Approach MAGAZINE THAILAND
Approach Magazine Thailand Issue 40 : May 2016
ISSUE 40 : MAY 2016
Khun
Supaluck Umpujh
Thailand’s Top National Parks
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EDITOR’S FOREWORD
APPROACH PUBLISHING CO.,LTD. Address: 70/144 Soi 112 Hua Na, Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand Tel: (0) 32 900 477 Company Registration: 0775552001773 www.approach-thailand.com www.facebook.com/ApproachHuaHin
Editor in Chief Gerard Mosselman Office Manager Pimwee P. (Kob) Speaking about expats, the definition of an expat is: (courtesy of What´s on Sukhumvit) Quote: “Usually a professional at a multinational on a hefty expatriate package with kids in international schools. Hong Kong, Singapore, New York and Dubai all spring to mind as expat hubs. Of course, most of the expats in Thailand are just like those from elsewhere – often they’re qualified teachers, company owners, professionals in some way, shape or form. Many – especially men – marry locals and assimilate fully into the culture, often having Thai children and living out long, happy lives over here. But then you have the minority whose actions can tarnish the reputations of everyone else: the prejudiced, the White Knights, the Cheap Charlies. There’s shades of grey in expat communities all over the world, regardless of nationalities” Unquote. Looking at living in Thailand in general, we should all be thankful that it is not the mess Europe is in. Here you can walk the streets without being mugged, people are usually friendly and you live a life free of envy, unless another expat is envious of what you have and what you do. Thais don’t care how you dress, what you drive and how you live as long as you treat them with respect, dignity and ….smile! Buddhists, Muslims and Christians co-exist peacefully. So what are you ? The Good , The Bad or The Ugly ? Anyway, read the whole article at: http://whatsonsukhumvit.com/ expats-in-thailand-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
Yours Truly GMoss
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Graphic Office Thaiso Media ™
Address: 136/351 Soi 102 Nong Kae, Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Tel: 080 350 1416 Email: info@thaisomedia.com www.thaisomedia.com
Cover photo May 2016 Khao Yai Elephants
Distribution: 5,000 Copies All APPROACH articles are published in good faith and based on bonafide information available to us at publication through international media and free lance contributors. No responsibility is accepted other than that stipulated by law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing. Approach publishing Co. Ltd buy all rights to contributions, text and images, unless previously agreed to in writing.
Contents
MAY 2016 | ISSUE 40 |
48
16
55
56
20
Travel in Thailand
10
Social & Hotel News
26
Kids & Education
44
Music
12
Thai Nature
30
Motoring
48
Hua Hin & Beyond
16
Money Affairs
32
Coolest Gadgets
52
Ambiance Asie
18
Thai Legal
34
Sport
55
Hua Hin Culinary
20
Financial
36
Entertainment
58
Events & Festivals
25
Health & Wellness
40
44
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30
20 years of excellence
HUA HIN’S OUTDOOR FURNITURE SPECIALIST Hogane offers high quality synthetic rattan furniture at affordable prices. The furniture are water proof, UV resistant, light-weight and environmentally friendly. The range includes lounge sets, coffee tables, dining tables, chairs, sun beds and bar stools in various colors and designs. For more information please visit the CABINET’s showroom in Hua Hin or check out the website. www.hogane.com
t he
CABINET Interior Design Co., Ltd.
tel: 032-512 290 HUA HIN SHOWROOM tel: 023-222 202 BANGKOK OFFICE
website: www.thecabinet.co.th
TRAVEL IN THAILAND
National Parks of Thailand
Thailand’s Top National Parks
Thailand offers 102 national parks within its borders, so it’s not possible to fit them all in one on trip. Therefore we would like to report on several parks of which we have received summaries. All of Thailand’s parks are beautiful, but here are five that really stand out above the rest.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Khao Yai National Park
Covering more than 950 square miles (2914 km² ) it is the largest national park in Thailand.
Khao Yai National Park covers more than 2,000 square kilometers of forest and grassland in central Thailand. Up there on the podium with some of the world’s greatest parks, Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest and most visited reserve. Khao Yai incorporates one of the largest intact monsoon forests remaining in mainland Asia, which is why it was named a Unesco World Heritage site (as part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex). Visiting independently is quite easy, as the mostly English-speaking staff at the visitor centre are very helpful.
This park beats out Khao Yai as Thailand’s largest park. It’s considered to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas due to its largely unspoilt nature. Kaeng Krachan National Park is famous for it’s diverse wildlife. Wild mammals such as leopards, clouded leopards, bears, stump-tailed macaques, deers, elephants, wild dogs and many others are relatively common in the park. Some frequently seen animals are langurs, porcupines, civets, black giant squirrel, martens and gibbons. There are also tigers and bantengs in Kaeng Krachan but they are not common. 10
APPROACH May 2016
The park also shelters diverse wildlife like bears, gibbons, elephants and hornbills.
Khao Yai is a year-round getaway destination just three hours’ drive from Bangkok. The south and east are peppered with a wealth of natural wonders, from Prachinburi’s jungleclad waterfalls to Wang Nam Kheo’s ozone-rich valleys. From cowboy theme parks to mountain-hugged vineyards and Khao Yai National Park’s endless carpets of green, Khao Yai serves as an ideal place to escape from ordinary everyday life.
TRAVEL IN THAILAND 5 kilometers from Nong Mae Na park office. Travelers searching for peaceful and stunning nature are drawn to the Kaeng Song Waterfall located within this national park. Referred to as the ‘Niagara Falls of Thailand’. Travelers can raft or bathe in the choppy surrounding waters, or simply enjoy the view. Photographers will find excellent opportunities here.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park With a name that translates as “The Mountain with Three Hundred Peaks”, KHAO SAM ROI YOT NATIONAL PARK, with its northern entrance 28km south of Pak Nam Pran beach or 63km from Hua Hin, encompasses a small but varied, coastal zone of just 98 square kilometres. This mountainous park is popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, the top attraction, the somewhat toy-like Kuha Karuhas temple housed within the picturesque Phraya Nakhon cave. With its proximity to Hua Hin, the park is well travelled by day trippers and contains a mix of public conservation land and private shrimp farms, so don’t come expecting remote virgin territory. Travel agencies in Hua Hin run day trips to the park. Hua Hin Bike Tours offers cycling and hiking tours. Comfortable accommodation of different levels can be found along the coast at Dolphin Bay.
Frequently asked questions: Where can we most likely see wild elephants? An easy one to answer. Kui Buri National Park! No other park offers even close to half the chance of what you have in Kui Buri. So far, on all our visits to Kui Buri we have encountered wild elephants. And situated on the much travelled road to the Southern islands and beaches, there is no reason why not to add a Kui Buri elephant safari to your holiday itinerary .
Which park is most suitable to visit for a family with children? We strongly recommend Khao Yai National Park for families travelling with children. We usually recommend the 2.5-day Khao Yai tour for families with children from about 4 years old. A longer trip might be possible if the kids are a bit older and have special interest in nature.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a savannah grassland terrain with high mountainous ranges. The national park covers an area of 16 square kilometers and is covered in naturally endowed pine trees and wild flowers. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is the watershed of streams that build the Nan River which spread across Phitsanulok and its neighboring province Phetchabun.
Also the Elephant Safari in Kui Buri is a great option for all ages. From the age of about 10 years onwards Kaeng Krachan National Park will also be an option. Mostly because the trails are a bit harder, and the itinerary a bit less diverse than Khao Yai.
The flatland is accessible through a 16 km clay road or from the trail starting at Ban Nong Mae Na for a distance of 15 km and the Mae Na park office is superb for exploring the ecological system of the park. Visitors looking for excitement should try the whitewater rafting at Kaeng Wang Nam Yen, featuring a 50x100 meter wide rapid and is approximately May 2016 APPROACH
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MUSIC
Olivia Newton John O
livia Newton-John, born in 1948 in England but raised in Australia is a very successful singer, songwriter and actress. She is a four-time Grammy award winner who has amassed five number-one and ten other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles, and two number-one Billboard 200 solo albums. Eleven of her singles (including two platinum) and fourteen of her albums (including two platinum and four double platinum) have been certified gold by the RIAA. She has sold an estimated 100 million records, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time. She’s topped the music charts in multiple genres and starred in one of Hollywood’s most popular movie musicals of the 1970s, “Grease,” which was the kind of film that can define a career. During the height of her popularity — and some would argue that she’s still there — you couldn’t beg, borrow or steal a seat for her global concert tours. Born in England and raised in Australia after her family moved there when she was 6, Newton-John was 14 when she and three schoolmates formed a short-lived all-girl group known as the Sol Four. The group lasted just long enough for Newton-John to catch the right ears and earn herself guest spots on local radio and television shows, where she performed under the name Lovely Livvy. 12
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In 1966, after winning a TV singing contest and using the prize of a plane ticket to England, she recorded her first single for Decca Records. She released her first solo album in 1971, “If Not for You,” which only made it to 158 on the pop charts, even though its title track was written by the already legendary Bob Dylan. Her recording career finally took flight when she began turning out hit songs in America. Oddly enough, some of the Aussie lady’s earliest songs were American country tunes, like “Let Me Be There” and “If You Love Me (Let Me Know).” Newton-John continues to sing those songs today and says they’ll never grow old for her. Olivia will be in Bangkok at the Royal Paragon Hall on May 10th.
Authentic italian restaur ant in hua hin That brings the real taste of Italy to Thailand You will taste the influence of Carlo’s Sicilian heritage with every beautiful dish and perfect wine selection. Carlo is an outstanding host by nature, and a great entertainer aswell, which is not a secret in Hua Hin. If you catch the right evening, Carlo will surprise you with his opera songs and bring you the real feel of Italy. Carlo’s Ristorante Italiano is the perfect place for fine Italian dining and to drink the best Italian wines. Carlo will warmly welcome you. Buon appetito e salute ! - Carlo Vitanza
Address: 174/1 Soi. Naresdamri, Hua-Hin, Prachuabkirikhun 77110 Thailand Phone: +66 (0)32 511 348 Mobile: +66 (0)81 197 4360 Email: info@carlo-huahin.com Website: www.carlo-huahin.com
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HUA HIN & BEYOND
Khun
Supaluck Umpujh
Changing the Face of Hua Hin
K
hun Supaluck Umpujh is the hardworking Vice Chairman of Siam Paragon, The Mall, The Emporium and EmQuartier Bangkok’s shopping and entertainment sensations. This dynamic businesswoman actually began her career as a lecturer in International Pharmacology, but diversified her field to effectively develop the family-owned retail business, which became the Mall Group over 25 years ago. Khun Supaluck was also honoured with the celebrated international award as one of the “Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World. The Mall Group was founded in 1979 by her father, the late Supachai Umpujh with its first mall ‘The Mall Rachadamri’. Now the leading force in shopping mall retailing in Thailand, The Mall Group owns and manages the leading malls in Bangkok including The Mall, Siam Paragon, The Emporium and EmQuartier in Bangkok.
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HUA HIN & BEYOND
There is no disputing the fact that The Mall Group’s branding, collaborations and determination had created this iconic and ‘new’ face of retail. “The business is only 35 years old, so still very young” Supaluck explains. “In the beginning my father had the idea to create his first shopping mall in Bangkok, but we were inexperienced, and had to learn the hard way that we had to have the ‘drive to win’ and to create the best team. We treat our executives and staff like family, but work professionally. We understand what our competitors are doing and ensure that we have created a winning formula for success!” No one understands that more than Khun Supaluck and her team who have comprehended for some time that it’s not only those living in Bangkok, Thai and expat, that would benefit from the lifestyle and
opportunities that arise from their luxury brands but also those visiting the city for business and for pleasure. Thai, Asian, Chinese, European, Russian, American, Australian, Middle Eastern the list goes on and all visit Thailand to experience the changing scene of tourism. The mall group has developed the strategy to create the concept of “Blu” for resort malls and will be launching the first of its kind in Hua Hin. The Bluport mall, opposite the Intercontinental hotel, will open its doors in the Fall of 2016. Khun Supaluck commented on the governments recognition of the importance of tourism as well as the importance of Thailand joining the AEC (Asean Economic Community) and how this might change the face of not only continual tourism growth but of the retail industry in Thailand
as a whole. Her answer was exactly what we expected: “The government does recognize the importance of tourism for Thailand and is investing in it as well. Thailand is a beautiful and cultural country and there’s no doubt that being part of AEC will help to make it grow”. Khun Supaluck’s view of the retail industry and her almost addictive enthusiasm is very refreshing. She is not only modest in her explanations about her successes but humble about her team, that she considers family. Her plans for the coming years are ambitious and exciting, not to mention admirably achievable and well within her, and her team’s reach. The changing face of retail in Thailand in our tourist destination resorts? The Iron Butterfly? Certainly! A realist as well as an opportunist? Definitely, but all based on her clear and passionate understanding of her country, her culture and her business. May 2016 APPROACH
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L´Orchestre Mozart
de Toulouse à Hua Hin
L
’Orchestre Mozart de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées (OMT) est constitué d’instrumentistes talentueux issus des Conservatoires de Paris, Lyon et Toulouse, et de musiciens-cadres de l’Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, soit 30 musiciens en formation complète. Créé sur une idée de Claude Roubichou, c’est un orchestre « de type Mozart » et à « géométrie variable », unique dans le paysage musical régional pourtant très riche et basé sur 3 types de formations: 12, 20,ou 30 musiciens. Orchestre de référence des chœurs de la Région, il a aussi pour vocation de promouvoir de jeunes talents. L’Orchestre Mozart Toulouse MidiPyrénées s’est déjà fait remarquer aux Flâneries Musicales de Reims,
à Colmar pour « Colmar fête le printemps », à Gramat pour « les Musicales du Causse », à PortVendres dans le cadre des « Nuits Musicales du Dôme ». De nombreux festivals l’ont déjà accueilli: Festival des Monts de la Madeleine, Festival 31 Notes d’été, Festival de Villevieille. Il participe régulièrement au « Festival Musique en mer ».
Bernard Soustrot, Guy Touvron, ainsi que les jeunes talents issus de Toulouse : Marie et Guillaume Chilemme, Nathanaël Gouin, Julien Martineau. Claude Roubichou, directeur musical et chef d’orchestre
2015 voit sa participation au Festival de la Vézère et au Festival de la Chaise Dieu. Parmi les solistes que l’Orchestre a accompagné, on peut citer Tasso Adamopoulos, Nicolas André, Delphine Benhamou, Thierry Caens, Jean Dekyndt, Bruno Delepelaire, Christian-Pierre La Marca, Geneviève Laurenceau, Philippe Mouratoglou, Déborah Nemtanu, Le Quatuor EPSILON, Etienne Peclard, Lucienne Renaudin-Vary, Stéphane Rougier,
Le Concert à Hua Hin – Le 20 Mai, 2016 au Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Commence à 6:00pm avec un aperitif et diner buffet internationale avec plateau de fromages et jambon francais, Vins et Biere inclus. THB 1,500 /pp Reservations: 032 521 234 Hyatt Regency Hua Hin 18
APPROACH May 2016
May 2016 APPROACH
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HUA HIN CULINARY
Sunday Brunch at
The Intercontinental Hua Hin Introducing
Executive Chef
Ri ccardo Ioanna O
verlooking pristine white sands, InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is a 5 star Hua Hin hotel practically on the beach with two beachfront villas with private pools. The beach side restaurant Azure offers international cuisine, designed and prepared by Riccardo, the Italian Executive Chef executive chef, in a casual all-you-can-eat style with barbecued and grilled items as highlights. From live cooking stations, diners can find the likes of grilled pork, sizzling tenderloin steaks and a great variety of Japanese sushi and sashimi freshly sliced.
“Dine whilst listening to the ocean waves.’’ For this relaxing brunch, seafood is represented by the coastal town’s best and the world’s prime-grade
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catch, including Tiger Prawns, Rock Lobsters, Blue Crab, Clams, New Zealand Mussels and French Oysters, all offered chilled on a bed of crushed ice. And celebrating the chef’s European roots are Italian specialties among others Saltimbocca, mouth-watering Veal filled with Parma ham, Pork Belly Roulade and whole grilled Red Snapper.
Savour the Sunday Brunch Buffet with live jazzy music at 1,700 Baht net per person including one bottle of Chandon for every two persons or 1,400 Baht net per person including soft drinks, drinking water, and fresh juices from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
Live Music
Every Saturday and Sunday from 7pm til 9pm.
Open for breakfast every morning from 9am The Admiral Hua Hin 19/6 Damnernkaseam Road, Hua Hin (Next to the Post Office)
www.TheAdmiralHuaHin.com Reservations call: 032 532 365
Meating & F ishing Feel the beat...Witness the sunset...Enjoy the best food selection!
Delight your taste buds with tender cut quality steak and pork cooked to perfection, served with tasty side dishes and a selection of fine sauces; savor fresh seafood from the sea, relish fresh salad and top it all with a selection of yummy desserts.
International BBQ buffet at
Every Saturday, 6 pm onwards THB 999.- nett per person and half price for children 6 - 12 years old (Kid's corner and pool available for your small members) Certificate Of Excellence
2015 WINNER
Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin
www.banyanthailand.com Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin 68/223 Mooban Hua Na, Nong Gae, Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand Tel: 0 32538 888 Email: booking@banyanthailand.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/BanyanTheResortHuaHin Instragram: banyantheresorthuahin
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Events & Festivals Coronation Day - Public Holiday 5th May 2016 In Thailand, May 5 is a public holiday to commemorate Coronation Day, known in Thai as Wan Chatramongkhol. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej came to the throne in June 1946 following the death of his brother. However, the king was only 18 at the time and it was decided that the new monarch should complete his studies before the formal coronation ceremony which took place on May 5, 1950. The ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, His Majesty has the title of King Rama IX and is the world’s longest reigning living monarch.
Where: Throughout Thailand
Visakha Bucha Day - Public Holiday 20th May This day commemorates three defining events in the life of the Lord Buddha which all occurred on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month (known as the Visakha month). The Visakha full moon marks the day on which Buddha was born, reached his enlightenment 35 years later and the day he died and entered Nirvana 45 years after that. It’s a day when most Thai Buddhists will visit their local temple to make merit.
Where: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya
Top of the Gulf Regatta 30th April - 4th May 2016 The annual Top of the Gulf Regatta takes place at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, which has grown to become the largest by boat number and become the centre of boat racing in Asia. This event helps to promote the tourism of Pattaya and attracts large keelboats and multihulls, dinghies, beach catamarans and youngsters sailing the Optimists. The event expects to welcome more than 500 sailors in more than 250 crafts to the water of the Gulf of Thailand.
Where: Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Ordination Parade On Elephant’s Back Festival 18th - 19th May 2016 Ordination Parade on Elephant’s Back Festival is when elephants parade and carry novice monks on their backs. This event takes place at Wat Chang Sawang, Ban Ta Klang and Amphoe Tha Tum where local Buddhist families wish their sons good luck on their journey to monkshood. It marks the day when novice monks are entering monkshoods where they will have their heads shaved to pay homage to the Chao Pho Want Halu Shrine.
Where: Wat Chaeng Sawang, Surin May 2016 APPROACH
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SOCIAL & HOTEL NEWS
Social & Hotel News
SONGKRAN CELEBRATION at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Songkran 2016 was recently celebrated at Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin. Activities were organized throughout the day, starting auspiciously with offering alms to the respective invited monks, scented-water sprinkling over the Buddha image, pouring water to the management. The evening event was opened by a welcome cocktail with Thai orchestra performance to welcome the guests. Over 170 guests enjoyed a delicious array of authentic Thai Buffet as well as spectacular the award winning traditional Thai puppet shows by the famous “Joe Louis” at the hotel’s lawn. The highlight of the night included Miss Songkran Beauty Contest, Best Songkran costumes, lucky draw prizes and live music by “Wine N Roses” band.
APPRECIATION to a Celebrity Promotor of Classical Music On behalf of all the guests at the regular monthly Culinary Classics at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, APPROACH magazine would like to thank Thai Baritone Khun Mongkol Chayasirisobhon and his lovely wife, famous Thai Soprano and Ajarn Duangdao for their tireless organizing of classical events in Thailand, especially in Hua Hin.
DUSIT THANI HUA HIN launched Water Saving for Life Campaign Hua Hin, Thailand – The Management of Dusit Thani Hua Hin launched the Water Saving for Life Campaign by invite all hotel staff to join by giving them a manual of how to save the water in order to encourage employees to recognize and realize the value of water using and reduce water use in the hotel.
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SOCIAL & HOTEL NEWS
Social & Hotel News NEWLY APPOINTED SPA DIRECTOR at The Barai Spa Hua Hin Hua Hin, Thailand - Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and THE BARAI are pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sylvia Marsden as Spa Director of THE BARAI. As a graduate of the University of Westminster, London with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours) in Complimentary Health, Ms. Marsden has spent more than 10 years working in the Health Industry with an international exposure including Europe, Africa and Asia. Prior to joining THE BARAI, Ms. Marsden held the position of Head of Practitioner Team & Wellness Consultant at Kamalaya, Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. Her focus was to support healthy lifestyle goals by guiding and supporting guests with detoxification, relaxation, fitness and weight management programmes.
THE TOULOUSE MOZART ORCHESTRA in Hua Hin The Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées (UNWTO) Mozart orchestra consists of talented instrumentalists from the conservatories of Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, and musicians of the National Orchestra of the of Toulouse. Created on an idea of Claude Roubichou, directeur musical et chef d’orchestre, the Toulouse Mozart Orchestra is based on a so-called variable geometry set-up which is unique in the regional musical landscape based on 3 types of formations: 12, 20, or 30 musicians. The Orchestra especially promotes young talents. The Orchestra Mozart Toulouse has attended many regional and international festivals, among other, Flâneries Musicales in Reims, Colmar Festival spring, in Gramat - the Musicales du Causse and many more national and international. Among the soloists that the Orchestra will bring to Hua Hin are : Min Yung Kim on the Piano, Ariane Wohlhuter as a Soloist Soprano and Phillippe Mouratoglou on the guitar. And presenting the Mozart de Toulouse Quintet Claude Roubichou, musical director and conductor.
TEA TIP OF THE MONTH The Colonial Afternoon Tea Set at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Afternoon Tea set includes a choice of open sandwiches, chocolate cakes as well as homemade biscuits and scones with a pot of traditional English tea or a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a complimentary glass of Sparkling wine at 550 Baht ++ per set. Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm at The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner May 2016 APPROACH
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Hua Hin
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THAI NATURE
The
NECTARINIIDAE
SUNBIRD
By Dr. George F. Grossniklaus
The sunbirds and spider hunters also called honey suckers, are a species-rich family in the order of the passerines (Passeriformes). They are small, slender passerines from the Old World. The sunbirds (Nectariniidae), The family includes 15 genera. There are 132 species in this 15 genera.
A
bout half of the species of sunbirds are spread throughout Africa, south of the Sahara. The other half of the species, have their habitat from South Asia to Australia. The sunbirds have counterparts in two very distantly related groups: the hummingbirds of the Americas and the honeyeaters of Australia. The resemblances are due to convergent evolution brought about by a similar nectarfeeding lifestyle. Some sunbird species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but they usually perch to feed.
Characteristics The quite lively, active sunbirds are ecologically the counterparts of American hummingbirds in the Old World. But their flight is not as agile, and they can, unlike the hummingbirds hovering only a short time on the spot. They have strong legs, with which they can sit during food intake, and - as the honeyeater – they possess a long, slightly curved beak. Their long tongue with which they suck the nectar from the flowers and catch insects, can be widely protruded. Most sunbirds feed largely on nectar, but also take insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Flower tubes that bar access to nectar because of their shape, are simply punctured at the base near the nectaries. Fruit is also part of the diet of some species. Their flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Male birds are often colour colourful and wearing a metallic shiny plumage. The females are inconspicuous, with few exceptions. The family ranges in size from the 5-gram Black bellied sunbird to the spectacled spider hunter, at about 45 grams. Like the hummingbirds, sunbirds are strongly sexually dimorphic.
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APPROACH May 2016
(Sexual dimorphism is the condition where the two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs. The condition occurs in many animals, insects, birds and some plants. Differences may include secondary sex characteristics, size, colour, markings, and may also include behavioural d i f f e r e n ce s . These differences may be subtle or exaggerated, and may increase over time as a result of sexual selection.) The sunbirds and spider hunters occupy a wide range of habitats, with a majority of species being found in primary rainforest, but other habitats used by the family including disturbed secondary forest, open woodland, open scrub and savannah, coastal scrub and alpine forest. Some species have readily adapted to human modified landscapes such as plantations, gardens and agricultural land. Many species are able to occupy a wide range of habitats from sea level to 4900 m.
Breeding The Sunbirds in non-Tropical or Equatorial areas synchronize their breeding activities with the time when the largest number of flowers are available. Several sunbird and sugarbird species breed in winter when most flowers are out, but when it is colder. Sunbird which are breeding outside of the equatorial regions are mainly seasonal breeders, with the majority of these species do breed in the wet season. This timing particularly reflects the increased availability of prey in form of insect for the growing young. The buff-throated sunbird,
THAI NATURE breed in the dry season, it is thought to be related with the flowering of their favoured food plants. Species of sunbird in the equatorial areas breed throughout the year. They are generally monogamous and often territorial. The sunbirds nests are generally purse-shaped, enclosed, suspended from thin branches with lavishly use of spiderweb. Generally in most species the female alone constructs the nest. She lays up to four eggs. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs solely, although the male assists in rearing the nestlings. The nests of sunbirds and spiderhunters are often targeted by brood parasites such as cuckoos and noneyguides.
Behaviour Sunbird are active diurnal birds that generally occur in pairs or occasionally in small family groups. A few species occasionally gather in larger groups, and sunbird will join with other birds to mob potential predators, although sunbirds will also aggressively target other species, even if they are not predators, when defending their territories.
(Diurnality is a plant or animal behaviour characterized by activity during the day, with a period of sleeping, or other inactivity, at night. The common adjective used for daytime activity is “diurnal�. The timing of activity by an animal depends on a variety of environmental factors such as the temperature, the ability to gather food by sight, the risk of predation, and many others. Different behaviors may occur at different times of year; diurnality is a cycle of activity with a twenty-four-hour period while other cyclic activities are described as circadian rhythms. Animals active at dawn or dusk are described as crepuscular while those active at night are nocturnal. Some animals, such as those living underground, may be active at any time of day or night.)
Relationship with humans Overall the family has fared better than many others, with only seven species considered to be threatened with extinction. Most species are fairly resistant to changes in habitat, and while attractive the family is not sought after by the cagebird trade, as they have what is considered an unpleasant song and are tricky to keep alive. May 2016 APPROACH
31
MONEY AFFAIRS
Avoid “Honest Andy’s
By Jerry McMenamin
International Investments ” By Jerry McMenamin
As long as expatriate managers exist they will continue to look for the safest and most advantageous products and jurisdictions for their savings. Likewise foreigners who sell up and retire in Thailand
R
emember the heady days of 12 and 13% return on deposit accounts in Thai banks. Many retired foreigners thought the good times would never end and when they did, regretted they had not taken or not listened to a professional financial advisor. Usually expats in positions of authority did. That’s why they were managers in the first place.
There are some common sense rules. Never ever give money to a broker. It doesn’t matter if he is a member of your church, your family or your golf club and you have known him for twenty years. If someone offers you a guaranteed product with returns above 6% per annum, read the small print before you thrash it. Only place your savings or capital with a company with a pedigree of at least 150 years and with assets under management of at least US$100 billion dollars However for the ultra cautious and for those who want to sleep well please accept one other bit of advice. Before you transfer money to your broker recommended investment, from your offshore bank or your bank in your home country, look that company up in an international directory and ring them directly. Ask them for their bank details and the bank account number for the currency you are transferring.. Get them to fax or post to you these details. If this matches the bank transfer instructions your broker has given you then do it.
Thailandexpatfinance@yahoo.com 32
APPROACH May 2016
If you see “Honest Andy’s International Investments” Est. 2002 with assets under management of 100,000 Dollars offering guaranteed returns of 12% but to avail of the special offer you need to give them a cheque today of at least US$10,000. You know what? If you give them the cheque, change your name from Mr. Greedy to Mr. Stupid. The most important consideration in any investment or savings plan is the level of consumer protection in the jurisdiction of your choice. One final consideration for the cautious. We will not all live until retirement age. Even if we do it is our responsibility to ensure that when we die our beneficiaries inherit our estate in full. Don’t let the financial predators follow you into the grave.
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THAI LEGAL
Overstay
Thailand
in A reminder about overstay in Thailand
O
verstaying is the act of staying in Thailand exceeding the duration of your permit to stay as stated by the stamp or visa in particular. If, for example, you’re deemed to exit the country by 15th of May (as stamped in your passport) and you’re still in Thailand by the 16th of May, you are already overstaying. It is every alien’s obligation to exit Thailand on or before their permit of stay expires, so no matter what the reasons are, it is necessary to report and present yourself to the immigration as required. Aliens and foreign citizens are the only ones liable to this offense.
are serious about fighting crime and doing everything to avoid it. If you think that the severity of overstay is not justified, please read below the consequences of overstay in Europe ( Shengen Visa): Overstaying Schengen visa can result in a number of consequences.
Fine: The first consequence to overstaying Schengen visa is a fine. The state in which you remained when overstaying Schengen visa can impose a fine which can be very expensive.
Police have called on foreigners to carry their passports with them at all times in order to help officers crackdown on threatening crime. Foreigners residing in Thailand are kindly asked to carry their Thai driver´s licence to identify themselves or their valid passport or a recent photocopy of the passport. Anyone not able to be identified if questioned will be taken to the nearest authorities and held until the identification is made. A fine will be raised for anyone not complying to the rule. The measures are meant to boost confidence between tourists and the security forces, showing that Thai authorities
Probably the most severe punishment for overstaying Schengen visa can be a ban on entry. A ban on entry is usually issued for 1 to 3 years. A traveller overstaying Schengen visa may not be allowed back into Schengen countries for 1 to 3 years. Overstaying Schengen visa can be very expensive. Travelers have known to have been fined 700 EUR by the Greece embassy after 20 days of overstaying Schengen visa. He had two options, either to pay a 700 EUR fine to the embassy or not to pay the 700 EUR fine but then not be allowed to get back to Greece and the whole Schengen zone for 5 years.
Editor´s note : Better be safe than Sorry….Check your visa ! 34
APPROACH May 2016
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FINANCIAL
The World & Eurozone
Economy
Early Signs Of A Bottom In Global Pessimism?
H
eading into today’s inflation data, the prospects of German 10-year government interest rates going negative had added to the heightened risk aversion in global markets. And we’ve been talking this week about how markets are set up for a positive surprise on the inflation front, which could further support the mending of global confidence.
notes last week, the world needs to see “green shoots” in Europe.
On cue, the Eurozone inflation data (the most important data point on inflation in the world right now) came in better than expected. We know Europe, like Japan, is throwing the kitchen sink of extraordinary monetary policies at the economy in an effort to reverse economic stagnation and another steep fall into deflation. And we know that the path forward in Europe, at this stage, will directly affect that path forward in the U.S. and global economy. So, as we said in one of our
However, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over the euro; the IMF has already made the case for greater debt reduction, albeit through NPV reduction achieved through very longterm rescheduling with an extended grace period at a favorable interest rate rather than a ‘haircut’ on the face value of the debt. Still this does not seem to work.
36
APPROACH May 2016
With the better Eurozone inflation data today, we may be seeing the early signs of a bottom in this cycle of global pessimism and uncertainty.
German yields are now trading double the levels of March.
The Greek parliament has passed the reforms, but the government is divided. Here’s the problem: passing reforms is
one thing; effective implementation of them is an entirely different matter! And, while opposition parties joined to pass legislation in order to avoid the leap into the unknown of Grexit, it is not unreasonable for opposition parties to disassociate themselves from the measure when the inevitable social backlash comes. The temptation to let Syriza bear the political costs will be too great. So, the Greek drama is likely not over. The question is how long the intermission will last; the final curtain will only come down when governance is addressed or the Greeks cut the Gordian knot and reintroduce the Drachma. But it is not only the Greek problem. Italy , Portugal, Spain and France are also dragging their legs although Spain shows positive signs of recovery!
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
g n i r Sp
Liver Cleansing O
ne of the most important factors that contribute to the many health problems which we suffer from is toxicity. Our body produces its own toxins in the form of metabolic waste products. In the past, except under unusual circumstances, our capacity to remove waste products and toxins from our body tissues was usually able to meet our needs. However, today we live in an increasingly toxic environment. As a result, the amount of toxicity that we absorb typically exceeds our capacity to eliminate it. This results in a more or less constant increase in the level of toxicity in our body tissues throughout our lives, as well as a cumulative increase in toxicity from generation to generation. The consequences of this are reduced or abnormal immune function and the full gamut of chronic conditions such as allergies, cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer. Much of the toxicity in our tissues comes from our immediate environment: the food we eat; the water we drink and bathe in; the kinds of cosmetics and cleaning products we use; and off-gassing of carpets, furniture, building materials, and other sources. The rest of it comes from the general environment. All of these sources are direct consequences of the choices that we make every day, individually and collectively as a society. When toxins accumulate in the body tissues and fluids, they are removed via the circulatory (blood and lymph) and eliminatory organs and systems of our bodies (kidneys, colon, skin and lungs). However, before they can be eliminated, many toxins must first be processed by the liver. 40
APPROACH May 2016
The liver is one of the most complex and diverse organs in the body. It is directly or indirectly involved in virtually every physiological process.
When it comes to detoxification, the liver has many important functions: • it manufactures lipoproteins which help to transport fat-soluble toxins that don’t dissolve well in our blood and lymph it breaks many toxins down into less toxic components; • converts some fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble molecules that can more easily be eliminated in our urine, and to some degree in our sweat; • dissolves fat-soluble toxins that cannot be converted into a water-soluble form in bile and then secretes them into the digestive tract so they can be eliminated in our feces. In addition, bile produced by the liver has a natural laxative effect that facilitates general elimination of toxins and waste products via the colon. It is therefore necessary that our diet and lifestyle support the health of these organs. It is important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Lemons and limes are very detoxifying. I recommend drinking lemon or lime water on a regular basis. Squeeze a wedge of one of these citrus fruits into a large glass of water and then leave it to soak in the water, as there are important constituents in the skin of the fruit as well. Green leafy vegetables are also detoxifying, especially those that are on the bitter side such as rapini, mustard greens,
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Belgian endive, escarole, dandelion leaves and chicory leaves.
and the typical proportions in which they are used include:
It’s good to eat a variety of both raw and cooked greens. Juicing them is also excellent. You can also add a small amount of freshly juiced grasses such as wheat, barley, kamut or oat. Green juice powders and algae such as spirulina and chlorella are also good, but live, freshly juiced greens are the best. Certain vegetable oils are also very good for our liver – in particular flax seed, olive and coconut oil are recommended.
garlic bulb 10 to 15%, - cayenne fruit 1 to 2% - turmeric rhizome 20 to 25% - elecampane root 20 to 25% - ginger rhizome 10 to 15%
On the negative side, we need to reduce as much as possible consumption of: • Bad fats and oils (trans fats/oils, rancid fats/oils and saturated fats of animal origin); • High glycemic load foods (sweets, white flour products, whole grain flours that are not stone ground, polished grains, puffed grains, sweet fruit and vegetable juices, and dried fruits); • Hormone disruptors (water and food stored in plastic, commercially raised livestock, pesticides and herbicides, steroid drugs, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies); • Medicinal and social drugs; • Agricultural chemicals and all other sources of toxins in our water, food, cosmetic products, cleaning products, home furnishings, building materials and chemicals used in our workplace. It is up to each of us to decide how committed we are to living a healthy lifestyle. It is not recommend becoming neurotic about food choices. This only creates more stress, which is counter-productive to our health and well-being. We all need to lighten up now and then, and sometimes that may involve eating or doing things that aren’t exactly healthy, but if we are doing our best most of the time, it’s OK to consciously “cheat” periodically, as long as we don’t go to extremes. Enjoying life is also important for our overall well-being. To create a simple but effective cleansing formulation we need to include herbs. They mainly consists of warming herbs that help to increase our overall circulation. Some of these herbs that are best suited to start a detox formulation
A relatively healthy person will get the best results from a detox formulation if it is taken for about two to three months. A longer period is required for anyone with chronic health conditions. Since cleansing is so important for our overall health and well-being, and spring is the natural time of year to do it, it is recommended to do some kind of spring detox as part of a healthy lifestyle. We mustn’t forget, however, that no matter how well we eat, how much we exercise and how often we engage in a cleansing program, the level of health that we can achieve will be limited if we are living in a toxic world. Our personal well-being cannot be separated from the health of our environment. It’s empowering to realize that when we make choices that are healthy for ourselves, we will also be making choices that are healthy for the world we live in. Editor´s Note: A herbal cleanse however is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or young children. In addition anyone with a serious illness such as diabetes, heart condition or cancer, or anyone on medication should consult with a qualified practitioner before attempting any kind of detox. May 2016 APPROACH
41
THE BEST GOLF CLUB EXPERIENCE IN ASIA PACIFIC
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KIDS & EDUCATION
International School Systems T
he United States boasts the best education system in the world. It claims to attract great numbers of international students. The international school rankings released in 2016 tell another story: that America’s rising generation is not as competitive in critical thinking and problem solving as students in other countries. Out of 65 school systems tested, the United States ranked, on average, 26th. This represents a drop from 15 just three years ago. The U.S. ranked 14th in reading, virtually the same ranking as the 2003 test, 17th in science, which is an improvement from 21st in 2006; and 25th in mathematics, the same ranking as 2006.
Ranking the World’s Educational Systems 1.
South Korea
2.
Japan
3.
Singapore
4.
Hong Kong
5.
Finland
6.
UK
7.
Canada
8.
Netherlands
9.
Ireland
10. Poland Courtesy of Edudemic Institute
44
APPROACH May 2016
The rankings also show that Asian school systems dominate the top of the charts. Eight out of the ten best performers are in Asia. They are: Shanghai, Hong Kong, Finland, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Taipei, and Australia. England knows what school success looks like; they’ve done it. Scores were up throughout the country, students graduated. When Tony Blair became Prime Minister, he was lauded for saying his top three priorities were “education, education, education!” At the time, England’s school system was meagre compared to other industrialized nations although the country was near the top of the list in international benchmarking measures.
Some of the key findings of the report are as follows: East Asian nations continue to outperform others. South Korea tops the rankings, followed by Japan (2nd), Singapore (3rd) and Hong Kong (4th). All these countries’ education systems prize effort above inherited ‘smartness’, have clear learning outcomes and goalposts, and have a strong culture of accountability and engagement among a broad community of stakeholders. Scandinavian countries, traditionally strong performers, are showing signs of losing their edge. Finland, the 2012 Index leader, has fallen to 5th place; and Sweden is down from 21st to 24th. Notable improvements include Israel (up 12 places to 17th), Russia (up 7 places to 13th) and Poland (up four places to 10th). Developing countries populate the lower half of the Index, with Indonesia again ranking last of the 40 nations covered, preceded by Mexico (39th) and Brazil (38th). Unfortunately , Thailand ranked 35 with Indonesia trailing the list at rank 40.
KIDS & EDUCATION
Britain has the second-best education system in Europe, trailing only Finland, thanks to its strong science teaching and its high literacy, school completion and university graduation rates, according to a global review. The table puts the UK sixth in the world. The only large countries to beat it were South Korea and Japan. Germany is dedicated to developing one of the best educational systems in the world. The education is fully a state matter and hence has nothing to do with the federal government. The kindergarten is optional, but the secondary education is compulsory. Secondary education follows five types of schools. German universities are among one of the world’s best institutes and a powerhouse to impart education in Europe.
4th position in terms of English speaking ability in 2012, so if you want to teach English abroad, there may be some valuable career options there too. School starts at 7 years - No homework for young children - No exams until you turn 13 All classes are mixed ability - Max 16 students in science class - Lots of break time every day Teacher training to masters level - Teacher training is paid for by government Alternatively to normal school education , is Homeschooling, also known as home education. Home education is usually conducted by a parent or tutor. Many families that start out with a formal school structure at home often switch to less formal and, often, more effective ways of imparting education outside of school. Homeschooling in the United States is practised in remote areas and farms where the trip to a school is too far. In Germany homeschooling is prohibited by law as education is free and compulsory. The authorities are bound to react dramatically with even taking the kids away from the parents and putting them in boarding schools . Some parent have moved to the US to escape being harassed.
Teaching is held in high regard as a career and brings elevated social status, even if not necessarily being a wellpaid career choice. A good education is also prized socially and even children want to do well so that they can be considered to be well educated. But before you move to Asia seeking a better education for your family, you may be interested to hear how Finland do things. Oh and if you were wondering, Finland scored May 2016 APPROACH
45
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MOTORING
Wannahaves?
Some you can buy and some you can’t. DUKW “Duck” amphibious truck - USA The amphibious DUKW is better known by a friendlier name: the Duck. Built on GMC’s heavy-duty CCKW military truck chassis, the Duck featured a slab-sided boat hull for a body and a single 25in propeller behind its rearmost axle. Powered by a 92-horsepower in-line six-cylinder engine, it tipped the scales at close to 15,000lbs (6,804kg). Price: The restored example pictured here $78,775 - 2.84M Baht
Jeep Staff Car Concept - USA The military-styled Staff Car is one of seven Jeep-derived concept vehicles. Based on the Wrangler Unlimited, the concept is painted Sandstorm tan and topped with a stretched canvas roof. Power comes from the standard Wrangler’s 3.6-litre gasoline V-6 engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and, of course, four-wheel drive and the Wrangler Rubicon’s Dana 44 locking axles. Price: NA. but definitely more than 3.5M Baht
Renault Sherpa - France Renault’s mighty Sherpa owes its appeal to the charismatic appearances of the civilian model in the grueling Dakar Rally. Available by special order in Russia, Africa and the Middle East, the non-military Sherpa can be had as an unarmoured station wagon or pickup. Power comes from a deafening 4.76-litre fourcylinder diesel engine. Its 215hp and 590lb-ft of torque reach all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Price Approximately $272,000 - 9.8M Baht
GAZ Tigr - Russia That the military Tigr bears a passing resemblance to the American Humvee is, nothing more than coincidence. Beneath its expansive hood rumbles a 5.9-litre diesel engine, which meets a six-speed manual transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive. Price in Russia: approximately 3.5M Rubles $110,000 – 3,96M Baht
48
APPROACH May 2016
MOTORING
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 Germany / Austria The Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, otherwise known as the G Class, is ancient. Merely revised during more than 30 years of production. The new G63 AMG 6x6 packs a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine producing 536hp and 560lb-ft of torque. The engine meets the six-by-six drivetrain from Mercedes’ hulking Zetros truck. Price in Europe: 379,000 Euros - 15M Baht
Paramount Marauder – South Africa Ten tonnes of South African stoutness, the Marauder is possessed of a double-skin monocoque that helps it resist virtually all forms of light-arms fire, as well as the occasional anti-tank mine. It also, is rather good as a city runabout – provided the pilot steers clear of fast-food drive-throughs. Price: $485,000 - 17.5M Baht
Supacat LRV 400 - Britain **Briefing:** The Qt Wildcat - formerly known as the Bowler Wildcat - is a Land Rover Defender-based cross-country rally runner. The LRV packs a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine from Ford that’s good for 236 horsepower, although buyers may opt for gasoline V8 engines producing as much as 640hp. Price: approximately $250,000 - 9M Baht
Volkswagen Type 181 - The Thing Germany The Volkswagen Type 181 was a two-wheel rear drive, four-door, convertible, off-road, manufactured by Volkswagen from 1968 to 1983. Originally developed for the West German Army, the Type 181 was also sold to the public. Engine 1.5 or 1.6l , Transmission 4 -speed manual. Price. Depending on condition 15,000 Euro up 600,000 ++ Baht
Alternatively, highly interesting The Toyota Setsuna Toyota’s Setsuna is probably the most unique concept car to debut from a major automaker this year. If it’s not obvious from looking at it, this adorable little roadster is made almost entirely of wood - Japanese cedar and birch, to be specific - and was built using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques that don’t involve nails or screws. Basically, the Setsuna is more of a work of art and craftsmanship than it is a car. Price: Priceless ! May 2016 APPROACH
49
Pool Villa FOR SALE
Hua Hin Golf Villa located closed to Klaikangwol Palace, just over a kilometer to down town and 100 meters walk to the beach on Hua Hin Soi 41. Our rooms seamlessly blend the traditional and the contemporary. Tasteful teak furniture and wooden flooring is complimented by free wireless internet service and satellite TV. Hua Hin Soi 41 Tel : (032) 531392-6 Fax : (032) 512085 info@huahingolfvilla.com
www.huahingolfvilla.com
Hua Hin Golf Tours is Thailand’s first registered golf tour company. Established in 1992 with headquarter located in Hua Hin.
Our Services • Golf Packages • Hotel Reservations • Golf Reservations • Transportations • Tours & Sightseeing • Golf Lesson • Etc.
Tel. 032 530119, 530476-8 E-mail : hhgolf@huahingolf.com WWW.HUAHINGOLF.COM
3 bedroom pool villa fully furnished with carport and covered frontal terrace. Living area 180 m2 incl.– Plot 480 M2 – Freehold with company Freshly painted in & out. High quality standard. Well kept detailed garden. 24 hour security & maintenance. Conveniently located on Soi 112 with speedy access to the By Pass Highway and Downtown Hua Hin.
For more info call: +66 (0) 83 310 4260 After April 11th: +66 89 009 8560 or +66 89 028 2982
Situated in Orchid Palm Homes 6 at a plot of 1614 square meters, the villa has a spacious entrance area with front garden. 403 sqm of livingspace provide a spacious living area with modern kitchen (Kivk) 4 bedrooms (including 1 br. / 1 bath in a Guest House), carport, laundry room, 12 x 4 meters swimming pool, poolside gazebo with barbecue area and storage room and a large landscaped garden with Mountain View. Quiet located in Soi 88, 6.5 km to Down Town (Shuttle Bus Service).
13.500.000 Baht only, fully furnished and ready to move in Contact: Rosse Immobilien Co., Ltd., Mr. Martin Rosse 081-253-1443 or Khun Nui 098-523-1457 www.thailand-immobilien.ch Office: 230/9 Petchakasem Rd. (close to Soi 88 Entrance, close to Power Buy)
Official Dealer For
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Sony Xperia Z5 Compact - A compact beast with a splendid price
OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 4.6-inch | Resolution: 720x1280 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB | Battery: 2,700mAh | Rear camera: 23MP | Front camera: 5.1MP
The Sony Xperia Z5 Compact is another in the line of smaller handsets from the Japanese brand, packing in all the power into a smaller, more manageable phone. It’s got all the same power credentials as the Xperia Z5 and Sony Xperia Z5 Premium, but has the added bonus of being a lot more pocketable. The main reason you’d go for this phone is that it’s a dinkier device, with a 4.6-inch screen combined with the strong camera, waterproofed chassis and allows you to hear all your audio in beautiful upscaled sound quality. Battery life could be better, but it’s no worse than a lot on this list - and Sony certainly has a unique design that plenty like to fondle.
Price: 18,990 Baht
HTC One M9 - A great phone with a phenomenal build quality
OS: Android 5.1 | Screen size: 5-inch Resolution: 1920x1080 | RAM: 3GB Storage: 32GB | Battery: 2840mAh Rear camera: 20.7MP | Front camera: 4MP
The key thing about the HTC One M9 is the design: it’s beautiful, and the ‘jewellery-grade’ finish and attention to detail does hit you the second you pick this phone up for the first time. Front-facing Boomsound speakers really offer some impressive audio.
Price: 18,600 Baht
Huawei Nexus 6P - The best phone for those that like a simple interface
OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.7-inch | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 | RAM: 3GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB/128GB | Battery: 3,450mAh | Rear camera: 12.3MP | Front camera: 8MP
The Nexus 6P is a larger phone, but that means it comes with some upgraded specs too. There’s a vivid QHD display, which is much sharper than many other smartphone around, but Huawei (the brand making the Google Nexus phablet) has tried hard to make it more palm-friendly. There’s the innovative placement of the fingerprint scanner on the back - which is both quick and accurate, while being much safer than a PIN. Thanks to the improved camera and battery capabilities you’ll likely be very impressed with what Huawei has made here. Price: 18,600 Baht
iPhone SE - A simply brilliant palm-friendly phone
Weight: 113g | Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm | OS: iOS 9 | Screen size: 4-inch | Resolution: 640 x 1136 CPU: Apple A9 | RAM: 2GB | Storage: 16GB/64GB | Battery: 1624mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 1.2MP
The iPhone SE sports a tired design, has a screen that’s several years old and a display size which It won’t be for everyone, but for those who dislike the supersized phones of today the iPhone SE is a top performer on a miniature scale.
Price: 15,500 Baht
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - The best smartphone in the world - it’s a work of art OS: Android 6 | Screen size: 5.5-inch | Resolution: 1440 x 2560 | RAM: 4GB | Storage:32GB | Battery: 3600mAh | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 5MP
Last year’s Galaxy S6 Edge was a good phone, but not brilliant. It was the same as the Samsung Galaxy S6, but had a curved screen - and that was it. It was the same size, power and camera, and that wasn’t enough. The camera is just brilliant, the mix of metal and glass is really nice to hold, and even the Touchwiz overlay is turning into something more usable than before. Battery life improvements are hugely welcomed, and while the price is higher, it’s now affixed to a phone that offers simply the best in nearly every department, so many will be happy with the outlay. Price: 26,900 Baht
Disclaimer: Latest Mobile Prices are daily updates from Thailand Local Mobile Phone market but APPROACH can not guarantee that the information (Prices) on this page is 100% correct. If you think that any information for the current phone is wrong or missing, please contact us. 52
APPROACH May 2016
» 200m to Golf Course to Sam Roi Yot » 300m National Park » 800m to the Beach
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M I L F O R D E S TAT E
SPORTS
J ohan C ruyff THE GREATEST AJAX PLAYER OF ALL TIME Football world in mourning after Holland legend passes away The football world has come together to pay tribute to Johan Cruyff after the Holland legend passed away on Thursday 24th March 2016 at the age of 68 after losing his battle with cancer. Cruyff, who was synonymous with Ajax and Barcelona both as a player and manager, was considered one of the greatest footballers ever.
Ronaldinho wrote: “Today we regret the death of the great leader Johan Cruyff. My feelings to the family of this eternal legend.” Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney wrote: ‘Sad news about Johan Cruyff earlier today. Football has lost a true great legend’. England legend Sir Bobby Charlton, meanwhile, has hailed Johan Cruyff was one of the all-time greats He was one of the greatest footballers I have ever seen, you would put him in the same class as Pele, Di Stefano and Maradona. The kind of football he played changed the game and still has an impact today.’
Franz Beckenbauer, captain of the Germany side that beat Cruyff’s Holland in the 1974 World Cup final tweeted an image of the pair in action alongside a more recent picture of the duo posing together and said: “I am shocked. Johan #Cruyff is dead . He was not only a very good friend , but as a brother to me.” David Beckham: “Johan Cruyff is pound for pound the most important man in the history of football. There shouldn’t be any real argument about it. Johan Cruyff is, pound for pound, the most important man in the history of football. Some players achieved more in terms of prizes, fine. His coaching career was stellar but short. OK. But if you do the ‘pound-for-pound’ measurement, which boxing utilises to pit fighters of different sizes and eras against each other, then it’s Cruyff, by a million miles.“ May 2016 APPROACH
55
SPORTS
Anniversary of Sailing Across the GULF OF SIAM A commemorative and impressive crossing of the Gulf of Siam in singled handed sailing boats by Peter Hubregtse and Joos Bos dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumipol. The King’s love of the sea and sailing has been legendary and is inherent in the development of the folklore of sailing in Thailand. On 19 April, 1966, His Majesty sailed the OK dinghy he had built himself across the Gulf, from the Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin to the Royal Thai Navy base at Sattahip near Pataya. This distance of 60 nautical miles ( 111.2 km) required tremendous concentration, physical endurance and willpower. His Majesty King Bhumiopol mastered this discipline with royal courage, stamina and determination in 16 hours. When he arrived, dressed in full marines’ uniform, he erected a marine flag at Kon Hin Yai, or “big rock,” in the center of Toey Ngam. Exactly 50 years after this royal event, two daring Dutch experienced senior sailors, Peter Hubregtse (52) and Joos Bos (62) set off on their long distance trial for their epic crossing to Sattahip in honour of His Majesty’s crossing 50 years ago. This time, the trip took almost exactly 11 hours due to strong winds and the streamlined modern Olympic Finn class sailing boat. The Finn dinghy is the men’s single-handed, cat-rigged Olympic class for sailing. It was designed by Swedish canoe designer, Rickard Sarby, in 1949 for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. Since the 1952 debut of the boat, the design has been in every summer Olympics, making it one of the most prolific Olympic sailboats as it is the longest serving dinghy in the Olympic Regatta. The crossing started in Hua Hin at 5 am in the morning and ended in Sattahip around 4 pm that afternoon.
APPROACH magazine congratulates Peter & Joos for this commemorative and impressive crossing. 56
APPROACH May 2016
Expand your horizons ... High quality Aluminium Door & Window Systems Folding Doors 路 Sliding Doors 路 Slide & Turn Doors 路 Windows
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ENTERTAINMENT
CONCERTS and LIVE SHOWS in
Bangkok
MAY : An Evening with Olivia Newton-John Venue: Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok Olivia Newton-John, AO, OBE (born 26 September 1948) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is a four-time Grammy award winner who has amassed five number-one and ten other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles, and two number-one Billboard 200 solo albums. Eleven of her singles (including two platinum) and fourteen of her albums (including two platinum and four double platinum) have been certified gold by the RIAA. She has sold an estimated 100 million records, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time. She starred in Grease, which featured one of the most successful soundtracks in Hollywood history..
When : May 10th, 2016 | Ticket Price: 5,500 / 4,500 / 3,500 / 2,500 Baht
MAY : Ashkenazy 2 Piano Recital Venue: Thailand Cultural Center, Main Hall, Bangkok Widely considered as one of the greatest living pianists, the Russian-born Vladimir Ashkenazy has been on the concert stage for almost 60 years, range, rhythmical drive, virtuosity, superb color palette and utmost musicianship. While praised for his exceptional range, he is perhaps the world’s finest interpreter of Sergei Rachmaninoff, whose “Symphonic Dances” will be performed in a rare two-piano interpretation with his son. Having such a father obviously represented a challenge for his son, Vovka Ashkenazy, who nevertheless decided to become a pianist himself. Vovka has quickly managed to build a remarkable international career.
When : May 14th, 2016 | Ticket Price : 3,200 / 2,700 / 2,200 / 1,600 / 800 Baht
MAY : CHRISTINA KINGDOM CONCERT Venue : Royal Paragon Hall, Bangkok Christina Aguilar is the daughter of Spanish-Filipino musician Tony Aguilar and Margaret, his French wife. Christina was born in Bangkok, Thailand. Christina performs with various artists on a special project CHRISTINA KINGDOM CONCERT . Christina Aguilar is one of Thailand's biggest artists. With her debut album "Ninja", Aguilar was the first female artist in Thailand to sell over 1,000,000 copies. Following with several albums, Thais name her as the Thai "Dancing Queen"
When: May 21st & 22nd, 2016 | Ticket Price : 4,000 / 3,500 / 3,000 / 2,500 / 2,000 / 1,500 Baht
MAY : Mozart Orchestra Toulouse Venue : Hyatt Regency Hotel Hua Hin The Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées (UNWTO) Mozart orchestra consists of talented instrumentalists from the conservatories of Paris, Lyon and Toulouse, and musicians-frames of the National Orchestra of the Capitole of Toulouse with 30 musicians in full training. Created on an idea of Claude Roubichou, this is an orchestra type Mozart' with a 'variable geometry', unique in the regional musical landscape yet very rich and based on 3 types of formations: 12, 20, or 30 musicians. A musical delicacy in Hua Hin
When: May 20th, 2016 Ticket Price : 1500 Baht including an International Buffet and free flow of drinks
For more info & booking visit: www.thaiticketmajor.com 58
APPROACH May 2016
Palm Avenue luxury Villas
Palm Avenue luxury Villas is perfect located in Hua Hin, a 500 meters walk to the Main Road, or 5 km to Downtown. Poolvillas available from 4.35 to 9.65 Mil. Baht in modern Architecture and high Building Standards.
Mon Mai Home – short walk to Restaurants
Hin Lek Fai Villa – peaceful located
680 sqm Land , 200 s qm Livingspace, 3 br.
1.600 sqm Land, 240 sqm Livingspace, 3 br.
Sale 5.5 Mil. Baht or Rent 25.000 B./m. longterm
9.5 Mil. Baht fully furnished, ready to move in
HH
REAL ESTATE
ROSSE IMMOBILIEN CO., LTD.
081-253-1443 (deu/eng) Sales & Construction
230/9 Petchakasem Rd. Hua Hin
088-477-7976 (thai/eng/deu) Rentals & Sales
Opposite Mariott Resort & Spa
098-523-1457 (thai/eng) Rentals & Sales
www.thailand-immobilien.ch
Email: info@thailand-immobilien.ch
info@thailand-immobilien.ch
Villa Khemanatra (Pranburi)
Luxury 5 br. Villa in serviced Development (OPH4)
300 sqm Land, 109 sqm Livingspace, 2 br.
862 sqm Land, 270 sqm Livingspace, 3+2 br.
2.39 Mil. Baht only, 5 months for construction
18.5 Mil. Baht fully furnished, ready to move in