Yamato

Night landing in Bangkok, beautiful

Taking off Changi Airport for Bangkok Fish curry with rice meal Fish was really good Salad Cheeses Dessert

Finally it was time to go home. At Changi Airport SQ lounge Very nice nasi lemak and laksa

On my last day in Singapore I had roast duck for lunch at a coffeeshop stall Tha stall Beautiful roasts My $15.50 lunch Delicious roasts Big wantons

Dinner on second day of Chinese New Year Clams so fresh Crab fried rice Steamed crab with glass noodles Goby steamed in green Thai sauce Meat is so smooth and fresh Tiger

On second day of Chinese New Year I took a chance to have bnreakfast at Redhill market and was surprised to see some good stalls opened This is the popular vegetarian beehoon in Redhill who happened to have the same name as the one in Tanglin Halt (now in Margaret Drive) I'll say its so-so only This fishball noodle is much better

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Food-Beverage/Underwater-aging-adds-deep-taste-to-Japanese-sake?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20230126120000&seq_num=24&si=44594 Underwater aging adds deep taste to Japanese sake Drinkers gulp up sake matured in the ocean in search of luxury, uniqueness Shiraki Brewery's underwater-aged Daruma Masamune is kept submerged long enough for shellfish to attach themselves to the bottles. (Photo courtesy of Shiraki Brewery) HAYATO SAWA, Nikkei staff writerJanuary 22, 2023 14:30 JST TOKYO -- Sake aged underwater is drawing the attention of drinkers, with fans saying the waves and stable temperatures of the ocean environment give the brews a unique flavor compared with those aged aboveground. Despite a steady decline in Japan's overall sake consumption, those made with unique aging methods sell well. Sake matured beneath the waves, for one, is a popular gift that offers a sense of luxury and rarity. Last month, Forbul, a Tokyo-based sake maker, began selling a product aged for about two years called Takanome: Underwater Aging. The brewer submerges its bottled Takanome premium sake 15 meters underwater off the coast of Minami Izu, in Shizuoka prefecture southwest of Tokyo for six months. It then ages it in a warehouse at -5 C for another 18 months. It is said that sake matures more quickly and tastes milder than conventional brews. Among the various theories for why this is so, the most plausible is that certain vibration frequencies occur due to the wave action, affecting the chemical composition of the sake. There is also less variation in temperature when sake is aged underwater versus aboveground. The submarine environment also provides "natural storage," and an ideal place for the maturation process, as seawater temperatures are lower in winter and the currents stronger than in other seasons. Forbul sells only 300 bottles of underwater-aged sake, which have five different flavor profiles. The company says even brews that are aged on the same seabed or for the same amount of time taste different, depending on the waves at the time. A 720 ml bottle ranges in price from 33,000 to 60,000 yen ($257 to $468), including tax and shipping. All five sakes are touted as complementing various foods. Unkai ("Sea of Clouds"), for example, has pineapple hints, with a refreshing acidity and sweetness. It goes well with salty white fish dishes, according to the company. Forbul sinks its Takanome premium sake 15 meters beneath the waves off the coast of Minami Izu, in Shizuoka prefecture, maturing the brew underwater for six months. (Photo courtesy of Forbul) The two products introduced in December have already sold out and the remaining three will go on sale later this month. A 180 ml bottle of Takanome, the same sake minus the undersea aging, will be sold as a package with the aged brew, allowing customers to compare. Takanome, which Forbul introduced in 2019, is known as a rare brew and typically sells out within five minutes after it goes up for sale every Wednesday on the company's website. Seiya Hirano, Forbul's representative director, said the company is a pioneer when it comes to aging, adding that it plans to do research on aging in barrels and other methods. Japan's sake market has been shrinking due the country's declining population and shifting tastes. About 400,000 kiloliters of sake were shipped in 2021 in Japan, less than a fourth of the peak figure in 1973. As it is becoming harder to sell sake in large volumes, breweries across Japan are competing to add value to their products with unique aging methods, such as Forbul's underwater maturation. Shiraki Brewery in the central Japanese city of Gifu, also goes for submarine maturation and has been making such brews since 2013. The brewery ages its bottled Masamune sake 15 to 20 meters underwater in Minami Izu from November until June. Daruma Masamune, the underwater-aged version of the brew, which features bottles naturally encrusted with seashells, goes on sale around July every year. A 720 ml bottle is priced at 8,250 yen. Daruma Masamune is popular with men in their 30s and 40s, with many customers buying it for its unique flavor and the look of the bottle. "Underwater-aged Daruma Masamune sells out every year and many customers continue to buy it," CEO Shigeri Shiraki said, adding that there are also inquiries from Taiwan and elsewhere. "Breweries are making efforts to age sake utilizing the characteristics of each region, such as underwater and in snow rooms," said Yasuyuki Kishi, a professor at Niigata University who specializes in the craft. Such unique twists on the ancient art may be the key to stirring an industry caught in the doldrums.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/former-pm-thaksin-says-daughter-paetongtarn-will-announce-his-return-to-thailand-this-year Former PM Thaksin says daughter Paetongtarn will announce his return to Thailand this year Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra (right) during a visit to a community in Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan 21. PHOTO: EPA-EFE BANGKOK - Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists his return to Thailand will come without help from Pheu Thai or the ruling Palang Pracharath Party and will be announced by his daughter Paetongtarn. Thaksin made the latest declaration on returning to his homeland during a discussion on the Clubhouse social media app on Tuesday night. It came amid rumours that Palang Pracharat and Pheu Thai have done a deal for Thaksin to return after the general election, scheduled for May. The former PM was answering questions from supporters in a live session held by the CARE Kid Kluan Thai (Think and Move Thailand) Facebook page. Asked when he would return to Thailand, Thaksin revealed that he suffered an illness last year that disrupted his plans to come back. “I intended to do so and I sped up oxygen treatment before the year-end. But the situation remained dangerous and my children had concerns over my safety,” he said. The ex-PM did not reveal why he needed oxygen therapy, though he reportedly caught Covid-19 last year. “Anyway, I can confirm that I’ll definitely return and I want to emphasise here that I won’t be seeking help from any political party, including Pheu Thai. I’ll depend on my own heart, so don’t worry about me.” Thaksin asked supporters to listen out for an announcement by his youngest daughter, Ms Paetongtarn, who is set to be unveiled as Pheu Thai’s candidate for prime minister at the next election. “Ing (Paetongtarn) will announce when I’ll be back,” Thaksin added. The former prime minister said no amnesty law would be enacted to pardon him and Pheu Thai would not seek compromise with Palang Pracharath over an amnesty. “I depend on myself. I won’t beg for help from (Palang Pracharath). I can help myself and I’ll definitely return,” he declared. Complaining of persecution by Thai authorities during his exile, he said he would return to his homeland to defend himself. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup on Sept 19, 2006 while attending a United Nations meeting in New York. He returned in April 2008 to a hero’s welcome only to flee from a corruption trial in August 2008. He was eventually sentenced to a total of 10 years in jail. An amnesty push by the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, sparked street protests that culminated in the 2014 coup led by then Army chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. On Tuesday, former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan alleged that Thaksin had betrayed his supporters before the coup by compromising with Mr Prayut to block red shirts from protesting. Mr Jatuporn said Mr Prayut had been able to stage the coup only because Thaksin had done a deal with him to halt any red-shirt mass protests. Mr Jatuporn also claimed that Thaksin had neutralised the red-shirt movement after it helped his proxy Pheu Thai party to win power. He added that including Thaksin as a beneficiary of the amnesty push had triggered its failure, leaving many of the red shirts who should have been pardoned for political offences in jail. Asked to comment on Mr Jatuporn’s claims, Thaksin shrugged off the allegations. “It’s okay. It’s natural. I want to tell red shirts that humanity does matter and all understand it, including the love for democracy,” he replied. “People seek many ways to survive and I don’t mind if they attack me.” Thaksin said he was confident that the “pro-democracy side”, or Pheu Thai and the Move Forward Party, would win over 300 House seats at the election, citing recent opinion polls. As a result, the pro-democracy faction would definitely win the election and form the next coalition government, he added. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

This year’s cold spell in Bangkok is most unusually long I believe it’s almost 2 months now, usually it lasts only 2 weeks. It’s 7.32am now But I’m not complaining 😂

Today is the second day of the Lunar New Year. Time passes quickly and tomorrow is time to go back to Thailand to join my fellow Thai salesmen in selling screws. Had a great dinner tonight, all home cooked (except the yu-sheng) Started with yu-sheng lo-hei bought this from Putian restaurant The its the actual dinner Braised abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, chicken, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, scallops etc Pork meatballs Treadfin steamed with soya sauce Prawns Cabbage soup with fish maw and abalone Great meal with the family

Fried noodles for my family Chinese New Year party

First of all I would like to wish everyone in this forum a Happy & Healthy & Prosperous Lunar New Year. Have a Great Rabbit Year! Every eve of lunar new year Chinese all over the world will try their best to have reunion dinner with the family. So every year I will try my best to come back to Singapore to have my reunion dinner with my mom. I'd like to share my reunion dinner photos with all of you here. The spread of 10 dishes Lorbak Brocoli Roast chicken Meatballs Chapchai Fried noodles Roast pork belly Prawns Steamed golden pomfret Fish maw pig stomach pepper soup Happy holidays

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Spotlight/Thailand-and-Indonesia-gear-up-for-return-of-Chinese-tourists?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20230120190000&seq_num=3&si=44594 Foreign tourists at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of Bangkok's most popular attractions, on Jan. 10. © EPA/Jiji Thailand and Indonesia gear up for return of Chinese tourists After a three-year lull, is Southeast Asia's travel sector ready for a rush? NANA SHIBATA, PAK YIU and FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writersJanuary 20, 2023 06:00 JST JAKARTA/HONG KONG/BANGKOK -- When Beijing decided to drop the COVID-era border controls that had shut China off from the rest of the world for three years, Komang, a souvenir seller at the traditional tourist haunts of Sanur beach in Bali, could not have been happier. "I'm excited and looking forward to Chinese tourists coming to Bali again," the 36-year-old, who goes by only one name, told Nikkei Asia. "Most importantly, always having a group of tourists around means we'll have income." Komang is not worried about the coronavirus spreading, either, despite reports of cases surging in China. "Not at all. As long as they are healthy when they come to Bali, it should be fine," he said. "I'm vaccinated, so I'm not worried about interacting with tourists." He is not alone in his optimism. Across Southeast Asia, hotels, restaurants, airlines and others are looking forward to the impending return of Chinese travelers for the Lunar New Year holiday. The question is whether the industry is ready to receive them. In Thailand -- the most popular destination in the region for Chinese travelers pre-pandemic -- the first direct flight from China since the pandemic arrived on Jan. 9, carrying over 200 passengers. Thailand's health, transportation and tourism ministers were at the airport to greet them with smiles and garlands of flowers. "It's a good signal for Thailand's tourism sector," said Anutin Charnvirakul, the health minister. "It's an opportunity for Thais to [recover] from the damage of the past three years." Members of the media swarm travelers from China at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Jan. 9. © AFP/Jiji That same morning, Thai officials announced they would not impose vaccine and insurance requirements on arrivals from China, citing sufficient vaccination rates in both countries, low COVID incidence in Thailand and "inconvenience." More than a dozen countries, including Japan, Australia and the U.S., began imposing testing and quarantine restrictions on travelers from China following the reopening, while South Korea suspended the issuance of short-term visas for them. China stuck to its strict zero-COVID approach longer than any other major country. While travelers from elsewhere in the world have been trickling back to Southeast Asia for some time, without China back in the picture the region's tourism industry had little hope of regaining its pre-pandemic heights. Chinese tourists spent $254 billion during their travels abroad in 2019, according to Statista, much of it in Southeast Asia. That same year, Chinese travelers to Indonesia spent an average of $1,114 per visit, while in Thailand they spent around $1,467. When that inflow of money stopped, it left a hole that other travelers have not been able to fill. That is partly because Chinese travelers accounted for 22% of all visitors to the region before the pandemic, and their spending helped create jobs. The hospitality sector employs almost 11 million people in Indonesia, nearly 8 million in the Philippines and about 7 million in Thailand, according to the latest statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council. Budget hotel chain RedDoorz, like souvenir seller Komang, is excited about the return of Chinese tourists even though its customers are primarily domestic travelers. "Chinese tourists are important," Amit Saberwal, who started the chain in Indonesia, told Nikkei Asia. "They are big drivers of the travel economy and they will certainly lift the overall sentiment of the industry." Travelers arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali pose for a photo on Jan. 5. © EPA/Jiji Airlines are also seeking opportunities in the reopening. VietJet Air plans to fully resume its Vietnam-China flights by June 2023. "After China's pandemic prevention measures are removed and the tourist visa policy between the two countries is restored, VietJet will prioritize reopening the Vietnam-China flight network, starting with flights from Vietnam's major economic and tourist cities to China's populous cities in 2023," VietJet Vice President Nguyen Thanh Son said in early January. The company plans to increase the flight network by 20% to 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels by year-end, Nguyen added. Before the pandemic, the airline operated the most flights between Vietnam and China, comprising up to 50% of total flight capacity between the two countries. In Indonesia, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Southern and Chinese Eastern, have requested permission to offer direct flights to Bali. Malaysia Airlines, meanwhile, hopes to recover capacity over its entire network for China and North Asia by the first half of 2023. Malaysia Airlines hopes to increase capacity as demand from China shows signs of bouncing back. © Reuters But some businesses are tempering expectations of a Lunar New Year boom. The suddenness of China's reopening before a major holiday left little time to issue visas, renew passports, and ramp up flight and hotel capacity. "Stakeholders are demanding more than we can supply," said Punnaporn Wongjunpen, a Thai travel agency owner. "Some hotels focused on Chinese visitors have not yet reopened. Bus operators and tour guides who speak Chinese found work as teachers or other jobs." Several members of the Association of Thai Travel Agents who cater exclusively to the Chinese market shut down during the pandemic and are "in wait-and-see mode," Punnaporn added. At Central Group shopping malls, the Thai retail group had planned for Lunar New Year promotions before Beijing decided to allow international travel. "We weren't counting on Chinese tourists as early as we expect them now. We were expecting recovery to start in [the second quarter] of 2023," said Olivier Bron, CEO of Central and Robinson department stores. The company aims to double sales to Chinese tourists and increase overall sales by 20% from the previous year in 2023. Jane Sun, CEO of China's Trip.com Group, said companies in the travel industry have reduced headcount over the past three years after restrictions hammered revenue. "Capacity is not back at the 2019 level yet. Even if we fill all the planes and all the hotels, it won't be at 2019 levels," she said. Trip.com Group's data shows that searches for trips during the holiday travel period -- covering early January to mid-February -- to pre-pandemic hot spots have grown significantly, with Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the U.S., U.K., Singapore, Malaysia and Australia being the most-searched destinations. Searches for package tours during the Lunar New Year break soared sixfold. Though the industry is still struggling to keep up with surging demand, Trip.com's Chinese-language platform Ctrip launched a campaign to reconnect Chinese travelers with international destinations last year in anticipation of an outbound travel rebound. The company distributed 1 billion yuan ($147 million) worth of travel spending vouchers across 20 countries. With flights still limited, high airfares are discouraging some Chinese from venturing overseas during the holiday. "We will stay put, perhaps visit nearby scenic locations," said Cao Lingna, a homemaker in Shenzhen who, along with her family members, has recently recovered from COVID. "Overseas travel is out of the question as airfares are still high." Many other Chinese also plan to stay home or travel in-country this year. China's domestic new year travel is set to double to 2 billion trips after the easing of coronavirus restrictions. The Ministry of Transport said in early January that it expects the number of trips to reach 70.3% of 2019 levels this year. Tourists take photos in Bangkok's Chinatown district. Thailand is a popular destination for travelers from China. © AP Meanwhile, weekly seat availability for flights from China to Southeast Asia is still down more than 30% compared with the same period in 2019, according to aviation data provider OAG. But if travelers like Jasper, a 27-year-old from China, are any indication, Southeast Asia can look forward to more tourism once capacity catches up with demand. He booked one of the first available flights to Thailand from southern China, spending over $1,000 on an air ticket -- about three times the pre-pandemic price. "It feels kind of scary after not being out for three years," Jasper said, adding that he and his partner planned to spend a few days in Bangkok to "get their bearings" before making any out-of-town trips. Their last trip before the pandemic was to Japan in December 2019. But this time they opted for the Thai capital, where Jasper used to live, due to COVID-related restrictions on travel to Japan. And after three years of being unable to leave the country, he is not complaining. "To be honest," he said, "I'm excited to use cash again." Additional reporting by Lien Hoang in Ho Chi Minh City, Ismi Damayanti in Jakarta, CK Tan in Shanghai and Hakimie Amrie Hisamudin in Kuala Lumpur.

Last night a friend brought me to a tzechar restaurant in Tiong Bahru - Ting Hing Seafood See indoor and outdoor sitting of this restaurant Live seafood Started with these Claypot liver Kailan Chicken Dry oysters with cabbage Sweet and sour ribs Tofu Hokkien noodle

A friend drove me to Beo Crescent for the famous Hainanese curry rice there. A long queue as always even thought its almost 2pm Queued for 25mins The dishes Lunch is ready Costs S$27

Some photos of life at Yaowarat in the morning mostly opening of shops

Visited Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat last week to do some last minute Chinese New Year shopping. I was very early arriving there about 6.30am so the streets are rather quiet. Here's the scene of the streets Visited the Chinatown market

I heard from my friend that there is a new branch of the Old Airport Road Food Centre's lormee at Holland Drive block 43 coffeeshop. I always like this Old Airport Road lormee so I went to try. The coffeeshop The stall The prices and choices My breakfast: lormee S$8 and kopiO S$1.20 Pretty ya My verdict is this is very nice too

Hope I did not over do it this year 😂😂😂

Doing brunch at the SQ lounge in Suvarnabhumi Airport Roti with green curry (ya its weird) Laksa (too bad its not hot) So basically ate just a little but the beer was good Boarded the noon flight Pre-ordered the Hindu meal, looks good Oh gotta have the gin tonic with it for sure Fish curry pretty good I think was a mackerel fillet Potato salad Chapati Indian dessert (bloody sweet) Took a nap and I arrived.

Was just back from Singapore last week but its now time to go back to Singapore for the annual family Chinese New Year reunion. But before one does that I have to prepare my own home in Bangkok for this festival. So before leaving this morning got them ready

A heavy dinner sometimes nonetheless. Zinc Razors https://i.imgur.com/5VYvL4q.jpg[/img] Seafood Duck https://i.imgur.com/SUBgSWq.jpg[/img] Seabass

Margaret Drive Hawker Centre is one of the newest food centres in Singapore opened on August the 1st last year however most of the stalls are really old like over 30 years old most moved from Tanglin Halt Food Centre about 1.2km away. This new Margaret Drive Hawker Centre is located beside the old Margaret Drive Market, built in 1960 or 63 years ago it is now being conserved. This is the old Margaret Drive Market now refurbished The brand new Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, a 2 storeys food centre Stalls on the ground floor, I took photos of some of the popular stalls from Tanglin Halt I've been having desserts from this stall since in secondary school meaning this stall is more than 40 years old Always have a queue at this stall Going upstairs Great wanton noodles The legendary Hakka thunder tea This was what I came for, my favourite vegetarian beehoon My breakfast still very good First time I see this with conveyor 👍🏻

Before leaving Singapore I also have to visit this chicken rice stall, my favourite. Located at Block 40 Holland Drive Lunch Delicious chicken cooked just right so juicy Boiled beans sprouts Vegetables with oyster sauce

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/daughter-of-thailands-exiled-former-pm-thaksin-to-seek-premiership Daughter of Thailand's exiled former PM Thaksin to seek premiership Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra has led opinion polls in recent months on top prime minister candidates. PHOTO: REUTERS BANGKOK - The daughter of Thailand’s self-exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra has declared her readiness to run for prime minister in an election this year, as the main opposition seeks to regain power after being ousted in a coup eight years ago. Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra both led governments toppled by the army, will run under the Pheu Thai Party, the latest incarnation of a populist movement founded by her billionaire family two decades ago. “Yes, I am ready,” she told reporters late on Sunday in north-east Thailand, the rural stronghold of the Shinawatras that delivered them unprecedented majorities in five elections since 2001. “We want the party to win the election by a landslide so the promises we made to the people can be realised,” she said. Pheu Thai, which is hugely popular among the rural and urban working classes, won most seats in the last election in 2019 but was unable to form a government. Administrations loyal to Shinawatras have each been removed by the military or judicial rulings, adding fuel to a seemingly intractable political crisis that has ebbed and flowed in Thailand for over 17 years. Ms Paetongtarn, 36, has attended party rallies in the past year and has led opinion polls in recent months on top prime minister candidates, far ahead of incumbent Prayuth Chan-ocha, who as army chief overthrew Ms Yingluck’s government. Both Ms Yingluck and Mr Thaksin are living overseas to avoid jail terms handed down under military rule. Mr Prayuth has been in charge since 2014, initially as junta leader and then prime minister picked by Parliament after a 2019 election that his critics said was held under rules designed to keep him in power. He insists he earned the role fairly. Mr Prayuth, 68, joined the new United Thai Nation Party last week, hinting at a bid to remain premier. He has yet to dissolve Parliament and an election must be held by May. REUTERS