New rules for foreign employees in Thailand

Background

In May 2007, the Cabinet approved certain changes to the Foreign Employment Act. These will now be forwarded to the Council of State (this is the body that scrutinises and drafts new legislation) for further consideration. In this article, we discuss the current law regarding foreign employees and work permits, and the changes that are proposed.

Current law

The Foreign Employment Act is the principal Act dealing with the employment of foreigners in Thailand. In general, any foreigner who wishes to undertake any form of work in Thailand, whether paid or unpaid, must hold a valid work permit authorizing that employment. There are exceptions to this general rule for foreign diplomatic staff and employees of the UN and certain other international agencies. A regulation issued under the Act contains a list of 39 occupations that are prohibited to foreigners, and thus a work permit cannot be obtained for any of those occupations.

Applications for a work permit for an occupation that is not prohibited, are dealt with by the Ministry of Labour. Generally, work may not be commenced until a work permit is issued. A large quantity of documents must be submitted with a work permit application, broadly speaking, these are documents concerning the applicant, including his c.v. and educational certificates, and documents from the sponsoring employer, including its corporate documents, tax registration and annual accounts. Conditions related to the paid up capital of the sponsoring company and the ratio of Thai staff to foreign employees must be observed.

If a work permit is granted, it will be for a period of 12 months backdated to the applicant’s date of entry into the country (24 months where the employer has Board of Investment privileges). The employee may only engage in the duties specifically referred to in the work permit, at the location specified. Permission to change employment duties or location must be applied for in advance. An application to extend a work permit must be made before its expiry. Special rules apply where a foreigner works in a representative office, regional operating headquarters or regional office of a foreign company.

New proposals

In May, the Cabinet approved a number of changes to the FEA, which are summarized below:

• The requirements regarding work location, the time period and prohibited work will be changed, by permitting foreigners to work only as specified by Ministerial Announcements.
• A person who wishes to employ foreigners must have a permit and pay a fee for this right.
• A person who hires foreigners must deposit a guarantee for the expenses of a return trip out of Thailand and maintain such guarantee.
• A work permit shall not last longer than two years and there will be a daily fine if it is renewed after its expiry date.
• The Minister may issue regulations stipulating the work permit criteria and method of foreign employment, in addition to Section 10 of the Act.
• There will be a Foreign Employment Appeal Committee, consisting of the Permanent Secretary of Labor Ministry or his delegate as Chairman, and eight other committee members. A representative from the Employment Department shall be a committee member and Secretary.

Comment

Unfortunately it has not been possible to obtain a full copy of the draft Bill, and thus we have been forced to rely on a summary. In general, the provisions may be seen as imposing additional requirements and placing obstacles in the way of companies that wish to employ foreigners. The reversal of the present rule that foreigners can engage in any employment except for 39 occupations that are presently prohibited, to one where the Minister may specify occupations that are open to foreigners, is unnecessarily restrictive, and represents a reversal of the current law.

We shall have to wait for publication of the full draft before making further comment.

© Stephen Frost, Bangkok International Associates 2007

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Bangkok International Associates is a general corporate and commercial law firm. For further information, please contact Stephen Frost by email at sfrost@bia.co.th or telephone (66) 2 231 6455.

These will now be considered in detail by the Council of State – the primary body that considers and drafts new legislation. If approved, it is likely that regulations will also have to be drafted, to flesh out the additional obligations.

Chidlom - Ploenchit: Shopping

If you're looking for shopping - from upmarket brand names to high quality handicrafts - jump off at Chitlom BTS (Skytrain) station. It's the battleground of the city's finest malls and, with its abundance of upmarket, trendy and expensive things to buy, comparable to London's Knightsbridge or Singapore's Orchid Street.

Elevated walkways from the station link directly to where you want to be. The seven floors of Central Chidlom Department Store offer all you'd expect from a store of its illustrious ilk; it’s especially good for fashion labels, shoes, cosmetics and homeware. You can also reach Gaysorn Plaza, a sleek, cool white marble and chrome interiored complex housing high-end luxury goods and designer labels like Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani and Prada. You'll find much the same sorts of ultra chic shopping in Erawan Bangkok, located at the Ratchaprasong junction.

And don’t miss CentralWorld - a vast, sparkling shrine to modern consumerism, offering 500 shops and a wide range of products to suit most tastes and budgets. Formerly known as World Trade Centre, it has eight state-of-the-art floors of shops, several cinemas, restaurants and bistros. Highlights include trendy lifestyle store Manga, and fashionista-friendly department store Zen. With 550,000 square metres of retail space, its 30% larger than any other shopping mall in Bangkok.

Big C Superstore

Although conveniently situated opposite CentralWorld, this store is a world removed from it - it has a very local feel to it somehow and attracts different customers. You will find lots of discounted items at Big C, as well as services in the building that might make it a worthwhile stop. On the second floor, look out for discount jewellers, a vitamin centre and massive supermarket and a bank. There is a postal service, hair salon and a kiddies amusement centre on the fourth floor, so you can feel good about letting the brats play while you get things done. On the third floor stock up on budget babywear, clothes and stationary and the fourth floor houses the Food Park. Movies are on the top floor, if you want to kick back. It's pretty big, but we can unfortunately not encourage you to take your rollerblades along.

Isetan Bangkok

If you have been to Tokyo or Kyoto, you will know Isetan. It is an institution of fine taste in Japan. The name has an expensive sounding quality to it, and if you have visions of Louis Vuitton showpieces, you are you not far off. If there are brands the Japanese go moggy for, LV and Anna Sui are definitely among them. Louis Vuitton handbags are the mark of desirability in modern day Japan. While Isetan caters to a specific Japanese clientele, it does have an incredibly attractive supply of international as well as local products too. No-nonsense cosmetic counters stock the solution to your every imperfection.

ZEN Bangkok

Here is an uber-trendy interpretation of the department store as a 'lifestyle speciality store'. ZEN epitomises living in the moment - and their frolicsome accessories of the moment reflect that outlook. Come here if your definition of shopping equals fun. There are six floors to explore and afterwards you can sit in one of those leather-meets-machine massage chairs. Shoes by Naughty Monkey and fashions from Fly Now, Nagara and Koi are sensations to look forward to. The grooviest jewellery, watches and accessories under the sun redefine the meaning of cool. As for stationery, you could spend a day oohing and aahing. And if you ever had a sticker fetish, you may just regress.

Central Department Store Bangkok

Central Department Store is one of the best places to go if you need something specific, and don't want to be distracted along the way. Everything is where you would expect to find it, and you can feel confident it is of pedigree quality. Outsized clothing for towering Westerners can also be found. Pretty much everything covered here is tasteful and sensible - nothing too risqu-. This is where you come to repair your watch, or get an alarm clock that will wake you and won't land up in the heap of all those who have gone before.

Erawan Bangkok

Erawan Bangkok, the graceful mall with direct access to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok right in the heart of the Ratchaprasong shopping district, has an air of exclusivity about it. A five-storey space covering about 13, 000 square meters, it's a boutique mall that offers a selection of only the most elegant lifestyle brands. And the shoppers who frequent the polished hallways and eateries here are equally suave...

Gaysorn Bangkok

Gaysorn is a luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Its contemporary design and an innovative retail concept create a very exclusive shopping experience. Expect to find a wide range of highly desirable international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss, to name but a few, as well as a selection of Thailand's most innovative designers such as Fly Now, 'Senada Theory and Kloset Red Carpet.

Amarin Plaza Bangkok

The stylish Amarin Plaza is linked to Erawan Bangkok via a skybridge. The five-storey shopping plaza has an almost festive aura to it, drawing in a mixed crowd - from affluent Thais to expats and business travellers - with highly desirable brand names such as Guy Laroche, Valentino and Crocodile, to name but a few.

CentralWorld Shopping Complex

The battle of Bangkok's mega shopping malls to be the biggest and the best has a new outright and undisputed winner: the supermodern, newly launched, revamped and rebranded CentralWorld.

With 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok, CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia.

Sukhumvit: Shopping

Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok's best known and eclectic shopping streets. Easily accessible thanks to the Skytrain, its air-conditioned malls, department stores, myriad shops and sidewalk vendors offer an overwhelming variety of goods that ranges from cheap imitation tat to the latest fashion trends.

The most visible and vibrant form of commerce are the street stalls peddling souvenirs, knock-off clothing and pirate DVDs. These open in the afternoon and operate all along lower Sukhumvit road around the main hotels. Many don't close until late into the night. Shops, meanwhile, sell everything from hair-cuts and antiques to tailored suits and happy-ending massages.

Upmarket shopping is almost as easily found. Connected by elevated walkway to BTS Asok is Robinsons Department Store, and to BTS Phrom Phong the massive Emporium complex. This is without doubt one of Bangkok's swankiest malls, a place to be seen as much as to shop.

The department store here stocks pretty much every status-enhancing brand known to mankind. Those it doesn't can be found in the upscale luxury stores seen throughout (think Louis Vuitton, Prada, Greyhound etc). Popular with the hi-so set here there are also book stores, gadget and lifestyle shops, food courts, cafes and beauty salons.

With funky boutique department stores like Playground, the swanky street of Thonglor (Soi 55) - the 'Beverley Hills of Asia' according to the New York Times - is perfect for those wanting trendy clothes, gadgets or home wares crafted by homegrown and overseas designers. Many fine interior and home d-cor stores in this area celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people.

Robinson Department Store Bangkok

Location: Silom Road, Sukhumvit between Sois 17 and 19, Ratchadapisek Road, various other locations

Expect to find: Travelers, 'home executives' doing monthly shopping, good quality tomato sauce, reasonably-priced merchandise and some great bargains (from time to time).

Value: Best value for money to be had in the supermarket.

Verdict: A good place for certain items, and easy to access.

Robinsons Department Store, a franchise, has branches all over Thailand. Compared to other offerings in Bangkok, Robinsons is probably the easiest and quickest to access. All the usual things can be found here, relating to life's necessities. Some good bargains can be had in the clothing department, especially with regular sales promotions. The quality and prices are fair, and they seem to have a substantial variety of whatever you might be seeking. Usually, there is a Western-style supermarket on the premises, where you can stock up on groceries to your heart's content.

The Emporium Bangkok

The Emporium is like a glossy magazine come to life. Behold the seven layers of shopper's paradise, where the first three floors are dedicated solely to fashion. Exclusive world-class brand names dominate the ground floor, hot international designer items, leather and jewellery the first floor, and glamorous garb for the young and trendy, the second. Fashionistas, this is your playground.

Those more concerned with gadgetry and gear need not feel left out. 'Pleasure & Leisure' is the name of the third floor, as it has everything you could dream of to maximise the experience of the audio, visual and digital lifestyle. On this level you can also satisfy all your golf and sporting needs at the 'Global Sports Mall'.

Bangkok Funky Shopping Places

If funky, edgy designer goodies give you a thrill, and price is not an option, get ready for a real treat. Places like ZEN, Playground, Manga, Flow Now and Q Concept have all the latest design trends in the world covered. This is where all the coolest, hippest and stylish in the know head to for that sought-after look or lifestyle.

ZEN

ZEN at CentralWorld is a funkadelic, six-level lifestyle trend megastore. Claiming around 50,000 square meters of prime space, and more to come, it is targeted at the trendy young at heart, affluent Thais, expatriates and tourists who appreciate good design. Visual merchandising here is enfolded in an eye-catching and theatrical setting so as to completely reel the shopper into a thrilling shopping experience.

Priding itself on its industrial edge, mod furnishings and the pop-graphic cool backdrop of wall-papered panels, ZEN probes into new realms of creativity. Each stage appeals to a different audience, or shall we say, constellation of about-to-be-born stars - all the while flowing quite seamlessly from space to space.

Sukhothai Historical Park

No trip to Thailand would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of the Thai nation and the country’s first capital, the ancient North Central Plains kingdom of Sukhothai. Meaning ‘dawn of happiness’, this pastoral located stretch of ruins spreads across 70 sq. km. and boasts 100 historical sites, including royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, and canals. Established in 1238, Sukhothai had previously been a far-flung outpost of the Khmer empire in Angkor. Rebellious Thai chiefs overthrew the Khmer army and installed the newly appointed King Si Indraditya as the now independent municipality’s first ruler. The Sukhothai Dynasty saw nine kings at the helm, with a rule that lasted over two centuries before eventually coming under the control of the younger Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya.

Sukhothai reached its pinnacle under King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (c.1279-98), who through an enlightened policy of political friendship and forging foreign relations; was responsible for extending the kingdom as far south as the Malay Peninsula and west into Myanmar. He is also credited with introducing Theravada Buddhism to Thailand, as well as inventing the Thai alphabet, evidence of which can be viewed in the Ramkhamhaeng stone inscription. The art and architecture that blossomed under the Sukhothai School is among Thailand’s most attractive and finest. The architectural style of the period began as a fusion of Asian influences, from Khmer to Sri Lanka, though gradually unique elements emerged to define Sukhothai’s individual stamp of creativity. Artisans excelled particularly in the stucco work and sculpture that adorned temple structures, especially the fluid bronze casts that are best seen in the sensual flowing ‘walking’ Buddha style.

Unlike Ayutthaya, foreign invaders never destroyed Sukhothai and much of the city was abandoned in tact. Preserved yet forgotten, Sukhothai lay abandoned and buried in jungle until the 18th and 19th centuries when the Chakri kings from the new capital of Bangkok began retrieving its lost treasures and displaying them in the newly built palaces and temples. Located some 450 km. north of Bangkok, the immaculately restored park is set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, lying some 12 km. from present day Sukhothai town. A visual feast and a joy to discover, images of panoramic scenes of complex brick and laterite towers, columns and pagodas with immense Buddha images reflected in still water, strike awe in even the most seasoned of travellers. Sukhothai is one of the most ambient spots to soak up the magical candlelit floats that glisten in the moonlit water during the annual Loi Krathong Festival each November full moon. Modern Sukhothai town provides an excellent base camp for daily sorties to the ruins, with clean, affordable guesthouses, and intimate cafés and restaurants to get to know friendly locals and fellow travellers. A visit to Sukhothai should be first top of the list on any tourist itinerary; it reveals astounding insights as to how this ancient city left a long and lasting legacy upon the Thai identity.

The Royal Palace & Wat Mahathat

The spiritual and political heart of Sukhothai, this was Thailand’s first regal palace and is adjoined by the royal sanctuary Wat Mahathat, or Temple of the Great Relic. Sadly little remains of the palace, or Noen Prasat, the site where King Mongkut (Rama IV) uncovered the famous Ramkhamhaeng Inscription tablet and the royal throne Manangkhasila Asana in 1833. These priceless relics have since been moved to Bangkok; the throne is in the Grand Palace, and the stone inscription is on view at the National Museum. Sukhothai’s most expansive temple, Wat Mahathat was founded by the kingdom’s first ruler Si Indraditya in the 13th century, and later improved upon by the fourth king Lo Thai. Surrounded by a wall, there are almost 200 pagodas and the remnants of several chapels dotted around the temple complex, all-spreading outward from the epicentre lotus-bud shaped monument tower, known as a chedi or stupa. The chedi is where sacred relics are interred, in this case hair and neck bone relics of Lord Buddha brought back from Sri Lanka. There is an interesting and unusual frieze of walking monks around the base of the chedi. Set among several lily filled pools are some fine-seated Buddha statues, and flanking the central chedi are giant standing Buddha images, known as Phra Attharot. This noble sanctuary brims with historic landmarks and is a joy to unravel before moving onto to explore Sukhothai’s other main sites.

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Named after Sukhothai’s most illustrious ruler; this museum is an excellent place to get an introduction to the ancient city before physically heading out to explore the sites. On display in the outstanding collection are early 20th century photographs of Sukhothai taken well before any restoration, as well as a fine bronze walking Buddha that is considered the best example of its kind in the country. Other artefacts include dozens of fine Buddha statues of various styles and periods, as well as a replica of the famed Ramkhamhaeng stone pillar (the original is now in Bangkok’s National Museum). The 1293 stone is inscribed with early Thai text that unfurls with rich detail the history of Sukhothai.

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument

Just north of Wat Mahathat sits an esteemed statue to Sukhothai’s greatest king, Ramkhamhaeng (c.1278-1318). Credited for bringing peace, political stability, and religious freedom to the kingdom, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great is also attributed for having invented the Thai alphabet. The bronze statue is seen sitting on a replica of the Manangkhasila Asana throne, the original of which was discovered in the ruins of Sukhothai’s royal palace, and is now kept in Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

Wat Si Sawai

Southwest of Wat Mahathat, this Khmer influenced temple has three dominant central prang adorned in Hindu imagery. Started by a king of Angkor in the 12th century, the temple was later converted to a Buddhist temple. Surrounded by a laterite wall, the three powerful looking towers are embellished in mythical naga serpents and half-bird, half-human garuda.

Wat Traphang Thong

Located on an island in the middle of a lovely symmetrical flower-filled pool known as the Golden Lake, this temple has a restored Sri Lankan-style chedi and a pavilion containing an important 14th century stone footprint of Lord Buddha. The picturesque locale is where Loi Krathong Festival was originally celebrated.

Wat Sa Si

Surely one of Sukhothai’s most beautiful temple settings, Wat Sa Si, or Sacred Pond Temple, sits in the middle of a pretty lotus-filled lake. Reached by a narrow wooden footbridge, the exquisite site centres round a Sri-Lankan style bell-shaped chedi accompanied by statues of a large seated Buddha as well as a dark looking walking Buddha. A photographer’s dream, the reflective lake is the ideal spot to celebrate the annual Loi Krathong Festival in November.

Wat Phra Phai Luang

Surrounded by a moat, this site is second in importance to Wat Mahathat, and originally existed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer community that settled here before the Thais in the early 13th century. Meaning Temple of the Great Wind, the large temple has three central laterite prang, though only one has been restored to reveal its fine stucco work. Later converted to a Buddhist shrine, there is also a crumbling mondop with Buddha images in varying postures.

Wat Si Chum

Outside the northwest gate of the old city, this mondop enshrines Sukhothai’s most impressive Buddha statue. The 14th century giant 15 m. brick and stucco seated image dramatically peers out through a narrow opening in the sanctuary with rows of pillars standing guard out front.

Wat Saphan Hin

Standing a couple of kilometres west of the old city atop a 200 m. high hill, the remote Temple of the Stone Bridge gets its name from the exhausting climb of a steep slate slab pathway that leads up to the summit. The hilltop offers commanding views of Sukhothai and the mountains beyond, but the hike is also rewarded by the mesmerising sight of a 12.5 m. tall stucco standing Buddha with his hand raised in an attitude of forgiveness. Posed among the remaining pillars of the temple chapel, the image appears to be keeping watch over the city below.

Getting There

By Air

Thai Airways flies regularly from Bangkok to Phitsanulok province. The flight takes around 55 minutes, and you can then travel by car to Sukhothai. Bangkok Airways also flies daily from Bangkok to Sukhothai as well as Sukhothai to Chiang Mai, and even Luang Prabang in neighbouring Lao P.D.R.. Tel. 0 2535 4843

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Phitsanulok, from where there are frequent bus services to Sukhothai, some 50 km. away. Trains depart Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok daily. Tel. 0 2220 4334, Hotline: 1699 Website: www.railway.co.th

By Bus

Buses from Bangkok Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet II Road leave for Sukhothai daily. Tel. 0 2936 2852-6

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No.1 then No. 32 north to Nakhon Sawan. Highway 32 becomes Highway No.1 again, follow all the way to Kamphaeng Phet, then take Highway 101 to Sukhothai.

Sukhothai where to stay?

Bangkok Calypso Ladyboy Show

Just as I make it to my seat, the stagelights flare up. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," announces a husky male voice in pristine Queen's English. "Tonight we present for you, the most beautiful ladies in all of Thailand..." A bold claim in a land renowned for its strikingly exotic women, I think to myself while getting acquainted with my complementary beer. This is going to be interesting.

And then there, knocking me out with her gaze and flawless features, is Orn - the first of many gender-straddling stunners to appear in the Asia Hotel's world famous Calypso Cabaret show. Midway through a sip, I nearly choke on her surreal beauty.

All the world's a stage...

Ladyboys, or 'katoeys' as they are known in Thailand, are a strange, rarely understood breed. With their overt gestures, extravagant clothing and often impetuous behaviour, they typically inspire fascination and revulsion in equal measure. For me personally, it was always admiration tinged with a smidgen of fear. I've seen them cat-walking the streets, marveled at the inner-strength - not to mention surgery - it must take to strut with such womanly poise. On the other hand, I've watched them in bars, baying aggressively at any man they take a shining to. Seeing them perform like this on the city's stage - Bangkok's streets - was enough. "Why bother with the crass spectacle of a ladyboy show?," I thought.

But as the curvy, statuesque Orn opens the show with a solemn 1940s solo number - while sporting her own tight little number - something in me switches. Cynicism fades into a dream-like state. The hypnotized crowd is putty in her ever-so-slightly manly hands. Or rather, I am. Though her miming is a tad off in parts, Orn too is having a ball, clearly relishing the spotlight. While her beauty may be artificially achieved, she's clearly a natural performer, not a freak-show. Unlike in the real world where, even in tolerant Thailand, many ladyboys encounter hardship and prejudice on a daily basis, up on stage she's a woman in control of her destiny, with dignity.

A celebration of divine divas

And it gets better. When she leaves, the show commences a breathless romp through different aspect of the female persona. No womanly trait is left untouched in pursuit of the crowd's enjoyment. Giving proceedings a delicious dose of camp are all the ingredients you'd find in the local pantomime back home: garish sets, liberal helpings of dry-ice, opulent costumes and liberal pinches of slapstick. But Cinderella this is not. And there's certainly no sign of the ugly sisters.

A sparkling pink number showcasing feathers, flawless show-girls and silky-smooth legs drifts seamlessly into a tacky, 1970s B-movie of a story about a jilted bride. Leading us to its inevitably tragic dénouement is a China-doll femme fatale with an unspeakably angelic face.

She slinks across the stage, becoming more murderous with every graceful step. Shedding her pure white bridal gown as if a skin, she reveals lethal intentions and an ample bossom. The music is menacing. Blood is spilt. Hell hath no fury like a ladyboy scorned seems to be the fearful message.

Simply the best!

Next up a comedy skit finds famous Portuguese-Brazilian 1940s starlet Carmen Miranda - played by an overtly camp man - parading around on puppet ostriches. The kid next to me is in belly-hugging stitches. A joyous storm of steps and beats then heralds in a pop medley extravaganza. Not one but three radiant Marilyn Monroe's blow their skirts, and a trio of the sassiest of modern women, Tina Turner, commandeers the stage while cheering 'Simply the Best!'

By now its clear - this show is a glittering, all-out celebration of the sheer fabulousness of the fairer sex. And some of the most iconic strong, inspiring women of the last century have come along for the party. Very fitting it all is too - surely the fiercely independent, unashamedly sexy ladyboy is right up there with say Madonna, the Spice Girls or Beyonce, and a worthy spiritual ambassador for Girl Power? It doesn't stop there...

A frenzied five-song medley in tribute to the legendary American-French dancer and singer, Josephine Baker, kicks up a storm. Probably similar to the one the great lady herself did way back in 1920s Paris. Husky gals jive away to bebop in banana skirts, and the crowd goes wild. More high-pitched squeals of delight rise from the kid next to me.

A comic skit then toys with the coy mannerisms of the meek, but devastatingly alluring Geisha girl. And my heart melts as three towering Thai goddesses emerge from an ancient, mist shrouded temple to give the graceful gestures of Khon, Thai classical dance, a modern Calypso twist.

Something for the whole family

Contrasting with these spell-binding Far Eastern enigmas, are musical extravaganzas reminiscent of the Broadway show. Things go all cabaret on us with a rip-roaring stage filler set to Chicago's 'All that Jazz', and a stomping flamenco workout has dashing Don Juan's beating guitars, while a tale of gang-warfare inspired by love and jealousy plays out.

And for the knock me dead finale it's all big hands on stage. The entire cast of showgirls, silk-gowned divas and glittering Fred Astaire's stomp, strut, wink and pout for a fitting send off that firmly seals our adulation.

The energy and gusto of these enticing, polished performances confirm it - ladyboys love a stage. However, unlike Bangkok's sometimes unforgiving streets, here at Calypso the stage loves them back. Come and so will you. Woman will beam throughout with sisterly pride. Children will laugh uncontrollably like my little friend this evening. And men will leave as I did – dribbling and asking themselves a few deep and meaningfuls.

    

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Bangkok Funky Shopping Places

If funky, edgy designer goodies give you a thrill, and price is not an option, get ready for a real treat. Places like ZEN, Playground, Manga, Flow Now and Q Concept have all the latest design trends in the world covered. This is where all the coolest, hippest and stylish in the know head to for that sought-after look or lifestyle.

ZEN

ZEN at CentralWorld is a funkadelic, six-level lifestyle trend megastore. Claiming around 50,000 square meters of prime space, and more to come, it is targeted at the trendy young at heart, affluent Thais, expatriates and tourists who appreciate good design. Visual merchandising here is enfolded in an eye-catching and theatrical setting so as to completely reel the shopper into a thrilling shopping experience.

Priding itself on its industrial edge, mod furnishings and the pop-graphic cool backdrop of wall-papered panels, ZEN probes into new realms of creativity. Each stage appeals to a different audience, or shall we say, constellation of about-to-be-born stars - all the while flowing quite seamlessly from space to space.

Squeaky Clean Fun

Level one, entitled the 'Beauty of Luxury', hosts cutesy cosmetic brand Anna Sui alongside the clinical minimalism of Dermalogica and fragrance cum cosmetics for boys, Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme. Also found here are sensational watch boutiques, must-have bags, accessories and designer eyewear. The second level, simply called 'Women's Elegance', presents contemporary fashion, evening and party wear of the most adventurous sort. Find here shoes with a vengeance, as well as fine and costume jewellery and a lofty 'Thai Designers Gallery', featuring the likes of Kai et al.

Level three is the 'Casual Women's Zone' sporting ultra-chic fitness and aerobic wear and gear, nonchalantly stylish smart-casual fashion, underwear and hair and nail bars. And a visit to the third floor ZEN 'Women's Vanity Restroom' is an enlightening experience in its own right.

Level Four is the metrosexual man's destination, featuring breezy smart, business and casual-wear, as well as novel shoes, jewellery, accessories and high-end timepieces. Pay a visit to 'Trend-Fitters Tailoring' to cut that jaunty silhouette. Level five, or 'Funky Edgy ZEN', showcases the latest designer denim and cutting-edge street fashion, international sportswear, swimwear and beach fashion - and don't forget the hip 'ZEN Tattoo and Body Art Studio'.

Pampered Pooches

Part of the sixth floor is home to MUJI, the truly chic no-name brand concept store. Lifestyle enhancing choices here are magnanimous. Among the adult games and hobby crafts, you will find the super-coolest fun toys like model airplanes, light-guns and cosmetics for your car. And among health and fitness equipment, digital gadgets and the hippest ever travel gear, you can have an electronic massage while waiting for your poodle's grooming session at 'ZEN Doggie Spa and Hotel', or your cousin's chihuahua's appointment at the 'Dog's Fashion' domain. After all, everyone needs a little TLC. Opening soon is the seventh floor, featuring soon-to-be the place to be seen - 'FoodLoft @ Zen'.

Open: 10:00 - 22:00

Location: CentralWorld

BTS: Chidlom

Chidlom - Ploenchit: What to See & Do

Straddling both Wireless Road and Sarasin Road, the tranquility of Lumpini Park is recommended for those wanting a natural tonic to counteract the sometimes overwhelming chorus of traffic and commerce that is the city's soundtrack. The best time to come is in the morning or at dusk - when the sticky heat of day is absent.

Tourist attractions are thin on the ground in Ploenchit and the roads that traverse it. Still, those that are here - namely shrines - draw steady streams of locals from dawn till dusk, and are well worth seeing if you want to witness the city's Buddhist faithful receiving spiritual succor in the midst of dynamic, free-wheeling commerce.

The most famous is the Erawan Shrine, on the corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads (scroll down for a more detailed overview). Located in front of CentralWorld, the Elephant and Trimurti (or Lovers) Shrines are also very popular. Venture to the first if you're seeking artistic success and accomplishment, the latter if looking to find romance and, ultimately, a soulmate.

Couples wanting to conceive, or those who fancy witnessing the bizarre sight of hundreds of carved phalluses - from small wooden carvings to big stone sculptures - head for the Goddess Tubtim Shrine, in the grounds of the Swissotel Nai Lert Hotel on Wireless Road. Otherwise, this area really is the perfect spot to flex your credit card to its limits, to enjoy fine dining experiences and typical mall activities like cinema or bowling.

Lumpini Park, Bangkok

If all the late-night gallivanting, sightseeing, and debauchery is catching up with you, and the relentless buzz of the city is making you slightly delirious, maybe a walk in the park will offer some perspective.

Lumpini Park, Bangkok's oldest and largest park, is an inner-city haven of tranquility, fresh air and shade - offering city dwellers the perfect connection to nature.