The participants were encouraged to “stand up for their own beauty” so they can lead more meaningful lives.

Beauty guru Napassorn “Momay” Buranasiri, TV producer Yossinee “Jah” Nanakorn, Asva Group creative director Polpat “Moo”Asavaprapha and physical trainer Arnan Apinun suggested ways to look beautiful both outside and in.

Napassorn said it was essential that women spend extra minutes on facial cleansing so the skin absorbs moisturisers and other skincare products most effectively.

“All skincare products are highly active, so the rule for getting the freshest face is to remove all makeup and scrub until the cleansing pad is clear,” she said. “It’s a must to apply sunscreen on the face and neck every day. Please avoid using too many facial-care products on days when you need to wear a lot of makeup.”

Polpat said clothes should reflect each person’s perception and style. He recommended bold dresses in either dark blue or grey, a sharp jacket or blazer, peep-toe heels, a professional handbag, must-have makeup – either lipstick or eye liner, a perfectly cut shirt, a trench coat, and a clutch.

Yossinee said health and wellness begin in the kitchen, and a good start is to cook your own meal.

“One of the big concerns is the daily habit of eating sweets,” she said. “A lot of food and drinks contain too much sugar and they’ll cause weight gain and various diseases. Around 25 grams of sugar a day won’t harm you.

“The key to dealing with it is making changes in your habits. Tell yourself sugar isn’t good for health. Be conscious about what you’re doing and what you’re eating. And you must start exercising.”

Arnan suggested body-weight exercises for women to build muscles and reduce fat.

“If you want to get in shape, diet and exercise must go together,” he said. “Food choices account for 60 per cent of getting in shape and exercise 40 per cent. Good food choices will give you a wide range of nutrients, while bad foods make you quickly feel hungry again because of nutrient imbalances.

“People not used to exercising should go for a cardio workout such as running, cycling and swimming. They’re good for the heart. Do a cardio exercise for 30 minutes a day and you get several benefits, including weight loss, enhanced cardiovascular health and a better mood.”

The next Suay Pai Hai Sood workshop will be held on June 2. Admission is free. Go to the avianceshop or Unilever Network Thailand Facebook page.

The two were picked by Longines, as part of its “Road To Future Tennis Aces Tournament 2018” or “LFTA 2018”, a special project in which Longines takes Thai youths to enjoy a worldclass tennis experience.

Both will also represent Thailand in a tennis competition with youth representatives from 20 countries and also get to watch matches in the Open, which kicked off on Sunday and runs through June 10.

The brand’s Thai “friend of Longines”, actor Naphat “Nine” Siangsomboon is also joining the trip.

Longines is marking the occasion with the new Conquest VHP and the special edition Conquest 1/100th Roland Garros to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Longines and the tennis championship.

Speaking at the press conference at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, brand manager Paralee Phetrojana, said: “We are honoured to have partnered with the French Open Tennis Championship  since 2007. This year, to celebrate our 11year partnership, Longines will introduce the new Conquest VHP and the limited edition Conquest 1/100th Roland Garros. The anthracite dial reveals touches of orange on the hands, subtly hinting at the iconic clay of the French Open courts, with a sporty design. Water resistant to 30 metres, the watch is mounted on a stainless steel bracelet with triple safety folding clasp. The case back  is engraved with the logo of Roland Garros.

Salaktip, 12, is excited to be going to Paris. “I never thought I would have a chance to practise with worldfamous coaches and tennis players like Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi. I’m very excited to play there too against other young people and will do my best. I’ve been practised very hard but the tennis court is also a real challenge because it’s clay and we don’t have many tennis courts like this in Thailand.”

Supawat, also 13, can also hardly believe his luck. “I am proud and happy to be part of this programme. I would like to thank Longines for giving Thai youths an opportunity to watch the French Open, as well as meet with famous coaches and players. It took a great effort for me to get here, because each match wasn’t easy. I had to work really hard to become a representative of Thailand at the LFTA 2018.”

Former national tennis player and TATP Tour managing director Danai Udomchoke said, “As a coach, I would say that competitions are very important to tennis players. Each competition is an experience. I am jealous of the youths who get to join the LFTA 2018! I never had opportunities like this when I was young. I am glad to see Longines pay attention to tennis, and I feel that these kids are lucky to have a chance to play on a clay court with representatives from other countries. They can prove that Thai tennis players are great. It’s also amazing for them to meet tennis stars like Alex Corretja, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi. Each of them is a hero and an idol in tennis.”

Find out more at Facebook.com/LonginesThailand

“This is going to be a landmark event in the annals of Thai and Asia-Pacific tourism, Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat declared last week. “We will take full advantage of this gathering of leading experts in the field of gastronomy tourism to strengthen the connections between Thailand’s two bedrock industries, agriculture and travel and tourism.”

The forum will focus on harnessing the power of technology as a driver for sustainable growth.

It will include a symposium, workshops and seminars in which experts in gastronomy tourism will discuss trends and challenges, exchange best practices and inspire discussion on intercultural dialogue and “gastro diplomacy”.

Delegates will tour four Bangkok districts, each of which have their own unique culinary characteristics. The first covers Bang Rak, Nang Loeng, Trok Khao Mao and Phra Nakhon and the second Talat Phlu, Talat Noi, Kudi Jeen and Klong Bang Luang.

Tourism Authority Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said his agency has made gastronomy tourism “an important part of its marketing strategy under the Thailand 4.0 socio-economic development plan.

“Thai cuisine is famous all over the world,” he said. “It is rare if a major city doesn’t boast a Thai restaurant, be it in the form of fine dining or takeaway.

“All our culinary delights have their roots in Thai agriculture, which was our bedrock source of economic livelihood well before tourism. Now, the government is more firmly linking both.”

The conference “Thai Rice Researches Move Towards Thailand 4.0” presented the research and innovations used in Thai rice development to improve productivity and rice processing at all stages.

It was organised by the Agricultural Research Development Agency in collaboration with the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage, the National Science and Technology Development Agency, the National Research Council of Thailand, the Rice Department, Kasetsart University, the Thailand Research Fund, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission.

Agriculture Minister Krisada Boonraj thanked the agencies for their work in organising the event, saying: “The aim is to present rice research and knowledge by government and private agencies, as well as local communities from around the country, while also help researchers network and research. The event includes many activities including academic symposia on such topics as ‘The Future of Thai Rice’, ‘Rice in Thailand 4.0’, ‘Direction of Thai Rice Research’ and ‘Rice Market in the Future”, and a seminar on ‘Rice Innovation’.”

Rice research agencies from around the Kingdom also gave presentations on five topics: “Breeding development”, “Rice Production Technology”, “Post-harvest Technology”, “Value-added Innovation and Processing”, and “Social Economy, Marketing and Group Promotion, Production and Technology Transfer”.

Two exhibitions were held in parallel with the conference to honour the Royal Institute and commemorate His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The display, “Thai Rice Research Move Towards Thailand 4.0”, presented research and innovation in growing and processing rice and showed how research outputs can be used effectively.

Phanpimol Chanyanuwat, director of the Agricultural Research Development Agency, said that work was proceeding in line with the government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ policies to improve the quality of life of Thai rice farmers and ensure they earned a stable income. She added that the agency was ready to work with researchers and other agencies involved in rice to create knowledge, enhance Thai rice competitiveness through technology and innovation, while also helping Thai farmers reduce production costs, and produce quality crops. Thai farmers should not only be able to sell their paddy rice or milled rice, but also process rice for other high value-added products.

Meanwhile, it was important that farmers grow rice without destroying the environment so that producers and consumers have high quality lives, while helping Thailand maintain its position as the world’s major rice exporter.

Each year, this extraordinary running event inspires runners from Thailand and around the world to take part in the 14-kilometre mini-marathon that starts at the HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model in the sub-district. If you’re not fit enough to run the 14 km, check out that five km fun run that starts at the Mu 13 village centre in Bang Nam Chuet sub-district.

Both race routes feature a scenic coastal road and conclude with the highlight at the final kilometre – a run through about 30 centimetres of low-tide seawater to the finish line on Pitak Island.

The race courses take advantage of the low tide that occurs every year in Paknam Lang Suan in June, creating a large stretch of sand dune between the shore and the island. Pitak Island itself is a small fishing village, where a homestay experience is also available for visitors seeking to explore the local way of life.

Registration for the 14th LangSuan Mini Marathon 2018 is now open at the Lang Suan District Office. Runners in both categories can also register at the HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model registration point on June 16 from 1pm to 8pm and on the event’s date, June 17 from 4am to 6am at the two starting points. The Mini Marathon starts at 6.19am, while the Fun Run gets underway at 6.39.

All runners who take part in the run will receive a souvenir medal and there are several cups for the top ten finishers. All runners in fancy costumes will receive special gifts.

Amenities include food and beverage at HTMS Chakri Naruebet Ship Model registration point on June 16 from 6 to 8pm, on June 17 at 5am. There are also restrooms, first aid and breakfast at the finishing point on the island. Food and accommodation is also available at the child development centre in Paknam Lang Suan Municipality, Laem Son Health Park (runners are asked to bring their own bedding).

Parking, luggage storage and a bus service to the race event from Lang Suan Station will be available on June 16 from 10am and HTMS Chakri Naruebet to Mu 13 village centre on June 17 from 4am until the end of the competition.

For more information, call the TAT Chumphon Office (077) 501 831-2 and (077) 502 775-6 or email: tatchumphon@tat.or.th.

The Sweden-based company aims to lead the Asian kitchen-appliance market by introducing cutting-edge innovations. It’s already the world’s leading manufacturer of household appliances.

Asia’s first Electrolux Taste Centre is designed to showcase the brand’s innovative appliances, including the world’s first “connected camera oven”.

Craig McEachern, senior vice president of Electrolux East Asia, general manager Ratchata Suttapattanon and Frank Grueb, vice president of Electrolux Asia Pacific, presented the Princess with a donation in support of the Thai Red Cross Society’s Friends in Need (of Pa) Volunteers Foundation.

On hand was Nateampai “Chef Nate” Sarakosass, one of the judges on the “Iron Chef Thailand” TV show, who whipped up a selection of delicious dishes in a cooking demonstration using Electrolux appliances.

“Electrolux is a brand widely trusted by Michelin-star chefs and restaurants around the world, particularly in Europe,” McEachern pointed out. “With a rich professional heritage spanning 90 years, Electrolux takes pride in supplying kitchen equipment to world-class chefs who show their trust in the brand by continuing to use our kitchen appliances.”

The Taste Centre is more than a showroom. The executives call it a “signature touch point” in East Asia, where businesspeople and consumers can share experiences and learn more.

“They can take home the inspiration to cook for their loved ones, assured of the great taste of every dish” said McEachern. “It also serves as a rendezvous place for partners, home-builders and developers.

“We feature the world’s first connected camera oven, which is linked to an application that allows you to watch what’s cooking. The Anova Sous Vide allows you to cook with the sous vide technique.”

Chef Sarakosass made healthy quinoa pizza that was as delicious as it was nutritious. Children who love to cook had some fun in the Cooking Studio. And Surivipa “Noo Mam” Kultangwattana and her husband Bobby Poonpipat tried out the appliances.

Station 1 Grand Cuisine has all the fancy new equipment. Station 2, the Residential Kitchen, is where homebuilders and developers can view fresh ideas in kitchen furnishings.

Station 3 is the Cooking Studio where people can learn about induction, steam and sous vide cooking under professional guidance. Station 4 is the Innovation Kitchen with the latest innovations, such as that camera-connected oven and the Comfort Lift dishwashing machine.

And Station 5 is the Chef’s Table, where the dining table descends from the ceiling, set with plates that display a projection-mapped film while guests are waiting for the feast to begin.

Beachfront bliss

White Sand Beach Residences Pattaya has launched a mid-year “Live a Luxurious Beachfront Lifestyle” campaign, offering 15 per cent off on top of current promotions. Simply enter promo code LIFESTYLE and make reservations on the property’s website.

It’s valid for booking until July 31 for stays from now until October 31. Rates per night with breakfast range from Bt3,088-plus to Bt11,345-plus depending on suite size and include late check out from Sunday to Friday, subject to availability. Visit http://www.WhiteSandBeachPattaya.com.

On their toes

Rising Star Dance Studio presents its 23rd annual charity ballet performance, “La Fille Mal Gardee” on June 2 and 3 at M Theatre on new Phetchaburi Road. The curtain rises at 2.30 and part of the proceeds will go to support the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand.

Find out more by calling Fay at (081) 908 3931 or email ristar@loxinfo.co.th.

Stemming corruption at the root

The Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University is hosting a seminar focusing on corporate responsibilities and practices in anti-corruption this Friday from 9am to 4pm at the Siam Kempinski Hotel

The seminar will be led by Asst Prof Dr Pareena Srivanit and feature lecturers and practitioners in Thailand and abroad, among them Dr Pakorn Peetathawatcha, Dr Bandid Nijathaworn, Nitiphan Prachuabmoh, Rapee Sucharitakul and Prof Matthew Stephenson.

For registration, please email training@law.chula.ac.th. To find out more, call (02) 218 2017 extension 216 and 226.

Dutch delicacies

The Terrace@72 Restaurant of Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside introduces Thai palates to Dutch cuisine from May 30 to June 2 as part of the Holland Hospitality Business Week. Guest chef James Kolditz from the Netherlands will present such dishes as Dutch Pea-Soup with Smoked Sausage and Pork Knuckle, Steamed North-Sea Mussels, Hachee-Braised Beef Chuck-Roast and Onions and Grandmother’s Apple-Tart, Bossche Bol-Choux Pastry, Whipped Cream and Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Fondant and more. The buffet is priced at Bt790 for lunch and Bt1,400 for dinner.

Dressing up to dance

Dusit Thani’s Bubbles discotheque blends classic with contemporary by inviting party animals to dress on the Ayutthaya and dance the night away to music from the 80’s. Dare to be different and put on your favourite Thai dress with your dancing shoes and enjoy your Friday Night at Bubbles on May 25 from 9.

Make a reservation at (02) 200 9000 extension 2998.

Sararat Buara does research on extracting elements of Tuber magnatum pico (the white truffle) for Eosra, a company that manufactures and distributes skincare products containing the extract.

“Truffles can be as expensive as gold due to their rarity,” he says. “They are mostly found in the lush forests of Italy, France, Croatia and Poland, growing anywhere from five to 20 centimetres underground among the roots of large trees such as oak. Truffle hunters used to rely on pigs to sniff them out where they grew, but now dogs are more commonly trained for the purpose.

“There are two kinds – the black truffle and the white truffle. The black variety is farmed in limited quantities, but there’s no way to cultivate white truffles, so they still have to be found in nature. That and their popularity – because they’re more aromatic – result in higher prices. Good-quality white truffles can bring Bt300,000 per kilogram.

“White truffles also have a delicate flavour and are packed with nutrition, but not many people know about their skincare potential, which includes multiple anti-ageing effects.

“They have skin-nourishing components such as antioxidants, which help retard cell deterioration and protect the skin from pollution. They have matrix metalloproteinases that help the body produce protein and amino acid, which are important in the process of creating collagen and elastin,and extracellular matrix proteins that give the skin its elasticity and help reduce fine lines. Aquaporins help preserve moisture and are gentle to the sensitive skin around the eyes, while working to lessen visible lines there.

“So we’ve developed a Tuber Magnatum Extract in our facial cleansers and serums that’s been tested and backed up by the Phenbiox Institute in Italy,” Sararat says.

Check out the Eorsa product line at Eveandboy shops and the “eosra.official” Facebook page.

The party, which was hosted at the Top of the Standard by Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain, saw guests trade in their couture dresses for something more appropriate for the evening festivities.

Janelle Monae dressed to impress in Marc Jacobs, Jared Leto wore heavenly inspired attire by Gucci, while Shailene Woodley and Emma Stone arrived together looking glamorous in Louis Vuitton. Tomb Raider actress Alicia Vikander also looked demure in Louis Vuitton, Lilly Collins dressed in Givenchy, and Paris Jackson, daughter of the late Michael Jackson, showed up in a flattering rock-inspired sequinned dress. One the highlights of the night was when Jennifer Lopez hit the dance floor, dancing to the beat of her own track, “On the Floor”.

The Standard is considered the most powerful brand in the boutique hotel business and includes five properties in New York, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, with a new property in London opening later this year. Each hotel has exceptional restaurants, nightlife and retail venues, with an online presence that extends their reach to creative communities in their host cities and beyond. Sansiri’s US$58 million investment secured a 35-per-cent stake in Standard International, which is comprised of three business units: The Standard hotel brand and operations; 2) Bunkhouse Group; 3) One Night mobile booking application.