HUA HIN • CHA-AM • PRANBURI
ISSUE 228 • JULY 2021
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ROSE TEA - SUPERFOOD!
HUA HIN “WOW” Hua Hin to become ‘City of Happiness’
Vitamin C, E, A, Iron & Calcium. Helps to fight insomnia, fatigue and mood swings. p.16
model for the nation
New vaccine supply confirmed but initial rollout for those with house registered in Hua Hin municipality only. Solution to garbage disposal problem found. p.2
KUI BURI NATIONAL PARK REOPENS Wildlife has thrived during lockdown but only the double vaccinated can visit at this time. p.7
Majestic Creek Golf Club & Resort is one of the most unique golf courses in Thailand since there is a 27 -hole gem, lying in the beautiful undulating countryside close to the mountains separating Myanmar from Thailand and only 25 minutes outside the Royal town of Hua Hin. There will be a very warm welcome for you here at the Majestic Creek Golf Club and Resort and we look forward to seeing you soon.
MAJESTIC CREEK GOLF CLUB & RESORT 164 Moo 4,Tab Tai, Hua Hin 77110, Thailan Tel: +66 (0) 3251 0672 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 942 3619 Email: bookings@majesticcreekcc.com www.majesticcreekcc.com
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HUA HIN T
Cover Story
“WOW”
he latest meeting of the Executive Committee with the Permanent secretary of Hua Hin municipality had two big issues on the table to be resolved. Garbage disposal and Covid-19 vaccines. The Mayor of Hua Hin sent a letter to the Secretary General of the Royal College of Chulabhorn to buy 50,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to inoculate the people of Hua Hin as soon as possible. In reporting on progress to the meeting it seems allocation approval is still awaited from the originating agency, as soon as approval is given and a delivery date confirmed then the public will hear about it. The committee believes that as Hua Hin municipality is an international tourist destination and an economic area that generates more than thirty billion baht per year in income for the country, priority should be given. In order to stimulate the tourism economy in Hua Hin and to build confidence for tourists, businesses, local people and expats, the municipality decided to apply for the Sinopharm vaccine to circumvent the delay with the AstraZeneca supply. With regard to the waste disposal crisis brought about by the decision by Thanarat camp to no longer allow its site to be used. It was revealed that a new site has been found and contracts agreed to use a new disposal pond at Angrungrot Co. Ltd. Sraphang sub-district, Khao Yoi district, Phetchaburi province, an area of approximately 2,000 rai. It is felt this may be a short-term contact as at 115 km from Hua Hin city it may be considered impractical as a permanent arrangement, surely a sit in Prachuap can be found at some point. Following up on the operation of “Hua Hin Wow”, the Mayor has been assigned to the permanent secretary to track and report operations in all departments, to accelerate policies and accomplish projects. “The Hua Hin Wow” project has improvement guidelines for many changes to Hua Hin City, such as preparing to change the municipal office to make it more convenient for people to come for the service. “Wow” Education to find the budget for purchasing materials for repairing school buildings in the municipality. “Wow” Waterworks by expanding the service area to pay for water bills and to contact the Municipal Waterworks Division for their services, including
an online water payment system. “WOW” Road, where relevant stakeholders inspect the area to properly organise the pavements, and renovation of the activity/exercise area for public at Queens Park 19 Rai. Mr Nopporn Wuttikul, Mayor of Hua Hin announced the 8 policies for the development of the city to the Municipal Council as follows. 1) Infrastructure policy 2) Economic policy 3) Environmental policy 4) Holistic health development policy 5) Education and cultural policy 6) Political and administrative policy 7) Policy on community development and social welfare 8) Smart city development policy This is to develop Hua Hin as a city of happiness and as a model to the rest of the country. The mayor submitted 4 verbal motions as follows: Proposition No. 1 Regarding the Notification of the Local Development Plan Announcement (2018-2022) addition No. 1/2564, since the plan has been announced to the general public on 17 December 2020, therefore, it will be notified at the council meeting to acknowledge and to continue to comply with legal regulations. Proposition No. 2: on the consideration and selection of members of the municipal council to join the municipal committee and the monitoring and evaluation committee of the municipal development plan. Proposition No. 3: Consideration of the selection of qualified persons as approved by the local council to join the Education Committee of Hua Hin Municipality. Proposition No. 4: Approval of the payment of subsidies to the Office of Conservation Area 3, Phetchaburi Branch for the project to control the population of macaques in the area of Khao Takiab and Khao Hin Lek Fai in the amount of 1,162,460 baht, of which 16 votes in the meeting approved, after that, the selection was considered to various proposals. In this regard, the meeting has selected 3 members of the municipal council to be the monitoring committee for the evaluation of the Hua Hin Municipality Development Plan and also at the meeting had selected qualified persons as agreed by the local council to join the Education Committee of Hua Hin as well. Other agenda: The Members of the Hua Hin City Council in all 3 districts discussed and suggested issues such as requesting to check the cleanliness of the mechanical center in Hua Hin Soi 102, requesting clarifications in the case of people renting in public areas in Hua Hin Municipality, etc.
HUA HIN TODAY
Long Live His Majesty the King
On the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s birthday anniversary, 28 July 2021. The Management team, and staffs at Hua Hin Today would like to humbly extend His Majesty good health, happiness, and longevity. Thailand celebrates His Majesty King greeting and best wish to his Majesty the King in this celebration.
From the Editor
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HUA HIN TODAY HAS A NEW OFFICE
alking garbage: What Hua Hin needs is a war on trash Hua Hin Today recently raised the issue of fly tipping and trash being dumped at various locations around the town. Let’s be clear, Hua Hin has not got a trash problem - yet. But it will have if nothing is done to tackle the issue being faced. Earlier this month we were contacted by concerned locals who highlighted the problem of trash being dumped at the far end of Soi 102. Upon inspection, among the trash dumped on Soi 102 included a mattress, bedroom furniture, waste from a construction site, household waste and garden waste. There are laws in Thailand that clearly state littering and flying tipping are illegal with fines ranging from between 2,000 and 10,000 baht. But as with many laws in Thailand, enforcement is difficult and a lack of resources means the problem can not be adequately policed. A positive move would be for the Municipality to erect signs at locations where trash is being dumped to warn people of the possible penalties. CCTV in the area could help identify those responsible for the littering and more rubbish bins could be put throughout the town so people have somewhere to more easily dispose of their trash. An effective litter prevention campaign could help bring the local community together to tackle the problem. Hua Hin is wonderful - let’s keep it that way. Yours truly, Ms Visa Chimdee (Editor-in-Chief)
Letter to Editor Hi, Tuesday night I was sick and called for an ambulance - We went to Hua Hin hospital I couldn’t stay at the hospital so we called for an ambulance to go home I lay down on the bed in the ambulance but there was no belt that could make me safe on the bed. So i sit up with my girlfriend. But if you sit there was no safety belt either. I looked at the driver, he seems to have a belt but he was not using it. When an ambulance is going on an emergence call they often go at high speed and passes traffic lights on red light. Then it is risky and sometimes there also are then it is risky and sometimes there also are collisions. Think about what happens to the patient laying on a slippery bed, that can be the death. Can you write about this or can you advice me who I should contact? Regards Anders Eriksson
Dear Anders Thank you for contacting us. We are sorry to hear of your experience in the ambulance. It is worrying enough to have to be transported in an ambulance but when one doesn’t appear to have a seatbelt to secure the patient, then that is all the more concerning. All we can suggest is you call 032 511 153, where you can report a complaint about an ambulance or the driver. However, it might be best if a Thai speaker calls on your behalf as we cannot confirm if they will have an English speaker to answer your complaint. Wishing you a speedy recovery
MANAGEMENT Honorary Chairman: Dr Thanachai Theerapattanavong Chairwoman: kittikorn Theerapattanavong CEO: Titikorn Theerapattanavong CFO: Duangsuda Pirompin EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Visa Chimdee Sub-Editor: Martin Cooke Art Director: Panyaporn Panyachote ADVERTISING Visa Chimdee Tel: 086 3693 604 e-mail: visa@huahintoday.com MARKETING Digital Marketing: Kayes Nihon PRODUCTION Production Manager: Lamai Wongwanakul JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Hua Hin) Address: 87/3 Soi Hua Thanon 19, KhaoTakiab Road, Nong kae, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan 77110 Website: huahintoday.com Facebook: facebook.com/huahintodaynews Twitter: twitter.com/huahintoday Tel: 086 3693 604, 032 900 150 Email: visa@huahintoday.com JAYNALYN MEDIA Co Ltd (Head Office) Address: 194 Soi Pridi Banomyong 46 (Soi Chit Wari), Sukhumvit 71 Road, Klong Tan Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 02 391 9595
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PRACHUAP PROVINCE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED A BUDGET OF THB 483 MILLION TO AID ECONOMIC RECOVERY
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rachuap province has accelerated the project to revitalise the local economy, and create new jobs in the region by setting a spending budget of THB 483 million. Mr. Phromphiriya Kitnuson, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province attended a meeting with representatives of various government agencies, private sectors, and civil society to consider and scrutinise the development and strengthening of the fundamental economy. This is under a local economic and community rehabilitation plan based on local opportunities and potential.
The Ministry of Interior has informed the provinces to acknowledge and act according to the guidelines for proposing projects for development and strengthening of the basic economy in the total amount of 45 billion baht. Prachuap province is pleased to have been allocated a budget of more than 10% of the national budget and is determined to spend it wisely. The local project has been prepared by the budgeting division in accordance with the criteria requested of the area by the Budget Bureau, who will check the detail thoroughly. There are altogether 152 projects that have been presented, 83 for the construction of public road improvement projects, 55 pond dredging and water resource development projects, 13 infrastructure development projects to support the recovery and development of community economic activity 13, and one project each for the provision of electric lighting and creating a route linking community tourism. The meeting committee has considered and scrutinized the development and strengthening of the basic economy of Prachuap Province and has approved all projects.
GRAND OPENING OF CENTURY 21 WISDOM
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une 24th was the grand opening of ‘Century 21 wisdom’ by Ms Chayanisa Thanichananan, director of CRB 36, as the operator. It was a welcome opening presided over by Mr Suwit Rlianrungruang the former Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin, other guests were Mr Jeerawat Prahmanee, Permanent Secretary of the Municipality and Ms.Wasana Srikanjana, President of the Hua Hin & Cha-am Tourism Business Association and the members of the Rotary Club of Hua Hin came to join as well. The real estate industry of the 21st Century will be driven by a ‘customer service culture’ and Century 21 will lead this evolutionary process. They are there to offer you valuable and honest advice when you need it so that you can navigate the best path through the process, and as they know the marketplace, the buyers, sellers and neighbourhoods, but most importantly they know how to put their clients needs first. Their state of the-art sales tools and technology is here to make your journey easier and more direct to your final goal. When you come to Century 21, you’ll be in control of your sale or purchase and we’ll help you get the best result possible. ‘Century 21 wisdom’ is located at Hua hin soi 51/6 or opposite Jek Piek restaurant, or Call: 062-162 9966, Line: 064-261 5626.
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PRACHUAP PROVINCE PREPARES TO OPEN TEMPORARY SHELTERS
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ast month, a meeting was held by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Water Resources subcommittee, to discuss the situation of water supply and the preparation of a flood response plan for this years rainy season. Prompiriya Kitnuson, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan province presided over the meeting. Currently the 9 major reservoirs in Prachuap province have a total water volume of 244 million cubic metres out of a total reservoir capacity of 500 million cubic metres, (49%), which is considered a good condition for this time of year. Now we have entered the rainy season, and rain water is e pected to flow into the reservoir continuously, this condition can only improve. As for the prevention of flooding problems, 10 water pumps have been installed at the recurring flooding areas, namely Hua Hin district 2, ueang Prachuap district 2, Bang Saphan 4, and the other 2 points at Kui Buri district, and will also install 2 more ‘water pushers’ in front of Wat Khao Lan Thom and in front of Vana Nava water park in the Nong Kae Subdistrict of Hua Hin, to help speed up drainage when required. In addition, 6 mobile ‘water pushers’ will be kept in reserve at the provincial irrigation project
office, these will be ready to be deployed for urgent use if flooding occurs in any area. During the past drought season, 18 canals have been dredged in every district to optimise drainage during the coming rainy season. Decha Ruang-On, head of the Disaster Prevention and itigation Office in Prachuap province, also reported on the progress of the construction of a temporary shelter for potential victims in the coastal region of Bang Saphan district, the construction of the accommodation building has now been completed thanks largely to his Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn who donated THB 20 million of personal property. The installation of electricity and water supply is done, and currently the access road is under construction and e pected to be officially opened at the end of July, well within time to cope with the expected heavy rainfall during the October/ November period. The shelter can accommodate up to 300 victims and those involved with the Water Resources sub committee are confident they are ready to respond in a timely manner as events occur, they have also trained 50 volunteers in each locality to help when needed.
RELEASING AQUATIC SPECIES L
ast month, Mr. Jeerawat Prahmanee, the permanent secretary of Hua Hin municipality, together with the staff of the Social Welfare Division, undertook to release uvenile fish and shrimp to mark the occasion of the celebration of the Birthday of Queen Suthidha. This is a project to support the occupational development of fisheries communities for the fiscal year 2021, and to strengthen their fabric within the local environment. The pro ect is a collaboration of local fishing community organisations, anchor fishery groups, and Sala Ruam ai Community on the occasion of Her a esty Queen Suthidha’s Birthday on 3rd une 2021, the fish species were released at Saphan Pla Hua Hin bridge. On the same day volunteer staff along with employees of the Welfare and Social Affairs Division, and The Medical Division, went out to the community to donate bags and health checks to the elderly.
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KUI BURI NATIONAL PARK REOPENS BUT WITH DUAL PRICING AND ONLY TO PEOPLE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 On a more positive note, the closure of the park due to COVID-19 has actually allowed wildlife to thrive, officials said. Kui Buri National Park, which measures 605,625 rai or approximately 969 square kilometres, is home to 300 wild elephants and at least 250 gaurs living in separate herds. In addition, seven red bulls, 6 males and 1 female have also been found living together in the herd of gaurs. The best spot to view wildlife in the park is from the Pong Salad Dai viewpoint, which is open from 2 pm – 5:30 pm every day, with the last tickets sold at 4pm.
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ui Buri National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan has reopened after being closed due to the pandemic. Members of the public are invited to visit the park and view the herds of wild elephants and gaur from the Pong Salad Dai viewpoint. However, foreigners should be aware the park employs a policy of dual pricing. For Thai people, the price for adults is 40 baht and 20 baht for children. But for foreigners, adults must pay 200 baht and children 100 baht to enter the park. n addition, park officials told Hua Hin Today that currently people can only enter the park if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, officials added that they hope this policy will change from ne t month in order to help boost tourism to the park.
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WASTE DISPOSAL TO BE A BIG FUTURE PROBLEM
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hanarat Camp Infantry Centre in Pranburi has been used as a waste disposal centre since August 2nd 2001 on a 20 year agreement which will conclude on August 1st this year. The camp has informed the 21 local government organisations and administrations, including the municipality of Hua Hin, that it intends to return that area to military training and to carry out unit reinforcement in several projects. Prachuap province had made a request to continue use of the area to dispose of solid waste for a while, but the Infantry Centre has informed that the Army, after due consideration does not approve of the move. At present, all 21 local government organisations, including the municipalities of Hua Hin, Pranburi, Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri, Mueang and Thap Sakae, have been told to stop disposing of waste at the collective waste treatment pond and landfill from uly 2021 onward. r. riengkrai Thawikan, Mayor of Nong Phlup sub-district, has revealed that he has discussed with local government organisations about finding a new solution for many years, and asked the administrators to adhere to the principle of self-reliance or to form a cluster to jointly help eliminate solid waste. Prachuap Khiri Khan province is a tourist area and should not be causing this negative environmental impact with its garbage problem, it has never made any progress in solving the issue and Hua Hin district will be the most critical. Two years ago, the government and the Ministry of Interior announced that local authorities have accelerated waste treatment throughout the country as a priority, but in practice, it appears that provincial level agencies only held a few meetings about it. In addition, provincial executives have not been interested in planning ahead for waste disposal and the results of some research institutions clearly confirm that waste pro ects in each province are not suitably advanced. The failure is mainly down to the locality and form of disposal, “In the past many areas of the municipality and the sub district administrative organisation have had conflicts of interest, and some authorities see personal interests more than the interests of the people,” said Kriengkrai. Hua Hin municipality employs a private company to collect about 160190 tons of waste per day and previously, since 1994, used the area of Ban Nong Pran Phuk in Thap Tai sub-district for disposal, that permission was contested by Thap Tai and permission was cancelled. Then Hua Hin municipality moved its operation to use the area in the Thanarat Camp Infantry Centre until this recent situation arose, after consideration Tha Yang and Khao Yoi districts in Phetchaburi province have now been approached to become the venue of a new disposal site. The municipality asks for cooperation from every household and every community to help reduce the amount of waste, and turn to use environmentally friendly products based on the principle of, ‘less use, reuse, recycle’. The committee has considered a method of converting waste into electrical energy in Prachuap province in order to solve problems in the long term as well, but for sure a format of waste management must be discussed again, and a solution found, whether it will be working together with all 21 localities or not. The target disposal cost is 321 baht per ton.
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THE SANG FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING TO CONTINUE PROVIDING FOOD RELIEF PROGRAM FOR THE UNEMPLOYED OF HUA HIN
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he Sang Foundation has launched a new fundraising campaign to help people in Hua Hin & Cha-am severely affected by Covid-19. Since April 2020 the foundation has been delivering food packages, sponsoring students to return to school, and provided vital medicines for the disabled. It has been collaborating with local supermarkets and the SOS Food Rescue team to deliver and distribute the meals, to date The Sang Foundation has donated to over 40,000 families and continues with its work to support those in need. The third wave of Covid-19 hit business hard and especially those people that work in tourism and hospitality, many have lost their jobs and their income through no fault of their own and urgently need support to feed their families. Be they housekeepers, hotel staff, golf caddies or bar & restaurant workers, they all lost their income and need help to see them through to better times ahead. The Sang Foundation is aiming to raise THB 900,000 for this food program. Matsumi Adachi, the founder of The Sang Foundation said, “The third wave has devastated the once lively town and our goal is to alleviate hunger. With the vaccine rollout underway business will slowly reopen and we hope that people can return to work and be once again self sufficient soon.” ormer iss Supranational
Thailand, Maythavee Burapasing, said “I have been following The Sang Foundation and their activities since Covid hit Thailand, the work that Matsumi and the volunteers are doing in Hua Hin and Cha-am is very much appreciated. For this area to rebound quickly it will depend on a little generosity by everyone, I urge everyone to help by donating and to spread the word on social media.” Matsumi shared with us the information of how the THB 900,000 will be spent: Each meal is THB 30 and the target is to provide 30,000 meals plus drinks. The transportation, petrol and miscellaneous combined is THB 10,000 per delivery, the volunteers deliver 3 times a week. THB 900,000 will support the food programme for 30 weeks and sustain the community until October at which time it is hoped tourism businesses will reopen. To give support please visit sangfoundation.org
HAPPINESS DAY FOR NONG PLATOO ‘H
ua Hin Today’ returned to Hua Hin hospital last month with items kindly donated by people for Nong Platoo. At first, it appears to me he is not showing much improvement but he is not giving up, especially as his mother still has the determination to take him to do physical therapy almost every week, hope persists as Platoo stretches & exercises at the hospital and he tries hard to do some at home as well. They were very happy with all the donations they received from us, which included rice, dried food, pampers, and necessities for him and his family’s daily life. For helping Nong Platoo this time Hua Hin Today wants to thank all of the people who support him with their kindness, although not much in monetary value the thought and consideration is precious for Platoo’s family and they will be able to use the goods for at least a month. Extra thanks go to 3 special sponsors who helped Nong Platoo 1. Ms Buathong and her husband Mr Philip for providing essential goods. (Picture of Ms Buathong) 2. Mr Hans Peter, a man who is full of compassion and he is also a fan who always
follows the news from HHT Facebook. Hans came with some essential goods and even gave him a wooden domino game to enjoy when he is alone. (Picture of Platoo with the toy) 3.Our Landlord Khun Suwanna Chuenwichit together with her family donated 3,000 THB and asked us at Hua Hin Today to buy some of the necessities Platoo needed, we spent about 2,000 THB on goods and gave 1,000 THB cash to Platoo to keep for the trip expenses for his physical therapy at the hospital.
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YOUR COUNTRY’S NATIONAL DAY
1st JULY: INTERNATIONAL JOKE DAY Where would any of us be without jokes and laughter to brighten our spirits? It can help any situation. This July 1st, we invite you to take some time out of your day to recognise the important job humour plays in keeping stress at bay, building relationships, and bringing levity to a world that badly needs it. And be sure not to confuse the purpose of International Joke Day with April Fools’ Day — the two couldn’t be further apart. July 1st is all about getting a grin out of your best friend, sharing a laugh on social media, and appreciating the stand-up comics who have left us in stitches for decades.
7th JULY: TELL THE TRUTH DAY Like most of us, at some point, you probably told a lie but, hopefully, it was just a white lie with little consequence. Unfortunately, lying can lead to much more harmful outcomes when it becomes a personality trait, truthfulness and honesty are the foundations of living with integrity. The battle between lies and truth is present throughout human history, these two ideas have been at the centre of everything from the creation of countries to the development of complex philosophical debates.
5th JULY-VENEZUELA: ‘Cinco de Julio’ marks Venezuela Independence Day incorporated by the enactment of the 1811 Venezuelan Declaration of ndependence and significantly, marking the first Spanish colony of South America to gain independence, in recent years it is also marked as National Armed Forces Day.
9th JULY-ARGENTINA: The th uly is Argentina ndependence Day and was first declared in 1816 when the country gained its independence from Spain, the local Creole population saw an opportunity when Napoleon was defeated by the British at Waterloo and declared independence. This national public holiday is celebrated by patriotic events such as speeches, parades and military demonstrations and is a popular time for family reunions.
2nd JULY: WORLD UFO DAY UFO’s have been the stuff of legend for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1950’s that freaky flying saucers grabbed national and international mainstream attention. Since then, UFO’s have captured the minds of old and young alike, and witness’ stories have proliferated around the world. World UFO Day serves as a way for everyone to come together and watch the skies on the same night in search of UFO’s, but that’s not its only purpose. Many see the holiday as a way to spread knowledge and awareness of UFO’s, making a case for their existence, and hoping to make disciples out of the dubious.
11th JULY: WORLD POPULATION DAY World Population Day on July 11th is a holiday that’s dedicated to focusing on the importance of population issues. The day was established by the United Nations as a result of the massive interest people had in Five Billion Day in 1987.
20th JULY-COLUMBIA: Colombian Independence Day is celebrated annually on the 20th July. The event marks the day that, in 1810, the residents of Bogotá were stirred into protesting on the streets against Spanish rule. A limited independence, later made permanent, was decreed in the country, freeing Colombia from the Spanish.
14th JULY: NATIONAL NUDE DAY 3rd JULY: INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY International Plastic Bag Free Day, celebrated on July 3rd, is a global initiative that aims to eliminate the use of plastic bags. Plastic bags may seem like a grocery shopping convenience, but they are also a huge strain on the environment. It can take up to 500 years for plastic bags to disintegrate, so they make up a large portion of what stays in our landfills and pollute our waterways.
Nudist groups around the world celebrate National Nude Day by going “au naturel” on July 14th. Nudism is the act of practicing nudity, or arguing for the right to do so. Most, although certainly not all, nudism occurs on private or specifically designated property. While not all nudists share the same philosophy, many espouse the belief that the human body is inherently beautiful, and that clothes enforce artificial and destructive social boundaries. But not in Thailand!
28th JULY-PERU: Peru’s independence from the Spanish Empire won by the ‘liberator’, Jose de San Martin, is marked annually on the 28th July with the ‘Fiestas Patrias peruanas’, celebrating the declaration of independence from Spain in 1821. It is actually a two day celebration as July 29th honours the Peruvian armed forces and the police force.
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THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL HOW WILL TRAVEL CHANGE?
by Andrew Wood
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o counter the impacts of COVID-19 and prepared for the future post pandemic, global travel will need to change. The COVID-19 crisis presents a unique opportunity to collaborate on reviving the industry. The pandemic and associated travel restrictions has had a devastating impact on tourism. This pause has led to a new beginning and reimagination of how tourism can be more robust, profitable, sustainable, impactful and responsible in the future. Now is an opportunity to unite tourism stakeholders as they reopen their doors a new chapter that will develop a new understanding of the balance between: human needs vs. economic progress &environment /social needs vs. financial prosperity Travel will return. With increased vaccination we have seen this already. The bounce-back is significant. PATA in their recent report forecast international visitor arrivals in the region will increase by +50.8 percent to 113.55 million visitors this year to 316.50million (+320.3 percent) next year. ForwardKeys notes shorter lead booking times are the new normal. The ForwardKeys analysts that track global tourism trends in future airline reservations have observed a continued trend for 2021 that booking lead times keep shrinking, often less than 4 days before travel. China, the world’s second biggest economy, whose population loves to travel, saw GDP grow 18.3 percent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same period the year before. Flights are increasing too. Qatar Airways for instance will resume flights to Phuket, with four weekly services. The airline is already flying 12 semi-commercial flights weekly to Bangkok. The new Phuket services will increase the total to 16 flights a week between Doha and Thailand as Phuket opens in July to nationalities from countries on Thailand’s low to medium risk list. If they have been
vaccinated against Covid-19 and present a negative Covid test certificate they will not need to undergo a 14-day quarantine. The WTCC says that the future of travel and tourism will fall under four macro-trends that are expected to lead the way through recovery and beyond. • Demand Evolution: Traveller preferences have shifted toward the familiar, predictable and trusted. Domestic vacations and outdoor holidays will grow. • Health and Hygiene: Health, safety and trust are paramount in this new era. • Innovation and Digitisation: COVID-19 is proving to be an unexpected catalyst, with contactless technologies among others offering safe and seamless travel experiences. • Sustainability: The world has been reinvigorated to tackle social, environmental, and institutional sustainability. When travel does return I’ve identified 6 major trends that will affect us all: 1. Travel agents and travel professionals will become essential 2. Sustainable Tourism Will Soar 3. Small and local communities will see tourism grow 4. Quality over quantity will be paramount 5. Staying closer to home will become the norm 6. We need to travel - travelling is good for mental health
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SMALL AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES WILL BENEFIT
We will change where we travel. We need to diversify our locations to avoid mass tourism and focus on the places that really need it. Many To empower the voice of smaller operators in the ecosystem a good example is travel and hospitality tech players Airbnb, EaseMyTrip, OYO and Yatra, they have come together as the Confederation of Hospitality, Technology and Tourism Industry (CHATT). They aim to promote domestic tourism, lead the digital transformation of tourism related business and proactively engage travellers and the tourism industry to be a thought leader and also offer educational training. Quality over quantity will be paramount Before we travel we will rethink how and why we travel, and more off-the-beaten-track travelling. Avoiding crowds and instead heading to wide open spaces and nature.
TRAVEL AGENTS AND TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS WILL BECOME ESSENTIAL
Travel agents and travel professionals will account for two thirds of all travel bookings. Conde Nast Traveller predicts a shift to booking travel through agents and established operators, noting their invaluable knowledge and industry connections. 2020 has shown and taught us that the expertise and financial protection of booking through a travel agent often outweighs the amount you pay in commission. Additionally, consumers will look to agents who specialise in the environment. Those who care about where they send their customers can intuitively cut through greenwash. With the decline in air travel from the pandemic, domestic road trips will be popular.
The $8 trillion global travel industry, with open borders, open destinations, and visa-free travel, won’t return in the short term but pent-up demand will rebound in 2022. Not only will we travel again, we’ll do it better. This pause gives us the gift of time to consider how we can travel more safely, consciously and protect our future industry and the planet.
STAYING CLOSER TO HOME WILL BECOME THE NORM
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM WILL SOAR
Getting away from crowds and exploring the great outdoors will increase in popularity. In the wake of the pandemic, experts predict there will be more interest in visiting less-crowded places. Travellers will demand responsible travel policies. The industry is responding by actively promoting a healthy world over profit margins. In addition travellers are reducing carbon footprints by purchasing offsets and by staying at certified green hotels.
Some are discovering the benefits of travel even at home. Self-learning courses; cooking classes, a visit to a park, a meal at an outdoor pavement brasserie or at an outdoor terrace keep the spirit of travel alive by considering the feelings that travel elicits. When we compare everything to being locked up, a walk to the park can feel like travel. Travelling and Planning trips aids mental health A recent survey in the US found that travel improves empathy, energy, attention, and focus. Planning a trip is just as effective. A Cornell study also showed that looking forward to travel substantially increases happiness. Studying maps and determining a route makes you feel like you’re working toward a real goal. If we accept that things might get cancelled we can also expand our comfort zone without too much stress.
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PROPERTIES OF ROSES
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ho doesn’t know Rose? Is there anybody, really? • Roses are considered the ‘Queen of flowers’. Nonetheless, only a few people know that roses are remarkable not only for their prettiness and pleasing scent but also, if not moreover, for their ‘medicinal properties’. • Roses have been used in various ways throughout time in almost every part of the world, in particular the Middle East, India and China, for decoration, supporting health and well-being, even for cooking, the rose is truly multi-functional. Nowadays, roses are used to make ‘rose tea’ which started in China. The rose tea holds medicinal properties as follows: • It helps with gastrointestinal problems because it stimulates the production of bile that makes food digestion better. • It helps ease fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, and irritability because the smell of rose tea helps reduce stresses and fatigue while making you feel relaxed. • It helps with menstrual pain or menopause symptoms, and in addition, rose tea has the same properties as aspirin and ibuprofen that is anti-inflammatory, including those vitamins that reduce cramps, swelling, stomach pain, and mood swings during these periods. Nutrition facts per 1 cup of rose tea • Zero calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, sugar, or caffeine • But… it has vitamin C, E, A, iron, and calcium • Additionally, it has Phytonutrients. It is one of the most biologically active compounds that is found only in plants. It has biological activity that may oppose or prevent certain diseases, such as cancer. Hence, it is considered a vital antioxidant. • It helps with skin, making your skin stronger. • It helps lower the risk of cancer. • It helps stimulate the immune system that prevents you from an infection • It helps lower stress, making your immune system better, resulting in better health and less sickness. In addition, rose tea has another antioxidant called Polyphenols that helps protect cells from being destroyed and lower the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart diseases, diabetes and obesity. • However, please note that rose tea isn’t friendly to everyone. It could cause allergies to some people. Cautions for drinking rose tea 1. People who take anti-depressant medicines should avoid rose tea as it will lower the effects of the medication, making it inefficient. 2. Everyone should drink rose tea in an appropriate amount. If you drink too much, you will receive too much vitamin C, causing diarrhea, stomach burn, headache, and nausea. Receiving too much vitamin C could cause kidney stones and excessive iron absorption as well. Thus, we must never forget that everything needs have its balance.
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CUPPING THERAPY’ - PART I Dr. Kate Boonyakiat DAOM, LAc. – Terra Acupuncture
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ave you heard of ‘cupping therapy’? You may have seen pictures of famous athletes or celebrities with red circular marks from cupping on their shoulders and backs. A lot of people have questions about the benefits of cupping and wonder what this mark is. What is Cupping Therapy? There are two types of cupping, Dry and Wet. In dry cupping the suction cup will be placed on the skin and in wet cupping, the practitioner will make a small incision on the skin and then apply the suction cup to draw
out small amounts of blood. Sometimes we move cups along the muscles, a process called gliding cupping, cups are typically left on for between 5-10 minutes, depending on your specific need. How does it work? When toxins or cell waste stagnate in the muscles, the body has difficulty disposing of the debris causing the body to experience discomfort, the stagnation can be caused by various reasons such as poor circulation in a localised area, or an injury that never fully healed. When the liver and kidneys
cannot process these toxins and excrete them correctly, the toxins are put in storage to be handled later, usually housed in the muscular level. The vacuum action of cupping facilitates the release of rigid soft tissues, stimulates the peripheral nervous system, loosens and lifts connective tissue, and breaks up and drains stagnation, it can also increase blood and lymph flow to the skin, muscle, and connective tissue. Cupping draws stagnant blood and other fluids that have fallen out of healthy circulation up to the skin and away from the injury to restore circulation to the affected area. It creates space for oxygen, living cells, and nutrients needed for the healing process. How does it work? Many people know that cupping can ease muscle pain or tightness and cause relaxation to the body, cupping therapy is also used to treat a broad range of conditions, including respiratory infection, headaches and cellulite.
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MAJESTIC’S REPORT D
uring the past 4 weeks our weekly Thursday competition has taken place as normal. We have had an increase in the number of players taking part, including more guests than usual. We would like to say welcome to those who have recently decided to play with us, We have a separate prize for our guests each week and they also can win the nearest the pin prizes that are given to the players whose ball is closest to the hole in one shot on the par 3 holes, numbers A4, A6, B12 and B17. If you have won a prize in the competition, you can see your name on the large scoreboard outside on the front patio, which lists 1st 2nd and 3rd in the main competition along with the guest prize winner and the names of the nearest the pin winners The course remains in excellent condition, so once again, well done to the ground and maintenance staff. Please note that we are still under certain COVID restrictions and would request that the seating arrangements in the clubhouse are adhered to and that masks are worn. THIS PROTECTS US ALL. The number of players taking part has remained steady over the past 4 weeks, averaging approximately 27. Results of all the competitions are listed below. Any player wishing to take part can register by email to, bookings@majesticcreekcc.com or direct at the reception desk in the clubhouse. All reservations to be made by Tuesday evening, and Tee time will be emailed to you on Wednesday morning. We have a number of different competitions over the past 4 weeks as follows, 27th May, Team Game, four ball better ball, 3rd June Strokeplay, and Stableford on 10th and 17th June. Results as follows: 27th May, 4 BALL BETTER BALL COMPETITION, TEAMS OF 2 PLAYERS 1st Jim and Cecilia Harvey 48 points 2nd Ian Wooldridge and Pam Thompson 47 points 3rd Paul Unthank and Maem Marungrong 46 points Nearest the Pin Prizes, Hole A4, Brian Callihoo Hole A6, Olivier Pinard Hole B12, Adrienne Fullerton Hole B17, Alan Harris 3rd June, STROKEPLAY 17 players taking part Gross Competition 1st Olivier Pinard handicap 5, gross score 76 net 71 2nd Dana Lilja, handicap 3, gross score 77 net 74
Olivier Pinard
Handicap Competition 1st David Morris, handicap 17, gross score 86 net 69 2nd Ian Wooldridge, handicap 11, gross score 80 net 69 3rd Dave Holland, handicap 20, gross score 90 net 70 David won 1st prize against Ian on a countback on the back 9 holes. Guest Prize, Kuslajit Prasobsamai handicap 19, gross score 91, net 72 Nearest the Pin Winners, Hole A4, Brian Callihoo Hole A6, Alan Harris Hole B12, Olivier Pinard Hole B17, Frank Ullrich
David Morris
10th June, STABLEFORD COMPETITION 1st Dave Hammond, Hcp 20, 43 points 2nd Maem Marungrong, Hcp15, 38 points 3rd Jean Berruyer, Hcp 16, 36 points Guest Prize, Sidaras Naniyom, Hcp 29, 36 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole A4, Ian Wooldridge Hole A6, Didier Marchand Hole B12, Didier Marchand Hole B17, Jim Harvey
Dave Hammond
17th JUNE STABLEFORD COMPETITION 1st Paul Unthank, Hcp 10, 41 points 2nd Samaang Jandong, Hcp 36, 39 points 3rd Ayyub Mian, Hcp 23, 38 points Guest Prize, Malai Bisang, Hcp 38, 38 points Nearest the Pin Winners Hole A4, Xavier Diana Hole A6, Robert Jones Hole B12, David Morris Hole B17, Didier Marchand
Paul Unthank
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ฉีดปุบ ๊ … ตีฟรีปบ ั๊ !!! สนามกอล์ฟ The Majestic Creek Country Club & Resort หัวหิน มอบสิทธิพเิ ศษให้แก่นักกอล์ฟชาว ไทยที่ได้รับการฉีดวัคซีนป้องกันโควิด 19 เพื่อเป็น กําลังใจสูภ ้ ย ั โควิด 19 ให้ประเทศชาติอยูร่ อดปลอดภัย เพียงคุณแสดง หลักฐานการฉีดวัคซีน กับเจ้าหน้าที่ Pro Shop
ออกรอบฟรีทันที Green fee 18 หลุม
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หากฉีดครบ 2 เข็ม ออกรอบฟรีไปเลย ถึง 2 รอบ หมดเขต 30 กันยายน 2564 เท่านัน ้ หมายเหตุ - สิทธิพิเศษดังกล่าวเฉพาะคนไทยเท่านั้น และสามารถใช้บริการได้ทุกวัน - สิทธิพิเศษดังกล่าว ฟรี! เฉพาะค่า Green fee 1 รอบ 18 หลุม (ไม่รวมค่าแคดดี้ และรถกอล์ฟ) - กรุณาแสดงหลักฐานการฉีดวัคซีนให้กับเจ้าหน้าที่ Pro Shop ทุกครั้ง - กรุณาโทรจองสนามล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อย 7 วัน - สิทธิพิเศษนี้ไม่สามารถใช้ร่วมกับโปรโมชั่นอื่นๆ ของทางสนามได้ - หมดเขตรับ 30 กันยายน 2564 รายละเอียดเพิ่ มเติม : Majestic Creek Country Club & Resort 164 Moo 4, Tab Tai, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 32 510 672 Mobile: +66 (0) 81 942 3619 www.majesticcreekcc.com
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WILL EMPLOYEES INFECTED WITH COVID-19 BE PAID FOR SICK LEAVE? S COMPENSATION CLAIMS ALLOWED FOR ANYONE SUFFERING FROM COVID-19 VACCINE REACTIONS To increase the confidence of people to get vaccinated, the National Health Security Office, NHSO , has set aside a budget to compensate vaccine recipients in case of allergic reaction. The criteria of compensation are as follow: • A maximum 400,000 baht in case of death or irreversible disabilities. • A maximum 240,000 baht in case of losing an organ or less serious disabilities. • A maximum 100,000 baht in case of persistent injury or sickness Thai people who are covered by the ‘gold card’ scheme, Social Security und, and the welfare fund for the state officials, are eligible to claim the compensation from the aforementioned criteria. However, there is a condition that an allergic reaction must be caused by the Covid-19 vaccines provided by Thai government, not by private hospitals. Vaccinated individuals, relatives, statutory heirs, or hospitals offering vaccination services can file a compensation claim within two years at any public hospital, provincial public health office or NHSO branch office nationwide. If petitioners disagree with a diagnosis of allergic reaction, they can appeal within 30 days after getting the diagnostic result.
ome business operators have announced that their employees should not visit high-risk areas for Covid-19 because they incur a high risk of being infected. If an employee disregards the recommendation, they must self quarantine at home for 14 days. Department of Labour Protection and Welfare informed that if an employee is infected and must be quarantined, an employer must pay wages to that employee. Also, employers should provide employees rights for either sick leave or annual leave. Plus, an employer cannot lay an employee off because they have contracted Covid-19, it is a communicable disease and it has nothing to do with the employees self discipline, therefore, an employee has to be paid sick leave. If any employees are wrongfully laid off or have any questions regarding employment, please call Social Security Hotline 1506.
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22 ISSUE 228 • JULY 2021
RUGBY: HARLEQUINS SCRUM-HALF SAYS PREMIERSHIP FINAL WILL BE ‘EMOTIONAL’ Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care said last month s Premiership final against Exeter would be emotional for the club. Quins beat Bristol Bears 43-36 in a thrilling semi final to reach their first final since 2012. “You’ve got a load of lads in our group that are moving. There’s an emotional tie in that,” Care told BBC 5 Live’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast. “People like Mike Brown, we want to send him off with a winner’s medal. We wouldn t be in this final without him.” Brown, who has been at Harlequins since he made his Premiership debut in 2005, will join Newcastle Falcons at the end of the season. “I am not having that and a lot of the boys aren’t having that. This is the year to win the Premiership. I’m not getting any younger.
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CRICKET: EOIN MORGAN SAYS T20 SERIES A ‘HUGE CHANCE’ FOR PLAYERS
FORMULA 1: VERSTAPPEN WINS INTENSE FRENCH GRAND PRIX BATTLE WITH HAMILTON
This summer England players stands a “huge chance” to secure their places less than four months before the T20 World Cup, says captain Eoin Morgan. England begin a three-match series against Sri Lanka in Cardiff late last month, before three games against Pakistan starting on 16 July. “It’s important to try and get guys that we feel will play a part in the World Cup some form of cricket during the next four weeks,” Morgan told BBC Sport. “This series and the rest of the white-ball summer is a huge opportunity to stake our claim as a team and as individuals, both to be selected for the World Cup, but also the carrot of number one side in the world.” The top-ranked T20 side in the world, England are scheduled to play only five further T20s, in Bangladesh and Pakistan, before the T20 World Cup in India gets under way on 18 October. “You want guys to be on the money from the first game because there s no breathing space,” said Morgan. “It can come out at you quite quickly. We need to be on top of our game.”...
Max Verstappen fought back to pass Lewis Hamilton and take a brilliant win in last month’s French Grand Prix to extend his championship lead. Verstappen’s Red Bull team gambled on an e tra pit stop, sacrificing the lead to come back at Hamilton on fresher tyres to pass the Mercedes with two laps to go. And Mercedes were ruing a strategic blunder in which they left Hamilton out one lap too long and lost the lead. That came after Verstappen had himself gifted Hamilton first place with a mistake at the first corner of the race. After an astonishing up-down battle between the two drivers and their teams, Verstappen moves into a 12-point championship lead after seven races following Red Bull’s third victory in a row. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez took the final podium position from Hamilton s team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the closing laps as the Finn’s tyres worn out.
ATHLETICS: ‘YOU WANT PERSONALITIES, NOT ROBOTS’ – GB’S HUDSON-SMITH BID TO SECURE OLYMPIC SPOT
TENNIS: BRITISH TEENS WIN WIMBLEDON QUALIFYING OPENERS
The route to glory sometimes sounds simple. It’s steady, continuous improvement. Coaches gradually pouring potential into a medal-winning mould. Round off the rough edges, iron out the technical kinks and slowly a contender morphs into a champion. Matthew Hudson-Smith knows the reality is more complicated. He was a prodigy. He won European 400m silver at 1 . He was in an Olympic final at 21. All long limbs, raking stride and fathomless depths of stamina. Give it a couple more years and Iwan Thomas’ British record would be toast. A few more still and the world might be his. That was the assumption. That was the hope.
British teenagers Felix Gill, Jack Pinnington Jones and Arthur Fery overcame big rankings gaps to win their openers in Wimbledon qualifying. Gill, 19, beat Serbia’s Danilo Petrovic, ranked 823 places above him, . Fery, also 19, defeated 29th seed Prajnesh Gunneswaran of India, ranked 1 places higher, 1 . Pinnington Jones, 18, overcame a deficit of 3 places in a 4 3 victory over Brazil’s Joao Menezes. They are joined in the second round by Anton Matusevich, who came from behind to beat 16-year-old William Jansen 4-6 6-0 6-4 in an all-British encounter.
CYCLING: CAVENDISH TO RACE IN TOUR-DE-FRANCE AFTER THREE-YEAR ABSENCE Britain’s Mark Cavendish will return to the Tour de rance for the first time since 2018 when this year’s race began last month in Brest. The 36-year-old has been named in Deceuninck-Quick-Step’s squad of eight. Cavendish has 30 Tour stage wins - second only to Belgian great Eddy Merckx who is on 34. “It is the biggest bike race in the world, and I am going to do all I can to grab this opportunity with both hands,” he said. The former Team Sky rider has struggled for form in recent seasons and was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr virus in 2017. But he has enjoyed a resurgence after returning for a second spell with Quick-Step at the start of this season, winning four stages of the Tour of Turkey in April and the final stage of the Tour of Belgium in June.
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At Black Mountain Golf Club, a very special and exciting new dining experience has arrived. Hua Hin town’s renowned Prime Steakhouse restaurant has come to Black Mountain, serving probably the best steaks in Thailand. Everything from Wagyu rib eye, fresh fish, pasta, salad, desserts & European specialty dishes are exquisitly prepared by Anders and his master team. A warm welcome to Prime Steakhouse awaits you at Black Mountain.
Restaurant open from 6am to 9pm
To book a table: Email: restaurant@bmghuahin.com Phone: 032 618 620 Mobile: 089 028 3547
Free shuttle from Hua Hin for groups Tel: 089 028 3547
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CROATIA ENDED SCOTLAND’S EURO DREAM Scotland’s dream of making history by climbing at Euro 2020 came to a devastating end with a distressing 3 – 1 defeat by Croatia at Hampden. Both teams knew that a win would grant passage to the last 16, Nikola Vlasic arrowed the World Cup finalists into an early lead to silence the crowd in Glasgow. However, an astonishing drive just before half-time from Callum McGregor caused the 12,000 stadium fans to burst in a cacophony of hope. But Luka odric s remarkable first time shot after an hour broke Scotland and Ivan Perisic glanced in a third from a corner to record Croatia s first ever win over the Scotland boys. The margin of victory was also enough to earn them second place in the group ahead of the Czech Republic on goals scored, with both those sides advancing to the last 16.
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UEFA DECLINES MUNICH’S RAINBOW LIGHT REQUEST UEFA has declined a request to light up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours before Germany’s EURO 2020 match against Hungary last month. Munich mayor Dieter Reiter made the request in protest against a new law in Hungary that bans the sharing of any content seen as promoting homosexuality and gender change to under-18s. UEFA says it denied the request because of the “political context”. Reiter described UEFA’s decision as “shameful”. In a statement, European football’s governing body said: “UEFA understands that the intention is also to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion - a cause, which UEFA has been supporting for many years - having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone”.
COPA AMERICA: MESSI EQUALS RECORD AS ARGENTINA MOVED UP THE CHART
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Lionel Messi earned a record-equalling 147th cap for Argentina as they progressed to the Copa America quarter finals with victory over Paraguay late last month. Papu Gomez scored the decisive goal early on, meeting a pass from Angel Di Maria before producing a fine finish. Messi, 34, equalled Javier Mascherano’s appearance record for the national team in the hard-fought win in Brasilia. Argentina top Group A ahead of Chile, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay to also advance to the knockout stage. The hastily-rearranged tournament in Brazil, which was moved from Argentina just two weeks before it was scheduled to start because of a a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country, is Messi’s latest chance to win silverware with the senior team.
EURO 2020: ENGLAND ASPIRE TO ‘CHAMPAGNE FOOTBALL’, SAYS MANAGER England have shown an astounding display of performance and kept a third clean record in three games to beat the Czech Republic 1-0. It means a last-16 spot and a possible tie with France, Germany or Portugal. Asked about the expectation to produce ‘champagne football’, “We would like to see that as well,” says manager Gareth Southgate He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think if you spoke to the players, we spoke a lot about that freedom, but we are a little bit short in a few areas of match fitness and sharpness, and I thought as the game wore on that started to take its toll a bit. “We are difficult to score against at the moment and although we re not perhaps flowing as much as we d like, that solidity is critical for any team doing well,” Southgate added.
WEMBLEY STADIUM TO BE ALLOWED TO MORE THAN 60,000 FANS FOR EURO 2020 SEMIS AND FINAL The UK government had announced Wembley’s crowd capacity will be raised to more than 60,000 for the semi finals and final of Euro 2020. It means the stadium will be at 75% capacity for the games. The increase will also see the largest crowds assembled for a sporting event in the UK in more than 15 months. “It is great news that so many fans will be able to watch the final three matches of Euro 2020 at Wembley,” said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin. UK government has postponed lifting all restrictions until 19 July but the game at Wembley, along with certain other sporting events, is being allowed extra crowd capacity under its Events Research Programme. Wembley’s capacity has been reduced to 22,500 for group fi tures at Euro 2020, but that is set to be expanded to 45,000 - around 50% of full capacity for two knockout games in the last 16 before the semifinals on and uly and final on 11 uly. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi had called for the final to be moved from England because of rising Covid-19 cases in the country but Uefa said it had “no plans” to do so.
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THE ASIAN TOUR’S Q&A WITH BLACK MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB Q. Black Mountain is a wonderful golfing oasis. Can you run through everything you have on site and explain the concept behind the project. A. Everything here is under the Black Mountain umbrella. It’s all one golf community and obviously the heart of the whole community is the 27 hole golf course. We have a wealth of real estate options available –with condominiums, houses and villas – which continue to be constructed to meet demand. As I said before, even now in the pandemic, we continue to receive property enquiries, with many people deciding that Black Mountain is right for them and subsequently becoming new house owners and golf club members. Most of the condos are now sold. We have 76 condos and about 100 houses. The condos are two or three bedrooms, the villas are two to four bedrooms, so there are quite a large variety of si es and specifications.
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lack Mountain Golf Club joined Asian Tour Destinations – the exclusive network of golf clubs with direct ties to the Asian Tour – in August last year and so we felt it an opportune time to catch up with Harald Elisson, their eneral anager, to find out how things are at Hua Hin s preeminent golfing venue: Q. Harald, it has been a difficult 2020 and 2021 for everyone in the golf industry. How have things been at Black Mountain Golf Club? A. Yes, it has been a challenging time but we are weathering the storm well. I am delighted to say, as we speak, even though some local recreational facilities are closed during another period of restrictions, the golf course, driving range and restaurant are open – though no alcohol sales are allowed, of course. Obviously, we are dependent on tourism, but international visitors are practically non-existent at-the-moment. Normally we would welcome visitors from Scandinavia, the UK, Germany and Switzerland but nobody wants to go through quarantine when they are on vacation. November would normally be our busiest period, but the numbers were drastically down last year. However, on a more positive note we have been very encouraged by the relatively high traffic of visitors from Bangkok at the weekends domestic tourism during the pandemic has been surprisingly good. And, despite everything, we have continued to sell real estate and people are still taking up residence here.
Also we offer great value to prospective buyers. For example, on the West Course we currently are building Twinhouses along the fairway of the 1st hole where you are able to purchase a 4 bedroom property for the price of a 3 bedroom property. We also have a resort comprising over 40 pool villas, which are two or three bedrooms, that we operate as a hotel. And, of course, we have so many facilities: the water park is probably the main one and there is also a sports area with tennis and volleyball courts. Guests staying on site have preferential access to all facilities. Q. How does one become a member of the golf club? A. A key part of the whole concept here is that golf club membership comes with the purchase of real estate – all of which overlooks the golf course. The concept is that golf club memberships are only available to property owners; everyone who is a member lives here in the Black Mountain residential community. This has been the plan from the beginning, and it has been very successful. We wanted to create a special and unique atmosphere for the members. Q. Where do your residents come from? A. In the beginning, as the investment for construction came from Sweden, property uptake heavily featured Swedish buyers, but over the years it has diversified. It is now mostly Europeans, Americans and Australians and of course some from Asia. It is very much a mix, but I would say 40% are Scandinavians. Early on most were buying as a second home but now people are living here on a more permanent basis. We have an international school on site – not owned by Black Mountain but it is located here. So that is a big thing and means a lot of families have moved here. The school is from early years through to secondary education.
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Q. Last year you became part of the Asian Tour Destinations network. The Tour is excited to have you on board. What is Black Mountain hoping to achieve with this tie up? A. Well, let me start by saying that we have been close to the Asian Tour going back to when we started the project over a decade ago. And, of course, we have hosted many Asian Tour events but by becoming part of Asian Tour Destinations we hope to further grow the relationship through brand association, cross marketing and more importantly furthering ties with the other golf clubs who are part of the network. And we are already seeing some early benefits of this association even though it has been difficult to move forward with many strategies because of the pandemic. The practice facilities are very popular here, they in very good shape all year round, so we have already seen some Asian Tour members here practicing and we look forward to welcoming more. Their presence is great for our residents; it helps elevate the overall atmosphere in all areas of the club. Something that few other golfing developments can offer. Q. On that note, you have a number of high-profile professionals associated with Black Mountain. Who are they and what is the relationship? A. I am delighted to say that all the professionals are actually residents at Black Mountain. Thongchai Jaidee and Jazz Janewattananond – both former Asian Tour number ones – and other Asian Tour winners Berry Henson and Simon Yates own property here, as do Johan Edfors and Rikard Karlberg – both winners on the European Tour. As with the Asian Tour members practising here, having this calibre of professionals live and play in and around the community is a wonderful feature. Q. As you mentioned earlier, your venue is synonymous with hosting world-class tournaments. What has been the objective behind this, and will we see more Asian Tour events there in the future, when conditions permit? A. We knew in the beginning we wanted to stage Tour events, and that came to fruition very quickly when we hosted the Black Mountain Masters in 2009, when Johan (Edfors) won. In addition to the Black Mountain Masters we also held the Thailand Classic, King’s Cup, and Royal Trophy here. Essentially, hosting tournaments of this stature has been one of the main ways of marketing the whole Black Mountain project. The live television element is a very effective way to promote our course-side properties and reassure golfers worldwide of the quality of facilities to expect when visiting. So, tournaments have really helped put us on the map and we have been really happy with the result. Certainly, we intend to host more events in the future.
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THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
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nnouncement: The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, NHRCT is another choice for citi ens to file a complaint. The objectives of the NHRCT are to provide citizens with convenient ways to access the protection and promotion of human rights and to investigate all violations of human rights. Therefore, whoever encounters human right violations can submit their complaints to the NHRCT. or more information, please browse: www.nhrc.or.th
COVID INSURANCE REQUIREMENT FOR EXPATS
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ll foreigners living in Thailand as non-immigrants will in the future have to prove they have insurance coverage of at least US$100,000 against Covid-19. (THB 3 million). The proposal was approved in principle yesterday by the cabinet and the government said it would apply to all holders of one-year non-immigrant visas, be they for marriage, work, business or retirement. At present, holders of non-immigrant visas must be insured for THB 40,000 for out-patient treatment or THB 400,000 for in-patient treatment at a hospital. Future non-immigrant visa applicants must produce proof they have taken out the far higher insurance against Covid-19, and if they are eligible for state-sponsored welfare or insurance, the same minimum coverage applies. Those seeking to renew their visas are free to buy insurance from abroad. If someone is denied Covid-19 insurance because they are deemed to be in an at risk group, they must present the re ection document as well as proof of financial security, bank account, or other health insurance valued at a minimum of US$100,000. Since the new rule was approved in principle by the cabinet, the next step would be for the mmigration Bureau to publish full details and make it official.
BEWARE OF FRAUDSTERS CLAIMING THEY CAN REGISTER MIGRANT WORKERS FOR EMPLOYMENT
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he Ministry of Labour has warned Thai employers who employ migrant workers to beware of fraudsters claiming that they can register their employment and process their work permits for them. Thai employers are urged to complete the paperwork themselves, they will only pay THB 3,000-7,000 for a work permit registration fee. The registration of new migrant workers has been closed since February 13th so currently they cannot live in Thailand or apply to work. Since this date officers will take legal action as follows: 1) Fine of THB 10,000-100,000 per each illegal worker hired 2 or repeat offenders One year ail sentence, fine of THB 50,000-200,000, ban on employing migrant workers for 3 years. 3 The migrant worker will be fined THB ,000 10,000, sent back to their home country and banned from returning for 2 years.
FOLLOW-UP SEDIMENTATION TANK CONSTRUCTION
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ua Hin Deputy Mayor, Montree Chuphu, together with Vice Chairman of Hua Hin municipality, Cheep Suksee, inspected the Hua Na water production plant on June 11th to evaluate the sedimentation tank construction work being carried out to improve water quality in Hua Hin city. The next phase will see the constructor move the plumbing line, which is the main pipeline out of the construction area, and build two sedimentation tanks in order to purify dirty water before producing water supply. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
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HUA HIN TODAY
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TUG OF WAR OVER HISTORIC TREES NEAR HUA HIN TRAIN STATION FACING THE CHOP
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN HAS BEEN ALLOCATED 2,000 DOSES OF LUMPYSKIN VACCINE
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esterday, June 23, 21, Hua Hin Today was informed by the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Livestock that now Prachuap Khiri Khan has a cumulative total of 1,904 castles and buffalos infected with lumby Skin Disease and 361 have been cured. 576 farmers suffered and the outbreak was found in 8 districts and 37 sub-districts, with 81 cows have died, in this were 73 beef cattle and 8 dairy cows. The district livestock officers have visited the area to follow up on the treatment of sick cattle, as well as providing advice and spraying pesticides on farmers’ farms thoroughly. Now, the province will be allocated 2,000 doses of vaccine against Lumby Skin Disease Virus from the Department of Livestock Development and are expected to arrive this week and will then be sprayed onto farmer’s pets according to established guidelines. It will be considered according to the situation of the outbreak in each district. In addition, there are two private sectors, which are cattle farmers’ institutions, that are allowed to order more than 100,000 doses of vaccines imported through the Department of Livestock Development for distribution to members, it is expected to be imported this week. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has adjusted the rules for providing assistance to farmers affected by disasters in case of emergencies from the death of cattle from lumpy skin disease from was before no more than 2 cattle per agriculturist to 5 cattle per agriculturist. Cattle aged less than 6 months will receive compensation of 13,000 baht and buffaloes less than 6 months will receive 16,000 baht each and classified according to the age of the animals, respectively, which is currently being considered by the Comptroller General’s Department to improve assistance. In addition, the Department of Livestock Development has coordinated with insurance companies for beef cattle insurance policies to help farmers in another channel, with an insurance fee of 400 baht per 6 months or 810 baht for dairy cattle per year which has different policy conditions in each company.
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ive historic trees near Hua Hin train station that faced being cut down look set to have won a last minute reprieve from the chop. The five Chamchuri or monkey pod trees , which are understood to be close to a century old, were set to be removed in order to allow construction work to be carried out on the road that runs alongside the train station. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) had wanted to remove the trees as it claimed the trees were preventing improvements being made to the road. However, following a meeting and inspection of the trees on Tuesday une 22 with officials from Hua Hin unicipality and the SRT the trees are set to remain in place. Some maintenance of the trees may be required and one of the trees may need to be moved to another location in Hua Hin, but the other four trees will remain, officials said. Hua Hin Municipality believe the trees must be preserved as they are an iconic symbol of the local area. Discussions remain ongoing but trees look set to remain in place, for now.
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HUA HIN ZOO - AN ACCOUNT
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or many people who travel to Hua Hin district, they probably think they know all that Hua Hin has to offer the beaches are fine, white and clean, shopping at the markets and the malls, eating at the innumerable good restaurants, the comfortable relaxed atmosphere in the town complimented by the great welcome from the people of Hua Hin, but many people probably don’t know that Hua Hin also has a zoo. Hua Hin Zoo, not to be confused with Hua Hin Safari Park, is located not too far away from the city but doesn’t have many advertising signs, there are more than 20 kinds of animals there for you and your kids to enjoy on a visit, such as crocodiles, lions, horses, birds, deer, wild fowls, and more… Now, let’s see what’s interesting at Hua Hin Zoo. I was driving along towards the Nong Phlub - Wat Huey Mongkol route led by the GPS, because I had never been too, after driving along with Google Maps, then I saw a small entrance and a large old slightly overgrown sign, which if you aren’t paying attention you will surely miss because the sign is quite old and the text is all faded. The zoo has a very spacious parking lot, but there were only a few cars parked, it might be that during the coronavirus there were not so many people here. I stopped to take photos at the entrance with the replica Stonehenge and then walked from the entrance about 500 metres to where you will find a ticket booth and a pet food market selling 100 Baht baskets for you and your kids to feed the animals. Make sure that you get at least 1 basket of vegetables and fruit for animal feeding because it will really enhance your visit, trust me! The entrance fee is 250 Baht for adults and 150
baht for children, but if you do have a Thai driver’s license then you will receive a 50 baht discount immediately. Not far from the ticket booth the first animal you will likely see is a white Lion called Meena, who is rightly considered as one of the highlights of the zoo, walk a little further then meet with a Dwaef Horse, who when he saw us approaching hurried towards us expectantly, he knew he will get fed by us, it seems he likes to eat grass and carrots very much. And then just about opposite the Dwaef Horse is a large cage containing a Fallow deer, some of which were released from their cages to walk around amongst us which was so cute that many of the tourists flocked to feed them, a avan Rusa deer that is bigger than the star deer can also be seen there. The ne t cage was filled with many Parrots which were very colourful and quite noisy, and then a Goat cage with a large number of inhabitants, when they saw that we had grass in our hands a whole gang hurried across to graze from us. After the Goats, turn left and walk deeper to find the Carp fish pond, and ne t was a lonely looking Wildcat alone in his cage, so fierce that he still tries to pounce on us despite the cage. There are also cute little Ducks, Indian Peacocks, which are very beautiful, and some black chickens and a Pheasant as well. The atmosphere of the zoo is very natural, surrounded by green rice fields, towering palm trees and with a mountainous background, it is really beautiful and perfect for relaxing. It is a very relaxed place to walk around and get very close to animals and feed them in a comfortable setting, the children really enjoyed the contact with the animals and feeding them, especially the birds that would land
on their arms and eat food out of their hand. I would therefore highly recommend taking the family for a fun and relaxing morning/afternoon visit, based on previous reviews we thought we would be out of there in a short time but we ended up spending two enjoyable hours. There is also the lively Crocodile show. Hua Hin oo is open every day from :00 a.m. to :00 p.m. Tel: 0 233 100 , or 0 00 0
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HUA HIN TODAY
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THE ESAN PROJECT “T
his is the moment” is the melodic new song by The Isan Project featuring the golden voice of Sonna Rele, who sang the vocal on Disney’s Cinderella theme song ’Strong’, written by Will and Daniel Ryan and part of the The Isan Projects forthcoming new album ’The Beautiful North’. The song extols the virtues of travelling to beautiful Thailand, and tells people that the time is now right to venture out again and enjoy the hospitality of the wonderful friendly people of Thailand. Having travelled to many parts of Thailand including Phuket on many occasions, Will fell in love with Thai culture and enjoys travelling and writing lyrics from his experiences. Will also recently produced Where the eagles fly , a song about the British hero Vern Unsworth who masterminded the Tham Luang cave rescue which is currently being re-created into a Hollywood blockbuster movie directed by Ron Howard and MGM. He also made the popular theme song ’Thailand amazing Thailand’. “This is the moment” is now available on all digital stores and I urge you take a listen. Thailand is open for business and Will urges people “come to Thailand, there are so many established and emerging places to visit, enjoy yourself again and leave this past year behind, come and support the Thai people and their wonderful country”. Visitors are always seen as guests, you won’t regret your choice wherever you go. Contact chayconnect7@outlook.com www.theisanproject.com
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THE LOCAL MARKET IS THE KEY TO REOPEN THE COUNTRY
n June 25th at the Vana Nava Water Jungle, a meeting was held to share ideas to stimulate the reopening of the tourism market across the country. President of Hua Hin & Cha-am Tourism Business Association, Miss Wassana Srikanjana, and Ms Muchcharin Namkhampha, manager of the Vana Nava Water Park, came together with a group of hotel operators, lodges and tour operators to welcome the Vice Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand, (TAT), Mr Suthipong Pueanapipop, and the Bangkok Tourism Group. They agreed that there is an opportunity for Bangkoks business operators to lead tourists to visit Hua Hin and the wider provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi, if hotels and villas are provided at a friendly price, a promotion that will be launched at the beginning of July. Mr. Suthipong said the industry council had already met, and agreed the need to open the domestic tourism market as soon as possible because businesses can t move forward. t will firstly start at Phetchaburi Hua Hin Prachuap, before moving on to the market of Central Northeast North South, and finally the whole country will be stimulated to recovery. Hotel owners in Hua Hin have already made a contract with tour operator groups in Bangkok to offer rooms at friendly prices, and the time is now right to get the domestic tourism market moving again. “All Thai people are invited to visit Hua Hin again and to enjoy these special prices” Ms Wassana said. The water park has been open since the beginning of June, and all customers who come to play in the water are strictly regulated to follow the prescribed measures. The water system has the standard chlorine control and the slides were thoroughly cleaned in order to prevent any type of infection, tourists can be assured of the cleanliness when visiting.
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