SCAD Foundation – Soi Cats And Dogs

There are an estimated 800,000 street cats and dogs in Bangkok, a staggering number. Working to combat this situation is SCAD, a non-profit animal welfare organisation improving the lives of street animals in Bangkok, thereby creating a happier and healthier environment.

SCAD was founded in 2002 by British expat Sherry Conisbee. A chance encounter with a mangy mutt called Boy on Bang Saray's beach was the start of what emerged as 'Soi Dog Rescue' and a few years later became SCAD, an acronym for Soi Cats And Dogs, as just as many cats were in need. SCAD is funded entirely by donations and various fundraising activities. Its team includes Thais and foreigners and is made up of a small number of paid staff and a dedicated group of volunteers.

There is no animal welfare legislation in Thailand and this means that there is no animal protection and very limited education about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Thailand also faces the same problems as the rest of the world with a prevalent 'puppy culture'. Cute, fluffy bundles brought home from markets and pet shops that are often dumped once they become adult dogs, contributing to the street animal population. Within Thailand's culture there are also beliefs that tolerate the dumping of animals and prohibit euthanasia even in desperate cases.

SCAD aims to relieve the suffering of street animals by engaging local communities to participate in humane CNR (capture, neuter and release) programmes, educate about the benefits of sterilising and vaccinating pets, and providing animal welfare materials to schools and communities. The objective of this combination is to foster compassion for the plight of street dogs and cats. and make people more aware of the situation around them and encourage them to help. As of the end of September 2010, 8,237 cats and dogs have been sterilised and vaccinated by SCAD.

There is a multitude of diseases that can inflict cats and dogs in Thailand including; rabies, blood parasites, distemper, FIP, FIV, heartworm and mange. When conducting CNR programmes any really sick or injured animal remains at SCAD for treatment to bring them back to health. If their temperament allows for rehabilitation, they enter the adoption program.

Over 800 street cats and dogs have found loving homes through SCAD’s local and international adoption programs.

Sponsoring a dog or cat through our Muttketeers Sponsorship Program is a wonderful way to help – it’s very easy to sign up and packages start from as little as US$20 per month. Contact sponsorship@scadbangkok.org for full details or go straight to the Sponsorship page on our website.

For more information or to donate visit http://www.scadbangkok.org/ SCAD is always looking out for new foster homes, sponsors and adoptive families.

SCAD on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/SCADBangkok

Kao Pad - fried rice

Today I introduce to you a recipe, that to cook simply in particular for beginners in the Thai kitchen and even though is very tasty. You can choose between Kao Pad Gai (roasted rice with chicken) or Kao Pad Mu (roasted rice with pig).


For the court (approx. 4 people) you need the following ingredients:
300 g Jasmin rice, 250 g pork or chicken, 2 garlic toes, 1 spring onions, 2 EL oil, 2 eggs, 4 EL oyster-sauce, 2 EL bright sojasauce
Sauce: 2 small red chilis, 2 EL fishsauce, 1 TL lemonjuice

Let`s begin

The rice in the rice cooker with 450 ml waters cooking and afterwards give it on a plate , so that the rice cools down.

Cut the pork in stripe, hack garlic well and cut the spring onions in rings.

Give oil in the wok or the pan, heat up and add the eggs. Besides, mix the egg yellow a little in the egg white, roast 2-3 min and lay on a plate.

Roast garlic in the remaining oil, add the meat and roast it. Afterwards cut the eggs and give it under the meat mix.

Add the cooled rice, the oyster-sauce and soy-sauce and unterstir the onions.

For the sauce you must wash the red chilli and mix it together with the fish sauce and the lemon juice.

Enjoy your Kao Pad

History of Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is called actually “Krung Thep” and means so much like „The city of the angels“. Bangkok not always was the capital of Thailand.

In the 18th century Bangkok was still a small village as a suburb of Thonburi. At this time Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand which was first conquered in 1767 by burma troops and was destroyed then.

After the destruction king Rama I wanted to build up a new capital near the village Bangkok. The capital was moved to the river side compared with the place Thonburi. Under Rama I it was begun first with the construction of Wat Phra Kaew. Bangkok was called by the arrangement of many canals till 1850 also as „Venice of the east“.

The water ways were used predominantly by traders, because at this time streets were rather a rarity. By his relations in the USA and to Europe left king Rama V. Chulalongkorn to whom from 1868 to 1910 governed, modern buildings establish after western style, railroad lines and streets.

During the 2nd world Bangkok was taken by Japan and fire from the allies countries. Nevertheless, the political situation remained unstable also after 1945 and till this day a total of 19 military putsches have taken place.

In particular in the time between 1960 and 1970 enlarged Bangkok to itself terrifically, the economy flourished and a regular construction boom used it. Today the Thai population counts approx. 60 million people, of it from approx. 10 to 12 million people living in Bangkok.

The population is to 85% Thai. Other population groups form the Chinese (approx. 5 %) as well as Thais of Malay descent which concentrate mainly upon the south of the country.

Today Bangkok is the heart of Thailand and political, economic and cultural centre of the country.

Tropical Langsuan - luxury residences

A sophisticated, luxury, classy 8-storey residential building of Tropical Langsuan comprises 22 residences, offering the 2-3 bedrooms, designed to respond to the lifestyle of today’s most discerning city dwellers in the heart of Bangkok. It offers uniqueness, beautiful & regal with “Tropical Modern” and “Tropical Chic” designs where each floor consists of only 4 units. Every units has been designed to give an open atmosphere, stylish designed bathroom and equipments, optimal space allocation for every square meters utilization. Feel the warmth and welcome of a Tropical Modern yet comfortably designed lobby. Here is where you’ll be able to rest and relax freely in your own personal heaven tranquil and peaceful with state of the art facilities; swimming pool, fitness, and all with wireless internet connection.




It is located in Soi Langsuan, one of the most unique and recognizable streets in the capital. At the other end is Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s most desired relaxation spot where you can go jogging, biking, picnicking, etc. The perfect location for city living, which is fully surrounded by all the modern conveniences ready to cater to modern lifestyles; Central Chidlom, Gaysorn Plaza, and Central World Plaza. With an advantage, exclusively convenient by being located in the heart of the Central Business District. As well as the BTS and subway station are just a few minutes away.



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contact sales office
Tel: (02) 684-1155-6 & (086) 399-9999
Fax: (02) 684-1157
E-Mail: uraiwan@tropicalland.co.th
Internet: www.tropicalland.co.th

The Bull`s head

The Bull’s Head is one of the longest established English pubs in Bangkok, with an excellent service, famous British pub food and a top jukebox. Three of the most popular creations are British standards: fish and chips, steak pie, and toad on the hole (which is Yorkshire pudding and sausage, for those unfamiliar with the byways of Brit cuisine).

The three-floor venue, which has been open for over a decade, is incongruously situated on Bangkoks Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, also known as "Little Tokyo”. The Bull's Head is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and serves a traditional English breakfast all day long.

Regular activities are comedy nights featuring international stand-ups, football events, live music and chess. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, the Bull's Head's clientele are open-minded, fun loving and non-intimidating.

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Address:
Sukhumvit Soi 33/1
Bangkok 10110
BTS-Station "Phrom Phong"
Tel.: +66 259 4444
Fax.: +66 662 1491
E-Mail: billy@greatbritishpub.com
Internet: http://www.greatbritishpub.com

Chinatown

Chinatown applies along the Chao Phraya River and is crossed by the Charoen Krung Road and the Yaowarat Road which are the heart of crazy Chinatown. Along the Charoen Krung Road and the Yaowarat Road you find a huge number of goldshops. Visit the narrow streets with the incomparable variety of food stalls, spices, food, traditional Chinese medicine, household goods, clothing, and colorful markets.
Do not despair of the thick-populated lanes and the unclear store tangle, also not if you should have lost once the orientation. Simply do themselves by Chinatown and you are unlocked for discoveries and surprises. The best starting point for a visit to Chinatown is the Wat Traimit Witthayaram, the temple of the Golden Buddha at the eastern edge of Chinatown.

If you`ve timed it well, when you come out of Soi 16 (Yaowarat Rd Soi 6) night will have fallen and the neon-lit optical orgy that is Yaowarat Rd will be in full flow. Squeeze past all the chestnut vendors and satay grillers and slip into an appealing restaurant or find a tabele at a streetside eatery like T&K Seafood to give your feet a well-earned rest.

One way to get China Town is by the boat. Take the BTS Skytrain to station "Saphan Taksin". This is situated on the Chao Phraya River, where the dock of the River Express Boat Service is located. From here, take the river taxi to China Town, Ratchawong Pier and then walk in Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown.
Another way to Chinatown is, if you take the MRT Underground. Take exit I from Hua Lamphong MRT and on your right you`ll spot Bangkok`s main, Renaissance-style train station. Head straight on from Exit I and cross over a couple of roads and the canal until you hit Mittraphap Thai-China Rd. Down here you`ll find the Wat Traimit Witthayaram.

Bangkok Dusit Zoo

In the oldest zoo of Bangkok which was created in 1938 have found the most different animal species, Kängurus, various reptiles and bird kinds, bisons, lions, giraffes, elephants and many other animals to her at home.
The Dusit zoo Bangkok applies above a surface of 118 Rai (188,800 square metres) and accommodates more than 1,600 animals. Every year visit the Dusit zoo durschnittlich 2.5 million visitors.
In particular children find in this zoo with presentations and a playground with various attractions an interesting alternative to the vast shopping and sightseeing tours of her parents.
Should you not be any more so well on foot, you can explore zoo of Bangkok also by a small train which leads you by the zoo.
If you have brought a little time after Bangkok, I can recommend you the visit of the Dusit zoos only most warmly.

Internet:
http://www.zoothailand.org/index.php?lang=en
http://www.dusitzoo.org/

Open: 09.00 - 18.00 daily
Tel.: 0-2281-2000

Getting there:
Dusit Zoo is located on Rama V Rd, between Si Ayutthaya and Ratchawithi Rds. It is opposite Chitralada Palace and was once part of the gardens of the Royal Dusit area.

BTS-Station "Victory Monument" exit 3, taxi down Ratchawithi Rd to the zoo (about 3 km).
Entrance is around the side on Uthong Nai Rd and you can park in the car or on the road.

Map:

Barley Bistro

Before this multi-level resto-bar popped up on our radar, bars in gritty Silom were limited to gay haunts, girly bars and cheesy Irish pubs.
No longer: Barley Bistro`s arrival means it`s possible to have a quiet drink here without encountering cruisers, sleaze-balls or barmaids in Leprechaun hats. Hidden up some stairs at the Food Channel, an enclave of franchise-like restaurants, its one helluva slick, snazzy spot. The design is chic (brooding blacks and greys, white-on-black stencil art), the drinks funky (lychee mojitos, test-tube cocktails etc); the food newfangled (spaghetti kimchi etc); and the clientele wholesome (Thai office workers mostly). Do check out the open-air rooftop. Though not quite worthy of our "Bars with a view" section -it`s boxed in by buildings- it's littered with cooling fans, huge bean bags and funky barley-stalk sculptures and perfect for postwork/pre-club cocktails. Live bands play in the bar most nights.

Address:
Barley Bistro
Silom Road (between 7/11 and TMB Bank)
BTS-Station "Sala Daeng"
Tel. 087-033-3919
daily 05.00 pm - late
Internet: http://www.barleybistro.com

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor

Every time we drive along Thonglor, a roughly mile-long stretch of unfettered affluence, some trendy new-build construction cathes our eye.

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor provides the convenience and comfort of a serviced residence in a prime location for international executives, families and leisure travellers. Located in Soi Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s most popular expatriate districts, this well-appointed residence is close to the financial and business districts with entertainment, nightlife, shopping and restaurants nearby.

This glossy 31-storey serviced residence is just the latest, its bold facade reminiscent of contemporary German architecture wowing at first glance. There are 262 sleek, roomy studios, one- and two-bed room suites (40-85 m2), all with kitted-out kitchen, iPod dock, DVD player, HiFi etc. The one-bed room executive suites boast floor-to-ceiling soundproofed glass panels and addictive views overlooking the cosmo cityscape, even when you`re sprawled on your bed plump with hi-ply cotton. Decor-wise, cutting-edge muted grey and white hues reign, the look softened by earth toned furniture.

End result: a fresh, homely abode in spite of the hard-edged minimalism. Facilities are superb. The infinity edge swimming pool on the 9th floor is a beauty. And, on the same floor there`s a state-of-the-art fitness centre, pool bar, MAI Japanese Restaurant and other cushy fringe goodies.
Here on business? Yep, there`s a business centre on the 8th floor too. Exceptional, cant-do-enough-for-you service from the doorman, waiters, housekeepers, everyone, is the cherry on top.

Where:
115 Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor)
BTS-Station "Thong Lo"
Tel. 02-365-7999
Fax. 02-381 8923
E-Mail: enquiry.bangkok@the-ascott.com
Internet: http://www.somerset.com

German restaurant “Bei Otto”

Should they feel during her Bangkok stay the desire after German food, they are “Bei Otto” in the right address. The restaurant has lain with the Sukhumvit Soi 20 and has furnished in typical and comfortable Black Forest ambience. “Bei Otto” there are already for over 20 years the most different German courts. If they enjoy the tasty curried sausage, Thuringian rust roast small sausage, various grill records with small sausage, knuckles of pork, ribs and sauerkraut. For fish lovers there are different fish dishes and also the vegetarian food does not come here too briefly. Tasty specialities and the friendly Thai service are the best conditions for a successful evening “Bei Otto”. In addition, a Cateringservice is also offered and the delicatessen store of Otto offers the possibility to buy German specialities.

Address restaurant “Bei Otto”:
1 Sukhumvit Soi 20 Rd, Sukhumvit Road,
Khlongtoey Bangkok 10110
BTS / MRT station “Asoke”
Tel.: 02-2620892, 02-2600869
Fax: 02-2581496
Internet: http://www.beiotto.com
Opening times:
German restaurant: 11:00 am to midnight
Delicatessen store: 08:00 am to midnight
Beer and wine tavern: 18:00 pm till 23:00 pm

“Siam Ocean World” – Bangkoks mysterious underwater world

The trip by the underwater world of “Siam Ocean World” is for children as well as for adults a noteworthy experience. Here they can marvel at at 400 animal species like sharks, cuttlefishes, Mantas and other 30,000 sea inhabitants in 7 different zones of the aquarium. A glass ground boat leads them by the Mio. 2,8-litre baker. For the visitors the aquarium offers the possibility to take part in dives and shark fish feedings. There is further information for courageous shark fish divers of Bangkok under www.sharkdive.org. For the small breaks the aquarium offers a cafe with snack bar in the rain forest zone. “Siam Ocean World” lies in the basement of the shopping centre “Siam Paragon” and is to be reached comfortably with the Skytrain.

Contact:
Siam Paragon (B1 and B2)
991 Rama I Rd., BTS-Station “Siam”
Tel. 0-2687-2000
Öffnungszeiten: täglich von 10.00 Uhr bis 21.00 Uhr
Letzter Einlass um 20.00 Uhr
Internet: http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th

Cooking thai style -part 2-

The rice is the main part of the Thai kitchen and is served to the most different courts in a big bowl or plate. In the rural families the Thais on a reed mat which is rolled out on the floor sit around the plates with the most different courts together. Everybody takes a small serving of rice on his plate and helps itself at the other courts. Often something sharp is taken by a plate and then a little bit mild roasted of the other plate. Differently than in Germany soups than hors-d’oeuvre and will not separate separately as a court belonging to it to the main dishes served.

The courts are eaten with spoon and fork. Besides, the fork serves to push the rice, mixed with the other courts, on the spoon and afterwards in the mouth. Merely pasta dishes are eaten with rod.

Follows: Should they sit with her friends or a Thai family on the floor with food, pay attention on it that her soles are directed to the floor and not to food or to her opponent, because feet are valid in Thailand as an impure body part.

Then in the other course of my Blogs I will introduce to you the interesting and tasty dishes whom they can prepare without problems at home.

Sky Bar – the stars so close

High fliers hankering after a taste for the dramatic can head over to The Dome at State Tower.

Skybar -attached to Med restaurant Sirocco- is the place to go for a romantic evening with your honey, or just for a night of elegance with friends.

The restaurant is located on the 63rd floor of the State Tower, so you're sure to have great views of the "city of angels" and the Chao Phraya River.
Reservations are recommended, but even if you can't get a table, grabbing a drink at the bar with a free side of spectacular view is well worth the elevator ride up.

With the pleasure of her cocktail and the view over Bangkok they are accompanied by pleasant jazz sounds of a live volume. An absolute must see for every Bangkok traveller.

Tip: These places are definately not spots for the casual beach bum; so be sure to leave your flip-flops and shopping bags at home

Address:
State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd. / Tel. 02-624-9555 / http://www.thedomebkk.com
Open Hours: 6pm-1am, daily

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Thai boxing is very popular in Bangkok with most major bouts held at either the Lumphini or Ratchadamnoen stadium. This brutal but graceful martial art has been practised in Thailand for centuries. Past kings are reported to have been champion fighters and one, King Naresuan, introduced the sport as part of military training in the 16th century. Due to the high incidence of deaths during combat, the sport was banned in the 1920s but reintroduced soon after under the more safety-conscious Queensbury rules. Bouts consist of three five minute rounds during which the fighters use every part of the body (except the head) to bludgeon the opponent into defeat. Before the bout begins, a graceful and mesmerising ritual dance named ram muay is performed by both fighters to placate the spirits and show respect to the art and its teachers. Bouts are extremely boisterous, noisy affairs and should be witnessed for the spectacle alone. Be warned though, this isn`t the WWF, the blows are hard hitting, the blood real.

Thai Boxing Venues

Lumphini Boxing Stadium
Rama IV Rd., next to Suan Lum Night Bazaar
MRT-Station "Lumphini"
Tel. 02-251-4303 , 02-252-8765
Fights: Tue & Fri from 06:30pm - 10.30pm
Sat 05:00pm - 08.00pm, 08:30pm - midnight

Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel. 02-281-4205 , 02-280-1684-6
Fights: Mon, Wed, Thu 06:30pm-11.00pm
Sun 05:00pm - 08.00pm, 08:30pm - midnight

Let`s play paintball

You`re looking for a place in Bangkok to play paintball and easily reachable by public transport ? Ok, let`s go, here i give you some adresses in Bangkok for exciting hours. Team up and shoot each other with paint pellets.

Combat Zone 62
117 Sukhumvit Soi 62
Tel. 0-2741-4104
Internet: http://www.combatzone62.net/

Paintball X Treme
Soi Prasert Islam, Pakkret Nonthaburi
very close to ISB International School
Tel. 0-2584-3461
Internet: http://www.paintball-x-treme.com

Bromsgrove International School Thailand (BIST)

School Profile
Bromsgrove International School Thailand (BIST) is a British Curriculum Day and Boarding School affiliated to and licensed by Bromsgrove School UK established in 1553. BIST provides students in Thailand an excellent opportunity to study in a TOP UK Boarding School closer to home and at less than half the price.
The School provides the best of a traditional British Education with a curriculum firmly rooted in the English National Curriculum and staffed by a highly qualified British Headmaster and teaching staff. BIST is set in a stunningly beautiful location on the outskirts of Bangkok within Windsor Park and Golf Club near Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Benefiting from Thailand`s pleasant all year round weather, it represents an attractive, safe and healthy environment for children to grow up in.

The Early Years campus for children from 2-7 years old is located at Ramkhamhaeng 164 Road.

Contact:
Bromsgrove International School - Main Campus
Windsor Park and Golf Club
55 Moo 9, Suwinthawong Road
Minburi, Bangkok 10510
Tel.: 66 (0) 29894873
Fax.: 66 (0) 29894094
Internet: www.bromsgrove.ac.th

Bangkok schools – introduction

the interest of parents is to provide their children with the best things possible, especially education. without a doubt, all parents expect their children to learn and grow in the environment of the school that provides the most suitable curriculum. However, one of the biggest problems for parents is to access the information of many schools. In the process of finding the most suitable school for their children, the quality of teacher, education system, school environment, facilities and expenses are all taken into account. That is why it is such a tough decision. The next time i will give you some useful informations for thai and foreign parents living in Thailand, who want their children to acquire knowledge of the western world and able to keep pace with the fast-changing world. Tomorrow i starting with the Bromsgrove International School Thailand (BIST)

Nirvana comes to Bangkok

Bangkok Post 09.09.2010 , Writer: Supawadee Inthawong
In 1932, Buddhadasa founded his forest hermitage Suan Mokkh (the pleasurable place to go to nirvana), a centre for study and serious practice in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province.

On Aug 1, Suan Mokkh Bangkok was officially opened on a 10,000 square-metre plot in Suan Rod Fai, formally known as Wachirabenchatat Park, a vast and verdant park in the heart of the city.

Inside Suan Mokkh in Chaiya district, visitors encounter countless dhamma riddles that causes them to contemplate, so they can understand more about the main essence of dhamma. And Suan Mokkh in Bangkok is also full of dhamma codes that challenge visitors to interpret and decipher their hidden meanings.

Link: http://bangkokpost.com/life/family/195377/nirvana-comes-to-bangkok

Cooking thai style -part 1-

As one of the best and most many-sided kitchens of the world cooking in Thai kind gives only properly pleasure. I give in the 1st part of my report a short insight into the way of life of the Thais.
Differently than in Germany the day does not begin with bread roll and coffee. In the morning in Thailand the courts are eaten, which also at noon or in the evening can be eaten. Rice, soups, fish or meat courses with vegetables or a tasty papaya salad can find again them at every time of day on the plates of the Thais. Just in a city like Bangkok is cooked rather seldom. Many inhabitants of Bangkok buy tasty little things in the countless done kitchens of the town to themselves with pleasure several times on the day. The courts are affordable with prices between 20 and 50 Baht.
If necessary it may also be a little bag with fresh fruit, e.g., pineapple, papaya, melon or mango with prices between 10 and 20 Baht.
I report the other in the 2nd part of the cooking row…….

Wat Po – traditional Thai massage school

Any good spa therapist will have undergone their training in traditional Thai massage at the temple school Wat Po. Constructed in a concealed building away from the tourist-infested but peaceful Wat Po temple grounds, the instruction area is more functional than stylish, but the efficient course run by competent instructors more than makes up for the missing luxury. Thai massage, an ancient form of healing, uses pressure application on the various body meridians.
The 30-hour course can be completed in five, six or ten days. Courses available include General Thai Massage, Therapeutic and Healing Massage,
Thai Fundamental Massage Points, Foot Massage Course, Oil Massage and Aromatherapy and Child Massage. The costs for a 30-hour course lie with 8,500 Baht. The courses are carried out daily in the time from 8.00 o’clock to 17.00 o’clock.

Address: 2 SanamchaiRd / Tel.: 02-622-3551 or 02-6223533

Further information receives them under www.watpomassage.com

Courage test on two wheels – by the bicycle by Bangkok

Recreational Bangkok Biking
Baan Sri Kung 350/127, Soi 71, Rama 3 Road, Yannawa Bangkok 10120, Thailand.
Tel: 02 285 3955 / 02 285 3867 Fax: 02285 3431
Internet: www.bangkokbiking.com


Extract from Berliner Zeitung from the 27.02.2010 (report of Martina Miethig)
The cycle track marks belong to the strangest what has to offer hip Bangkok. For example, on the sidewalk in the Sukhumvit Road in the trubeligen hotel quarter and cash quarter: The roadway has from six to ten lanes according to time of day. The hardly two-metre-wide sidewalk tourists and bar girls, dapperly dressed department store employee and monks divide. They all push, trip and writhe by the chilli clouds of many done kitchens, past overflowing souvenir states, skew telephone boxes and precisely throat-deeply to hanging cable tangle. And now still cyclist! On the idea to offer to calculated in this moloch Rad-Touren for tourists only one lunatic could come. Or an emigrated Dutchman. Andre Breuers.

“In the beginning I was also sceptical, with so many skyscrapers, traffic jam and thick air”, says Breuer and jokes about a stereotype about his compatriots: “Who Should want to ride a bike here except the Dutchmen who are born everybody on the wheel?” When a motorbike taxi driver from the neighborhood asked Breuer for the purchase price of his ATB comfort bicycles, was shocked itself of the Thai: “20000 Baht? Ares you crazy? Nevertheless, for it you get a really good motorcycle!” Nevertheless, Andre Breuer’s wheels roll, he has won a prize and even habitués. And also we venture the courage test on two wheels with him.

Curiously and a little anxiously we swing ourselves on the bicycles, two older German vacationer’s couples go ahead. Breuers advice: Always nicely on the left hold, one behind the other. We bend straight away one in Rama III. Road, a main arterial road in the south of Bangkok. This means: five million cars, pickup truck trucks, in the two tact rattling Tuktuks with bluish exhaust gas flags and whole hordes courageously maintain in an everyday traffic amount from a good themselves at the same time in the traffic lights of howling motorbikes. Power summa summarum about 1 tonne of lead on the day.
In Thailand not only link traffic, but also the right of the stronger rules, by the way. What is not so bad for most Thai in case of an accident completely, because Buddhists reincarnate. Only we six foreigners not. The Thai in the street edge look at us compassionately or smile what can be called in this country, as everybody knows, a lot.

After 15 minutes we turn. Draw a deep breath, it follows along an unexpectedly relaxed Radelei of dwelling houses with palm gardens to a suddenly wall the way obstructed. From in the backyard of Bangkok. We squeeze ourselves pressed elbow in a lane from board partitions with the wheels and closely to the body: past mind small house and coloured laundry, faded election posters, flowerpots and satellites.

Some inhabitants in the arm settlement of Yannawa sit on her door thresholds and grin to the cyclists behind. “Mind your head”, shouts an old Thai with bare lean upper part of the body, pay attention to your head! Corrugated sheet leftovers rise in the way, cables hang all over. It smells not exactly of orchids, because today morning the river Chao Phraya sloshed once more hard about the sandbags in the pier.

Andre Breuer has explored the labyrinthine quarter all around his office for months all over with the wheel and, besides, has also got to know the neighbours in the slums. Meanwhile many inhabitants estimate him, because he has founded here years ago a kindergarten which he just as a Muay Thai-kick box school supports till this day with donations. Breuer the luxury shopping centre, the temple being full before gold and cloisters, the splendid hotel lobbies and odoriferous spa oases offers to his guests with the „Recreational Bangkok Biking“ a look behind the glittering scenery. The wheels virtually roll in the middle through the sitting room, we look in saucepans and in small family businesses. “Sweatshops”, for example, in which 60 hours rattle in the week the sewing machines in the chord, also on Sunday.

No Bangkok inhabitant knows the nicest area of the bicycle tour, it is registered on no town plan. Even Breuer has seen this „green lung“ first only from his Appartment high rise: the park dedicated the queen in Phra Padaeng on the other side of the Chao Phraya. We place with the rattling Longtailboat. The wheels roll along from canals and lakes under a thick roof from coconut trees, banana plants, mango and papaya trees. Butterflies before the nose, Warane in the thicket, hibiscus in garden fences. Old timber houses stand on palm trunk posts in the middle of the water. On the straight concrete footbridges we overtake a man with a cart of full coconuts – “Sawadikaaa!“ Good afternoon!

After three hours of green, almost dschungeliger oasis when we cannot already believe any more to be in Bangkok the first high rises appear in the distance again. „Back in the concrete jungle“, shouts Breuer. Incredibly: We were never again removed during the 25-kilometre tour as five kilometres of air line from zehnspurigen to Sukhumvit Road and her quite fading wheel track.

Opening post – part 2

and now to the tips which have changed my life. At the moment where you land in Bangkok in a taxi rises which brings you after laborious journey through congested streets to your hotel, you get out and exchange the pleasant temperatures of the air-conditioned taxi for the oppressive air of Bangkok, then do not get excited. Go on your hotel room, puts down you from 3 to 4 hours for sleeping, leaves freshly given a shower the hotel and explores the streets of Bangkok. Attempts to let do you by the fascination of Bangkok. Shut to the people with a smile, you will get back a smile. Try tasty food which is prepared to you in the done kitchens in the street edge. Thais are curious, tells them about you if you are asked. Take the fascination and the lifestyle of this living town again with home. The likelyhood is very big that you will fast miss the fascination of Bangkok. Then the virus has probably packed you and you will always come again.

Well what I should still say. Today I am married with a Thai, we have 2 children and Bangkok my 2nd native country has become what I would never have held after my first impressions for possible.

So now enough of the entrance. In my other Posts I will inform all around Bangkok. About topical flight offers, shopping, politics, hotels, bars & clubs, holiday possibilities uvm.

Opening post – part 1

Now some years have gone already to the country when I arrived relatively spontaneously and for the first time in Bangkok. It also went for me at this moment like many other visitors. Only out here from the town. The heat, the air, the noisy motor traffic. No, I wanted to go swimming only on the island, on the beach take it easy, and rest just. Then I have also done this and have gone on the island Koh Samed where I found the rest which I have searched. One evening I got into conversation with a Thai student and his sister from Bangkok who had come for a short weekend trip to Koh Samed. I also told them about my first impressions of the „town of the angels“ how Bangkok is called affectionate. There both laughed briefly and gave me the tips which should change not only this vacation but also my other future … in addition in the next post more