– 1 –– – – – – – 1 1 1 11 –––––
ISSUE 5 February 2010
The newsletter is named Otterʼs Tales after Bobby the friendly Otter who was a resident of the Cape Panwa Hotel for nearly 10 years
Sam Wilkinson - Your editor
What’s on in Phuket
- Land of Plastics
- Phuket’s night time
Thai Traditions
- Thais ADORE Children
- Thai Fruit
Cape Happenings
- Miss Belgium 2010
- Christmas &
‘ New Year’s at
Cape Panwa
Hotel Happenings
- Swiss Society
Happy Birtday’s Guest
- Ms.Randyskova Smarda
Wedding
- Tatyana and Grigoriy
- Scott and Donna
2
3
4
5
6
7
Guest Fest
- George & Leonore
English
Crosswords
Meet a guest
- Boxing with
Khun Chris & Khun Tiff
Meet a member
of staff
- Boonsong
Welcome New staff
- Kriengsak
9 Questions
- Sandy
Cape Panwa on
Social Media &
Up and Coming
- More privileges
Welcome to this, edition number five of Cape Panwa Hotel’s
newsletter. We’re ready to jive in Phuket’s most alive seaside resort. The Big
Question is: Are you?
In this issue we feature hotel-based weddings, parties, as well as tongue-in-
cheek Phuket events and news. We also highlight the nautical advantages
of being a regular guest – think luxury yachting – hotel happenings and
our usual monthly articles, such as Thai Traditions and Thai Fruits.
Oh gosh, Tim’s golf has definitely not improved so there’s nothing about
his swing in this edition (sigh of relief) but he has concocted a couple of
puzzles for you – all to do with Thailand. And can someone please gently
inform him that his form with word links is better than his golf links form?
That’d put him out of his misery. If you do, maybe I’ll be in the privileged
position to thank you for it at our fortnightly ‘meet the GM’ Saturday-
evenings’ meetings.
We also had a bevy of Belgium beauties staying at the hotel; all vying for
the Miss Belgium beauty contest. Lucky girls, they stayed in the well-ap-
pointed, brand-new Cape Suites. What they got up to in this sort of luxury
is classified information.
Updates regarding your favourite staff members, along with a smorgas-
bord of Panwa-related events all feature here. Where were you at Christ-
mas and New Year’s Eve? If you weren’t here you’ll see who was…
Introducing our new Cape Suites...
Suite Perfection!
– 2 –– 2 –
Fruit of the month: Pineapple
W h a t ’ s o nI N P H U K E T
The Night time’s the Right time?For many years, Phuket Town’s residents have been happy to
have their own form of nightlife, consisting of clubs and pubs on
the perimeter of town and as far removed from Patong’s racy and
raucous night scene as a Daihatsu delivery van from a Ferrari. But
recently several night joints have opened downtown Phuket and
residents of the famed Old Town are most certainly not pleased.
Angrily complaining to the Governor of people peeing in the
streets and worse, they cited such scandalous factors as
cigarette smoke drifting into their front rooms! Perhaps
sensing certain exaggerations, the ever-popular and
hard-working Governor responded by promising to
don a wig and Ray Bans and go to ‘investigate’ the
problem. One is tempted to entertain the thought
that he didn’t quite take the complaints that seriously.
T h a iT R A D I T I O N S
Thais ADORE Children Not so much a tradition as a way of life: Thai people – from the hardest-looking dudes
to the granny looking after her daughter’s brood – all adore children. And given that
Thai toddlers and youngsters are among the world’s cutest, who can blame them? But
it doesn’t stop there: The language of love is universal and any baby is up for grabs for a
cuddling session in Thailand. Don’t be surprised if your little one is openly admired, coo-ed
at and coddled in Thai society; what better way can hosts pay a compliment to
visitors than by admiring their kiddies? Here, it comes naturally.
Does a pineapple need an introduction?
Not really, as we are all familiar with the
bulky, juicy fruit. But Phuket’s pineapples
are another matter. Extra sweet and juicy,
Phuket’s pineapples are in great demand
amongst the many airlines that fly in
and out of the kingdom because of their
uniqueness and are considered a specialty
with those in the know. You’ll see many
grown in the fields in the north of the
island – and rubber-tree farmers
like to cultivate them amongst
the younger trees as there is
enough sunlight reaching them
to ensure that crisp, to-die-for
freshness that has put them in
the world’s pineapple elite. Go
for them at breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Vitamin C at its
tastiest.
The Land of the Plastic BagTo first-time visitors, Phuket seems to be in the middle of a Plastic
Bag Festival. The amount of packaging here in supermarkets and
corner stores is simply astounding; so much so that it seems that
you cannot purchase a single item – except perhaps a motor
vehicle or a pet dog/cat – without it coming wrapped in several
layers of plastic then presented in guess what? – a plastic bag.
That’s why it was good to hear recently that an agreement to
charge a small fee for plastic bags was signed by most of the is-
land’s major retailers, with Tesco-Lotus and 7-Eleven the only major
retailers holding out on the idea. It is hoped that it will lead to a
source reduction in solid waste. Garbage separation is still a
relatively new idea in Phuket. Cape Panwa’s pragmatic answer to
all the controversy is to pack cotton shopping bags in your luggage
to help towards an environmentally-friendly holiday in Phuket.
Greeting a baby by touching is
very common in Thailand
It’s hard to keep our hands off cute little things like babies
– 3 –– 3 –
Cape PanwaH A P P E N I N G S
At Christmas the staff all got dressed up
as Bollywood dancers, but unlike (most)
Bollywood dancers we sang carols! Father
Christmas dropped by riding an elephant,
a fire-juggler performed for us and singed
his eyebrows, lots of games were played
and great fun was had by all. On New
Year’s Eve we held a celebration focusing
on the different cultures of Phuket, then
lit flying lanterns and watched them float
higher and higher up into the night sky
before playing some games all together.
Then a troupe of ladyboys joined us to
shake their stuff and confuse first-time
visitors to Thailand. Finally, we had an
end-of-the-year fireworks show. All in all it
was unforgettable stuff.
Christmas & New Year at C a p e P a n w a
essed up
e (most
Miss Belgium 2010 Contestants visit
Cape Panwa Hotel On November 16 a group of 20 Belgium beauties arrived amidst much fanfare at Cape
Panwa Hotel. Traditional Thai dancers, an elephant and a large contingent of (mostly
male) staff members were on hand to greet them and help them with their bags. The
Miss Belgium 2010 contestants stayed with us for the week in our newly completed
Cape Suites – all equipped with iPod docking stations, wall-mounted flat-screen
televisions and whirlpool baths on every balcony. If truth be known, Cape Panwa has
hosted many glamorous movie stars, big names and models in the past but this was a
different kettle of fish: these girls were lovely – every one of them.
Our genial GM Claude Sauter grudgingly undertook (not!) to interview two of the
beauties during their stay (video posted on youtube). The girls undertook a great
number of activities including elephant riding, bathing, sea-kayaking, spa treatments,
donning Thai dress and visiting Wat Chalong and a Thai market. On their final night a
farewell, white-themed party took place at the beachside Panwa House Restaurant with
dancing, a live band and a barbecue. It was a pleasure having them and we hope to be
welcoming them all back again in the near future.
Let the party begin
– 4 –– 4 ––– 4 4 –––– 44 ––
H o t e lH A P P E N I N G S
Happy couple
Make a wish, Smarda!
Dr Joseph Smarda
wishes his wife Randys-
kova a happy birthday
at Top of the Reef
Restaurant. Of course,
we’re not letting on
how old Randyskova
is BUT the number of
years involved adds
up to more than their
Gold Card Privilege
number!
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y
>> Click here for photographs of more weddings at Cape Panwa.
Wai - The Thai Greeting
December
Thai Weddings at Cape Panwa Hoteltel
We have just had two very special Thai-Style Weddings
at Cape Panwa Hotel. Our congratulations go to a
young Russian couple Tatyana and Grigoriy – they
had a beautiful day and happily their photographs
turned out superb.
The next Thai-style wedding was that of a young couple from England; Scott and
Donna – their family came with them and they had a very special day with laughter
and smiles.
This was then followed by a trip on the Panwa Princess Yatch to local
islands which involved snorkeling, fun in the onboard Jacuzzi and more swimming.
Congratulations and best wishes to you all from the Cape PanwaTeam
ece
C P H l
The Thai traditional way
Welcome Ambassadors
Swiss Society in PhuketThe Swiss Society of Phuket recently chose to mark their 10th an-
niversary at Cape Panwa Hotel with lots of ‘ompha-ompha’ music
and yodeling. And what better place to celebrate than down at
magnificent Panwa House, with the moonlight shining on the
waves and palms of the hotel’s beach? The evening’s entertain-
ment included Swiss folk music, alpenhorns and accordion music,
Thai traditional dancing and a local band. The party was joined
by the Swiss Ambassador from Bangkok.
On the Yatch
A Walk to Remember
Tatyana & Grigority
– 5 –– 5 –
Mr.
Win & Prizes: Please post or email your answers to us and we will announce the winners in our next Otter’s Tales. Prizes
include T-Shirts, baseball caps and more and can be collected on your next visit or email Tim to have it posted out to you.
Thailand - General knowledge
Where to stay in Thailand
Across 2. What MUST you remove before entering a Buddhist Religious place?4. A Buddhist monastery and community centre6. A person belonging to the most popular region in Thailand. 9. A building that contains a relic (hair or bone) of the Buddha or ashes of the King.11. The smallest currency in Thailand.12. A Thai traditional greeting.14. The main river in Bangkok.Down1. The largest Island in Thailand3. Thai Boxing.5. A very popular Thai drink (in the small brown bottles).7. A traditional large wooden public bus.8. The most popular Thai beer.10. What is the world in Thai which foreigner AND a fruit?13. In Phuket what side of the road do you drive on?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Phuket
Hua Hin
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Sriracha
Ayutthaya
Kabinburi
Rayong
G u e s tF E S T
1
2 3
4
5
6 7
8 9
10
11 12 13
14
Mr.
Hand in hand for home sweet home
CROSSWORD & QUIZ
Home sweet homeGeorge and Lenore English stayed with us at Cape Panwa Hotel in one of the
new Cape Panwa Suites on their recent visit to Thailand.
It was not the only place that they stayed however. They also went up to Chi-
ang Mai to help build homes with the Habitat for Humanity Project! Supported
by ex US president Jimmy Carter and his wife, who were also in Chiang Mai to
lend a helping hand, the project aims to build homes for up to 82 disadvan-
taged families in the area. Many volunteers from around
the world came to help, many staying at our sister
hotel, Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai.
>> Click here for more information about Habitat Humanity Project
– 6 –– 6 –
MEET A MEMBER OF
S T A F F
W
W E L C O M E N E W
S T A F F
Welcome Khun
KriengsakAs mentioned in Newsletter # 4, our old
friend Khun Rochidee has been promoted
to GM of Kameo House in Rayong!
Well, who’s the lucky guy who has
replaced him? It’s Khun Kriengsak, our new
Front Office Manager and here’s a photo
of him with some staff members - all ready
for the Christmas Party.
He has come from Khao Lak and he is
single!
– 6 –– 6 –
Q What things do you do when you’re
here?
A Relaxation on the beach is at the top
of our list but first we always visit the local
Thai Boxing Training Camp. It is actually
run by a bell boy at Cape Panwa ! We run
‘Kicks’, a Martial Arts Gym in Brighton and
it is fascinating to come to Cape Panwa
and see how the local Thai people teach
it. Locally speaking, we like to visit a small
café called 1425 - the people who live in
that area are our friends - it is wonderful to
take a holiday and to be made to feel so
welcome. We have already organised our
next trip for 2010!
Q Where do you like to visit in Phuket?
A We like to visit Phuket Old Town to
explore the Chinese Temple, the old market
and finish up at the Tunka Café (on the top
of Rang Hill – the views are splendid Ed).
Q Where are the must-visit places on
the island?
A People really should visit Wat Chalong,
the Big Buddah and eat local restaurants in
the (Chalong) area - our favourite is Parlai
Seafood, past the zoo.
Q Why do you choose Cape Panwa?
A The beach is wonderful, the gardens
are well kept and feature a Sino-Portuguese
Mansion called Panwa House which is a
wonderful building oozing with history - it
really needs a blog written about it!!!
M E E T A
G U E S T
Boxing Chris and Tiff are definitely not the sort
of people you’d want to get into a tussle
with. They run ‘Kicks’ – a Martial Arts
Centre in Brighton. This chat took place
on their third stay with us and they’re
already planning their fourth for
this year!
Urr...Tiff may want to kick a little higher
U
Chris is getting some tips
Coffee break - More caffein for the next round
W ll Kh
Khun Kriengsak seems to be a bit
“overwhelmed” here
thtththththththiiiisisiiiis y y y y yy yy eaeaeaeaeaeeaeeae r!r!!r
“Blend” in with the locals
Boonsong –
Home and AwayThis is Khun Boonsong.
He has been with us since
May 2008 and the Christmas before last he
created an absolute sensation for his artistic
direction of the ‘Lion Dancing Show’ –
wiggles, thrusts and all. However this year
he was a lot quieter and we wondered just
why. After some sleuthing and investiga-
tive snooping around we discovered the
reason: Boonsong was recently married to
Khun Pikaju – they say marriage mellows
you out but taming a wild cat? Wow!
– 7 –– 7 –You can contribute, too! Please send us your holiday photos and we’ll post them in
Otter’s Tales. Please post to [email protected]
›› Cape Panwa Happenings - A trip on Panwa Princess
›› Hotel Happenings - Valentines @ Cape Panwa
›› What’s on in Phuket - Chinese New Year
›› Thai Traditions - Wedding - the Thai traditional way
U p &C O M I N G
PRIVILEGESC A R D
Private Trip on
PANWA PRINCESS
Did you know that if you have stayed 10
times at Cape Panwa you can have a free
private cruise on Panwa Princess Yatch, a
beautiful new state-of-the-art yacht
featuring unparalleled levels of luxury and
comfort combined with first class service and
sumptuous food and drink? Discover the
surrounding paradisiacal islands in style on
an unforgettable tropical cruise.
Sandy has worked for us for more than 10 years and is an integral part of the
beach team
Q What can you tell me about yourself that I don’t know already?
Sandy: That I am the most beautiful girl on the beach – (giggles) apart from the guests of
course…
Q What do you think about the Lottery? (gambling being illegal in
Thailand)
Sandy: I never buy a ticket but I keep thinking that if I win I would never have to work
again!
Q What is your dream?
Sandy: I would like a mini-mart and to live above it.
Q Where in the world would you like to travel?
Sandy: Nowhere – I like to stay at home with my family.
Q Where is the best place to eat in Phuket?
Sandy: My house and my mum is the best cook in Phuket.
Q Come on, you must have a guilty pleasure?
Sandy: There is a noodle shop on the corner that I like to visit, but don’t tell mum.
Q Why did you choose to work at Cape Panwa?
Sandy: It is not far from my home. (laughing)
Q Why do you stay at the Cape Panwa Hotel?
Sandy: Because of the customers who come and take care of me every year
Q Why do they come to Cape Panwa?
Sandy: To see me! (more giggles) They like the private beach.
u e s t i o n s
with Sandy T H E H E A R T O F T H E B E A C H
Cape Panwa O N S O C I A L M E D I A
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