HOT Magazine, Issue 4, Volume 9

ISSUE 4 VOLUME 9 APRIL 2021

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T MAGAZINE

Luxury Living & Exclusive Lifestyle

HOT MAGAZINE COMPLIMENTARY COPY

WINE DOWN UNDER

LET’S GO, NAKHON RATCHASIMA

HANS WILSDORF, A CONTRIBUTOR TO GLOBAL CULTURE

YOUR DIGITAL TWIN

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At Black Mountain Golf Club, a very special and exciting new dining experience has arrived. Hua Hin town’s renowned Prime Steakhouse restaurant has come to Black Mountain, serving probably the best steaks in Thailand. Everything from Wagyu rib eye, fresh fish, pasta, salad, desserts & European specialty dishes are exquisitly prepared by Anders and his master team. A warm Thai welcome to Prime Steakhouse awaits you at Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin.

Restaurant open from 6am to 9pm

To book a table: Email: restaurant@bmghuahin.com Phone: 032 618 620 Mobile: 089 028 3547

Free shuttle from Hua Hin for groups Tel: 089 028 3547

Reach captivating new heights.

The new Continental GT. Now with a V8 engine.

Discover more at BentleyMotors.com/Continental Continental GT V8 WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 23.9 (11.8). Combined CO₂ – 268 g/km.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2020 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT V8.

EDITORS

NOTE

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here comes a time in the day when no matter what the question is, the answer is always wine. This month, we take a look at the wine production of the world’s largest island, Australia. Australia’s wine industry began back in 1788 when Governor Arthur Phillip brought vines with him on the First Fleet.

Australia didn’t invent wine, but in 1965 they did invent wine in a box, which is arguably just as popular. Pull out your winebox and pour yourself a glass, then turn to page 40 to see which Australian variety of grape-goodness you’ll want to try next.

Have you ever thought how great it would be to have a twin who could help you complete all you need to get done in a day? An exact twin, who could step in, allowing you time for more enjoyable pursuits?

An Israeli company specializing in AI (Advanced Intelligence) video, called Hour One, has come up with the code that can now grant you that wish — at least where video is concerned.

In less than 20 minutes in a recording studio, Hour One can create a digital doppelganger of anyone, capturing their likeness, facial expressions, and voice.

Hans Wilsdorf was born in Kulmbach, Bavaria, Germany, on March 22, 1881. Wilsdorf was the son of a hardware store owner. His mother was a descendent of the Maisel Bavarian brewing dynasty. At the age of 12, Hans lost both his parents, dying within months of each other.

It might sound spooky at first, but a new collaboration between the company and creative technologist Taryn Southern gives a preview of what’s in store and could become “the new normal.” It’s a vision they believe holds significant opportunities for those willing to take the plunge into this new realm.

Open your mind to this new potential future and turn to page 74 to see why you might want a digital you.

When Hans turned 20, he went to work for the watch exporting firm of Cuno Korten in the Swiss city of La Chaux-de-Fonds. There, he was exposed to pocket watches and timepiece technology and worked with the company’s English clients.

At the age of 24, Hans had a fateful meeting with Alfred James Davis, and together they partnered to build their own watch-making company. Eventually, Hans bought out his partner, and Hans and his watch company went on to become a contributor to global culture, science & exploration. Put on your favorite timepiece and turn to page 58 to learn Han’s path to success.

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T MAGAZINE

Luxury Living & Exclusive Lifestyle

Edited and published by HOT Hua Hin Co. Ltd. Although all materials are published in good faith and based on information solicited to us at the time of publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions that may occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced in full or in part without the previous written consent of HOT Hua Hin Co. Ltd. All materials copyright. All rights are reserved.

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Those are just a few of the stories you’ll find inside this month’s issue. We hope you enjoy the read.

MANAGING & CREATIVE EDITOR Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT DEEPMIX MEDIA www.deepmixmedia.com PHOTOGRAPHER Sunya Yamaka facebook.com/sunya.yamaka

Tanya Siri Vijitsomphong Editor, HOT Magazine

CONTACT INFORMATION Contact us to find out how to get the most for your advertising baht: sales@hothuahin.com +66 (0)84 387 5699 info@hothuahin.com www.hotmagazine.website FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK For more photos & upcoming events: HotMagazineHuahinBangkok

What's inside...

Nakhon Ratchasima

A Contributor To Global Culture

Centara Krabi Resort

Your Digital Twin

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The Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hua Hin

Let’s Eat Hua Hin

Wine Down Under

Let’s Go,

Hans Wilsdorf,

Let’s Stay,

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74 50 40 32

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philipb.com

MODEL: Warisa Srinukul MAKE UP AND HAIR: Patsorn Hua Hin PHOTOGRAPHER: Sunya Yamaka LOCATION: Sheraton Pranbururi Villas

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STEP INTO AN OASIS IN THE CITY Introducing the new Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, where riverside sanctuary meets urban energy

Visit us at: www.fourseasons.com/bangkok

@fsbangkok

four seasons hotel bangkok

Contact us: reservations.bangkok@fourseasons.com or +66 (0)2 032 0889

READY TO MOVE IN !

Falcon Hill Voted Best Housing Development in Thailand Situated in South Hua Hin within city limits, Falcon Hill is a Scandinavian owned and managed luxury residential development designed with the discerning buyer in mind.

The development is located on 8 hectares (50 Rai) amidst a stunning landscape of forested hills and stunning sea vistas that truly represents the essence of a tropical lifestyle. We can confidently state that there truly is no comparable residential development in Hua Hin in terms of design, build quality and attention to detail.

» AWARD WINNING DESIGN » SECURED INVESTMENT » AFTER SALES SERVICE

SCAN CODE TO WATCH A VIDEO!

E-mail: sales@falcon-hill.com Phone: +66 (0)98 014 4885 facebook.com/falconhillhuahin

43/186 soi 102, Nong Kae Hua Hin Thailand

JARAS HUA HIN Presenting reimagined classics and innovative new recipes

JARAS HUA HIN at InterContinental Hua Hin Resort - Contemporary Thai cuisine, paired with traditional service for a unique fine dining experience. The flavours of the locale are brought to life with vibrant style at Jaras Hua Hin– a chic and sophisticated beachside restaurant in a stylish setting.

Immerse yourself in the tastes and textures of local cuisine, creatively reimagined and prepared with the freshest local and regional ingredients.

Menus take inspiration from Hua Hin community traditions and emphasise fresh-caught seafood supplied by surrounding fishing villages including fine caviar from local farm.

Jaras Hua Hin is open daily from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

To make a reservation, please call 032-616-999 or e-mail jaras.dining@ihg.com

HOT AROUND HUA HIN

The Phoenix Plan & The Hua Hin International Airport On 7 April, at the Hua Hin Airport, a press conference was held to announce the partnership between the Department of Airports, Phoenix Aviation Thailand Limited and Phoenix Aviation International Limited.

The press conference featured, Dr. Pullop Singhaseni, Governor of Prachuat Khiri Khan, Khun Apisit Ubolkomut, The Director of Hua Hin International Airport, Khun Udorn Olsson, the Chairman of Phoenix Aviation Thailand Limited, and Mr John Laroche, CEO of Phoenix Aviation International Limited, of Hong Kong. Mister Olsson & Mr. Laroche introduced their Phoenix-Plan, which is an initiative to introduce at Hua Hin an unparalleled passenger experience and world class airline efficiency, while increasing the productivity and

commerciality of the Department of Airports.

The Plan covers airside, landside, and town services, including a new Airport-Hua Hin membership program, media, duty free, welcome and departure VIP services and intown events. Mr. Laroche stated, “companies interested in partnering with Hua Hin International Airport, whether that be at the airport, or in town, through the Phoenix-Plan, will be invited to join a special network airport digitization program for visitors, locals, service providers, hotels, restaurants, retail and attractions.” Mr. Laroche went on to say that as the airport is presently configured, it can accommodate airliners with up to a 7 hour flying window, which allows for travel from Korea, China, Taiwan, SE Asia, India and Mid-

dle-East. The Phoenix plan envisions 2 flights a day coming into Hua Hin by next year, increasing to five flights a day by 2025 with an expected reach of 100,000 international tourists in year one, increasing to 1,000,000 in year 3.

Described as the “single most important initiative for Hua Hin International Airport, since its inception, more than 30 years, ago” by Dr. Pullop Singhaseni, Governor of Prachuat Khiri Khan. Dr. Singhaseni went on to say, “the Phoenix-Plan will not only have a major impact on Hua Hin Airport, but also Hua Hin city, Pratchuab Khiri Khan, Cha-am and Petchaburi, as we expect the initiative to elevate the tourism industry, bringing passengers directly to Hua Hin, creating longer stays and increasing local spend.”

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HOT AROUND BANGKOK

Successful Thailand Premiere for the Fairline F//Line 33 Founded on British craftsmanship, Fairline encompasses power, performance and comfort. On 26 March at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, the Thailand team of Simpson Marine, Asia’s leading yacht Brokerage, hosted distinguished guests at an exclusive launch event for the F//Line 33.

Guests were treated to an evening of British fine luxury with champagne and canapes. At the start of the event the Fairline F//Line 33 was specially docked at the pier of Shangri-La, Bangkok Upper Pier lounge. A tour onboard this exciting luxury cruiser was conducted by the Simpson Marine team before a unique F//Line 33 cruising experience on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. The cruise was one of

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the highlights of the Premiere event as it gave guests a taste of the Fairline F//Line’s 33 exhilarating performance, with Bangkok’s spectacular horizon as the backdrop. Guests were impressed by the yacht’s agility and high performance levels.

The F//Line 33 has many appealing features. She is suitable for less experienced boaters thanks to her easy handling and her interior is surprisingly big and beautifully fitted out. Designed with a classic 60’s sports car in mind, the Fairline F//Line 33’s designer Alberto Mancini has intelligently shaped the yacht into the best proportions. She has exciting and sleek lines that incorporate the ability of a fast boat while she also serves as an ideal cruiser for

family enjoyment. The yacht provides comfortable exterior spaces for hosting friends and family and a sun pad forward is perfect for relaxation. Down a few steps into the yacht is a spacious saloon area with a cabin that offers sleeping accommodation for four and a bathroom. The F//LINE 33 is the ideal power boat for weekend trips around Thailand’s islands and provides a comfortable overnight anchorage.

Following her official Thailand debut the yacht is currently berthed at Ocean Marina Yacht Club. She is available for inspections and test drives. For more information, or to schedule a viewing, contact thailand@simpsonmarine.com.

HOT AROUND BANGKOK

Topgolf to open doors in Thailand by mid-2022 New Bangkok venue leads expansion into Southeast Asia TG SEA Development Pte Ltd, an authorized developer of global entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group, has announced plans to bring the Topgolf experience to Bangkok within the second quarter of 2022.

The first Topgolf entertainment complex in Southeast Asia will open adjacent to the popular Megabangna shopping centre, southeast of downtown Bangkok.

The three-floor entertainment complex will cover more than 47,000 square meters (29 rai), which is the size of almost seven football fields, and will include 98 outdoor hitting bays with comfortable seating for up to 600 players at any time. The complex also boasts multiple bars and restaurants, large event rooms, and much more.

Guests can enjoy a variety of highquality food and beverage options: from American classics to Thai cuisine.

Top grade, locally sourced ingredients are handpicked by the chef. The new Topgolf Megacity venue is projected to employ more than 400 people.

The Topgolf experience is currently available in five countries: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates (Dubai).

“Introducing the iconic Topgolf experience to our first destination in Southeast Asia builds on the brand’s momentum as we create unforgettable moments for golfers and non-golfers alike. Over 20 million guests from across the world visit the nearly 70 Topgolf venues every year; from Las Vegas to the Australian Gold Coast, and from Miami to Dubai. We are confident that the social Topgolf experience will soon also be loved by the people of Thailand,” said Andrew Nathan, Managing Director, TG SEA Development Pte Ltd. Tim Boda, Head of Operations, Topgolf Thailand, added: “Whether you are a golf expert or completely new to the game, we all love a good time out. Families and kids will enjoy the various games, while ball tracing and analytics technology enhance the experience and help players perfect

their game. Also, our broad range of meeting options provides companies with a new way to meet, connect and celebrate.”

Topgolf is a game for people of all skill levels. Players can score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer they get their ball to the center or “bullseye” and the further the distance, the more points earned.

For more information, visit www.topgolfthailand.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tim Boda

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HOT AROUND BANGKOK

Mr. Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak

Bentley Bangkok Unveiles The Limited Edition Continental GT V8 AAS Motorsport

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Bentley Bangkok, by AAS Auto Service Co., Ltd., the sole authorized importer and distributor of Bentley Motorcars in Thailand, has unveiled “The Continental GT V8 AAS Motorsport Edition.” This exclusive 2-door grand tourer strengthens its position in luxury with sports styling. Only five will be built, and they are being offered with extraordinary financing.

The Continental GT V8 AAS Motorsport Edition is powered by a V8 twin-turbocharged engine that produces 542 bhp, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and with a top speed of 318 kilometers per hour.

It is the same engine type used in the Continental GT3, the only race car operated by AAS Motorsport, raced both in Thailand and abroad.

The Continental GT V8 AAS Motorsport Edition design is inspired by the AAS Motorsport racing team, founded by Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak. Vutthikorn is chairman of AAS Auto Service Co., Ltd. and a well-known and experienced Thai race car driver.

The exterior colors of this exclusive grand tourer are available in both Glacier White and Beluga Black, with interiors offered in St. James Red and Gloss Black.

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Buyers of the Continental GT V8 AAS Motorsport Edition will be able to choose the number “one to five” on the

treadplate. Moreover, AAS Auto Service will confer the certificate signed by Paul Williams, Director of Motorsport, Bentley Motors LTD., UK, to guarantee this exclusive grand tourer and its limited edition, produced for five cars only and valued at 25.5 Million Baht.

A special financing rate of 1.5% is available for those interested, along with a 3-year factory warranty and roadside assistance, available exclusively when ordering from AAS Auto Service, the sole authorized importer and distributor. Please contact AAS Auto Service for further information at 02 261 1050

HOT AROUND BANGKOK

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HOT AROUND BANGKOK

The CDC, A Luxury Haven Of Sophisticated Design Crystal Design Center (CDC) was established in 2010 and is located in suburban Bangkok, near the Ekkamai – Ram Indra highway. The district occupies more than 12,000sqm in 24 buildings showcasing architectural, interior, decorating, and construction items.

Well established, the CDC has become a haven for connoisseurs of premiumquality world-class design. To magnify that point, this year, the CDC was recognized as a winner of a Luxury Lifestyle Award in The Best Luxury

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Shopping Malls in Bangkok, Thailand category.

The CDC attracts designers, architects, project owners, importers, and exporters. Many come to shop and keep up to date with the latest design trends and innovations.

You’ll find more than 300 shops offering 5,000 brands in different categories within the Crystal Design Center. The CDC district is also rich in restaurants and sophisticated dining experiences with a choice of more than 20 international-themed restaurants.

In addition to shopping and eating, the CDC also houses the Crystal Design Center Ballroom. It is the ultimate event space ideal for weddings and conferences. In addition, there are eight design-themed meeting rooms, embodying stylish elegance for the most memorable events.

For more information, visit www.crystaldesigncenter.com.

HOT AROUND PATTAYA

2021 Top of the Gulf Regatta to take place in November Founded in 2005, the 2021 Top of the Gulf Regatta Presented by Ocean Marina will take place in November 2021.

Owned and organised by Ocean Property, the regatta is hosted by Ocean Marina Yacht Club with support from the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Varuna Yacht Club and Pattaya City.

With Ocean Marina Yacht Club currently undergoing a comprehensive reimagining, the new and expanded Ocean Marina Yacht Club will be open and ready to host regatta participants in November and the dates will be announced in the official Notice of Race in due course.

Celebrating the ‘new’ yacht club and the hospitality of South East Asia’s larg-

est marina, organisers of the regatta are looking forward to welcoming sailors to compete in a variety of classes from Optimists and dinghies, to catamarans and keelboats, including the S\V14 Para Sailing Championship.

“With preparations already underway for 2021, we have also set the dates for 2022 when the regatta will return to its regular date slot. The 2022 regatta will take place 30 April to 4 May, 2022.”

Speaking of the 2021 plans, William Gasson, Co-Chairman of the Top of the Gulf Regatta Organising Committee said, “We will celebrate the re-opening of Ocean Marina Yacht Club and support Thailand’s tourism recovery by hosting the Top of the Gulf Regatta in November this year. We are working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure all measures align with government advice and that the regatta will be safe and fun for everyone.”

Web: www.topofthegulfregatta.com

For further information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/omycmarina Twitter: www.twitter.com/togregatta YouTube: www.youtube.com/TOGRegatta

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ORIENTAL ESCAPE Retreat, celebrate or relax with our Oriental Escape Package, giving you that much needed short break.

Enjoy a food and beverage credit generously covering Café Claire’s famous Ferris Wheel Afternoon Tea or Chef Marco’s exclusive tasting menu, up to 2 kids eat and stay free and much more.

Starting at THB 4,990 net in a Junior Suite, including breakfast, a THB 2,000 F&B credit and complimentary upgrade to a One-Bedroom Suite.

Or THB 7,490 net in a Two-Bedroom Suite, including breakfast and a THB 4,000 F&B credit.

Oriental Residence Bangkok 110 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | +66 (0) 2125 9000 reservations.oriental@saffron-collection.com | www.saffron-collection.com/oriental-residence-bangkok An ONYX brand

NOW REA DY TO MOVE I N LI VE T HE L I FE YOU LOV E Luxury Apartments at Black Mountain Golf Course For Sale from 4.7 MB and for Rent from 23,000 Baht per month www.sansara.asia

www.s a n s a ra .a si a | custom ercare@sa nsara.asia | +66 (0) 63 268 0088 |

sansa ra blac kmounta in

L et’s Meet,

Pipat Patthananusorn What is your full name and age?

My name is Pipat Patthananusorn and I have now passed my half century and reached the ripe old age of 51 What is your current Job Position?

Since March 2018, I have had the pleasure of being the General Manager of this beautiful resort, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, close to the Cha-am / Hua Hin border.

How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin? Three years ago I was honoured to be given this prestigious assignment to run this legendary resort, which I had heard referred to as The Grande Ol’ Dame of Hua Hin. Before taking up the post, I had only really scratched the surface of Hua Hin’s special charms as a visitor passing through.

What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?

As a visitor to the city and as a longstanding hotelier I had learnt that Hua Hin was, of course, one of the kingdom’s top tourist destinations, particularly it being nicknamed or known as the Thai Riviera, especially in our domestic market. The city has its own unique charm, spending mornings watching the sun rise on the horizon over the Gulf of Thailand and then in the evenings set over the Tanaosri range of hills separating us from Myanmar. So we can offer an eclectic mix of mountain scenery, beautiful relaxing beaches, golfing paradises, authentic Thai food and local lifestyle amongst other things.

What do you like most about your profession?

In my profession, being in the hotel business means every day is different.

You have the opportunity to meet and interact with so many people who come from different backgrounds and walks of life, not only your guests but also colleagues and team members. It’s true that you do learn something new

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every day, sometime good, sometimes bad, but without exception always invaluable.

What do you like least about your profession?

If I didn’t love it I wouldn’t be a hotelier! However, perhaps there are a few parts of the job than I like a little less that others. I am often amused when I drive past some small Thai hotels that advertise they are open 24 hours a day! One of the first things I remember learning was the entrance of the hotel was unlocked 24/7 – therefore it was a huge shock when we had to lock our doors for a few weeks in 2020 due to the pandemic. It can be a long hard day and you always have to be approachable, never off duty. As I have said, you have to really love what you are doing.

What do you like most about Hua Hin? Well, Hua Hin is a truly family destination. She is still green, not just environmentally but in an innocent way.

By that, I mean unspoilt commercially, which in turn gives you a reassuring sense of safety when travelling around.

What is your favorite restaurant and why? (please don’t promote your own restaurants) I personally like a neighborhood restaurant in the Cha-Am area called “Baan Kiang Mai” where you can taste authentic district food and get real exposure to the ambience of local life.

What do you like to do in your free time and why?

I will spend the time with the family as much as I can, especially valuable moments with my teenage daughter. I try my best to manage and juggle being both a good leader as a General Manager and family man.

What would you recommend to newcomers to do in Hua Hin and why?

I said earlier, that exploring Hua Hin is still a very safe experience so I would definitely recommend walking the backstreets or getting off the beaten

track on foot to discover the genuine friendliness and hospitality that the locals still show to total strangers.

There are many over hidden gems that you might stumble across this way.

Otherwise, Monsoon Valley offers first-time visitors a great setting and opportunity to sample the surprising qualities of Thai wine that might otherwise be passed by if they saw it on a wine list in their hometown.

Golfers too will have a great time on the diverse choice of top-quality championship golf courses in the area.

Tell us a surprising fact that the public might not know about you?

As a teenager, I was fortunate to spend some time in the United States and hoping to get some work experience and pick up the language, I volunteered at a nursing home. Unfortunately, I didn’t get all the opportunities to chat that I had hoped because I was given the job of a postman, so it was more ‘Good morning. Is everything alright?

Your mail. See you tomorrow!”. I was disappointed at my tender age, but still learnt a lot that has stood me in good stead.

What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done and why?

I won a President Club incentive trip from Thailand and travelled to Marrakech, that’s the city in Morocco and not the hotel in Hua Hin. When I get there, I unintentionally signed up for a challenge activity and inadvertently found myself doing zip-lining across the Atlas Mountains!! It was really scary when you saw what it entailed and realized that you were about to fly off the cliff and over some valley at a ridiculous height.

However, you like all outlandish experiences, you quickly learn something and in this case it was that you cannot face your fear without looking at it.

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Skål International Celebrating Its 89th Year

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he first Skål Club was established in Paris in 1932. It began with an invitation from several transport companies to a group of Parisian Travel Agents to present a new aircraft destined for the Amsterdam-Copenhagen-Malmo flight.

The idea of International friendship between Tourism Professionals grew, and by early 1934 there were 12 Clubs formed in five countries. It was then that the idea arose to create a partnership that brings together all the Clubs, to foster goodwill and friendship in the Travel and Transport sectors around the World.

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Skål Founding Executive Committee

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The ‘Association Internationale des Skål Clubs’ (AISC) was established on April 28th, 1934, at the Hotel Scribe in Paris, in a General Assembly composed of 21 delegates, representatives of 11 clubs, plus two observers from London, who together elected the Executive Committee, under the chairmanship of Florimond Volckaert.

Since then, April 28th has been celebrated around the globe as World Skål Day. Today, Skål is present in over 100 countries with over 335 clubs and almost 13,000 members.

“Our founding fathers had a vision of a strong, connected tourism industry built on friendship to promote travel amongst member countries. This was the basic value of Skål, the ties that bind us together, AND they are as important today as they were in our infancy.” Said Bill Rheaume, Skål International World President, 2021.

Skål International Asia

Skål Krabi

Skål Bangkok

Skål Taipei

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Skål Buenos Aires

Skål India

At its 89th Anniversary, Skål World President Bill Rheaume and the Executive Board have decided to dedicate the entire month of April for Skål, aka ‘Doing Business Among Friends’ celebrations. As traveling and in-person meeting restrictions continue around the world, the Clubs are invited to celebrate and showcase their Club and their city via Online Zoom meetings.

Over 25 Clubs from 25 different cities worldwide will be showcasing their destination during 60-minute presentations booked throughout April. The online meeting schedule is posted on Skål international website and Social media platforms. All meetings dedicated to Skål celebrations will be open to public participation in April 2021.

“I am thrilled to see clubs accept the

challenge of celebrating Skål Month celebrations,” added Bill Rheaume, SI World President, 2021.

The initial Kick-off meeting for the Skål Month Celebrations will take place on April 6th at 15.00 pm CET where the Executive Board will host the global membership on a special Zoom meeting led by SI World President Bill Rheaume and SI CEO Daniela Otero to conduct the famous Skål toast in three official languages.

“To address the current challenges facing the tourism sector, we must nurture our rich history as an organization. Skål International, with its nine decades of experience in the sector, with partners who possess valuable expertise, and use our global Skål

network, continues to address today’s challenges and forge a better future,” said Daniela Otero, CEO, Skål International.

Skål International is the World’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship. Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address common interest issues, improve a business network, and promote destinations. For more information about Skål International and membership, please visit www.skal.org.

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L et’s Eat Hua Hin

The Restaurant, Dusit Thani Hua Hin

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RECOMMEND

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usit Thani and the Royal Resort Beach Town of Hua Hin have a long connection, with their Hua Hin Resort recently celebrating its 30th year of operations. Not content with that milestone, this is a hotel that’s definitely moving forward with purpose and innovation, particularly on the food side.

The ‘Let’s Eat Hua Hin’ team visited to learn more.

Offering a choice of four restaurants from authentic Royal Thai at ‘Ban Benjarong’, Italian and Mediterranean fare at ‘San Marco’, oceanfront seafood and grill at ‘Rim Talay,’ and the focus of our visit - the extensive offering from the resort’s all-day dining ‘The Restaurant.’

Twinkling and gleaming gold, the two-story-high spiralling coneshaped glass chandelier is undoubtedly attention-grabbing and an impressive feature of ‘The Restaurant’. The dark polished timber floorboards fan out from the central point in this octagon-shaped room. Double story high windows give a glorious sense of space and light. As we settle at our socially distanced table, our outlook is the resort’s Olympic sized pool, sun decks, and ocean. Deck and garden lights bring a romantic ambience as day passes into evening.

Our menu regularly references DO Farm and DO Farm Organic, so we had to know more. The story goes that in early 2019, General Manager Pipat Patthananusorn had the idea to transform an area of unused land that was once the resort’s iconic Polo grounds and stables into something more appealing and valuable to resort staff and guests. Brainstorming sessions delivered the idea of a vegetable garden.

Though early efforts were not very fruitful, with the guidance of local experts, the initial concept has now evolved into an expansive 2 rai (close to an acre) certified organic farm supplying a myriad of salad and other vegetables, herbs, and fruit for the resort. Emboldened with their success, a further 1 rai of underutilised land is now producing organic Thai Fragrant rice. The first harvest in January of this year delivered an impressive 220 kg of milled grain, feeding resort staff and guests. Now with its own rescued water buffalo, the title of Farm can be used quite literally.

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And so, to our food journey, starting in Italy with a Burrata, Tomato and Basil salad. Fresh, soft, and creamy Hua Hin produced Burrata, sweet tomatoes, plus Basil Pesto, and fresh Basil from the DO Farm.

Continuing the Mediterranean theme is an Antipasto platter with local oven-baked mussels topped with a zesty gratin, deep-fried Hua Hin squid, a delicious selection of cured meats and cheese.

Subsequent dishes continued the theme of fresh local produce, plus bounty direct from DO (Dusit Organic) Farm.

We started with Grilled Tiger Prawns with a Spicy Vegetable-fern Salad. The light crunch of the blanched and sauteed indigenous paco-fern with Thai chilli and spice heat was a tremendous partner to the luscious, perfectly grilled prawns. The grilled salmon with DO Farm salad and a sesame dressing was well-balanced and prepared. It is designated as a “Live Well, Eat Well” dish on the menu, meaning ideally suited to healthy food focused diners.

For mains, we sampled three dishes. A Surf ‘n’ Turf of local tiger prawns, fish roe, and Australian ribeye accompanied by homemade potato gnocchi with DO Farm Pesto sauce. The light and fluffy pesto gnocchi was a great companion for quality beef and sweet prawns. Next were Barracuda fillets, caught in the waters just in front of the resort and served with seared scallops in a spicy coconut curry sauce, Southern Thailand style prawn and sea blight fritters and DO Farm organic rice. The soft crunch of the fritter added a nice texture to an already tasty dish.

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‘Best seller’, this dish has been on every menu for the resort’s 30year history. Pan-fried fillets of Pla Kapong (Sea Bass) with turned potatoes, garlic spinach, and a sauce of tomato, capers, lemon, and sea salt. Flavours of the Mediterranean on one plate and presented on a distinctly ocean themed tray.

Three desserts to bring this fab food journey to its conclusion. A pie of Phetchaburi Rose-Apples with homemade vanilla ice cream.

Slices of the crispy, slightly sour apple and ground almond are set in concentric circles within the buttery pastry case and baked.

Our verdict. A plate of yummy deliciousness. We also indulged in straight from the oven Green Tea Souffle with Raspberry Sorbet.

And finally, a playful combination of two Thai favourites. Mango Sticky Rice with Thai Cotton Candy. Juicy slices of ripe mango presented rose petal-like atop a layer of sticky rice and accompanied by a miniature version of Roti Sai Mai. This street food is synonymous with Ayutthaya and is a colourful and flavourful dessert in which cotton candy is combined with soft, paper-thin, Pandan-flavoured crepes.

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Another innovation, brought on in response to the current tourism downtown, is a Food Stall Pop-up on Petchkasem Road outside the main resort entrance. Happening daily from 6 am to 6 pm, you can purchase takeaway resort produced meals and snacks at exceptionally affordable prices, plus fresh produce from the DO Farm. During our restaurant visit, we sampled three dishes – an egg noodle with pork ribs, Thai beef shanks with rice, and a selection of Chinese dumplings - all of which we would happily take home.

Antipasto platter for THB 450++, or poolside at the Thai Yam Bar on Saturday evenings, a Seafood Platter for THB 750++ including a free dessert.

For more information on the resort’s promotions, any of its restaurant offerings, or reservations, visit the resort’s website, email dthhfb@dusit.com or phone 032 520 009. Dusit Thani Hua Hin is located on Petchkasem Road north of the airport.

By Michael Cullen

To ensure variety for guests and Hua Hin residents alike, the hotel also offers weekly food promotions. For example, at San Marco on Friday evening, an

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Wine Down Under

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veryone knows that Australia is world-famous for its natural wonders and wide-open spaces, beautiful beaches, open deserts, “the bush”, and “the Outback.”

There are many man made attractions, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, and natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s most extensive coral reef system.

Australia is also renowned for producing world-class wines and is ranked

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the 7th top wine-producing country globally. Australian bottles are equally at home in the finest international restaurants and local liquor stores, from hearty reds to fruity whites and delicious dessert and fortified wines.

Australia’s history of wine manufacture traces back to its settlement in 1788. Governor Arthur Phillip brought vines with him on the First Fleet, and numerous vineyards were established in the area that is now Sydney. By the 1890s, the popular Hunter Valley,

Barossa Valley, and Yarra Valley had begun to produce wine.

Australia primarily produced fortified wines until the 1950’s. These varieties were popular as the additional alcohol protected the wine from microbiological attack, making it suitable for storage and transport.

Around this time, Australia saw an influx of German and Italian immigrants. They helped to expand the wine industry in the Barossa and Riverina regions. Many of their descendants still

operate wineries in these areas today.

In the 1960s, Australia turned its focus to the production of sweet and sparkling wines, and in the latter part of the 60s, full-bodied reds came into vogue.

Aromatic wines, such as gewürztraminers, gewürztraminer rieslings, and Rhine rieslings, became popular in the 1970s. During this decade, Australia also developed the wine cask, or “bag in a box.” This simple Australian invention made wine more

accessible, as people could drink a small amount at a time. Angoves began to use the cask in 1965, and Penfold’s Wines quickly followed suit, an innovation that’s now used worldwide.

By the end of the 70s, Chardonnay became the drink of choice, as Australian tastes had changed from semi-sweet wines to dry whites, and Chardonnay is still quite popular for today’s wine drinkers.

In the late 1980s, Australian wines began to break into the European

market, earning a reputation for fresh, fruity whites and robust reds. By 1995, Australia had secured 1.5% of the world’s wine trade.

Australia’s diverse climate allows it to produce a variety of different wines.

Australia is renowned for its warm weather, and thus most of its wine comes from warm regions. However, interestingly, Australia’s premium varieties tend to hail from smaller, coolclimate areas.

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Australia is the world’s largest island, and as such, it has around 60 wine-growing regions scattered around the country.

South Australia may be best known for its Barossa Valley region, but wine buffs won’t be disappointed with drops from the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, and Riverland areas.

There’s also more to New South Wales than Hunter Valley wine, with wineries in Mudgee and the Riverina producing outstanding wines.

In Victoria, there are great vineyards in the Goulbourn Valley, The Grampians, Heathcote, Mornington Peninsula, Pyrenees, Rutherglen, and the Yarra and King Valleys.

The Margaret River wine region, Swan Valley, and Great Southern Region in Western Australia also have a

rich heritage of wine production.

Newer wineries are also emerging in Tasmania and Queensland.

Tassie’s cool climate is ideal for pinot noirs and chardonnays, and there are several great Tamar Valley wineries.

There are more than 100 vineyards in Queensland, but some of the best come from the Granite Belt region around Stanthorpe and Ballandean.

Today Australia ‘s major wine varieties are shirazes, cabernet sauvignons, chardonnays, sauvignon blancs, semillons, and rieslings.

Recently winemakers have begun experimenting with “alternative” varieties like petit verdots, pinot grigios, sangioveses, tempranillos, and viogniers.

A trip to the wineries can be a rewarding and relaxing experience.

However, it’s easy to feel intimidated if you don’t know what to expect or don’t

know enough about wine. Here are a few simple things to remember to get the most from visiting Australia’s wine regions.

The first thing to decide on any wine trip is the destination. The time you are visiting may be a factor in this decision.

Large wine areas such as the Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley are open any time of year. Still, several wineries in smaller areas, such as the Southern Highlands, tend to close over Christmas or only open on weekends.

It’s also worth thinking about the wineries you hope to visit, as Australia is much larger than many people realize. Unless you have a lot of time in Australia, you won’t be able to visit wineries in the Hunter Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Clare Valley. It’s a more practical idea to settle on a wine-growing region with many wineries you are interested in seeing.

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When choosing wineries, it can be tempting to select names you are familiar with. However, this is not always the most rewarding option. Many large wineries can get very crowded, particularly during peak holiday times. Smaller boutique wineries often offer a more personal and leisurely wine tasting experience. While large wineries offer a consistently good product, the quality of the boutique labels may surprise you.

If you’re struggling to choose the wineries, wine tours can do it for you. Many companies run bus tours to nearby wine areas, allowing tourists to enjoy cellardoor tastings without worrying about driving home. These tours typically visit three to six wineries and a local restaurant for lunch. Many also visit other tourist attractions in the local area. Large groups can often customize their tour to ensure they see their wineries of choice.

Most Australian wineries offer free public tastings. Especially at smaller cellars, this is an excellent opportunity to speak to the winemakers and learn more about the different varieties. Australians are generally friendly, and the cellar door staff are trained to deal with the public.

They should help make your wine tasting a pleasurable experience. If your knowledge of wine is limited, they will be happy to answer your questions and suggest wines you may like.

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Typically wine tasters start with white wines, move to reds, then dessert or fortified varieties. It is acceptable to taste through the range or choose only the wines that interest you. While cellar door tastings are conducted to encourage sales, you are not obligated to purchase anything if it is not to your liking.

Australia is the fourth largest exporter of wine globally, shipping more than 800 million liters of wine every year, earning an international reputation for excellence, and holding its own against established foreign markets in key global awards.

In addition to its strong exports, Australia also benefits from a robust local market, with Australians consuming more than 400 million liters each year.

If post-Covid, you plan to holiday in Australia, remember, wine is cheaper than therapy. Try to fit in at least one major wine-growing region, on your way to the great barrier reef.

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info@hothuahin.com

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www.hotmagazine.website/yachting

L et’s Go,

Nakhon Ratchasima

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akhon Ratchasima, better known as Korat, is the wondrous door to Isan, the Lao-speaking northeast, at the Korat Plateau’s western edge. The name Nakhon Ratchasima is both used for the city and the province of which it is the capital, and the shorter name, Korat, comes from an older name the town used to be called many years ago. Historically, it used to mark the boundary between Lao and Siamese territory. Korat is one of the major cities of Isan and is frequently referred to as one of the “Big Four of Isan.”

Prior to the 14th century, the area of Nakhon Ratchasima was under the Khmer empire. King Narai of Ayutthaya ordered

a new city to be built on the site to serve as a stronghold on Ayutthaya’s northeastern frontier. After that, Nakhon Ratchasima was mentioned in Siamese legal documents and chronicles as a “second-class” city of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Today, with a population of just over 780,000, you’ll find a host of shopping malls, a large sports stadium, a zoo, a multitude of fascinating and diverse temples, museums, and a lot more. There is a reason why Korat is one of the four most important cities of Isan. Being the gateway to beautiful Isan makes Korat a passers-by city, but at the same time, it has a lot to offer.

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Khorat is a mere three to four-hour drive from Bangkok in a northeastern direction, making it an easy-to-reach destination. The ride to Korat is refreshing and inspiring, leaving behind Bangkok’s hard concrete jungle and heading out to the extensive farmlands, green fields, and great open spaces.

Halfway into the journey, you’ll come across the Khao Yai National Park, one of the most popular National Parks in

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all of Thailand, and the first encounter with the many cultural and entertainment spots the province has to offer.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, you’ll find the Kao Yai Floating Market and historical sites such as the Korat City Pillar, the Korat City Gates, the Korat Fossil Museum, the Petrified Wood Museum, and the vast Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Also known as the Korat Zoo). You can spend an entire day at the Zoo or even a couple of days and nights

in comfortable chalets the Zoo has to offer. Booking a Chalet is excellent in that it allows you to spend time alongside tigers, camels, marine life, lizards, and many other animal species from all over the world. Within the Korat Zoo, there is a one-of-a-kind Lagoon and Water Park allowing you to cool down from the heat, and this venue is well suited for children of all ages.

Other culturally enriching places to

visit include the Phimai Historical Park, where you can take a time machine to the past and witness ruins from as early as the 11th century. Phimai is the largest Khmer ruins complex in Thailand and comprises an inner moated city, 565 by 1030 metres built in the 11th to 12th century with further additions in the 13th.

geographic placement. During the two annual crossings of the equator by the Sun, the Temple spectacularly displays the sunrise. As the sun rises, the light beams from the East’s entrance door straight through the fifteen doors to the sanctuary doorway’s western end.

Visitors to this day crowd the outside square to witness the amazing event.

An extraordinary feature of the sanctuary is its architectural design and

The Angkor-style architecture of these historical gems inspired numer-

ous important structures, cities, and buildings in Thailand during later years. Just north of the Phimai Historical Park, and not to be missed, is the Phimai National Museum that houses Khmer artifacts and works of art from excavations, not only from Phimai but also from other Khmer ruins in southern Isan. This complex is the most outstanding example of Khmer architecture in Thailand.

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Another essential site to visit in the area is the Thao Suranaree Monument and the Wat Sala Loi. The former represents a true testament of willpower and determination as well as the influence of one sole individual. During an invasion of Korat in the early 1800s, the wife of an inefficient general took it upon herself to take control and lead the residents of Korat to defend their city. They were victorious, and the King of that era awarded Khunying Mo the honourable title of Thao Suranaree.

The monument is worth visiting due to the historical importance and can be found in Korat City near the Chumphon Gate. Wat Sala Loi is a temple constructed

by Thao Suranaree and her husband, the general, in the 1820s.

The site hosts a plaster statue of the powerful heroine alone with clay statues depicting Buddha’s life. This Temple is Khun Thao Suranaree’s final resting place and where her ashes have remained.

Other important temples are the Wat Phayap Temple, found in the

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city centre of Korat, but with a slight surprise the moment you enter. The interior of this Temple has been made to look like a cave.

If you find yourself wandering around in the city, pop in here for a quick look around. The Temple won’t be found amongst the lists of top tourist attractions in the area, but the locals regard it as a very spiritual and peaceful building. Another temple constructed during the early centuries is Prasat Phanom Wan. Initially, it was dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and meant as a Hindu site, but it has become a place of Buddhist prayer over the decades.

The Maha Viravong National Museum is another must-see. It was created around the art collection of an important Monk from the area and contains cultural pieces from historic sites. You will find Buddha images from different timeframes and also pottery pieces from far gone eras. The museum is relatively small but pumped full of rich Thai history and interesting visuals.

Finally, the Wat Dhammachakra Sema Ram, also known as Wat Phra Non, which means ‘Sleeping Buddha,’ concludes the must-visit cultural and historical sites. Many travellers have seen the impressive reclining Buddha in Bangkok, but this similar sandstone sculpture is the very first one of its kind, therefore, making it the oldest one in Thailand. The piece dates back to the BC era, and unbelievably it hasn’t been treated to be preserved.

For those interested in the functioning of cities, the Lamtakhong Dam is a must-see. Its construction started in the 1970s to irrigate the surrounding farmlands. After some years, it also became the water storage facility of The Lamtakhong Power Plant, which was a very first for Thailand. The dam is a relaxing spot to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

For nature lovers and enthusiasts, the Flora Park is ideal. This park is for those who want to drown themselves in a massive selection of plants and flowers while enjoying the aroma and the unique aesthetics nature has to offer. One can relax with a drink at the coffee shop or buy some souvenirs for family and friends back home from the gift shop. If you happen to be there around March, you must not miss the Flower Festival.

Accommodation in Korat is a nobrainer. It is effortless to find everything from very cheap apartment rentals to surprisingly low-priced 5-star hotels. The people are quite unique too, speaking a dialect known as ThaiKorat, which is far different from the Isan-Thai spoken in other more North Easterly provinces.

In conclusion, if you haven’t been, Korat is a must-see. It is a culturally and historically enriching province worth going to, to truly comprehend Thai tradition, Thai culture, and Thai history, which in turn helps gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the land of smiles today.

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Hans Wilsdorf A Contributor To Global Culture, Science And Exploration.

H

ans Eberhard Wilhelm Wilsdorf was born in Kulmbach, Bavaria, Germany on March 22, 1881. Wilsdorf was the son of a hardware store owner.

His mother was a descendent of the Maisel Bavarian brewing dynasty. At the age of 12, Hans lost both his parents, dying within months of each other.

Hans and his siblings were left in the care of his aunt and uncle. They sold the family hardware business and placed the proceeds into the Wilsdorf Trust until the heirs reached of age. Although the Wilsdorf Trust started as a result of tragedy, it was the basis for the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation initiated later in Wilsdorf’s life.

Hans went to boarding school in Coburg Germany, excelling in math and languages, particularly English. After boarding school, at the age of 18, Hans secured a position at a pearl distribution company gaining knowledge of world trade and the jewelry industry. He also developed a fascination of technology.

When Hans turned 20, he went to work for the watch exporting firm of Cuno Korten in the Swiss City of La Chaux-de-Fonds. There, he was exposed to pocket watches and timepiece technology and worked with the company’s English clients.

In 1903, at the age of 22, he decided to move to London to set up residence and gain British citizenship. During his travel, thieves stole his inheritance which totaled 33,000 German gold marks.

Undeterred, Hans continued to work in the watch industry and decided that he wanted to start his own watch company.

At the age of 24 Hans had a fateful meeting with Alfred James Davis and together they partnered to build their own watch making company. Davis had the money to invest and Hans had the watchmaking knowledge from his experiences at Cuno Korten. The partnership was further strengthened when Davis married Wilsdorf’s younger sister.

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Wilsdorf utilized money borrowed from his siblings to match Davis’ investment. As a result, they each owned 50% of the company. As equal partners, they complimented each other’s skills and backgrounds. Hans knew watches and Davis knew financing and international trade. They started Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd, incorporating watch movements from the company Jean Aegler, a firm he learned of while working at Cuno Korten. Keeping focused, Wilsdorf & Davis only produced two watches, the pocket watch and a purse watch, respectively for men and women.

In the early 1900’s, wristwatches were called “wristlets” and were small in size, small in number, not very accurate, and worn primarily by women. Gentlemen were quoted to say they “would sooner wear a skirt as wear a wristlet.”

However, Wilsdorf cleverly noted that during the Boer War, the heat prevented soldiers from wearing jackets, and, during battle, it was incredibly inconvenient to fumble around for a pocket watch.

As a result, soldiers found themselves strapping small pocket watches on their wrists. This inspired Wilsdorf to specialize in what was then a non-existent market.

In 1908, Wilsdorf returned to Bienne and negotiated with Aegler for a consistent supply of watch movements. It was the largest contract ever signed for the watch component at the time. Concurrently, trademark and logo styles were an industry trend. The name Wilsdorf & Davis did not have the same sound as Kodak and Coke. Wilsdorf & Davis set upon thinking of a company name that doesn’t mean anything in particular, is easy to pronounce in multiple languages, is hard to misspell, and decided on a name.

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...That name was Rolex.

Dispelling the myth that wristwatches are not accurate, Rolex sent its first movement to the School of Horology in Bienne in 1910, one of the early timekeeping institutes where Rolex was awarded the world’s first wristwatch chronometer rating. With the rating, Rolex overcame the first challenge to keep accurate time. Further proving the accuracy of well-built wristwatch movements, Rolex was awarded the “Class A Certificate of Precision” from the Kew Observatory in England, the first certificate awarded to a wristwatch.

The test involved 45 days in five positions and three temperatures. Prior to Rolex, these certificates were only awarded to marine chronometers. Realizing the value of timing certificates, Wilsdorf insisted that all Rolex timepieces undergo similar testing and no Rolex should be sold without its “Official Timing Certificate.” For Aegler, Rolex would not accept any movements unless they passed Rolex’s seven-day battery of tests. Accepting no less than a timing certificate, Rolex set the timing standard for the rest of the watch industry.

The company was on sure footing with a consistent supply of watch movements

Rolex Movement Factory 1929

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from Aegler, a registered brand name, and a product that was in high demand.

The start of World War I further helped wristwatch demand but brought antiGerman trade restrictions to England.

Because of the high tariffs on watch and jewelry components coming into England, Wilsdorf and Davis decided to move much of the production back to Bienne utilizing the partnership they forged with Hermann Aegler.

In 1919, Rolex purchased a percentage of the Aegler company and began to call itself Aegler S.A. Rolex Watch Company.

Soon after that, Wilsdorf bought out Davis’s share of the company and moved the office to Geneva where he registered “Montres Rolex S.A.” on January 17th.

Wilsdorf settled in Geneva in order to let the factory in Biel be entirely devoted to manufacturing watch movements where Geneva would focus upon creating case models that fit cosmopolitan tastes.

On May 2, 1925, Rolex trademarked the famous crown or coronet in Geneva, Switzerland. After an expensive advertising campaign in 1926 to raise brand awareness, the “Rolex” name started appearing on every dial and the Rolex name quickly became synonymous with quality and distinction.

Rolex Head Office Geneva

Another production benchmark in 1925 happened when Rolex addressed the weak spot in all watch cases, the winding stem and its predilection for leaking water and dust. Wilsdorf heard of a patent filed for a new winding stem and button/crown. Wilsdorf bought the patent and registered the world’s first waterproof case, the Oyster, on July 29, 1926 in Switzerland, and again in London on February 28, 1927.

The term Oyster came to Hans while trying to open an oyster at a dinner party. Opening Rolexes today requires special tools, very similar to opening an Oyster at a restaurant. The sealed crown, combined with a water tight synthetic crystal also introduced at the time, along with a threaded bezel and caseback, Hans now had the three main watch deficiencies addressed, the crown, the case, and the timing accuracy.

1931 brought disaster and opportunity. Rolex business flourished, but the British pound was drastically

devalued on September 21 as a result of the world economic crisis and the Great Depression. The devaluation caused Rolex prices to rise, decreasing exports by 60%. If Rolex were to survive, it would have to sell outside of the British Empire. Subsequently, Wilsdorf established subsidiaries in Paris, Buenos Aires, and Milan as well as exploring business activities in the Far East. The expansion was successful.

Rolex increased production of Rolex Oysters from 2,500 to approximately 30,000 watches a year.

In 1944, Wilsdorf’s wife May died in addition to his long-time business partner and friend Hermann Aegler.

This left Wilsdorf as Rolex’s sole owner. With no heirs, Wilsdorf created the Hans Wilsdorf foundation in 1945.

The trust was underwritten to provide strict direction on how the company was to be run after Wilsdorf’s death, ensuring that the company would never merge with another company, be sold, or publicly traded.

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In 1945, Rolex introduced the date window to mark the firms 40th birthday. The DateJust caliber 740 was the world’s first automatic date mechanism in a wristwatch. Called the DateJust because, well, Date is obvious, but “Just” stands for “just in time,” advancing precisely at midnight without delay.

The date window was located on the right edge at 3:00 o’clock because most wearers have their watch on their left arm and the date window can easily peak out from under a shirt sleeve.

The 1950’s were a decade of post war growth and achievement for Rolex.

On May 29, 1953, the experimental Rolex Explorer rose to 29,035 ft above sea level on the wrist of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. In the same year, they attached a specially designed Deep Sea Special to the exterior of Auguste Piccard’s bathyscaphe, which reached a depth of 10,335 ft. This proved the concept that watches can be as pressure proof as submarines.

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Closing out the decade in 1959 was the introduction of the Submariner 5512, water resistant to 200 meters along with the introduction of crown guards that are prevalent on all Rolex sport watches. Also during the early 1950’s, Rolex incorporated the venerable Cyclops window to the date aperture after Wilsdorf’s near-sighted second wife could not read the date on her watch. Also, during the 1950’s Rolex had planted subsidiaries in Bombay, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Dublin, Havana, Johannesburg, London, Milan, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo and Toronto.

The Final Tick. 1960 saw the passing of Rolex’s founder Hans Wilsdorf on July 6th leaving Rolex to appointees stated in the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.

to the deepest reaches of the ocean.

You’ll find Rolex present at the most prestigious events in golf, sailing, tennis, motor sport, and equestrian tournaments. Synonymous with power and success, some of history’s most colourful personalities, from Winston Churchill to Cuban leader Fidel Castro, have worn Rolex watches.

If it would be possible to communicate thru dimensions, it would be interesting to ask Hans Wilsdorf if he knew back when he started, that his Rolex “wristlets” would make such a unique and lasting contribution to global culture, science and exploration.

For over a century, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers and achievers around the world, from the top of the highest mountains

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L et’s Stay,

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

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ai Plong Bay’s long golden sand beach sparkles in the sunlight. Towering palms line the beachfront. Teal coloured rooftops of the resort’s low-rise buildings blend with the verdant tropical jungle surrounds. A 400 plus meter high limestone cliff wall curves from one end of the bay to the other. Glistening in shades of rust reds, golds, and greys, it provides a dominating backdrop.

Arriving at Centara Grand Beach Resort Krabi by boat, it feels like we are coming to an island. The resort’s shuttle speed boat whisked us from Ao Nang’s Nopparat Thara Pier to Pai Plong Bay, exclusively occupied by Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi. We realise that those imposing limestone cliffs are all that separate us from neighbouring Ao Nang.

Making our way off the pontoon, staff greet and escort arrivals to the open-air hotel Lobby while boat and concierge staff take care of the luggage. Temperature checks, masks, and social distancing are de rigueur, while chilled towels and refreshing rosella juice are signs of Centara’s renowned hospitality.

Retaining a traditionally Thai architectural style and designed as a cluster of lowrise buildings and villas, the resort has 192 luxury garden view, ocean-facing rooms.

All guestrooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, and most room categories offer a king-sized bed or two double beds, which are ideal for families. Providing a sense of room for relaxing, most guest accommodations offer a combined living space ranging from 72 square metres.

Private villas start at 96 sqm, with beachfront villas featuring an extensive terrace, lounging and dining areas, and luxurious amenities. The Royal Villa set on the hilltop, with spectacular views of the Pai Plong Bay and beyond, offers an opulent two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 359 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, plus your own jacuzzi and private 40 sqm pool. This is the ultimate holiday haven.

Our Ocean Facing Spa Deluxe room offers luxurious space, including a private front balcony complete with an outdoor jacuzzi and comfortable sun loungers. A covered side patio with a single day bed completes the outdoor space. Inside the room, front and side walls of floor-to-ceiling glass mean the stunning ocean views are ever-present, while the retractable timber slat blinds allow additional privacy when desired. Polished timber floorboards add underfoot indulgence, while the expansive open-plan travertine tiled bathroom with its rain shower and full-sized stand-alone bathtub demand attention and extra relaxation time.

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Some rooms and villas come with complimentary access to Centara’s The Club. A private Club Lounge offering exclusive facilities and services, including refreshments, snacks, and light meal presentations served daily.

This is worth asking about when booking.

Beach and water-focused recreational activities are top ways to spend your time with the resort’s 500-meter-long unspoiled sandy beach, an excellent starting place. Join the early morning yoga or tai chi classes.

Chill on the rope swing hanging from a giant Sea Almond tree. Enjoy an ocean swim in the turquoise water, use your sandcastle building skills, or join the beach soccer late afternoons.

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) lessons are on offer.

Alternately, you can hire one of the resort’s kayaks or SUP boards to explore Pai Plong Bay and limestone cliffs. For the competent kayaker, you could even visit neighbouring Tonsai Beach. Hobbie Cats are also available if you prefer the wind to provide propulsion.

Hanging out in or lazing around the expansive three-tiered resort pool could be an alternative or lounging on the beach facing sunbeds. The resort’s fully-equipped fitness centre is available for those needing to expend more energy or keep their routines going.

Boating day trips can take you to some of the most spectacular islands in this region of Krabi. These tours often provide opportunities for swimming and snorkelling along the way, plus lunch. Choose from trips like the Phi Phi islands, the Four Islands tour,

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including neighbouring Railay Beach, or the Hong archipelago with Hong Island and its glorious white sandy beach and lagoon as highlights. The resort’s Discovery Desk has all the details.

A Kids Club is available for the little ones, complete with a schedule of activities. A separate E-zone is an excellent place for kids of all ages to hang out and amuse themselves. The Library is ideal for those seeking a quiet and contemplative space away from the sun and great outdoors. While the Resort Shop may have that little something that you just can’t leave on the shelves.

To fuel you up or replace expended energy, the resort offers a great choice of quality dining options from traditional Thai to international favourites.

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast buffet of local and international favourites at Lotus Court. Dining is alfresco on the deck overlooking the lagoon or indoors.

COAST Bistro is ideally situated pool and beachside, providing a casual dining experience for lunch, dinner, or inbetween snacks. Shaded by Casuarina and Sea Almond trees, this is toes in the sand eating with panoramic views of Pai Plong Bay. COAST is also an ideal spot for sundowners as this west-facing beach can deliver spectacular sunsets.

For guests looking to savour authentic Thai recipes, Suan Bua serves up an original selection of Southern Thai dishes combining traditional culinary techniques and locally sourced ingredients. We recommend seafood prepared Thai-style, for example, the Whole Fried Sea Bass with spicy Thai herbs.

Serving up classic and contemporary Japanese cuisine, Hagi features full-flavoured dishes in a cosy setting amid lush gardens. Indulge in authentic Japanese crafted with seasonal ingredients from fresh sashimi to the crunch of tempura or the theatre of live teppanyaki.

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For that uniquely memorable or romantic experience, dine in a quiet candlelit enclave on the beach and under the stars – just you and your loved one or that special intimate group. Simply select your choice of three-course menus, and your private butler will take care of everything for you.

On resort, SPA Cenvaree provides a tranquil sanctuary for restoring inner balance, rejuvenation, and wellness. It offers over 50 holistic therapies and healing rituals, including Ayurvedic programmes, beauty facials, muscle-soothing massages, and spa journeys for couples. SPA Cenvaree has seven spa suites and a separate space for reflexology and Thai massages.

There is also an outdoor relaxation area for you to rest and unwind after your treatment.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi could easily be described in several ways. For couples and honeymooners, it’s an ideal hideaway. For families or groups who adore the ocean and unspoiled nature, it provides a perfect base. And for those needing tranquillity and privacy, the resort is a sublime retreat. No matter your reason for visiting, we’re confident it will meet your needs.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi 396-396/1 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81180 Thailand Phone: (+66) 7-563-7789 Email: ckbr@chr.co.th www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/ckbr

By Michael Cullen

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Working from home?

Why not work from paradise?

It’s better.

Are you working from a condominium in Bangkok?

Come to Hua Hin and work from your own private pool villa instead.

Hua Hin, the family-friendly Royal Resort Beach Town, is just a few short hours from Bangkok. We’re known for our many quality golf courses, beaches, great restaurants, shopping, and excellent infrastructure.

HOT Hua Hin Property is Hua Hin’s paradise property experts. They offer properties from 3.49 to 130 million THB.

The paradise property experts, they’re better info@hothuahinproperty.com | +66 (0)84 387 5699 www.hothuahinproperty.com

Your Digital Twin

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H

ave you ever thought how great it would be to have a twin who could help you complete all you need to get done in a day? An exact twin, who could step in, allowing you time for more enjoyable pursuits? An Israeli company specializing in AI (Advanced Intelligence) video, called Hour One, has come up with the code that can now grant you that wish — at least where video is concerned.

In less than 20 minutes in a recording studio, Hour One can create a digital doppelganger of anyone, capturing their likeness, facial expressions, and voice.

It might sound spooky at first, but a new collaboration between the company and creative technologist Taryn Southern gives a preview of what’s in store and could become “the new normal.” It’s a vision they believe holds significant opportunities for those willing to take the plunge into this new realm.

“Is This For Real” is a forthcoming news series hosted by Southern — or rather, by her digital clone. Carrying the emerging technology theme, the show, which premieres in June, will be a weekly examination of the latest in science and technology.

Like many new developments in media over the past year, Southern said that the production emerged from the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, production all over the world shut down,” Southern said in a statement. “People were looking for alternate ways to make content, and I was curious about what could be produced with AI-generated video.”

Southern is no stranger to incorporating emerging technologies into her practice. She was an early adopter of VR video, and in 2018, she released “I AM AI,” an album co-produced with AI. But her show with Hour One leans the heaviest into the machine end of her ongoing human-machine collaborations.

“Experimenting with AI video production has been similar to working with AI music,” Southern said. “It provokes important conversations around the future of identity and trust, and will undoubtedly change the future of production.”

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Hour One isn’t offering much information about its “proprietary AI-driven process” to create a digital clone, but a behind-the-scenes video posted to Southern’s YouTube account shows how she created hers: by heading to a studio to record seven minutes of footage and reading through a “couple scripts and singing a song.” This footage was then uploaded to the cloud, and AI Taryn was “born.”

New content can now be created by uploading a written script, from which Hour One’s engine will produce a video of the AI clone speaking the text — to which custom graphics and backgrounds can then be added.

“When you shift from using cameras to code, entirely new things are pos-

Importantly, though, what Hour One is doing is not deepfakery. All clones are “original content” created for specific, consenting parties. The company also claims that all videos will have an “Altered Visuals” disclosure of some kind, “to respect the user’s right to know that the video has been computer-generated.”

Despite being a relatively plausible reproduction of Southern, her clone is still identifiably a clone. “Is This For

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sible,” said Hour One Head of Business Natalie Monbiot, in a statement. “As her code-based self, AI Taryn can take on all kinds of new skills, such as the ability to speak any language.”

AI clones are natural linguists, able to deliver content in any language, bypassing the need for subtitles to connect with audiences anywhere in the world. Theoretically, these clones could also function as “experts” in realms that their human counterparts know nothing about — it all just comes down to who is writing the script.

Hour One believes this will reduce the time spent in production — potentially from days to minutes — and creators can generate content regardless of how talent happens to look.

Real” will function more as a proof-ofconcept that explores the utility of this process, particularly as the technology improves, and it will, and as audiences adapt to an increasing presence of synthetic content in their media diets.

For now, the company sees clear benefits for those who spend a lot of time in front of the camera and need to produce a steady, high volume of content, citing the 24-hour news cycle as an example. While the technology

In her behind-the-scenes video, Southern jokes that she can now create new video content “without the real Taryn having to shower or leave her bed.” It’s also a format that those suffering from serious disease might use to continue producing content while otherwise unable. Or a little more dark, new original content could be created even after a person has passed.

Hour One uses generative adversarial networks, or GANs, to produce these clones. If that term sounds familiar, it’s because GANs are the class of machine learning used to create deepfakes, a form of synthetic media that substitutes faces and/or voices on existing content.

might not yet “fool” viewers, a sample set on Hour One’s website shows that, in many cases, they’ll do the job well enough — at a fraction of the cost and effort.

One day, this could provide creators like Southern a new revenue stream through licensing across a variety of content and formats they may not have had the time or availability to produce before.

For now, the clearest use case of this breed of synthetic media is in domains less reliant on creativity or performance, but that still benefit from presenter-led video content. In areas like HR, eLearning, eCommerce, real estate, and digital health, AI clones might well start popping up in places where we currently encounter chatbots, tour videos, or corporate training content.

The big question is whether audiences are actually ready to accept synthetic hosts. The uncanny valley has proven to be a notoriously difficult effect to overcome, but the collaborators behind “Is This For Real” are betting that this new wave of AI-driven video might finally mean synthetic clones are here for real.

Those who want to explore becoming an “Hour One character” can check it out on the company’s official application portal.

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PANORAMA DEVELOPMENTS ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THREE NEW PHASES

2 to 3 Bedrooms 3 to 4 Bathrooms Infinity Pool Customizable villa designs Different furniture package Underground electricity Free and Lease hold High Ceiling

STARTING PRICE

5.9M THB AT THE DOORS OF PRESTIGIOUS GOLF COURSES AT HUA HIN

BLACK MOUNTAIN

PALM HILLS PRESTIGE

PALM HILLS PREMIERE

29 plots Land size: 409 - 615 sq.m Living area: 197 - 267 sq.m Start selling price at 5.9M THB

15 plots Land size: 378 - 634 sq.m Living area: 197 - 267 sq.m Start selling price at 6.9M THB

7 plots Land size: 1,625 - 1,689 sq.m Living area: 362 sq.m Start selling price at 21.65M THB

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS AT PANORAMA KHAO TAO AND ITS 57 POOL VILLAS FULLY SOLD

WWW.PANORAMAVILLASHUAHIN.COM For more information, feel free to contact us at +66 (0) 98 539 9417 or at info@panoramavillashuahin.com

WELCOME WE HELP YOU TO BUY, SELL, RENT, LISTING HOUSE AND APARTMENTS

WWW.PARADISEPROPERTIES.SE stefanskepp@gmail.com +6698-463 4416 (Eng) 098-468 0834 (Thai)

RENT CAR IN HUA HIN & CHA-AM www.rentcarhuahinchaam.com

5 seat cars: Toyota, Honda, Misubishi, Suzuki, Nissan From 333 baht /day

7 seat cars: Honda, Toyota From 533 baht day

Sampraya road 1411/84 761 20 Cha-Am stefanskepp@gmail.com +6698-463 4416 (Eng, Swe) +6698-468 0834 (Thai)

Big 7 seat cars: Toyota, Mitsubishi From 933 baht /day

Yamaha AEROX 155cc From 100 baht /day

DEPOSIT CAR 5000 BAHT DEPOSIT MOTORBIKE 2000 BAHT • ALL CARS AUTOMATIC • 10 YEARS IN HUA HIN • BEST PRICE GUARANTY • NO MILLAGE LIMIT • INSURANCE INCLUDED • FREE BABY SEAT

In Partnership With 2,490,000 USD

Price On Application

Sanlorenzo SL86 Length 26.8 m

Sunseeker 86

Max Beam Draft 6.4 m 1.9 m

Made to Measure

Length 26.5 m

The layout is offered in two options with the galley on the main deck, or the lower deck, adjacent to the crew quarters. First SL86 in Asia is currently cruising around Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Max Beam Draft 6.4 m -

Year 2009

4 ensuite cabins accommodating 8 guests, together with further accommodation for 4 crew. Tropical air con, Trak Star fin Stabilizers, twin Kohler generators, watermaker, and powered by twin Cat C32 1850hp engines.

5,000,000 USD

Benetti Tradition 100 Length 30.2 m

1,990,000 EUR

Monte Carlo Yachts MCY 70

Max Beam Draft 7.2 m 2m

Year 2009

Location Thailand

Length 69 ft 11 in

Perfect condition with great 4 deck lay-out. Master cabin located forward on the Main-deck. Full-beam VIP stateroom on the lower deck and through to the three spacious exterior decks.

Beam 5 ft 5 in

Draft 1 ft 8 in

#5673446 Year 2015

Length 13.8 m

Beam 4. m

Draft .96 m

#6837121 Year 2015

Location Pattaya, Thailand

Featuring a spacious cockpit with teak deck, fridge, hand basin and removable electric grill. The large seating area which surrounds the solid teak table with plenty of room for entertaining. On the hydraulic swim platform, the garage opens to allow for storage of a 2.4m dinghy.

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Location Phuket, Thailand

Pristine state, better than new and still under warranty. The cabins have rarely been used by the meticulous owner and she has never been chartered.

522,900 USD

Cranchi M44 HT Power Boat

Location Thailand

342,000 USD

Azimut 46 Fly Bridge Motor Yacht Length 14.9 m

Beam 4.3 m

Draft 2.4 m

#7016936 Year 2005

Location Samui, Thailand

Classic Italian styling runs through the Salon, three cabins and additional crew cabin. Yacht benefits from full helm stations on the flybridge and in the spacious salon. This luxury vessel will deliver you to your destination in comfort and style.

www.hotmagazine.website/yachting

+66 (0) 84 387 5699

info@hothuahin.com

In Partnership With

1,750,000 USD

Lagoon 630MY Length 19.2 m

Max Beam 10 m

Draft 1.1 m

Year 2015

Location Thailand

This luxury yacht enjoys more space than many condominiums with four spacious cabins, a large galley with full size appliances, recently recovered upholstery in the salon and a spacious cockpit and flybridge, making entertaining friends a pleasure. This Lagoon 630MY has been immaculately maintained and looks like a new boat.

415,000 EUR

Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 Length 48 ft 7 in

Beam 13 ft 9 in

#6952772 Draft 3 ft 9 in

Year 2018

Location Phuket, Thailand

This Beneteau Gran Turismo 46 is the epitome of Power, Elegance and Style. Boasting twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 2X435HP engines, she perfectly blends performance with economy and guarantees immense pleasure at the helm. This is a popular 2 cabin version, full beam owners cabin with a VIP forward, both impressively appointed. The electric grill on the hydraulic swim platform is a convenient feature.

www.hotmagazine.website/yachting

+66 (0) 84 387 5699

info@hothuahin.com

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In Partnership With 561,700 USD

Custom Motor Yacht Length 27 m

378,000 USD

Lagoon 421

Max Beam Draft 7m 1.7 m

Year 2010

Location Thailand

Length 12.6 m

Designed for the day charter market. Accommodates 90 guests over 3 decks. If at a marina or pier, she can host 130 guests. Excellent boat for day trips, private charter, or medium sized events.

Max Beam Draft 7m 1.2 m

Year 2010

Exceptional condition. This boat has had many new features, including a new anchor winch, new Garmin Chart plotter, and new cushions. The engine has been regularly serviced and dealer maintained.

1,400,000 USD

Sunreef 58 Length 58 ft

#7394819 Beam 30 ft 6 in

Draft 5 ft 2 in

Year 2015

Location Phuket, Thailand

This 4 cabin catamaran is the perfect yacht to cruise in SE Asian waters.

With her shallow draft, she really is an ‘access all areas’ floating home.

379,000 USD

Formula 45 Yacht Length 13.7 m

Max Beam Draft 1.28 m 1.1 m

Year 2011

Length 29.6M

Beam 6M

#7142826 Year 2008

Location Samui

Built by the master shipwright Bugis in Indonesia, this lovingly restored and refitted this yacht offers classical lines and a luxurious finish. Currently in Thailand, this boat is ready for blue water cruising.

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Location Thailand

Expertly equipped for day trips or extended cruising. The forward cockpit glass enclosure with vented center walk-thru door provides complete climate protection, yet maintains a panoramic view.

324,412 USD

Schooner Phinisi 99 Footer

Location Thailand

265,000 USD

Tayana 55 Length 16.76M

#7257951 Beam 4.87 M

Draft 2.2 M

Year 1993

Location Pattaya

Extensive work has just been done on this Tayana 55, including anti fouling, anodes, through hull fittings, bearings, new B&G navigation electronics throughout with new bimini and full cover.

www.hotmagazine.website/yachting

+66 (0) 84 387 5699

info@hothuahin.com

In Partnership With

468,083 USD

Beneteau OC46.1 Length 13.6 m

Max Beam 4.5 m

Draft -

Year 2019

Location Thailand

Virtually new boat at a huge discount. The furling mast, self-tailing jib and all the halyards and sheets brought back to a single winch at each of the helm stations. 3 electric Harken winches and a bow thruster.

Price On Application

Beneteau OC30.1 Length 9.5 m

Max Beam 3m

Draft 1.9 m

Customizable Options

The smallest yacht in BENETEAU’s cruising range boasts trailability, incredible living space for her size and focuses on simplicity, yet she is as stylish and beautiful as ever.

www.hotmagazine.website/yachting

+66 (0) 84 387 5699

info@hothuahin.com

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HOME& REAL ESTATE Brought to you by

hothuahinproperty.com

HOME OF

THE MONTH

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Stunning, Unique Modern Style, Luxurious 5 Bedroom Golf Course Mansion

LIVING AREA: 750 M 2 LAND AREA: 2,400 M 2 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 6

37,950,000 THB

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Designed by International Architects & constructed using top quality materials by a premier construction company, this superb, modern 750 sqm North orientated home, considered desirable for tropical living, overlooks a lake and the 13th fairway of the prestigious Palm Hills Golf Course.

Based on the principle that ‘simplicity is the essence of good design’ the ground floor of this spacious home features cascading water courses, a large open plan, part double height Living/Dining & Kitchen area giving panoramic views over the landscaped gardens, swimming pool, lake and golf course beyond.

The first floor is accessed by both an internal cantilevered teak staircase with glass balustrading and an external ‘vertical hub’ linking a generous additional living area incorporating a ‘Home

Theater’ with built-in ‘Sonos’ surround sound, overhead projection, and a 100-inch screen. Direct access to external balcony terraces give lakes, golf course & elevated views of the sea.

Completing the accommodation on this floor is a spacious Office/ Library accessed by full height double teak doors. Directly opposite is a generous, well-appointed Master Bedroom Suite with a private balcony terrace with similar lakes, golf course, and sea views. The Suite comes complete with ‘His & Hers’ walk through wardrobe areas accessing a large en suite bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, wet room, double sinks, and ‘His & Hers’ toilet cubicles. With the exception of the bathrooms and sandstone vertical access hub, the whole first floor is laid with solid teak hardwood strip flooring throughout.

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At the Ground Floor main entrance point, accessed through full height teak double doors, is an Entertainment room surrounded by a ‘water course.’ With Bi-fold full height teak doors opening to the garden, it comes complete with a standard size pool table, wine bar, sink unit & fridge. Opposite are two self-contained Guest Bedroom Suites with full en-suite facilities, accessed by a private balcony terrace leading directly to the pool and gardens.

There is a large self-contained Garden Villa at the main entrance with 2 double-size bedrooms, a large bathroom, a kitchen, and a lounge area. Completing the Ground Floor accommodation is a 3 car covered parking area with storage rooms, Maid Quarters & Laundry area.

A large 15m x 8m saltwater infinity pool has its own access terrace and a large ‘sunken dining court’ with eye level swimming pool water views.

This 5 Bedroom, 6 Bathroom Villa stands on a 2400 sqm plot and benefits from a sophisticated security system and outdoor ‘Sonos’ music system, great for relaxing & entertaining.

This home is sold partially furnished, complete with a Palm Hills Lifetime Family Golf Membership.

To view the full picture catalog of this property, visit www.hothuahinproperty.com, reference number AG-V175. To arrange a personal tour call 084 387 5699 or email info@ hothuahinproperty.com.

This ‘Feng Shui’ balanced home and garden has been designed for tropical open plan living, centering around the pool, terraces, water features and covered ‘sail’ areas leading down to the lake across stepped lawns, through mature planting, ‘Feng Shui’ structures and specimen trees .

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+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Hua Hin West

#AG-B213957

12 Minutes North of Hua Hin Center, 10 Minutes to Hua Hin, Fully Furnished, Covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds: 3 Baths: 2

Living area: 500 m2 Land area: 155 m2

Hua Hin South

5,900,000 THB

#AG-B183

#AG-B186

Brand new Falcon Hill Terrace Home, Close to city. Falcon Hill voted the Best Development in Thailand at the 2020 Thailand Property Awards.

Many Amenities.

Beds: 3

Baths: 2

Living area: 224 m2

Koh Takiab

14,800,000 THB

#AG-CELCS0218053

This modern 4 bedroom home w/ pool is located less than 15 minutes South of Hua Hin. This home features an open plan lounge, dining room & kitchen.

This luxury beachfront Condominium Resort in Khao Takiab, 2km from Hua Hin Centre. A taxi service, shops, restaurants, bars and Tesco store.

Beds: 4 Baths: 3

Beds: 2

Living area: 287 m2 Land area: 531 m2

Hua Hin Center

10,800,000 THB

#AG-B168

Located minutes from Hua Hin Center is this brand new home with 1 bedroom guest house in Award Winning Development.

Beds: 4 Land area: 667 m2 14,500,000 THB Baths: 4 Living area: 274 m2

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Hua Hin Center

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Baths: 2

Living area: 130 m2

Hua Hin West

13,000,000 THB

#AG-B0218078

Reduced from 19,000,000 – Features an open plan imported Italian kitchen, dining and lounge area with sliding glass doors oversized covered terrace.

Beds: 4 Baths: 5

Living area : 500 m2 Land area : 1,790 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

16,000,000 THB

+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Koh Takiab

#AG-A48

Hua Hin North

#AG-B157

Spacious 2 Bedroom Ocean View Condo In Beachfront Building with swimming pool in trendy Koh Takiab

15 Minutes from Hua Hin Center, Less than 1km from golf course, Large covered terrace, Latest energy saving technology

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Beds: 3 Baths: 4

Living area: 153 m2

10,900,000 THB

Land area: 900 m2 Living area: 280 m2

Hua Hin Center This large luxurious 4 Bedroom, 5 Bathroom Pool Villa is located within a multi-award-winning development that is mere minutes from shopping, the beach and the center of Hua Hin.

further to the Maids Quarters with its own full kitchen. There is also a ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom, currently used as an office plus a separate guest bathroom.

The ground floor features a spacious open plan living room leading to a dining area and opening to an ultra-high-quality modern kitchen. To the right of the kitchen is a utility room which leads

The circular staircase leads to three large bedrooms, all en-suite and all with fitted wardrobes.

All bedrooms benefit from large covered terraces offering beautiful sea and mountain views. Out-

Beds: 4

Baths: 5

Living area: 500 m2

Land area: 1,200 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

11,790,000 THB

# AG-VELHS02138427 side is a double carport with storage, a truly large swimming pool with jacuzzi, and a kid’s play area. Additionally, you’ll find a large waterproof shade sail, a poolside sala, an outdoor kitchen BBQ, and a spacious green lawn. This luxury 4 bedroom pool villa is top-quality throughout.

Development amenities include a large communal pool, a BBQ area, a gym, on-site management, and security.

35,000,000 THB

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+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Hua Hin Center

#AG-B162

Reduced from 15,000,000 - Superb executive pool villa located on the prestigious Falcon Hill development, 5 minute drive to centre of Hua Hin. Beds: 4 Baths: 4

Living area: 280 m2 Land area: 700 m2

10,900,000 THB

Hua Hin South

#AG-B3135430

15 Minutes South of Hua Hin Center, Sea Views, Near Beach & Golf Large covered Terrace, Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds: 3 Living area: 210 m2 Baths: 2 Land area: 600 m2

14,500,000 THB

Koh Takiab Beachfront Condo in desirable building in trendy area

#AG-A63

3 decks, ocean view, oceanfront swimming pool, tennis courts Beds: 2 Baths: 2

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Living area : 124 m2 Land area : 100 m2

HOT Magazine

16,900,000 THB

Pranburi

#AG-B169

Brand new home, using quality building materials, in a quiet area located approx. 20 minutes Southwest of Hua Hin center Beds: 3 Living area: 310 m2 15,900,000 THB Baths: 3 Land area: 2400 m2

Pak Nam Pran

#AG-V0510481

Sea, River & Mountain Views, 3 Bedrooms in Main House, 1 Bedroom Guest Villa, Large covered Terrace, Large Pool, Euro Kitchen Beds: 4 Baths: 4

Living area: 270 m2 Land area: 1,000 m2

Hua Hin North

16,000,000 THB

#AG-B170

Located in the Exclusive Palm Hills Golf Course Dev. Is this large home with 2 guest houses. Golf and Fitness Memberships Included.

Beds: 7 Living area: 750 m2 21,500,000 THB Baths: 8 Land area: 2400 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Hua Hin North

AG-B190

This brand new 4 bedroom pool villa is located in the peaceful countryside, yet fewer than 15 minutes from BluPort and Hua Hin‘s city center a few minutes further. On an expansive land plot of 2.5 rai (4,000 square meters), this fourbedroom, four-bathroom home was designed and built with energy efficiency in mind.

Beds: 4

Baths: 4

Living area: 336 m2

Constructed by one of Hua Hin’s finest builders, the residence features four bedrooms, all en-suite, an open plan kitchen, dining room, lounge, and laundry room. The forth bedroom has its own separate entry. All bedrooms benefit from built-in wardrobes and dressers. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, tremendous

storage, and a built-in makeup table. Sliding glass doors from the master and bedroom four open onto the spacious covered terrace with its multiple entertaining areas.

21,900,000 THB

Land area: 4,000 m2

REDUCED FROM 58,000,000. Located just 15 minutes from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport is this large luxurious 3 Bedroom, 5 Bathroom estate home.

Special features abound and include a spacious professional Western designer kitchen with a Viking: refrigerator, microwave, oven, gas stove, and hood. For the wine lover, you’ll find a 450 bottles built-in Wine Cellar.

Additionally, the home includes an Entertainment room featuring a pool table, karaoke system, Bose cinema surround sound system & a High Definition Projector TV with a 103” Screen. Also within is a beautifully furnished Living Room, Dining Room, Buddha Room, indoor jacuzzi, and steam room.

Outside you will find a fully equipped BBQ Pavilion featuring a charcoal BBQ, power hood, refrigerator, smoker, gas stove, and ice storage, a 9x4m Overflow Swimming Pool, and a Jacuzzi.

There is plenty of room for staff with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full modern kitchen.

Additionally, there is a three-car garage, a laundry room, a cleaning area, garden, storage, High-Speed Fiber Optic WiFi, True Satellite in 5 locations, plus a CCTV & Infrared Security System.

Lakewood Country Club, Bangkok

Beds: 3

Baths: 5

#AG-B184

Living area: 1,150 m2

Land area: 1,964 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

55,000,000 THB

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+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Hua Hin South

#AG-B181

Hua Hin South

#AG-B182

This well priced 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is mere minutes from the Banyan Golf Course and less than 15 minutes from the center of Hua Hin.

Mere minutes from the Banyan Golf Course and less than 15 minutes from the center of Hua Hin. This home is “off plan”.

Beds: 3 Baths: 2

Beds: 3 Baths: 4

Living area: 120 m2 Land area: 280 m2

Hua Hin North

3,490,000 THB

#AG-VHS02222283

Living area: 162 m2 Land area: 400 m2

4,490,000 THB

Hua Hin West – Black Mountain

#AG-A65

Great Value! Reduced from 5,500,000. Features a European kitchen, dining room and lounge and has a pool plus covered parking for two cars.

This first floor condominium unit comes with one lifetime membership at Black Mountain.

Beds: 4 Baths: 4

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Living area: 154 m2 Land area: 700 m2

Hua Hin South

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4,500,000 THB

#AG-BEHS02135153001

Living area: 143 m2

Koh Takiab

6,900,000 THB

#AG-CCS0216740

This home has a spacious open plan living and dining area, adjoining large u shape kitchen. Outside pool and covered terrace.

This Luxury Condominium Resort is located in Khao Takiab, 4km from Hua Hin Centre, near a taxi service, shops, restaurants, bars.

Beds: 4 Baths: 3

Beds: 2

Living area: 240 m2 Land area: 680 m2

HOT Magazine

6,950,000 THB

Living area: 117 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

13,300,000 THB

+66 (0) 84 387 5699 info@hothuahinproperty.com

HOME & REAL ESTATE

Hua Hin Center

#AG-CELCS18022001

Hua Hin Center

#AG-CELCS0218052

This luxury ground floor apartment is in an exclusive low-rise condo resort. The communal swimming pool runs the distance to the beachfront.

This beachfront condo is located in the middle of Hua Hin and features a living, dining and kitchen area with direct access to the large balcony.

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Living area: 134 m2 Land area: 680 m2

Hua Hin Center

13,500,000 THB

#AG-VCS02222220

Living area: 134 m2

13,500,000 THB

Pranburi

#AG-B173

This sea view condo incorporates a modern aesthetic, tastefully integrated with contemporary Asian flair featuring hardwood golden teak floors.

Located in a quiet and rural area, less than 15 minutes from BluPort.

Brand new pool villa, on a big land plot, designed for energy efficiency.

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Beds: 3 Baths: 3

Living area: 192 m2

Hua Hin Center

14,400,000 THB

#AG-A67

Living area: 310 m2 Land area: 2,525 m2

Hua Hin West – Black Mountain

15,900,000 THB

#AG-V180

InterContinental Residences Hua Hin, a world-class oceanfront luxury development located on the last, best remaining Hua Hin oceanfront land plot

On the Black Mountain Golf Course, this large home offers stunning views and includes a full golf membership with outstanding amenities.

Beds: 2 Baths: 2

Beds: 3 Baths: 4

Living area: 76.5 m2

18,320,000 THB

Living area: 358 m2 Land area: 630 m2

View our full property catalog at

www.hothuahinproperty.com

26,000,000 THB

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