Since I was last here in England, a new oriental food store has opened in Exeter. It is run by a friendly and delightful Malaysian-Chinese woman. Exeter University (like every other UK university, I guess) has a high number of Chinese students and they seem to provide most of her customers. But Thais and English people also patronise the shop, and Thai foodstuff is well represented on the shelves and in the refrigerators. Some of the part-time shop assistants are Thai, too.
One of the things I picked up last time I was in there was a free newspaper called Amthaipaper which claims to be the first Thai newspaper in the UK. It comes out monthly and July's issue was the 31st. so it has been around for quite a time without me coming across it. A full-page ad for Chang beer included this:
The distinguished tasting panel of "The Beverage Tasting Institute" described Chang as ...
"Bright golden colour. Honeyed raisin toast aromas with a hint of lychee follow through on a crisp, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with a hint of apple, nut, and a solid roasted grain character. Finishes with a crisp, balanced earthy hop and pizza dough fade. A very nice food beer."
Nice to see that pretentiousness is alive and well. Even nicer to know that if you are accused of drinking too much Chang Beer you can point out that it is mostly a food, with lots of good stuff like honey, fruit, nuts and just a bit of carbohydrate in the pizza dough.
Possibly more useful are two ads that claim to save you money. Flightzone.UKclaims to have the "CHEAPEST AIRFARES GUARANTEED", quoting a special offer of Bangkok for £335.
Calls to Thailand can be made for 1p per minute after you buy £5 credit from auracall. Other countries costing 1p a minute include China, Singapore, USA and Canada.
A Thai Summer Fair in Bournemouth was advertised but it took place on 1st August so I missed that but Amthai itself is running a 'THAI FAMILY FUN DAY' at Wimbledon Park (near the Thai Temple) on Sunday 29th August from 11 am to 7pm. Amongst the attractions are
- Thai Blue Music (sic)
- Thai Massage
- Thai Boxing
- Thai Cultural Performances
- Thai Products
- And of course ... Thai Food
Oh, and one more thing. There is "Free Tasting" of Chang Beer and Mekhong, too.
See you there?
Lawrence.....they have got to be kidding about Chang?
Which in my opinion is aptly named as in Elephant, or perhaps that should be with the aroma of elephant poo?
Posted by: Mike | 23 August 2010 at 07:36 AM
Mike, I certainly find it a lot easier to imagine the aroma of elephant poo than 'honeyed raisin toast', whatever that might be.
Posted by: Lawrence | 23 August 2010 at 11:01 AM
Lawrence, it seems like a lot of Thai's prefer England and Canada. Even though there is a big Buddhist Wat in Washington D.C. I can't remember any Thai festivals or events taking place anywhere on the eastern seaboard of America.
It sure would have been nice to experience a little in the states while missing Thailand...Chang beer and all.
Posted by: Talen | 23 August 2010 at 11:06 PM
Lawrence I did a google search on the Thai newspaper and there is an online version of it at http://www.amthai.co.uk/
The advert for Beer Chang makes it sound a very tasty drink, obviously my taste buds are out of sync.
I hope the weather is good for the Thai Family Fun Day this weekend and make sure you get lots of photos. I'm looking forward to your post on Wimbledon Park's big Thai day. Maybe the Wombles will travel down from London.
Posted by: Martyn | 24 August 2010 at 04:04 AM
Hi Talen ... you won't be short of festivals now you're in Thailand that's for sure.
Thanks for visiting Thai Life in Phana.
Posted by: Lawrence | 25 August 2010 at 05:31 AM
Hi Martyn, thanks for posting the newspaper link here.
I don't think I'll be at the 'Fun Day' in fact. I'll leave it to the Wombles. They can have the Chang Beer too.
Posted by: Lawrence | 25 August 2010 at 05:33 AM