Approach Magazine August 2016 by Approach Magazine

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Approach Magazine Thailand Issue 43 : August 2016

ISSUE 43 : AUGUST 2016

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Coastal Temples South of Hua Hin

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Editor in Chief Gerard Mosselman Office Manager Pimwee P. (Kob) My eyes were opened again when my wife send me a video about racism. Go on U Tube and write “Racism is destroyed in 1 minute“ by Jane Elliot. “There is no space for racism on this planet. We are all part of one race, the human race.” A true vision on the current situation. Whatever causes racism, get rid of it! With a growing Hua Hin, I discovered the soon to be inaugurated International Conference Centre behind the Kasetart Veterinarian Clinic and built by same, due in September. A great way to promote Hua Hin. Pokemon games have conquered the world. Since the release of the game, shares in the group have more than doubled on the Tokyo stock exchange, even if their value remains well below a 2007-2008 peak, which came with the release of the Wii console. Walk into a minefield, enter a military base or simply cross the road without looking: fans of Pokemon Go are prepared to do whatever it takes to capture the likes of Pikachu and its friends. But real-life security risks are not the only threat, as the game has already attracted the attention of hackers, according to the Russian internet security group Kaspersky. "Nintendo servers have already experienced a number of problems concerning traffic, and their attackers are very aware that the group cannot afford to have broken or inactive servers," says David Emm, a researcher at Kaspersky. The phenomenon has grown so rapidly that authorities in a number of countries have issued warnings about the dangers of the game, while police forces have taken to social media to remind users how to behave safely in public spaces. Gone are the days of Pac-Man and friends.

Yours Truly GMoss

APPROACH August 2016

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 August 2016 MY STYLE Hua Hin 102

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

AUGUST 2016 | ISSUE 43 |

50 Hua Hin & Beyond

Music

Travel in Thailand

Hua Hin Culinary

Around Town

Events & Festivals

Social & Hotel News

L'Ambiance

Thai Nature

Home & Garden

Money Affairs

Thai Legal

Financial

Health & Wellness

Kids & Education

Motoring

Coolest Gadgets

Sport

Entertainment

18 8

APPROACH August 2016

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M I L F O R D E S TAT E

HUA HIN & BEYOND

Coastal Temples South of Hua Hin Khao Takiab

port entrance and beautifully located Anantasila Beach Resort and carries on past the Sea Pines Golf course towards Khao Tao Village.

There are a number of temples in and around Khao Takiab, the most popular being Khao Takiab temple itself, commonly referred to as “Monkey Mountain” on Chopstick Hill. There are a number of macaques monkeys that have made the temple grounds their home and have got quite used to tourists. Be careful though as they will grab anything, especially handbags and cameras, and watch out with small children as these animals are still wild. You can get great views from the top of the temple. On a clear day you can see

all the way down Hua Hin beach and as far as Cha-am. At the giant statue of Pu Tai, or Laughing Buddha, have a go at throwing some coins into his belly button as it supposed to bring you health, happiness, prosperity and longevity. On a lower platform facing the sea is a very colourful Chinese Buddhist temple decorated in gold, red and blue with many large statues; one of the statues is of the many-armed Buddhist goddess Guan Yin, another is of her on the back of a dragon. On the other side of Chopstick Hill, Khao Tao beach starts off after the

APPROACH August 2016

Khao Tao itself is a charming village located between the beach and a natural lake with a romantic lake promenade and a Friday and Saturday evening walking street market on the lake’s mini boulevard. There are a number of beach restaurants that serve up delicious local food, seafood and drinks and they all have sun loungers and umbrellas.

Khao Tao temples The Tham Khao Tao temple rewards of some beautiful views over the Gulf of Siam. The temple and various shrines are a composition of Chinese and Thai influences with small caves containing Buddha images and carvings of other figures such as Phra Mae Thoranee Mother Earth. Take the steps that lead to the top of the hill. When you made it here, enjoy the views from the top of the hill where the giant Buddha statue looks out to sea. Whilst here, it is worth seeing the large temple complex in Khao Tao.

If you don’t feel like tackling the steps that lead to the top of the hill, just have a rest and enjoy the sea breezes at the sala adjacent to the turtle shrine. But if you’ve made it here it would be a shame not to witness the views from the top of the hill where the giant seated Buddha image looks out to sea. The mountain has a sprawling temple dedicated to almost every imaginable deity: Buddha, Guan Yin (Chinese goddess of Mercy), Vishnu and even the Thai kings.

There is also a standing Buddha on a lower level and although it takes a little bit of effort to climb the steps all the way to the top with great views.

Chao Mae Tubtim Thong Shrine This little Chinese Shrine, situated on a rock above the Pranburi River offers on clear weather a beautiful view over the Paknampran area and the sea. Situated high on a hill, the Chinese Temple, lovely and ornate, along with its 20tm concrete Crocodile provides a wonderful view from Paknampran along the beach to Khao Kalok. You can also see the mountains of the Sam Roi Yod National Park and in the west the mountain range that is the border to Myanmar. The shrine is named after Chao Mae Tuptim, a pre-Buddhist Southeast Asian tree spirit, who is said to bestow blessings on those who worship her at the shrine.

HUA HIN & BEYOND

The Phraya Nakhon Cave, the cave is also known as the cave with a temple in it. There are a couple of natural ventilation holes in the roof of this immense cave thus allowing sun light to enter. At the cave is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuhat, a four-gable roofed pavilion constructed during the reign of King Chulachomklao (King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, reigned 18681910) in 1890. The pavilion ( ‘temple’ ) is now used as official symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. According to legend - 2000 years ago, 500 Arahant monks practiced meditation in Cave of SamRoiYod Mountain - Prachup Khiri Khan province. The strong aura from the practicing meditation had formed the relic- into the stone at the surrounding cave. Some Relic stone also formed by the remains relic after Arahant monks are cremated and had attained perfect enlightenment inside the cave. Until today, Arahant Relic Stone is a living stone with Divine Blessing.

Sam Roi Yod Mountain Buddhist Caves

There are many more temples and Buddhist sanctuaries in our province. Too many to cover in just one article. These were the more interesting ones along the coast and easily reachable.

Sam Roi Yod national park is just a few steps South of Dolphin Bay. It is a fascinating area with limestone mountains, caves, beaches, islands and wetlands, housing a great variety of plants, birds and endangered animals. Between September and November, hundreds of migrating birds from Siberia, China and Northern Europe arrive. August 2016 APPROACH

WWW.PRIMEHUAHIN.COM

TEL : 032 512 979 OPPOSITE TO THE HILTON BEER HOUSE

MUSIC

Brilliant Musicians in Hua Hin Mathias Boegner The German/Swiss violinist Mathias Boegner is a "distinguished professor" at China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. As a soloist in Tokyo, Osaka, Paris, Havanna, New York (Carnegie) and may other concerts, his recordings include concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Berg; Paganini's Caprices (also as live DVD on 24 Italian master violins), and Ysaye's solo sonatas. He was concertmaster of Stadtorchester Winterthur under Maestro Franz Welser-Moest, at Shanghai Broadcast Symphony Orchestra and as a guest of Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva. Further achievements were prize winner at German National Youth Competition for string quartet, Cincinnati Concerto Competition, awards by Flersheim Foundaton Lucerne, Cambodia Ministry of Education, Jordan Academy of Music, Satya Wacana University Indonesia, Bangkok International Fine Arts Conferences 2009/10/11. Mathias is a professor at the Zuerich Hochschule and associate professor at Taiwan National University of the Arts and a Jury at International Competitions in Chengdu and Qingdao China.

Aree Kunapongkul Aree began piano studies in Thailand. In 1991 she entered the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University by participating in a competitive examination organized especially for gifted students. Later that year, Aree appeared as piano soloist with Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Tongsuang Israngkun. In 1998 Aree received Master of Music degree from Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, Connecticut, majoring in Piano performance. Her teachers have included Vera Young, Tongsuang Israngkun, Piyabhand Sanitwongse, Luiz de Moura Castro, and Gary Steigerwalt. Aree has also undertaken masterclasses with Nina Svetlanova, Constantine Orbelian, Piotr Folkert, Barry Snyder, Hung-Kuan Chen, Yin Cheng-Zong, to mention but a few. In 2011, she was invited by the Chopin Society to sit on the jury panel of the Pre-selection committee set up to pre-audition applicants of the ninth Bangkok Chopin Piano Competition. Aree is a full time faculty member at Conservatory of Music - Rangsit University, head of piano studies at the New Frontier Music Academy, Christy Music Academy, a music teacher and accompanist at Bangkok Patana School, International School Bangkok, Harrow International School. Presently, Aree is a freelance musician and instructor.

These two brilliant and charismatic performers, masters of their talents, favourites of The Hyatt Culinary Classics, will be performing at the Ballroom. The concert will take place on the 12th of August with Master pieces from Mozart , Brahms, Dvorak and Beethoven. 14

APPROACH August 2016

Authentic italian restaur ant in hua hin That brings the real taste of Italy to Thailand You will taste the influence of Carloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Carloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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TRAVEL IN THAILAND

LAST PARADISES Attractive Destinations in Thailand After our visit to Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Sot in our July issue, we were on our our way back to Hua Hin with stopovers in Lampang, Tak and Kanchanaburi.

LAMPANG Thai people grew magic walls around the places they want to keep whole for themselves and their successors. One of this places is Lampang, the last Paradise of Thailand, as they call it. Haven’t heard of it? The town is magically hidden. Just like a city hidden from the blind men’s eye.

After kilometer 600 on the highway linking Bangkok to Chiang Mai, having a quick-stop at a road restaurants we proceeded to enter the city of Tak, looking for a refuge for the night. A few grey painted Chinese hotels stopped us you before we got to the heart of Lampang. As anyone barely speaks English you will settle for the first pillow that is being offered to you and so you will sleep as if you were a long run truck driver, praying for the morning to come sooner. However, choosy as we are we settled for the The Riverside Guest House costing 1,250.- Baht for a river view room. We could describe Lampang as a bizarre and tedious experience, and by doing so you would add one more lock to the Paradise gate, but we were fascinated by the authentity of the city and region. What I liked about Lampang, is that there are many old teak homes still being used today. We strolled along the 18

APPROACH August 2016

centre of town and found the Krua 213 restaurant which was recommended to us. This restaurant is located in a 68 year old teak home, complete with cobwebs on the ceiling. The food is of good quality and prices are low. Pad Thai 50.- Baht, Chinese fried rice 60 Baht, lemon/honey drink 35 Baht and a beer normal size 60 Baht. Lampang is the only city in Thailand where carriages are still used as public transportation or taxis. Walking down on Kad Kong Ta Road where on Saturday and Sunday only people and time are permitted to pass by, you can’t help wishing this would be applied on the so-called Hilton road in Hua Hin as well. It is worth while a visit into the old Thailand.

TRAVEL IN THAILAND

TAK Foreign travellers are still a novelty in the provincial capital of Tak, Muang Tak, a laid-back town set along a scenic stretch of the Ping River in Thailand’s lower north. While there’s not a whole lot to do here apart from a few mildly interesting historical attractions, Tak was worth a day as we visited this typical Thai town with it’s friendly locals. Tak itself is a vast, mountainous province whose proximity to Myanmar (Burma) has resulted in a complex history and unique cultural mix. There are Hmong, Musoe (Lahu), Lisu and White and Red Karen settlements throughout the west and north, while western Tak in particular has always been in distinct contrast with other parts of Thailand because of strong Karen and Burmese cultural influences. Today the Thailand–Myanmar border districts of Tak province are dotted with refugee camps. Due its relative isolation, much of Tak still remains quite wild. The linked Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, Thung Yai Naresuan National Park, Huay Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks together form one Thailand’s largest wildlife corridors and one of the largest intact natural forests in Southeast Asia.

KANCHANABURI Continuing Southward bound, we reached the home of the famed ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ the next day. This town holds a lot of history for those interested in WWII. It’s not just the bridge that you can come to see though, it is also the place to see South-East Asian flora and fauna in its most natural habitat. One of the biggest draws to Kanchanaburi for us was a stop at the River Kwai Bridge.

Home to around 30,000 people, Tak town (or Amphoe Muang Tak) is the capital of the same-named province, one of the five largest in Thailand.

It is located just 5 km beyond the city center of Kanchanaburi. There are plenty of guest houses and places to stay close to the bridge so this might be the best place for you to depart and a great time to admire the bridge, take a stroll across and snap some photos. You can take a train ride over the bridge all the way to Nam Tok station if you wish to ride the Death Railway.

We stayed at the Soho Boutique Hotel which was very pleasant and according to our budget. Every evening at around 17:00, long lines of vendor stalls materialise along the riverfront road, Chumphon Road and a connecting street to form Tak’s night market. Some places have a few tables where you can tuck into a bowl of kuay tiao nam (noodle soup), khao soi (Northern Thai curry chicken noodle soup) or khao man gai (chicken rice), among many other options, along with cold beer within sight of the river.

Located about 60 km from the centre of Kanchanaburi is Erawan National Park, home of Thailand’s most famous waterfalls. Plan to spend the entire day as you will never want to leave the cool, emerald green pools. We stayed overnight at the obligatory Float House River Kwai Resort in a floating Villa….pricy but romantic! The trip was a great experience of Thailand history and outback culture. Beautiful sceneries and lovely people. A big difference to the capital and cities where nightlife rules!

August 2016 APPROACH

HUA HIN CULINARY

IESTA M MEXICANA EXICANA FFIESTA at the

Centara Grand

riday’s Fiesta Mexicana pledges to a "rinconcito" of Mexico at the Centara Grand Coast Beach Club & Bistro Restaurant. Every friday evening, you can enjoy exquisite, authentic dishes and refreshing drinks of Mexico. Chef Tharaton Chindaphu (Phu) has over 12 years of experience in the culinary world. Trained in well know hotels like Sofitel Centara Bangkok and Centara Grand Krabi where he worked as Sous Chef at On the Rock Beach bar and grill. Chef Phu created several menues consisting of authentic Mexican dishes from Nachos, Tacos, Burritos and delicious Quesadillas. All, as traditionally, fingerfood.

We started off with Nachos a Texas-Mexican dish from northern Mexico. The dish is composed of Tortilla chips covered with a cheese-based sauce and served as a snack with Guacamole, an avocado-based dip, as first created by the Aztecs and a raw Salsa choice.

As a third entrée, Chef Puh’s corn Quesadillas filled with cheese and a savoury mixture of spices or vegetables were served, cooked on a griddle with a Tomato, Mango and Avocado salsa on top. By now we finished the Mojito and although a frozen Margarita was tempting, we settled for some ice cold San Miguel to round off our Mexican dinner with the Burritos (little donkeys).

Burritos are wheat flour Tortillas wrapped or folded into a cylindrical shape to completely enclose the filling (in contrast to a Taco which crispy and open on one side.

The accompanying drink was a Mojito cocktail, the perfect summer drink consisting of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Next, the minced meat and minced chicken Tacos challenged our taste buds. The Beef mince was elegantly spiced with a touch of curcuma and chili with the Mojito lasting through this course. 20

APPROACH August 2016

The flour Tortilla is usually lightly grilled or steamed, to soften it and make it more pliable. The filling can be personalized to your taste. Our Burritos were filled with chicken and the other was a pure vegetarian. Both had a savoury sauce of sour cream and chopped vegetables. A Mexican dinner of finger food with tropical cocktails at a romantic beach setting….not much more to be desired off. Treat your family to a Mexican eve. We considered this Food review to be one of our very favourites….and oh, yes, the price was also reasonable for the fact that all including the service deserved 5 stars!

Tel: 02 661 7417 | 089 783 9475

Open: Every Day 9am - 1am

Email: brent.queenvicbkk@gmail.com

AROUND TOWN

The

Cat Café

Cats rule in Hua Hin W

elcome to D Cat Café Emporium at D cat café at Naeb Kehardt Road, Hua Hin’s first ever original Cat Café! Next to the Darun Suksa school and Putharacsa Resort.

D Cat Café goal is to create a community of kind, likeminded animal-loving people, adults and kids who can become friends with our cats and our café. They strive to maintain an ideal home for the animals as well as provide a calm, soothing environment to help you make a genuine bond with them. It is not a traditional Café with an abundance of cats, they are a coffee, tea shop, restaurant, kids corner and most importantly, a loving home to our cats and rescue cats.

“We are committed to looking after them like family, so we look after a small number of cats to ensure they are happy and that we can give every cat the care and attention it needs”. Cat fathers and mothers come with their kids who can sit and draw, play with the cats whilst the parents enjoy a Cappucino or a Chinese Green Tea from the many teas andv coffees to choose from. Meanwhile, the cats enjoy sleeping playing and climbing. Check out the gorgeous Bengalese and Himalayan cats. Upon request, the owners can arrange neutering for your pet.

APPROACH August 2016

AROUND TOWN

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard & Restaurant Just West of Hua Hin town lie the Hua Hin vineyards. Built on a former elephant corral, the vineyard is protected from extremes of the Thai weather and enjoys a scenic mountain backdrop. Not all types of grapes can be grown here, but those that can include: Colombard, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Cabernet and Merlot. Enjoy a stroll through the vineyards by foot or on the back of an elephant. You can either go to the vineyards on your own or you can book a package from the Hua Hin wine cellar in the Market Village in Hua Hin town. The Sala Restaurant at the vineyard serves upscale international dishes and Tapas. For 1,400.- Baht, visitors can experience an opentop jeep tour of the vineyard followed by a wine and tapas tasting menu. A 3-course meal and wine tasting is 2,100.- Baht per person including jeep tour of the vineyard and souvenir.

www.facebook.com/huahinhills Tel : +66 (0) 81 701 0222

Thai Cooking Class At the Thai Cooking Academy, we teach hands-on Thai cooking, but not in a stuffy, formal manner. Their air conditioned classes are designed to make you feel at home while getting the real feeling of authentic Thai cooking. They are centrally located in the heart of Hua Hin–at 210/4 Phetkasem Road, Soi 82. Professional Chef Courses–These are in-depth, more intense learning with their head chef, a great way to fine-tune your cooking skills and a great way to become a Master Thai Culinary Chef. Basic to advanced courses lasting from 1 to 8 weeks (at the Bangkok campus) are 1,300.- Baht & 2,100.- Baht. While in Hua Hin, there is no better place to learn to cook world-renowned Thai food. It’s time to give yourself a gift—“The gift of cooking knowledge” which lasts a lifetime and will make your friends back home envious. They are here to teach you and entertain you.

Address: 17 Soi 72 Road, Dechanuchit, Hua Hin, Phone:+66 80 770 6741

August 2016 APPROACH

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

BY ZAB WER

Sec ond Flo or Ma rke t Vil lag e Hua Hin

AND BEER OF COURSE

LUNCH & DINNER

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Events & Festivals THAILAND Queen’s Birthday Celebration 12th August 2016 Sirikit, the Queen of King Thailand, was born on 12th August 1932. She met His Majesty King Bhumibol in Paris, where her father was the Thai ambassador. They married in 1950, shortly before His Majesty’s coronation. Queen Sirikit was appointed Queen Regent in 1956. Her birthday is celebrated every year across Thailand with early morning alms giving to monks and a candlelight ceremony in the evening. Around this time, Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok is brightly lit up at night with portraits of the Queen.

Where: Throughout Thailand

Hua Hin Food Festival 1st to 31st August 2016 The event will highlight a wide variety of local food and international delicacies cooked by professional chefs from participating hotels and restaurants in Hua Hin and Cha-am. Visitors will get the chance to taste a very special menu created for this event – the 88 pans of hot and spicy fried rice with fresh seafood. Moreover, the event will showcase professional skills from talented kitchen staff in a series of competition, including ice carving, vegetable and fruit carving, and cooking. There are also free evening mini concerts by Thai leading singers.

Where: The Queen’s Park - Hua Hin

The Queen’s Cup Hua Hin Triathlon 13th & 14th August 2016 The Queen's Cup Hua Hin Triathlon is one of the largest triathlon events in Thailand organized by Sport Bicycle. The aim of competition is to celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday anniversary. The event, which takes place at Black Mountain, offers to the participants some beautiful landscapes. Every year the event attracts many Thai and foreign runners. The race included Triathlon Olympic Distance (1.5 km swim / 40 km bike / 10 km run), Triathlon Sprint Distance (750 meter swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and Duathlon (2.5 km run, 20 km bike, 5km run).l.

Where: Black Mountain Water Park, Hua Hin

Bhumibol Dam Invitation International Mountain Bike Championship 27th & 28th August 2016 Purpose of this event is held to promote the mountain bike competition to the international racing. The visitors can enjoy and cheer the international mountain bike competition which the racing course is scenic area around Bhumibol Dam. The racing will be divided into many classes such as long distance class, amateur class, family class etc.

Where: Bhumibol Dam, Tak August 2016 APPROACH

SOCIAL & HOTEL NEWS

Social & Hotel News

FEAST OF FOOD FOR ORPHANS Dusit Thani Hua Hin recently joined other 5-star hotels in Hua Hin to host lunch and make donations to the orphans of Ban Nhong Ta Chow School for the Underprivileged in Tha Yang, Petchburi. As part of an ongoing support project under the banner “Chef’s + F&B Get Together” chefs and F&B staff joined students for a fun-filled day of varied games and educational activities, as well as giving the children the rare opportunity to sample hotel delicacies and specialities from all the participating hotels.

WIMBLEDON NIGHT ROUND ROBIN at True Arena On Friday, the 8th of July, in of the Wimbledon Tennis finals, True Arena had their own event with a rooftop gathering of the Hua Hin Tennis aficionados who had completed a round robin tennis challenge that evening. True Arena's tennis coach Arturo Navarro commented that these social gatherings will now take place at regular intervals. It was a lot of fun and exercise !

APPROACH August 2016

SOCIAL & HOTEL NEWS

Social & Hotel News

CHEF’S AND F&B GET TOGETHER Steffen Hoffer, Executive Chef of Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin (middle, back row) in cooperation with the Food and Beverage and Chefs team from Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin initiated a program called “Chef’s and F&B Get Together”. The aim of this project is to volunteer their time to organize CSR activities to support the local community. They recently hosted lunch to 84 children and donated the household items to the teachers at Baan Nong Ta Chao school in Phetchaburi.

STRAIGHT FROM THE SEA - Saturday’s BBQ Dinner Caught in the act, Hua Hin media (Approach, Hot Magazine & Hua Hin Today) enjoyed a nice evening at the Intercontinental Azure Beach Restaurant with a fresh catch direct from the sea. A fisher boat landed on the beach and Executive Chef Ricardo and team chose the fresh fish for the BBQ evening. Straight from the charcoal roast on to your plate !

August 2016 APPROACH

L’Ambiance

FRANCAIS

Le SPA 5 Etoiles pour Tous

vez-vous essayé le nouveau SPA de Hua Hin, le Pure Health SPA ?

C’est tout un service de très haute qualité pour un prix tout à fait raisonnable. A 15 minutes du centre ville, ce SPA a été pour moi une vraie bonne surprise et ce, dans un cadre magnifique au design résolument moderne avec un subtile mélange d’art et de tradition. Ce SPA concept est dans la mouvance actuelle des MediSPA qui se développent un peu partout dans le monde. Dès qu’on passe la porte, on sent que c’est différent. Tout a été pensé et développé en accord avec les standards internationaux afin de vous offrir un pure moment de bonheur et de détente en toute sécurité. 30

APPROACH August 2016

Les masseuses ont travaillé dans les plus grands hotels, sont expérimentées, formées et supervisées par Samuel, l’ostéopathe francais de Hua Hin. Fermez les yeux et laissez vous bercer par la musique, le parfum des huiles essentielles, la plenitude de ce lieu magnifique, l’agilité et la dextérité de ces mains expertes glissant le long de votre corps. Mon experience massage: Le SPA se situe 500m avant le golf de Black Mountain, près du restaurant The Bubble. Entouré de montagnes, dans un cadre verdoyant, c’est une equipe souriante et à votre écoute qui vous accueillera. Sur le SPA menu, drainage lymphatic, Swedish, Thai, Sport, Aroma massage, programme minceur, soins ostéopathique etc mais c’est finalement le Hot Virgin Coconut Oil Compress qui retient mon attention.

Les masseuses sont très sympathique et me mettent très à l’aise. Une petite serviette fraiche, un verre d’eau et c’est une élégante jeune femme,Tac, qui sera ma masseuse. Pendant le foot SPA, Tac me tend une télécommande pour que je choisisse la couleur des lumières de ma pièce et la température qui me convient. Je m’allonge sur la table, les draps propres et frais sentent bon, je me sens bien.

Pour être tout à fait honnête, j’ai du m’endormir au bout de 5 minutes, me réveillant de temps à autre avec l’application des compresses chaudes sur mon dos. 90 minutes déja, c’est fini, le temps passe si vite. Le massage de la tête à la fin était juste divin. Je prends une petite douche et on m’invite à prendre un thé dans un magnifique lounge climatisé avec vue sur le jardin japonais et les montagnes environnantes.

Website: www.purehealthspa.net Booking en Francais: Samuel 0810 10 18 44 or in English 090 907 7222

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THAI NATURE

The

M ussaenda phillipica Buddah's lamp Virgin Tree

By Dr. George F. Grossniklaus

Mussaendas are more and more popular for the showy color they provide during much of the year in Thailand's landscapes. They are members of the Rubiaceae (madder or coffee family) and are native to the Old World tropics, from West Africa through the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and into southern China. There are more than 200 known species, of which about ten are found in cultivation, with three of these being widely used for landscaping.

he mussaendas used in landscapes are open, somewhat scrambling shrubs, and range from 2-3ft to 10-15ft in height, depending upon the species. In the wild, some can climb 30 ft into surrounding trees, though in cultivation they rarely reach that size.

Leaves are opposite, bright to dark green, and rounded to elliptic. They are often pubescent (covered with short, fine hairs) and prominently veined (ribbed). The principal ornamental feature of these plants is the inflorescence. The flowers are rather small and tubular. The corolla is five-lobed, spreading and bright yellow to white. They are borne in terminal clusters (cymes or panicles). The surrounding calyx has five lobes, with one lobe conspicuously enlarged, leaf-like and usually brightly colored. In many of the cultivars all five sepals are enlarged, and range in color from white to various shades of pink to carmine red. Seeds, which are rarely available, germinate readily at a soil temperature of 66 - 75Â°F. More commonly, softwood or semihardwood cuttings are rooted during the Summer. Plants flower within two years. 34

APPROACH August 2016

THAI NATURE When you choose a planting site keep in mind that mussaendas require full sun. Some growers, however, find that flowering is better if some afternoon shade is provided. Mussaendas are not drought tolerant plants and in the landscape will need to be watered during periods of hot, dry weather. By placing them in an area of the landscape with plants having similar water requirements (e.g. ixora, hibiscus or gardenia) irrigation is easier and more efficient. Enrich the planting bed with organic matter such as well-rotted compost, sphagnum peat, or coir. Do not use black topsoil since it is too heavy. The soil should be friable and moist, but not wet. A small amount, about half the rate recommended on the label, of a complete fertilizer with trace elements, such as a palm special with trace elements, can be incorporated into the soil. Set the plant at the same level as it grew in the container, carefully backfill the planting hole and water thoroughly.

As plants flower during the warm season, faded flower clusters should be removed, especially during extended periods of wet weather to encourage further flower production, and to remove a source of possible fungal infection. Mussaendas can stand heavy pruning and if it becomes necessary, it should be done during spring. The lower stems tend to become bare if the plants are allowed to grow much larger. By placing mussaendas at the rear of a border containing lowergrowing shrubs and herbaceous perennials, the base of the plant can be concealed. As mussaendas grow taller, many can become more scandent in habit. Rather than pruning back, they can be allowed to grow into a nearby tree for support. In an open tree, this can create an eye-catching display of color. A number of very showy cultivars have been developed, mostly in The Philippines and Thailand. The majority are derived from Mussaenda philippica, and they are far more common in cultivation than the other species.

M. ‘Queen Sirikit’ was developed by backcrossing the F1 hybrid

M. ‘Aurorae’ (syn. M. philippica ‘Aurorae’)

between M. ‘Aurorae’ and M. erythrophylla to M. ‘Aurorae’. It is among the most spectacular of mussaendas, with all five calyx lobes enlarged up to 3½”, in shades of ivory to pale pink. These large flower clusters (panicles) are somewhat fragile; during heavy rain they can become heavy, causing smaller branches to break. They also are prone to break off the plant during high winds. None of this detracts from the overwhelming effect of this shrub in full bloom.

is named after Dona Aurora, the wife of a former president of the Philippines. It is much showier than the wild type, having all five calyx lobes greatly enlarged, white and pendant. The corolla is a deep golden yellow and is often hidden by the profusion of enlarged bracts. M. ‘Aurorae’ is used as a specimen.

August 2016 APPROACH

HOME & GARDEN

MODERN KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchens are undeniably the heart of today’s homes, so it’s only fair that we start this new section with a look at the latest kitchen trends. Modern kitchen design is a marriage of form and function, typified by streamlined cabinets, clever storage solutions and advanced cooking technology. Soft, muted colors like white, charcoal, gray and whitewashed wood, combined with sleek metallic fittings, natural plants and pale pastel accent colors gives the kitchen a modern and fresh look. Appliances such as fridges, freezers and dishwashers are preferably integrated behind cabinet doors, and focus is instead on the cooking appliances. Large induction hobs, hi-tech ovens and built-in espresso machines combine beautiful design with cutting-edge technology.

Fully equipped compact kitchen design with white high-gloss cabinets, white Corian counter top with molded sink, and black tempered glass backsplash.

Minimalist kitchen design with white high-gloss cabinets, white quartz composite counter top, white under-mounted sink and white tap.

Stylish kitchen design with wall-hung cabinets in trendy, muted colors, matt quartz composite counter top, and brown sink and tap from German brand Blanco.

Built-in baking oven, steam oven and espresso machine from Electrolux.

Pictures & Text Courtesy of The Cabinet Interior Design Co. Ltd. – Hua Hin 36

APPROACH August 2016

WE KNOW KITCHENS Today's kitchen is more than just an area where to cook. For most people it is the heart and soul of the home, a given place for family and friends to gather. At the CABINET Interior Design we have 20 years experience of custom-making kitchens that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional and maximizes use of space.

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MONEY AFFAIRS

Diversify if you’re an

Expat OR

SUFFER By Jerry Mcmenamin

Remember when you got 70baht for your pound. Let the dust settle on Brexit and see what you can get now.

China has made a lot of noise in the past, in an attempt to get a new world reserve currency, preferably Asian and of course preferably China

So it’s straightforward – diversify or suffer in the future.

ver the many years I have been involved in Offshore investing there have been many changes.

Certainly if the Chinese had their way and the next decade saw a new Asian world reserve currency it would be a huge boost to them and speed up their economic objectives. Some people think the fact that the US dollar is the World’s reserve currency is a matter of prestige and economic confidence in the USA and to some extent that is true. The main boom to the United States to have the dollar as the worlds reserve currency has been that during any economic crisis, is that it can borrow hundreds of billions of dollars in dollar denominated bonds at relatively low rates because it is assured of demand from foreign central banks needing to hold huge dollar reserves. Euro zone government bonds with the exception of German bonds have never been as easily tradable as Treasury securities, which have prices traded round the clock by a diverse mixture of market makers and brokers. This may all appear unimportant to the average investors but if you are an expatriate depending on income from your investments for your lifestyle, then it’s very important. If all your assets are in one currency then you can be in trouble from the most unexpected quarters. Your mother probably told you not to keep all your eggs in one basket.

Thailandexpatfinance@yahoo.com 38

APPROACH

If you hold a stock portfolio from which you take an income make sure it’s diversified into dollar, euro, sterling and yen.ask your adviser about the myriad choice of offshore funds denominated in different currencies with a comprehensive range of asset allocations The idea here is not to make money it’s to stop loosing it. When one currency falls the others normally rises if your diversified properly you portfolio will eliminate currency volatility and you will not lose fund growth on the back of a weak currency. Keep the jingoism for the politicians and do the smart thing. Just don’t hold on to the dollar just because your American or sterling because your British. Welcome Johnny Foreigner - he could save your bacon.

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THAI LEGAL

STARTING A BUSINESS in Thailand

hailand restricts and prohibits economical areas and business categories for foreigners primarily in the Foreign Business Act (A.D.1999). Under the Foreign Business Act (FBA) foreigners are prohibited from engaging in most business categories in Thailand, unless an alien business operation permit has been obtained from the DirectorGeneral of the Department of Commercial Registration with the approval of the Foreign Business Committee. Separate laws control foreign ownership of land as well as such activities as banking, insurance, finance and shipping. Foreigners can be granted a foreign business license for certain business categories (or may be granted an exemption based on a treaty or specific act.

The Foreign Business Act in Thailand divides businesses into three categories: LIST 1: Generally those businesses listed in list 1 are absolutely prohibited to foreigners unless there is an exemption contained in a special law or treaty.

LIST 2: Refers to businesses owned by foreigners that were in existence and actually operating prior to the enactment of the Foreign Business law. These businesses were permitted to apply for a special Alien Business license and to continue operating. Foreigners, however, are not permitted to start new businesses listed in this category unless they obtain special permission from the Minister with the approval of the Cabinet. LIST 3: These businesses are treated in a manner similar to those in list 2 except that the power to grant an Alien Business License to foreigners who wish to start a new business is vested with the Director General and a committee. Exemptions are possible under the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America if American. Also, the Board of Investment may grant exceptions for businesses covered by Lists 2 and 3.

As it is very complicated and often impossible to obtain a foreign business license most foreigners operate a business without a foreign business license or exemption even though these business categories are restricted or prohibited for foreigners. These foreigners have a work permit issued under a Thai company and operate their business through a Thai limited company. Thai company means under the current Foreign Business Act that half or more of the juristic person's shares are held by

APPROACH August 2016

Thais. Foreigners are under the current FBA allowed to have majority voting rights and control in a Thai limited company through preference shares and weighted voting rights. The most popular form of business entity among foreign investors is therefore the private limited company. Consult a major Thai Law Office at all times before investing collateral in any Thai company, it will prevent greater disappointment and loss of capital.

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FINANCIAL

IMPACTS BREXIT OF

Brexit shocks Eurozone markets In a shocking and ground-breaking referendum, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union on 23 June, rattling financial markets and throwing the EU into unchartered territory. No country has ever left the EU and the decision has brought with it massive uncertainties in terms of economic ramifications. The immediate economic consequences were felt in financial markets, which had not anticipated the outcome. Global stock markets plummeted the day after the vote and, in the Eurozone, the Italian and Spanish stock markets recorded the largest one-day drops on record, with banks hit particularly hard. In addition, the euro came under pressure, while safe-haven German 10year bond yields plummeted into negative territory to hit a new record low. Brexit negotiations are set to dominate the political dialogue in the Eurozone in the coming months and even years. According to European Union regulations, once formal notice from a member country has been given, a two-year period is set for negotiating an exit— with a possibility for extension. Given the complexity of negotiations, discussions are likely to drag out and when the United Kingdom will actually give formal notice remains unknown.

Germany - Growth picks up on robust fixed investment Germany’s economy started the year on a strong footing in Q1 as the economy unexpectedly tallied the fastest expansion in two years. The pickup in Europe’s largest economy was mainly driven by solid fixed investment, which benefited from surging construction activity during the mild winter, and robust private consumption, which continued to be buttressed by a healthy labour market, loose monetary policy and still-low oil prices. Germany’s growth outlook for this year is fairly stable as healthy domestic demand is seen to more than offset a lacklustre external sector. Thanks to its solid economic fundamentals, the German economy will likely withstand the immediate financial and economic turmoil brought about by Brexit.

Eurozone’s outlook stable as panellists take the latest developments into account While the Eurozone economy started the year off on solid footing, downside risks to the growth outlook have risen following the UK’s Brexit vote. Extract courtesy from an article by Angela Bouzanis - Senior Economist at FocusEconomics 42

APPROACH August 2016

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Joints & Arthritis What is a joint and how does it work?

By Florent Ducret

joint is where two or more bones meet and is made up of a number of different parts that all work together so that we can bend, stretch, twist and turn easily but within certain limits. Most of our joints are designed to allow bones to move only in certain directions. The ends of your bones are covered in a thin layer of cartilage. This cushions the joint and helps to spread the load evenly when you put pressure on it. Its smooth, slippery surface allows your bones to move freely, without friction. Surrounding the joint is a tough, fibrous sleeve called the capsule, which stops your bones from moving too much. The inner surface of the joint capsule (the synovium) produces a thick fluid that nourishes the cartilage and lubricates the joint. Within or just outside the joint capsule are ligaments that help to hold the joint together and prevent it dislocating. The bursa helps to reduce friction in the joint. At either side of the joint, your muscles are attached to the bones by tendons. As your muscles contract, they pull on the bones to make the joint bend, straighten or rotate. 46

APPROACH August 2016

Joints and articulations pain. Joints connect bones. They are constructed to allow movement and provide support. We usually don’t feel them… until they become painful. Causes of joint pains remain unclear but are likely to be connected to obesity, lack of muscular support and / or body aging. Joint pains are called arthritis if they are mechanical and rheumatism if they are inflammatory. To sooth and even eliminate joint pain, you need to take very good care of your joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Here are some valid tips to avoid joint pain 1.Follow a strict and balanced diet Obesity doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help in case of arthritis. In addition, your joints need specific fatty acids and olio-elements to produce collagen. Therefore, if you suffer of arthritis you should favour food with anti-oxidants (green tea), and nutriments rich in copper (oyster, potatoes), zinc (oyster, beef, soy, fish), magnesium (nuts, seafood, spinach), lithium (tomato, radish), calcium (milk & cheese), sulphur (eggs, seafood), fluorine (fish, spinach) and iodine (fish, seafood). A clinical study involving 50.000 people suffering of arthritis found out that following a diet based on these nutriments helped in over 65% cases.

2. Exercise Continue to do physical activities even if arthritis is painful, but you should adapt your exercises. Favour activities with less impact on your joints, such as swimming and water-based exercises, tai-chi and cycling. These will help you built your strengths and loose weight.

3. Sooth your pain Aromatherapy is proven to be a great help in case of muscular and joints problem. You should have some of the following oils and essential oils to massage your body once or twice a day: Saint-John-Wort is anti-inflammatory and antalgic. It appeases articulation pains and rheumatism. Arnica oil is not as anti-inflammatory as Saint-Johnwort but can be used to massage painful areas. Wintergreen essential oil is the perfect essential oil for arthritis and rheumatism. It should be diluted in a carrier oil (preferably arnica oil or Saint-Johnwort oil). Lavender and eucalyptus essential oils will also calm joints pain. A few drops of each in a carrier oil will appease your body. Oils and essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that will appease your pain, but it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve your condition. It is important to adapt your diet and to do exercise on a regular basis to fight arthritis.

For more information, check the website www.bio99.co.th or contact him bio99@outlook.com August 2016 APPROACH

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KIDS & EDUCATION

Thai School Year Holidays &

iCamp Thailand

n Thailand, the school year does not line up with those across much of the Western world.

The school year in Thailand begins in mid-May when the monsoon rains set in. This is a good time for students to be in class, as the weather makes outside activities less desirable. Under this model, the first semester winds down in early October with end-of-semester exams, and students take a three-week break. Students return for second semester at the end of October. There a few intermittent holidays along the way, including time off to celebrate Western New Year. Final exams are held in late February or early March before the school year ends. The weather is a major motivator for the traditional Thai school year. Temperatures peak in March and April, and many schools do not have air conditioning in the classroom – especially out in the provinces. As you can imagine, it’s difficult to stay focused in class when the average temperature tops out at 36°C (98°F). 50

APPROACH August 2016

There have been reports of potential changes in the Thai school year since 2011. Officials at the Ministry of Education expressed interest in making adjustments so that the terms line up with the ASEAN Economic Community guidelines scheduled to go into effect in 2015. However, the specifics of this transition have been changed, tabled and reintroduced in subsequent years. In May of 2013, the Ministry of Education announced that changes would be implemented at all Thai schools and

universities, taking effect for the 2014 / 2015 academic year. Under the new model, the first semester of 2014 would begin in early June, with the semester break (presumably) falling in November. The long summer holiday is often the time that children become bored and drift into poor habits that can be ever so counter-productive. But with iCamp they’ll be so busy having fun (not to mention detoxing from electronics like phones, tablets and computers) that laziness simply isn’t an option.

KIDS & EDUCATION Opening this summer, iCamp Thailand is a unique, American-style summer overnight camp that also happens to have an international School licence. It’s the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region. The 3- or 6-week summer programme is intended for children and young people between the ages of 8 and 16 who are looking for something exciting, challenging and character enhancing to do during the long summer holiday.

scenery – the perfect setting for the quintessential summer camp experience! Conveniently, it’s only 160 kilometres from Bangkok. The emphasis is on fun, and activities are varied and enriching. On the whole, the programme provides opportunities for acquiring new skills and knowledge, boosting confidence and self–esteem along the way. They have their very own Circus programme with a full-size trapeze and onsite water adventure! At every level, the camp is multicultural and fully inclusive. Children will be safe, happy and fully engaged in a whole range of sporting, musical and

In addition to all the usual fun activities of a summer camp (dance, theatre, arts & crafts, and sports), the camp even offers a unique education program for students who are struggling at school, if required. This includes activities to support learning and educational challenges such as language-based difficulties like dyslexia, English as an additional language, and struggles with maths, among others. iCamp is set across 84 stunning acres of natural beauty in the province of Kanchanaburi, Thailand, which is dominated by the beautiful River Kwai Valley along with breathtaking waterfalls, caves, lakes and mountainous

educational activities. The nurturing approach taken by camp staff is particularly beneficial for children who may a little shy or lacking in self-esteem. Want to know more? Visit iCamp Thailand’s website and just try to not be jealous of all the fun your kids will have this summer. They’re even offering a 5% discount if you book by 31 March. Camp runs from 25 June through 6 August, so start planning mama!

iCamp Thailand, 9/9 Moo 6 Tambon Klondo, Dan Makham Tia District, Kanchanaburi 71260, Thailand Tel: (+66) 2399 5400 or email info@icampthailand.com - www.icampthailand.com August 2016 APPROACH

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

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