Cha Am Today November 2013 by Hua Hin Today

Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013

Volume 11 Issue 1 November 2013

A gracious welcome to

HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak

SANTORINI CONCERT AND CARNIVAL 2013 P

ink Elephant is presenting the Santorini Park Concert and Carnival 2013. The music festival will feature some of Thailand’s favourite artists such as Room 39, J Jetrin, Lipta, Ben Chalathit, Tor Saksit, Q Flure, Two Pobthorn and many more. There will also be a surprise show that will absolutely get concert goers in the New Year mood. There are many facilities provided such as parking area at Premium Outlet Cha-Am and Santorini Cha-Am, Shuttle bus services from Premium Outlet Cha-Am to the show area. Saturday 21st December 2013 at Santorini Park Cha-Am from 17.30 – 2.00 hrs. Ticket price 1,200 baht available at Thaiticketmajor or buy tickets at Santorini Park Cha-Am.

ua Hin Thailand, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak was graciously welcomed to Dusit Thani Hua Hin by Vipada Donavanik, Assistant Vice President-Dusit Group; Her Royal Highness was staying at the hotel while making visits to thank the volunteers serving the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer Foundations around the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Petchburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan.

JOYS OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT 2013

ne of the most popular tournaments on the Cha-Am golfing calendar will be held on 14th November 2013 at Palm Hills Golf Course.

Well known Cha-Am identity Kolbjorn Moe is hosting the Event for amateurs only for the fifth time and bookings are now open. Participants will also be able to enjoy pre game breakfast and dinner as a part of the Event. Sponsors for the event include OrkideExpressen (The TourOperator of Norway), Callaway, Odyssey, Stiklestad Golfklubb and many local companies. The Cha-Am Golf Club is also an active supporter. Further information and online bookings can be made at www.thaimat.no/golf. You can also book by sending an e-mail to: kolbjorn.moe@gmail.com

Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013

ASANEE- WASAN – ‘BROTHERS IN ROCK’

here is a significant difference between various Thai rock bands that appear at entertainment venues around Hua Hin and Cha-Am and the ‘real thing’. To Western ears many sound repetitive; with one song much the same as the last or an ordinary cover of some all too familiar songs (heard Hotel California lately?). Some have synthesised ‘help’; it’s always disappointing when the lead guitar break happens without the on stage guitarist playing a note. However this is not only a Thai phenomenon with bands worldwide ‘cheating’ in a variety of ways. Amongst foreigners in Thailand, there is generally little knowledge or appreciation about what’s on offer at the serious end of the Thai rock industry. If you like rock music and get the chance, you definitely should visit a concert of one of the more famous Thai rock bands, they’re good! The latest of these concerts in the Region was on 28th September at the Rama VI Army Centre and the band? - The legendary Asanee-Wasan, a very real Thai rock band, live on stage. Our thanks for access to the concert from the Cha-Am Municipality Mayor’s

Office (Khun Beer) and the Singha Corporation (Khun Tik).

This was a HUGE Event with over 10,000 attending. Apart from the reputation and fan base of the band, having an open venue midway between Hua Hin and Cha-Am and a rain free day/night also made a difference. The crowd attending a recent Carabao concert in Cha-Am was probably one third the size. Unfortunately that was a wet day and may not have been promoted to the full extent in Hua Hin. This time with the cooperation of the promoters, Hua Hin & Cha-Am Today was able to let our readers know in advance about the Asanee – Wasan concert in our September issue. Maybe that helped? Thai rock concerts seem to have a reputation for crowd disruption which, similarly to the Carabao concert, the promoters, the Singha Corporation now have under control; another reason for non-Thais to ‘tune-in’. A warm night, the crowd tightly packed, but an atmosphere of excitement and no ‘agro’. This band recorded their first album in 1986 and has undertaken world tours in the past including venues in Singapore, Los Angeles, London, New York, Sydney and a number of cities in India. The band is fronted by brothers Asanee “Pom” and Wasan “Toe” Chotikul.

The younger brother Khun ‘Toe’ took a lesser role in this performance. His orientation towards more ‘gentle’ and acoustic sounds was evident with his older brother, the rocker of the two, leading the way in the concert. We were treated to a wild drum solo with everyone else taking a short break as the drummer carried on to energetically ‘rev up’ the crowd. It’s hard work being a drummer in this band! The band also featured two lady backing singers, adding to the depth of the sound. We are told that one is of Italian origin, but that is

unconfirmed. Asanee-Wasan plays a fairly commercial though distinctive, ‘soft rock’ style of music, not at the blues or heavy metal end of the spectrum. It’s easy listening and for those who don’t understand the Thai lyrics it doesn’t really matter. However we noticed the ‘peace sign’ on the ‘Les Paul’ Gibson guitar wielded by Khun ‘Pom’ so maybe there is an element of a political message somewhere. The very few ‘falang’ in attendance were clearly enjoying the concert as well as the Thai fans. The occasional scream of appreciation from the young ladies in the crowd often greeted the opening chords and riffs for those familiar with the band’s hits. To get a taste, here’s a you tube link you may enjoy: http://www.youtube.com / atch?v=7ZL83R3Hj Sk&feature=share&list=TLtm5S3PoBfesXVIfgT B9BvNckQ0V6A_L3 Next time there is a real concert near you, we’ll try to let you know; check it out! FOOTNOTE: Yes, plectrums (‘picks’) were thrown into the crowd as a trademark of an Asanee – Wasan performance, but nowhere near me!

Cha-Am to Launch An Aerobic’s Festival

PEOPLE IN BUSINES

hun Chakrut Vesvarut or as he is called Jackie’s. business place was not having much luck on the day we talked to him at Toyota Showroom

To begin with machinery operating on the road works outside the Company showrooms had thrown up a stone which managed to hit and shatter one of the rather large glass panels of the showroom frontage. Secondly as I wandered around the showroom checking out the latest Toyota models the cream coloured tile seemed somewhat sticky though I didn’t really pay much attention. Inspection complete, I was shown to the customer lounge where I would be introduced to Khun Jackie. I noticed a series of black footprints across the showroom floor then, to my embarrassment, realised that the trail lead to the place where I was sitting. Apparently I had stepped into some liquid tar/asphalt from the road works before walking into the showrooms and I was responsible for the Khun Jackieis the managing director of Toyota Showroomand apart from his usual nickname he aforementioned footprints! could be referred to as ‘Mr Toyota’. Khun Jackie Along with his good humoured staff Khun Jackie has an extended family, including his brother and was unflustered by my sabotage of the showrooms sister all with interests in Toyota. His brother and very quickly the mess was cleaned up. They operates a certified Toyota reselling business which even produced some asphalt-specific cleaner for is very useful when customers are looking to trade the job. Perhaps I wasn’t the first! in their current vehicle on a new Toyota.

HUA HIN SEA DISCOVERY

NOT Sea Explorer; our apologies!

Hua Hin Today made an error in an article published in our October issue. We were obviously so excited with a trip on the Hua Hin Sea Discovery that we mistakenly referred to the ocean going high speed cruiser as the Sea Explorer, whoops! For us it was an exploration but we apologise to the operators and to our readers for using that name in the article. For more information about the fantastic ocean discovery trips that are available on

Hua Hin Sea Discovery: www.huahinseadiscovery .com

to Honour His Majesty

he Cha-Am Municipality is organising a big aerobics festival to promote a healthy lifestyle for local people and to celebrate the 86th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King. Taking place at the Cha-Am lookout, this event will be enjoyed by 1,000 participants, most of whom are aerobics lovers.

The Municipality is providing financial support for local communities which proposed a project to promote and maintain good health. Among many other local communities that submitted proposals the Fah Sai Cha-Am Suay Group has received funding for the project to promote exercise in the Cha-Am’s municipal area. Realising the benefits of this project, the ChaAm Mayor proposed that it should be organised as a big festive event so that everyone living in the city could participate.

It is expected that up to 1,000 participants will join the activity, said Mr. Nukul Pornsomboonsiri, the mayor of Cha-Am.

Starting at 5 p.m. on 30 November 2013, the event includes a ceremony of expressing Importantly, this event will in advance celebrate gratitude to His Majesty followed by an aerobics the birthday anniversary of the long-reigning exercise until 7 p.m. Anyone interested are welcome to join, added Mr. Nukul. monarch who is now staying in Hua Hin.

Volume 11 issue 1 November 2013

THE CHA-AM HOSPITAL – Things May Be Changing

t’s fair to say, deserved or not, that the Cha –Am Hospital has an image problem. Apart from the stories that are told (often second or third hand) which quickly circulate and perhaps grow out of perspective and context; it just doesn’t look good.

minute drive to Hua-Hin may be the difference between life and death.

Cha-Am really needs a fully equipped and functional local hospital. It’s currently very busy and straining at the seams.

The hospital appears to be much like an older style country town hospital; Cha-Am isn’t like that However, on examination things aren’t as bad as anymore and further growth and development is the first appearances may suggest. There are 24 hour emergency services although the lack of happening every day! signage and visible directions for new admissions However plans are afoot, with promised funding, cannot be described as ‘user friendly’, especially to change that with a development program over for foreigners. The admission staff is eager to the next three years. Although the ASEAN future understand what the health concern is and a cannot be the ‘be all and end all’ of the stimulus welcoming smile on the face of the admissions for change, that’s part of the reason. officer was clear and genuine without any prompting from our reporters. Apart from the At a local level, this is the only hospital in Cha- common ‘bad news’ stories we have also been Am. In emergency situations there is a need for told by a former grateful foreign patient about a Cha-Am critical care facility apart from the need real lifesaving intervention from the available to provide simple surgical procedures, diagnostic emergency services. services and in-patient care. An extra twenty The hospital spokesman Dr Prakasit Chomchuen (or Khun Mhor Den as his is better known) is an orthopaedic specialist and the Deputy Director. He completed his early medical training at the Chiang Mai University, his home City. After working at various hospitals in Chang Rai and then completing specialist training at Rajavithi Hospital in Bangkok, he was appointed to his present position in October 2012.

to increase the bed capacity from the current 90 to 120. He also described plans to enable minor surgical procedures and an overall ‘facelift’ over the next three years. He understands that improvements are required, including the ability to communicate in English.

Khun Mhor Den is all too familiar with the common issues of motorbike accidents, gastric symptoms and dengue fever. These are frequent health issues that he is confident that the hospital staff can manage in a professional and efficient manner. Emergency admissions may take over an hour to attend however critical cases will always be prioritised with immediate care on hand. And small reminder, if you can, don’t forget to bring The Hospital Director is Dr Panuwat Sapkiree, BA, your passport. MD. Khun Mhor Den described the current staffing arrangements (around 100 in total) which include ten doctors ,including those with specialties in paediatrics and gynaecology apart from his own specialty. He talked about expansion plans

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN

PHETCHABURI WIN FIVE AWARDS

he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently organised the 9th Thai Tourism Industry Award Competition 2013. The awards are made to enhance and improve the quality of tourism and to raise the awareness of travellers and entrepreneurs about cultural and natural attractions. The awards were presented to the winners on 27th September 2013 at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi and are recognised worldwide.

Park won an award for recreational site to promote learning. The park specialises in energy saving and environmental-friendly campaigns in the form of exhibits and multi- media, naturally built classrooms and mangrove forest.

Ban Tham Sua Tree Bank won an award for a tourist attraction created by a local community. It is well known for interdependent living close to nature, launching a tree agriculture-based tourism, Many tourism attractions in Phetchaburi bank, entered the competition and won five reforestation, cooking organic food and home stays with local people. awards as follows: The awards celebrate tourist attractions in Phetchaburi which deserve recognition. Interested visitors and students can arrange a study tour and participate in the activities taking place at the award winning attractions. For more information, please contact 032 459 293 for Kaeng Krachan National Park, 032 592 100 for Queen Mother Srinagarindra Park, 032 508 40510 or 032 508 379 or 032 508 352 for Princess Kaeng Krachan National Park won Sirindhorn Environmental Park and 089 an award for the best natural tourist 810 1806 for Ban Tham Sua Tree Bank. attraction. At the park visitors can join a reforestation activity, natural dam construction, butterfly and bird watching, trekking while admiring various kinds of plants and wildlife. Queen Mother Srinagarindra Park (Chai Pattana Foundation) won an award for agriculture-based tourist attraction. The park is outstanding in terms of ecotourism, herbs, ecosystem studying and various activities including making traditional Thai balm, tea and herbal compress balls. Princess

Sirindhorn

Environmental

world-wide, funding will be an ongoing issue. There also will always be room for sponsorship and community based financial and practical support. For example, the Cha-Am Golf Club is currently raising funds for the latest model AED (Automated External Defibrillator to ensure that this device is more available for those suffering from potentially fatal heart failure symptoms. Perhaps it’s time for other local organisations to become involved in supporting the hospital in the best interests of the Cha-Am community.

Footnote: Our reporters noticed that the admission form for essential personal information requested upon attendance at the hospital is not The most common given reason for well written and confusing in its English language motorbike accidents? – stray dogs! content. We have now forwarded a (suggested) ‘revised version’ as a small gesture towards Cha-Am Today hopes that our report may be a helping the hospital ‘come of age’ and become a further stimulus for change, although recognising more respected community facility. We hope that that in common with government medical services helps just a little!

Paramotoring “It’s More Than Just Breathtaking” SKY CLUB THAILAND - Pak Nam Pran

They are occasionally seen in the skies of Hua Hin and surrounds. You can see a small seated figure suspended below a fabric wing flying slowly with the propulsion of a small motor. It looks very peaceful and bird-like, although those with any degree of acrophobia (fear of heights) may instantly cringe at the thought! The term paramotoring was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 1980 and popularized in France around 1986 when power was added to the then-new paraglider wings. This form of flying is also known as powered paragliding. It combines the flying characteristics of a paraglider with the autonomy and range of powered flight. Paramotors are said to be relatively easy to learn to fly and do not need an airfield or runway. They can take-off from an open, flat field with no need to find a hill site facing into wind, or even to wait for the wind to blow. They are quickly and easily rigged and de-rigged, and once dismantled can be put in the boot of a car or taken to exotic locations as hand baggage. Paramotor flight has been described as is one of the safest forms of aviation. The primary reason is low air speed and inherent stability. The research and technology that is constantly being applied to paramotoring has made this form of flight extremely accessible and safe for the general public. What exactly is a paramotor? This simplest of all powered aircraft consists of a small motor driving a propeller, worn like a backpack under a paraglider wing and providing thrust to take off, climb and maintain level flight. Once airborne, the paramotor can be used to motor along and watch the world go by beneath or, if conditions permit, soar with a thermal lift to make long cross-country flights. Many paramotor pilots are paraglider pilots looking for more flexibility in their flying; many others are new to flying but become interested in paramotoring, and then also in pure paragliding flight. Sky Club Thailand The local venue for paramotoring is located 25 minutes south of Hua Hin city centre at Pak Nam Pran near Dolphin Bay. Sky Club offers a unique aerial experience for all ages. They have three internationally certified pilots, each with over 10 years’ experience. This includes commercial paramotoring as aerial photography and filming is ideally suited to this form of flight. Aerial surveillance, including the assessment of environmental damage such as illegal logging is also on the resume. All the pilots are certified instructors with various international organisations such as FAI (Europe), ASC (USA) and Royal Thai Flying Club. On offer are comfortable, safe and exciting 10 min, 20min or 30min excursions as a passenger. If you really want to get into this form of flying yourself and become your own pilot, a comprehensive training program is also on offer. The time needed before you can fly solo is approximately 25 hours. Of which 20 hours will be hands on training and 5 hours of flight and weather theory. No experience is needed for you to be a passenger with one the Sky Club pilots at the helm. Just sit back and enjoy the cool breeze and big skies around spectacular Sam Roi Yod National Park and along the beaches of Dolphin Bay, Pranburi. However the best description of paramotoring can only come from someone who has experienced a flight first hand. Here is an unedited version from one intrepid first time passenger! When I told friends “I’m going para-motoring”, their first response was always “para-what?” When I explained that I explained that

I’d be strapping myself to an oversized fan and a giant parasail before attempting to fly, they said their final goodbyes. Undeterred I set off for Pak Nam Pran near Hua Hin on a warm, clear Friday morning. Driving in, the Sky Club hangar is a welcoming sight. There’s coffee, sandwiches and a dozen people running around. My eyes though are drawn straight to the beautiful machines lined up in the centre of the expansive space. Waiting for us is instructor Mark Silverberg. He reassures me by talking about (a) his 12 years of experience (b) the risk averse, middle-aged family men who make up the usual paramotoring demographic (c) how the flight is so gentle and relaxing that he considers it “air. therapy. “Most reassuring of all is that Mark himself will take me up today and do all the work - all I have to do is take in the view. “It’s not about going from A to B, it’s about enjoying the air,” Mark says, explaining that they fly only in clear, calm weather. Though you can go as high up as 18,000 feet, it’s clear that flying low is the real pleasure in para-motoring - so low that the tips of your toes brush the tops of trees. It’s interesting to learn that paramotoring lures in photographers, map makers and explorers because of the kind of unparalleled access it offers to wild places. It’s better than a plane for low flights, and cheaper than a helicopter, plus you don’t have the rotor backwash bending the trees in half and scaring away the birds. I’m going on the Para-motoring Discovery Flight, but Sky Club also offers training - a week or roughly 20 to 30 hours will be enough to prepare you for your first solo flight. For those interested in para-motoring, the two-stroke gasoline engines come in different sizes depending on how much weight they have to heft. There’s the foot launch option for the single paramotorist, chiefly recommended for an easy take off in cramped conditions, and the stronger motors that can help two people seated in a three-wheeled frame lift off. I now know all I need to know and Mark says the weather is clear enough for us to attempt a flight. We head out to the bumpy runway, my helmet is already strapped on, my earpiece and mike sorted and as I stride bravely forward I allow myself to momentarily savour the illusion of being in the Thailand’s edition of Top Gun. Soon I’m being strapped in to my little cloth seat restraints across the thighs, another around my torso. Mark is saying soothing things in my ear set, but the roar of the giant fan whirring behind me has me clutching my armrests with sudden white-knuckled desperation. I’m certain we’re going to drive off the edge of the runway when I feel the tug and we rise steeply into the air. I can’t help whooping, deafening Mark and scattering a flock of white birds that choose to take off in a picturesque formation at the same time as us. Below me is the area around Sam Roi Yod National Park. To one side is a pure white, sandy line of beach and an emerald ocean, to the other the beautyful mountains of sam roi yod.; Just below the lovely white dome of a stupa framed by temple buildings. You’d think I’d be used to Thailand’s beauty by now, but the view takes my breath away anyway. Mark heads down to the beach, doing lazy spirals over a lovely expanse of ocean before flying low along the line where the curling wave meets the sand. The spirals and wing overs help him control height and it’s where the adrenaline junkies can get their fix. (Go up high, and you can also turn off the motor and simply glide with your parasail.) Though my reaction to high buildings is usually an urge to jump off the edge, I’m entirely at ease and just drinking in the view. All too soon it’s time to land. In moments the break in the weather will give way to rain. As we walk back to the hangar, little drops setting the puddles around us rippling, Mark tells me that once he’s had a chance to go up in the air, he always feels like his day is set, that very little could upset him now. I know just what he means. SKY Club Thailand. Phone: +66 (0) 8740 11113