19 January 2015
‘1,000 Sook’; 1,000 Thai Pleasures ‘Amusement Alley’ stretches some 10 kilometres from the junction of the bypass road just north of Cha-Am along the main highway to Bangkok. We’ve already reported on Santorini, The Swiss Sheep Farm and Camel Republic. There are more entertainment and shopping venues coming, including a shopping complex under construction with the ‘golden arches’ of McDonalds already open. And let’s not forget the factory outlets for designer label clothing. Travellers heading south from Bangkok have many tempting reasons to stop en route.
Our latest visit was to check out ‘1,000 Sook’; what’s that? This is also called ‘1,000 Happiness Food and Farm’; perhaps a better translation would be 1,000 Pleasures. 1,000 Sook is a combination of an urban farm, a souvenir and Thai delicacies outlet and a steak (and more) restaurant. If you look around the shopping areas first, chances are you’ll qualify for a free entry pass to the farm with just a few purchases. It’s a bit like an OTOP, handicraft store and Thai specialty food outlet all wrapped into one. Find a special item or a real Thai gift. Instead of the usual bottle of wine, perhaps a bottle
of mangosteen fruit wine as the ‘red’ for a birthday present. Thai delicacies include fish sausages and every form of chilli known to man. There’s even a chilli sampling station if you are brave enough to try on the tongue! Thai desserts you will not see anywhere else could be a challenge as most labels are only in Thai language. For ladies there are fashion items, hand crafted and unique and for kids the most colourful selection of lollypops and ... Read more on Page 20..... ‘Rick the Brick’ V ‘Gentleman Jim’
‘Rick the Brick’ V ‘Gentleman Jim’
Muay Thai Boxing at the Gr.and Muay Thai Boxing Stadium & Gym Hua Hin
Sjomannskirken – The Norwegian Traveller’s Friend If you want to be noticed, enjoy a fun way to travel around Cha-Am and have a little energy to spare, the Cha-Am ‘Party Bike is the way to go. This pedal-powered 12 seater, probably seen by most as a regular participant in the annual Songkram parade, had its most unusual riders ever recently. The Reverend Ragnavald Seierstad, Vidar Svava and other members of the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission were in town and wanted to let the locals know. The Norwegian Church Abroad or The Norwegian Seamen’s Church (Norwegian: Sjømannskirken) is a religious organisation serving Norwegians and other Scandinavians travelling abroad. Founded in 1864, The Norwegian Seamen’s Mission – Sjømannsmisjonen – was established to secure the moral and religious education of Scandinavian seafarers, but also to give them a “breathing room” where a fellow countryman was available to lend an ear and give some attention. Today, the churches and their staff together with travelling pastors around the globe represent a “resource centre” for all Norwegians travelling internationally.
The experience of being a Muay Thai boxer is not on the ‘bucket list’ for most of us. Although not considered a brutal sport, with tradition and sportsmanship taking pride of place, it’s still hand-to-hand combat.
The chances are that even the winner will bare the ‘scars of war’. Our trip to the Grand Muay Thai Boxing Stadium in Hua Hin was to witness Cha-Am’s ‘Rick the Brick’ tick off that item. ...Read more on Page 20.....
The Sjømannskirken group are regular visitors to Cha-Am, based in Pattaya but travelling across the country. They provide pastoral care and respond to request from hospitals, prisons and from the Norwegian Embassy when one of their countrymen is in need. In Pattaya, annually there are around 25,000 visitors to the church, not only those in difficulties, but those looking for a way to reconnect to their church or to their
fellow-countrymen. Reverend Ragnavald has a very positive view about Norwegians in Thailand. From his perspective, only a minority lead lives which could be described as ‘at risk’, the majority are really playing a very productive and fulfilling role in the community. In Cha-Am the church unofficial logo, a heart shaped waffle was on offer and enjoyed by the local Norwegian fraternity. As the logo suggest, a heartwarming way to meet the locals. If you want further information visit the website (including an ‘online church’) or call the Pattaya office. Website: www.sjomannskirken.no Phone: Church mobile: +66 (0) 85 135 7755 (service hours) Emergency Tel.: +66 (0) 85 123 9090 Email: pattaya@sjomannskirken.no Footnote: If you are interested in giving the ‘Party Bike’ a test run or considering a novel way of entertaining your friends (a mobile birthday party?) on a jaunt around town, you’ll find it parked in Soi Long Beach on the right side away from the beach. Call Rogeir (0818 261 480) for more information. HUA HIN TODAY, January 2015