Welcome December, the probably busiest month of the year!
As I already announced in November, SWECHAM hosted its 35th anniversary with a really great party at Landmark Hotel. Over 100 guests participated, most beautifully dressed up. Before taking your seat in the ball room, you could enjoy a chilled glass of wine in the reception hall, Prosecco or an ABSOLUT Vodka, one of all the sponsors, together with a delicious cold cut offer from Vivin Grocery.
SWECHAM’s new director Anna Olsson Moore and the President Peter Björk, welcomed the guests before the MC took over. No event can be successful without sponsors and this evening the three big sponsors were EQHO, SKF and Ericson.
The food was delicious, as well as the wines and last, but not least, the live band brought most of us to the dancing floor, singing and playing the beloved ABBA songs.
It was from start, until the end, an absolutely delightful evening. Well done SWECHAM!
On December 20th, El Gaucho, the Argentinian steakhouse on Sukhumvit soi 19, celebrated its 12th anniversary. As always, it was crowded and the wine was flowing, and the steaks and lambchops to die for.
This is an event that El Gauchos faithful visitors and meat lovers don’t want to miss out on, even if you hardly can move around, as the whole place is full of people. A most generous event.
On the 23rd of December, the Swedish community came together at the Swedish residence to celebrate one of our most beloved festivities, Santa Lucia. This evening began with a welcome speech by H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Anna Hammargren and was followed by a short service held by our Swedish priest Olov Olsson, assisted by his wife Marie.
The Santa Lucia procession was lovely, many children in different ages and under the direction of Lina and Matthias from the Swedish embassy. The children had practiced the most popular Lucia corals for quite a time. When you looked around, you could see many proud parents with wet eyes.
On the 28th of November, the Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 took place at the Siam Kempinski Bangkok, a yearly popular event for all food lovers. After having attended this very special award event, (proud to represent Scand Asia) you can’t stop thinking that Thailand is amazing. There were 4 different categories, many focusing on Sustainability-go green, new comers, Service and Young Chef.
I was happy to see my neighbor Chef Vincent Thierry from The Chef’s Table/Le Bua, receiving a new star. Khun Jai Fai also received a new star for her street food. If you haven’t tried her crab omelet, you have too. There were restaurants I never had heard about and so many young Chefs, both male and female. Legendary “Le Normandie/Mandarin Oriental” was something you expected to receive another star, as well as Suhring, the two creative and talented brothers.
To mention all the restaurants, would need a whole chapter, but I have to applause restaurant and chef Zorn, who received a 3rd star, first in Thailand if I understood it right. He was unbelievable happy and hugged his young son with tears of happiness and pride.
On the 28th, the most popular, British Dr.Med. Donna Robinson, hosted the Grand Opening of The Med Consult Clinic’s New Aesthetic Department on Sukhumvit soi 49, the same building as the popular Raquet Club.
Dr. Donna is a well-known and beloved doctor among many of us foreigners in and around Bangkok. It’s easy to drop by and get your vaccination or maybe a Botox treatment, while having a nice chat with, the always friendly, Dr.Donna. Special guests on this day were Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova and Miss Thailand 2023 Tharina Botes
Friday the 29th, SWEA Bangkok invited to a combined Christmas & Pool party at Shiva Tower. This time our partners were allowed to join us.
In all, 24 happy fellows attended and some really dared to take a dip in the beautiful pool. Fresh salmon salad from Little Vikings by Clair and Kent, wine, beer and soft drinks and lots of laughing. A happy end to a successful SWEA year.
Of course, there are many more happenings in December before we can say good bye to year 2024 and welcome year 2025.
I will tell you in the January issue how the year ended.
Until then, I wish you all, dear readers,
A MERRY CHRISTMAS & a HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
