Editorial | Dr Sant Chaiyodslip : Plant-based Nutrition and Lifestyle Modification will Lead to a Longer Life.

Let me begin by wishing you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Even as the world is experiencing a new wave of coronavirus infections, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant, Thailand continues to keep Covid-19 in check with less than 3000 new infections daily and deaths averaging around 30. Still, the Government has reimposed a 7-10-day hotel quarantine for foreign travellers and Thais returning from abroad. Meanwhile, while New Year celebrations have been curtailed, people are still able to dine out and travel, and so in this issue we offer a number of suggestions.

To begin, our cover story is about the highly respected former cardiac surgeon now a plant-based nutrition and lifestyle modification advocate, Dr Sant Chaiyodsilp, who we interviewed at his very picturesque and tranquil Wellness We Care Center in the Khao Yai foothills of Muak Lek. Later, we take you to Chuchaiburi Sri Amphawa, a resort set along the canal not far from the floating market that offers you the chance to step into glorious Siam at the turn of the 19th to 20th century in the luxury of 21st century amenities and service. Pongpol Adireksarn then takes us caving in Chiang Rai while our final Photo Essay offers perspectives of Chiang Mai through the eyes of Ezra Kyrill Erker. Before this, as Vietnam begins to reopen, we offer you visions and insights into trekking around Bắc Hà in the north. Much closer to home, you are given a bird’s eye view of Bangkok from the very stylish, rooftop urban bistro, Red Sky, serving the most savoury “Surf & Turf” for two plus much more atop the Centara Grand at Central World.

Meanwhile, in our Diplomatic Affairs column, we introduce you to HE Rachmat Budiman, Indonesia’s ambassador to Thailand as he completes the first year of his posting. We also sit down with Madame Adriana Mendes Murguia, the wife of HE Bernardo Cordova Tello, Mexico’s ambassador to Thailand, and an accomplished architect and artist in her own rights.

We’re also very excited to be one of the first to announce and share photographs of the celebration of Thailand’s Nora dramatic ritual dance from the south being registered on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. You also have the chance to meet Thai sensation and young entrepreneur Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat As another part of our arts coverage, we have another intriguing short story about life and death by Anchalee Vivathanachai.

While this issue might seem to be an eclectic compilation of stories, I do believe it provides much food for thought as we end 2021 and welcome 2022. Again, on behalf of all of us at Elite+, may I wish you all the best for the coming New Year.

Warm Regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor