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April 2015
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chari Sirindhorn’s Birthday
April 2015isisThe The Celebration Nationwide April 22rdrd2015 Celebration Nationwide Birthday Her Majesty, Honoring of The The60 60ththBirthday ofof Her Majesty, Honoring a Much MuchBeloved BelovedRoyal Royal Family Member PagePage 6 6 Family Member
“Songkran Day”
Thai New Year 2015
Songkran is not only about fun and the party atmosphere that will be found on the streets of Thailand no matter where you are. Page 28
Easter is the most important festival in the Christian Calendar
Asian Beach Polo Championship Hua Hin 2015 will take place on the beach in front of Intercontinental Resort Hua Hin on Saturday, 25 April 2015. Page 6
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Editor’s Note
While the whole of Europe has welcomed Spring after a long winter we are in a hot, hot summer with some rains that we didn’t expect helping us chill for a short time! In this issue as every other year we honor the Songkran Holidays! Get our Calendar and start planning your nights out. Our recommendation for this year is Vana Nava Jungle Water Park, with the biggest water bucket I’ve ever seen, live stages and DJs till late. On pages 8 & 10 you’ll see our regular Fashion & Lifestyle focusing on kids and Celebrities this time. The Asian Beach Polo comes back again on 25th, don’t miss this spectacular event organised by the Intercontinental Hua Hin. Elsewhere you’ll find an interesting interview with Mike Fijas the General Manager of Vana Nava Hua Hin on page 16. Mike is rapidly becoming a Hua Hin local and brings with him extensive international experiences from the Water Park industry. We also look back to some important political news that worries the rest of the world with Israeli elections and the Ukraine situation on page 38. Our golf pages give you an overview of the Mondo Vino tournament from March and explores a collection of the latest golf shoes. The US Masters from 9th to 12th of April will take golfers’ attention for a while. We are in the process of reinventing Hua Hin Today digital footprint to expand our reach. Expect to see more unique content and online videos which will bring another layer of content to the Hua Hin Today print version. Because social media plays such an important role at personal and entrepreneurial levels, we will be expanding our Facebook presence with daily updates. The Hua Hin Today team wishes you a splashtastic Songkran!
06 News 08 Fashion & Life Style 12 Golf 16 People Today 19 Cha Am Today 24 Wellness 28 Cover Story 30 Last Month 32 Motoring 34 Ultimate Getaway Holiday 38 Entertainment INSERTS : Food & Wine Lovers Property Today
Best Regards, Eleni
Who is in charge? General Manager:
Eleni Mastronikoli
eleni@huahintoday.com Editor:
Pol. Maj. Gen. Noi Wannapaiboon
Sales Manager:
Nichchaya Mance (Pang)
Tel.096 889 4438 email: sales@huahintoday.com
Assistant to the editor: Rotjana Saitakam (Nok) ea@huahintoday.com Graphic Designer:
Grit (Nat) Promprasert, Nicolas Cheimonidis
Accountant: accounting@huahintoday.com Journalists:
Chamnan Puengjoh, Supansa Kraiwaad,
Soravit Eiam-Aek, Sangay Lhaden
Where to find us! Hua Hin Today Co., Ltd Address:
62/51-52 Soi Moobaan Hua-Na, Phechkaseam Road,
Nongkae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Thailand 77110
Tel. 086 338 2203 / 096 889 4438
Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday
Some Important Regional Contacts Organisation Hua Hin Cha-Am Police 191 (Emergency) 191 (Emergency) 032 511 027 032 471 321 Highway Police 1193 Tourist Police 1155 Fire Station 199 (Emergency) 199 (Emergency) 032 511 666 Ambulance 1554 Medical Emergency 1669 Electrical Call Centre 1129 Alcoholics Anonymous 089 587 682 Bangkok Hospital 1719 033 616 800 San Paolo 032 532 576 Cha Am Hospital 032 471 808 Hua Hin Hospital 032 520 401
Transport Bus Station Railway Station
032 514 477 032 512 770
032 471 159
Government Muncipality Immigration Tourist Info Centre Water Supply Post Office Power Board
032 511 047 1132 032 522 656 032 511 047 032 471 005 032 511 677 032 477 646 032 511 063 032 477 252 032 512 215 032 472 069
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
4 Governor Wants Singkhon Checkpoint Open for Tourism Promotion
HOWZAT? Cricket in Thailand
The Prachuab Khirikhan Governor, Mr. Weera Sriwattanatrakul, has asked Office of the National Security Council (ONSC) and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Thailand to consider opening the Singkhon Checkpoint before Myanmar launches its general election campaign. The checkpoint opening will promote Prachuab Khirikhan as a very important economic gateway of ASEAN. The Governor added that both Thai and Burmese investors have been looking forward to the opening of Singkhon Checkpoint to facilitate their investment, business and tourism. The checkpoint cannot be officially opened until the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Thailand and Myanmarsign a border certification agreement, said the Governor of Prachuab Khirikhan. This is a sensitive issue for both countries despite the currently active business negotiation in the area. There is no border dispute between the two countries especially in the Singkhon Checkpoint area. Delays in the checkpoint opening may see business opportunities being lost. “Singkhon Checkpoint should be open in June at the latest. After then Myanmar will have a general election and we have to wait for the new government of Myanmar to decide on bilateral business with Thailand. The earlier the opening, the better for Thailand,” explained Mr. Weera, adding that the Prachuab Khirikhan Provincial Office had already campaigned for the opening to facilitate business between Thailand and Myanmar and allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to proceed further on the border certification agreement between the two countries. “After the checkpoint is open officially, Prachuab Khirikhan will become an important gateway for trading and
business in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Weera. The checkpoint could accommodate the entrance and exit of many Thai and foreign visitors to and from Thailand and Myanmar, enabling Prachuab Khirikhan to grow as much as 10%. In 2015, Prachuab Khirikhan is expected to earn as much as 40 billion THB, a bigger amount than in 2014 with the Province receiving 30 billion THB from a total of 5 million Thai and foreign tourists. “Even though the Singkhon Checkpoint hasn’t opened yet, some investors have already bought land in the area for profit speculation. Many new hotels have been constructed nearby and in the lower part of the Province,” said Mr. Weera. “Now, there are approximately 20,000 rooms available at all hotels in Prachuab.” Myanmar would be pleased if Thai investors do business there, especially in Marid Archipelago which has 600 small islands. In the next 10 years, many of the islands will become tourist destinations, so Thai investors should have hotels or resorts built there as soon as possible. Finally, the Prachuab Governor concluded that some Thai investors in the Province had already done business in Marid, including the 5-star Pearl Laguna Hotel. Additionally Burmese business people have built hotels there, such as the Royal Jade Hotel.
From Pattaya to Phuket By Golf Cart – The Longest Drive? The Longest Drive charity golf cart marathon set off from the Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya on March 8th aims conclude with a celebratory Gala event at the Hard Rock Café in Patong in early April. Mark Cameron and Graham Haslam, representing the ‘Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation’, are attempting to make history with a New Guinness World Record by driving a Solar paneled motorised Golf Cart from Pattaya to Phuket, a distance of around 1,200 kilometres over 24 days. The trip will take in championship golf courses and a final round at Laguna Phuket. Local, National and International TV stations are involved and Capital TV has offered the services of a TV crew to film the eight days on the various golf courses as a donation to the foundation The company will be provide a producer and complete all the editing required. Funds raised from The Longest Drive go directly towards improving the economic opportunities and life chances of young people, by funding and implementing high quality, practical English language education in government schools on Phuket Island. Anyone can be part of this HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
Guinness World Record! by sponsoring a length of the drive. For more information see www.phukethasbeengoodtous.org
The 20th annual Hua Hin Sixes Cricket Tournament will be held on 4th to 8th April at the grounds in front of the Dusit Thani Resort. For the uninitiated and also for cricket fans, this is a chance to see cricketers who have been past representatives of their country as well as the ‘try-hards’ in a light-hearted though competitive series of games. Apart from the games there is a strong social side to the tournament, including a Cricket Glamour Night on 6th April at the Hilton Brewery Company. Major sponsors include The Thailand Tourism Authority, Bangkok Post and TNF Cricket (Australia) Writing about cricket for the uninitiated requires explanations about many expressions that are a part of the game. Our first example, ‘Howzat’, is really a shortened version of ‘How was that?’, a shout imploring the umpire to declare a batsman dismissed. So What Are The Basics? Cricket is an outdoor bat and ball sport played between two teams. There are many books written about the laws of the game and a variety of situations that sometimes arise but basically. It’s played on a large circular or oval shaped grassed field which varies in size with a diametre of around 150 metres. Most of the action takes place in the centre of this ground, on a rectangular strip with short grass or an artificial surface called the pitch. The pitch is 20 metres long. At each end of the pitch three upright wooden stakes, called the stumps, are hammered into the ground. Two wooden crosspieces, known as the bails, sit in grooves atop the stumps. One team bats and tries to score as the other team bowls and fields; trying to restrict the number of runs and dismiss the batters. Two batsmen play at any one time each taking a position at opposite ends of the pitch. During play a bowler delivers the ball from one end to the other with an overarm motion and a straightened arm, it cannot be thrown! The aim is either to hit the stumps or have the batsmen mishit the
ball so that it is caught by a fielder. The bowler delivers 6 balls in one over before being replaced by another bowler. The batsmen scores by scampering from one end of the pitch to the other after hitting the ball. Each time that dash is completed one run results; however a ball reaching the boundary scores 4 and a ball crossing the boundary on the full scores 6 runs. A batsman is dismissed if: The ball hits the wickets after being bowled. The ball is caught by a fielder after being hit. The ball is retrieved by a fielder and the wickets are hit with the ball before a run is completed (run out). The bowler hits the batters legs, stopping the ball from hitting the wickets (LBW – leg before wicket). An innings is completed when all but one the batsmen (you can’t bat alone) are dismissed or the nominated number of overs has been bowled. The teams then reverse roles; the winning team is the one scoring the most runs. The Hua Hin Sixes Version of Cricket As the name ‘sixes’ suggests this version of the game (there are many others) has six members per team, 5 x 6 ball overs and only one over per bowler. A batsman can only score 35 runs before compulsory retirement. This is a fast scoring game with not many fielders out there to intercept the ball. With only one innings for each team, a game lasts for about 40 minutes. Twenty one teams will be competing for the ‘Cup’ (open), Masters (over 35 years of age) and Veterans (over 50 years of age). Last year the flags were flying for England, New Zealand, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and of course Thailand. Footnote: We hear that this year will feature a ‘duck’s pond’. A ‘duck’ is when a batsman fails to score a run; not a good look. It seems like this year the penalty will be a visit to the ‘duck’s pond’, just to add further humiliation.
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6 Celebrations to Mark Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th Birthday
Chakri Memorial Day The Foundations of a Dynasty
Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 2nd April 2015.” Various agencies and organizations, as well as the general public, have been invited to display on their offices and houses a purple flag with the ceremonial emblem on the celebrations from 1 January to 31 December 2015. Purple is the colour of Saturday, the birthday of Her Royal Highness. The public will also be invited to wear purple shirts, with the ceremonial emblem, as an expression of love and respect for Her Royal Highness. The Fine Arts Department has been assigned to be responsible for documentation and historical records on this occasion.
The year 2015 is considered a significant year for Thailand, as it marks the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s fifth cycle, or 60th, birthday anniversary. As a tribute to the Princess, the Government will hold year-long celebrations from 1 January to 31 December 2015. A group of people will be ordained as monks and novices in a mass ordination program in celebration on 2nd April 2015. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on 3 November 2014 chaired the first meeting of the National Commission on the Celebrations, with the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office as member and secretary. The meeting acknowledged the title in English for the celebrations: “The
Prime Minister Prayut also urged the public to buy commemorative pins on the occasion of the 60th birthday anniversary celebrations. Reservations for the pins can be made at the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office in Bangkok and at the town halls of all provinces, as well as all branches of Krung Thai Bank. Proceeds from the sale will go to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation to provide scholarships for needy children and youths. Her Royal Highness was born on 2 April 1955. She is the third child and second daughter of Their Majesties the King and Queen and is the first of the royal children to attend a local institution of higher learning. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chulalongkorn University, where she majored in history. Her Royal Highness obtained Master’s degrees from Chulalongkorn University, majoring in PaliSanskrit, and from Silpakorn University, majoring in Oriental Epigraphy. She also holds a doctorate in Development Education from Srinakharinwirot University.
Hua Hin Now Has An Active Chess Scene In Town On August 4th, 2014, former Swedish sports journalist Robert Okpu started the Hua Hin Chess Club at the Dacha Restaurant on Soi 94.
”I came to Hua Hin for the first time four years ago and read somewhere that there had been a chess club here called Domino. When I came back in March last year for a long stay, I did not find any chess club. Finally I contacted Konstantin Lepekhin, owner of the Dacha Restaurant, and suggested that we start one.” ”My father is Nigerian and I was actually part of the team that won the Nigerian University Team Championships in 1988. But I stopped playing in the nineties due to work constraints and I was sure there would be some other ‘rusty expats’ in Hua Hin with a similar interest in chess,” says Robert.
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
The Hua Hin Chess Club is free and open to all. ”We play blitz, rapid and so called bughouse chess, with or without clocks from 4 pm every Monday. We have had players from Britain and Ireland, Belgium, France, Holland, Russia and Scandinavia. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find Thai players. I know most Thais prefer the ‘makruk’ version to western chess. But there are strong Thai western chess players in Bangkok and other places in Thailand, so there should be some good Thai players in Hua Hin as well,” says Robert.
Chakri Day on 6th April commemorates the origins of the Chakri dynasty, founded by Rama I, who established Bangkok as the nation’s capital. HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the ninth monarch of the Chakri dynasty History of the holiday Officially known as ‘King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day’, Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty by Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke ( Rama I) in 1782. One of King Rama’s first acts was to make Krung Thep (modern day Bangkok) the capital of Siam.
How is it celebrated? The King, accompanied by other members of the royal household, presides over the religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel.
Chakri day commemorates the coronation of Rama I but it is also a day for the people of Thailand to recognise the contributions of all the kings in the dynasty.
He will pay respects to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon, which contains life-size statues of the first eight kings of the Chakri dynasty, and will lay a wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge.
The current and ninth King (Rama IX) of the dynasty is King Bhumibol Adulyadej who is the longest reigning monarch in the world.
Government offices, schools, and banks close, but most other businesses open as usual on this day.
Asian Beach Polo Championship 2015
Currently, the only junior player who plays regularly in the Hua Hin Chess Club is a nine year-old, but chess is also now available in Hua Hin for kids as beginners. ”Some months after opening, we were contacted by Binita Shah, an Indian lady who runs the Indo Western Institute of Cultural Arts (IWICA) in Bangkok since 2008. IWICA has now started a chess academy in Hua Hin. A summer camp started in March and there is a 12-session IWICA course for beginners running at the Sirada Learning Centre on Petchkasem Road.”
The Asian Beach Polo Championship will take place on the beach in front of Intercontinental Resort Hua Hin on Saturday, 25 April 2015. This is the only equestrian competition on the beach in Asia and has been held continuously for 6 years.
Anyone looking to join the Hua Hin Chess Club or with enquiries about the chess academy for kids can contact Robert on telephone: 0926 595 305.
Winners of the event will be awarded trophies of Princess Bhatcharakittiyabha, known among Thais as Princess Pha. All proceeds will be contributed to the
“Kam Lang Jai” (Encouragement) Project initiated by the Princess. Over the past 5 years the Event has attracted many tourists and beach polo enthusiasts to visit Hua Hin. This event also makes Thailand famous among foreigners and Thai people because it enables them to realise the capacity of the country to organise a sporting event at the international level.
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12 Mondo Vino & Banyan – ‘Thanks For Your Partnership’
‘Thanks for Your partnership’ was a sentiment offered by Mondo Vino, the Banyan Golf Course and a host of sponsors displayed on banners to the field of 140 generous golfers joining the 4th Mondo Vino Charity Golf Day. It was also a sentiment reciprocated by the golfers at this very successful day of golf, companionship and fun that is held every year. Probably the most eagerly anticipated Charity Day on the Hua Hin golfing calendar, this event lived up its reputation and the response of the golfers was to very willingly ‘dip into pockets’ to support the charity aims of the day. Sponsors of charity days usually provide goods (golfing gear, wine, artworks) and services (golf rounds, dinners, resort & spa experiences) but this is of little benefit to the charity unless it can be converted into real money. This is where the golfers come to the party bidding at the auction and purchasing lucky drawer tickets. The sale of ‘Mulligan passes’ and paying to compete or use the ability of the professional’s on the course was another way of boosting the charity funds. The time proven formula for events of this nature was Texas Scramble and a ‘shotgun start’. This means that groups are allocated a different starting hole and finish the round in unison. However this was somewhat offputting for our group the ‘Swiss Artists’. Our first hole was the signature hole, the par 3 number 15, with a challenge to get closer to the pin than a professional golfer also teeing off; an intimidating first swing of the day! One of my strategies for the day was to book Thailand and the Asia-Pacific’s award winning best caddie, Kannika Namthong. This paid an immediate dividend. After an analysis of my practice swing, handicap,
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
age, limited physical attributes and course conditions on a windy day; her club selection for this first hole was spot-on, thanks Khun Ked! The good news; my 7 iron was on target, inside the pro’s mark and won me a bottle of fine Villa Pillo Borgoforte (2011) red wine from Italy and the extensive Mondo Vino cellars. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with the classic grapes of Tuscany; can’t wait for the tasting!
It’s a not glib comment to say that Charity Days are not all about winning. Everyone is a winner, especially those in unfortunate circumstances whose quality of life receives a very welcome boost. Finally thanks to the golfers and sponsors providing the organisation to achieve the charity aims of the day, realising some 300.000 THB, ‘thanks for your partnership!’
Alex’s caddie testing the lie’
The bad news, it was all downhill from there. This could have been attributed to the freeflow Prosecco and the gourmet offerings after finishing our fourth hole, the 18th. Much too early in the day for me, from there on it was free-flow bogies! Despite Khun Ked marshalling the other caddies, we had trouble following her great advice to our peril. Her ‘tongue in cheek’ comment at the end of the day said it all………… “a long day and hard work.” My apologies, it wasn’t about the quality of advice; always sound with good humour and patience. It was just my lack of connection between intent and execution. Khun Ked also demonstrated what a golf swing should look like; again I tried but couldn’t execute. One unsolicited request from Khun Ked that I’m happy to honour was to pass on was to thank her boss Stuart Daly. She’s been a bit shy to offer that personally but really appreciates his support and encouragement. She also wants everyone to know “he’s a really great boss”.
Banyan Director of Operations Staurt Daly and Mono Vino Owner and Director Petere Kirketerp with instructions
Attentive golfers ready for play
Khun Ked’s swing, A Prosecco with Khun Ked.
‘Winners are grinners’
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14 US Masters The 2015 Masters Tournament will be the 79th edition of the Masters Tournament and the first of golf’s four major championships to be held in 2015. It will be held from April 9–12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This is probably the most anticipated golf event of the year. If you are interested in the traditions, theatre and the best players on the planet, the Masters offers it all. Tune in to the Mastes for some real inspiration regardless of your own golfing prowess. This is golf at it’s best. In 2014 Bubba Watson won for the second time in two years, adding to the Green Jacket he won in 2012. Watson’s final margin was three strokes over Jonas Blixt and 20-year-old Jordan Spieth.
And so will Your Feet! Remember when golf shoes were like work boots, and you wondered how many rounds it would take to break in a new pair? Back in 2012 the lightest entry in the Golf Digest Shoe Guide weighed more than 12 ounces. Many golfers switched to generic sports shoes as a more comfortable, light weight option.
Waterproof lining materials keep feet dry during inclement weather conditions Arch support sockliner is reinforced for added support and fatigue reduction Trusstic system reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe ECCO Mens Street Premiere
Nike Mens Air Range WP
This year, the lightest shoe weighs 25 percent less than that, and the vibe is much less uptight. Still, that weight shift isn’t without real athletic performance, neatly combining flexibility with stability. Casual no longer means noncompetitive. Here are some of the latest offerings in real golf shoes. It’s clear that manufacturers have understood the message. Our top choices may influence golfers to go back to shoes specifically designed for the game. Adidas Mens AdiComfort 2
And For The Ladies Callaway Womens Half Lace
Leather Rubber sole Textile and microfiber lining Removable cambrelle covered insole Direct injected TPU outsole with molded traction bars A street inspired golf sneaker Puma Mens Cell Fusion
Soft leather and lightweight synthetics for superior comfort, flexibility and durability FitFOAM polyurethane sock liner provides support, cushioning and comfort from heel to toe Soft textile lining and added foam surround the foot with extra comfort Softer EVA midsole foam for enhanced cushioning Wider base for more stability and comfort step after step 2-year waterproof warranty
Soft full-grain leather Soft full-grain leather with a flex comfort outsole Full-length cushioned footbed 6 New Chevron Comfort Spikes for superior traction Callaway Rainsport/Drysport waterproof technology
ASICS Womens GEL-Linksmaster
ASICS Mens GEL-Ace
Waterproof full-grain leather to keep feet dry Two-toned PUMA Formstrip for stylish flair PUMA iCell cushioning in forefoot and heel for a comfortable ride PVC free Nike Mens Air Range WP
Leather Rubber sole P.H.F. (Personal Heel Fit): 2 layers of memory foam line the collar and mold to the athlete’s heel, creating a personalized fit HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
Synthetic Manmade sole Mesh and synthetic leather combination Visible Nike Air unit in heel. Full-length comfort sockliner and full-length Phylon midsole Nike Two-Year Limited Waterproof Warranty. Phylite and TPU Nike Power Platform outsole. Integrated Traction.
Synthetic and mesh Rubber sole Keep comfortable round after round in this cushioned golf shoe Synthetic upper with medial-lateral support struts Waterproof upper coating keeps feet dry on wet courses Rearfoot GEL cushioning system absorbs impacts Compression-molded EVA midsole for cushioned comfort
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16 Easter – The Most Important Event of the Christian Calendar Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the story of the resurrection from the dead of Jesus, three days after he was executed. The Easter story is at the heart of Christianity. This Christian event may receive little attention in Thailand but there is now significant Thai Christian population apart from visitors and ex-pats. Here’s a brief explanation of the most important days of Easter according to Christian belief but recognising the many doctrines and cultural practices worldwide. The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week. Palm Sunday This is the Sunday before Easter Day. It is the first day of Holy Week and celebrates Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Crowds of people came out of the city to greet him, throwing down palm branches on the road. Maundy Thursday This is the Thursday before Easter Day On this day Christians remember when Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, breaking bread and drinking wine, which is now known as the Last Supper. Good Friday (3rd April) Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. During special Good Friday services Christians remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Easter Sunday (5th April) After Jesus was crucified on the Friday (now known as Good Friday), his body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave tomb. The tomb was guarded by Roman Soldiers and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. When some of Jesus’ disciples visited the tomb and found that the stone had been moved, and that Jesus’ body had gone. His followers then accepted that Jesus had been from the dead or the Resurrection. Some traditions from around the world The Vatican On Good Friday the Pope commemorates the Way of the Cross A huge cross with burning torches illuminates the sky as the 14 Stations of the Cross are described in several languages. Mass is celebrated on the evening of Holy Saturday, and on Easter Sunday, thousands of visitors congregate in St. Peter’s Square to await the Pope’s blessing. USA Kids in the U.S. grow up expecting a delivery of eggs and candy from the Easter bunny each year. Brought by German immigrants in the 1700s, the practice is rooted in the belief that rabbits and eggs symbolize fertility and rebirth. The Ester bunny as the egg deliverer, also features in the USA and many other western countries. Finland Children in this Scandinavian country go begging in the streets with sooty faces and scarves around their heads, carrying broomsticks, coffeepots and bunches of willow twigs. In some parts of Western Finland, people burn bonfires on Easter Sunday, a Nordic tradition stemming from the belief that the flames ward off witches who fly around on brooms between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Mike Fijas GM and the Vana Nava Experience We found Mike Fijas, the General Manager of Vana Nava, out and about amongst the many patrons. He was dressed just like one of the one of the many lifeguards with a vigilant eye on what was happening, albeit he is a blue-eyed Caucasian and a little taller (and just a little bit older) than the other staff. It’s likely that most of the playful customers would have been oblivious to his level of responsibility or management role. Being ‘out and about’ is part of Mike’s management style. Of course there are the daily review meetings with his top level staff and the day to day responsibilities of administration to attend, but understanding what is happening first hand is very important to him. Mike is a very relaxed and confident person to interview. He’s been involved in the Water Park industry since his high school years in 1986, moving from a vacation job through the ranks to management positions of parks and industry consultation throughout the USA. He can discuss any angle of the operations with conviction. He is a New Yorker and as an aside even introduced ‘Buffalo Chicken’ to the parks many restaurants. The city of Buffalo (New York) even officially declared July 29th, 1977 to be Chicken Wing Day! A more important introduction has been a culture of safety with training and an alert approach as the hallmarks. He talked about how staff members in the USA are typically those who have grown up in this environment and have understood the culture from a young age. In Thailand this approach is brand new, so to bridge the gap Mike has introduced specialist and US accredited trainers to ensure that safety standards are at an international level. It’s easy to understand this focus when you consider his industry role as the Chair of the World Water Parks Association. Mike is staunch advocate of parental supervision. The policy of the park is to insist that young children not be left alone and that parents accept their supervision responsibilities. He still gets “goose bumps” when he thinks about a particular tragedy due parental neglect he investigated in the USA many years ago.
Poland Pouring water on one another is a Polish Easter tradition called Smingus-Dyngus. On Easter Monday, boys try to drench other people with buckets of water, squirt guns or anything they can get their hands on. Legend says girls who get soaked will marry within the year. The refreshing tradition has its origins in the baptism of Polish Prince Mieszko on Easter Monday in 966 AD. Spain On Holy Thursday in the medieval town of Verges, Spain, the traditional “dansa de la mort” or “death dance” is performed. To reenact scenes from The Passion, everyone dresses in skeleton costumes and parades through the streets. The procession ends with frightening skeletons carrying boxes of ashes. The macabre dance begins at midnight and continues for three hours into the early morning.
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So why the move to Thailand? This was a big decision and commitment by Mike as well as his wife and two children. Not for ‘novelty value’, the move has no time lines and the family is set for the long haul – for them it’s already been “a good ride”. The decision was made after a considered family lifestyle choice with the need to be restimulated and take on a fresh approach to the business of water parks as a strong motivator. The family is settled with the kids at school, a nearby family home and finding new friends and interests in the ‘outside world’. Mike’s days off are Sunday and Monday. This means the family takes priority on Sunday and Monday is quality time for Mike and his wife. She has chosen to be a fulltime mother with infant children, “we wanted to raise our own children”. Now there is the opportunity to renew her interest and background in biology specialising in marine mammals, perhaps well suited to the Hua Hin environment. Mike’s taking lessons in the Thai language twice a week so well understands ‘len naam’ or playing with water! It’s now been four months since Vana Nava opened. Our visit was at the start of summer and school holiday time. Mike is happy with the crowds and looking forward to Songkran. The park has the biggest water bucket around, so if you really want the wettest Songkran experience look no further Vana Nava has become much more than a Water Park with entertainment zones outside the ticketed areas (no entry fee) and frequent concerts, DJ’s and corporate events. On 4th & 5th April the Rip Curl Summer Carnival features. It’s easy to check out the weekly events at www.vananavahuanhin.com/events.
Vana Nava’s Songkran bucket?
If you are visiting Vana Nava and see a male staff member with a radio, Vana Nava shirt, broad-brimmed floppy hat and keen blue eyes, that’s probably GM Mike. Say hullo; as we found out, he’s very a welcoming host. Thanks Mike for the opportunity for an easy conversation about your journey to Thailand and the Vana Nava experience.
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ch n a r b w e ’s n st or of c i n i l C b o Nadp open on the 1 Flo 89 910 1033 is now
alon Tel.0 S ir a H t u lC e near Koo g la il V t e k r The Ma
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19 April 2015
BKK Bike Challenge
The Prime Minister of Thailand has campaigned for a long-distant cycling competition, the Bangkok Bike Thailand Challenge 2015, in Cha-Am to promote good health of Thai people and give support to local manufacturers of racing bikes. Winners of the competition will be awarded trophies of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. To be held on 5th April at Sirindhorn International Environmental Park in Phetchaburi, this event will also celebrate HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s birthday anniversary.
The Bangkok Bike Thailand Challenge 2015 has four categories. There will be an open category as well as categories for those 18 years of age and younger and groups of 5 cyclists. Apart from trophies for the winners of each category, those reaching the destination in the time specified will be given a souvenir medal. For more information on the event, please visit www.bangkokthailandchallenge. com or contact 02 203 4244/4217.
Cha- Am To Pattaya Ferry Proposal ‘Floating’ - Once Again
Mr Arkhom said that by cutting overland travel time by half, the ferry route will enable holidaymakers with limited time to spare to visit both resort cities. Reports received to date are short on any details of timing, terminal arrangements
More than 200 illegal hotels in ChaAm are being made registered hotels following a revised ministerial draft regulation on old building usage recently approved by the Cabinet. Surapong Techaruvichit, president of Thai Hotels Association (THA), has been quoted by The Nation to say that 14 hotels and resorts had been registered during the last few months while 49 non- registered hotels and resorts were in the process of doing the same. He said 140 additional properties would join the scheme in the next phase this year.
The Prime Minister has tried riding a sample bicycle and encouraged Thai people to bike more often. He also asked local manufacturers of bicycles not to import racing bikes from outside the country but produce them locally.
The Transport Ministry plans to launch a ferry route across the Gulf of Thailand linking Pattaya in Chon Buri to Cha-am district in Phetchaburi to boost tourism, said Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
New Lease of Life for Cha-Am Hotels
standards were now able to be registered according to the law. “Since the government has approved the new law that has been good for hotels to become registered hotels. The THA wants Cha-Am to be the first place to help non-registered operators to be registered,” he said. The association plans to meet with hotel operators in six other cities this year to help register non-registered hotels. They are Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani and Hua Hin.
The Cabinet approved the revised ministerial draft regulation to allow type A and B hotels to become registered. Type C and D hotels have had no problem adhering to the hotel construction law as they are mostly large hotels with a range of services. Currently, many hotels catagorised as type A (hotels with less than 50 rooms) and type B (hotels with less than 50 rooms and food service) had violated the Interior Ministry’s hotel construction law.
According to the THA, more than 4,876 hotels in those six destinations are illegal, against 772 registered hotels - a fact Surapong said created anxiety about the overall quality of accommodation on offer. Surapong studied the hotel problems in the six cities as they are popular destinations based on the travel site www.agoda.com. He said the combined room tally in the 4,876 unregistered hotels in those destinations was 168,929.
“The Cabinet approved a revised draft on the usage of old buildings as part of the revision on land and |building regulations and usage. The draft is expected to be enforced soon,” Surapong said. As a result, he said existing non-registered hotels and resorts that did not meet hotel
“Many hotels are operating illegally maybe because they were unable to get a licence due to the tough [registrations] conditions or maybe they didn’t want to be a registered hotel,” he said. He said registered hotels usually had higher operating costs so many unregistered hotels wanted to avoid the mainstream.
or costing. It has already been noted by locals that previous attempts to establish a viable service have failed, probably due to planning issues and financial support. The idea probably has merit but until a full proposal is detailed, skepticism abounds. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the Ministry wants to promote more marine-related tourism, with more river and sea transport links to draw more tourists.
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
20 Amarin Outdoor Unlimited International Triathlon 2015 Amarin Plaza has announced the winners of the “Amarin Outdoor Unlimited International Triathlon 2015”, a Thailand triathlon tournament conducted under international standards. Ms. Apinya Koedsil, Amarin Plaza’s Marketing Manager, said the Amarin Plaza was proud to continue the competition for its second year, promoting good health through physical exercise, training and the concept of healthy lifestyles.” This year 800 Thai and international triathlon players joined the tournament in three main race categories: Olympics Triathlon for individual and team competitors, Individual Sprint Triathlon, and Individual Sprint Dualathlon. Rewards for the first three finishers in each race category included trophies, race souvenirs, and cash prizes from tournament sponsors valued at over 600,000 THB. As an award for their achievement, contestants who can finished their races also received a medal. A special zone called “Sports Life Market” also took place near to the competition route with sporting gears and lifestyle items from class-leading brands like Bike Zone, Gadgetrend, SWANS Sunglasses, SWANS Swimming Glasses, Banana Boat, I-Nus, Yurbuds earphone, Compressport, Forz, Thanyapura and Rocktape. After the race, contenders and shoppers were also invited to have some fun with a party that features hit tunes from Buddha Bless trio. Fund raising during the event will support sporting activities for children in remote areas to cultivate the notion of sports among youngsters and encourage them to be sportsperson who may represent Thailand in the future.
News and latest update on the next “Amarin Outdoor Unlimited International Triathlon” and results can be found at www.facebook.com/ AmarinOutdoorUnlimited.
Kite Flying Too Late For The Bikinis The beachfront at Cha-Am was buzzing in March this year. First with Bikini Beach run on 15th March and then at the end of the month the kites were flying for the annual International Kite Festival ‘seasunsandfly’. It may be interesting to consider a combination of the two, kite flying in bikins? In the bikini run Kenyan runners once again won both the men and ladies open events. This is a worldwide phenomenon with African runners showing a clear pair of heels to other nations in many distance running events. Nelson Kiptoo wsa the 26 year old men’s winner and Serem Valentine Jepkemoi, also a 26 year old look out the ladies. There is a competitive element to kite-flying with aerobatic competition and syncronised team vents however it’s more about colour, ingenuity in design and just sheer spectacle. One of the real advantages of the Cha-Am beachfront is that it absolutely open to everyone with no ocean side development. Events such as these just add the appeal of the beach that everyone can enjoy.
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
21 Coca-Cola Marks 100th Anniversary of its Iconic Glass-Bottle Coca Cola has announced the biggest promotion of the year to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the iconic Coke glass bottle by giving away a million bottles of Coke, Fanta and Sprite until 30th April 2015 Coca-Cola, Thailand’s leading producer and marketer of non-alcoholic ready-todrink beverages, has announced that it aims to further strengthen its leadership position by organising major campaigns around celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the iconic Coke glass bottle which was first introduced in 1915 and which has become one of the world’s most recognisable shapes anywhere on earth. As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, the Coca-Cola system in Thailand launched its biggest promotion for 2015 with a budget of Bht 450 million.
It has special words printed under the bottle-caps of more than million bottles of Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite. Consumers can collect and exchange any five caps with the special words for one free bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta or Sprite until 30th April 2015. Mr. Nuntivat Thamhatai, Public Affairs & Communications Director, Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd., said, “Created in 1915, the Coke glass bottle is one of the world’s first commercial ‘icons’ and has achieved iconic status as a symbol of a refreshing and uplifting experience. It remains an important asset to our business to this day. It has won over consumers in Thailand and the world over for 100 years.” “We are investing more than 450 THB million in our biggest marketing programme of the year to celebrate this globally significant milestone.
The marketing activities include a massive promotion campaign, activities at points of purchase, fizzy fun Songkran activities and Coke global exhibition tour. All of these are testament to a unique success that only Coke can do,” added Mr. Nuntivat. He said that surveys conducted around the world, consumers had repeatedly said that drinking from a glass bottle made the experience of drinking Coca-Cola particularly refreshing. Ms. Prapaipak Weigl, Senior Brand Manager, Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd., said, “The iconic Coca-Cola glass bottle is one of the world’s earliest and most successful commercial packaging innovations. It was introduced in 1915 to support the brand’s marketing efforts and reinforce the distinctiveness of the brand. Its unique contour shape makes it recognisable by touch, even in the dark.”
Coke is the iconic brand and the world’s number one beverage that keeps people around the world refreshed with 1,900 million glasses consumed daily. The sparkling beverage market in Thailand is estimated to be worth 47,330 million THB in 2014.
The Death of the American Shopping Mall
In the US shopping malls are on the decline, being made obsolete by online shopping and no longer a desirable social scene. The question is how this will translate to the future of the malls of Thailand? The shopping mall was a distinctly American creation. Originally, shopping strips and shopping districts were wideopen spaces. People would park in front of the stores, and they would walk the street that lined a series of shops. In fact, certain shopping districts in many cities were very specialized. If you’re looking for clothing, you’d go to a certain section of the district. If you’re looking for shoes, you’d go to another site. These traditional shopping districts were laid out in a flat, open way like a mall. The big innovation with the modern shopping mall is that it enclosed the shopping district within four walls. It centralised parking and climate control. Instead of walking the sidewalks that lined all these shops or freezing during winter or feeling burned during the summer, you can enjoy the same cozy and comfortable climate all year round indoors. The ‘Street Wise Journal’ reports that malls are on the decline and that the number of malls being mothballed and shut down continues at a steady pace. If
the current trend continues, there might be very few malls in America left in several decades. What gives? The change in the US is intergenerational. Thanks to online shopping as well as the wide variety of American pastimes, the mall has lost out. It used to be that the mall is a great place to watch a movie, meet up with your friends, and hang out. Now, you can do that at home with a video-game console. If you want to experience nature, you go to a park. There are a lot more activities competing that it can no longer be centralised by the mall. Moreover, the primary benefit that the mall brings to the table, shopping, is handled quite effectively and conveniently by online shopping malls and e-commerce giants. The final nail that is being driven through the coffin of the American mall is the rising perception that the mall is a relic of the past. It’s a place where people who have nothing else better to do than hang out. It’s not the “cool” place that it used to be. Put all these factors together and it’s no
surprise that the mall is on its way out. The question is how this trend will be manifested in Thailand. Currently mall
developments continue to burgeon but will these become shopping dinosaurs of the not too distant future?
Doctors: Drowning no.1 Cause of Death Among Kids Doctors have warned parents to send their kids to a swimming class during the school break or summer to prevent them from drowning, the number one cause of death among Thai children.
to swim. According to the Department, about 23 percent of Thai children aged below 15 know how to swim. Only four percent, however, know how to survive water accidents.
The warning has been issued in response to the statistics of the Ministry of Public Health, which showed that as many as 1,200 Thai youngsters aged below 15 drowned each year, meaning that three children died on a daily basis due to their inability to swim. Children aged between five and nine make up the highest percentage of deaths. Drowning is most frequently reported during summer and semester breaks.
To prevent such tragedy, doctors suggested that children be taught how to swim and save their own lives in a water accident since children, who had learnt to swim with instructors, had a tendency to survive drowning better than those who could not swim by 20 times.
The Disease Control Department meanwhile released another worrisome data showing that each drowning incident often took more than one life as children, who saw their playmate going under water often jumped into the water to help their friend who did not know how HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
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Enjoy Songkran Holiday Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest On 13th and 14th April 2015, the ecosystem learning centre of Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest in Pranburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, will celebrate Songkran or the traditional Thai New Year by launching the program, “Enjoy Travelling and Enhance Knowledge on Songkran at Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest�. The program consists of tourism promotion and recreational activities which will raise awareness about the traditions of Songkran and the culture and lifestyle of the people of Pranburi. With this knowledge, the visitors will undersatand the importance of natural and environmental conservation. This year, most of the Songkran celebration activities at the Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest are entertaining and culturally-
oriented. Participants will receive many prizes when taking part in the activities. They will also obtain knowledge about environmental conservation, particularly how to take care of the mangrove forest in Thailand. Held at the ecosystem learning centre of Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest in Pranburi, this festive event could not have been organised without the cooperation and support of the Department of Forestry, the community of Pak Nam Pran in Pranburi and the PTT Public Company Limited. For more information, please contact the ecosystem learning centre of Sirinaj Rajini Mangrove Forest in Pranburi at tel. 032 632 255 or 086 607 7712.
23 Netanyahu: Act 2 The stage is set, spotlight on, people back in their seats, expectations loom. The crowd is anxious; nervously they wait, for the start of a second half that will bring some sense to the play. Until now, it has been a story of melodrama, lies and hypocrisy. As everybody begins watching again, the lights turn off, curtains open and standing there is yet again, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. As the last of the results of March’s Israeli elections were displayed, the international community watched in angst. The country’s past six years have been a story of growing cleavages between them and the rest of the Middle East, in particular the never-ending strife with the State of Palestine, which has continued to drag along, further than ever from where it had left off under Ehud Olmert or Ariel Sharon. Back then under the former’s rule, whilst at their basic stages, there had been approximations looking for eventual solutions of the intricate conflict. To this day, after a number of suspended and vague negotiations, the agreements are at a halt. Netanyahu’s past two consecutive terms have been looked at sceptically and have tensed ties with not only Israel’s longstanding foes, but with nations that grant it support such as the United States. “Bibi” and Barack Obama have not enjoyed the happiest of relationships during their tenures in office. The latest episode of disaccord was produced just at the end of Act 1 amidst looming
elections, something the Israeli leader considered an unmatchable platform. Against a backdrop in the form of the US congress, Netanyahu was invited to playout his performance for the legislative branch of his allies, who directed all of their attention towards the astute Prime Minister as he gave his opinion on another hairy affair: Iran’s nuclear prospects. After three quarters of an hour, using his ever so reliable scare tactics, Bibi swept the awards: He regretted that “some perceived (his) being (there) as political” – Yet he spoke of nothing other than politics. Reiteration on how much of a “bad deal” negotiation with Iran would be, combined with speculation on how bleak a future awaited the US and Israel in such case, whilst firing a deluge of flattery towards America and its alleged similitude to his nation, brought him a standing ovation. He left none ambivalent: many inspired, a few unhappy and a large majority scared beyond utterance as he had set out to do. Amongst the few unhappy people was the President himself. Obama saw Netanyahu’s approach to be as rigid as always, lacking in alternatives and thoroughly unproductive beyond his obvious statements of amicability with the Americans and enmity with the Persians. As a whole, it is clear that the President sees the Prime Minister as an obstacle to prospective future progress. Nevertheless, one could argue that Netanyahu could not have cared less, as his Washington ploy had succeeded – one complex part to his re-election path.
As the polls got underway, Bibi engaged in ruthless electoral battle against Isaac Herzog’s Zionist Union, who under their goal to provide a platform for renewed Palestinian talks had been leading the scores for some time. It is then that Netanyahu put on yet another Oscardeserving display of opportunism. To demonstrate that he would do anything in order to retain his position at the top, Bibi unleashed a string of statements in a thick coat of contradiction. Especially resonating and enraging was the one where he promised no further approaches to the eagerly sought TwoState-Solution that he had categorically vowed in his 2009 speech.
Now, having being cast for the part again, he looks at forming a coalition with parties such as Kulanu, Shas the United Torah party, Jewish Home Party and the ultra-nationalist Yisrael Beitenu, which share the ideology he pulled out of the hat before the polls closed.
Americans, knocking on Vladimir Putin’s door would signify a security concern for the calculating leader.
at the Minsk II saw a re-emerging round of efforts to reduce the violence, which saw clearer outcomes after the leaders of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic were invited to attend too.
What remains to be seen now is what five more years of Netanyahu have to offer to the nuclear deal, the Palestinian conflict and Middle-Eastern stability in general. The world is watching once again, desperate for a plot twist that will bring viable and longstanding solutions to the table. The stage is set: Act 2 begins.
Remember Ukraine? Ukraine was 2014’s favourite topic of the year. A string of Eastern-European turmoil that had not been witnessed in the world stage since the end of the Soviet Union’s hegemony after the Cold War. However, after constantly making the headlines due to its volatility across the region, its appeal began to drop gradually as so often happens with stories of this recurrent, persistent nature. What has changed since the revolution at the end of 2013? How did it evolve into where it stands today? The matter affects Europe more than one could think of, it is time we brought the reader up to date. We cast our minds back on how it started. In the larger objective picture, we see a battle between the two large Eurasian hegemons having been carried out in this country at the crossroads of the West and the East. The pressure mounted two Decembers ago, as former president Viktor Yanukovych backed down from much anticipated reforms at a European Union Summit in Lithuania, reforms that were a catalyst for the conciliation of much tighter relations between the Ukrainians and the West. This left the EU stunned, the Kremlin smiling and Kiev furious. Furious enough to initiate a revolution that was to yield as a result the ousting of Yanukovych. The Euromaidan as it was called, was the lighting ceremony to what has become today a geopolitical and economic battle between the West, Ukraine and Russia. Mutual condemnations on the acquisition of power would follow defying acts of conquest, which ended in the annexation of the Crimean peninsula after claiming its majority of Russian speakers did not recognise the new Pro-European
government. The take-over would see the international community outraged and would inaugurate the start of the war between pro-West and pro-Russian forces. So what is the situation today? Some might have all but forgotten about the tensions in the nation, as tends to happen when unrest becomes standardised, but it is important that we keep watchful of the developments in the country, especially if we structure the analysis of what Ukraine means both to Europe and to the Russian Federation. At the centre of it is the trading points between of natural resources, which flow from Ukraine to the rest of Europe. Special attention must be directed to the Donbass region and its cities of Luhansk and Donetsk, the latter famous for one of the largest mining industries in Europe. This region is key in the ebbs and flows of energy to the rest of Ukraine and the EU. It has been controlled by pro-Russian militia since April, who have self-proclaimed into the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic respectively. Due to host a referendum of independence this coming November, it seems ever so likely that the hub of coal mining will vow to permanently segregate from Ukraine – This would not sit nicely with Prime Minister Petro Poroshenko, his government or the EU. On the other side, we have Ukraine’s romance with NATO, which Pro-Russian Yanukovych kept avoiding in the past – This is understandable, as Ukraine has a major territorial significance between the United States and The Russian federation. Having NATO, an organism a third of which is composed by the
In an effort to appease the fighting that the Ukrainian and rebel forces had been embroiled in, the international community called for a negotiation of matters in Belarus, at the Minsk Protocol in January. Dialogue was ongoing between Belarussian, Ukrainian, German, French and Russian leaders, but co-operation between the sides seemed unfruitful and culminated with the breakdown of constructive talks. The second attempt
Out of it came the implementation of the current ceasefire, which holds the peace at the front up to this date. The tension however, is thick in the air and only future constructive developments will bring us a clear image of what the next few years hold for Ukraine’s political panorama.
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
24 Doctor Weerasak Pongpattanapan - Administrating Bangkok Hospital’s Anniversary Dr Weerasak has been the Director of the Bangkok Hospital for the past two years and is ready to lead the hospital into a new era in cardiac services and developing the hospital into a hub for health services in the region. The Director is a specialist in hospital administrator with nearly ten years’ experience in this field, apart from being a general practitioner and anesthetist. His passion is managing doctors managing patients or hospital administration. Not a bureaucratic process with the health care of patients being the focus. There are many developments planned for the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin. These include a growth in the patient capacity from a current 60 to 150 beds. This will result in reduced transfers to hospitals to Bangkok which now stand at 200- 300 patients per year. Over 50 % of these transfers relate to specialist treatment for coronary care and treatment. Cardiology as an Important Future Focus The future will include a better equipped heart specialist unit with the capacity to perform cardiac catheterisation. This is a medical procedure to diagnose and treat some heart conditions. It involves placing a large thin plastic tube or sheath into a vein or artery of the leg or arm. Catheters are carefully moved up into the heart using live x-rays as a guide. The purpose is to: Collect blood samples from the heart Measure pressure and blood flow in the heart’s chambers and in the large arteries around the heart Measure the oxygen in different parts of your heart Examine the arteries of the heart Perform a biopsy on the heart muscle
Free Vaccination Against Flu in May
For some procedures, dye helps your doctor to visualize the structures and vessels within the heart. Further down the track will see the availability for open heart surgery and other very specialised cardiac treatment. In an aging population, including the local expat population (currently 50% of admissions), this takes on an increased importance as transfers to other facilities are undesirable for a number of medical and personal reasons and time being of the essence. ‘Happy Healthy 2015’ ‘Happy Healthy 2015’, is the mantra for the fourth hospital anniversary in April this year. Assessments and diagnosis is being offered over the period of 5th – 8th April with reduced costs according to the level of the investigation and the age of the person. Bookings will provide for assessments of 5 – 6 hours duration and detailed reports within a few days.
information in www.bangkokhospital. com/huahin. The phone number is 3261 6800 with skills in a variety of languages ready to take your call. In the meantime Dr Weerask (Khun Yow to his friends - tall in Thai!) continues to grapple with the many daily issues of hospital administration. Staff appointments for positions which require extensive training and experience can be an issue although Hua Hin offers a high level quality of life to attract the best medical professionals. As the Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin continues to grow its reputation and facilities, so the regional population can be increasing confident in the health care on offer. On a personal note, Dr Weerask wanted to thank our readers for their trust in the hospital, its’ trust well placed!
Call into the hospital or see more
Take Heat Stroke Seriously
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and a medical emergency. Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes. Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO), along with the Department of Disease Control, will provide free vaccination against influenza of over 3 million doses for Thai people in May 2015. The Director General of NHSO, Doctor Winai Sawasdiwon said that Thai people could obtain this vaccine between 1 May and 31 July 2015 for free. Priority will be given to patients suffering from chronic illness, namely heart disease, cancer or diabetes, people of over 65 years old, children between 6 months and 2 years HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
old and pregnant women (over 4 weeks). Over three million doses will be reserved for them. There will be another 400,000 doses of the vaccine for medical staff of the Ministry of Public Health who are prone to influenza in the upcoming rainy season. The above-mentioned patients and people can get vaccination at any hospital in their neighborhood. For further information, please contact the NHSO Hotline at tel. 1330.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke Throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness Red, hot, and dry skin ( a lack of sweating despite the heat) Muscle weakness or cramps Nausea and vomiting Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak Rapid, shallow breathing Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation or staggering Seizures or unconsciousness First Aid for Heat Stroke Arrange transport to a hospital, any delay seeking medical help can be fatal. While waiting for medical help, move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area and remove any unnecessary clothing. Try these cooling strategies: Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose. Apply ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back.
Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water or an ice bath. Prevention of Heat Stroke Wear lightweight, light-colored, loosefitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, it’s generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity. Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors. Drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise and add another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Reschedule or cancel outdoor activity. If possible, shift your time outdoors to the coolest times of the day, either early morning or after sunset.
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26 Thailand - The World’s Happiest Economy
Thailand was ranked as top of the world’s happiest economies in a recent survey conducted by Bloomberg News. According to Bloomberg, Thailand comes first in the list of 51 countries it surveyed.
Minister: Thai auto industry ready to cater to AEC Thailand’s automobile industry is strong enough to cater to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), due to be implemented at end-2015, said Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich. He said Thailand is still the leader of auto industry in this region with auto production projected in 2015 at between 2.15 – 2.2 million units due to improvement in the national economy. This could be seen from construction industry as both the public and private sectors have imported between 20 – 30 per cent more of machinery during the past two months which would help boost production in the first half of this year, said Mr Chakramon. Touching on an announcement by General Motors late last month on its decision to withdraw participation in Thailand’s ecocar Phase 2 programme, Mr Chakramon said it would not affect the workforce industry because there is still a shortage of workers in the field.
Coming after next after Thailand were Switzerland, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan — four of the five countries are located in Asia. Bloomberg said the said countries are relatively happy in terms of consumer friendliness. The two factors that make consumers unhappy are inflation and unemployment, and the degree of happiness is calculated and ranked according to what Bloomberg referred to as the “misery index.” On the said index, Thailand and Switzerland scored lower than 2.5, while Japan, South Korea and Taiwan were rated from 2.5 to 5. The lower the misery index is, the happier the economy is, Bloomberg said. Bloomberg pointed out the surprising winner as a country that was not relatively rich compared to many others; the partial reason behind Thailand’s triumph was credited to its extremely low unemployment rate of 1 percent, which in turn kept the country from inflation; yet Thailand still has a long way to go before it reaches the living standards of more developed economies, it noted.
In the entire Europe region, Switzerland continues to lead the other countries when it came to economical happiness, despite the controversy surrounding the Swiss National Bank earlier this year.
Third in the ranking, Japan has only recently loosened its grip in preventing deflation since the 1990’s, and there may be around 1 percent of deflation in the country this year. The unemployment rate has improved as well, dropping 0.1 percent from 3.6 to 3.5 in one year. China is ranked number 7, as Bloomberg pointed out that it has found relief in both inflation and unemployment, boosting it forward two places compared to last year. The United States is still facing issues from job loss rates — the world’s biggest economy is not the best in this field, but it is still ranked number eight among the 51 economies.
The government has launched a new multi-lingual hotline, number 1111, to receive complaints from foreigners, manned by staff who speak English, Japanese and Chinese.
The service for foreigners had already been operating on a test basis for six months, he said. Foreign visitors could still file urgent complaints with tourist police via hotline number 1155 as usual,.Mr Chamroen said. HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
Mr Chakramon on Friday gave a welcome speech on the 110th anniversary of business operations by Mercedes-Benz in Thailand and the launching of its C300 Blue TEC Hybrid in the kingdom. Mercedes-Benz has invested Bt650 million for the production assembly of this latest innovative car in Thailand. (MCOT online news)
Construction Contract
According to the research done by economists, only 3.3 percent of the Swiss people may be out of a job this year, but the slight 0.9 percent drop in prices in 2015 may help when its currency surges in value; all elements making Switzerland the second happiest economy.
Multi-lingual Complaints Hotline for Foreigners – Dial 1111 The service was officially opened on 11th March by PM’s Office deputy permanent secretary Chamroen Yutithamsakul at a press conference. He said the hotline would receive general complaints such as issues with tax refunds and about immigration procedures, and the staff would forward them to the relevant government agencies.
Nine eco-car manufacturers still need a lot of workers and Thailand has cooperated with Japan in providing training development for personnel to cater to the industry, he said.
PM’s Office Minister Panadda Diskul, who was in Chiang Mai province, told reporters that foreigners should view Thai people, especially government officials, as friends they could reach out to for help. He said the government’s public complaints centre was manned around the clock.
To construct a house, besides finding a good contractor, you have to be able to control him to work correctly in time, cost and quality. This is when a good Construction Contract is required. The following relevant documents and details should be contained within the Construction Contract. Relevant Documents required for Contract drafting: 1 Company Certificate / ID and address of the Contractor 2 Construction Drawing / Architectural and Engineering drawing / Material List and its specification / Quotation and BOQ (Bill of Quantities) 3 Working Schedule 4 Payment Schedule Contract Detail – the contract basically should include the following: 1 The Parties 2 Scope of Work 3 Contract Documents (attachment) 4 Completion Date 5 Extension of Time (under specific condition / event) 6 Contract Price 7 Payment Terms 8 Variation 9 Inspection 10 Defect Liability 11 Force Majeure 12 Labour / Material / Equipment 13 Testing / Sample 14 Retention 15 Fine / Penalty 16 Breaching and Termination 17 Consequence of Termination 18 Notice 19 Warranty Period Before signing the Contract, check all details for accuracy. © Jatupon Cherbangkaew Executive Partner / Lawyer www.actahuahin.com actahuahin@gmail.com
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Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
Is a Major Sponsor for Second Consecutive Year of The Centara World Masters Golf Championship 2015
More than 700 visitors from all over the world will converge on the royal city of Hua Hin for Thailand’s biggest and richest tournament for club golfers. The second annual Centara World Masters Golf Championship runs 14-20 June 2015. Almost 500 attended the inaugural event last June and organisers are expecting the 700 event capacity will be achieved in the coming weeks. Tournament Director, Peter McCarthy, from Australian based Go Golfing is excited that so many golfers have registered. “Golfers from 24 countries are coming for a week of golf and fun in Hua Hin. The quality of Hua Hin’s golf courses, beachfront resorts, quality restaurants and diverse cultural experiences makes Hua Hin a superb destination for the Centara World Masters.” Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin’s General Manager, Peter Nilsson has confirmed the iconic beachfront resort and villas are already sold out for the event.
“I am extremely proud to be the host for second consecutive year of Centara World Masters Golf Championship and to welcome the golfers and amateurs to our historical resort, as well as to organize the special event of a fun-filled week with lively social, entertainment, and international acts highlight for the welcome and farewell celebration. This event was a great success last year and we look forward to make this year’s event even more memorable”, says Mr. Nilsson. The Centara World Masters Golf Championship is open to all male and female golfers over the age of 35. Competition is offered in 15 divisions based on age and handicap. All participants will play at Black Mountain Golf Resort Hua Hin, Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort and Imperial Lake View Resort & Golf Club golf courses. For full event information visit www. thailandworldmasters.com
28 Songkran 2015 The World’s Biggest Ice-bucket Challenge? Over the last couple of years the ‘ice-bucket challenge’ has been a fashionable and fun way of being soaked in freezing iced water for the sake of charity. However the rest of the world may not be aware that ritual submission to this form of humiliation on a grand scale and over three consecutive days each year has long been a part of Thai culture. It’s definitely the world’s biggest ice-bucket challenge!
If we would take a look at the history, Songkran actually originated from Burma. In fact, there are also other countries practicing this festivity including Vietnam and Laos. The word Songkran was derived from “Sankranti”, which means “to move or to change”. Celebrated on 13th April – 15th April, Songkran 2015 is the longest holiday in Thailand. Songkran is not only about fun and the party atmosphere that will be found on the streets of Thailand no matter where you are. The period has associated religious activities and important family activities. On the eve of Songkran Day, i.e. on the 12th April, the people clean their house and burn all the refuse. This is a spring Cleaning Day done as a duty in the belief that anything bad belonging to the old year will be unlucky to the owner if left and carried on to the coming New Year. Early on the first day of Songkran, the 13th April, the people both young and old in their new clothing go to the Wat or monastery belonging to their village or district to offer food to the monks there. A long table is erected in
the compound of the Wat where monk’s alms bowls stand in a row on either side of the table. Into the alms bowls the gathering people put boiled rice and into the covers of the alms bowls, food, fruits and sweetmeats. In the afternoon of the same day there is bathing ceremony of the Buddha images and also of the abbot of the Wat. The bathing of images is done as ritualistic ceremony, but it is no other than a New Year’s purification. Younger people will also on this day or the succeeding days go to pay their respect to and ask blessings from their elders and respected persons. They will pour scented water into the palms of the old people and present them with a towel and other bathing requisites. In the old days it was an actual bathing where the young people helped the old people to take a bath and to change their old clothing and put on the new clothes which the young people presented them as an act of respect to the aged on the occasion of the New Year. Another duty to be done during the Songkran Festival is a religious service called Bangsakun performed in sacred memory to the dead. On Songkran Day a religious service in sacred memory to the dead may be officiated by a monk or monks at the place where the ashes and the bones have been deposited, or as in some localities the people bring their dead bones to a village Wat in company with others where a joint memorial service is performed. In some parts of the country the guardian spirits of the village and town receive also their annual offerings on Songkran Days.
Chiang Mai – Perhaps Thailand’s biggest Sngkran happening! If you happen to be in Chiang Mai for Songkran you may expect to come across a procession and bathing of Phra Buddha Sihing, local Lanna women riding a Kang Chong (a Northern vehicle) in the street procession, bathing and paying respect to elders by pouring scented water (nam op), building sand pagodas, local art and cultural shows, Lanna’s man and lady beauty contests, water splashing around the moat of Chiang Mai and delicious international foods along Urban Culture Street.
So welcome to the 2015 Thai New Year; we hope it’s a good one for you!
Songkran Day Thai New Year 2015
11 - 15 April, 2015 The Blue Sky, Hua Hin. Party your Songkran Party at Gusto Et Cosy Beach Restaurant! There will be bands performing live from 19:00 – 21:30. For details, dial 093 887 7688
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin : Songkran BBQ Dinner Monday 13 April 2015 with traditional Thai atmosphere and cultural performances. Talay Thai Restaurant 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM THB 1,500 net per person THB 750 net per child aged 6-12
Rest Detail Hua Hin : 13 April Buffet Splash night by Rest Detail THB 1,000 per person
13th April, 2015 Centara Grand Beach Resort is welcoming the Thai New Year with a Grand Buffet at Palm Terrace from 19:00 – 22:00. There will be Thai traditional music and dance performances. Price – THB 1,800 ++ per person
12th - 13th April “ Hua Hin fresh Play Song kran at Baan Phon”. Hua Hin, Songkran will take place at the Phon Kingphet Memorial Park in Hua Hin.
11th April, 2015 Banyan Resort will have a whole day Songkran Celebration starting at 8:30 am. There will be traditional Thai activities in the morning, followed by many other exciting activities throughout the day until 11pm. For a sum of 1250THB, you can get lunch and dinner, both! HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa : Monday, 13th April 2015 Seafood Buffet at Luna Lanai Oceanfront Restaurant 6:00 pm. – 10:00 pm. for THB 1,800 net free flow soft drink.
Anantasila Villa By the Sea: 13th April 2015 Celebrate your Song Kran Thai New Year 2015 by the beach at Anantasila, Kantoke Set 990+ Baht per 2 person
13th April, 2015 Sonkgran Foam Party 2015 on 1st Floor at Hua Hin Market Village.
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More Active Public Relations Strategies Needed to Internationalise Hua Hin Nowadays, public relations is important and crucial for every organisation, either public or private, as a tool to enable other people to learn how far an organisation has progressed. Most organisations are paying attention to P.R. activities. At the Hua Hin Municipality, for instance, the mayor Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul who has a determination to internationalise Hua Hin has recently considered more active P.R. strategies to achieve such goal. One of them includes the use of I.T. that helps facilitate faster information services and to promote of more public participation. To do so, modern I.T. tools require improvement and information channels have to be widened. Responsibility for employing P.R. strategies and activities to carry out P.R. campaigns effectively is with the Local Information Service Unit of the Academic Service and Dissemination Division, Hua Hin Municipality. They have developed some active P.R. strategies under the project of information dissemination via various media channels and network building. Supervised by the deputy mayor of Hua Hin Ms. Bussaba Choksuchart, the P.R. strategies can be described as follows: 1. Restructuring contents of the official Municipality website: www.huahin.go.th, to use it as a main P.R. platform which also enables people to file their complaints apart from letting them know about the municipal work; 2. Disseminating information through the social media, especially the Facebook Fan Pages: “เทศบาลเมืองหัวหิน” and “Hua Hin PR”; 3. Producing the TV program, “Hua Hin Inside Out”, which will be broadcasted from Hua Hin Cable TV on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 p.m. This program aims to present various news and activities about Hua Hin and other useful information. Those who miss the program can re-view it on “HuaHinInSideOut” on
YouTube or at the website: www.huahin.go.th; 4. From now until the end of September, 2015, the Municipality will use 2 radio stations in Hua Hin to provide local news. The radio information will be broadcasted by Click FM 88.00 MHz and Mew Radio FM 89.50 MHz from Monday to Friday between 7.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; 5. Allocating over 7 million Baht to buy a 6-wheel car equipped fully with multimedia equipment and a multipurposed information service counter with proper staff to disseminate information to people who live in remote areas of Hua Hin; 6. Using wireless automatic distant radio to disseminate information and news at 50 wireless radio spots in Hua Hin. The news dissemination will be daily from 7.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public will be encouraged to stand up for the Thai national anthem at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. everyday as this is one of the Hua Hin mayor’s policies to promote nationalism and Thainess among Thai people; 7. Increasing the number of local news centers at local communities in Hua Hin where updated news can be obtained in printed forms or CDs. At present, there are a total of 18 local news centres in the city; 8. Using five local newspapers to disseminate information and news about the Municipality: Siang Prachuab, Hua Hin Sarn, Hua Hin News, Prachuab Post and Prachuab Mirror, will publish the news on centerfold until September, 2015; and 9. Publishing a trimester journal, Hua Hin Thin Monkhlang (Hua Hin, the Charming City, in Thai), to disseminate information and activities of Hua Hin Municipality as well as other useful laws and regulations to both local people and foreigners. Besides the above-mentioned, the Hua Hin Municipality is preparing a free handbook for local people which
includes useful information on public services and news according to the Act of Public News and Information of B.E. 2540 (1997). Local community networks will be created and strengthened for effective information dissemination while, at the same time, a group of information service volunteers will be established. The volunteers will provide news and information to those in remote areas and organise training to create better understanding about the P.R. work so that local people can access useful and updated information more easily, quickly and effectively. Anyone who has problems on the access to information and news provided by the Municipality can contact staff of the Local Information Service Unit of the Academic Service and Dissemination Division at the municipal office, tel. 032 511 047 ext. 101-102 and 220 from Monday to Friday at office hours. HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
30 Dusit Thani Hua Hin Welcomes Bangkok Governor
Official Grand Opening of the Chay Had Restaurant on The Beachfront
Mr Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Bangkok Governor, was graciously welcomed by Jutamas Boonrat the Director of Events and Catering of Dusit Thani Hua Hin. He was staying at Dusit Thani Hua Hin to attend a seminar & workshop at the hotel’s The Royal Dusit Hall to discuss ways to improve the quality of life of elderly people in Bangkok.
The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin has sponsored a pick-up truck for the charity JUNGLE AID. A donation of 200,000 THB for the purchase of a suitable vehicle.
Quality Assurance at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin
The Grand Opening of the Chay Had Restaurant was on 6 March, 2015 led by Mr. Richard Erdos, General Manager of Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. This is the newest beachfront restaurant and lounge in Hua Hin and offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the gulf. Guests can indulge in a stylish and tasteful setting while chilling out with friends. The fabulous design was inspired by Mr. Alexander Eaton, Operation Manager of Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. The Director of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin Doctor Weerasak Phongphattanaphan gave a warm welcome to representatives of Telemedicine for the Mobile Society (Temos) Dr. Claudia Mika and Dr. Hashem Alfadel who paid a visit to the hospital for a quality assurance assessment. Temos is a well-known European organisation specialising in quality assurance at hospitals worldwide. The hospital BH Hua passed this QA international standard assessment on patients for the second time.
Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin Comes To the Aid of Jungle Aid
In November 2014 the organisation appealed for assistance as older vehicles being used as a vital means of transport had become unusable. The vehicle will be used for: Bringing people from remote jungle locations into the city to hospitals Picking up and taking children to school. Carrying our volunteers and supplies to our remote medical clinics. About Jungle Aid: http://www.jungleaid.org The Rotary Club of Royal Hua Hin is Hua Hin’s Englishspeaking Rotary club with members from more than 10 nationalities spanning the globe.
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Proudly Welcomes its New Chef
The contemporary Chay Had restaurant and bar brings a sophisticated interpretation of the East meet West style of informal eating and drinking with attention to detail and quality ingredients, adding a new and exciting dimension to the Thai fusion cuisine of the Hua Hin scene.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Won a 2014 award of excellence 2014 by booking.com
Cha-Am/Hua Hin Tourism Business Association New Chairperson
The outgoing chairperson of the Cha-Am/Hua Hin Tourism Business Association Dr. Rungrot Sileungsawad, delivered a farewell speech marking the completion of his term of office. All members of the Association present voted for a new chairperson, Mrs. Lisa Ungheng and additional committee members. The new committee members then amended some regulations of the Association to suit the current situation. All activities took place at Hua Hin Grand & Plaza Hotel.
Amari Hua Hin Welcomes the Development Committee from The Sister City of Leshan The General Manager of Amari Hua Hin, Mr. Christoph Leonhard welcomed the Development Committee from Leshan, China during their visit for the “Amazing City of Three Bays and Red Cross Fair 20-29 March 2015”. The group was invited by Mr Weera Sriwattanatrakul, Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan during his visit to the Asian Festival in Leshan last year. After signing a memorandum of consultation in October 2013, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Lashan have been declared as sister cities, and each year they will exchange expertise and knowledge in various fields such as culture, education, skills development, tour trade, and investment in the pineapple industry, agriculture and services. HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin recently received the award from website booking.com, the world’s leader in booking hotels and other accommodations online. The record is 8.9 out of 10 from guest reviews online whilst the average score amongst properties receiving the award this year is 8.7 out of 10. Booking.com is honouring 200,776 properties in 176 countries with its 2014 Award of Excellence, and Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin won the award for the high ratings given to it by its valuable guests.
Hua Hin, March 2015 - Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa would like to announce the appointment of its new Executive Chef Leonard Faust who will be leading the culinary department of the resort with its 5 restaurants and bars plus their extensive meeting and banquet facilities including the new “The Chandelier” Ballroom. Chef Leonard, an Australian national who has been living in Thailand for the past nine years, had been previously Executive Chef at Amari Ocean Pattaya and leading its famous Mantra Restaurant & Bar, arguably the best dining establishment in the eastern seaboard. He also held kitchen management positions at the Majestic Grande Bangkok, with Marriott Hotels Thailand and the Paradise Boutique Beach Resort in Phang Nga. Previous to this, Chef Leonard trained at some of Sydney’s most prestigious culinary attractions, such as Ravesis on Bondi and The Dolphin on Crown. Throughout his career Chef Leonard Faust has gained his culinary knowledge both from hotel and restaurant experience, specializing in themed dinners, coffee breaks and events, fine dining and in M.I.C.E. “I believe in creating food from raw materials. Breads, jams, stocks, soups, sauces and anything available at my reach, especially locally sourced products are my life in the kitchen. I am also a firm believer in delivering something that our customers may want tomorrow today” says Chef Leonard. Drop by to try Chef Leonard’s delicious menu next time you dine at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa.
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32 – The Indestructible Workhorse of Chinatown These days the Vespa is a top choice amongst Thailand’s more discerning motorbike enthusiasts due to its elegant Italian design and dolce vita lifestyle image. ‘Vespa’ means a wasp in Italian. You can find these dashing bohemians – the self-styled contemporary mods of Thailand – whizzing between cafes in fashionable neighborhoods of the Big Mango. But it wasn’t always this way. Vespa models landed in the kingdom over 40 years ago and were first adopted by Thai-Chinese denizens in the commercial hive of Bangkok’s Chinatown for their indestructible nature and workhorse engines. Last month, the Vespiario Co. Ltd. (Thailand) hosted the 68th anniversary celebration of the first Vespa’s production in 1946; “68 Years of Vespa La Festa”. The event for Vespa aficionados from Thailand and other countries featured a big parade of over 5,000 Vespas as well as an exhibit of different models since 1949. A Special Edition 68th Anniversary model was also released with a price tag of 124,900 THB
The original (1946) and the Vespa Primavera 68th Anniversary Limited Edition
Vespas suffer minimal power loss because they don’t use a chain to drive the rear wheel – the rear wheel is actually attached to a transmission shaft directly connected to the engine. This design puts the engine behind the rider and directly on the back wheel. Putting the engine atop the rear wheel does create unequal weight distribution and makes the bike less nimble, but what it also allows for is tons of weight to be loaded on the back.
The Latest Model - The Vespa GTS300ie – An Undemanding Scooter
So why does Khun Pinid love the Vespa? “I think I love my Vespa because they make the road more colourful and fun,” he reflected. “Anything from Europe never really goes out of style, it’s always in trend,” he explained. “I love to look at European shapes, and I love how people customize them.”
The design of the Vespa has a retro-cool appeal today, but the fact that it has changed so little in over half a century is a testament to its extreme innovation at the time. It was the first motor scooter to use a monocoque frame and a covered engine so dust and particles couldn’t get in, a problem which plagued other bikes. Pinid Savetnawin, a real Vespa enthusiast says “If you own a Vespa you’ll quickly figure out why people all around the world love it.” “The sound of the motor is like a bee,” he mused. “It’s strong but beautiful. It’s unique and has a colorful history.” “The engine is low to the ground, and it’s connected directly to the back wheel. They never break and the simplicity of the two-stroke engine is what allows people to load these up with all their stuff and bring it around.”
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
The Vespa GTS300ie is supremely easy to ride, like any twist and go scooter, but enough power for useful acceleration and 110km/h cruising, all in a compact package. The Vespa GTS300ie caused a sensation among the scooter heads when it was launched in Thailand, having authentic looks, and the badge, coupled with a modern fuel-injected engine. That’s why the Vespa GTS300ie is rapidly becoming a favorite of rally-going scooterists, because they can nip to the other end of the country, across mountains, ride over unpaved country road and doing the most amazing things without worrying too much about breaking down. And if scooter rallies are your thing, turning up on a Vespa GTS300ie is just as acceptable these days as a geared classic Vespa two-stroke. The Vespa GTS300ie is powered by a 278cc liquidcooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke, 4-valve QUASAR engine with electronic fuel injection and catalyzed exhaust system.
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34 Kho Lipe - Remember When?
Remember when there were so many unspoiled island paradises all around Thailand? A time when even places such as Phuket, Kho Phi or Kho Samui were not dominated by expensive resorts claiming to ‘own’ the natural beaches. Accommodation was bungalow style and restaurants were just local vendors providing low cost but delicious Thai food with a smile.
Lonely Planet says Kho Lipe is “this decade’s poster child for untamed development in the Thai Islands. Blessed with three wide white-sand beaches separated by jungled hills and within spitting distance of protected coral reefs, five or six years ago the island was only spoken about in secretive whispers.” Kho Lie (or Lee-pae), is the southernmost island in Thailand and is one of the many islands located in the beautiful Tarutao National Marine Park, in the AdangRawi Archipelago of the Andaman Sea, Satun Province of southwest Thailand, close to the Malaysian border.
Translated into the local Chao Ley language, Koh Lipe literally means “Island Paper, or Paper Island.” Lipe island was first discovered by the Chao Ley (or Sea Gypsies) who would travel from island to island in search of the best fishing in the areas to feed themselves and their tribes. The Chao Ley eventually found a permanent home on Kho Lipe and were given a grant to settle on the island’s eastern beach (Kho Lipe Sunrise Beach) and have since remained there. Pattaya Beach is by far the most populated area on the island so it’s more of a busy vibe. The east coast or Sunrise Beach, which stretches from the south to the north of the island, and as the name suggests, faces the sunrise and the northern end of Sunrise Beach, Karma Beach, offers a mix of both. There is also a Kho Lipe Walking Street that is in the middle of the island and connects Pattaya and Sunrise Beach. Walking Street is filled with great accommodation and shops. But don’t get these place names confused with Pattaya City in Chonburi please!
The island itself is not so difficult to reach, but it’s still quite a secret. From the middle of November until late May (high season) you can get to Lipe from several places. Kho Lipe is an excellent choice for your first or last stop in Thailand as its located in close proximity to Pak Bara,Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Langkawi, Malaysia. It’s also only a hop away to Samui and Kho Tao. These are all of course in the very south of Thailand. The beaches are pearly white and unscathed, the views will leave you breathless. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is absolutely amazing, the locals will treat you like family, the food will leave your taste buds begging for more, and your body won’t need any more relaxation after even a short holiday.
Everything is connected by concrete roads, and it usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes to walk between 2 of the main beaches. In the night time most roads are lit by streetlights but it’s a good idea to take a torch if you go out and explore in the dark. Since 2013 there are official motorbike taxi’s (with sidecar) that can take a couple of people for a fixed price per person. You can spot the taxi drivers by their purple jacket and their colourful motorbikes. Low season, or green season as the locals call it, is from May to October. There are a lot less tourists and it isn’t difficult to find a quiet spot on the beach. Although the island is now open all year with 2 boats running to and from Pak Bara every day, some of the hotels and other businesses still close down. It’s a great time to go if you enjoy quiet time on the beach and there a great hotel deals to be had. There are several uninhabited islands that can easily be reached with a longtail boat, anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour away. The two large ones, Koh Adang and Koh Rawi have a ranger station where camping is possible. It’s popular to go on a boat trip and explore the islands nearby while snorkeling at some of the best spots. The ranger station on Kho Adang also has bungalows and tents available, and there is a small restaurant (open from November to May).
The island has still retained the sort of charm that attracts those not interested in ‘5 Star’. However unless you are heading there soon it seems likely that even this island will soon suffer the same fate as other previously unspoiled islands and be overwhelmed by the lure of the developers’ advances.
HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
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36 This was one of the spa greatest experiences I have had so far. First of all the spa is beautiful decorated in calm tones and the fragrance of essential oils is everywhere, relaxing you immediately. I was introduced by the Spa Manager Khun Jiranan to their new treatments. Devarana Spa presents its new Asean Remedies spa program, the healing traditions from 10 South East Asian countries. I tried the Pilipinas island Hideaway. When I was told that I am going to have an icecream scrub I was scared it was going to be cold but I was still was looking forward to try it as my first experience of this kind. I had the treatment in one of the spa villas and everything was looking pretty and relaxing with the right music and the right room temperature. I lay down on one of the two treatment beds in the room and my therapist Khun Gee started applying the icecream onto my body. It was a bit cold but I liked it, it was refreshing and smelling so nice that you wanted to taste it. The mixture of the ice cream is a unique blend of sweet potatoes, taro, oatmeal and lavender essential oil. The cool sensation from the icecream exfoliation at 15-20 degrees Celsius provided an added benefit. After the scrub is finished, neither too strong nor too soft, the therapist prepared the shower at a warm temperature to remove the scrub from my body. Then the journey was completed with an oil massage using a Jasmine oil blend to enhance the pleasure of a warm summer day. Results: The skin is smooth, shining and smelling good. Treatment: Pilipinas Island Hideaway, 2 hours, 3,500++ For more information: 032 442494 or huahin@devaranaspa.com
The Miracle of Sand In today’s article, we will talk about something relaxing, something that has been with the people of Hua Hin for a long time, something that everyone in Hua Hin is familiar with, so familiar that most of us often overlook it. So what do you think when we talk about Hua Hin? Sea, beaches, breeze and sunlight is probably one of the answers that most people with give. Today we will be talking about sand. The seaside is a popular vacation spot for most people because it provides such a relaxing atmosphere which definitely helps soothe any stress. Whenever you walk on the beach, feel the fresh sea breeze, relax by the sea, listening to the sounds of wave or swim in the sea, you will feel such an indescribable happiness. However, one of the benefits of the sea/beaches that most people do not know is actually come from sand. It is an excellent natural spa. Do you wonder why? 1. It is an excellent natural ‘scrub’. Yes, we are talking about those tiny grains on the beach. Have you ever notice that your feet usually get softer after a walk on the beach? That is because sands help remove dead skin cells resulting in softer skin, better pores’ excretion and sometime helps decrease the odor of our feet. 2. t is the best running track! As sand surface is not smooth because it always shifts whenever we run or step on it causing us to exert more and helps burn energy than normal running by almost 50% more. In addition, sand also reduces the impact from running which helps reduce joint pain. 3. It is a natural sauna! Just put yourself into sand as sand is heavy and has a temperature which helps improve blood circulation and metabolism. Now let’s continue with the benefits of sand for children. 1. Sand enhances learning development. It is a toy which can be altered to different gameplay. It encourages HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
the learning of children by building sand into different shapes according to the child’s imagination or learning. 2. Help develop senses. Due to the different size of sand, it gives a different perception, causing stimulation of the brain in controlling the hands. 3. Support the creativity of the child. Next time try to ask your child questions about what they are doing, some of them will say building a house, bake a cake or other different answers because the creative part of the brain is in use. 4. Help your child with the learning of shapes because sand can be built into different shape easily. Therefore, it is suitable to be used in the teaching of different shapes such as a triangle, square, circle or even animal shapes using molds. Now that we have seen various benefits of sand, the people in Hua Hin and other places which do not have sea are even more enviable. Beside resting by the sea, swimming and sun bathing, they still have those benefits from sand. Next time when you go to the sea, try to spend more time with sand so that you can get softer skin, good body, happiness, the enhancement of creativity and happiness for both adults and children.
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HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
38 ENTERTAINMENT
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THEMELESS CHALLENGER #5
THEMELESS CHALLENGER #5 by Trip Payne
by Trip Payne 1
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16 Regardless 17 A Passage to India heroine
19 It includes the Sun and the Moon
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21 R&B singer Faith 22 Where Japanese brokers work: Abbr.
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23 Ready to fire
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51 It’s often 100 meters long
12 Places for rockingchairs, sometimes
53 Supt.’s concern
13 Straightaway
54 Snap alternative
14 They’re “okay”
57 Angler’s place
20 Bored note-takers, perhaps
59 Perk up 61 Bug 62 It may prevent burning
24 Sound that stops at the cradle 29 Part of a discus
63 Funnel-shaped garment
30 Digging
64 Certain musical fanatics
34 Some linemen
65 What grooms may groom
38 Gloats
32 Niche 36 Terr. relative 39 He plays McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy
25 Rocks in a sling
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18 Underworld judge in The Last Judgment
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1 Where wares are 6 Golf scoring system
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27 Logic problem
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31 Inoffensive cry
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33 Enter the station, perhaps
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28 Painting at the Getty Center
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26 “De gustibus non _ _ _ disputandum”
35 Clinton’s Secretary of Health and Human Services 37 Massachusetts symbol 41 Be unbelievable, in a way 43 Inclusive term 44 Malia, to Sasha 47 Flying Cloud and Royale, for two
DOWN 1 Broadcasts 2 Jewish women’s organization 3 Lehár’s “The Land of Smiles”, for one 4 Water _ _ _ 5 Brad Pitt movie
40 Patrons of the arts 42 Got to the point? 44 Helping hand 45 Like many couples 46 Crew members 48 It runs off at the mouth 52 Ballerina description
6 Elucidate
55 E-mail folder
7 Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion used to require one
58 Chihuahua chamber
8 Hamburger appreciation
56 Biking or hiking place 60 Be unbelievable, in a way
9 First name of a 2005 Oscar winner 10 Connecticut town for which a disease is named
Find solution of this on our facebookpage:20 Bored 49 Shard note-takers, DOWN 35the Clinton’s Secretary of puzzle 11 The P of P.I. www.facebook.com/huahintodaynews 50 French individual perhaps 1 Broadcasts Health and Human 24 Sound that stops at the 2 Jewish women’s Services cradle organization 37 Massachusetts symbol 29 Part of a discus 3 Lehár’s “The Land of 41 Be unbelievable, in a 30 Digging Smiles”, for one way a Fast & Furious 7 The Age of Adaline Made to Stick 32 Niche 4 Water ___ 43 Inclusive term Release date: 24/04/15 Release date: 02/04/15 – Chip Heath & Dan 5 Brad Pitt movie 34 Some linemen ge in 44 Malia, to Sasha Heath 36 Terr. relative 6 Elucidate 47 Flying Cloud and nt 38 Gloats Royale, for two 7 Disneyland’s Haunted un and The 87th Academy Made to Stick is Awards ceremony, presented by Mansion used to require 39 He plays McSteamy on 49 Shard the Academy of Motion Picture Arts a book that will and Sciences (AMPAS), honored Grey’s Anatomy one 50 French individual transform the way you the best films of 2014 and took 40 Patrons of the arts 8 Hamburger It’s often communicate ideas. place51 on February 22,100 2015,meters at the Dolbylong Theatre in Hollywood, Los It’s a fast-paced tour of 42 Got to the point? appreciation bbr. Angeles beginning at 08:30 EST. success stories 44 Helping hand 9 First name of a 2005 53theSupt. ’s concern During ceremony, the (and failures). Academy of Motion Picture Arts 45 Like many couples Oscar winner 54 Snap alternative and Sciences presented Academy Provocative, eye46 Crew members 10 Connecticut town for 57 Angler’s referred place n ___ Awards (commonly opening, and often to as59 Oscars) in many different Best Director Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress 48 It runs off at the mouth which a disease is Perk up surprisingly funny, Made categories. The ceremony was Alejandro González Eddie Redmayne for his Julianne Moore for her J.K. Simmons for his role Patricia Arquette for her 52 description named 61byBug hosted actor Neil Patrick Harris Iñárritu, Birdman role in The Theory of Ballerina role in Still Alice in Whiplash role in Boyhood to Stick shows us 55 E-mail folder 62first It time. may prevent burning 11 The P of P.I. Everything Getty for the the vital principles of 56 Biking or hiking place 63 Funnel-shaped garment 12 Places for rocking winning ideas–and tells A young woman, born at the turn of 20th century, us how we can apply chairs, sometimes 58 Chihuahua chamber 64 Certain musical fanatics is rendered ageless after an accident. After years of these rules to making 60 Be life, unbelievable, 13 Straightaway 65 What grooms n, Deckard Shaw seeks may revenge against Dominic Toretto a solitary she meetsina aman who might be worth our own messages stick and his groom family for the death of his 14 brother. wayimmortality. They’re “okay” losing her
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Movies to Watch
Books to Read
The Oscars
Woman in Gold
Avengers: Age of Trip Ultron Payne ©2009
Release date: 23/04/15
Release date: 30/04/15
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho Paulo Coelho’s
Best Picture Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Best Animated Feature Film Big Hero 6
Best Foreign language Film Ida (Poland)
Best Adapted Screenplay The Imitation Game
Best Documentary (feature) CitizenFour
Best Original Score The Grand Budapest Hotel
masterpiece tells Best Visual Effects Interstellar the magical story of
HUA HIN TODAY, MARCH 2015
Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family. HUA HIN TODAY, April 2015
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.
Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us, as only a few stories can, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, above all, following our dreams.
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