19 July 2014
It’s not a Straw Hat, It’s a Sisal Hat Sisal handicrafts at the Hup Kapong Cooperative Sisal, with the botanical name of Agave Sisalana, is a plant species widely cultivated in many countries. It yields a strong fibre used in making various products. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘sisal hemp’, because for centuries hemp was a major source of fibre. Sisal is grown chemical-free near the Hup Kapong Royal Project Learning Centre (also known as Sa Ha Khon) just outside Cha-Am. Something like 100 Rai is in crop and harvested as needed for handicrafts production. Products are made by housewives in the community commencing some 40 years ago. It’s a very labour intensive process with individual leaves being pulled through split
bamboo until only the fine sisal fibre remains. After naturally drying the fibre, it is dyed into a range of glorious pastel colours then woven into unique and eye-catching products. The project was initiated by the King of Thailand, and is a good example of best practice in Thai community development. Our host Khun Pen Tip is the Marketing Manager. Her customers are typically handicraft stores and markets throughout Thailand but also export oriented towards China and other Asian countries. She is also very welcoming to casual passers-by. Visitors are welcome to come and see the process with a wide range of very reasonably priced items on sale. Admittedly the focus is primarily appealing to the ladies, including hand and shoulder bags. However
Community Justice Centre Launched in Cha-Am
A Centre for Community Justice has been established for the first time in Cha-Am, in response to the national strategic plan of Thailand which aims to create social equality, justice and opportunity under legal systems to tackle social inequality in the country. According to the national strategic plan, a Centre of Community Justice has to be set up throughout Thailand. To successfully do so, the Provincial Court will select a local committee in each sub-district. The major tasks for the Centre are fivefold: 1. Prevention and safeguarding against crime; 2. Receiving and filing complaints made community members; 3. Dealing with conflicts in the community; 4. Enhancing social and community power; 5. Creating good human resources for Thai society. On 16th June, the main structure was organised by an Advisory Board that consists of the Mayor of Cha-Am, public officers of Cha-Am Municipality, representatives of the Phetchaburi Provincial Court and a Board of Committee members. The Board includes local people from different communities in Cha-Am and Members of the Cha-Am Municipal Council. The secretary is a legal advisor to the Cha-Am Municipality.
The Centre is supervised by the Phetchaburi District Justice Centre. The local Centre for Community Justice will carry out the following tasks: Developing, administrating and coordinating tasks assigned by the head office and cooperating with other Justice Centres in smaller local communities. Formulating and completing plans and projects to carry out its role and responsibilities. Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of justice issues of local people. Creating a database that helps the development of the Centre at the subdistrict level. Following and evaluating all the projects proposed. Appointing and designating subcommittee members or teams to complete projects; Giving basic legal advice to local people and finding ways for conflict resolution. Receiving complaints from local people and forwarding them to concerned authorities. Providing basic help or informing public authorities about complaints and cases in relation to children, women, seniors, human trafficking and domestic violence;
wide brimmed hats, lightweight and very comfortable, come in all shapes and sizes are ideal for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. Beach goers, golfers or walkers of either gender will be sure to find a unique and fashionable addition to their summer millinery wardrobe! Where: Just follow the main road to Hup Kapong heading west from Petchakisim Road only a few kilometres north of Cha-
Am. Follow the main road for about 6 -7 kilometres, passing the main Royal Project entrance before the cooperative outlet. Recommended To: Shoppers looking for a unique gift, souvenir or personal item which is hand crafted and a cultural experience with proceeds benefitting the local community. Also a handy source of products for retailers. Phone: 032 593173, 032 471286
Fishing Ban In The Upper Gulf Of Thailand For Two Months The Department of Fisheries has announced the closure of commercial fishing in the U-shape innermost area of the Upper Gulf of Thailand for two months to allow marine life to recover. The closure started on June 1st and will continue until July 31st. Fishing is now banned in this area during the two month closure period.
The two-month closure decision was reached during a meeting between the Department of Fisheries and fishermen’s representatives on April 3rd. It will be first year to implement the agreement which will be continued for three years. The fishing ban in the 4,940 square kilometre area of the Upper Gulf came after growing concern by the Department of Fisheries about the extent of fishing in the area with fishermen using high efficient fishing gear,
modification of fishing equipment and illegal fishing nets; threatening young marine life. The inner most of the Upper Gulf has an inverted U-shape and is the catchment basin of five major rivers; the Bang Pakong, Chao Phraya, Tha Chin, Mae Klong and Phetburi. The U-shape area covers large areas of eight provinces; Prachuab Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Samut Songkram, Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, Chachoengsao and Chonburi HUA HIN TODAY, JULY 2014
20 NEWS Cha - Am Jetski
Championship Round at Cha-Am beach in pictures
New type of ATM skimmer found in Phuket
Police have warned ATM users to be on the lookout for a new type of skimming device discovered this week in Patong. The warning comes after police received a call alerting them to a suspicious device attached to the card slot of a Siam Commercial Bank ATM. The ATM is a fairly new one with a hemispherical card slot designed to deter skimming. The skimming device, however, was also hemispherical and fitted over the original. It was made of green plastic that precisely matched the colour of the original slot underneath. Police say this is the first time this sort of skimming device has been detected and are working on the theory that it was installed by an international skimmer gang. The gang members would probably send the stolen card information over the Internet to another country where depositors’ accounts would be robbed using cloned cards. Anybody who comes across a suspicious device attached to an ATM is urged to call police immediately. Police believe that the criminals are probably loitering not far from the suspect ATM, and a stake-out of the ATM could result in arrests.
Win the Ultimate Thai Adventure
All amateur photographers and Thailand enthusiasts from all over the world have been called to enter the ‘Thailand: Still Having Fun!’ photo contest. The grand winner will receive an amazing 14 day Thai adventure for two staying at Anantara’s stunning five star hotels in the north, central and southern parts of the kingdom. To enter, simply follow Anantara on Facebook (www. facebook.com/anantara) or Instagram (@anantara_hotels) post your favourite original picture of Thailand or a Thai themed image between now and August 1st, showing just how much fun Thailand can be. And hashtag the photo #funthailand #anantara The person who shares the picture that best captures fun in Thailand will win a free 14 night getaway, staying at Anantara’s luxurious Thailand properties. From sun kissed beaches at Anantara Phuket Layan, a royal seaside retreat at Anantara Hua Hin and a luxurious urban retreat in the heart of Bangkok with Anantara Bangkok Riverside to enjoying an unforgettable elephant adventure in the jungle at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. If you love Thailand, start sharing your amazing pictures now. Show the world just how much fun Thailand continues to be and you could win the ultimate holiday! HUA HIN HIN TODAY, TODAY, JULY JULY 2014 2014 HUA