Producing a TV commercial in Thailand: Oregon. So Sharp, Saves Your Money

Over the past year, I had be fully involved in the production of my first ever TV commercial! And where better to do it in Asia than Thailand, the land full of whacky, witty, touching and viral TV commercials?

That said, we faced a difficulty. We are trying to promote chainsaw spare parts.

What?

Yes. Chainsaw spare parts, the parts you use to replace/repair those bloody rumbling machines used by psychos to hack people into pieces in the movies.

The users are limited. Censors will never allow us to showcase real tree-cutting action on public TV. So how?

Well, that's not really my problem right? The creative team of the media agency we worked with took our brief and worked wonders with it, and after half a year of hard work, I am proud to say that the final product has been on TV for a month already, and will continue to air until the end of November. It's not viral material, but for the subject matter, I believe we have done a good job. And here's a string of photos to commemorate what has to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time thus far in Thailand.

Countless meetings to refine the final storyboard and all the other details.

Final group photo with the talented team before actual production.

Preparing the studio

Final discussions with the 'project manager' before the shoot

Spying the shoot from afar, comfortably in reach of snacks and drinks

Finally, face to face with my lumberjack, has the air of Gerard Butler, doesn't he?

Thai lines for the British model

Noah busy snacking on the couch during his studio visit

Work in progress

How can we not sneak some pictures in during the lunch break?

A family picture or 2 would be nice too

The bloody gimmick, firmly rejected by the censors.

Witty gimmick formulated by the fun-loving director

With this introduction, I think all of you can now sit back and enjoy our final product, called "LUMBERJACK".

Running a business in Thailand Part 2: The Personal Touch

It's been half a year since my first post on this series, and it's really time for me to write my second post. There are a lot of things to share on this topic, especially since I had been busy running my current business and also starting a brand new business in Thailand during the last 6 months.

Having worked in Singapore for 4 years before I embarked my journey to Thailand, I got used to using emails for almost all my important work-related correspondences. Emails were fast, free, reliable and records are kept forever, so what's not to love? Sadly, it became easy to over-rely on emails and neglect the one important aspect that Thai people appreciate - The Personal Touch.

1. For customers:
   
   I cannot speak for all industries, but specifically for mine, which deals with owners of traditional businesses like hardware shops/regional equipment wholesalers etc., my old working style in Singapore was rendered completely obsolete the moment I came. Most of them, even the educated younger generation, are not active on their emails at all, at least for work.
   
   Doing business became a different game. From receiving 30-80 emails a day in Singapore, I started to receive less than 10 a day. This reduced workload on the emailing front came with consequences. Customers appreciated the personal touch. They like speaking face-to-face with you, or at least hear your voice. Many made their orders through fax, or even called you to tell you the details item by item. Time spent on the computer became even more time spent on the road during customer visits or on phone conversations. If you had visited me before, you might not believe it as I don't seem very busy on the phone, but that is only because I do not speak Thai, if I did, then I wouldn't even have time to speak with you during office hours.
   
   There are rewards though. As a result of more personal interaction, stronger bonds are built. I have become great friends with many customers, and doing business has already become a natural after-thought when we communicate.
   
   This might not apply to all industries, but I am sure this trait and preference runs through all locals, so be prepared for this change in mindset when you decide to do business here.
   
2. For colleagues:
   
   The incident that left the deepest impression was with my first ever sales manager 4 years ago, not long after I came to Thailand.
   
   I was on a week-long business trip in Singapore when I could not locate my sales manager during office hours. I was then told by my accountant that he frequently came late for work or did not come at all, without reason. Me being me, I could not wait a week to express how I felt face-to-face, so I sent a polite email (all my directors read it and said it was TOO polite) to remind him that I expected more discipline and communication during office hours. The only response I got was not a reply email, but a resignation letter on my table.
   
   This was really shocking to me, because with the tone I wrote, it would not have caused much friction in Singapore, and will most definitely not be a trigger to an abrupt resignation. My gentle 'reminder' might have been interpreted as a petty complaint. I subsequently invited him back for a chat and we parted with a hug and have remained friends since. On hindsight, I really should have done that in the first place, even if the result would be the same.
   
   This incident taught me a lot, and changed the way I treated my colleagues completely. I now do all my appraisals and conversations face-to-face. Even when someone makes a mistake or does something very disrespectful, I have learnt not to express myself when I am most angry. Instead, I will go home, cool down, then chat with them calmly the next day. This has reduced a lot of friction, and I believe my colleagues respect me more because of it.
   

Thailand is not the Land of Smiles for no reason. The locals are generally kind but very sensitive though they might not show it. Respect also needs to be earned, especially when your are younger than most of your correspondents in the industry. 

The extra effort to offer your personal touch will reap unbelievable rewards.

Let's have enough memories to last forever

19-month-old Noah

Dear Noah

2 nights ago, out of nowhere, you spouted your first "I LOVE YOU", complete with actions, almost directly pointing at me with your fingers at the end. Whether or not you meant it for me, or even meant it at all, my heart welled with delight and hugged you tightly for the longest time. It was perhaps the first time you joined 3 words together, and boy was it a good first ever sentence!

I remember a few weeks ago, Mummy wrote me a message telling me her SD card failed again. She was very upset. You did not understand what was going on and kept trying to 'disturb' her while she was working on her computer, finding all means to salvage your lost pictures and videos. I, too, did not realise the gravity of the situation until she hugged you and said, "Give Mummy a bit of time ok? I am trying to save memories of you."

I was reminded to cherish every moment spent with you and Mummy, that though I can do my best to increase our time spent together, every instant is unique and will never come back.

That is what I will do, son, to not only spend quality time with you and Mummy, but to spend quantity time with you and Mummy. Moments will never come back, but let's have many moments, many many moments, so many moments that we will have enough memories to last forever.

Love
Daddy

4 years in Thailand, 1st time in Phuket

The captivating view at the lobby of Pullman Arcadia Phuket

It's almost unbelievable that after 4 long years in Thailand, I finally made my 1st trip to Phuket, and it was actually initiated by work. Don't ask me why, but I am sure my friends in Singapore/Malaysia must have been here many more times than me!

In spite of the pretty boring Central Festival Shopping Mall and sky high taxi prices (I recommend you find a good resort and stay there for most of your trip), I must say that the short staycation I had there with Li Li and Noah after my meeting proved just why after so many years, Phuket is still one of the hottest destinations on the globe.

Noah preparing yet another plane ride, this chap is taking planes at a much higher frequency than taking a bus!

Trusting the recommendation of my potential client based in Phuket, we spent our weekend soaking in the newly-open Pullman Arcadia Resort located along the not-so-crowded Naithong Beach. Built on a steep hill, it boasts breath-taking views over the beach and close proximity to the forests, the best of both worlds for a family residing in urban Bangkok. One thing to note though, is that because of its terrain, it is not easy to walk from your room to the lobby or the beach, especially if you have elderly or small children, so you will need to prepare ample time waiting for the buggy service to bring you around. You are on a relaxing holiday anyway, so just be patient and let the concierge do their stuff!

Cosy room with sofa and bed facing directly at the sea, though not easy to capture on the camera

Noah enjoying himself with Pooky on the comfy bed

Father and son making a fool of themselves during breakfast

Having been in Thailand for so long, cultural shows, night market and street food no longer interest us, so spending all our time at a resort seemed the best way to go, especially in Phuket where it easily costs at least 15USD to go anywhere. We were lucky enough to find a place which is peaceful, beautiful and serves a decent spread for breakfast. In almost all our previous trips to new locations, Li Li and I would always spend 80% of our awake time out of our hotel, exploring as many new things as possible. I guess as we grow older (and especially after having Noah) we are starting to enjoy this new way of leisure, to just forget about time and let the world pass us by.

This trip, though relatively uneventful, was not without its interesting parts. At least, it told us that Noah is really not a waterboy (very much like his Dad). It was very amusing experience bringing him to the beach, where he spent half his time pointing to his feet full of sand screaming "DIRTY! DIRTY!", then into the pool, where he spent all the time trying to get out. I guess it's time to bring him to the pool more often!

Dirty..... My feet are sooo dirty................

For the first time in my life, I carried Noah hands-free with no external help... MAGIC!

Noah then stuck to me like glue for ages after leaving the pool, saying "NICE!" many times, what bliss!

Looks like the Stranger in Bangkok and his family are starting to get used to this kind of sabai-sabai (Thai for relaxing) enjoyment. What's more important than spending quality time together with your family anyway?

Till next time Phuket, we will be back!

The Stranger in Bangkok's latest facelift explained

Many people have asked me why I choose not to use a beautiful family photo as the backdrop to my blog, since it is relevant to what I write and will attract more readers who are interested in family-oriented blogs.

The answer is simple. My family and I are here primarily due to my company (ie. no company, no Stranger in Bangkok). I came here in 2009 with nothing but a small luggage to start a new company, and it is only because of the small success of this company am I able to remain here happily with Li Li and Noah. Therefore I would like to retain the initial spirit of the blog by using it to chart the gradual progress of this other baby of mine.

Here's to review the banner I just removed, which was taken during my company's incentive trip in 2012, in comparison with my latest banner.

Hua Hin 2012

Suan Phueng 2013

A simple headcount will tell you that the number of staff has increased, and everybody seems even more jubilant. This is progress that fills me with a lot of pride, and explains why I continue to use my company pictures as the main backdrop for this blog.

Aside of the positive development of the company, 2013 has been a progressive year for this Stranger in Bangkok blog as well.

I became part of the Daddy Matters group in Singapore. This is something that I hold very dearly to my heart, especially after Noah came into my life. As an involved Daddy, I truly believe that Daddy Matters too, and that we might be getting too little support/understanding from those around us.

Thanks to the initiative of 11 Daddy bloggers in Singapore, the Daddy Matters Group was formed, with me being one of the foreign-based correspondents. Finally, there is a platform for Daddies to support one another when we have problems (and joys), and hopefully help others out there with the resources we share.

I have also been selected by www.bangkok.com, to be one of their currently 19 interesting blogs about Bangkok. This endorsement really came as a pleasant surprise. There are at least hundreds of blogs in relation to Bangkok, and to be the only family-oriented one to be listed in tandem with all the other outstanding blogs on the list, I am truly encouraged. It also tells me that though I feel tired and isolated typing away on my keyboard at 4am in the morning, I am not alone on this blogging journey.

Internations is an international organisation active in countless major cities in the world linking expats together with frequent fun and interactive events. I am also honoured to be recognized by them as one of their currently 10 top recommended expat blogs of Bangkok. As I have said many times, I am not an expat, just an enterpreneur who is not Thai, so I am glad that my blog can be of information or as a source of hope for any foreigners trying to settle down here!

I was featured on 3rd March 2013 on Ai Sakura's blog. Being featured is one thing, being featured on the winning family blog at the 2013 Singapore Blog Awards is another! Here's to thank Ai again for giving me the honour of appearing in your excellent online space, and hopefully this will not be the Stranger in Bangkok's final guest post on another blog.

This blogging journey has not stopped giving me unexpected rewards. It is getting more and more difficult to update it frequently due to added job responsibilities and a devotion of more time at home with my family, but it seems like there is every reason to keep it up and alive. To all my readers, this is a promise made here from me to you that no matter how many more facelifts there will be on this space, there will be an unwavering determination to uphold the true spirit of this blog, so do continue to drop by from time to time.

Last but not least, since this is such a jubilant post introducing my new banner showing me and my staff leaping with glee, this is a close up of someone who quietly stole the show in the picture, if you have not already noticed.

Hidden Dining Jewels in Suburban Bangkok: Casa Pasta

Update 29/6/2019:

Casa Pasta has gone through a refurbishment!

View this post on Instagram

[Wah Lau Eh! Update] @casapastath One of my original inspirations to start writing about under-the-radar restaurants, Casa Pasta, has undergone a face-lift, probably necessary due to the sprouting up of spin-off/s and old age, though I do not know whether I love the new green/white-feel more than the previous European Tavern atmosphere or not. More importantly, the team has remained. I made a trip down to try, and thankfully, their classy half-moon pizza is still the same, as are the other dishes. So, a newer, brighter Casa Pasta pushing out plates of affordable Italian food that's better than most you can find in town, with the usual slight lack of plating-finesse and service precision. The new old Casa Pasta that I love. #casapasta #casapastabangkok #ilovemyhood #italianfood #wahlauehstampofapproval #italiancuisine #strangerinbangkok #bangkokfoodies

A post shared by Eddie Yii (@strangerinbangkok) on Jun 28, 2019 at 5:52pm PDT

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Best Italian in Bangkok. well at least in Eastern Bangkok

Nestled 1km into Sukhumvit 101/1, Casa Pasta IS the best-kept secret in Bangkok. As I have said in previous posts, it's incredible how many excellent dining establishments are popping up at my doorstep, and if you like Italian food (like me), this should be a restaurant you shouldn't miss, no matter where you are located in this metropolis.

To be honest, it took me too long to discover this place. I drive past it everyday, but never felt the urge to go in. Its name did not mean anything to me (there are way too many local haunts serving overcooked spaghetti stirfried with salted fish and Thai basil), neither did its appearance from the outside. Little did I know that hidden behind its wooden sliding doors lies a cosy bistro that reminds me very much of those small restaurants I adore in Europe.

The atmosphere is spot-on

I would like to give a special mention to the chefs, who are all locals and seriously know what they are doing in the kitchen. The waitresses do not speak much English, but deep in the residential areas of Bangkok, I wouldn't have expected it any other way.

To concentrate too much on other aspects other than its food would be doing the place injustice. I have been there thrice, and aside of a thick slab of pork neck which looked (at least to us) just a tad undercooked (it re-appeared tasting better than ever), I have not tasted anything less than satisfactory to date. So here's a glimpse of what we had during our latest visit.

Half-moon, the absolute star in my eyes

Updated picture: Still great 3 years later in 2016

It is very hard for me to give a thumbs up to any pizza, I'm just not that big a fan of a circular dough with assorted toppings, but this one is really fantastic. Crispy thin-crust pizza dough filled with cheese, ham and truffle oil, this has to be the perfect starter this restaurant has to offer.

Linguine with white wine marinara sauce

Their pasta dishes have always been pretty impressive. The pasta is nicely al-dente and various sauces taste classy and authentic. There is no hint of fusion here, which is good news for me.

Updated 2016: Gnocchi with lamb ragout

Ravioli with Foie Gras and Pumpkin stuffing

Here's my chef's special of the day. 5 generously-sized raviolis stuffed with fragrant Foie Gras and sweet pumpkin, topped with a shaving of truffle, 1km deep inside Sukhumvit 101/1, you gotta be kidding me! I was trying my best not to mention how affordable food here is, but in case you are interested, this dish cost me 250THB (10SGD, seriously, it's time to quit that PastaMania addiction of yours).

Desserts at Casa Pasta don't disappoint too.

Smooth and silky Panna Cotta

The always dependable Tiramisu

I apologise for my pretty one-sided review of Casa Pasta, but there's nothing much to complain about this place. I have confidence that all my dining companions here would not have much to dispute with regards to all I have written. If we have to talk about the down-sides, it's probably the location (which is not an issue to me) and the possibility that any long instruction given in English might not be fully understood.

Otherwise, this Hidden Jewel in Suburban Bangkok might really be just too good to be true.

Hidden Dining Jewels in Suburban Bangkok: Devilish Chews + Brews

Update November 2017:

If you are a relatively new reader of this blog, let me introduce Devilish simply as one of my original inspirations to begin blogging about food. I remembered walking into this space with baby Noah in his carrier and 5 years later, I am ecstatic to do a formal update about their expansion!

Familiar sight.

But wait, there seems to be a new opening leading into somewhere...... (skeleton prop only there for Halloween).

Welcome to Devilish's extension-The Shed! A private, intimate dining space for food and drink.

Their range of sauces, mostly made in-house, Devilish is one of the rare made-from-scratch restaurants around. If they can make salt or water, I believe they will make it themselves too.

The old dining hall has undergone some changes. This is the higher 'chef's table' style that looks straight into the kitchen, and they now have a large selection of drinks on tap.

Don't forget to look at the blackboards for specials, one of the reasons why Devilish is always interesting.

Food is, as usual, filling and comforting. Go for their low-n-slow BBQ if you run out of ideas.

Update July 2016:

It's about time I made an official update on one of my original "Wah Lau Eh!" establishments, and I am happy to report that Devilish is going from strength to strength.

Over the last 3 years, I have seen for myself how Devilish evolved from a restaurant that served awesome meat from the grill and some wonderful dessert, into a gem that has to be one of Bangkok's only specialists in "low 'n slow" Texas Barbeque and Aussie Meat Pies. Their complimentary salad bar for all customers who order a main course has also undergone a complete makeover that now offers a large variety of salads to start your meal with a bang.

Tomato and Lentil Soup

With co-owner Andrew fully-involved, the menu changes virtually everyday, depending on the ingredients he gets his hands on, keeping a surprise element at Devilish at all times. For regulars like myself, this is very much appreciated.

You can always tell Andrew your preferences, here's a vegetarian pasta specially-made for my father-in-law

Still one of the best fish and chips in town

For your first visit at Devilish, their "low 'n slow" Texas Barbeque must not be missed. My favourite has to be their beef brisket, but their beef short ribs, saltbush lamb ribs and pork ribs are equally excellent.

Noah stuffing his face into the 1kg of pork ribs

The devilishly-divine slow roast platter at Devilish. Rack of lamb, pulled pork, house-made corned beef and my favourite beef brisket. Over-indulgent but so worth it. #devilish #slowroast #lowandslow #lambrack #chilliconcarne #pulledpork #beefbrisket #cornedbeef #instafood #foodstagram #strangerinbangkok #wahlauehstampofapproval #udomsukmyfoot

A photo posted by Eddie (@strangerinbangkok) on Feb 10, 2016 at 5:23am PST

I will end my update off by showing you the potential of the desserts at Devilish. Andrew's mastery of his sweet treats has always been a major draw for me, though he might not always have the time to make desserts available. Special mention has to go to his scones, which I personally feel are better than any other scones I have eaten in Bangkok. 

Freshly-baked scones with whipped cream and pear chutney

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I realised I haven't had a single blogpost in July, and it's almost over! I am not going to let my blog go quiet for an entire month am I? So by hook or by crook, I am going to make a post right now!

Since I announced my new plan to blog on some hidden dining haunts in suburban Bangkok , I haven't actually gotten down to introducing the restaurants themselves, so here's to prove that this series is for real, and I am going to start with none other than the one that I frequent most - Devilish Eats.

To find a place like this within walking distance from my place is really a pleasant surprise

A couple of years ago, it would be difficult for me to envision something like this popping up barely a hundred metres from where I live. I guess you really have to expect the unexpected in Bangkok, even if it's suburban Bangkok. Within the same time frame, two 7-11s appeared opposite each other and a sparkling new 3-star hotel has been erected right opposite me, so why not a chic modern eatery?

Nothing complicated, but interior design is chic and has enough to keep you interested for a while

Chiller with wines and dessert

Aside of the interior decor, there are a few aspects of Devilish Eats that hit the right notes with me.

1. Co-owner and head chef Andrew hails from Australia and he knows what he is doing, meaning he will not allow anything sub-standard to fly out of his kitchen. This is always a good start to any restaurant planning for the long haul. He owns the grill (typical of a real Aussie) and kills the desserts (just doesn't do it often enough yet, please try his Whoopie Pies if you see them lying around).
2. HUGE portions at reasonable prices. Even their salads might be too much for 1, so please visit when you are very hungry, or exert some restraint when you order, especially if it is your first visit. Sharing with your co-diners is greatly encouraged!
3. This is not exactly my cup of tea, but they have a big inventory of imported beers and wines, not common on this side of Bangkok.
4. Menu changes periodically, with daily specials introduced now and then. This is what I love about restaurants, when the owners introduce new dishes based on seasonal ingredients. However, sometimes I do feel that probably too many new dishes incorporate local flavours, which might not be necessary at an eatery like this.
5. Great service. Though food sometimes takes a little long to arrive at the table depending on the crowd, the excellent service of co-owner Patrick always ensures that the wait is not a bother. There is a huge personal touch here from the owners, and that's commendable.

The absolute must-try at Devilish - BBQ Ribs

With regards to food, expect rustic no-nonsense goodness from Andrew and his team, all at great value. I have brought guests from all over Asia here and none have left with any complaints. If I really have to recommend a dish, it will have to be their BBQ ribs, which have been marinated overnight, steamed before finally grilled to perfection before they are served. My Thai friend staying by the faraway Chao Phraya River said he would be back specially for them, and my friend from Singapore said they might be the best ribs she had ever eaten. My other personal favourites would be their Caesar Salad and Devilish Volcano Chicken Wings.