19 September 2014
The 16th Shell Eating, Bird Watching & Squid Catching Festival in Cha-Am
An Unforgettable Experience for Beachgoers in the Rainy Season
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Phetchaburi would like to invite Thais and foreigners to the 16th Shell Eating, Bird Watching & Squid Catching Festival in ChaAm from 13th -21st September 2014 at the Cha-Am lookout. This event, starting from
4 p.m. daily, features a big fair of fresh seafood and stage performances at night. Organised in cooperation with the Singha Corporation and supported by the TAT Phetchaburi, the 16th Shell Eating, Bird
Watching & Squid Catching Festival in Cha-Am is one of the biggest and most anticipated annual events. Aiming to promote tourism in Cha-Am between September and October, this Festival encourages tourists to enjoy a
A Sustainable Vision For Thailand and Our Region
period when there are many squid in the sea and many birds migrate from cold weather in the northern parts of the world. Highlights include a seafood fair launched by 50 restaurants and hotels and stage performances every night. ...Page 20
A Catholic Monument in Cha-Am: The St Theresa Prayer Hall It’s one of the most unusual sights you are likely to come across in your local travels, presumably the legacy of a failed mission to spread Christian worship and the message of the Catholic Church in rural Thailand.
The Sirindhorn International Environment Park is a significant educational, research and environmental development facility. But more than that, it provides the opportunity to understand some of the developmental issues facing the Region and Thailand in general. Next year the Park will host an international conference of environmental scientists from around the globe. However it also
is a very accessible way for us all to see a slice of the natural wonders of Thailand, both flora and fauna. On our visit to Sirindhorn, it was doing what it does best. Swarms of visitors; some corporate, some school groups, all eager to experience and learn ‘hands on’ how to be involved in environmental protection and restoration. ...Page 20
Today this religious building is a relic; a magnificent monument slowly decaying. However the symbols and religious murals of worship and Catholicism remain as a glorious affirmation of the founders’ Christian faith. We visited this virtually abandoned building after a tip-off from the Hash House Harriers, thanks for your discovery Stuart! If you know the entrance to the Springfield Royal Country Club, it’s easy to find. Travelling on the bypass (Pranburi – ChaAm) Highway North, about 10 kilometres
before reaching Cha-Am, Route 101 is a main intersection with signs to the Golf Course heading west. The Course entrance is another 5 kilometres; after a further 500 metres you’ll see a pillared entrance on the left. Follow the road a short distance and you’ll come across the main large hexagonal building with impressively wide steps leading you up to the second level of what once was the magnificent St Theresa Prayer Hall.
...Page 20 HUA HIN TODAY, September 2014
20 News Hotel de la Paix
Hotel de la Paix is delighted to announce that the hotel has joined Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator. It is exciting to be a part of this legendary hospitality company which has over 3,600 hotels worldwide. The hotel will be rebranded into a Sofitel So from mid 2015 and will be the second property under the brand in Thailand. As a member of the Accor hotel network, guests can now book rooms at Hotel de la Paix Hua Hin through www.accorhotels.com.
The 16 Shell Eating, Bird Watching & Squid Catching Festival in Cha-Am th
A Sustainable Vision For Thailand and Our Region
Apart from the indoor displays featuring non-fossil fueled power sources, waste disposal solutions and water management, visitors were taking part in mangrove planting and the release of baby crabs back into the ocean. The Park theatre also shows in video form the history, aims and achievement of the Park and the Royal family’s involvement in the project. It’s also worth mentioning that there is an English language dialogue which has been very professionally produced. Our problem is how to convey the impact that the Park has on its many visitors. The only real answer is we can’t; this can only be realised with a visit. Sirindhorn may primarily be set up for group tours for educational or corporate staff development but anyone is welcome. Perhaps a combination of a visit to the nearby Royal Palace with a pre-arranged tour is the way to go. In our opinion it’s worth mentioning this if you are planning to use one of the touring companies around town. No reason why it can’t be on their schedule We were very fortunate to have available the considerable expertise of two of the park’s champions. Dr Sonjai Havanond is the Deputy Managing Director and Mr Ruud Jansen is a senior consultant. Dr
Sonjai is a very passionate environmental campaigner who is also proud of the accomplishments at Sirindhorn. Ruud Jansen has a history of involvement in the management of Holland’s water systems as an expert who has helped keep that country ‘afloat’. He met the Managing Director of Sirindhorn, Professor Doctor Seree Supratid during a consultative visit to Bangkok when the city was in need of advice about flood management. As a local resident, has been an active volunteer at the park for the past three years. Both our hosts were both very eager to show off Sirnindhorn with a first-hand account of the history and future plans. Our thanks to both the public relations staff and the two resident experts for their warm welcome and enthusiastic efforts towards improving the ecological systems and environmental future of the region. This really is a world class facility ready to show everyone how to manage a sustainable future. Where: Enter the Rama VI Army Camp off the Cha-Am to Hua Hin highway about 10 kilometres from Cha-Am. Contact: Phone 032 508 405 10, 032 508 352; ask for Khun Numpueng. Website: www.sirindhornpark.or.th
A Catholic Monument in Cha-Am: The St Theresa Prayer Hall
Squid catching is held daily from 7 p.m. to midnight. Anyone who would like to catch squid in the sea has to pay 100 Baht for a boat service and another 100 Baht for deposit of a rod and baits. On board, visitors can grill squid they catch and enjoy it with savoury and spicy dips free. The registration point for the squid catching is located to the south of the lookout. A bird watcher group is organising a free-of-charge bird watching trips from 14th to 21st September. Taking place at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in Thung Takad Phalee and Khao Nang Phanthurat National Park, this activity allows participants to admire local and migrating birds around swamps and at the foot of the hill. Guides will be available throughout the trips. Those interested in joining this activity should register north of the lookout. From 13th to 14th September, another special event will be speedboat racing, from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the southern end next to the lookout. The speedboat racing includes several boat models: sport open boat, Mini Formula 1, Scooter 40 Open, Scooter 30 Open, Banana Boat 40 and Banana Boat 30. Applications for participating in the event can be made at the Chairman of Cha-Am Cruising Boat Club Mr. Montree Meerit, tel. 081 299 6171. Those who like fishing can take part in a fishing competition on 13th September at Saphan Hin Cha-Am from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Prizes will be given for 6 fish types: giant sea perch, grouper, stingray, bagrid catfish, drumfish and 1 other. Applications can be made directly to Mr. Thaweep Pinniem at tel. 081 9463261. Artists giving stage performances at the Festival include: h Naem Ronnadet Saturday 13th September h Luk Nam R-Siam Sunday 14th September h Prem Preeyaphorn Monday 15th September h Touch Na Takuathung Tuesday 16th September h Ko Ya R-Siam Wednesday 17th September h View R-Siam Thursday 18th September h Saen Naga Friday 19th September h Yes’ter Day Saturday 20th September h Ja R-Siam Sunday 21st September For further information about the Festival, please contact the TAT in Phetchaburi at tel. 032 471 005-6 or Cha-Am Municipality at 032 472 550 or 032 471 665. HUA HIN TODAY, September 2014
The Prayer Hall is clearly unused with birds flying through the open areas, a broken tiled floor and ruined vestiges of religious worship, including a fallen alter and crumbling statues. However all is not lost. Many multi-level frescoes on the walls show painted scenes of the Christian message in remarkably good condition. One such fresco shows the ‘garden of Eden’, complete with Adam and Eve, dinosaurs and elephants! Vibrant stained glass windows are intact, beaming with reds, golds and blues. The domed high ceilings are also resplendent with gold and red religious symbolism. This is would be an amazing sight in many parts of the world, but in Thailand, absolutely astounding. There is evidence that the Prayer Hall still gets a little care and attention with gardens and pathways being maintained. Your visit will be noted, please leave it the way you found it! But what of the history? We organised an English translation of a stone proclamation in Thai, to see if there were any clues. Here’s what we found: The land was purchased by the Very Reverend Father Surachai Chumsriphan and his wife on St Theresa Day (1st October) 1991. “On that day, Father
Manas Chuabsamai baptized my wife and summoned Saint Theresa to be her guardian angel. In honour of God and Saint Theresa who always give us blessing, we had this prayer hall built with great belief in them. Here, people are allowed to practice meditation, pray to God by themselves or convene a seminar or meeting.” This is a quote from the opening day, though no date was described. On 1st May 2005, the building was handed over to the Diocese in Ratchaburi (with responsibility for Petchaburi Province), with a message from Father Manas Chuabsamai (John Bosco). It had then been administered for 11 years (1994). He is quoted as saying “All I wish is to see is that the Saint Theresa Prayer Hall will continue to serve as a spiritual sanctuary for anyone in search of God. Here, people can pray, meditate and improve their mind more profoundly. That’s all we know so far about this accidental ‘discovery’; we’d like to know more. If you can tell us about this monument to Christianity in Thailand, please let us know. A word of caution! On the balcony at the side of the building we were attacked by a swarm of wasps, which left some very painful memories; please be careful!
News 21 The Patagonian Mara/Alpaca/Flamingo/Ostrich and CAMEL REPUBLIC!
The Camel Republic officially now has camels. On our previous visit the camels were yet to arrive, but now there are five in situ, with more coming soon. Rumour has it that a giraffe will also soon arrive! However there are some other rather exotic creatures at Cha-Am’s latest attraction. Some you may never have heard of before, let alone seen up close and personal. For example, a family of Patagonian Mara, all the way from Argentina. Something between a very large rabbit and a very small deer. They enjoy the company of humans, do not bite and enjoy their chins/mouths stroked and ears scratched; frequently rolling over on their backs to get a good long tummy rub.
The camels have been imported from Australia. This is not at surprising as the country with the biggest population in the wild, something like 750,000 at last count. Mechanical creatures are also there to ride for the thrill seekers loving flying high and finding new ways of losing their
At to that goats, swans, alpacas, finches, parrots, macaws and flamingos and it’s a very usual gathering of creatures from distant corners of the Earth. There are even African ostriches sharing an enclosure with an Australian emu.
lunch. Screams a plenty! We wondered why one of the feature attractions the ‘Sky Flyer’ is placed outside the main entrance and walls. The reason became obvious when the very powerful turbine cranked up, sounding as loud as a small jet engine. This produces an extreme updraft so that the ‘flyers’
sail high above the structure like sky divers after jumping from an aircraft. The Camel Republic is now really up and running; check out the wildlife and mechanical life soon! Where? - five kilometres north of Cha-Am on the main Bangkok Highway.
Meet The New Tourism Authority of Thailand Interview New Regional Director Last month Cha-Am welcomed the arrival of the new Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phetchaburi office, Khun Akkrawit Thapasit. there for the first time. During my study at the university, I also participated actively in tourism activities as a chairperson of a local guide club. When I completed the university degree, I passed an exam to work for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Pattaya office for 19 years. Then, I was appointed the deputy director there before moving to the TAT’s office in Rayong for 2 years. When I worked in Pattaya, I was also a committee member of a tourism association on golf and other recreational activities. After Rayong, I am assigned to work here in Phetchaburi.” 2. What is the main purpose of the TAT office in Cha-Am under your supervision? “Our office’s main responsibilities include supporting and promoting our work jointly done with public and private sectors to attract more interested tourists to visit Phetchaburi. We are now working hard to encourage them to come here on weekdays and promote golf activities launched in the province.” We were invited to attend the welcoming party at the Cha-Am Forest Park where Khun Akkravit and the staff of the Cha-Am TAT office proved to be very affable hosts. He’s now a busy man taking steps to meet with tourism industry representatives of the two Provinces within his sphere of responsibility (Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi) so we will need to wait until he takes a breath after his ‘meet and great’ campaign before we can get to know him better. However our thanks for Khun Akkrawit’s responses to our written questions provided below. 1. Could you tell us briefly about your educational and professional backgrounds? How did you gain experience in the tourism industry? “Basically I have experience about travelling from my family because we like to visit many places in Thailand. When my university offered a course on tourism industry, I was among those students who attended the course
3. What do you think is special about Cha-Am in comparison with other tourist attractions in Thailand? “Cha-Am is located in the central part of Thailand on the Gulf of Thailand side. It provides convenient travel for visitors because the city is only 180 kms. or around 3 hours from Bangkok. Here, it offers tourists various products and services on tourism with perfect natural resources, such as beaches, rivers, forest, mountains, hotels, resorts and topnotched golf courses. The city is considered the golf destination of the world. Cha-Am also boasts several man-made attractions which symbolize expansion of tourism business by private companies, namely Santorini Park, Camel Republic, Swiss Sheep Farm and The Venezia. All of them attract a lot of visitors every year. The city also has several tourism activities throughout the year, particularly the Phra
Nakhon Khiri-Muang Phet Festival, the Shell Eating, Bird Watching and Squid Catching Festival and the annual Cha-Am Hua Hin Golf Tournament. The convenient location and availability to welcome many visitors makes Cha-Am one of the first choice of holiday getaway for Thais and foreigners alike.”
and games that use salt to play.
4. In 2015, apart from promoting Bangkok, Phuket, Kho Samui, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, how does TAT plan to promote Cha-Am?
5. The learning and traveling project which allows public officers and private company staff to travel and learn by themselves at centres of royal initiatives, local museums and other learning places in Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi.
“Since the TAT’s Phetchaburi office is responsible for a marketing campaign in 2 provinces of Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi, in 2015, we have many projects to boost tourism in those areas so that families, working people, the senior, youths and members of the niche market come here more often. The projects aim to reduce the large number of tourists in some of other major tourist areas and promote traveling in low season. There are 6 projects:
6. The project to promote traveling on weekdays, with cooperation of hotels, resorts, golf courses, rented cars, restaurants, souvenir shops and spas. This project encourages visitors to travel from Monday to Friday instead of on weekends. It aims to reduce the amount of tourists on weekends, enable local business to earn more during weekdays and increase days for tourism for all year round.” 5. Do you have any new plans for TAT’s ChaAm office?
1. The ‘Un...missable cities’ activity that promotes alternative tourism in 10 cities of Thailand including Ratchaburi, the city entitled, City of Art.
“We are determined to launch more events with private companies in the area. These events should provide more access to our target groups who visit Cha-Am. And they should co-occur with beach activities, enable visitors to have fresh seafood here and be a part of social work.”
2. The project to promote inter-regional tourism and golf in which a golf tournament took place in Phetchaburi, Chanthaburi and Rayong. This will enable golfers to practice the sport and travel more in the three provinces. 3. The project, Bicycle Club Card by TAT Phet, which encourages many bikers to travel to Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi through the sale of the Bicycle Club that offers discounts at many shops and hotels. 4. The project, Phetchaburi: Salt, Sand and Mangrove Forest, that aims to promote a visit along the scenic route in Bang Ta BunBan Laem-Had Chao and Cha-Am. Along the route, there will be many learning activities like the Art of Salt which features salt sculpture, music performances on the beach, local food
6. What other tourism activities remain for this year? “At the end of September which is also the end of Thailand’s national fiscal year of 2014, there is one more activity held by the TAT’s Phetchaburi office; the 13th Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival 2014. This is an annual event in the low season to promote tourism at 10 leading golf courses in Cha-Am and Hua Hin.” Editor’s Note: A description provided has been omitted due to our coverage of this Event). For more TAT Information visit: www.facebook/tatphetfanpage HUA HIN TODAY, September 2014