas Playgroup Hosts

7 April - Lucy21 April - Tiffany

28 April - Erin5 May - Ingrid

12 May - Emma19 May - Elissa26 May - Becs

by Alicia Doogue and Becs Bellingham, Kiwalas Coordinators


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Jessica at Cartoon Network Waterpark Matthew at Cartoon Network Waterpark

Bec, Nelson, Josh and Lochie Hilton

Playgroup at Carmel’s house on 15 March

Kiwalas Playgroup


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motorbikes, but feel the need to wear one on a waterslide, it must be pretty dangerous! He did try one where you stand in a capsule and the floor gives way forcing you to take a terrifying drop. He loved it and I’m sure that we would have stayed longer if we had older kids.

Family changing rooms were available and everything was clean and modern. Thai and Western food is available from their restaurant, and the prices were not too bad. They search your bags upon entering as you are not allowed to bring food or drink into the park. Tip - ask for entry prices for residents.

Vana Nava Water Park, Hua Hin by Becs Bellingham

Recently opened in December 2014, this modern and clean water park is a children’s paradise. The ‘Rain Fortress’ is a giant water playground with seven different slides, fountains and a giant bucket that fills up and empties every few minutes. This had our children entertained for literally hours – including our one-year-old who kept saying “more” after every slide!

But this park isn’t just for the kids, there are rides for all ages including those thrill-seeking adults with the ‘need for speed’ – with two slides dropping you at 50-60km per hour, exhilarating! (so my husband tells me, I backed out of those ones!!). Most of the

slides you ride with inflatable tubes – singles, pairs, threes and sixes, and the variety of rides was great. The height limit for the tube slides varies between 1.07m and 1.22m. But with a wave pool, aqua obstacle course and a flowing river to ride tubes around, there really is something for everyone.

The down-side however, was the queues. We went on a Sunday and it was super busy. This did not affect the kids’ areas, but meant that us adults missed out on getting a good fix of adrenaline! My advice would be to go on a weekday and not on public holidays or weekends.

There is a great range of food for sale – western, Thai, seafood, icecream etc. You can rent lockers and towels and they also have private Beach Huts that you can rent complete with a personal butler to take your food orders!

The entry into the park is 1,000 baht per adult, 600 baht per child, and 2,600 baht per family (two adults and two children). There are discounts for those with a True card or various credit cards.

All in all I would highly recommend this park for people of all ages, it has a bunch of unique water slides, the facilities are clean and modern, just be prepared for queues on the weekends.

Fantasia Lagoon Waterparks, The Mall Bangkae and The Mall Bangkapi by Megan Weingarth

Fantasia Lagoon Waterparks are often referred to as being among ‘Bangkok’s best-kept secrets’, and after visiting the one at Bangkapi, we know why!

On entry the park was spotlessly clean, well maintained and almost empty. The park is split into different areas, suitable for kids of different ages and with large and small pools, waterfalls, slides, a lazy river and a number of play areas including a pirate cove with pirate ship.

You can purchase food at the restaurants in the water parks or from the food courts in the mall (re-entry is free on the day of ticket purchase). Facilities are good too - large, clean change rooms with private shower cubicles, toilets and lockers.

The best part is the price - 200 baht for adults and 120 baht for children (20% discount available with an M Card) and you can stay all day. The only downside is everyone has to wear a swimming cap (but you can rent these at the park).

The parks are most enjoyable for children up to about 10 years of age. They are open between 10:30am and 8:45pm every day.

When you’ve had enough water there’s an entertainment zone located right below the water park - full of games, rides and a play area, cinemas and of course lots of shops!

New member, Emma Vandermeer, and Ashley and Arlo Riley and Tayla at Vana Nava Water Park

Kiwalas Playgroup


16

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18

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SImmigration Detention Centre Visits

I have been visiting the Immigration Centre (IDC) every Monday for a year now, and each time I go I am reminded of how lucky I am to be born an Australian. I have the freedom to come and go as I please. My family is not unlike the ones that I visit in the IDC; we have both left our home country in search for a better future for our families. The difference is my family was lucky enough that my husband had a skill that they wanted here in Thailand and we came with a work visa.

The people I visit do not have skills that are sought in Thailand, and they came on a tourist visa. Many are even more unlucky as they have left their country in fear of their life. As soon as they arrive they register with UNHCR as asylum seekers. (There is no queue for them to join in their country so they join the queue here). The “lucky ones” are able to live under the radar in the community here in Bangkok, a whole family in a room smaller than my master bedroom. The unlucky ones are picked up by the Immigration Department and placed in the Detention Centre.

In the IDC men and boys over 12 years old are separated from the women and young children. The rooms are severely overcrowded without enough space to lie down to sleep, no air conditioning and the smell from the most basic toilet and washing facilities. This is where you are kept, and only allowed out for an hour and a half every three days, and once a month family members are allowed to see each other. That is why I visit the IDC.

I am one of a small group that visit once a week so that a 15-year-old boy gets to see his mother, a father gets to see his wife and young children, or a man who has noone in Thailand knows that he is not forgotten. They only get very basic food so we take in some fruit, toiletries, books, school books for the kids and clothes if requested.

It is hard to have a conversation with the person you are visiting as there can be over 100 people standing on either side of a fence with a one-metre gap between each fence for the guard to walk along and pass notes to each other. And what can you say to a person who has been locked up for months or years about anyway?

What I did on my trip back to Australia last week, how I am planning on going to Turkey in July, the movie I saw on the weekend?? So we each stand on our side of the fence, say hello, they ask how my family are, and I ask how they are and if they want me to bring anything. But that’s about it for me. Some people can talk away, but I find it very difficult and sometimes upsetting. But I just think that if I hadn’t come, they would not get to see each other and that makes my discomfort worthwhile and turns it to gratefulness and

a feeling of doing something worthwhile.

The IDC is located in Suan Plu Road off Sathorn Tai Road a 10- to 15-minute walk from Lumpini MRT or Chong Nonsi BTS. Visiting detainees is allowed every weekday morning except public holidays. We meet in a café opposite the IDC on the corner of Soi 5 on Monday mornings.

Because Thailand does not recognise the status of refugees they too can be picked up and thrown in the detention centre, however once they have been bailed out, and do not break their bail conditions they are allowed to remain in the community and receive help from the Bangkok Refugee Centre.

I am currently trying to raise bail for a Chinese couple who have refugee status but have been recently placed in the detention centre. Bail is 50,000 baht per person. We also support a recently released refugee from the Ivory Coast who is a friend of Anne Sidwell’s (past ANZWG President) and we help others in the community who have nothing.

Recently we have started hosting cooking classes to raise money. We have had one Pakistani cooking class and I hosted an Aussie deserts class. We have two more Pakistani and a Japanese cooking class coming up.

I have written this article from my own experiences with the IDC and the people I have met that are associated with it. If you would like to join our visiting group or any of the cooking classes, please email me at [email protected] or I am at most ANZWG morning teas.

by Ruth Mulkearns

AC

TIVITIE

S

Activities Cancellation Policy

Our Activities Team spends a lot of personal time and expense scouting around, doing pre-visits, researching and managing relationships with vendors, suppliers, services and businesses on behalf of members.

We have all been in the situation where we have had to pull out of something at the last minute, for good reason. Since we have to commit to service providers well in advance of our activites, we manage this risk by enforcing a Cancellation Policy, which is fair and reflects our intention to ensure costs are covered for each activity (there is no cross-subsidising); other members attending the activity do not have to absorb cancellation costs; and ANZWG is also not required to pick up expenses.

This policy is supported by all members of the ANZWG Committee, and is as follows. Where there is a third-party provider (e.g. buses, vans, hotels, restaurants, service provider, etc.) members are required to cancel in writing (e.g. by email) a minimum of five (5) days in advance, or by the cancellation deadline set by the organiser (whichever applies). Where there is no third-party provider, members are required to cancel at least 72-hours prior. Members who cancel after the specified deadlines are required to pay in full. Last-minute cancellations due to emergency situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

At times, the cancellation policy may vary, depending on vendor requirements. If there is a variation to the standard cancellation policy, for a particular event, members will be advised.

If anyone would like to join the Activities Team, please contact us at [email protected].

19www.anzwg-bangkok.org


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SMahjong on Saint Patrick’s Day

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I’m so glad I gave this event a go. It was totally out of my “comfort zone” for an activity, but looked like lots of fun, and I wasn’t wrong!!

We met at Arena 10 in Thonglor for a 10am start. Just looking at the 10 Zorbs blown up made me a little nervous, but once we had warmed up and had practiced bumps and rolls, we were ready to go!

We were divided into two teams, Red v Blue, and had a game of soccer, luckily with lots of water breaks. Blue team won 2:1. The score could have been higher but with so many air kicks and great goalies we were lucky to score at all.

Next was a fun game of British Bulldog. The hour passed so quickly and I really felt like I had run a

marathon, but had so much fun at the same time!!

I would defiantly do this activity again and recommend it for a blokes’ night out and kids birthday parties.

Thanks ANZWG!

Bobble Football

by Jo McGregor


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SBobble Football

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THEP Trip

Marylou and I were on yet another THEP trip in February. We know that so many members before us have “been there done that” and written about it, but not all trips are the same and we thought it was worth taking some members down memory lane and chronicling our experiences for others to perhaps inspire them to do the same.

ANZWG members would be particularly proud to know that our funding really does make a difference by improving the conditions for the children in remote areas in northern Thailand, and we were proud representatives on this trip!

We were met by Susan and her husband, David, and introduced to the other two couples visiting sponsored THEP students. From the beginning, we could sense it was going to be an interesting time. There was a bit of shuffling of people between cars and within the van and while earphones definitely came in handy at times, the best was a window seat to enjoy the scenery!

Instead of visiting the gorgeous little restaurant by the water that we were told had spectacular views and good food, we were requested by the school to attend a dinner celebrating the appointment of the new Education Commissioner for the region. The children were great at entertaining us with karaoke, but we knew it was time to go when the men felt an obligation to unleash their inner diva! So off we went as quick as we could to the hotel and down the road to a bar to down a few well-earned beers. To Marylou’s credit, she stayed on her alcohol free February and in hindsight perhaps that would have been

the wiser choice for some of the others, but at least it was a little quieter in the van the next day!!

The air was crisp and clean the next morning. We had a lovely breakfast at a little hotel overlooking the riverbed with clear views of the mountainside. Then we headed back to the school with a stopover at another school to check on the sponsorships and dormitories also funded by THEP.

We were also happy to deliver the extra 30 mattress protectors that were funded by ANZWG to the girls for their beds. Coincidentally, we arrived to a real spectacle of local schools coming together for a sports day. All the different ethnic costumes were proudly paraded and customary dances performed to the cheers of the crowd and organisers reflecting a true community spirit.

The opening of the boys’ dormitory at Ban Huay Sing School wasn’t exactly what we were expecting. It was a big event primarily organised for the VIPs from the Education Department. However, thankfully, the speeches weren’t too long and after the plaque and gift giving ceremony, Marylou and I quietly snuck off to give the toiletry gifts to the girls and little kids. They were so polite and delighted with the gifts, and all so curious about what the different products were used for!

Back in the dormitory, the boys were receiving strict instructions from Susan that the mattress protectors were not be used for anything else other than staying on the mattress!! The boys were very grateful for the beds and bedding that ANZWG funded and I’m sure they would have promised Susan

anything considering that they no longer have to sleep on a cold tiled floor!

Marylou and I also took the opportunity to explore the other dormitories to see conditions and get an idea of other immediate needs. There were broken beds; makeshift bedding; children were doubling up in beds and sleeping on the floor; there were no lockers for the mountain of clothes everywhere; there were rooms with no ceilings or fans and many without adequate protective mosquito screens. Once we receive a complete list of needs from Susan, we will consider putting forward proposals for funding to improve conditions for all the children.

Meanwhile while I returned to Bangkok, Marylou stayed in Chiang Mai for one more night so that she could meet and interview the ANZWG sponsored university students, Benjawan and Janjira. They were lovely, bright and engaging young woman. Benjawan has three more years to go in her teaching diploma and Janjira has two years left before she receives her nursing qualification. It was interesting to try and encourage them to speak in English and chat about how they find their course (subjects, homework), where they live, if they see their family etc. Marylou had the definite impression that these two girls would go back to their village and encourage and help others there to try and achieve.

by Vicki O’Neill

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THEP Trip

SYMPHONY INBLACK

Cocktails at 6.30pm Dress code: black and white glam Tickets: 3,000baht Email: [email protected]

Tel: Kathy 081-854-9968 or K. Rambha 09 2498 2964

Soroptimist International Dusit ClubA worldwide organization dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged women and children in Thailand

Presents our annual fundraiser

A three course dinner with wine

Hand crafted cocktails with a special twist

Music from a romantic era including the works of Beethoven, Kreisler and others

A select art gallery previewand a live auction of select items

Top raffle prizes

Saturday May 16, 2015The Dusit Thani

A CULTURAL EVENING OF FINE DINING, EXCLUSIVE ARTS AND SOPHISTICATED ENTERTAINMENT


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New Zealand d’Vine Ball, Saturday 14 February 2015

Wow – what a night. Love was cer-tainly in the air after yet another fan-tastic New Zealand Ball in Bangkok. For the 15th year, the New Zealand Ball was a tremendous success and compliments from 515 expatriate and Thai guests continue to sup-port its reputation as “the best ball in Bangkok”. We strive hard to keep it that way and your generosity cer-tainly helped. Thank you.

The ‘d’Vine’ theme for the Ball set the scene to celebrate the New Zealand wine industry. Although the majority of our guests were already huge fans of New Zealand wine, we enjoyed giving them the opportunity to once again enjoy free-flow New Zealand wine all night – along with the New

Zealand band, it is another reason the New Zealand Ball is so popular.

A traditional Maori welcome and performance by Bangkok-based Kapa Haka was warmly received and the address by the Ambassador of New Zealand, HE Mr. Reuben Levermore and presence of several other Ambassadors added great mana (presence) to the occasion. Our guests were equally impressed with a personal video message of welcome from New Zealand actor and fellow wine maker Sam Neill.

The Silent Auction of New Zealand wine, along with the raffle prizes, helped us raise funds in excess of 400,000 baht. The Welfare Committee of both the New Zealand Society and New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce are

currently reviewing proposals for education-based projects that have the potential to improve the life out-comes of children in remote, rural areas of Thailand. All proceeds will be distributed to these projects.

Spot the ANZWG gals there and check out a few hundred more pho-tos on www.nzsocietythai.com.

Thanks for helping us celebrate the New Zealand wine industry and everything great about New Zealand. Don’t forget to sign-up on the New Zealand Society website, so you don’t miss out on important information later in the year about tickets for the next New Zealand Ball on Saturday 13 February 2016.

by Sharon Nelson-Kelly

Lifestyle

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Coffee: Is it Beneficial or Not for Your Health?

Many of us kick-start each day with our regular coffee. Could it also give your health a boost?

Recent studies say a few jolts of java daily are good for the brain and heart, and they possibly protect against certain cancers. But hold that coffee cup - other research says it’s not a safe habit for everyone.

Here is where recent medical research and nutritionists weigh in.

What Makes Coffee Healthy?

‘It’s anything but clear as to where the benefits come from,’ is essentially the results of the most recent medical research finding in the US. That’s because coffee has hundreds of ingredients. Some occur naturally in coffee beans, and others are created during roasting or brewing.

Two potentially healthy ingredients are phytochemicals and caffeine. Phytochemicals are healthy antioxidants made by plants. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and help cells to grow better.

Caffeine is a stimulant, and quantities depend on the bean and how you brew your coffee. Even decaffeinated coffee has some traces of caffeine.

What Are the Health Benefits?

The stimulant caffeine helps to keep our brains active and plenty of antioxidants can help prevent many common chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

Coffee boosts your alertness and helps you beat fatigue. More and more studies show that people who drink around three to four cups a day could be protecting their health in many other ways.

Possible benefits include a lower risk of:• Alzheimer’s disease• Diabetes• Endometrial cancer• Heart attack• Liver cancer• Parkinson’s disease• Skin cancers like melanoma• Stroke

How Much Is Too Much?

It is recommended that no more than five cups [of coffee] are consumed per day. This is equal to about 400 milligrams of caffeine, according to the US FDA. They say that much more caffeine than this a day is not safe for the majority of healthy adults who aren’t pregnant.

Drinking a lot of caffeinated coffee can temporarily raise your blood pressure especially if you have borderline-high or high blood pressure. It can also trigger other heart problems, such as a very rapid heartbeat which in some circumstances might lead to an emergency room visit or a hospital stay. Some individuals may also feel jittery or shaky and experience sleep problems. Clearly if one were experiencing these symptoms, cutting back is recommended and/or switch to decaffeinated.

Over time, consuming too much caffeine in general can lead to

decreased bone density and likely fractures. Drinking unfiltered, caffeinated coffee regularly may also raise your total cholesterol and your level of the so-called “bad” cholesterol, LDL.

Does It Matter How I Make It?

Yes. It is advised to use a paper filter. It removes the substances in coffee that cause spikes in artery-clogging cholesterol. These substances are called cafestol and kahweol. They’re found in the oily part of coffee, which are left behind in paper filters. If you make your coffee without a filter – press or expresso for instance, these let these unhealthy items flow through to your cup.

Decaffeinated and instant coffee seem to have lower amounts of the healthy antioxidants.

Full-strength (caffeinated) coffee likely gives you a bigger health boost. But, again, you might want to avoid it if you have high blood pressure or anxiety problems.

If I Don’t Drink Coffee, Should I Start?

The answer to that is probably no. ‘There’s no evidence to say if you don’t drink coffee, you should start”. You can make a lot of other lifestyle changes to improve your health. Get regular exercise, and don’t smoke.

by Amanda Rickman

Health & Fitness


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TEducation

Moving to Learn: The Link Between Physical Development and Early Learning

From the moment a child is born - and even before - movement is essential for the developing brain. When we move messages travel through the nerves to the brain and when these impulses jump the gap between nerves, ‘neural growth factors’ are released. These cause the nerve endings to grow and sprout, creating strong and well organised neural pathways which enable children to ‘make sense’ of information and learn effectively at school.

When a child is born, its early movements are very basic, as the young brain is underdeveloped. Connections between the brain stem, where physical movement is controlled and the cortex (the domain of higher functioning) are weak. At this stage primitive reflexes dominate, such as the ‘Palmer’ or ‘Infant Grasp Reflex’, wherein a light touch to the palm of the hand

will cause the fingers to close and grasp. As pathways grow from the base of the brain to the cortex, these primitive reflexes are replaced by more sophisticated reflexes called postural reflexes. These allow more sophisticated control of movement. Frequent, rich and varied opportunities for movement are essential for successful passage through these stages of physical and neurological development. Missing any particular stage may mean problems at a later date.

Children need lots of movement and sensory experiences. Movement helps the brain to grow and make new pathways; integrate the primitive reflexes; develop postural (balance) reflexes; develop and integrate the senses; develop bodily awareness, laterality, directionality and perceptual motor functions; develop the vestibular system – balance, coordination, sensory-motor integration and attention; the left and right hemispheres of the brain to work together.

In simple terms, children need to roll, crawl, walk, run, skip, slide, spin, swing, hop, tumble, climb, hang, dance, throw, catch, ride, swim, do gym, wheelbarrow, rough and tumble, wrestle, squeeze, twirl and be bear-hugged! Children need to get messy. Their hands and feet

need to be in the sand, play-dough, gloop, mud, shaving foam and bubbles. Children need to avoid inactivity or spending lots of time in front of TV and computer screens.

Robyn Cox from New Zealand uses the analogy of a ‘bucket’ to illustrate this in her DVD ‘Get Ready for School’. Imagine a young child’s brain as a ‘bucket’, which is full of holes as it is not fully formed yet. The lowest holes, at the very bottom of the bucket, link to the gross physical and motor skills; while those further up link to the higher cognitive skills associated with learning. At the highest point are the external influences such as school, teaching methods, resources, parenting and diet. It is vitally important that all of the lower holes in the bucket are ‘plugged’ first, so that children

have developed neurologically before beginning formal learning. Only adequate physical experiences will ensure that this happens, allowing the bucket to ‘fill’ with learning and knowledge. If a child has insufficient movement experiences, then these holes remain unplugged and all ‘learning’ just empties straight out through the bottom of the bucket! No matter how good the teaching, parenting and resources, learning cannot be retained. More information about

by the Foundation Stage Team, Bangkok Patana School

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the ‘Moving Smart’ programme designed by Robyn can be found at www.movingsmart.co.nz .

Often, when children are struggling at school, we look to the influences at the higher levels of the bucket. However, the causes of learning difficulties may lie deep inside and could be linked to problems with neural pathways. Movement is the key to developing these neural pathways. In Australia, Barbara Pheloung has developed a set of simple, specially designed floor exercises to support children with learning difficulties. She has found that in many cases, completion of these exercises over a period of time can improve brain integration and readiness to learn. Practicing and mastering these movements helped many of these children catch up academically with their peers. More information about the ‘Move to Learn’ programme can be found on Barbara’s website: www.movetolearn.com.au.

Movement and play are often intrinsically linked and should go hand in hand. Children need access to a wide range of physical

activities throughout the day to support the development of both fine and gross motor skills. Whilst children are moving, learning and having fun, the ‘buckets’ are being filled in the process!

Hands Across the Water Fundraising Night

On 7 March a table of ANZWG ladies and friends attended a fundraising night for the Australian-born “Charity Hands Across The Water”. The night was to raise awareness of the charity as is not that well known in Bangkok, and to celebrate the opening of a new house for children at risk in PAMA House in Chanthaburi.

The charity was set up by Peter Baines, OAM, who in the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsumani had been working on the victim identification team, was deeply touched by the number of children left homeless and alone. The charity aims to give at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand and works to improve their lives in various ways.

The night was a different type of theme with temple festival sideshow games. Between shooting ducks, fishing for bottles, throwing darts and shooting baskets, a few of us managed to score… a fan or a pair of chopsticks.

Once we went inside and sat down for dinner, it was time to find out more about the charity. It was interesting to hear Peter speak on what they have achieved so far and what they hope to achieve in the future. They have corporate backing in Australia which is great so I am confident that will go a long way to help them achieve their goals.

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ANZWG c/- Australian Embassy, 37 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok, [email protected]

ANZWG MahjongMaribel Magnaye [email protected]

ANZWG CraftMaggie Rapson082 707 6591 [email protected]

ANZWG TennisEffie McCoy08 3033 [email protected]

The American Women’s Club of Thailand72/1 Sukhumvit Soi 38, Klongtoey, Bangkok, [email protected] www.awcthailand.org/

The American Women’s Thrift Shop [email protected]/thrift_shop

Australian Embassy Thailand 37 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok, 1012002 344 [email protected]/

Australians In [email protected] www.ait.org/

Bangkok Mothers & Babies International (BAMBI) www.bambiweb.org/en/

Bangkok Women’s Writers Group [email protected]

British Women’s Group in Bangkok [email protected]/

International Women’s Club of Thailand (IWC) Unit 3, 16 Sukhumvit Soi 34, Bangkok, 1011002 258 [email protected]

National Museum Volunteers (NMV) [email protected]

NEEDeed Foundation Soi Samarchan-Barbos, Phra Kanong Sub-District, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 101100865 705 420www.needeed.org

Neilson Hays Library and Galleries www.neilsonhayslibrary.com

New Zealand Embassy Thailand M Thai Tower, 14th Floor, All Seasons Place,87 Wireless Road, Pathumwan, Lumpini, Bangkok, 1033002 254 2530 081 837 7240 (Emergency)[email protected]/thailand

New Zealand Society of Thailand www.nzsocietythai.org/

Southerners Sports Club www.southerners-bangkok.com

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage 131 Asoke Montri Road, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok, 10110 02 02 661 6470-7 [email protected]

Thai Craft Fair [email protected]/thaicraft.org

Community Contacts


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Community Noticeboard

ANZWG Tennis

Are you inspired by the Australian Open and interested in playing tennis? Then you need to join our tennis group! We play social games and have optional coaching sessions every Thursday morning from 7:30-9:30am at Sukhumvit Soi 26, near K-Village. If you’d like more information please don’t hesitate to contact Effie McCoy (see Community Contacts on previous page).

Baan Unrak Children’s Home Donations

Moving house, returning home, shifting countries? If you have a load of pre-loved items (sheets, towels, toys, clothes) you would like to donate to a worthy cause, please email [email protected], and a pick-up can be arranged within the week. Baan Unrak Children’s Home cares for 150 vulnerable displaced children on the Thai Burma border, and relies solely on private donations. www.baanunrak.org

Empty Nesters

Every Friday at around 12:30pm ‘ish a group of ladies meet up in Foodloft, Central Chidlom, for a catch up, chat and company. It is a casual arrangement with no bookings required, just whoever feels like making it along. Sometimes there are two ladies, sometimes there are 12 or more. This group of ladies gathers together with the common link that either they don’t have children, or if they do they are not with them in Bangkok. Having said that if you are having one of “those” days and just need to find someone for a chat over lunch, you are more than welcome to come along.

As you enter Foodloft, walk to the rear seating area, head left and walk towards the bathrooms. Look left and then tucked into the corner is a table set for eight that has been reserved under the name of “Catherine” for quite a few years now.

Helping Hand Available

Need a helping hand, some support, having or recovering from surgery? Living away from family and friends mean it’s difficult reaching out for some help. Silvana is happy to hear from you if you need some help with practical things, or simply someone to pop over for a cuppa and a chat. Contact Silvana

Casabene on [email protected] or call 081 347 7017.

Seeking Volunteer for Mercy Centre English Language Program

In July 2014 an English language program was established in 11 of the Mercy Centre funded preschools in Klong Toey, and incorporated into after-school lessons with children who live at the Mercy Centre. The day-to-day work involves organising the volunteer schedules (there are between 10 and 20 volunteers at any one time), covering lessons where required, recruiting, training and coordinating volunteers (turnover is high), organising resources and liaising with staff at the Mercy Centre.

If you have a background in education, are proficient with email and Google apps, are available from June to July 2016, then this voluntary position is for you! It is a very rewarding position and you can get a better look at the program via the blog - edtechalf.com.

If you are interested, please email Alf Collett at [email protected].

The American Women’s Thrift Shop

Leaving Thailand or ready for a spring clean? The American Women’s Club maintains a resale shop in support of our community outreach efforts and to provide the community at large with an outlet for bargain shopping. We can sell ANYTHING you don’t have a use for anymore, except very large furniture.

We accept donations Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm, at the AWC Clubhouse, and sizeable donations by special arrangement. Shopping bags are also appreciated! Many thanks in advance for contributing to our outreach efforts and helping keep our shoppers coming back week after week!

Thrift Shop opening hours are Monday, 9:00am-1:00pm (for sorting, pricing and AWC member-only shopping); and Wednesday, 9:30am-12:00 pm (for public and AWC member shopping).

If you have any questions, please e-mail Linda at [email protected].

As you forge ahead in your career, striving towards your goals and dreams, we’ll make sure your passion stays with you. Whether it’s your guitar, mountain bike or anything else, you can trust Allied Pickfords with your most precious assets, making your move simpler, seamless and stress-free. Relax, we carry the load.

Though work takes you far,

we keep

near.your passion

T: +66.2.361.3961E: [email protected]

Documents

Final intouch apr may 2015 hr