In 2020 – just three years away – Thailand will be classified as a full-blown ageing society with 20 per cent of total population over the age of 60. Among the institutes gearing up for this change is Siriraj Hospital, which has just launched The National Academic Centre of Geriatric Medicine. This will serve as the first knowledge centre for geriatric care as well as undertake research into how this can be improved.

Construction of the centre, which is located on 24-rai (9,600 sqm) of donated land in Samut Sakhon, is scheduled to start this year with an investment of Bt1.8 billion.

The centre is divided into two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in 2020 and the second to be built between 2020 and 2021.

“The government has approved a budget of Bt600 million for the first phase so we need another Bt1.2 billion. We aim to raise funds to complete the project,” says Assoc Prof Dr Visit Vamvanij, the director of Siriraj Hospital.

The centre will comprise a research centre, an outpatient building, two inpatient buildings, a geriatric rehabilitation centre and related supportive buildings including staff dormitories.

“This facility will offer intermediate care (sub-acute care) not primary care. It is not a hospital where the elderly can come if they are ill. They should be treated at a general hospital like Siriraj or Samut Sakhon hospital first. When they recover but require more rehabilitation, they will be sent here before being discharged,” says Dr Visit.

Intermediate care or sub-acute care refers to the process of helping patients who are no longer sick enough to remain in hospital but too unstable to be treated at home. Training will be provided for caregivers or family members in how to take care of their elders at home and will also include the adjustments that need to be made to dwellings. The training service is designed to facilitate the transition from hospital to home, and from medical dependence to functional independence, where the objectives of care are not primarily medical.

This is seen as particularly important as all too often a spell in hospital will require adjustments to the home so the elderly can live more independently when they are discharged. Thailand has no system in place to advise on such adjustments and the care needed and hospitals are forced to discharge patients as quickly as possible to make room for new admissions. The centre is aiming to fill that gap and make life in a multi-generational family not just safer but also happier.

Dr Visit adds that the centre is totally designed for elderly care and will include special inpatient rooms for those suffering from dementia and will as the standard ramps and rails.

The OPD will provide services for those receiving medication from the hospital but are not yet ready to return home as they need more rehabilitation and preparation, and treatment will be geared to such geriatric syndromes as dementia, delirium, falling and depression. The centre will also have a Geriatric Day Clinic that provides daily rehabilitative care with patients able to return home in the evening. The principle is similar to a daycare centre for kids and allows caregivers to drop off the elderly when they are not available on certain days.

Dr Visit says that the first phase will include the outpatient building, inpatient building and staff dormitory and the research centre and rehab will be in the second stage.

“We will start operating right after its facility is ready. As soon as the outpatient is built, we will start operations. We won’t wait for the whole centre to be complete,” he adds.

“Families are happy when their senior members are healthy both physically and mentally. And nothing makes them happier than knowing that their offspring are taking care of them,” says Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

Dr Prasit adds that Siriraj Hospital has been working towards geriatric medicine for 25 years. The faculty started to produce geriatricians as well as medical professionals from nurses to physical therapists. The faculty has also worked with National Center for Geriatric and Gerontology, Japan in preparation for entering the complete aging society in 2022.

“Certainly we have to apply their knowledge to use in Thai context,” says Dr Prasit.

“Why do we have to have geriatric medicine? Because the illnesses of old people are different from patients at a younger age,” says Professor Prasert Assantachai, Deputy Dean and Head of Geriatric Medicine.

Deterioration in physical and mental health starts with the appearance of grey hair and can later develop into delirium, falls, incontinence and frailty. Many elderly are taking multiple medicines and the side effects must be controlled. Dementia will be one of the most prevalent diseases in Thai society in the near future because it is more common with increasing age.

“In the past, those symptoms were diagnosed as senility. The goal of geriatric medicine is to fill in knowledge about the specific needs of the elderly. If we are passive it will be a big problem. The difficulty is expertise in multidisciplinary care and Siriraj has been working on it for years,” says Dr Prasert.

For this reason, Pfizer Thailand and Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), a regional consortium of 72 higher education institutions aiming to advance the One Health Workforce development, have joined up to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Thailand.

The joint initiative will implement a series of interventions ranging from AMR stewardship and conducting educational and training programmes, to creating awareness around responsible use of antibiotics for healthcare professionals and communities within Thailand and SEAOHUN country networks.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria, viruses and some parasites) to stop an antimicrobial (such as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.

According to the World Health Organisation, it’s estimated that if no proactive action is taken now to combat AMR, by 2050, 10 million people, many of them in Asia and Africa, could be facing devastating infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis that have become impossible to treat, routine medical procedures could become too risky to perform and even minor injuries or infections could becoming life threatening.

In 2010, the burden of AMR in Thailand was estimated to result in 3.24 million days of hospitalisation and 30,481 deaths per annum, and to cost 0.6 per cent of national GDP.

AMR is a major emerging health problem in Thailand that needs comprehensive and systematic approaches. The Thai National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017–2021), which aims to reduce morbidity, mortality and the economic impact of AMR, was finalised and endorsed by the Cabinet in late 2016.

The plan sets targets for a 50-per-cent reduction in AMR morbidity, 20-per-cent and 30-per-cent reductions in antimicrobial use in human and animal respectively, and a 20-per-cent increase in public knowledge about AMR including awareness of appropriate use of antimicrobials. The collaboration is in line with Thailand’s National Strategic Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and includes AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in humans, animals and agriculture and regulation on antimicrobial distribution.

Susan Silbermann, the Pfizer global president for emerging markets, warned of the diseases that could become impossible to treat and the resultant loss of the quality of life, productivity, economic growth and wealth.

Rochelle Chaiken, the chief medical officer for emerging markets at Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, added that vaccine programmes and surveillance were vital to reducing the threat of untreatable infections. She noted that Pfizer has an extensive surveillance programme that monitors bacteria resistance patterns data from 73 countries including Thailand. These data are freely accessible through a publicly available website and mobile application that offers an interactive platform to enable physicians to evaluate data and customised by pathogens and antibiotics. Equally important is stewardship in educating the health care providers including pharmacists and technicians in laboratories,

“While anybody can help treat an infection when it occurs, vaccines offer the potential to protect against life threatening infections and their associated consequences by helping to prevent infections in the first place. And the appropriate use of vaccines can reduce the need for antibiotic prescriptions, thereby preventing the potential overuse of common biotics, which may result in resistant strains,” Silbermann said.

“So we can no longer rely heavily on treating infections. We must take a comprehensive approach, such as trying to prevent them in the first place. We know that after clean water, vaccination has been noted to be the most effective public health measure,” she added.

“The partnership between SEAOHUN and Pfizer will further strengthen the capability of One Health professionals on AMR. We believe that a public-private partnership is a vital part of our mission to combat AMR in Thailand and the other Southeast Asian countries,” said Dr Vipat Kuruchittham, the executive director of SEAOHUN.

“For the fourth consecutive year, Boots Thailand has financially supported patients with cancer at the National Cancer Institute and also provided medical equipment and devices through several fundraising activities. We successfully raised more than Bt1 million through the KMs4Cancer Run, Charity Sales and the “No Plastic Day” campaign over the period December 4 to June 30. The latest activity, the ‘Beauty Against Cancer’ workshop, was organised to boost the resolve and attitudes of patients with cancer, helping them feel good about themselves in their everyday lives. This coincided with Boots presenting a donation of Bt440,000 to the National Cancer Institute,” said Mike Wanliss, managing director of Boots Retail (Thailand).

Weerawut Imsamran, director of the National Cancer Institute, expressed appreciation to Boots Retail Thailand for helping increase awareness of cancer care issues by continuously raising funds for the National Cancer Institute. “This allows us to purchase medical equipment to treat cancer patients, as well as organize feel good activities to educate our staff on how to provide the best care, treat and understand cancer patients, allowing them to continue their normal routines and to live happily with others in society,” Weerawut said.

In recent years, however, due to the increasing use of smartphones and social media, they are becoming a problem for the younger generation too. I have seen an increasing number of younger patients visit my clinic with concerns about horizontal wrinkles that develop along the middle of their neck as a result of regularly looking down at smartphones, tablets, computers or other devices. Whether your concern is ageing wrinkles or premature lines aka “tech neck”, here are some non-surgical procedures that may reverse all these concerns.

Nu Pico Laser: To treat existing neck lines, state-of-the-art laser technology like Nu Pico Laser can be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The increase in collagen and elastin fibers will help diminish neck wrinkles and help with the overall skin texture. The Nu Pico Laser utilises a picosecond laser with ultra-short laser pulses which are faster than a conventional nanosecond laser. The laser produces a non-thermal effect that reduces both treatment discomfort as well as risk of side effects that may occur with slower, nanosecond pulse laser. As a result, the new collagen and elastin are rebuilt with no downtime and without harming the surrounding skin. It leads to fast results, you will see better tightening of the neck skin which helps improve the look of lines, wrinkles and discolouration.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): HIFU is another option to treat neck wrinkles. According to an article published in the current issue of Dermatology Times, two independent dermatologists, who evaluated the patients complaining about wrinkles in the nasolabial, jawline, submental and neck areas, reported that each area improved 80 per cent or more. HIFU technology works by delivering energy to target the deep layer of skin. The energy induces collagen contraction and stimulates collagen production in the dermis and SMAS, a layer of tissue underneath the skin and subcutaneous tissue. SMAS provides the structural support for the muscle as well as the skin. This results in tighter, firmer skin with fewer and smoother wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin injection: Although not a permanent fix, the injection can help relax the muscles that pull down the neck skin. The neck wrinkles created by those muscle contractions will then soften in appearance. The effect of the botulinum toxin typically lasts between four and six months.

Vitamins and fillers: Vitamins or filler injections can also be used as a form of neck wrinkles treatment. A doctor can use the vitamin injection to stimulate collagen synthesis. While the filler injection can be used to immediately plump out the wrinkles around the injection site. Each treatment makes the neck skin smoother and gives it a more youthful appearance. In general, fillers last from six to 12 months

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to info@romrawin.com

Launched in August 2018, the campaign aimed to combat the aggressive marketing of baby formula and show that breastfeeding for the first six months is best for mothers and babies.

“Campaigns like these are critical to creating an environment where mothers feel supported to breastfeed their children. With so many formula milk companies using advertising to sell their products, it’s important that mother’s milk maintains its position as the undisputed best for babies, and is fed exclusively in the first six months of life,” said Andy Nilsen, director of communications, advocacy and campaigns at Save the Children.

“In Myanmar, where close to one in three children are malnourished, adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices has been proven to reduce child mortality and improve their health, nutrition and cognitive development. It is essential that parents have access to correct, unbiased information about how to best feed their babies. That’s why campaigns like #6la are so important,” Hedy Ip, nutrition specialist at Unicef Myanmar, said.

Reaching close to 20 million people in Myanmar in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, the #6la campaign helped mothers understand the importance of feeding babies nothing but breast milk for the first six months.

“The nutrition, protection and love that mothers give their child in the first six months of life should be celebrated,” Donald Eastwood, Bridge’s creative director, said.

The #6la teams, including trained midwives from Myanmar’s Health and Sports Ministry, visited mothers just after they gave birth and at prenatal groups, giving them a commitment bracelet pack containing basic information. The mothers were also encouraged to join the mHealth app, MayMay, for additional information and long-term engagement, and were given the option of seeking commitment packs for other mothers.

“The team championed the friend, father, sister, grandmother and doctor whose support helps a breastfeeding mother and influences social norms around breastfeeding. Singer Sung Thin Par was our archetypal mother and exclusively breastfed her daughter for six months,” Eastwood said.

The campaign owes part of its success to the support it gained from influential personalities.

Mra Thitsa Than, strategic planner for campaign designer Vero, said: “It was crucial that the campaign addressed family members, neighbours, health specialists, as they weighed in on core decisions made by mothers as well. We know the great role social influencers play in Myanmar, and we worked hard to develop key relationships with influential personalities who could help us bring our message to the right people. By the end of the campaign, close to 50 top tier influencers had taken part in the movement, online or offline, and were advocating for exclusive breastfeeding.

“We also believe in the power of a comprehensive approach to spark social change so we rolled out our messages across communication platforms. We also worked with leading publications to write empowering and educational articles on motherhood and on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. We reached out online too through the MayMay app and its Facebook page.”

The power of the movement induced a snowball effect, taking onboard key players of Myanmar’s private sector as well. By the end of the campaign, KBZ Bank had established and announced its first breastfeeding room as well as a revised HR policy to include paid breaks for breastfeeding mothers and were showing the campaign film in over 500 branches.

City Mart also joined the movement, giving supporter bracelets to all staff members, selling supporter packs and giving the proceeds to the campaign as well as displaying messages across 38 supermarkets.

“Globally, a woman’s return to work is one of the key barriers to successful breastfeeding. By addressing real barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in a relatively short period of time, this has proven an important starting point for further advocacy to create more breastfeeding-friendly workplaces in Myanmar,” said Roger Mathisen, program director for Alive & Thrive in Southeast Asia.

The campaign has helped break misconceptions about breastfeeding and has empowered mothers to make informed decisions. Testing before and after showed that three in five mothers recognise the brand, and more than 97 per cent of them agree that breastfeeding ensures a strong, healthy and happy baby.

After the campaign’s success last year, Myanmar’s Health and Sports Ministry is looking to see how the campaign can be used to support government efforts to improve nutrition across the country.

“Harnn” is now a part of Tanachira Group, an exclusive distributor of premium lifestyle brands. Founded by Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, the company unveiled at the Lady L Garden Bistro its new offering of it what it calls ultimate skincare – “The Legend of Organic”. It was launched along with a series of organic body oils and organic face oils, which are certified by Bioagricert from Italy as 95.28 per cent organic.

There are three aromatic scents to soothe the senses: dazzling organic body oil, serenity organic body oil, and leisure organic body oil. Each of the body oils consists of three main types of organic oils: virgin sunflower oil that helps improve skin health and lightens dark spots; virgin sesame oil, which helps soften skin; and virgin rice bran oil, which serves as a natural sunscreen for the skin, and helps the skin retain moisture.

Harnn organic face oil is extracted from 100 per cent natural ingredients, is dermatologically tested by ‘Dermscan Asia’ as non-irritant and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The face oil is carefully created for deep facial rejuvenation, and was launched with three formulas: deep hydrating organic face oil, ultimate revitalising organic face oil, and perfect clarifying organic face oil. They consist of four main types of organic oils: virgin sunflower oil, water lily oil, argan oil, and sea buckthorn oil, known for skin-rejuvenating qualities.

Beauty and health guru, Thidakarn Rujipattanakul, MD, dermatologist and anti-ageing doctor MS, and Stephany Auernig, actress and yoga coach, shared beauty tips including four easy steps for facial cleansing, facial massage, toner mist spray and moisturising for the daily use of the Legend of Organic collection, which promises to naturally add radiance and youthfulness to the skin.

Organised by NCC Exhibition Organiser (NEO), the exhibition underlines how business related to the elderly continues to grow. Currently worth some Bt107 billion, it is expected to expand by another 10 per cent this year alone. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, NEO predicted that the expo would draw more than 5,000 consumers and see cash flow of at least Bt700 million over the 3 days.

“The InterCare Asia is designed to cater to the ageing society which will grow exponentially over the next 10-20 years. Today, being old doesn’t mean being ill or having weakened health. The elderly are now fit and lead healthy lives,” says Sakchai Pathpreechagul, NEO’s managing director.

“Young people might be irritated by older members of the family Line group and sending picture of flowers with the greeting ‘Sawasdee Wan Jan’ (‘Hello Monday’) but in a way, it reflects how happy they are with life,” Sakchai adds.

The expo is divided into five zones showcasing different kinds of products and innovation in helping ageing people enjoy a better quality of life, namely homecare and medical equipment; utilities for patient and disabled people such as trolleys, gait trainers and wheelchairs; rehabilitation appliances for security and recovery plus devices for retired people, such as assistant robots, orthopaedic devices and hearing aids; services like geriatric hospitals, nursing homes, retirement housing estates; and innovative food created for older people who have difficulty swallowing and food supplements for people with different conditions like kidney disease. A newcomer this year is tourism, which includes medical tourism and special packages designed for an elderly lifestyle.

Seminar subjects cover the nursing home business and new regulations, how to travel in old age and food for the elderly.

Furthermore, the expo provides furniture and equipment along with recent innovations to make life more convenient. Advice for happy retirement is provided as well. Business matching sessions are available and representatives from the Department of Employment will be on hand to offer advice on career opportunities for the retired, Sakchai said.

Chatchai Panitchiwa, president of Business Matching for The Federation of Thai Industries, says that the Federation is supporting the InterCare Asia 2019 and sees the event as a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop their businesses. It has also arranged for the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to host an academic seminar on topic of diet, which will explain the best nutrition for the elderly,

Among the more interesting innovations on show are the Aerolet Toilet Lift that helps older persons to be able to stand up and sit down on the toilet smoothly and an adjustable bed for seniors developed by the NSTDA to which SB Furniture has bought the rights and will launch the product in the next two months at a much more competitive price than the current imported beds.

Niti Siprae of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, says the agency is using the expo to launch its “Thailand Premium” project to encourage tourism among the elderly at prices they can afford. “It addresses convenient and safe travel as well as special sightseeing of each province that is suitable for the lifestyles of retired people.

InterCare Asia 2019 continues until tomorrow night at Bitec Bangna, Hall 99. For more information, visit Facebook.com/IntercareAsia.

Dark circles are exactly what they sound like: dark areas that are located underneath your eyes. They are common, and unfortunately can develop as a part of the ageing process though they may occur in young people, too. While they aren’t a medical concern, they can be an instigator of cosmetic distress.

To treat dark circles, dermatologists must first determine the cause. Thin lower eyelid skin, hyperpigmentation, blood vessels, an orbital structural problem or some combination of all four, are the usual culprits. Medical treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes multiple treatments may be promising and efficacious. For example, if you have dark circles because of hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation in the skin as a result of an allergic reaction or frequently rubbing the skin under the eye area, the discoloration can be treated by topical medication combined with allergy treatment and simply avoiding scratching or rubbing beneath your eyes. Laser treatment is also an option and is effective in lightening the dark circles. And thanks to modern laser technology, the Nu Pico Laser, the latest generation of lasers, is the treatment of choice for pigmentation, especially at the delicate undereye area thanks to its safety profile.

The Nu Pico is a pigment-targeting laser which is named after the unit of time of its pulse duration. The laser pulse from the Nu Pico Laser is so fast that it offers a strong, photomechanical effect that shatters the unwanted pigment that will then be easily flushed by the body. This means that the dark eye circles will be cleared up in fewer treatments than if an ordinary laser is used. Besides, the Nu Pico Laser is suitable for all skin tones, including darker skin tone. Undereye hyperpigmentation, however, is more common in those with darker skin tones, particularly Indian women, and it is considered as having a genetic basis. The Nu Pico Laser is quite safe in treating skin of colour and minimising the occurrence of excessive pigmentation.

Another very common cause of dark circles is thin and translucent undereye skin that increases the visibility of blood vessels causing the undereye areas to look purple or bluish. In this case, a vascular laser that targets blood vessels might be recommended. The laser will destroy and cause vessels to shrink. The deconstructed blood vessels are then reabsorbed into the body and the bluish color under the eye dissipates.

Most often, dark circles are the result of a sunken tear trough or bone structure. These features create shadow that shows up as a dark circle. The problem can be addressed by filler injection. The treatment assists by filling the tear trough areas, making them look less tired and completely rejuvenating the lower eyelid areas.

Undereye filler injection is a quick fix but it is not risk free. Injecting into this area should be performed only by a dermatologist who specialises in this field to ensure that you’re in safe hands.

THANISORN THAMLIKITKUL MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to info@romrawin.com

Like its namesakes, Montblanc Explorer takes the wearer on a fantastic journey, giving them the opportunity to discover the rarest ingredients and manufacturing methods that combine craftsmanship with the latest technology.

The fragrance owes its creation to three outstanding talents from Givaudan: Jordi Fernandez, Antoine Maisondieu and Olivier Pescheux. Each brought his knowledge of a specific ingredient and emotional experience, both as a nose and a traveller, to this unique collaborative project, which blends bergamot from Italy, vetiver from Haiti and patchouli from Indonesia, turning the cologne into an invitation to travel the world with an unconventional woody-aromatic-leather fragrance.

The top note bursts with effusive bergamot, revealing the bright, energetic and optimistic side of the fragrance’s heart. Called OrPur, this particular bergamot explodes with floral, green, and intensely fresh notes.

Explorer comes in a leather-like protective sheath printed with the Saffiano motif used on Montblanc creations since 1926 and decorated with the Montblanc emblem in a shiny finish. The signature star that adorns all the Maison’s leather goods is made exclusively in Hamburg while the sleeve and emblem are assembled by hand at the Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence.

At the recent launch event at Iconsiam, which saw actors Napata Siangsomboon, Nont Napompetch and other celebrities sniffing it out, Peerakan Asavasatitporn, brand manager for Montblanc Thailand, explained that the main ingredients of Montblanc Explorer come from Givaudan’s Sourcing for Shared Value programme. The famous perfume house has identified several ingredients essential to perfumery – including vetiver or patchouli – and supports local producers in embracing ethical and sustainable development. This support to local communities is also reflected in educational initiatives for future generations, such as the construction of three libraries for school children in the regions of Buton and Katoi on the island of Sulawesi.

Through the Givaudan Foundation, Interparfums has contributed to the construction of 3 libraries and currently provides 489 school children and their 33 teachers easier access to culture and reading. A total of 3,650 books have been bought to stock the shelves of the new libraries.

“The exhibition presents the life stories of a wide range of people who are representing the characters of their favorite brands through never-before-seen looks,” said Jirath Vattanapataraset, executive vice president of Marketing, adding that he was also delighted to use the opening to introduce Thipvipa Chantapasa Srivikorn as the new Gaysorn Beauty Ambassador.

Celebrities and customers including Yuki Srikarnchana, Pavarisa Phenjati, Wannaporn Poshyanonda, Ployvarin Songpakorn, Sopacha Adireksarn, Patinya Kyokong, Jirada Yohara, Chutima Teepanart, Jantana Pangputhipong Selby, Monlahcha-Chutimon Skulthai, Pimpawan Limpichart, Araya Indra, Karatphet Issara, Ploy Bhinsaeng, Tatim Rucksajit and Sarunpak Phenjati were on hand to share their stories and feelings about the brands while emcee Niti “Pompam” Chaichitathorn added color and fun entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Gaysorn Urban Retreat positions itself as the ultimate solution for beautiful city living. It especially caters to the young generation of beauty lovers seeking relaxation of both the mind and body through 19 brands, namely Alanis, La Vie Detox & Wellness Center, Chaba Nails & Eyelashes Pro, Miskawaan, Erb, Bliss Room, Lisa Frances Clinic, The Face Aesthetic, Tingle, Wonjin Thailand, Anissa Clinic, Jurlique, Munique Club, Panpuri Wellness, The Gallery Tiara, Paya Dental Clinic by Dr Joy, Skin Lab Bangkok, Thann & Thann Sanctuary, Salon La Prairie, and Lavida.

“The most important element of this exhibition is each model’s beauty that shines through in her own individual way. This is required to fully convey each brand’s characteristic under the concept of ‘Beauty is the Art of Living’,” said photographer Wasan

“From my perspective as an artist, the foundation of beauty usually begins with good health. Good physical and mental health will help spark that natural shine. Another important factor is ‘happiness’. My photographs are good whenever the model is happy. The photographer needs to be able to see the happiness radiating from the model. It helps the work go faster and makes the portraits beautiful. Beauty truly comes from within a woman herself.”

Thipvipa added, “Even though my roles as mother and wife keep me busy, I’ve never neglected self-care, especially in the beauty department. Women and beauty always go together. It’s my lifestyle. Whenever I have free time, I come here to Gaysorn Urban Retreat. They have every beauty service and technology available, which allows every woman to tend to herself from the inside out. This is the lifestyle I was really looking for. It’s the only place where I can come to take care of myself and my beauty, in an all-encompassing way, from my head down to my toes.”