Last week was a lo-ong one. We were closing the October issue, which meant rushing to get every page done and signed off. With our 28th anniversary party taking place this week, there were lots of last-minute details to finish up. It also started off briskly—normally Monday is quite slow, sometimes without any event at all. But last week I had to attend both a lunch and dinner on the first working day of the week—if I had thought there would be a gentle easing into the week, well no such luck!
Simply Exceptional, Continued
The lunch was a continuation of the feasts in honour of HRH Princess Lea of Belgium and some of the visiting aristocrats who were here for the previous week’s grand Simply Exceptional gala dinner organised by Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz. This was hosted by ML Poomchai at his heritage Thai house and since it was the princess’s second visit, he and his chef had created a menu that was as beautifully presented as it was delicious. Among the guests was Mom Betty Yugala, wife of HSH Prince Mongkolchalerm, who gave a brief presentation on the coronation rites of HM King Rama X. Â
HRH Princess Lea of Belgium at lunch at the residence of ML Poomchai Chumbala, seen with Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz and other guests
Hisoparty Anniversary Gala
That evening was the gala dinner of Hisoparty, which, like Thailand Tatler, has been celebrating its anniversary with a grand party every year attended by society figures. Held at The Glasshouse of Nai Lert Park, company director Preyamon Thanavisuth presented the Highly Sophisticated Club on this occasion to the guests who were treated to a gourmet dinner and shows by well-known performers.
With Jittima Wattanasin and the host Preyamon Thanavisuth
Franck Muller Café
Pendulum, the distributor of Franck Muller, hosted two events last week. The first was the opening of the Franck Muller Café, a chic pop-up at Siam Paragon where customers can enjoy snacks, cakes and drinks by Café Lapin while viewing the watchmaker’s timepieces—or not. The collection includes the collaboration with Vatanika Patamasingh, the first Thai designer that the Swiss brand has worked with. This launch was held at The Glasshouse and drew a crowd eager to see Vatanika’s designs for the wrist and the body.
With Ekachai Sukumvitaya of Casa Lapin and his wife, Yuki Srikarnchana of Pendulum and Vatanika Patamasingh at the Franck Muller Cafe
Piaget Golden Oasis Gala Dinner
A glamorous watch event was the unveiling of Piaget’s high jewellery collection, Golden Oasis. On the first night was a gala dinner for regional guests and media plus some selected locals (I was there) while the second was for the rest of the Thai guests and other media. Piaget’s CEO Chabi Nouri flew in for the glamorous black-tie occasion which offered invitees the opportunity to see the jewellery up close during the cocktails and later on models during the dinner. In addition to the fashion show there was also a performance by a sand artist as well as dancing lights that changed colour as they moved.
At Piaget’s high jewellery launch with Chabi Nouri and Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram
Issue Turns 20
Roj Pupawit Kritpolnara celebrated the 20th anniversary of his brand Issue with a fashion presentation at GMM Live House at Central World. Known for his bright colours and prints, the designer presented an extravagant show. It was a pity I had to leave early as I had another event to go to and was not able to stay for the entire show.
At Issue’s 20th anniversary show
Launch Of Green Monday In Thailand
I wrote about Omnimeat recently where we were among the first to try the plant-based minced pork in Thai dishes prepared by Baan restaurant. Last week was its official launch organised by social enterprise Green Monday. Its founder and CEO David Yeung was awarded social entrepreneur of the year by the World Economic Forum 2018 and he is promoting a once-a-week no-meat diet for healthier living. Yeung was joined by Green Monday ambassador Woody Vuthithorn Milintachinda at Grand Hyatt Erawan and welcomed the hotels and restaurants that are now serving OmniPork. It will be available for retail at Central Food Hall from the end of this month.
At Green Monday’s Omnimeat launch with Grand Hyatt executive chef Markus Zuck, David Yeung and Woody Milintachinda
Baan Dusit Thani
For those who miss the Dusit Thani’s restaurants with the closing of the hotel for redevelopment, they will be happy to know Baan Dusit Thani is now open. Located on a 4.5-rai piece of land on Saladaeng belonging to the Osathanukroh family, it consists of three buildings housing the Vietnamese Thien Duong, Thai Benjarong and Dusit Gourmet selling pastries and snacks with a garden bar by a pool. In addition there is also a small event space and dancing hall. Millennials especially will enjoy this green haven in the centre of town to chill and enjoy downtime. A lunch was hosted by the management headed by Suphajee Suthumpun and Chanin Donavanik at Thien Duong to celebrate the opening of Baan Dusit Thani.
In front of Thien Duong at Baan Dusit Thani with Natapa Sriyuksiri and Vipada Donavanik
Samyan Mitrtown Is Open
From a cosy, residential-style development to a mega mixed-use project, I also checked out Samyan Mitrtown. Located on 14 rai on Rama IV, the Goldenland development boasts new concept stores and some brands that are not available elsewhere. Located next to Chulalongkorn University, there is special emphasis on education facilities, with a 24-hour zone with restaurants and Samyan Co-Op, a co-working space which is certain to be a big hit with students. There is also the indie cinema House Samyan, a multi-purpose hall that can accommodate 3,000 people and a hotel. The opening was officiated by Goldenland directors Panote and Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi.
With Goldenland director Thanapol Sirithanachai at the Samyan Co-Op at Samyan Mitrtown
Previously: Naphalai’s Diary: September 9-15
