John LINDGREN
Bangkok Spye
For donkey’s years or as the Swedes say “for donkey’s ears” Bangkok Spye has been bumping in to people on the sidewalks and the footpaths, on MTR & BTS platforms, in the supermarkets and on the pedestrian bridges of Krung Theep Mananakorn also known as Bangkok.
Not because I am dyslectic, dyspeptic nor is it the pre-Alzheimer’s. Is it that my navigation system, my GPS, works on a different frequency? When I turn left they turn left. Left right and left again. Brake. Thumm! Not to mention that I am a brisk walker. Walk the walk and talk the talk. I also talk too fast. And a tad, too loud.
Although I am mostly behind the wheel of my 1600cc Nassin Eon, that’s Nissan Neo backwards. So when I have a chance to walk in the city I want the maximum exercise out of it. And my speed walking results in bumping in to Bangkokians small and tall, young and old. Or they bump in to me. Sudden lane changes, unexpected u-turns. Citizens making stationary promotional DTAC cell phone calls in the middle of the busy sidewalk.
Just like Bangkok traffic. Organized confusion or confusion organized. The worst is the right hand turn and all the street vendors, food stalls, the blind and the lame sitting on the footbridges. And the occasional obese three-legged brown mutt.
What’s the remedy? To keep walking far left. And slower speed from 5th to 3rd gear. Thailand drives on the left like the rest of Asia, India and Australia except China. So Bangkok Spye keeps walking adamantly far left close to buildings, shops and railings. Keep far left hand and nobody will cut in front you. If you see someone walking very close to walls building and building sites and footbridges – it’s Bangkok Spye walking the walk on the footpaths of Bangkok.
In 2006 the Bangkokians learned a new French percent word: coup d’etat. Its not revolution it’s “Kuu De Taa”. Germans call it putsch, Bangkok Spye prefers coup d’etat. Sounds more civilized. Other civilized French words: Champagne, Fois Gras (Goose Liver) pity the geese – but it’s damn tasty, Camembert and of course, comme ci – comme ca. “So – so”. I know a Frenchman Monsieur Yves Democrat. Cool name! He is a fine saxophone player and plays regularly at the Grand Hyatt lobby bar from nine pm onwards. Democrat, but in Thai-English democracy is one of those difficult words. Usually pronounced: “demo-crazy!” Just like electricity is always referred to as “electric-city!”
Another cool name these days is Sonthi or Sondhi. Not any of ex Prime Minister, ex Caretaker Prime Minister Doctor Taxin Shinawatra’s favorite Thai names. The two Sonthis. Sonthi I and Sondhi II. Sonthi I “newspaper Walla” Limthongkul did the groundwork in the park with in front of huge crowds shouting “Get Out! Orrk Pai!” Firing up the masses according to the textbook “Elementary Demagogy”.
Then came the Thailand’s first Muslin army-commander-in-chief a four-star General Sonthi Boonyaratglin and executed the second part taking over the radio, TV stations rolling out the tanks and the Humvees in the dead of the night for additional effect and to avoid traffic jam. And next day BIG headlines in the English language dailies Bangkok Post: COUP D’ETAT and the Nation COUP! And Bangkok on the map of world media for a day.
Now everything is post Coup and post grand opening of Suwanna poom. The last on craft to land on the old tarmac was a Kuwaiti Airbus and the first to plane land on the new runway was a German “Luftwaffe” LH Boeing 747 cargo. Who cares about the second and the third flight. Suwanna poom is now on-line and the old Don Muang off-line. But Bangkok aeronautically is still BKK – Bangkok Shakes and Hanoi Rocks as a pre-Nokia Finland punk band used to sing.
Tempus Fugit
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Published in International Herald Tribune/ThaiDay June 2006
TIMELESS LUXURY - Tempus Fugit
When it comes to watches, the second time
around is often better than the first time.
For many, buying a used car, home or even an electric appliance is a common transaction. But when it comes to luxury items, the general assumption is that the brand new is the best. For aficionados in the know, however this couldn't be further from the truth, with a growing number of people setting their sights on used or pre-owned luxury wrist watches.
In our helter-skelter world on innovation and rapid change, more and more discerning customers want to own a timepiece that represents something more traditional and has lasting value.
"Some people buy them as an investment", says Somsak Naranong, owner of three Swiss hand made Frank Muller “Master of Complication” chronographs, "but other people simply want to own a piece of history, something that lasts and has meaning".
For some, movie memories come with the watches for example when they see a Rolex Submariner, which Dustin Hoffman traded for a cab fare in the Hollywood thriller Marathon Man. Maybe it's Cindy Crawford showing off an Omega Constellation Quadra on the pages of a glossy international lifestyle magazine. Or Bruce Willis wearing a TAG Heuer in the action blockbuster Die Hard 2 directed by Renny Harlin.
Surprisingly, these vintage time pieces are not that hard to find - and we're not talking about the fakes, the "replicas" that can be found on countless Bangkok and Pattaya street stalls. Right here in the city there's a second hand luxury watch shop that can hold its own against the best shops in Britain, France and the US.
It's called Leng Narikaa (Narikaa means "watch" in Thai), and its housed in a non-descript two story shop house near Khao San Road, in Banglampoo district.
Leng narikaa is home to a vast array of pre-owned, internationally recognized brands such as Chopard, Cartier, Breitling, IWC, Omega, Longines, Patek Philippe, Panerai, TAG Heuer and, of course, the leader of the pack, Rolex of Geneva - and most for less than half of their original purchasing price.
" Many hais buy second watches like Rolex because they are cheaper than buying them new,: says Kasemsit Pathomsak, a Bangkok real estate and hotel owner. "But other purchase them for their investment value. Fine watches, especially mechanical, complicated watches always appreciate in value".
The leng Watch Group (LWG), a family owned Sin-Thai company, was founded in 1976 by Sittichai Leng. Their Leng Narikaa showroom and service center area small is startlingly bright with elegant teak wood floors.
It's almost like entering a golden palace. No music, just precious metals and alloys: white, pink, yellow, and rose gold and there's titanium, platinum and polished stainless steel. Glittering gems and diamonds embossed on solid watch cases sparkle. Display cabinets are filled with row after row of glimmering shiny Rolex wristwatches. Security is provided armed, fit and stern looking uniformed guard. Close circuit TV cameras cover the showroom.
If you're interested in the golden age of Swiss luxury watch making or horology try an Audemars Piquet. Founded in 1875 by two Swiss engineers, Jules Louis Audermars and Edward August Piquet. The watch connoisseurs call it "AP" for short. The brand is known for their complicated calendar, repeat mechanisms and chronographs. Price range 600,000 baht up.
"The best selling pieces here," says Namkaang, Leng Narikaa shop manager, "are still the solid gold Rolexes and the two-tone or 'half-gold' models. “Asians still like Rolex” “Rolex and Mercedes Benz,” adds Namkaang.
Rolexes comprise 80 percent of the displayed watches. But the shop also carries the great models that were linked to war and sport and are still in production today - the classic square Cartier Tank originally from 1917, the legendary Omega Speedmaster, the over sized Italian Navy divers watch Pamerai Luminor, TAG Heur Carrera, named after La Carrera Panamerica, the Panamerica road-race of the 50s. IWC (International Watch Company) World War II big pilot watch "Fliegerchronograph" and, of course, Rolex Submariner, the iconic "James Bond Rolex" robust, mechanical and still ticking.
Many of Leng Narika's watches are as "good as new" such as the entry level steel Rolex Steel Oyster Datejust at 91,000 baht with a 12 month warranty. And in case you want to trade your Steel Oyster in for a solid yellow gold Oyster Datejust, Leng will trade your steel Rolex for 90 percent of the purchased value and you hand over another 220,000 baht and you're the owner of solid golden Rolex, the ultimate piece for the ethnic Chinese taokay - boss. The next step on the ladder is the diamond encrusted gold Rolex, a cool half a million baht.
Business is good. Recently Leng opened its flagship store on Petchaburi road next to Pantip Plaza computer center. This elegant second-hand haute horology showroom-cum-boutique stands up to any of the Gaysorn or Siam Paragon high-end watch boutiques. And service perhaps less arrogant.
Some international and local movie stars are also customers. It has been rumored that Nicholas Cage was seen purchasing a vintage Vacheron Constantin Tourbillion while Thai soap opera stars Marsha Wattanapanich and Sam Yurarnan Pamornmontri are regular Leng customers.
And while you won't find any fakes here, when it comes to payment, Leng takes the same approach as its street-based counterparts. "We don't accept credit cards. Cash only and trade-in", says Namkaang ".
END TEXT
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Triton - Macho 4x4 by Mitsubishi
John LINDGREN
Mitsu’s “Mann Maak” Triton Plus 4x4
Mitsu’s “Mann Maak” Triton Plus 4x4
The Mitsubishi Triton (Triton according to ancient Greek was a sea god, son of Poseidon portrayed as having the trunk of a man and the tail of a fish) is a commercial vehicle cutting a totally new design language among all the other ‘pick-ups’ rolling on Thai tarmac
The big front almost looks like a fist. This vehicle especially the 4x4 version has an aggressive stance with bulging wheel arches, rounded, smooth, muscular flowing lines; big triangular brake lights all carry the new curvaceous styling concept. Aerodynamically, too the Triton has a low 0.32 drag coefficient, less drag - less fuel (more money in the bank) and good looks included.
Step inside and be impressed - LCD deep blue ‘racing’ instrument dials, compass, altimeter and on-board computer showing the estimated driving range.
The Pattaya Coast demo unit came with a spacious steel grey cab and a firm fabric upholstery. Adding a CD and MP3 to the usual AM/FM radio in a float-bed pick-up truck is unexpected luxury. Mitsu’s new Triton Plus represents the new generation of one tonne pick-up trucks with passenger car ‘de-luxe’ interiors - plus high tech, high torque common rail kick-ass Diesel engines.
Our Triton Plus was the four wheel drive (4x4) Double Cab 2.5 GLS version with manual transmission (stick-shift), carrying a sticker price of TBH 754.000.
After firing up the 2.5 litre, 140 horse power engine and stepping on it I felt a slight tickling sensation down the spine when the turbocharger kicked in. Fuel consumption without too much ‘kick-down’ is 10-11 kilometer per litre. Highway 13-14 km/lt.
The view from the cockpit is high and commanding with 205 mm ground clearance. So overtaking, passing with this monster is a piece of cake.
On the Bagna Trat elevated express way and on the bumpy 10-wheel container truck chock-a-block Chonburi motorway (by-pass) the passengers were happy including mother in – law who usually enjoys test drives in luxury Teutonic imported sedans.
Beyond Trat near the Cambodian frontier a bit of low gear mud crawling and off-road exercises at a big water reservoir, construction site with steep slopes and swollen 4WD tracks.
The metallic grey Triton 4x4 passed test with flying colours. Mother-in-law did not join the off-road experience.
Factory owners, industrial estate operators here is an option if you want to up-grade your old fleet of pick-ups or just you want to switch from you dinky saloon and look macho in a macho 4x4 truck named Triton by MITSUBISHI.
END TEXT
The big front almost looks like a fist. This vehicle especially the 4x4 version has an aggressive stance with bulging wheel arches, rounded, smooth, muscular flowing lines; big triangular brake lights all carry the new curvaceous styling concept. Aerodynamically, too the Triton has a low 0.32 drag coefficient, less drag - less fuel (more money in the bank) and good looks included.
Step inside and be impressed - LCD deep blue ‘racing’ instrument dials, compass, altimeter and on-board computer showing the estimated driving range.
The Pattaya Coast demo unit came with a spacious steel grey cab and a firm fabric upholstery. Adding a CD and MP3 to the usual AM/FM radio in a float-bed pick-up truck is unexpected luxury. Mitsu’s new Triton Plus represents the new generation of one tonne pick-up trucks with passenger car ‘de-luxe’ interiors - plus high tech, high torque common rail kick-ass Diesel engines.
Our Triton Plus was the four wheel drive (4x4) Double Cab 2.5 GLS version with manual transmission (stick-shift), carrying a sticker price of TBH 754.000.
After firing up the 2.5 litre, 140 horse power engine and stepping on it I felt a slight tickling sensation down the spine when the turbocharger kicked in. Fuel consumption without too much ‘kick-down’ is 10-11 kilometer per litre. Highway 13-14 km/lt.
The view from the cockpit is high and commanding with 205 mm ground clearance. So overtaking, passing with this monster is a piece of cake.
On the Bagna Trat elevated express way and on the bumpy 10-wheel container truck chock-a-block Chonburi motorway (by-pass) the passengers were happy including mother in – law who usually enjoys test drives in luxury Teutonic imported sedans.
Beyond Trat near the Cambodian frontier a bit of low gear mud crawling and off-road exercises at a big water reservoir, construction site with steep slopes and swollen 4WD tracks.
The metallic grey Triton 4x4 passed test with flying colours. Mother-in-law did not join the off-road experience.
Factory owners, industrial estate operators here is an option if you want to up-grade your old fleet of pick-ups or just you want to switch from you dinky saloon and look macho in a macho 4x4 truck named Triton by MITSUBISHI.
END TEXT
Stavic Supersized - Korean with Mercedes Wunder Kraft -
John LINDGREN
Stavic Supersized - Korean with Mercedes Wunder Kraft -
Remember the Korean cars in Bangkok pre-’97 Asian economic “Tomm Yam Kung” crisis – the Daewoos, the Hyundais, the KIA’s and the Ssanyong’s? The new Koreans were affordable and compact city cars, including a monster SUV, one of the first Sport Utility Vehicles in Thailand: Ssanyong Musso.
After the economic bubble burst Daewoo vanished from the Thai shores, and today three Korean brands are available: KIA, the Hyundai making a strong comeback and Ssangyong. The name Ssangyong means “twin dragons”; the initial S was doubled to correspond to the duality of the name. Currently, the Ssangyong model line-up in Thailand consists of the Actyon, the Kyron, the Rexton, and the Stavic all imported vehicles or CBU’s (completely built up in motoring babble). Ssangyong (Thailand) Co., Ltd boasts three showrooms, service centers in Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket.
The demo unit provided for Pattaya Coast was the (metallic space black) Ssangyong Stavic, a premium MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), which is not only as a passenger car, but also as a super-sized MPV( Multi Purpose Vehicle) measuring an impressive 5.1 meters and powered by a German silky smooth Mercedes Benz six cylinder motor 3.2 liter engine.
The looks, or the body design of Stavic, maybe unorthodox and funky to some people but unique and stylish to others. Ssangyong, Korea’s fourth largest automaker, calls it Neo-Fusion design! The vehicle was designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London.
Stavic’s interior reveals an impressive passenger carrying capacity. Laid out like a miniature tour bus. There are four rows, three options: 7-, 9- or 11-passenger seating can be made available depending on the folding.
For longer journeys the 7-seater is the best option, as it offers room for luggage as well.
The cabin is luxuriously appointed in with porous high grade beige or grey leather, plush carpets, a mix of wood and alloy panels plus the essential ingredients: CD cases, sunglasses holder, one-touch pop-out cup holders, power out lets front and rear and grab handles. And a 180 degrees swivel seat in the second row. To cool you down there are separate air vents with individual controls for the second and third row passengers.
On-board entertainment consists Ssangyong premium audio video package with a one-touch CD/DVD Player, MP3 Tuner, with front and rear monitors (which automatically cuts as soon as the car starts moving). The DVD screen is also connected to a reverse parking camera. Handy when backing up into tight spaces.
All audio and video controls are steering-wheel mounted. Other cool features include a power sun roof or “moon-roof“ as we prefer to call it in here the tropical Thailand. And a fuel saving cruise control feature – for those long highway trips.
Under the bonnet, lurks a grey, black matte, state-of-the-art quiet and powerful Mercedes Benz 3,2 six-banger motor pumping out 220 horse power and mated to a silky smooth a 5-speed Mercedes Benz automatic box with a T-tronic (manual shift option, the same as in a Porsche ).
The engine performance was confirmed during a brief high-speed test when we managed to touch the 195 km/hour mark on the speedometer. Overtaking cars on the highway was safe and effortless, thanks to the powerful German engine. Stavic’s thirst for fuel was approximately 8-9 kilometer per liter during our test drive, normal for a V-6 petrol engine.
Our demo wagon came with the whole safety package: drivers and passenger airbags and front electronic brake force distribution (EDB), ABS and traction control system (TCS). Plus double wishbone suspension in front.
Since the Stavic carries up to 11 passengers, the import tax is only 40 percent while other 7-seater MPVs face 80 percent import duty plus excise duty. That’s why the Benz and the Volk vans are priced over three million TBH but the Stavic sells at TBT 1.9 and the Diesel version at TBH 1.7.
Our road test was conducted along the Bangkok - Chiang Mai north bound trunk road, also known as Asia Highway # 2.
Stavic’s independent 4-wheel suspension and the smooth V-6 propulsion worked wonders. And the kids: “no more “are we there yet”! The DVD player played on without any interruptions. No jumps. Crystal clear picture and stereo sound as we watched Disney’s Ratatouille and Surf’s Up. Driver and passengers were all happy campers on arrival at the green hills of Kong Lan National Park in Kampheng Pet Province.
Slavic is a shining star powered by another star the Stuttgart three-pointed Mercedes silky-six Wonder Motor. A five-star- 7-seater for the extended family traveling long distance, or a perfect fleet van for luxury (boutique) hotels.
END TEXT
Remember the Korean cars in Bangkok pre-’97 Asian economic “Tomm Yam Kung” crisis – the Daewoos, the Hyundais, the KIA’s and the Ssanyong’s? The new Koreans were affordable and compact city cars, including a monster SUV, one of the first Sport Utility Vehicles in Thailand: Ssanyong Musso.
After the economic bubble burst Daewoo vanished from the Thai shores, and today three Korean brands are available: KIA, the Hyundai making a strong comeback and Ssangyong. The name Ssangyong means “twin dragons”; the initial S was doubled to correspond to the duality of the name. Currently, the Ssangyong model line-up in Thailand consists of the Actyon, the Kyron, the Rexton, and the Stavic all imported vehicles or CBU’s (completely built up in motoring babble). Ssangyong (Thailand) Co., Ltd boasts three showrooms, service centers in Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket.
The demo unit provided for Pattaya Coast was the (metallic space black) Ssangyong Stavic, a premium MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), which is not only as a passenger car, but also as a super-sized MPV( Multi Purpose Vehicle) measuring an impressive 5.1 meters and powered by a German silky smooth Mercedes Benz six cylinder motor 3.2 liter engine.
The looks, or the body design of Stavic, maybe unorthodox and funky to some people but unique and stylish to others. Ssangyong, Korea’s fourth largest automaker, calls it Neo-Fusion design! The vehicle was designed by Ken Greenley, former head of the automotive design course at the Royal College of Art in London.
Stavic’s interior reveals an impressive passenger carrying capacity. Laid out like a miniature tour bus. There are four rows, three options: 7-, 9- or 11-passenger seating can be made available depending on the folding.
For longer journeys the 7-seater is the best option, as it offers room for luggage as well.
The cabin is luxuriously appointed in with porous high grade beige or grey leather, plush carpets, a mix of wood and alloy panels plus the essential ingredients: CD cases, sunglasses holder, one-touch pop-out cup holders, power out lets front and rear and grab handles. And a 180 degrees swivel seat in the second row. To cool you down there are separate air vents with individual controls for the second and third row passengers.
On-board entertainment consists Ssangyong premium audio video package with a one-touch CD/DVD Player, MP3 Tuner, with front and rear monitors (which automatically cuts as soon as the car starts moving). The DVD screen is also connected to a reverse parking camera. Handy when backing up into tight spaces.
All audio and video controls are steering-wheel mounted. Other cool features include a power sun roof or “moon-roof“ as we prefer to call it in here the tropical Thailand. And a fuel saving cruise control feature – for those long highway trips.
Under the bonnet, lurks a grey, black matte, state-of-the-art quiet and powerful Mercedes Benz 3,2 six-banger motor pumping out 220 horse power and mated to a silky smooth a 5-speed Mercedes Benz automatic box with a T-tronic (manual shift option, the same as in a Porsche ).
The engine performance was confirmed during a brief high-speed test when we managed to touch the 195 km/hour mark on the speedometer. Overtaking cars on the highway was safe and effortless, thanks to the powerful German engine. Stavic’s thirst for fuel was approximately 8-9 kilometer per liter during our test drive, normal for a V-6 petrol engine.
Our demo wagon came with the whole safety package: drivers and passenger airbags and front electronic brake force distribution (EDB), ABS and traction control system (TCS). Plus double wishbone suspension in front.
Since the Stavic carries up to 11 passengers, the import tax is only 40 percent while other 7-seater MPVs face 80 percent import duty plus excise duty. That’s why the Benz and the Volk vans are priced over three million TBH but the Stavic sells at TBT 1.9 and the Diesel version at TBH 1.7.
Our road test was conducted along the Bangkok - Chiang Mai north bound trunk road, also known as Asia Highway # 2.
Stavic’s independent 4-wheel suspension and the smooth V-6 propulsion worked wonders. And the kids: “no more “are we there yet”! The DVD player played on without any interruptions. No jumps. Crystal clear picture and stereo sound as we watched Disney’s Ratatouille and Surf’s Up. Driver and passengers were all happy campers on arrival at the green hills of Kong Lan National Park in Kampheng Pet Province.
Slavic is a shining star powered by another star the Stuttgart three-pointed Mercedes silky-six Wonder Motor. A five-star- 7-seater for the extended family traveling long distance, or a perfect fleet van for luxury (boutique) hotels.
END TEXT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
