Hua Hin Today March 2018

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Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

March 2018

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3 Content 4 Cover Story Consideration of our environmental comes in many forms. This month we have featured a number of articles which highlight the need for us all to consider behaviours which have an impact.

To begin with there are some behaviours which can impact upon Thailand’s native animals. March 13th is Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day a day which in recent times highlights the plight of this iconic native creature. The plea from wildlife conservation organisations is to treat these animals with respect especially when it comes to not riding elephants or taking part in shows featuring wildlife performing unnaturally which inevitably follows mistreatment and stressful ‘training’.

Similarly photography of wildlife which involves close-ups or the ubiquitous ‘selfie’ alongside wild creatures, especially tigers, which ‘cooperate’ because they have been tranquilised.is not ‘cool’.

We’ve also featured a plea to make shark fin soup unacceptable on the menu of any restaurant with the populations of many species under threat.

Finally it’s great to see the Hua Hin municipality taking steps towards recycling refuse instead of pursuing the environmentally unsound land-fill. Let’s hope that a local recycling industry really takes off and that those stinking piles of polluting rubbish become a thing of the past.

Plastic waste is increasingly a source of concern worldwide with Thailand as a major contributor to this environmental issue. Do you really need that plastic bag or drinking straw?

David

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HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

4 Chang Thai Day; Appreciating Thailand’s Elephants

Thai people have had a close-knit relationship with elephants since ancient times, with the elephant playing a significant role in transportation, labour and battle. Considered the national animal, Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day, March 13th, celebrates the revered though threatened elephants of Thailand.

With a decreasing habitat and a continuing demand for ivory, the number of Thai elephants has been reduced from 100,000 to 3,000-3,500 wild elephants and about 3,500 domesticated elephants over the past 100 years.

Appreciating Elephants in the Wild or after Rescue

Kui Buri National Park is one of the best places in Thailand to see elephants in the wild, making it a great wildlife safari destination.

They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own.

In 1998, the Thai government declared that March 13th would annually be Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day. The observance was suggested by the Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand and the date chosen because the Royal Forest Department designated the white elephant as the national animal of Thailand on March 13th 1963.

The domestic population is sadly made up of animals that have been caught from the wild or bred in captivity.

These animals have been trained/broken to live and work in the tourist or logging industry.

Thailand’s wild elephants are protected under the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act 1992, within which anyone caught hunting, killing or trading in wild elephants or parts are held liable to fines or jail sentences.

Captive elephants are still listed under the Draught Animals Act of 1939; this Act gives them little protection.

However, in recent years the laws to protect captive elephants are strengthening with a nationwide DNA Registration System composed of all captive elephants.

This aims to eradicate the illegal poaching and the trafficking of wild elephant calves into the tourism industry, and close loopholes within the previous law.

The demand for ivory is the biggest in China, with the price of ivory often exceeding the price of gold, something that makes elephants bigger targets than ever. Habitation loss is also a danger to the elephant population as it deprives elephants of food, making it more difficult for them to breed and easier for poachers to track them down.

Animal shows and tourism are also serious threats to the animals’ well-being. Luckily, an increasing number of both celebrities and politicians have become interested in the cause, including Leonardo Di Caprio, Ashley Judd and Barack Obama.

Thai National Elephant Day is the perfect time to find out more about these amazing animals and what you can do to help preserve and protect them. Various elephant sanctuaries serve their pachyderms with banquets of fruit and sugar cane to mark the occasion.

Buddhist ceremonies are also held at some locations to wish the elephants good health and good luck.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

Established in 1999, Kui Buri National Park is located in the Tenasserim Hills in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, next to one of the largest national parks of the country, Kaeng Krachan. Visitors who wish to only see wildlife over a day trip are advised to head directly to a substation called Huai Leuk, there are clear signs from the visitor centre to the wildlife watching area.

Once in Huai Leuk a safari vehicle must be arranged as private vehicles won’t be allowed to pass beyond the substation. The wildlife watching areas are open from 2 pm until sunset but it is recommended to visit the area on the late afternoon as there won’t be many animals around on the earlier hours.

There are currently 260 to 300 elephants in Kui Buri National Park, based on a 2015 survey by the department’s Centre for Research and Innovation. The park, which spans Kui Buri, Sam Roy Yot, Pranburi and Muang districts, is expected to have 600 elephants by 2027.

How to Get There Along Phetchakasem Road, heading south from Hua Hin, at the Km. 290 or 3 kilometres past the Kui Buri District Office, turn right into Highway No. 3217, around 60 kilometres from Hua Hin. Turn left before reaching the project and go along the path to the Yan Sue Village until the end of the path.

Turn left for 2 kilometres to the Office of the National Park.

(The distance from Kui Buri to the Office of the National Park is 35 kilometres).

Wildlife Friends Foundation Elephant Resue Another way to appreciate the elephants is to observe or take part in an elephant refuge project.

Founded in 2001 the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) currently provides full-time care for almost 500 wild animals.

Part of the project, the WFFT Elephant Refuge, houses 22 elephants ranging in age from 3 years to 70 years old. These elephants have been rescued and nurtured back to health from all over Thailand. Each elephant has a sad story but with a happy ending. You can help these beautiful animals by donating, visiting or volunteering. The elephant rescue project has a brand new elephant hospital to care for rescued elephants from the tourist industry and street begging. The elephant hospital treats elephants both in captivity and from the wild.

Thong Ma and Poom Puang now enjoy a future with no more rides, no more hooks and no more chains at WFFT.

WFFT is a 35 minute drive north from Hua Hin, and 25 minutes from Cha-Am and offers an eco and animal friendly alternative for visitors. There are expert guides for you to walk (NO RIDING!) with an elephant to the nearby forest and to give a refreshing shower afterwards. Visitors also have the opportunity to observe the feeding of many other wild animals. The aim is help educate and create awareness amongst animal loving tourists about the plight of animal welfare and exploitation in South East Asia.

“The WFFT strongly advises tourists and locals alike never to pay for ‘entertainment’ that comes in the form of elephant exploitation.”

For more information about WFFT visit www.thaielephantrefuge.org

Elephant & Human Interaction is not always a positive experience

Some elephants leave their forest homes from time to time, lured by the scent of fruit being cultivated on neighboring farms, such as pineapple and jackfruit. When struggling farmers encounter crop damage, their tolerances are tested and tragic encounters have resulted in the deaths of both elephants and rural villagers.

With parks nationwide reporting increases in elephant populations, more sources of food and water are being established within forest areas to keep them there, a concept advocated by His Majesty King Bhumibol.

In a first for Thailand, Kui Buri National Park will soon be ringed with CCTV cameras to protect adjacent farms from raids by hungry elephants. The ‘Smart Early Warning System’ will see the edges of the park adorned with 25 cameras by April.

Local people will be urged to cooperate with park rangers in monitoring the wild elephants and to take them back to the forest without harm. In this way, the local people can benefit from tourism and the elephants have a chance to survive. Park chief Kanchanapan Khamhaeng explained that any elephant spotted on camera would trigger an alert to an Elephant Watch Centre manned around the clock. If the animal is on its own, local residents will be notified so they can drive it back into the forest. If there’s more than one elephant, a quick-response team of park rangers will head to the scene.

An alternative protective method, a pilot bee sting operation to prevent wild elephant from intruding into a farmland in Prachuap Khiri Khan, has already been successful.

This involves bee keeping boxes connected with a rope to create a fence to prevent wild elephants from intruding into farmland. A beehive fence relies on the elephant’s natural fear of bees and has proven to be an efficient prevention for wild elephant intrusion.

The bee sting operation aims to prevent conflict between local people and wild animals. In addition farmers will be able to earn extra income from the selling of honey.

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6 “To Cut a Long Story Short” – Fiery Tales from a Hua Hin Ex-Pat

“To cut a long story short” is an expression that British ex-pat Antony S Conway (Q.G.M., C.P.M., M.I. Fire E.) is likely to use during any conversation. Tony is an octogenarian Hua Hin ex-pat who has extraordinary tales to tell of exploits and achievements as a fire fighter over many decades and at locations worldwide.

The floating Seawise University in flames, Hong Kong 1972 The ‘long stories’ are told in Tony’s two books Tony has written the ‘long stories’ of his adventurous life in two books; “Boys of the Old Brigade” and “A Very Oriental Place”. The former is a collection of stories of a young man embracing the life of a career fireman in post-World War II in the English city of Manchester. It deals with the humorous side of life but also the tensions, exhilarations, life and death dramas encountered.

In 1962 Tony transferred to the Hong Kong Government Fire Services Department where he advanced to become the Chief Fire Officer in Kowloon before retiring to become a consultant and lecturer in the fire and safety field.

His second book is about colonial Hong Kong and its people at “their glowing best and grasping worst.” This book is based on a period of 21 years’ service in managing devastating fires, often sweeping through the shanty towns of Chinese refugees.

In 1973 he was presented the Colonial Fire Brigades Medal for conspicuous gallantry by HM Queen Elizabeth.

By 1983 it is estimated that Tony had attended some 15,000 emergencies including in 1972, when the British ocean liner the Queen Elizabeth, then the Seawise University, burst into flames and sank in Victoria Harbour despite heroic efforts over two days.

Along the way there were assignments to various parts of the USA and to the Royal Thai Police Fire Brigade in Bangkok; leaving Hong Kong with the legacy of an emergency response capacity that remains the envy of Asia.

Today’s ‘short story’ about souveneering the fire bell of a 50’s Manchester fire engine

Chief Fire Officer Conway meeting Thai fire-fighting officials in Bangkok in the ‘80s.

By 1989 Tony had tempered his adventurous spirit and moved to suburban Perth in Western Australia, publishing his first book in 1992 and second by 2002.

Now he has joined his son Mark in Hua Hin and spends spare time entertaining customers at the Orchid Coffee Shop at Mon Mhai.

Our thanks to Tony for sharing his memories and to his friend Colin Sweeper for the invitation to learn about a life full of adventure. There may be another book soon to continue the long story. There are still many tales to be told about deep sea diving and characters such as Jacky Chan, Bruce Lee, Steve McQueen and many, many more.

Our favourite “long story cut short”?’ ‘TwoGun’ Cohen was soldier of fortune of Jewish origin who became a bodyguard to General Chiang Kai-shek of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army.

Tony’s story is about a rescue during a fire in a high-rise building in Hong Kong. ‘Two-Gun’ was found perched on a narrow ledge many floors above the ground casually sipping on a bottle of whisky waiting for help to arrive.

His comment to rescuer Tony, wearing breathing apparatus breaking down the door ……. “What took you so long?”

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8 Thailand’s Tourists Urged to Support the Wildlife Selfie Code

Animals may be drugged to enable this style of photo Developed by the World Animal Protection (WAP), the code has brought animal lovers’ attention to the fact that many animals have been taken from the wild so tourists can take selfies to post on social media.

In Thailand, there have been recent controversies over animal selfies, in particular after tourists were seen posing with a tiger that was restrained and repeatedly prodded with a stick to make it roar.

The code advises people to take photos with wild animals only when the animals are in their natural habitat and

free to move around. For their own safety, tourists are also advised to keep a safe distance from the animals. The code also tells tourists to not take wildlife selfies when animals are being held, hugged or restrained.

Among the 34 billion images posted by 700 million people on Instagram, the WAP estimates that there are tens of thousands of selfies taken with wild animals. These photos capture moments of shared joy for many people, but many ignore the animals’ stress and suffering in such situations.

Recognising the impact on wild animals, Instagram last month launched a new “wildlife warning” page.

When Instagram users search for hashtags like #koalaselfie, #elephantride and #slothselfie, a message pops up, informing them about the animals’ suffering that has taken place to enable such a photo to be taken.

The WAP has described Instagram’s move as “amazing” and credited it to the more than 250,000 people who have signed up to support WAP Wildlife Selfie Code.

- The Nation

Hospitals Nationwide in Need of Blood

The Thai Red Cross Society is asking people to donate blood, particularly those with the type A blood, to help patients across the country.

A shortage of blood is affecting hospitals nationwide. More than 150 hospitals need more than 3,000 units of blood of all types each day. The Thai Red Cross National Blood Centre has organised a project to promote blood donations from January until December 2018.

Donations can be made at the blood service centres in Hua Hin by visiting the Red Cross Blood Donation Centre located behind the traffic lights and municipality building on the corner of Phetchakasim Road and Damnoenkasim Road Hua Hin. Blood Donation Criteria and Advice The donation criteria and advice below has been sourced from the Thai Red Cross website and confirmed at the Hua Hin Red Cross Blood donation Centre.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

Donors must weigh more than 45 kilograms and be in good health.

Donors must be between the ages of 17-70 years (a doctor’s certificate is required for those over 55 years).

Donors must get plenty of sleep the night before donating.

Donors may not have diarrhea or symptoms of a fever for 7 days.

Women donors may not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Donors may not donate if they have experienced a drastic loss of weight within the last 3 months.

Donors taking aspirin or other pain medicines must stop 3 days prior; those taking antibiotics need to have stopped 7 days prior.

Donors may not have asthma, chronic skin conditions, tuberculosis or allergies.

Donors may not have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid conditions or cancer.

Donors who have had tooth extraction, filling, scaling, or root canal treatment must allow 3 days to pass.

Donors that have undergone any major surgery must wait 6 months or any minor surgeries wait 1 month.

Donors that have a record of malaria must have no symptoms for at least 3 years or donors who have been to places that have known malaria outbreaks must allow one year.

Donors must not have received any vaccinations 14 days or serum 1 year prior.

Donors must be drug and alcohol free and without a history of drug usage.

Donors are advised to wear a shirt without tight sleeves which fold up above the elbow 3 inches.

Completion of a form (in English and Thai languages) includes a declaration that the donor’s blood is safe for donation to the best of their knowledge.

Testing of a sample is also carried out.

Many foreigners in Thailand will meet the necessary requirements with proof of their identity can easily become blood donors.

Donors are advised to drink the water provided and drink more water than usual for one day.

Just look for the Red Cross flag outside and find the office on the left at the end of the lane 100 metres from Municipality offices or look for the mobile clinic.

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Thailand International Kite Festival 2018 Takes to Hua Hin Skies

The ever-popular Thailand International Kite Festival is set to take to the skies on 23-25 March, 2018 at the Army Non Commissioned Officer School, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Here are the highlights:

Fancy Kite Show: The event will see 20 kite flying teams from many different countries, including Switzerland, Germany and France.

Among the displays of beautiful kites from all over the world will include giant kites in the shapes of super heroes and cartoon characters as well as in geometric forms.

In addition, there are stunning musical performance of revolution kites and a show of stunt kites with fliers who’ll compete to show off their high-speed flying skills.

Chula and Pak Pao show: A show of unique Thai kites which will be dancing in the sky, accompanying by Thai classical music Pi Phat ensemble.

Kite Exhibition: The exhibit applies interactive multimedia technology in telling the story of Thai kites in an enjoyable way.

Kite Art Fun and DIY Activities: Try a hand at making, drawing and painting a kite at the Kite Kid Paint corner, create limited edition of art pieces at the Do It Yourself (DIY) section, or learn how to make a boomerang and how to throw it at the Boomerang Workshop.

Wind Garden: an activity to design a ground decorated with wind-playing arts like kites and materials that can be moved by wind, sound producing pieces like turbines, mobiles, bells, etc., and see the professional wind garden decoration.

Family Fun Kite: an activity that provides an open area for kite flying families to enjoy themselves together.

Ringside Kite Tour: an activity that allows tourists to see kites in the kite flying field, stay at close range to the kites, take photos with the kites and world-class kite flyers.

Food Trucks and Music: a caravan of mobile food shops that offer signature menus of Hua Hin. There are also utility items, ornaments, and local handicrafts for sales, as well as shops from the communities in Prachuap Khiri Khan. In addition, enjoy light music and a relaxing ambience of Hua Hin. Kite Weekend Market: See and buy kites at many colourful kite stalls.

Location: The Army property location is just south of Ratchapakdi Park; around 9 kilometres from central Hua Hin.

Bikinis On The Run

The 2018 Singha Bikini Beach Run will take place again this year on Sunday March 18th starting at 05:00 AM. Bikinis aren’t compulsory, especially for men and you’ll need to be up early to check out the scene. This is an annual event on the Cha-Am beach. Runners will include those who are highly experienced and well trained and those who rarely break into a gallop.At the top level this will be an international field including runners from African countries (Kenya seems to dominate), Japan, Australia as well as Scandinavian nations.

Events of this nature have really taken off across Thailand in recent years and receive appropriate support from tourism authorities and government at all levels. Everyone is encouraged to get fit, with jogging for fun and good health an increasingly common choice of exercise. If you are ready to take that pastime to the

next level, the Bikini Beach Run may be the way to go.

Check out the website for all the details and registration. Or if you just want to be a ‘bikini spectator’ you’ll need to be at the beach in front of the Long Beach Hotel at 5 AM on the day. www.jogandjoy.com email: info@JogandJoy.com Tel.02-721-6009, 086-391-4834, 081-867-5262

Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort Receives A Green Hotel Award 2017

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is proud to announce that the resort has received the Green Hotel Award 2017 – Excellence level. The recognition for being an eco-friendly hotel was presented from the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion. It was the second time InterContinental Hua Hin Resort have received this award since 2015.

Following the resort’s environmental policies, creative initiatives have been implemented reduce the impact on the environment.

The resort has also engaged in social improvement efforts, often involving employees as volunteers. InterContinental Hua Hin Resort commits to continue environment policies toward sustainable development to create awareness for employees and guests alike to be apart of making the world a better place.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

10 Panel Wants to End Business Licensing Nightmares

A law reform panel is to ask the government to vastly curb the amount of paperwork involved in issuing licenses to businesses.

At the moment, there are about 700,000 different kinds of licensing forms circulating nationwide and the panel wants to reduce this number to 1,000 to cut down on local authority budgets and standardize processes.

Borwornsak Uwanno, chairman of the panel responsible for looking into ways to streamline the bureaucracy and related laws, said efforts are being made to improve or repeal regulations that impede business operations. “The Licensing Facilitation Act and more than 24 relevant laws need to be amended, while a new piece of legislation needs to be rolled out to boost the ease of doing business,” he said.

The panel is also about to propose a bill on the promotion of social enterprises, along with new legislation concerning unclaimed assets, such as idle bank accounts and funds, which would enable the recovered money to be used in the public interest.

PM’s Office Minister Kobsak Pootrakul, who also chairs a subcommittee looking into the laws governing business operations, said the cabinet will be asked to vastly reduce the paperwork and related procedures involved in setting up a new company.

Many forms need revoking as they have become obsolete, Kobsak said. The panel aims to reduce the total amount of documents related to licensing and help do away with red tape and ease the burden of doing business.

According to the minister, certain procedures need to be merged and handled by one agency so people who will no longer need to seek approval to run their businesses from many state agencies. There was no word on how much it is likely to save businesses on compliance costs. However, the streamlining of these legal processes will lead to savings in the national budget, he said, adding: “Each law repealed or merged is estimated to save around one billion THB.” The prime minister has instructed agencies to review procedures involved in seeking licenses within both the retail and construction sector. State agencies will be encouraged to upload relevant laws to their websites to ensure people have easier access to the information.

- Bangkok Post

Top Booking Channels for Thai Hotels

Booking.com, Expedia and Agoda were the top three booking channels for Thai hotels, according to hotel channel management platform, SiteMinder.

In its latest assessment, SiteMinder identified the top 15 booking channels that generated the greatest revenue for hotels in Thailand and other key tourism destinations in 2017.

The lists are based on the 72 million hotel reservations that passed through SiteMinder’s channel-management solution during the year to produce USD 21.53 billion (747.97 billion THB) in gross revenue for the company’s 28,000 hotel customers worldwide.

Reaffirming the value of having a diversified hotel distribution strategy, the lists feature a range of both B2B and household consumer channels – from OTAs to hotel websites, wholesalers and global distribution systems.

“These lists are testament to the incredible, material impact that a broad distribution strategy, which caters to a diverse business mix from various feeder markets, can have on a hotel’s bottom line,” says SiteMinder’s managing director, Mike Ford.

“They also prove the enormous – and growing – value of direct and corporate bookings, with hotel websites and global distribution systems featuring in almost every list this year. Additionally, we see that hotels continue to look to the wholesaler sector as an important provider of guests, with a number of the world’s leading bed banks featuring in every list globally.”

Speaking on the top performers in Thailand, SiteMinder managing director – Asia, Glenn Andrews added: “Ctrip has climbed one spot this year, showing the growing appeal of Thailand to Chinese travelers. Indeed, China is now the country’s top source of inbound tourist arrivals and we predict Ctrip will continue climbing up from here.

“Similarly, this marks Rakuten’s first appearance on the list, proving the growing value of Japanese travelers to the Thai hotel market. Japan is now the country’s fifthlargest source of inbound tourist arrivals.”

Thailand’s top 15 booking channels collectively contributed 87% of all revenue that passed through SiteMinder’s channel manager for hotels in the country in 2017.

- ttrweekly.com

Chinese Tourists Are Taking the Global Tourist Market; Smartphone in Hand

One of the strongest drivers of global economic growth isn’t factories or financial services or internet startups, it’s what we do when we’re not working. We are becoming a planet of tourists.

For the past seven years, the traveland-tourism sector has outperformed the overall economy every year, including the wider impact on the economy, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. During the next decade, the council predicts, almost one in four jobs created worldwide will be related to tourism.

Nowhere is this revolution more dramatic than in Asia. A rising tide of travelers from China is spreading out across the region, out-shopping, outspending and out-eating every other nation. They are filling hotels, tour buses and cruise ships.

They are overwhelming airports and train stations, and they are sending home petabytes of pictures that encourage their compatriots to join the global invasion.

Their ranks are being swollen by millions of others from around Asia, a generation who would rather raise their status with a foreign adventure than with a luxury bag.

China already accounts for more than a fifth of the money spent by outbound HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

tourists, twice as much as the next-biggest spender, the U.S., according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. And the Chinese have barely started — only around 5% of them even have passports, and the government is issuing about 10 million new travel documents every year.

As with Japan in the 1980s, citizens of nations that get rich, go places. The emerging nations of Asia-Pacific will add more than 50 million new outbound travelers in the five years ending in 2021, according to Mastercard.

Overwhelmingly, they come from a smartphone-addicted generation that is rewriting the rules. The ubiquitous flagfollowing Chinese tour groups are giving way to what the industry calls FITs — free, independent travelers — who are using the internet to plan itineraries, book flights, translate signs and chronicle their exploits.

“A lot of customers are wanting to do things their way,” said Chang Theng Hwee, a Singaporean who quit banking 25 years ago to build a travel business that offers bespoke holidays for wealthy Asians. “They’re not interested in joining a group.”

The shift is transforming the region, unleashing more than $100 billion in infrastructure spending for bigger airports and jet fleets, new railways, hotels and theme parks. The effects of this boom include soaring property prices, stress on the environment and an avalanche of apps and innovations that reimagine the way we experience the world.

By 2021, Chinese tourists will spend $US 429 billion abroad, according to a

report by CLSA. And they are spreading out.

Weekend jaunts to the shops in Hong Kong or the casinos in Macau are being usurped by new favorite destinations.

During the next three years, Japan, Thailand, the U.S. and Australia top the mustvisit list, according to the report, with other destinations in Southeast Asia — especially Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines — following close behind.

For developing nations, that’s putting a strain on infrastructure, underpinning the biggest airport-building program in the region’s history. Thailand doesn’t have a single international airport that isn’t way over its designed capacity, and long lines at immigration are common. At least 178 new airports are planned in Asia-Pacific, according to Visa Inc., and hundreds of existing facilities are being expanded or upgraded.

The result is a second revolution in tourism in the region — one that is being fueled by social media: the opening up of more islands, cities and remote locales to divert vacationers from the overcrowded and increasingly jaded tourist hotspots of the 1990s and 2000s.

Thailand, which heavily promotes tourism under the banner “Amazing Thailand,” has teamed up with Japan to build a high-speed railway that would open up places along the route to the north of the country. Neighbor Malaysia is countering with its own cross-country rail project to the coasts of Kelantan and Terengganu, states promoted this year in the capital’s international airport under a “Joyful

Malaysia” campaign.“Travel was one of the first industries to be digitised, going all the way to the 1950s,” said Douglas Quinby, an Atlanta-based travel analyst at research firm Phocuswright. “It’s only in the last five to seven years that there have been the tools to process such incredible amounts of data.”

Quinby says China is leading the world in many mobile innovations and applications.

“We have all of the user data,” said Jenna Qian, head of destination marketing at CTrip. The company monitors bookings, searches, user demographics and consumer life cycle data — every action by millions of Chinese tourists from the moment they begin to read about a location, to their habits and preferences while traveling. “From dream to research to booking to sharing, it all happens within our platform. Big data is the foundation of tourism.”

Asia offers hundreds of possibilities for super-luxury globetrotters. And developers are eyeing hundreds more. There are more than 13,000 uninhabited tropical islands in Indonesia and the Philippines alone, almost twice as many as all the islands in the Caribbean. But the biggest money is to be made in drawing hordes of tourists together to one location, whether it be a casino resort in Singapore, an ancient temple in Cambodia, a giant theme park in China or the latest super-cruise ships. “ R i g h t n ow, u s e r s s e a rc h fo r information,” Qian said. “Going forward, we want the right information, the relevant information, to be pushed to them, so they don’t even need to look for it. That’s the essential goal.” – bloomberg.com

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Taxi Services ‘to be safer’ under New Reforms as Passengers Complain about Manners and Safety

TAXI REFORMS are to be launched to ensure more convenient and safer rides for passengers and boost the competitiveness of taxis against the Uber service, which is currently illegal, the Land Transport Department (DLT) has announced.

Meanwhile, he said the feasibility study on Uber’s taxi operation in Thailand by DLT and Thailand Development Research Institute was not finished yet. However, he said in many countries, including those in the European Union, courts considered the service provided by Uber as a taxi service, not car sharing. In these cases, the company had to follow the law and register their cars as taxis.

He concluded that, at this time, Uber services using private cars to transport passengers was still considered illegal in Thailand. A frequent taxi passenger in

DLT deputy director-general Cherdchai Sanunsrisakorn said under the reforms all new taxis would be equipped with GPS, safety equipment, closed-circuit TV and an emergency button for passengers. He added that a feasibility study being conducted into the Uber service was not yet complete, so Uber taxis were still considered illegal.

Cherdchai added that in line with a ministerial directive from November 9th all newly registered taxis were required to install safety equipment that allows department officers to track driver’s behaviour and ensure convenience and safety for passengers. “I am sure that this latest taxi improvement will solve many problems that passengers have often found – such as the driver rejecting the passenger, overcharging and crimes in taxis – because the driver’s identity and behaviour is closely monitored by officers in the monitoring centre,” Cherdchai said.

“This improvement is not only limited to taxi drivers in Bangkok, but taxis nationwide

Bangkok who asked to be referred to as Monchanok said the reforms were a very good move by authorities and made her feel more confident about using taxis, especially as she often had to take a cab on her own.

“However, I do not believe that in the end these measures can solve many problems with driver’s behaviour, such as rudeness, reckless driving and passenger rejection. I suggest that the authorities focus on the quality of taxi drivers and do background checks on them as well,” Monchanok said.

THE NATION

will have to follow the new rules as well.”

However, he said that would not mean the swift transformation of all taxis in Thailand. Older taxis with valid licences would still be allowed to operate without installing the new equipment. However, when their licences are renewed, they will have to comply with the new checklist. Taxi vehicle licences in Thailand extend for 12 years, while drivers have to renew their licences every three years.

Cherdchai also said that DLT also spoke about the new mobile application, “Taxi OK”, which allows passengers to call a cab, review a journey or make a complaint. “I am sure that this new taxi service improvement will benefit both passengers and taxi drivers, ” he said. “The passengers can be sure that they will have smooth and safe journey with our new taxis, while this measure will boost the taxis’ competitiveness against the private taxi providers and ensure that they will have more passengers.”

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

12 TAT Highlights Thailand’s

Pranburi Kiteboarding

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has highlighted Thailand’s “unbeatable geographic location” at the heart of ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region” as a major reason why visitor arrivals will continue to grow strongly in the years ahead.

This is the qualification event for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and is open to Boys and Girls from Asia and Oceania - born between 2000 and 2003.

“Unbeatable Geographic Advantage”

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan (above picture), TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said: “Thailand has the best connections within the entire region.

There are approximately 30 overland border checkpoints open for travel by international visitors with Cambodia, Lao PDR., Myanmar and Malaysia, as well as four Friendship Bridges with Lao PDR., and one with Myanmar with more being planned.

“The Asian Highway is growing rapidly and will provide extensive road connectivity beyond the neighbouring countries to both China and India. Rail travel is going to be the next generation of land transport infrastructure to emerge, with high-speed links now in the design and planning stage.”

Mr. Tanes noted that Thailand’s international airports serve 135 scheduled and chartered airlines. Low-cost airlines from Vietnam, China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong are boosting their frequencies to Bangkok as well as other popular tourism destinations; such as, Phuket and Chiang Mai. He added: “Phuket, Pattaya and Samui are now home to a number of cruise and yachting marinas. Ferry connectivity is growing with Malaysia and will grow in future with Indonesia, Cambodia and Myanmar.”

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

To build on this expansion, TAT has launched a new “Experience Thailand and More” pocketbook, focusing on four key experiences that enhance its ASEAN Connectivity initiative with new destination combinations.

These routes include: A Journey to ASEAN Ancient Kingdom’, to promote Northern Thailand as a linkage to the historic trails in the North of ASEAN ‘ASEAN Peranakan and Nature Trail, which links the Andaman coastal cities while highlighting Phuket’s distinctive Peranakan culture and distinctive gastronomic scene ‘Mekong Active Adventure Trail’ that combines the Northeast (Isan) with Cambodia. The trail showcases Buri Ram as the sports city and is ideal for travellers who love combining sports with adventure travel experiences ‘ASEAN World-Class Culinary and Heritage Cities’ highlights culinary travel experiences in major and unique cities of Central Region provinces in Thailand, along with those in Malaysia, and Singapore. The route focuses on food culture, local cuisine, world-class restaurants and top things to do in the featured cities with Bangkok as the world’s gastronomic hub The ASEAN countries are collectively Thailand’s largest visitor source market in Asia. Thailand welcomed more than 9 million ASEAN visitors in 2017, with Malaysia being the largest market followed by Lao PDR. and Singapore.

Mr. Tanes stressed that Chiang Mai is also benefitting from convenient air access.

In 2017, more than 18,000 international flights utilised Chiang Mai International Airport. In December 2017, Qatar Airways’ launched a direct non-stop service from Doha to Chiang Mai. He said that Thailand crossed the 35 million visitor arrivals mark in 2017, and is anticipating tourism earnings from international tourists of 53 billion US dollars.

For 2018, TAT has set a growth target of eight percent in tourism revenue from the international market, he said.

TAT News

Pak Nam Pran Beach

The IKA Asian/Oceania YOG Qualifier will take place at Pak Nam Pran beach, Pranburi, Thailand from the 13-18 March 2018 supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Kitesurfing Association of Thailand. Thai youth have won the Asian Championships in this sport for six consecutive times, specialising in Open Course Racing, TT Racing and Freestyle competition.

The Youth Olympic Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event for highperformance young athletes and aims to inspire athletes to embrace the Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence.

The Games is promoted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Many Pranburi tourism businesses will be participating in event with food stalls and displays about the attractions of the Pranburi area.

The action of kiteboarding is fast and furious and a great spectator opportunity. There will also be an opportunity to talk with the experts about learning the sport yourself if you are looking for something wet and wild!

Registration: internationalkiteboarding. org/events/upcoming-events

Visa Credit Cards now Accepted at All 7-11 Outlets

All 7-Eleven convenience stores nationwide now accept Visa credit-card payments.

The announcement comes as the Bank of Thailand plans to allow commercial banks to set up banking agents in order to provide

financial-service points that are closer to people’s homes than branch operations.

Many observers speculate that 7-Eleven has the potential to be a banking agent providing financial transactions such as deposit and withdrawal services, as well as small-amount payment services for retail – or individual – customers.

The Visa payment program was first piloted in the Kingdom last year in selected 7-Eleven stores with high tourist traffic, and has since gradually branched out across the country, according to Visa Thailand’s office.

– The Nation

13

14 Keeping Track of Foreigners in Thailand

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau and the Interior Ministry have been instructed to speed up the implementation of a single-platform online database of foreigners entering and leaving the kingdom.

Each immigration checkpoint would be equipped with identity-checking equipment, such as fingerprint readers and passport scanners, to enter information into the database.

At the same time, the Interior Ministry’s Provincial Administration Department must ensure that all hotels, apartments, guesthouses and other accommodation services keep and report records of foreigners using their services by informing the nearest immigration office or police station, which will in turn feed the data to the database.

Lt-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich The order was given by Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan when he chaired the meeting of the fifth government committee in charge of bureaucratic reforms at Government House, said deputy government spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanich.

The single platform database would help prevent crimes by foreigners, such as call-centre scams and those related to underworld activities, Kongcheep said. The two agencies were told to have the new system fully functioning in six months.

As part of the new system, the Immigration Bureau will cancel the use of the Immigration 6 form and instead use e-passport data, Kongcheep said.

“This measure must be implemented in six months so that the arrivals, departures and accommodation of foreigners can be comprehensively monitored to reduce security threats, especially from transnational criminals, foreign mafias and international terrorists,” Kongcheep said. newsare.net

New U-turn Design Aims to Reduce Accidents on Thai Roads

A video has been doing the rounds on Thai social media showing the government’s latest attempt at improving the safety of roads here in the kingdom, a new design for U-turns.

The question was posed could the Highway Department’s latest new design help reduce the number of accidents on the roads and reduce the number of fatalities.

The new U-turns are currently being trialed on a stretch of the Rama II motorway in Samut Songkhram and unlike existing turning places all over the kingdom these two allow for U-turns to be performed without cutting out into oncoming traffic making them much safer and also improving traffic flow.

Currently accidents caused by motorists attempting to perform a U-turn are a major source of fatalities on Thai roads.

Officials are currently in the process of

building a third U-turn with the new design on the same stretch of road.

Many people commented positively online stating that the new design looks safer and would improve traffic flow.

Expats in Hua Hin Concerned About Visa Overstay Checks

For several decades, Thailand has been the all-time favorite Southeast Asian country, especially for older expats and retirees. Up until the last few years, staying in the country was relatively straightforward, with a number of visa options suitable for business start-ups, singles, married couples and pensioners.

Since crackdowns began in 2016, many long-term expats feel they are all being regarded as undesirables who must be carefully watched in case they breach the country’s everchanging immigration rules. However it would be a mistake to think that crackdowns on Visa overstays is restricted to Thailand. Overstaying in many countries is a criminal offence.

Hua Hin’s long-established expat community has been put on notice with local tourist police visiting the homes of expat visaholders in a drive to identify those who had overstayed their permitted time in the country.

One expat told local online media the police arrived at his home with a long list of names, saying they were checking for over-stayers.

The officer was polite, checked his passport and left, but reports soon came in of others who had the same experience.

Even those visited were cleared, the move has caused concern as the penalties for overstaying are now harsher than before, involving blacklisting, deportation and bans on re-entry. It’s not just Hua Hin that’s affected; it’s also Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok and Pattaya.

To quote the Australian Immigration Minister, “Coming to Australia is a privilege and if you’re coming here harming Australians, ripping off our welfare system, committing serious crimes, then you’re at the top of my list for deporting.”

In Australia persons found with expired visas could be detained, removed and face a three year re-entry ban.

Persons who remain in the U.S.A. after their authorized stay has expired for more than 180 days but less than one year are barred from reentering the US for three years from their date of departure.

Persons who remain in the U.S. after their authorised stay has expired for more than one year are barred from reentering the U.S.A. for ten years from their date of departure.

Visitors to Japan are subject to being jailed for three to four days, fined up to $US 3,000 and banned from Japan for five years for staying a single day longer than their visa permits.

Rabies on the Rise, Vaccinations Urged

Everyone who works with animals has been urged to get vaccinated against rabies, as has anyone visiting areas where there are rabies outbreaks.

Department of Medical Sciences director-general Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai (pictured) made the appeal to veterinarians, staff at pet hospitals and animal labs, and caretakers of strays.

Rabies, a disease transmitted through the saliva or other bodily fluid of an infected animal, can be prevented after exposure by vaccination with an immunoglobulin serum, he noted. But people in regular direct contact with animals should be vaccinated as a precaution before any possible exposure and then again if they are exposed, Sukhum said.

Rabies is on the rise in Thailand. There were 330 reported cases of rabies-affected animals in 2015, 614 in 2016 and 843 in 2017. Dogs were the most infected (89%), followed by cattle (6.6%), cats (3.6%) and others (0.7%).

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

Overstaying a visa; some examples from other countries

Rabies caused five human deaths in 2015, 14 in 2016 and eight in 2017, Dr Sukhum said. In January a schoolteacher in Surin who had five dogs at home and often fed stray dogs died as a result of a rabies infection.

– The Nation

15

16

The Connection Between Retiring Early and Living Longer

Research shows a link, but it isn’t retirement itself that leads to a longer life, but what you do in retirement. You may not need another reason to retire early but it could lengthen your life.

A 2017 study in the journal Health Economics, economists from the Netherlands looked at what happened when, in 2005, some Dutch civil servants could temporarily qualify for early retirement. Men responding to the early retirement offer were 2.6 percentage points less likely to die over the next five years than those who did not retire early.

The Dutch study echoes those from other countries.

An analysis in the United States found about seven years of retirement can be as good for health as reducing the chance of getting a serious disease (like diabetes or heart conditions) by 20 percent. Positive health effects of retirement have also been found by studies using data from Israel, England, Germany and other European countries.

That retirement promotes health and prolongs life isn’t obvious. After all, work provides income helpful for the maintenance of well-being. It also can provide purpose and camaraderie. Evidence is mounting that loneliness and social isolation are linked to illness, cognitive decline and death.

Some work involves physical activity, which can help keep bodies healthy, too. One study found that those accustomed to getting exercise through physically strenuous jobs — like construction or landscaping — are more likely to become obese upon retirement than those who don’t have such jobs. But for many people, work can be stressful, take time away from exercise, and promote bad habits like excessive alcohol consumption. The Dutch study found that

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visa@huahintoday.com 086-369-3604 HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

half of the mortality reduction associated with retirement is attributable to cardiovascular and digestive system diseases.

Obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption as well as reduced exercise and stress are life-threatening risks.

Teasing out the causal effect of retirement on health isn’t straightforward. After all, some people retire precisely because they are in declining health. Without careful analysis, you might conclude that retirement causes poor health and an earlier death. Indeed, some studies find retirement associated with worse health and reduced longevity.

One found that retirement raises the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Another found higher risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer. But another such study found that poor health outcomes were more pronounced among retirees who were unmarried, reduced their physical activity, and had less social interaction.

In other words, it isn’t retirement itself that affects health, but what you do in retirement. Keeping active and developing healthy habits are good ideas. Physical activity is associated with prevention of disease and reduced mortality in older people. Lack of time, perhaps due to work, is a chief reason many adults don’t exercise. Retirees are more likely to exercise, and those who do are better off for it.

One study found retirees get more sleep and spend more time doing household work and gardening — both of which are more active than a desk job. Another study found that better health in retirement may be because of the reduced likelihood of smoking.

17

18 Counting the Economic Cost of Ignoring Road Safety

A new report by the World Bank and Bloomberg Philanthropies outlines the effect of road fatalities and injuries on economic growth. Over the period 2014-38, halving deaths and injuries due to road traffic could potentially add 22% to GDP per capita in Thailand.

Rapid motorization

Rising incomes in many developing countries have led to rapid motorization, while road safety management and regulations have not kept pace.

The greatest share of mortality and long-term disability from road crashes happen among the working-age population (between 15 and 64 years).

The study, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, named The High Toll of Traffic Injuries: Unacceptable and Preventable, introduces a new global methodology to calculate the economic effect of road safety and analyses the cases of China, India, the Philippines, Tanzania and Thailand.

While there is general recognition of road traffic injuries and fatalities, little is known about the link between road traffic injuries and economic growth. The new report quantifies how investments in road safety are an investment in human capital.

The study finds that countries that do not invest in road safety could miss out on between 7% and 22% in potential per capita GDP growth over a 24-year period. The report says that this requires policy makers to prioritise proven investments in road safety. The cost of inaction is more than 1.25-million deaths a year globally diminished productivity and reduced growth prospects.

Road traffic fatalities disproportionately affect low and middle-income countries, where 90% of global road deaths occur.

“Traffic crashes kill more than 1.25-million people around the world each year and they also take a huge economic toll, with so much human potential being lost.

Investments in road safety pay for themselves many times over, and hopefully this new report will spur governments to take actions that save lives,” says Bloomberg.

Measured in 2005 US dollars, the welfare gains range between $5,000 to $80,000 in Tanzania, and from $850,000 to $1.8m in Thailand.

“To achieve these welfare gains the report lists interventions that include reducing and enforcing speed limits, reducing driving under the influence of alcohol, increasing seatbelt use through enforcement and public awareness campaigns, and integrating road safety in all phases of planning, design, and operation of road infrastructure.”

According to the report, deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes affect medium and long-term growth prospects by removing prime age adults from the workforce, and reducing productivity due to the burden of injuries.

Using detailed data on deaths and economic indicators from 135 countries the study estimates that, on average, a 10% reduction in road traffic deaths raises per capita real GDP by 3.6% over a 24-year horizon.

Over the period 2014-38, halving deaths and injuries due to road traffic could potentially add 22% to GDP per capita in Thailand, 15% in China, 14% in India, 7% in the Philippines and 7% in Tanzania.

Intervention

In addition to the GDP gains from preventing death and injury, road safety interventions improve welfare benefits to society. The World Bank study has quantified these gains for the five countries using a range of income and risk reduction scenarios.

“Traffic crashes kill more than 1.25-million people around the world each year and they also take a huge economic toll, with so much human potential being lost. Investments in road safety pay for themselves many times over, and hopefully this new report will spur governments to take actions that save lives,” says Bloomberg.

“Inspired by disease impact studies, this is one of the first systematic efforts to estimate both the potential economic benefits and aggregate social welfare gains of reducing road traffic injuries in low and middle-income countries,” says José Luis Irigoyen, World Bank senior director for Transport and ICT. “Curbing road traffic injuries would be a milestone for global development, with far-reaching benefits for public health, wellbeing and economic growth.”

Road safety is an issue that affects everyone, whether it be witnessing bad and risky driving on the daily commute or worse, losing a loved one in a road crash. It also affects everyone economically, as this study shows, countries lose out on revenue that could be used for other projects simply because road safety is not taken as seriously as it should be by policy makers.

Grand Prix Will Generate 1 Billion THB for Thailand

Sports Authority of Thailand Governor Sakon Wannapong says more than 1 billion THB will be generated by the Ptt Thailand motorcycling Grand Prix at the Buri Ram International Circuit in October.

The SAT boss said a huge income wo u l d b e g e n e ra te d d u r i n g t h e competition between October 5th and 7th in the northeastern province.

Thailand has a three-year-contract to host the MotoGP and must pay around 400 million THB (100m THB by the government and 300 THB million by the private sector) each year for the license and organisation.

“Around 100,000 people from all over the world will visit Thailand during that time and boost the country’s cash flow.

We will invest 400 million but gain 1 billion, which I think is a great benefit,” Sakon said yesterday.

Sakon confirmed that all the sport’s superstars, including current world champion Marc Marquez of Spain and former champion Valentino Rossi of Italy, HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

had signed up for the Winter Test from February 16th -18th.

Those two stars will also bring their favorite items to be auctioned off for charity..

On Febraary 17th, Sakon led a convoy of bikers from the SAT office in Bangkok to Buri Ram as a part of promotional activities for the Winter Test and Ptt Thailand Grand Prix.

Tickets for the MotoGP Thailand have gone on sale at 7-Eleven shops.

Grandstand tickets cost 4,000 THB and it 2,000 THB for the side stands.

Sakon said all hotel rooms in Buri Ram have been fully booked during the October race but homestays in the province are also available as a new option for fans.

- The Nation

19 Offbeat Days In March

They may be off-beat but they are holidays nonetheless, and we are counting down March’s off-beat holidays!

2nd March National Old Stuff Day

16th March No Selfie Day

Your Country’s National Day If you are not Thai then you will probably want to acknowledge your home country’s National Day in one way or another. Chances are that there will be a restaurant featuring the cuisine and traditional activities familiar to you. Even if you have real connection to the country in question it’s worth dropping by and saying hullo. Chances are you will be even more welcome than usual and win some points by mentioning their celebrations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Statehood Day

If you think Old Stuff Day is about commemorating the old stuffs you own, sorry to break it to you guys but you are dead wrong.

It is to telling that life is so much more than drinking same old crappy coffee, life is mundane if you stick to same old lifestyle, to take control of your life, to have faith and to sail away wherever wind takes you, and that you would be surprised to find out that all along Rome wasn’t that far.

With selfies becoming ‘The Thing’, it is actually quite hard for one to stop taking pictures of themselves, given the perfect portable equipment to enable them to take quite prettier than reality pictures but you don’t want to come off as Modern Day Narcissus, try No Selfie Day, it is bound to help you!

18th March Awkward Moments Day

7th March Middle Name Pride Day

A country situated in the western Balkan Peninsula of Europe received Independence just two decades ago when the citizens of Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina voted in the referendum and proclaimed their Independence from the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia on 1st March 1992.

Ghana’s Nationhood Day

Just because people don’t call you by your middle name or even know your middle name doesn’t mean you don’t have one, this Middle Name Pride Day, make yourself a commitment and shout to the world your Middle name, it may be better than clichéd names you hang on to.

Ever wished for the floor to swallow you alive because you won’t stop being awkward, ever suffered from nonstop awkward situations you don’t even want to think about it, if you are one of the awkwardly awkward people out there, good news folks, this day is for you, just be yourself!

9th March Panic Day

31st March Eiffel Tower Day

To the world in which keeping sanity is almost like a religion, and ‘don’t panic’ is uttered on regular basis because we are humans and humans by nature is calm creature.

But we are not calm creature, our ancestral history have us linked with apes and apes are anything but calm.

And sudden outbreaks of panics is necessary to keep us balanced, and there it is, Panic Day! Boom!

If anyone as much as slightly utter ‘don’t pa…’ while you are having your perfect share of Panic Day, punch them in the face, or anyone who gives a look, punch them too but at your own risk.

Completed in the year 1889 by architecture Gustave Eiffel, Eiffel tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, built mainly to commemorate French Revolution. For popular tower like Eiffel it sure deserves its own day.

6th March 1957 marked the end of British colonial rule in Ghana, since then the 6th of March is commemorated as their Independence Day, and this year it marks 59th anniversary of Ghana being a free nation. May you all celebrate in all the glory!

Mauritian Independence Day

In 1968 the Island country of Mauritius located in Indian Ocean received their independence from the British rule. The British has ruled Mauritius from 1810 to 1968, Mauritius experienced almost 160 years of foreign rule.

Mauritius and India shared the same sentiments as they were under same British rule, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, one of the leading figures in Indian Independence movement helped the Mauritian Indian Community to organise themselves and Mauritius celebrates its National Day on 12th March.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

20 PROPERTIES FOR SALE/RENT (HFSR 1005)House for sale/rent Brand new house in New Private Pool Villa Project for sale. Located just 10 minutes south of Hua-Hin City Centre.

These modern 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, walk in closet, living room, dining room, kitchen, pool terrace, swimming pool 4x9 meter, car park, roof deck, laundry and storage. This Pool Villa tastefully decorated functional design and layout with attention to details using high quality materials. Price started from 5 Million THB. : Call at 086 369 3604

Pool Villa for rent

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Please call: 0923370078 or email: mixandmatch120@gmail.com (HFRH 1001) Beautiful House for Rent @ 40,000 THB, A high quality development, located in soi Hin lek fai and this house has a land area 312 sq.m and a living area 225 sq.m. With 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 air-cons, carport and landscaped gardens and a private swimming pool (3x6 metres). This house has been fully furnished with European Kitchen.

To views please call: 086-369 3604 (LFS1006)LAND FOR SALE at Aow Noi, Prachuab Khiri Khan, 23 Rai 3 Ngan 72.5 Sq.Wah ,Selling pric@15 million THB or negotiable (approx. USD 429k), 1,500 THB per sqw, Currently is agriculture land with coconut trees 250 M from Khan Bandai Railway station 1.2 Km. to the beach, 3.5 Km. from Phechkasem Rd: Call at 086 369 3604 House for sale Stylish modern home for sale in Soi 116, Land size 780 Sq. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathroom, Car park for 4, big swimming pool with Jacuzzi and fully furnish, 24 security, nice neighborhood, this house is perfect for big family, convenience located in one of the best Village in Hua-Hin, For sale @15 Million THB. Call at 086 369 3604

House for quick sale House for quick sale only 3.2 Million THB, this house at Thipphawan Village 4 in Soi 58, one story house with 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, 3 air cons, kitchen, living room, garden, land size 280 Sqm, For quick sale only 3 Million THB. Please call @ 086 369 3604.

House for rent and sale.

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HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

The Park Oasis 2 pool villa for sale.

187 Sq.m. 3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom.From 5.4 Million THB. Black Lotus offers great hotel services such as a free shuttle to go to the downtown. It has also a communal swimming pool, fitness center, car park.

To view please call 08 61 70 02 95 (THAI/EN) or 09 22 70 83 38 (FR/EN) Orchid Villa 4 pool villa for sale.

210 Sq.m. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. From 8 Million THB. Great residence located in the backcountry, close to Black Mountain golf, with friendly atmosphere. Designed pool villas. Possibility of rental management.

To view please call 08 61 70 02 95 (THAI/EN) or 09 22 70 83 38 (FR/EN) Great pool villa On soi 88 for resale. 330 Sq.m. 5 Bedroom 4 Bathroom. Land of 600 Sq.m. 10 395 Million THB. Great location, just 5 minutes from The Market Village. Modern and luminous house with a beautiful terrace.

Ideal for a family.

To view please call 08 61 70 02 95 (THAI/EN) or 09 22 70 83 38 (FR/EN) La Sierra pool villa On soi 102, for resale. 160 Sq.m. 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. Land of 560 Sq.m. 6 420 Million THB. Located just a few minutes from the downtown and the beach. Good opportunity to buy in Hua Hin. To view please call 08 61 70 02 95 (THAI/EN) or 09 22 70 83 38 (FR/EN) Hua Hin West: luxury Pool Villa, Reduced excellent property in award winning development with Spa, Fitness, Tennis Court, Restaurant, near Black Mountain Golf Course, 200 sqm on 660 sqm plot, 2 bed, 3 huge bath, Euro kitchen, tropical garden, fantastic Pool, ready to move in, fully furnished, sales price 9,950,000 THB call 061 525 9646 E-Mail: info@immo-th.com Beach Front House for Rent For Business or Private Use. Ideal for holiday vacation as well as long-term stay.

Situated on 250 square wah of land (approx. 1,000 square metres) right by a tranquil beach near to the airport.There are 2 separate buildings in a true Hua Hin style.

Each building has a bedroom, sea-view balcony and a bathroom. The large building also has a kitchen. A beach-side pavilion and a custodian house are also included in the premise. Houses are partly furnished and some renovations may be needed. 1-3 years contract is preferred.

For Sale New townhouse, furnished with quality furniture, 90 Sqm, Living are,2 Bedrooms with on suite, Private B.B.Q., Area front terrace looking at nice garden and Olympic size swimming pool, front and back awning.

For quick sale @2.6 Million THB or O.N.O. For more information call 086-398 3902 Sales Price 2,600,000 THB Call 086-398 3902 House for quick Sale The price was reduced recently to 12.9M baht, 250 Tarangwha (1,000 Sqm) which is fantastic valuation considering there is a fully functional and furnished 3 Bed Villa (these normally will sell for 9-10M) and fully functional and furnished 2 Bed Villa (these normally will sell for 7M-8.5M). The Villas have the amazing 22 meter infinity edge pool with sea views from the pool and terraces as well as roof terraces available for each villa. The Villas are also positioned so that there is no Villa directly in front from the row below giving the best views.The Land and House are Leased (30 + 30 +30) with 26 yrs remaining on the original 30yrs.

Call 086-398 3902

STAFF WANTED

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Small pool villa for sale Small pool villa for sale in a peace full and secured community !5 min. to beach , golf courses and hua hin market village !2bed/bath, living room, thai kitchen , terrasse and pool !Need some up shine and price reduced to 1.850.000 bht!Ask for photos !

balslv@yahoo.dk

Beautiful Villa For Sale Hua Hin 88 Beautiful Villa For Sale Hua Hin 88. This fantastic property is located in a complete estate within 7 minutes of the centre of Hua Hin, soi 88. A brand new villa has a nice living room with a kitchen corner.

There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. With a good swimming pool and a jacuzzi. Beds: 3 Living Area: 160 Sqm 5.5 M. THB: 2 Land Area: 465 Sqm Phone :+66(0)818593118 -Brand new house in New Private Pool Villa Project for sale. Located just 10 minutes south of Hua-Hin City Centre. These modern 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, walk in closet, living room, dining room, kitchen, pool terrace, swimming pool 4x9 meter, car park, roof deck, laundry and storage. This Pool Villa tastefully decorated functional design and layout with attention to details using high quality materials. Price started from 5 Million THB. To views please call @ 086 369 3604.

High Quality Villa for Sale A fantastic villa for sale, just to the north of Hua Hin, approx. 5km. Come fully furnished, with European kitchen, 17m x 4m private swimming pool with lush landscaped garden. The swimming pool is surrounded by a tiled terrace, with a Sala to be able to sit and relax in to get some shade from the hot Thailand sun. Beds: 3 Living Area: 295 Sqm 6.25 M. THB: 2 Land Area: 512 Sqm Phone :+66(0)818593118 (HFSS 2006)White Lotus 1 Soi Hua Hin 116 The magnificent beautiful pool villa house for sale, it is located at a very good quality village, only 3 kms from the Market Village and 2 kms to the Beach in Khao Takiab. Also, has a place for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere beside a long nice swimming pool. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a plenty of space for family. As can be seen the European kitchen. Many of tropical plants and trees around the area. This is a truly stunning home and must be seen to be appreciated. Beds: 3 Living Area: 153 Sqm 10.5 M. THB : 3 Land Area: 691 Sqm Phone :+66(0)818593118

21 CROSSWORDS ANSWER 35 ACROSS : 1 Mastard . 7 Icicle. 8 Undoing. 9 Oboe. 10 Test.

12. Jakata 14 Doleful. 16 roof.18 Limo. 20 Launder.

21 Pirate. 22 Endures.

DOWN :

1 Mounted. 2 Sides. 3 Avid. 4 Digital. 5 Dinosaur.

6 Almost. 11 Teetotal. 12 Jubilee. 13 As far as.

15 Origin. 17 Order. 19 Fund.

CROSSWORDS ANSWER 36 ACROSS : 1 Stationery. 6 Jetsam. 7 Maize. 9 Lionel.

10 Die. 11 Epee. 14 Geri. 15 Lea. 16 Editor. 17 Roost.

18 Typist. 20 Well-heeled.

DOWN :

1 Sue. 2 Aussie. 3 Immune. 4 Namely. 5 Reindeer.

6 Jeweller. 8 Eyesight. 9 Let alone. 12 Rental.

13 Little. 14 Gospel. 19 Sad.

Modern PoolVilla In Hua Hin

Nice condo,

Modern 2 Stories Villa New Modern Pool Villa boasts private villas all fitted with a private pool, a garden and a terrace for relaxation. The villa is approximately 2 km from Khao Tao Beach. Fitted with floor-toceiling windows; the air-conditioned villas offer plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and appliances for indoor cooking. These villas represent excellent value-for-money especially considering that each property has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. opening out to the balcony overlooking pool and garden. Beds: 3 Living Area: 285 Sqm 13.9 M. THB: 3 Land Area: 584 Sqm

For Rent: 117.30 Sq.m. 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. 55,000 THB. Baan Chai Talay is located 5 minutes from Hua Hin Beach and downtown.

Phone :+66(0)818593118

Luxurious Pool Villa for Sale A fabulous,luxury Villa for rent, in a very popular area of Hua Hin. Decorated to an exceptionally high standard, this 3 bedroom (plus maids room) villa sits only 1km from the beach and 2km from the centre of town.

A fully fitted European kitchen is one of the benefits of this beautiful home, but the crowning feature is the folding doors that stretch the entire length of the living and dining room, opening on to an enormous terrace area making the entire living space open plan for a wonderful outdoor living feel. The swimming pool is 7 x 4 metre with a jacuzzi, which adjoins the master bedroom. Beds: 4 Living Area: 240 Sqm 7.5 M. THB : 2 Land Area: 600 Sqm Phone: +66(0)818593118

Spacious flat with a terrace and sea view.

Residence with good services (swimmingpool, fitness, tennis‌)

To view please call @ 086-369 3604

Baan Lonsai high rises condo for sale,

With full-front sea view, high ceiling, 2 large bedrooms, 2 large bathrooms, 3 large terraces, 1 large living room, 5 teak doors, and wooden floors, and 3 air cons, not furnished, allowing for your own selfstyled furniture designs, only 5-minute drive from downtown Hua Hin, including shopping centers. If you are looking for a wonderful home and also a far-sighted investment.

Please call: 086-369 3604.

NICE CONDO PALM PAVILLIAN HUAHIN FOR SALE/RENT READY TO MOVE 68 Sqm. excellent one suite room with front lake view and sea view, a private short walk to the beach, modernfully furnished.with master bed, sofa bed, luxurious pantry, in great location opposite to Macro, nearby Anantara, ensuring happiness and peaceful with impressive climate and professional facilitation and services.

Please Call +66 (0)95-8962888, email:hrandtalent53@gmail.com

Condo For Rent 85 qm, 2 bed, 2 bath, 4 aircons, kitchen, w/ balcony, 8th floor, pool side with sea view, perfectly European style furnished at Hua Hin Soi 7.

18,000 BHT per month tel. 0819-812-997 or email.. debbelt2011@gmail.com Condo chain front beach studio for rent 25 Sq.m. A nice room, with a modern bathroom. 21 000 THB/month. Located just next to the Market Village and Bluport.

Fully equipped. Ideal for long stays.

To view please call 08 61 70 02 95 (THAI/EN) or 09 22 70 83 38 (FR/EN)

House For Sale/Rent 316 Sqm, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, kitchen, furnished with small garden at Chookamon Resort.

Close to Bus Station to Suvarnaphumi Airport and only 300 Meters walk to beach, 24 hours security.

For quick sale only 4.5 Million and for long term rent @ 13,000 Baht.

To views: 086 344 1320

LAND FOR SALE Land for sale: This 1 Rai land super good location on Petchkrasem Road, the idea for Apartment or shop house, for sale @ 36 Milion THB. Please call @ 086 369 3604.

Land for sale: This 2.8 Rai is perfect for Condominium or small Hotel in Takeab area, only 5 minutes walk to Takeab beach, for quick sale only 21 Million THB. To views please call @ 086 369 3604.

Land for sale: This 10 rai of land in good location, only 600 Metters from Petchkrasem Road and the railway track, the idea for small housing project or Condominium, for sale @ 20 Milliuon THB per Rai. views please call @ 086 369 3604.

Land for sale: nearby True Arena 326 Tarang wha, idea for Apartment for sale @ 17 Million THB. call @ 086 369 3604.

Amost 4 Ria land for sale nearby True Arena for quick sale @ 22 Million THB, perfect for small hotel, Apartment, Please call 086 369 3604 for more detail.

HOUSE FOR SALE

New townhouse, furnished with quality furniture, 90 Sqm, Living are, 2 Bedrooms with on suite, Private B.B.Q., Area front terrace looking at nice garden and Olympic size swimming pool, front and back awning.

2.6

Price@ Million THB or O.N.O. For more information call 087-276-0529 or E-mail: randyalltime@gmail.com

sales@huahintoday.com 086-369-3604 HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

22 The Swiss Sheep Farm; A Taste of Rural Europe in Cha-Am About half an hour drive north from Hua Hin, the Swiss Sheep Farmhas the atmosphere, sights and sounds of a typical European farm.

First opened in July 2012, the Swiss Sheep Farm is a scenic place with meadows, farm houses and animals farm setting. With a Mountain View backdrop adding to the farm’s picturesque feel, it is a great place to take beautiful photos.

A family enjoying a carriage ride

Alpacas waiting to be fed.

Not a farm vehicle, but this British Mini enhances the European theme As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by hungry sheep and little lambs, ready to climb over the fence and run towards you. So, make use of the coupons attached to your entrance ticket to get some grass to feed the sheep and some milk to feed the little lambs.

Don’t miss the staff demonstration of goat milking at 10:30 am, 1 pm and finally at 2:30 pm. After that you can try your hand at milking them yourself.

A tourist posing with the pony.

At the right side of the alpaca farm, you will find the two storey 3D building. The interior of the 3D building is decorated with multi-dimensional paintings. Visitors can stand in front of the paintings and if the photos are taken at the right angle, you can easily become part of the scene. A go-to place for expert posers and the best part, it’s free!

The Hallowen themed graveyard with skeletons.

Kids can have fun petting and playing with the animals while feeding them grass or carrots.

If you are a foreigner, you pay 120 THB at the entrance and once inside you can also ride around the farm in a horse drawn carriage for 50 THB, ride a mechanical rodeo bull for 100 THB and go horse riding for another 50 THB.

A view of the farm from the restaurant.

Be it Valentines or Halloween, this place has it covered!

One side has the spooky Halloween decor with pumpkin lanterns, graveyards of imaginary dead animals, witches and skeletons carrying dead bodies. The other, has a romantic, lovey-dovey feeling with the grounds filled with colorful hearts.

VISITING MASSAGE Genuine Thai Massage in Your Home Manicure

Food and drinks are available at a stand in the farm.

However, there is also a small outdoor restaurant which offers a menu of simple yet delicious food. The restaurant also plays country songs so you can enjoy your meal overlooking the beautiful farm view.

Souvenir shop As you head towards the exit, you will find a gift shop that sells stuffed toys and souvenirs that would make an excellent gift for anyone.

Location The Swiss Sheep Farm is located on Phetkasem Road in Cha-Am, about 30 minutes north of Hua Hin. If you finish your visit early, you can also see nearbyattractions such as Santorini Park, Camel Republic or 1000 Sook Food and Farm Open: Every day from 9am to 7pm.

More Information: 032 772 494 Facebook: www.facebook.com/lovesheepfarm Rinchen & Esori

If you’re serious about buying land in Hua Hin with a fair price and a good location; this land may be the answer.

The land size 8.37 Rai,

on Hua Hin Soi 6 (Boa-Fai area)

only 2 kilometres from Petchkasem Road.

This land has been levelled and ready for a housing project.

Contact the owner directly at 063-239-7495, 086-340-8862

Telephone Anna for visit 098-408-8479 English Speaking HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

23

Abortion Probe Leads Police to Medical Clinic

Police have searched a doctor’s clinic and four other properties in Hua Hin to find clues about the dumping of four fetuses next to a convenience store.

The fetuses were found wrapped in adult nappies and dumped in a bin outside the store in the Ruamsuk community in Chonlaprathan Soi 68.Two – a male and female – were believed to have been aborted between six and eight months into pregnancy. Another two were between three and four months. Hua Hin Hospital confirmed the fetuses were terminated via illegal abortions.

Prachuap Khiri Khan police commander Pattana Pesayanawin ordered his deputy, Pol Col Damrongsak Thong-ngamtrakul to mount raids on five locations suspected of being connected to the abortions. The first raid targeted a general practitioner’s clinic at the entry to Soi Pracha Samakkee.

The doctor was then taken to two homes she owned in the area for further searches. Another police team searched a house belonging to the doctor’s sister.

The sister has a son who works at the clinic, police said.Found at the house was a motorcycle that looked like one driven by a man caught on CCTV footage carrying a

black plastic bag from the clinic, according to police.Adult nappies and black plastic bags were also retrieved from the house.

Prachuab Khiri Khan deputy chief Pol Col Damrongsak Thongngamtrakul also said the investigation focus is also on hospitals in Hua Hin district who have treated patients suffering from hemorrhaging. Police had identified one woman who had already been discharged from a hospital, he said without going into detail.

Police also searched a house in Moo 14 of tambon Thap Tai, where they found four leather mattresses, eight blankets, used surgical gloves, a large amount of hydrochloric acid as well as 2,900 medical records. Police said the acid is commonly used to clean away bloodstains.The doctor was taken to Hua Hin police station for questioning.

Abortion is illegal in Thailand except under three conditions – if a woman is raped, if the pregnancy affects her health or if the fetus is “abnormal”.

– Bangkok Post

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 Assistance Centre Water Supply Post Office Power Board

032 511 047 1132 032 522 656 090 446 6056 032 511 677 032 477 646 032 511 063 032 477 252 032 512 215 032 472 069 HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

24

This month we have faithfully reproduced a hand-delivered letter from a Cha–Am resident expressing concerns about the Cha-Am beach road. These sentiments require little further comment other than to say that safety on this road is seen by many as an ongoing and serious community policing issue.

Dear Readers I want to know what is happening to Cha-Am; since we moved here 10 years ago. Cha-Am has changed dramatically.

Ten years ago, when we moved here, Cha-Am was a very popular destination for both western tourists and visitors from all parts of Thailand. A change started to happen about three years ago, when we started to see a dramatic decrease in the amount of both western and Thai tourists.

This decrease in tourism seems very much to have coincided with the arrival of gangs of young people visiting Cha-Am and causing many problems.

One of the biggest problems is the uncontrolled way in which they are driving along the beach road at extremely excessive speeds, both on motorcycles and in cars, with no care or respect for the many Thai locals, children and all other tourists.

I have experience many people that have told me that they have felt so intimidated by this unacceptable and

reckless behaviour that they have left accommodation that they have paid for to move away from Cha-Am. There have even been examples of people that have paid in advance for a week’s accommodation, but have moved away from Cha-Am after two days to never return.

Also there is a huge problem that everyone complains about. That is allowing the huge buses that bring weekend visitors to drive along the beach road.

There is a very wide road that runs parallel to the beach road that is only about 100 meters back where it would be easy and much safer for everyone if the buses were diverted there and not allowed on the beach road at all.

How many more accidents and deaths will it take before somebody in authority is prepared to do something about this huge and incrementally increasing problem that is starting to destroy Cha-Am? I don’t know who is responsible for the administration of Cha-Am or who has the power and authority to address this situation, but something has to be done before it is too late.

Yours sincerely; a very concerned resident

Last issue that Hua Hin Today Newspaper has reported on the complaint to stop dumping waste in Tab-Tai area, than the municipality of Hua Hin has put in place an urgent solution to this problem by coordinating with the municipality of Pranburi for waste disposal at Thamararat Campus, Pranburi, starting from March 30, 2016, which is the most area near by Hua Hin. (The distance is about 25 kilometers) Now the municipality of Pranburi has set up a garbage truck to drop the waste from 8 am to 5 pm every day.

Therefore, the Health and Environmental Administration Department changed the time of garbage collection in the municipality of Hua Hin from was before 20.00 p.m - 08.00 a.m, changed to 02.00 a.m- 15.00.p.m each day.

In order to provide timely disposal of solid waste at the waste disposal center at Thanarat camp, which is under the responsibility of the municipality of Pranburi, people may be affected by the change in time.

In addition, the Health and Environment Division municipality of Hua Hin organizes the “Waste Recycling Exchange Project”, in order to eliminate the waste of the community to reduce waste by sorting waste from household sources till large enterprises.

This can be said that this project increased income from recycling of waste to money. The general public or Entrepreneur can bring waste to exchange with the municipality of Hua Hin, for example, plastic bottles, plastic bottles, non-metallic glass bottles, and all kinds of paper can be exchanged for recycling in this project.

Participants in this project must register as members of the “Waste Recycling Exchange Project” at Public Administration Department of Public Health and Environment Hua Hin Municipal Office on 2nd Floor at the old building from 08.30 a.m -16.30 p.m (Mon-Fri) or Tel: 032-511 047 EXT 110.

Note: The municipality will transfer money to your bank account after the exchange 2-3 days.

‘Board Police’ Raid Pattaya

Foreigners in Pattaya have been caught up in a crackdown, but this time not Visa over stayers or foreign crime syndicates.

Bar goers in Pattaya were up in arms after police put a stop to one of their favourite pastimes. Police in Pattaya were reported to have launched raids on a number of venues popular with expats and foreign tourists. The raids resulted in the confiscation of dartboards from bars in Soi 6, as well as at other locations in the resort town.

Thaivisa was told how police turned up at one Soi 6 bar demanding to see their “dartboard license”, much to the bewilderment of staff. When staff were unable to produce the documentation required, police confiscated their dartboards. When asked how to apply for such a license, bar staff were told that the license doesn’t actually exist but will be a requirement imminently.

Thaivisa also understands the new requirements for a ‘dartboard license’ HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

resulted in the suspension of Pattaya’s popular ex pat’s darts league. Organisers of the amateur darts league have taken the matter up with officials at Pattaya City Hall, as well as with the Thailand Darts Association in order to seek clarification on the matter.

This wouldn’t be the first time that a crackdown has been launched on what is a seemingly innocent pursuit. In 2016, police raided the Jomtien and Pattaya Bridge Club, which resulted in 32 elderly foreigners, including an 84 year old Dutch woman, arrested for gambling (they weren’t) and thrown in the cells.

No similar actions have been reported in Hua Hin with local darts competition continuing unhindered.

Competitions often see foreigners and Thai players enjoying their sport of choice together.

Thai Visa

25

26 Hydroponic Farming – ‘Just Add Water!’

Hydroponic produce is available in Hua Hin at the Zaithong Hydro Farm in Khao Tao. No chemicals, insecticides or even soil are used to grow their vegetables and salad produce. That’s a claim that has been verified with official certification. The farm grows organic plants by sourcing plant seeds and mineral nutrients - then just adds water.

Khun Pla (left) and her Mum Khun Mai can be your hosts for a hydro experience.

Frilled Iceberg lettuce ready for harvesting

The advantage of this process include the use of up to 50% less land and less than 10% the amount of water compared with more conventional farming methods. When the hydroponic growing solution circulates through the plant’s roots, the plant absorbs only what is needed. The Zaithong Hydro Farm is owned and managed by Mrs Phitsami (Khun Mai) Camenisch and her family, including her daughter Busaba (Khun Pla).

These two welcoming hosts were our guides for a tour around the more public operations of the farm. This visitorfriendly hydro farm is situated just inland of the Khao Tao Lake with a second property not far away to manage the increasing demand for their produce. Restaurants, hotels and resorts striving to boost their ‘green’ credentials are the most prominent customers but anyone can call by to select their personal ‘salad basket’.

Checking out the hydro process from seed to colorful bunches of very green salad selections We were able to see the process of plant growth, initially from imported seeds then the growth sprouting as ‘green tops’ begin to appear. Seeds from varieties such as Red Batavia, Red or Green Oak, Green Cos, Frill Iceberg and Butterhead are likely to have been sourced from Italy, Croatia and Netherlands.

There’s a process of constantly monitoring nutrient levels and maintain levels of water quality. As Khun Pla says, these salad plants need their ‘poop’ to be removed from the water as the growing medium.

These cute chicks will soon join the farm’s organic egg layers

Visitors can learn from Khun Pla about the hydroponics process with a ‘hands on’ involvement. The good news is that you don’t really get their hands dirty as ‘learner farmers’, another hydroponics bonus. Apart from organic salads, there’s an increasing range of herbs such as parsley, rosemary and mint and plans to also focus on producing cherry tomatoes, cucumber, papaya and fruits such as bananas, mango and lime.

There are plans to become a learning centre on the subject of hydroponics with Khun Pla as the resident expert.

She’ll be able to answer every question about this greengrowing process. Visiting the Zaithong Hydro Farm will show you why organic produce is the way to go for environmentally friendly healthy eating choices.

Location: Soi Mooban Khao Tao. Take Soi 101 off Phetchakasim Road towards Khao Tao then turn right just before the reservoir/lake. After another kilometre towards Had Sai Noi beach, the farm is on the right with clear welcoming signs.

Open: Monday – Saturday; 1 PM to 6 PM. Contact: Phone 0989965441 More information: www.facebook.com/ZaithongHydropo/

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa Showcases Spectacular Wedding Venues

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa has demonstrated why it is one of Thailand’s top wedding destinations, with a media showcase of three spectacular venues.

Many couples have tied the knot at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa since it opened in 2016. The Paksa Sawan ballroom, garden lawn and private beach were all adorned with full ceremonial decorations, allowing a full experience of the wedding ambience in all three venues.

“With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is no better time to showcase our romantic wedding offerings to our esteemed media partners,” Goetz Bauer, General Manager of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa said.

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa offers a selection of different wedding styles, from traditional Thai and classical Chinese ceremonies to Western white weddings and lavish Indian celebrations. The resort’s dedicated team of professional wedding HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

planners ensure that every aspect of the couple’s “big day” runs smoothly and seamlessly. A choice of set-up options and catering packages are available for a variety of different tastes and budgets.

For more information about the wedding services at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, please email at huahin. reservations@marriott.com or call +66 (0) 32 904 666.

27

28 Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin

Asia’s first Holiday Inn Water Park Resort, Celebrates the Grand Opening with a Star-studded Launch Part A glittering grand opening ceremony has been held for Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Asia’s first Holiday Inn water park resort.

More than 400 guests, including many celebrities and VIPs, attended the event. They included the Liptapanlop Family, who own the resort and the adjacent Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, and senior executives from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

Guests were treated to an action-packed evening of live entertainment, including a show from popular Thai actress Jenny Tienposuwan, and an exclusive concert by iconic Thai pop star Tata Young. These performances were followed by an extravagant, extended firework display that lit up the night sky, watched from the resort’s towering Sky Deck.

“We are delighted to celebrate the grand opening of Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin in such spectacular style,” said Franck Rodriguez, the resort’s General Manager. “We are proud to set a new quality benchmark with a fully-integrated hospitality offering. It is a truly impressive resort with extensive facilities, cutting-edge technology and breath-taking views over the Gulf of Thailand. It also breaks new ground in Asia, becoming the first Holiday Inn property attached to a water park. So, it is fitting that we launch this incredible property with such a magical and memorable party.”

The First BABA BEACH POOL PARTY

“Easily accessible from Bangkok and two international airports, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is perfect for all types of stays, from fun-filled staycations to couples’ breaks, family holidays and unique business events.”

The highest hotel in Hua Hin, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is expected to become an iconic destination. With 360 degrees views from the rooftop, guests can watch stunning sunrises over the Gulf of Thailand in the east, and enjoy golden sunsets over the hills in the west.

The hotel features 300 rooms and suites, including a series of inter-connecting rooms and Kid Suites, with special ‘secret’ rooms decked out with bunk beds and play areas. Children aged 12 and under can stay and eat for free, and all guests are offered free Wi-Fi and unlimited access to Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle.

When they are not playing in the Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle, guests can unwind in the resort’s own extensive facilities, including a dramatic 26th floor infinity pool, the Tea Tree Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre, kids’ club and children’s pool.

Dining and entertainment options include the all-day Plamong Restaurant, casual Pool Bar, and the stylish Vana Nava Sky Bar, Restaurant & Observation Deck, which offers spectacular views across the Gulf.

Designed by Bangkok-based consultant Ashley Sutton, the mastermind behind some of Asia’s most famous bars, including Maggie Choo’s and Iron Fairies in Bangkok and Ophelia in Hong Kong, this dazzling destination also features a dramatic glassbottomed deck 110 metres above ground and is set to become a “must-visit” destination for visitors to Hua Hin. Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin is also an attractive new option for event planners. With five function rooms and one of Hua Hin’s largest ballrooms, the resort is likely to become an important destination for the Thailand’s MICE industry.

The grand opening party for Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin marks the arrival of a new landmark on Thailand’s Gulf coast, and a new era of hospitality in Hua Hin.

Now to be held on the first Saturday of each month, the first BABA BEACH POOL PARTY featured an exclusive visit from the talented MYLE of the Dj collective Die Empathie behind the decks supported by Dj Dr. Doon warming up the crowd.

Along with special food & beverage offers, welcome drinks, beach activities, and more, this party is destined to be a social event not to be missed oceanside.

Party Time at Mozza Mia

Last month’s ‘Back in Time 80’s & 90’s Party’ showed a new face to Hua Hin’s favourite Italian eatery, the Mozza Mia. DJ Steve set the scene with a carefully selected repertoire of music from the era featuring the sounds of Toto, Santana and Icehouse amongst others.

The party crowd spilled out into the carpark with the exquisite Italian cuisine from the Mozza Mia kitchen providing guests with the perfect party food.

Mozza Mia may be listed as a Deli – Wine Bar – Italian Restaurant; but that doesn’t really let you know what to expect.

Party Time at Mozza Mia with host Lyna Narin or Khun Kam leading the way, added an Italian feel to the final days of the Chinese New year to a delighted crowd of enthusiastic party animals!

Where: Soi 94 at G Mall Hua Hin (alongside the G Mall Resort), onsite parking available., Phone: 032 900 250, Facebook: www. facebook.com/MozzaMiaHuaHin

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

29 Bhutan & Thailand; A Strong Relationship Based on the Love for a King Based on a love for their monarchy, a shared Buddhist heritage and culture and close geographic proximity; the relationship between Bhutan and Thailand has never been stronger.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Established in 1989, diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bhutan and Kingdom of Thailand promotes cooperation including the areas of trade, agriculture, tourism, telecommunications, research and development. They share an interesting history in that neither Bhutan nor Thailand was ever colonised. Drukair, the national airlines, began regular flights to Bangkok, opening up travel and communication between the people of the two countries.

When it comes to the love for monarchs, the Bhutanese have an affinity and an extraordinary level of empathy with the Thai people which came to the fore during the mourning period last year.

When we hear the word “king” we usually picture a resilient and serious monarch, a leader so glorious that his subjects should be wary of any actions around him. However the fifth King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgayl Wangchuck, exhibits a different image.

His people are not surprised at pictures of him casually playing football with school children, chopping vegetables and preparing meals for community schools or planting trees alongside the locals. Many of us enjoy celebrating our birthdays in a grand way, however the King of Bhutan would much rather spend his birthday with children at the hospital, sharing cakes, toys and love.

The Bhutanese King visited Thailand as Crown Prince in 2006 to attend the 60th Anniversary of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol’s accession to the throne. The relations between Bhutan and Thailand attained an exceptionally warm and intimate dimension following the visit, with an outpouring of affection for His Majesty from the people of Thailand.

King Jigme ascended to the throne in 2008 and is referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” and “People’s King.”

Just like HM the late King Bhumibol, he has launched royal projects and visited people around the country to better understand their problems.

On November 10th, 2009 the Bhutan-Thailand Friendship Park was opened in Thimpu to celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the anniversary of the coronation of the fifth King of Bhutan.

The strong bond between them became evident to the world when Bhutan was chosen as the first country where the exhibition of the legacy of King Bhumibol and his Royal projects were held and photos of King Jigme visiting King Bhumibol flooded newspapers the next day. Among the many areas of cooperation between Bhutan and Thailand, Bhutan’s Queen’s Project receives wholehearted support from the Royal Projects of Thailand to empower local economies through strengthening cottage enterprises.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (left) greeted by Thai Privy Councilor Surayud Chulanont (right)

Bhutanese royalty paying respects during cremation ceremonies last year During Royal Cremation Ceremonies in Bangkok, the King and Queen of Bhutan visited to offer their personal respects to the late King.

The relationship between Thailand and Bhutan remains stronger than ever today, with numerous Bhutanese travelling to Thailand for studies, work, medical treatment, business, and holidays, and an increasing number of reciprocal visits from Thai nationals.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Bhutan and Thailand provides opportunities for Bhutanese youth

King Jigme showing why he is referred to as Bhutan’s “people’s King”

Prayers and butter lamps were offered in Bhutan upon hearing the news of King Bhumibol’s death. Thousands of candles were lit in the country’s most revered temples while monks held praying ceremonies and October 14th declared as holiday. The relationship between Bhutan and Thailand reached a new dimension.

Provided by Esori & Rinchen HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

30 A Road Trip to the Chumphon Coast

The shortest road distance between Hua Hin and Chumphon is close enough to 300 kilometres.

For many Chumphon is just stop on the route heading south. Lonely Planet even describes it as a ‘transit point’ particularly to Kho Tao, Kho Samui and Kho Pha-Ngan and other islands further south.

However Chumphon can be the destination for a road trip from Hua Hin not just a stop-over. There is also a more coastal route for the final 100 kilometres or so; there’s plenty of sights and places of interest for this phase of the journey and it’s an escape from the busy highway.

After 200 kilometres of the main highway head towards the coast, it’s never far away. There are numerous ways of avoiding the highway from Prachuap Khiri Khan City onwards. Heading for Bang Saphan is just one of the options.

There are sections along an official scenic route with marked view points and a road which is only 5 years old, less travelled and in great condition. There is a dedicated bicycle lane as a favourite bicycling route for Dutch visitors; it’s easy to see why.

You may be slowed down by bends and turns and sometimes given choices of direction at intersections, but generally this is a very pleasant and scenic way of heading south towards Chumphon.

Some Highlights Getting Closer To Chumphon

There are many sculptured bays and appealing beaches along the way. Sandy dunes also feature and shrimp farms dot the landscape. However for us there are three standouts; must see stops along the way.

If you stay for a day or two you can forget about your vehicle and just take an easy stroll to wherever you need to go. This is a very relaxing place to recharge the batteries and absolutely chill out. Although some of the accommodation and restaurants are on the ocean side of the road, beach access is not compromised or restricted.

The Mali Blues Restaurant and Bar typifies the how to enjoy your stay. Pi (‘brother’) Boi and his family run a combination beach side bar (you can sit with your toes in the sand) or 15 metres away a Thai and European restaurant. There’s even a great cocktail mixer and a small art gallery on site.

Returning to the main route several kilometres further on and you’ll come across a magnificent temple complex on the inland side of the road. It’s set on a hillside and requires a steep climb partly by road and then by foot.

You will find a combination of Chinese inspired buildings, more Thai traditional Buddhist places of worship and statues. There’s even a ship’s profile lookout named after King Rama VIII, pointing towards the coastline below.

It’s a fantastic view back towards the bays and islands and overlooks of our previous stop. On a clear day this is a photographers dream come true.

It’s clearly a favourite for Thai people with not a falang in sight but everyone is welcomed. You can enjoy lunch inside with a real Thai ‘buffet’, an honour system of payment and an expectation that you will wash your own dishes.

Tung Wua Len

The name ‘Mali Blues’ is an accurate description of what to expect. The patron is an accomplished musician (guitar, harmonica and vocals) offering semi-acoustic sounds from reggae and blues genres; renditions of Bob Marley and Bob Dylan often feature.

Pi Boi’s mother said that he requested his first guitar at age 12. He has now travelled throughout Thailand and has been featured in music festivals in Germany.

He presents an individual style with a voice sounding something like a laid back Eric Clapton with a Thai accent.

A Final Word

Kon Takiab

You approach Kon Takiab along a 5 kilometre stretch of road off the main route. It winds through palm oil plantations alongside towering cliffs until reaching the ocean. It’s really a dedicated small fishing village right on the beach of a tranquil protected bay with clear, calm water and an outlook towards hilly green headlands and off shore islands.

This is probably the most beautiful place on the coastline and rivals the most scenic locations in Thailand.

A big difference is the absolute lack of development. Not a hotel, resort or restaurant in sight, only the fishermen’s needs are catered for, not the tourists’. I am sure that many a ‘would be developer’ has salivated at the thought of taking over such a pristine location, but this is a unique piece of Thailand’s natural heritage worthy of preservation.

You’ll pass through a number of small settlements and finally the town of Saphli before reaching Tung Wua Len. This time the beach is about tourism, mainly Thai and those foreigners who accidently discover its charms.

Tung Wua Len is named after the legend of a wild bull appearing on the beach without warning and being untouched by the spears of hunters. There’s a statue on the beach of this mythical creature to celebrate the story.

Wat Keaw Prasert

You’ll find a narrow beach side road, separated from the blue waters only by a few palm trees and a wide stretch of fine white sandy beach. Along the 3 kilometre strip you’ll find an eclectic mix of Thai and European operated bars and restaurants, often with a particular theme (the ‘Pirate’s Den’), bungalows and small hotels.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

The Chumphon Airport and a new marina are under development and destined to make a big impact on the tourist market When you think about Chumphon we would suggest you don’t think about the city but concentrate on the provincial coast. The city is about 12 kilometres inland as a commercial hub. Sure there are reasons to stay overnight if you are just in a ‘transit south’ mode but that won’t really give you the flavour of the region.

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33 Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

March 2018

Unsold Condos a Major Concern for Bangkok Developers

Although Thailand’s overall economy last year showed positive trends, condominium demand barely increased, with the number of unsold units exceeding 45,000, a major concern for developers.

Ratchaphum Jongpakdee, General Manager of property consultant Colliers International Thailand, said developers need to register gains every quarter, rendering them unable to postpone project launches to sell unsold units first. “[Developers] also tried to sell to foreign buyers and investors before selling to Thai buyers,” he said. “Many condo projects launched in the past few months sold at above-average prices for their locations.”

Bangkok’s condo market continued to grow in 2017 and will keep doing so in the future, given the many new mass transit lines and pipelines under construction. Although Thai demand remains limited and foreign buyers are seeking to invest only, developers should practice caution when selling to foreign buyers, said Mr Ratchaphum.

Condo supply in 2018 is expected to increase by 55,000–60,000 units in the city and outer city areas. The amount of new supply this year is expected to be close to that in 2017, give or take 5%. The market will depend on government policy, economic overview and land and construction costs, which are increasing every year.

In 2018, there will be more joint ventures between Thai and international developers than in 2017, he said. Major overseas partners include those from China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, as the property. market in Thailand is still in demand among foreign investors.

According to research by Colliers, the average take-up rate of condos in Bangkok was 75% last year, with more than 36,000 units waiting to be absorbed. Some 54% of unsold units were for sale at 50,001–100,000 THB per square metre, prices that many projects launched in the past few years.

The market will depend on government policy, economic overview and land and construction costs, which are increasing every year.

In 2018, there will be more joint ventures between Thai and international developers than in 2017, he said. Major overseas partners include those from China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, as the property market in Thailand is still in demand among foreign investors. According to research by Colliers, the average take-up rate of condos in Bangkok was 75% last year, with more

than 36,000 units waiting to be absorbed.

Some 54% of unsold units were for sale at 50,001–100,000 THB per square metre, prices that many projects launched in the past few years.

Although many developers sought to increase their high-end and luxury projects in their portfolios, they did not abandon midand low-level markets, which comprise the largest consumer groups in Bangkok. The average take-up rate of condos priced lower than 200,000 THB per sq m was 58%. The rate of those priced more than 200,000 THB per sq m was 61%. However, condos priced lower than 200,000 baht per sq m remained high at 69%.

Foreign buyers became a new target group for listed and well-known developers in Thailand, especially for projects located in areas along Sukhumvit and Ratchadaphisek roads and in the central business district.

However, some developers also sold units to foreign buyers in projects located along new mass transit lines currently under construction.

Some condo projects from listed developers launched in the fourth quarter of 2017 were able to close sales in the first day of the pre-sales period. Colliers reported over the past few years, the average sales price of new condominium units continued to increase by 15–20% annually and were higher in some locations.

Bangkok Post

Affordable Elegance In Town

MIL POOL VILLAS

Office Address : Mil Pool Villas Address : 158, Hua Hin Soi 102, Nong Gae, HuaHin, Prachuapkhirikhan HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018 77110, Thailand

234 Property Firms Acquire Land Worth Nearly 100 billion THB Twelve listed property firms have announced investment budgets worth between 98.04 and 99.04 billion THB to acquire land to develop residential projects worth between 385.15 and 385.64 billion THB in the year 2018, according to a survey by The Nation.

Over half of the investment budget from the firms will come from their initial cash while others will issue debentures worth a combined nearly 50 billion THB, along with seeking project financing from the commercial banks, according to the survey.

For example, Land & Houses Plc plans to issue debentures worth 14 billion THB this year, while Sansiri Plc issued debentures for 4 billion THB early this year, and Pruksa Holding Plc is planning to raise 5 billion THB from issue of debentures this year.

“We are confident the property market will experience strong growth of 510 per cent this year, thanks to the country’s estimated economic growth of 4 to 4.5 per cent in

the year, while the country’s exports and tourism have seen strong growth following the global economic recovery,” said Naporn Sunthrnchitcharoen, Land and Houses chairman of the board of directors.

The strong economic indicators explain the company’s strong investment this year to both develop residential projects and invest in new business to boost its recurring income.

Meanwhile, the government has expanded investments worth over 2 trillion THB from 2018 to 2020 to develop infrastructure projects nationwide.

That will boost the demand for residential project growth from this year through the next three years, said Pruksa Real Estate Plc’s chief executive officer premium, Prasert Taedullayasatit.

With the nationwide infrastructure expansion, most listed property firms have continued to develop residential projects around both existing and new mass transit routes.

Following the trend, land prices around existing and new mass transit routes have increased by double digits this year compared with last year.

“With land prices rising, it will boost residential price increases this year by five per cent,” said Pruksa’s Prasert. “Land price rises were the main factor affecting residential price increases last year, while other cost factors such as construction and labour moved slightly.”

A January 2nd announcement of the Treasury Department of the Finance Ministry noted that land prices nationwide were rising by double digits, especially in the central business districts of Bangkok.

Thai Real Estate Market Rebound Forecast in 2018

Thailand’s real estate market is forecast to rebound in 2018 as the local economy continues to recover, with condominiums to remain the top pick for consumers attracted to an urbanised lifestyle according to a Property Market Outlook Report.

Housing for senior citizens will also grow in popularity as developers compete for this section of the market amid an ageing population in Thailand, the research report showed.

The DDproperty Property Market Outlook 2018 report was launched to help homebuyers make an informed decision in making one of their biggest, and most expensive, purchases.

The report analyses relevant data from the past year to forecast market trends in the next 6-12 months, helping consumers – whether they are buyers, sellers, renters or lessors – to not only understand the market, but to prepare plans and make decisions with greater confidence.

Real estate demand in Bangkok was supported by developers launching projects near future mass transit lines and the city’s fringe areas during 2016-2017. However, when the Thai government’s economic stimulus package expired in the second quarter of 2016, demand became sluggish for most of 2017.

Demand is now expected for new property releases to start moving in an upward trend as we head into 2018, thanks to rising consuming spending - in-line with the economic recovery, the expansion of mass transit lines, and government infrastructure projects along the Eastern Economic Corridor,” said Kamolpat Swaengkit, Country Manager for DDproperty. “On the supply side, 2018 may see even more projects from developers compared to 2017, so the real estate market is forecast to show signs of improved health next year.”

The DDproperty Property Index shows condominiums had the highest price index growth at 209 in the third quarter of 2017, compared to single-detached houses and townhouses, reflecting increased demand. Developers are expected to launch more condominium and housing projects in 2018 in provinces such as Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong.

Developers had already ramped up launches throughout 2017, with an estimated 45,000 new units forecast to reach the market before the end of the year, a 15% increase from 2016. Supplies are likely to be even greater next year after the government’s decision to launch a new economic stimulus scheme, which have previously prompted greater consumer spending, including in the real estate sector.

According to DDproperty’s Consumer Sentiment Survey, consumers don’t believe property prices have changed in the past six months, and will remain stable for the next six months. Moreover, they believe property prices will increase by 5%-10% in the next five years, with condominiums enjoying the highest price growth.

Bangkok’s fringe areas such as Ratchada, Ladprao, and Rama 9 have caught the attention of consumers, whose purchasing decisions are made on three key factors: location, infrastructure/nearby amenities, and price. “In the first half of 2017, many consumers delayed their purchases due to economic uncertainty, and were waiting for the government to launch a stimulus package for them so they could buy a property at a lower price,” said Kamolpat.

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Making properties senior-friendly will be important

The survey results for the second half of 2017 and the first half of 2018 are expected to reveal higher consumer satisfaction levels due to the economic upturn, investment from both the private and public sectors, and lower household debts.

“In addition to incorporating some quirky innovations into newly launched developments by leading developers, what we expect to see in 2018 are more residential projects with senior-friendly facilities, as Thailand gears toward the complete aged society in seven years,” concluded Kamolpat.

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Hands are like swords or daggers.

The elbows are like a mace or hammer, to fell opponents.

The legs are like an axe.

The knees are like the staff of the axe.

Developed several centuries ago, its origins are not definitive. Much of its history was lost when Burma ransacked Siam’s capital, Ayutthaya, in the 18th century.

March 17th is commemorated as National Muay Thai Day. Thai boxing stadiums and gyms around the country lay on special ceremonies for the day. The biggest event is held in Ayutthaya with the city hosting the Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Ceremony in honour of the legendary boxer from Ayutthaya, Nai Khanom Tom. Muay Thai (kickboxing) is the Thai national sport. This is a day when the Muay Thai community celebrates the legacy of Nai Khanom Tom who faced fearsome odds. It is also a day when its members reflect on the sport they love, showing gratitude to those who teach them. His Majesty King Rama IX was an avid fan of Muay Thai, and after his coronation, the sport gained in popularity more than at any time in Thailand’s history.

Muay Thai is a martial arts form and contact sport where boxers use their entire body. It is also known as “The Art of Eight Limbs”, as martial artists of Muay Thai employ eight parts of the body that mimic weapons of war.

The legend of Nai Khanom Tom The legend and courage of kickboxer Nai Khanom Tom goes back to 1767 when invading Burmese troops captured many Thais in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya.

Those captured included several Thai boxers.

During a religious festival honoring the Buddha, the Burmese king commanded that a contest be held between fighters of the Thai and Burmese martial arts disciplines, to see which form was superior. A Burmese champion of the art of Lethwei was pitted against one of the captured Muay Thai boxers, Kai Khanom Tom. Before he began to fight, Nai Khanom Tom performed the customary Wai Khru ritual to pay his respects to his teacher, the Burmese king and the audience. The Wai Khru dance he performed was eloquent and graceful, mixed in with fierce battle movements. Legend has it that the audience was mesmerised, as was the Burmese boxer.

When he completed the ritual, Nai Khanom Tom came out fighting, punching

and kicking using his elbows, knees and his entire body to defeat his opponent. The opponent cried foul, saying he was distracted by the Wai Khru dance. The referee voided the win. The King ordered Tom to fight nine consecutive opponents. Without rest, Tom is said to have defeated them all.

However, Lord Mangra was so enthralled with Thai boxing that he summoned Nai Khanom Tom to reward him, asking which he would prefer, money or beauteous wives.

Without hesitation, Nai Khanom Tom said he would take the wives, because money was easier to find.

In time, Nai Khamon Tom took his lovely wives to Thailand, where he lived with them until the end of his life.

Nai Khanom Tom is considered the first Thai boxer to have imprinted the art of Thai boxing with dignity, and who gave it such a reputation beyond Thailand’s borders that the episode remains engraved in the history of Burma until this day.

Every 17th of March, the Thai people honour Nai Khanom Tom. That night is called “Boxer’s night” where every stadium of the country dedicates fights in honour of Nai Khanom Tom and his valour. A Nai Khanom Tom festival is also held in the beautiful ancient capital city of Ayutthaya.

For more information, visit event-carnival.com/thailand/worldthai-martial-arts-festival.

So You Want To Learn More About Muay Thai?

Whether it’s to understand the traditions and rituals, an interest in combative sport or if personal fitness is the priority, becoming involved in Muay Thai is on the ‘bucket list’ of many residents and visitors to Hua Hin. It’s much more than Thailand’s national sport; it’s a national ‘way of life’.

Interested?, just call by to discuss the training options and programs during opening hours.

Learning about Muay Thai means being connected to a reputable Muay Thai gym.

Hua Hin has gyms of all shapes and sizes, but how will you know which gym is reputable and able to meet your needs? One of the newest facilities in town is now setting that benchmark, in part because of the expertise of the principle, Wanchana Williaphut or Khun Go as his friends may know him.

About King of Muay Thai

Suitable For: Men and women of all levels of fitness or experience for a fitness boost or with an ambition to participate in competitive Muay Thai boxing. All ages are welcome with kid’s classes available.

‘King of Muay Thai’ is Khun Go’s new Muay Thai Gym and Fitness Centre.

Before meeting Khun Go in person, a televised Max Muay Thai professional boxing match from Pattaya was our introduction as he recently featured in a 65 KG division match. After beginning the sport at the age of nine under his father’s tutelage, he now has a professional record of 250 wins (190 by knockout), 60 draws and 30 losses.

Khun Go; the head trainer at King of Muay Thai

Action at Max Muay Thai Taking advantage of Khun Go’s reputation and experience is one way new starters can confidently begin their Muay Thai journey. He’s likely to greet you with “G’Day”; an Australian welcome he adopted after a year spent coaching in that country. He has also coached and/or fought in countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines and Myanmar apart from Thailand’s main stadiums. If the credentials of the coach are important to you, then Khun Go’s are immaculate.

Apart from gaining fitness and learning sparring and clinching techniques, anyone considering competitive Muay Thai boxing will need the support and connections of a reputable gym and someone well known to promoters. Khun Go can offer that introduction when he judges that you are ‘ready to rumble’!

The facilities of many Muay Thai gyms can best be described as basic. King of Muay Thai offers much more than that. Modern, clean ablution and changing rooms are a welcome change from gyms which cannot even offer a hot water shower.

There’s camaraderie amongst trainees and the kids really get involved There’s a bubbling Jacuzzi to ease any muscle pain and aid recovery after working out. The surrounds combine open, green spaces with a 7 x 7 metre ring, kid’s trampoline and play area with the latest training equipment alongside a juice and coffee bar. That means a friendly and very sociable atmosphere. There’s really no reason why Muay Thai training needs to be sub-standard when it comes to creature comforts or a social scene.

Location: Take Soi 94 from Phetchakasim Road, cross the railway lines then turn left at soi 3 opposite the Amara Hotel.

Open: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 7 PM, available to hire for private use on Sunday.

Contact: Phone 095 534 2332 Website: www.kingofmuaythaigym.com HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

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40 Hua Hin, Cha-Am, Pranburi

March 2018

Centara World Masters Golf Championship Coming To Hua Hin

he fifth installment of one of Thailand’s biggest and most enjoyed tournament for club golfers, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship, returns to Hua Hin from 10th to 16th June.

Such is the event’s popularity, more than 300 golfers have signed up for the tournament since registrations opened 4 months ago. Testimony to the events worldwide appeal, golfers from Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, USA, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan, France, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and host country Thailand have already confirmed their participation.

Centara Grand Hua Hin Beach Resort & Villas hosts spectacular welcome and presentation dinners as well 19th hole entertainment events every night of the week-long tournament.

Open to golfers aged 35 and over, the Centara World Masters is played in age and handicap divisions for both men and women.

Playing and competing with golfers of a similar age and standard is part of the tournaments winning formula.

Golfers will play Hua Hin’s four premier golfing resorts for this year’s 72 hole championship; Black Mountain and Banyan will headline the course rotation. With a major new pipeline now delivering unlimited water to neighboring Springfield Country Club and Imperial Lake View golf courses,

these impressive layouts now boast lush, emerald-green fairways where you never get a bad lie.

“Severe drought over the past couple of years had really impacted these two courses that were dependent on mother nature for watering. It’s amazing how lush both the courses are now that they have regular water supply.

Last time I inspected Imperial Lake View the fairways had major cracks down the middle of them and we had to play ‘teeup’ at Springfield. Now these courses have the lushest fairways and your ball sits up perfect. The transformation in course conditioning is amazing and I just know golfers will really enjoy playing these courses.” Mark Siegel, Managing Director, Golfasian.

Tournament veteran Daryn Kitchener from Brisbane Australia is among the first to register every year. “I travel to a lot of tournaments around the world and it just doesn’t get any better than the Centara World Masters. Organisers look after absolutely everything for you. I’ve never been so spoiled on a golf course like I am at the Centara Masters. I went on my own the first year and you just meet all these wonderful people from all over. It’s great catching up each year and making more f r i e n d s . To s ay I ’ m exc i te d i s a n understatement.”

For complete event information www.thailandworldmasters.com

David Lewins Golf Tuition Private golf lessons from a PGA Thailand professional On course anywhere in Hua H in or Cha-Am Single players 800 THB per hour Doubles 1,200 THB per hour or

10x 1 hour packages for 6,000 THB

+669 5 760 1696 lewinsnam@hotmail.com teerati.dave Teerati Lewins HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

‘Rhodes Rules School’ Questions & Answers

For golfers of all abilities who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Golf provided by Rules guru and author Barry Rhodes.

Each month 5 new Questions & Answers will be shown; here are numbers 91 - 96.

TRUE or FALSE?

Question 91 A ball to be dropped under the Rules may be dropped by the player, his partner or his caddie. True or False?

Answer: False. Rule 20-2a. Note: A ball to be dropped under the Rules may only be dropped by the player himself.

Question 92 An island of grass in the middle of a bunker is not part of the bunker. True or False?

Answer: True. Definition of Bunker.

Note: Grass-covered ground bordering or within a bunker is not part of the bunker.

Question 93 Ground under repair may not be located on the putting green. True or False?

Answer: False. Definition of Ground Under Repair. Note: Ground under repair may be on any part of the course the Committee orders.

Question 94 The Rules for ground under repair are the same as for abnormal ground condition.

True or False?

Answer: True. Definition of Abnormal Ground Conditions and Rule 25-1. Note: Ground under repair is an abnormal ground condition, together with casual water and holes, casts or runways on the course made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird.

Question 96 A loose impediment on the fairway may be removed by any means. True or False?

Answer: True. Decision 23-1/1. Note: Loose impediments may be moved by any means, except that, in removing loose impediments on the line of putt, the player must not press anything down. Rule 16-1a.

The above content has been provided to Hua Hin Today by Barry Rhodes ©2016 and may not be copied without permission.

The answers to the questions have been referenced to the Rules of Golf 2016 ©2015 and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf 20162017 ©2015, as approved by R&A Rules Limited and The United States Golf Association. The answers do not carry the official approval of the R&A or USGA. Check out www.barryrhodes.com

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10 42 “This tournament is about making friends and I’ve enjoyed myself immensely” Mike Gatting England Test Player (2001 Sixes)

The Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes is billed as one of the world’s most popular and long-running amateur cricket tournaments. It takes place every year and has run since 1987; this will be the 31st year.

The event will take place for one week, from 1st to 7th April. Around 40 teams will compete this year from 12-15 countries. The event is held at the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club ground in Chiang Mai The tried and trusted formula of the Chiang Mai Sixes is an intoxicating mixture of high-scoring, fast-paced sixes cricket, camaraderie on and off the pitch in bars and restaurants all around Chiang Mai with wellorganised social functions for cricketers and supporters.

Several new teams enter each year, while preference is given to teams that have participated in previous tournaments.

New teams interested in taking part in the Chiang Mai Sixes should contact team’s c o o r d i n a t o r, G e o r g e A p p l e t o n a t gappleton007@gmail.com.

Teams can register up to 8 or 10 players for the event, better teams play in the Players Section and are allowed 8 registered players, while the other teams play in the Gentlemen’s Section and are allowed 10 registered players.

A team entry fee is payable once a team has a tournament slot.

Additional team supporters are always welcome at the Sixes! This is an amateur event and to raise money for cricket in Northern Thailand. Event fees pay for the maintenance of sports facilities, youth coaching with initiatives that support hill tribe cricket and kids who need support to enable them to play. www.chiangmaisixes.cricket

Amari Hua Hin Calling Golfers for a Week of Sun, Kiteboarding Restrictions Proposed for Hua Hin Beaches Sea & Swing

This month, Amari Hua Hin will host Amateur Golf Week 2018, a series of golf events in destinations across Thailand and surrounding countries to highlight the great golf courses here in from 11 – 17 March 2018.

A meeting has been held by officials and operators of kiteboarding activities to coordinate protective measures aimed at improving the safety of this popular Hua Hin beach sport. The meeting was convened by Mr Rutpratip Thumripipat as Chief District Officer of Hua Hin Accidents in recent times have prompted this review with the municipality intending to clearly signed restricted areas restrict areas where kiteboarding will not be allowed.

There is likely to be penalties and legal action taken against those who do not comply with these restrictions. The meeting called for water sports operators to make a memorandum of agreement with the City of Hua Hin so that the restrictions can be implemented in a cooperative manner. The aim is to improve the safety and convenience of both kiteboarders and other beach users and to ensure that the sport is compatible with the interests of all Hua Hin beach users.

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

The Amari Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week will see budding golfers from around the world descend for a week packed with great golf and even better company. There are also special tours and events planned for all accompanying non-golfers, including a half-day tour of Hua Hin, Thai cooking classes, spa treatments and more.

The seven-day event will showcase the best golf courses in Hua Hin, including Black Mountain and the Banyan Golf Club. The

tournament will be played over four rounds and the daily results will be announced.

Individual trophies will be given out each night during the social happy hour at the poolside.

The package for six nights’ accommodation and four rounds of golf costs 47,500 THB net per person (single supplement applies).

For more information and reservations, please visit: ww.amari.com/huahin/amateurgolf-week.aspx or call at +66 (0) 32 616 600.

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12 44 An Introduction to Estate Living

Between Cha-Am and Hua Hin, there are many choices of living styles from high rise condominiums to luxury pool villas or just simple cottage homes. However, there is only one estate which can meet the needs of any holiday or residential requirement – the THEW TALAY ESTATE.

‘BABA BEACH CLUB’ Hotel & Residences

Beachfront Pool, Music Lovers Hotel with International Dining

‘BAAN CHOK’

A remodeled colonial styled retreat named after development principle Mr. Tiam Chokwatana

‘BAAN THEW TALAY - AQUAMARINE’

A luxury beachfront condominium complex with 270 units

‘BAAN THEW TALAY - BLUE SAPPHIRE’

Beachfront Condominium with 100 m. swimming pool and slider

‘BAAN THEW TALAY - BLU’

High rise condominium with Panoramic Seaview + Beach Access

At the THEW TALAY ESTATE Cha-Am Hua Hin you’ll find an eclectic blend of contemporary minimalist design and modern conveniences but also the elements of a Neo-colonial era with decorative effects from the ‘olde worlde’ and intriguing historical pictures and artifacts from a bygone era. All this with an absolute ocean frontage and all the on-site pleasures of life and leisure. Estate living has come to the Cha-Am/ Hua Hin region with these multi-awards winning property development.

THEW TALAY ESTATE

Location: Around 4 kilometres south from central Cha-Am with direct access from Phetkasem Road Website: charnissara.com/Landmark_Project/ThewTalayEstate/ Phone:Sales Office 032 472709-10 HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

45 March 2018

Art is in the Air! The Novotel Unveils the Brand New Gravity Sky Bar

The Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa opened the Gravity Sky Bar, an open-air 360 degree rooftop venue located on the 24th floor of the resort, decorated by renowned Bangkok Street Artists. crosshatched with geometric patterns and animal forms.

After participating in exhibitions and art festivals in Thailand, Rukkit has been recognised internationally and invited to paint in Japan, South Korea, India and Hong Kong. The second artwork is painted by Khun Kittipong Kamsart, one of Thailand’s leading graffiti artists.

Featuring custom designed furniture and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, Gravity Sky Bar is the newest space to see and be seen.

Your cocktail experiences are taken to new heights with signature sensory cocktails focusing on sight, smell, sound, texture and taste.

The drink list also includes a selection of wine and spirits. The venue accommodate up to 110 people and suitable also as a private dining venue or for special events and weddings.

The artwork displayed on the walls created by two street artists. Khun Rukkit Kuanha-wate’s art focuses on bold colours,

His work has been exhibited at HOF Art Residency Bangkok and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

Come to Gravity Sky Bar to put your senses to the test; open daily from 16.00 – 24.00hrs. For enquiries and reservation, please call (+66)32 708 300 or email rsvn@ novotelhuahin.com. Visit the website: www. novotelhuahin.com

FOOD & Entertainment, March 2018

2 46 Shopping For the Best BBQ Grills and Accessories in Thailand?

We would like to introduce to one of the best shopping destination for BBQ grills and accessories.

You will find Mason Appetite on the 3rd floor, The Living Zone, BluPort and their range is also on sale at most Villa Market supermarkets.

I love Ball Mason jars. They are ideal to be used as drinking containers and for preserving food - jams, chutneys, marmalades and soups. FoodSaver vacuum machine keeps food fresh up to 5 times longer than if you put them in other containers. Specially, we can use FoodSaver machine to vacuum Ball jars which is so wonderful and convenient.

They offer a wide range of BBQ products, such as gas and charcoal grills, BBQ accessories, wood chips and chunks. The BBQ grills they carry are well designed and of the highest quality. Napoleon brand is well known as the world’s No. 1 BBQ grill.

If you are thinking of having a BBQ grill party with friends and family, enjoying the smell of barbecued steaks, sausages, enjoying tasty smoked salmon and grilled vegetables, it’s an ideal way of socialising in the comfort of your own home.

Mason Appetite also carries good quality cooking items, such as Lodge cast iron frying pans, Good Cook kitchen gadgets, and Ball mason jars.

FOOD & Entertainment, March 2018

I also found Ball Blender in their range.

It is a chic blending machine which is good for making smoothies and juicing. It’s easy to create your own recipes blend-and-go with fresh, clean fruits and vegetables.

Especially, it is a natural way of absorbing the essential vitamins and keeping you and the family fit and healthy.

If you want to source quality products and be the envy of all your friends at the next barbecue, Mason Appetitie is definitely the right shop that I recommend.

Mason Appetite shopin-shop on 3rd Floor, The Living Zone, BluPort and Villa Market.

473 East Meets West; Dining at the Marriott

Big Fish has been around in Hua Hin for some time, but the menu hasn’t! The stunning seafront restaurant at the Hua Hin Marriot Resort & Spa has unveiled a contemporary new menu created by its young head chef, Xavier Charest-Rehel.

Chef Xavier may be young but he has a lifetime of culinary experience. Having worked with some of the finest restaurants around the world, he has now brought his dynamic culinary style to diners at Big Fish & Bar which overlooks Hua Hin’s sandy beach and the glittering gulf of Thailand.

With the re-invented menu, guests can look forward to inventive meals that are funky yet simple, artistic yet artisan and focusing on quality of ingredients yet always containing a unique personal twist. With the theme ‘East Meets West’ Chef Xavier creates an exquisite dish with a blend of Thai and Western culture.

For example, his classic beef tartare features parmesan, old balsamic and fried Thai basil to reflect his diverse global influence, scallops are accompanied by exotic lychee salsa and mango puree.

Main dishes such as the lamb rack with Thai herbs, fresh cavatelli pasta with tiger prawns and Thai pesto, French duck breast with chestnut puree and fried Thai potatoes and strawberry vinegar all demonstrate the chefs international flair, while prime Australian Wagyu rib eye or tenderloin steaks showcase high quality ingredients, perfectly cooked.

The dessert menu reflects a similar combination of classic and contemporary creations including Thai dessert salad with banana cake and Chantilly cream, Omelet Norwegian with mango ice cream, puffed rice, Italian meringue and kirsch liquor and classic Italian tiramisu.

In addition to the à la carte, there is also a tapas menu including a Chiang Mai Thai cheese platter, charcuterie and, harnessing the fresh bounty of the ocean, a seafood

tower that features an indulgent assortment of oysters, scallops, shrimps, rock lobster and squid.

With Chef Xavier at the helm, Big Fish & Bar is strengthening its reputation as Hua Hin’s most exciting dining venue with an incredible ocean views as a must-eat destination for local foodies, those from Bangkok and across the world.

Hua Hin Marriot Resort & Spa is happy to introduce their latest menu items where East Meets West to create the most distinctive and enjoyable blend. Have you tried the new menu items yet?

Dusit Thani Devarana Spa;

Ngmab Tamrab Essence Treatmen Saint Patrick’s Day is on 17th March each year.

On St. Patrick’s Day it is customary to wear shamrocks and or green clothing or accessories (the “wearing of the green”).

This is the date of the death of the most commonly-recognised patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick ( AD 385–461).

Ngmab (Thai Scented Water) has long been used as a herbal cosmetic to relieve the summer heat. It helps to invigorate and cool down the body temperature with Thai herbs. Sandalwood, White Cinnamon, Pandan Leaves, Thai White Clay and Patchouli calm sensitive and sunburned skin and bring summer bliss into your day.

Devarana Spa has created the unique Ngmab Tamrab with Thai flowers such as Jasmine, Rose and Ylang Ylang with fresh honey. This special floral Ngmab Tamrab is called “Thipramjuan” which means divine floral water.

Treatment starts with Thipramjuan Body Scrub, which blends Ngmab

essence with aromatic flower oils and Thai White Clay including Aloe Vera Gel. This refreshing scrub helps replenish and calm sensitive skin. The therapist ends the summer essential treatment with an oil massage of choice using the cool and fresh scent of Jasmine and Peppermint.

This refreshing Devarana Ngmab Tamrab Essence treatment is available throughout March and April 2018 at all Devarana Spas.

The 120-min Devarana Ngmab Tamrab Essence includes: 30-min Thipramjuan Body Scrub, 90-min Aromatic Jasmine & Mint Massage Price: THB 3,900 net FOOD & Entertainment, March 2018

48 4 WEEKLY MONDAYS Sundara Sports Lounge at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Sensational savory Pies Pies Pies await. Sundara invites you to experience its baked fresh puffs and pies with deliciously tasty fillings. Choose from all time favorite Shepherd’s Pie, Creamy Chicken Pie, Fisherman’s Pie to a vegie choice of Spinach and Cheese Pie. These delightful treats are made daily from scratch to the crust! and served fresh.

Culinary Treasures of Japan, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS Thai Temple Fair, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

InAzia Restaurant at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Savor such toothsome Alaskan King Crab, sustainably sourced from the wild and woolly ocean off the coast of Alaska, flown in as fresh as can be and subtly seasoned with InAzia’s passionate chefs’ creativity. With its giant, tight and sweet flavor, it becomes the most famous menu everybody thinks of first for a long time.

Recommended dishes are King Crab Maki Rolls, Steamed King Crab White Asparagus with Crab Sauce and more.

Reef Deli and Wine Lounge, Amari Hua Hin

Every Monday from 6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at Hagi Japanese Restaurant.

Japanese buffet enjoy a wide variety of Japanese specialties such as Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, live Teppanyaki Savour the sweet, soft and much more... Price: Baht 1,100++ per person. and succulent tast of the Siam River Prawn Tasty Tropical Treats, every day at Reef Deli Centara Grand Beach every day. an Executive Resort and Villas Hua chef Pichit Plaibua has Hin recently crafted six exceptional gastronomic dishes that blend the natural rich flavours of the Siam River Prawn with innovative style of preparation, such as Phad Thai Goong Daily from 10:00 a.m.

Mea Nam, Grilled River to 6:00 p.m. at The Prawn served with Thai Museum Coffee & Tea Spicy Seafood Sauce; Corner. Enjoy the true Goong Mae Nam Tod taste of summer with Kra Tiem and many The Museum’s “Tasty more. Discover the Tropical Treats” featuring mouth-watering and a sweet and sour exceptional taste of the selection of delicious Siam River Prawn every desserts made fresh day from 11:00 to 22:00, daily using the best Price per menu starts local pineapples and from 390++ coconuts from Hua Hin Afternoon Tea that is just too good to Selections, Centara resist. Price: Starts from Grand Beach Resort and Baht 150++.

Villas Hua Hin LET’S NABE!, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

Daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Hagi Japanese Restaurant.

Come and try the most comforting and fun “Nabemono” Japanese Hot Pot at Hagi featuring a seafood & meat selection of your choice and other delicious specialties in a flavourful broth made traditional ways. Price: Baht 250++.

Monday - Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner. We have now introduced 3 different types of High Tea set for you to select and choose between Hua Hin set, Heritage set or Colonial set along with premium selected coffee and TWG tea Price : Starting from Baht 450++ per set.

Wednesday – 7th , 21th from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Suan Bua Thai Restaurant. Submerge yourself into a genuine Thai cultural event and experience culinary delights from all over the Kingdom whilst listening to indigenous music from throughout Thailand. Price: Baht 850++ per person.

WEDNESDAYS Salas Pool Restaurant at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Light, yet deliciously rich, this famous Pacific salmon has a rosy orange color and is enriched with omega-6 and protien. Salas invites you to discover the rich variety of the “Wide Sockeye Salmon” through selections such as Sockeye Capaccio, Homemade Salmon Ravioli, and more prepared by professional chefs to bring out the best flavors.

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

M Night at Siam Bakery, Reef & Beef, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Marriott Resort & Spa Villas Hua Hin

Friday – 2nd , 23rd from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at COAST Beach Club & Bistro. Discover the variety of coast side dishes and a wide assortment of tempting appetizers, fresh fish, seafood, prime quality meats and live entertainment.

Price: Baht 1,200++ per person.

Spectacular Seafood Creations, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Steak Out, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

Tuesday to Sunday, dinner only at Railway Restaurant. Thrill your palate this season with “Spectacular Seafood CLASSIC CRAB Every Thursday from Creations” featuring an DELICACIES, Centara 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 pm. indulgent seafood feast Grand Beach Resort and at COAST Beach fresh from the ocean.

Villas Hua Hin Club & Bistro. Select Among highlights are your preferred steak Rock Lobster Thermidor, from Australia or New Snow Crab Risotto, and Zealand. Cooked to your Char-grilled Butterflied order and accompanied Tiger Prawns uniquely by the chef’s salad created by Executive buffet of fresh cut Chef Steffen Hoffer. vegetables and greens Price: Starting from Baht - truly a meat lovers 420++. delight! Price: Baht Classical Music of the 990++ (200g portion).

Night, Centara Grand Dusit Thani Hua Hin Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Daily from 12.00 noon to 10:30 p.m. at Suan Bua Thai Restaurant. Be delighted by “Classic Crab Delicacies” from SuanBua showcasing crab freshness in signature Thai dishes This refreshing Devarana Friday, 23rd March from start to finish.

2018 from 6:30 p.m. to Ngmab Tamrab Sample such authentic 8:30 p.m. at Colonial Essence treatment is dishes as Stir-fried King Hall. Join us in an available throughout Crab in Yellow Curry evening of musical March and April 2018 and Pad Thai with Crab magic and get carried at all Devarana Spas.

Meat and many more away by the classical The 120-min Devarana appetising delights Ngmab Tamrab Essence live entertainment bursting with flavours. from “Incursion Trio” includes: 30-min Price: Starting from Baht Thipramjuan Body beautifully accompanied 230++.

Scrub, 90-min Aromatic by a delightful Jasmine & Mint Massage. assortment of canapés Amari Hua Hin and evening drinks.

Price: THB 3,900 net.

Price: Baht 700 net.

Juicy Spa Ritual, Exclusive Lounge.

Centara Grand Beach Amari Hua Hin Laugh, Resort and Villas Hua play, eat and connect Hin through memorable Splash up yourself to moments..Indulge in be ready for summer the cosy setting with season. Experience the friends and family whilst juicy scents of MANGO savouring an array of and COCONUT in this Get radiant for the delicious delights at tropical spa ritual that summer! Breeze Spa Coral Lounge. Nibble nourishes the skin and invites all guests to try on a variety of canapes, leaves you smelling the newest promotion, cheeses and cold heavenly and ready for the “Pineapple Body cuts alongside a wide a fantastic holiday! Your selection of wine, beer, Revival Package” at Experience Includes: 3,700 THB per person. soft drinks, cocktails, Foot Ritual Choice of For more details or to and more. Enjoy free Mango or Coconut Body flow every day from 18 make an appointment, Scrub. Nourishing Topplease call Breeze Spa, to 19:30 at Coral Lounge, Hua Hin, at 032 616 600 to-Toe Body Massage Lobby bar of Amari Hua or email huahin@breeze- Duration: 120 minutes.

Hin. Special price per Price: 2,900++/ person. spa.com. adult 699++ THB.

The perfect event to gather with friends on Saturday Night, with delectable cold cuts&cheeses buffet and broad choices of beverages along with band and DJ. Date: 17th March (Every third Saturday of ythe month) Time: 19.00-23.00 hrs.

Price@THB 499++per person including a welcome glass of sparking wine.

Family Pool Fun Day, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

3rd March, 3p.m. Head down to the Railway Pool for a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Kid’s will be entertained by our Sports & Activity team while the parents can join-in or sit back and enjoy the tunes played by DJ Steve of Surf 102.5FM. SPECIAL KIDS BUFFET 5pm-6pm for only 350 Baht net.

A Sensational Evening with Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

10th March from 6:30 p.m. onwards at Hagi Japanese Restaurant.

Get ready for the excitement this March as Hagi Japanese Restaurant welcomes Master Chef Hiroaki Yamaguchi for his most popular creations in a five-course dinner menu complemented by a well-balanced wine list.

Price: Baht 2,250++ per person. Baht 2,950++ per person with wine pairing.

AQUA, Amari Hua Hin

Aqua pool bar presents a poolside favourite dishes which bring in a unique Thai flavour and a Mexican touch together. The pool side promotions include Moo Krob, fried chicken wings with fish sauce, Kung Thod & the Mexican twist on Roasted Marinated Tentacle Squid with Chipotle & Pickled Vegetables, price per menu starts from 220++.

PHONE NUMBERS Amari Hua Hin: 032 616 600 BaBa Beach Club Hua Hin: 032 899 130 Cape Nidhra Hotel Hua Hin: 032 516 600 Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin 032 512 021

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

Corner 112 Grill Restaurant: 083 006 1300 Dusit Thani Hua Hin: 032 520 009 Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort: 032 616 999 Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa: 032 904 666

SUNDAYS Sunday family Roasts, Marriott Resort & Spa

Gather with family and friends to enjoy premium roasted items including whole leg of pork and lamp slowy roasted,salmon filet baked in puff pastry with variety of live station along with live band.magic show and kid’s activities. Date:25th Masrch. Last Sunday of every month Time: 12.00-15.00hrs Price @ THB 1,350++ per person including soft drink.

Sunday Roast @ COAST, Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin

Every Sunday exclusive for Dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro.

Choose your own favourite portion of ROAST - Tender Pork, Juicy Beef or Tasteful Lamb, served right at your table with freshly cooked root vegetables and assorted home made sauces. Price: Starts from Baht 690++ per couple.

Extravagant Easter, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Sunday, 1st April 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at COAST Beach Club & Bistro. Hop over to COAST Beach Club & Bistro and celebrate Easter Sunday and enjoyed with our Trio band. Price: Baht 1,750++ per person.

Coral Lounge, Amari Hua Hin

Indulging in some sweets for a delight afternoon tea menu which served in two small and large. The afternoon tea set menu includes Brie and bacon, spinach panini, Chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, Ratatouille, mozzarella cheese quiche, Mixed green wrapped, lemon honey, Chocolate brownies and raspberry cheese cake and Fruits scones with cream and berry sauce.

Advertise with

Novotel Hua Hin Beach Resort & Spa: 032 708300 Putahracsa Hua Hin Resort: 032 531 470 Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa: 032 708 000 Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas: 032 909 900

Hua Hin Today Tel: 086 369 3604 visa@huahintoday.com www.huahintoday.com

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30% 30% VIP VIP Alphabetical list list Alphabetical

Discount up up to to 30% 30% for for Hua Hua Hin Hin Today Today VIP VIP Card Card holders holders Discount

Camp Palapon Martial Arts & Holistic Fitness Camp ศิลปะการต่อสูแ ้ ละการออกกำาลังกายแบบองค์รวมค่าย 武术馆&健身训练营

10% VIP

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Monsoon Valley Vineyard Award-winning wines crafted using old world values with new world enthusiasm. A whole new world of wine discovery.

Address: Between the famous Thai resorts of Hua Hin and the fabulous Takiab Beach Tel: 086 803 9085 Email: info@palapon.net Web: www.palapon.net 71

Health Lab Hua Hin Medical Laboratory, Blood Testing บริการเจาะเลือดและสารคัดหลัง่ 放血、刺穿及试样处理

Address: 1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana, Nong Plup, Hua Hin Tel: 081 701 0444 Email: info@monsoonvalley.com Web: www.monsoonvalley.com 62

Address: Soi Hua Hin 45 and Soi Hua Hin 45/1 Tel: 032 515 920, 094 494 5649 Email: info.healthlab@gmail.com Web: www.healthlabclinic.com

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin

Hua Hin Home Art

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A total of 45 hospitals throughout Thailand & Cambodia รวม 45 โรงพยาบาลทัว ่ ประเทศไทยและประเทศกัมพูชา 45家医院遍布泰国和柬埔寨

Hua Hin Home Art has the largest collection in Hua Hin of stone and wood art to make your home, business, resort and garden.

Address: 888 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 800 or 1719 (local calls only) Email: huahin@bangkokhospital.com Web: www.bangkokhospital.com/huahin/en/

Address: 180 Moo 7, T. Taptai A. Hua Hin J.Prachuap Khiri Khan Tel: 093 175 3566 Email: huahinhomeart@hotmail.com Web: www.huahin-homeart.com 73

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True Arena

Sivana Gardens Pool Villas

True Arena Hua Hin is Asia’s premier tennis, sports and recreational center, located in the heart of Thailand’s seaside resort town of Hua Hin.

Located in Khao Tao, Sivana Gardens Pool Villa offers an outdoor pool and year-round outdoor pool. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

Address: 52/52 Petchkasem Road, Nong Kae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 909 633 Email: info@truearenahuahin.com Web: www.truearenahuahin.com

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Address: Soi 126 Hua Hin, Phetkasem Rd Tel: 082 840 8080 Email: info@sivanagardens.com 74 Web: www.sivanagardens.com

Water Jungle Vana Nava Hua Hin

Lotus Sports Club (Muay Thai)

Tropical environment, amazing slides, rides ... สภาพแวดล้อมเขตร้อนสไลด์ทน ่ี า่ ตืน ่ ตาตืน ่ ใจ, ขี่ สถานทีท ่ อ ่ งเทีย ่ ว 热带环境，绝色美景，游乐设施和景点...

Shadow boxing, bag work, Muay Thai techiniques, sparing, stretching, swimming, running, rope jump, pad work, bags, clinch, kness or low kick ...

Address: 129/99 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 909 606 Email: info@vananava.com Web: www.vananavahuahin.com

Address: 112 Soi 102 Tambon Thap Tai, Hua Hin, Chang Wat Tel: 032 510 106 Email: info@lotushuahin.com Web: www.lotushuahin.com

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Black Mountain Golf Club It is the only course in Thailand ever named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses Outside the US. Black Mountain高尔夫球场建立于2007年，在4年的营业中获 得“亚洲最好新球场”的美誉 Address: 565, Moo7, Nong Hieng Rd, Hin Lek Fai Tel: 032 618 666 Email: info@bmghuahin.com Web: www.blackmountainhuahin.com

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Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin The Banyan is set in a valley basin with some spectacular views and Golf East, the Thai design company 自 2008 年俱乐部开业以来，Banyan 高尔夫已经连续三年被《 亚洲高尔夫月刊》评选为最佳三大球场之一 Address: 68/34 Mooban Hua Na, Nong Gae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 200 Email: reservations@banyanthailand.com Web: www.banyanthailand.com

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Fine Wood Shutter Fine Wood Company is the leading shutters specialist in Thailand-Crafting professional quality natural wood shutters is our expertise.

Address: 146/60 Phechkaseam Road, Tambol Nongkhae, HuaHin Tel: 02 662 4476, 086 424 9936 Email: info@finewoodshutter.com Web: www.finewoodshutter.com Line ID: Finewoodcompany 76

Mason Appetite MasonAppetite is an authorized representative for premium home products. We dedicate to source & select only reliable quality with great design & function.

Address: Baan Mai, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, 11120 Tel: 029 841 155, 083-0969099 Email: mason.appetite@gmail.com Web: www.masonappetite.com

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Hua Hin Today Translation Services

HH Home Living

Certified translation services are available in any language as needed for official purposes. Quick turnaround and competitive rates.

Bathroom, Decking Fencing, Furniture, Hotel & Restaurant Supplies, Jacuzzi, Kitchen, Lighting, Stone, Swimming Pool, Window, Ceramic, Linen & Towels

Address: 62/69 Soi Moobaan Hua-Na, Nongkae, Hua Hin Tel: 086 3693 604 Email: visa@huahintoday.com Web: www.huahintoday.com

Address: 62/69 Soi Moobaan Hua-Na, Nongkae, Hua Hin Tel: 061 815 2680 Email: info@hh-homeliving.com Web: www.hh-homeliving.com

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Kiteboarding Asia Hua Hin

Asian Secure Hua Hin-Vaults

Book kitesurfing & SUP lessons, buy kites, kiteboards.. หนังสือ ไคท์บอร์ด และบทเรียน ซับ, ไคท์บอร์ด 预定冲浪活动，SUP课程，风筝以及冲浪板...

Top security Hi-tech Steel Vault - Protected by 24/7 Monitoring of Alarm & CCTV. Deposit your valuables, documents, jewels in safety. Deposit boxes with dual locks.

Address: 59/118 Soi 116 Nongkae, Hua Hin Tel: 086-3547352, 086-5046405 Email: asiansecure01@gmail.com

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Address: 143/8 Soi 75/1, Hua Hin Tel: 081 591 4593 Email: huahin@kiteboardingasia.com Web: www.kiteboardingasia.com

10% VIP

79

Nadpob Dental Clinic

Boonthavorn Hua Hin Your centre for tiles, bathroom, kitchen, furniture and living. 200km free delivery. บุญถาวรหัวหิน จุดเริม ่ ต้นของการ สร้างสรรค์อนาคตสะอาดใส และหลากหลายไอเดียแต่งบ้านทีค ่ ณ ุ สรรค์สร้างได้ดง่ั ใจ เปิดให้คณ ุ สัมผัสแล้ววันนี้ Open: 8:00 am. - 20:00 pm.

Address: 4/48 Moo Ban Bofai, Hua Hin Tel: 032 522 555 Fax: 032 520 141 Web: www.boonthavorn.com

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Except, Implant, Orthodontics, Treatment ... ตกแต่งทันตกรรมรากเทียม และอืน ่ ๆ 牙科美容，植入手术等 Address: Huahin Market Village, floor 1 st Tel: 089 910 1033 Email: nadpobdental@hotmail.com Web: facebook.com/pages/Nadpob-Dental-Clinic

10% VIP

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HUA HUA HIN TODAY, November HIN TODAY, March 2015 2018

6 650 Alphabetical list

30% VIP

30% VIP Alphabetical list Discount up to 30% for Hua Hin Today VIP Card holders Discount up to 30% for Hua Hin Today VIP Card holders

Da Mario Italian Restaurant

Azure at InterContinental Hua Hin

Cuisine: Italian ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารอิตาเลีย ่ น 菜肴: 意大利菜

Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean, Thai, Grill ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารทะเล, ทะเลเมดิเตอร์เรเนียน, อาหารไทย 菜肴: 海鲜, 地中海菜, 泰国菜

10% VIP

Address: Naresdamri Road 20/24 Hua Hin Tel: 085 473 1441 and 032 530 170 Web: www.da-mario-huahin.com

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20% VIP

Address: 33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 999 Email: ichh.rsvn@ihg.com Web: huahin.intercontinental.com/azure

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Luna Lanai Seafront Restaurant

InAzia Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin

Our seaside bar & restaurant in Hua Hin is the perfect place to chill out, a huge selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as well as delectable Thai and Western dishes.

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Indian and Japanese อาหารเอเชีย, อาหารจีน, อาหารอินเดีย, อาหารญีป ่ น ุ่ 菜肴: 亚洲菜, 中国菜 , 印度菜, 日本菜

Address: 1573 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Phetchaburi Tel: 032 708 000 Email: reservations.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahin.com/dining 2

Address: 1573 Petchkasem Road, Sheraton Hua Hin Tel: 032 708 000 Email: reservations.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahin.com

20% VIP

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Luna La Pran Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin

COAST Beach Club & Bistro Cuisine: International Cuisine & Authentic fresh-made Pizza, Grilled meats and Seafood ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารนานาชาติ, พิชซ่า, อาหารทะเล 菜肴: 国际菜, 披萨, 各类烧烤, 海鲜 Address: 1 Damnerkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 512 021 Email: chbr@chr.co.th Web: facebook.com/COASTHuaHin/

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Cuisine: Thai, Western, Fusion and Fresh Seafood ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารยุโรบ, อาหารไทย 20% 菜肴: 海鲜, 欧洲菜, 泰国菜

VIP

Address: 9/22 Moo 5, Pak Nam Pran, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77220 Tel: 032 909 900 Email: fb.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahinpranburi.com

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Ban Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine

The Restaurant Dusit Thani Hua Hin Our all-day dining restaurant serves an array of international and local favourites in elegant surroundings with stunning views.

Cuisine: Thai ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารไทย 菜肴: 泰国菜

Address: 1349 Petchkasem Road Cha-am, Petchburi Tel: 032 520 009 Email: dthhrsvn@dusit.com Web: www.dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/dining/the-restaurant/

Address: 1349 Petchkasem Road, Cha-am Tel: 032 520 009 Web: www.dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/dining/ban-benjarong/

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14 Corner 112 Grill & Thai Restaurant

Mamma Mia Cucina Italiana & Pizza Cuisine: Italian, Pizza ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารอิตาเลีย ่ น, พิชซ่า 菜肴: 意大利菜, 披萨

15% VIP

There are a variety of booths to select Issan food, noodles, grilled pork, grilled chicken, grilled ribs as well as the Korean BBQ Buffet.

10%

Address: 8/4 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin VIP Tel: 032 512 250 and 081 852 2136 Email: claudio.mammamia@gmail.com Web: facebook.com/pages/Mamma-Mia-Cucina-Italiana-Pizza

Address: Soi 112 Hua Na Tel: 083 006 1300 Web: www.facebook.com/corner112.huahin

5

Siam Bakery Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa The Siam bakery is located inside the Marriott in Hua Hin with access from the main road as well. Coffee is served to perfection and it offers a great menu for all day dining.

15 Railway Restaurant Centara Hua Hin Taking its design inspiration from Hua Hin railway station originally erected in the early 1920s, The Railway restaurant offers a worldly selection of cuisines for breakfast and dinner.

Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Rd, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, 77110 Tel: 032 904 666 Web: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhqmr-hua-hinmarriott-resort-and-spa/ 6

Address: 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 512 021 Email: chbr@chr.co.th Web: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/chbr/ restaurant/

16

Greek Taverna Hua Hin

Big Fish Marriott Hua Hin

Cuisine: Greek, Thai, Vegetarian ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารกรีซ, อาหารไทย, อาหารมังสวิรต ั ิ 菜肴: 希腊菜, 泰国菜, 斋菜

Taste the ocean with the fresh catch of the day at Big Fish, our

Address: 58 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin Tel: 098 463 3622 Email: bell@regalthailand.com Web: www.facebook.com/greektavernahuahin

Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 904 666 Email: bookhuahin@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhqmr-hua-hin-marriottresort-and-spa/ 17

signature grill and seafood restaurant, located directly next to the beachfront with indoor and outdoor seating.

20% VIP

7

La Botte Ristorante & Pizzeria

Mozza Mia Hua Hin

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารอิตาเลีย ่ น, พิชซ่า 菜肴: 意大利菜, 披萨

Cuisine: Burrata, Cold cuts, Fresh and hard cheese, Wine, Italian coffe and Croissants no Service Charge Parking: Street

Address: 123/56 Nongkae close to Cicada Market Tel: 032 655 078 Web: www.la-botte-huahin.com

Address: G Mall, Shop A106, Soi 94 Phetkasem, Hua Hin 77110 Tel: 032 900 250 Facebook: Mozza Mia Hua Hin

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10% VIP

18

Shoreline Beach Club Amari Hua Hin

Gusto Et Cosy Beach Restaurant Cuisine: European, Thai, Seafood ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารยุโรบ, อาหารไทย, อาหารทะเล 菜肴: 欧洲菜 , 泰国菜, 海鲜

Located directly on the Khao Takiab beachfront, this BBQ beach side lounge offers simple, grill favorites by day and a more extensive barbecue 10% choice in the evening.

Address: Khao Tao, Hua Hin Tel: 093 887 7688 and 032 900 500 Email: sales@theblueskyresort.com Web: www.theblueskyresort.com/HuaHin/

Address: 117/74 Takiab Road, Nongkae Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 600 Email: reservations.huahin@amari.com Web: www.facebook.com/ShorelineBeachClub/

VIP

9

Aqua Pool Bar Amari Hua Hin The menu blends international poolside favourites with “Tastes of Thailand”. Both Thai and foreign guests alike will enjoy snacking noodle soups, satay, 10% fresh fruits and other dishes.

VIP

Address: 117/74 Takiab Rd, Nongkae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 600 Email: reservations.huahin@amari.com Web: www.amari.com/huahin/restaurants.aspx 10

HUA HIN TODAY, TODAY, March November 2018 2015

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Lotus Villas Restaurant Cuisine: International ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารนานาชาติ 菜肴: 国际菜 Address: Tab Tai, Soi 112, Hua Hin Tel: 032 510 106 & 081 943 1732 Email: reception@blacklotus.asia Web: lotushuahin.com

10% VIP

20

77 51

30% VIP Alphabetical list

Discount up to 30% for Hua Hin Today VIP Card holders

Seara International Sports Fitness System Thailand. Hua Hin. Sports Engineering And Recreation Asia Ltd. We provide high quality products and services to many market sectors including private homes,health and fitness facilities hotels and resorts too.

Address: 70/129-130 Soi Mooban Huana, Tambon Nongkae, Ampur Hua Hin, Prachuapkhirikhan, 77110, Thailand.

Tel: 032-510 866-7 Email: info@searasport.com Web: www.searasports.com

21

Sala Monsoon at Putahracsa Hua Hin A restaurant where the ambience is relaxed and chic.

Start the day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast and indulge in simple Thai dishes, fresh salads, creative pasta dishes and innovative sandwiches for lunch.

Address: 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Rd. Hua Hin Tel: 0 3253 1470 Email: info@putahracsa.com Web: www.putahracsa.com/sala-monsoon-restaurant

22

Bakery Shop at Marrakesh Resort & Spa Home for Creative Bakery, Pastries, Coffee, Drinks by the Sea อร่อยเพลินริมชายหาดกับเบเกอรีม ่ ด ี ไ ี ซน์แห่งใหม่ลา่ สุดของหัวหิน

Address: 63/411 Petchkasem Road (between Soi Hua Hin 83/185), Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 777 Email: reservations@marrakeshresortandspa.com 15% Facebook: facebook.com/MarrakeshResortandSpa VIP Web: www.marrakeshresortandspa.com 31

Oceanside Beach Club Restaurant at Putahracsa Hua Hin Cuisine: Seafood, Mediterranean, Barbecue, Thai ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารทะเล, ทะเลเมดิเตอร์เรเนียน, อาหารไทย 菜肴: 海鲜, 地中海菜, 烧烤, 泰国菜 Address: 22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd., Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: booking@putahracsa.com Web: www.oceansidebeachclub.com

10% VIP

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Putahracsa Ob-Oon bakery shop

Ocean Terrace Restaurant Novotel Hua Hin

Hua Hin’s newest French-style bakery and pastry shop ใหม่ลา่ สุดในหัวหินของเบเกอรีส ่ ไตล์ฝรัง่ เศสและร้านขนมพาสตี้ 华欣最新的法式面包糕点店

A popular Hua Hin Restaurant, the Ocean Terrace offers an casual open-air restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Address: 22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd. Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: fbm@putahracsa.com Web: www.oboonhuahin.com

10% VIP

23

Coral Restaurant & Bar at Banyan The Resort

33

Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Massage Oil, Body Treatments, Water Treatments ... นวดน้าำ มัน, นวดบำาบัดร่างกาย, กายภาพบำาบัดในน้าำ ... 按摩油，全身护理，水疗

Cuisine: Thai ประเภทอาหาร: อาหารไทย 菜肴: 泰国菜 Address: Banyan The Resort, 68/223 Hua Na, Hua Hin Tel: 032 538 888 Web: www.banyanthailand.com

24

Spa & Wellness at InterContinental Hua Hin The serene environment of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort is an ideal place for wellness therapy, whether you would like to detox, relax, energize, or simply recharge.

Address: 33/33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 999 Email: ichh.rsvn@ihg.com Web: huahin.intercontinental.com/spa-wellness

Address: 854/2 Burirom Road, Cha Am Beachfront, Petchaburi Tel: 032 708 300 Email: rsvn@novotelhuahin.com Web: novotelhuahin.com/hua-hin-restaurants/ocean-terracerestaurant/

20% VIP

25

Address: 1349 Petchkasem Road, Cha-am Tel: 032 520 009 Email: info@devaranaspa.com Web: www.devaranaspa.com/en/huahin.html

34

Shine Spa at Sheraton Hua Hin

Unwind, relax and rejuvenate at Shine Spa of Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, the perfect place to start your relaxation holiday.

For guests seeking the ultimate in relaxation and efficiently, our bi-monthly promotion is designed for a sophisticated and holistic experience.

Address: 1573 Petchkasem Road, Thambol Cha-Am, Hua Hin Tel: 032 708 000 ext. 6201 10% Email: spa.huahin@sheraton.com VIP Web: www.sheratonhuahin.com 35

Spa at Lotus Villas & Resort Hua Hin

Spa at Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin

Lotus Villas & Resort Hua Hin Massage & Spa offers various treatments in our spa. You can also enjoy a massage in the privacy of your villa.

Body Treatment, Signature, Special Treatments ... รักษาร่างกาย, การบำาบัดประจำา, พิเศษตามรายการ ... 全身护理，局部护理

Address: Tap Tai, Soi 112, Hua Hin, 77110 Prachuap Khiri Khan Tel: 032 510 106 Email: info@lotushuahin.com Web: www.lotushuahin.com/en/facilities/massage-spa.html 26

Address: 19/119 Soi Hua Hin 19, Hua Hin Tel: 032 547 733 Email: rest@restdetailhotel.com Web: www.restdetailhotel.com/spa.html

SPA Cenvaree Centara Grand at Beach Resort & Villas

20% VIP

36

Quan Spa Marriott Hua Hin

Set amongst a tranquil landscaped tropical garden, the spa features 9 treatment rooms and outdoor Thai massage sala.

Quan Spa, located here within the resort, offers a wide range of soothing massage therapies and beauty treatments. Pamper yourself during your Hua Hin visit, and be sure to explore our excellent spa packages.

Address: 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 512 021-38 Email: spacenvareechbr@chr.co.th Web: www.spacenvaree.com/spa-cenvaree-at-centara-grandat-beach-resort-and-villas-hua-hin 27

Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Road Hua Hin Tel: 032 904 666 Web: www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/fitness-spaservices/hhqmr-hua-hin-marriott-resort-and-spa/ 37

Cape Spa Cape Nidhra Hua Hin

Breeze Spa at Amari Hua Hin

Located in the fabulous Cape Nidhra Hotel in Hua Hin, the newest Cape Spa reflects the luxury and style of this new Cape property.

Discover Breeze Spa at Amari Hua Hin, where an array of fun and easy treatments awaits you. Let us send you to a peaceful state of body and mind, to help you to rejuvenate from the rigors of everyday life.

Address: Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600 Email: reservations@capenidhra.com Web: www.capenidhra.com/spa.php

28

Noora Spa at Marrakesh Resort & Spa Hammam Spa with finest argan oil from Morocco, Hot candle massage with gold powder, Red wine bath. ฮัมมัมสปาตำารับอาร์แกนออยล์จากโมร็อกโก, นวดเทียนร้อนผสมผง ทองคำา, แช่ไวน์แดง 30% SPA套餐包括按摩浴缸和桑拿

VIP Address: 63/411 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Email: nooraspa@marrakeshresortandspa.com Tel: 032 616 777 Web: www.marrakeshresortandspa.com 29 Orchid Massage

Address: 117/74 Takiab Road, Nong Kae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 61 6600 #7801 Web: www.breeze-spa.com/amari-huahin/

20% VIP

38

Dayspa at Putahracsa Hua Hin Body Massages, Spa Packages, Hand and Foot Care ... นวดร่างกาย, แพคเกจสปามือและการดูแลเท้า ... 全身按摩，水疗套餐，手部和脚部护理 Address: 22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd. Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: booking@putahracsa.com Web: www.putahracsa.com

10% VIP

39

In Balance Spa Novotel Hua Hin Resort

Thai Massage, Foot Massage, Oil Massage นวดแผนไทย, นวดฝ่าเท้า, นวดน้าำ มัน Address: Soi Samorpong, Tippawan Village, Krong Road, Hua Hin Tel: 087 366 8829 Web: www.facebook.com/Orchid-Massage-687683044722139/

30

In Balance Spa by Novotel is designed according to the concept of Hua Hin. Where you can relax and replenish your health and “Free babysitting during spa treatment at Novotel Hua Hin” Open Daily: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Address: 854/2 Burirom Road Cha Am Beachfront Tel: 032 708 300 Email: rsvn@novotelhuahin.com Web: www.novotelhuahin.com

30% VIP

40

HUA HUA HIN TODAY, November HIN TODAY, March 2015 2018

8 852 Alphabetical list

30% VIP Discount up to 30% for Hua Hin Today VIP Card holders

Amari Hua Hin

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin Set on the beachfront, with a wide expanse of gardens perfect for strolling and enjoying the sea breezes.

Address: 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 512 021 Email: chbr@chr.co.th Web: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/chbr/

41

Sophisticated comfort and exclusive service await you at Amari Hua Hin. Situated near the glittering Gulf of Thailand, the resort offers thoughtful accommodation in an idyllic garden setting.

Address: 117/74 Takiab Rd, Nongkae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 600 Email: reservations.huahin@amari.com Web: www.amari.com/huahin/ 51

Blue Sky Resort

Dusit Thani Hua Hin Overlooking an idyllic beach on the Gulf of Thailand and surrounded by lush greenery, provides the ultimate resort experience in a historic destination.

The concept of The Blue Sky Hua Hin is to combine Modern architecture with nature by the sea with each room type has its own characteristic and design.

Address: 1349 Petchkasem Road Cha-am, Petchburi Tel: 032 520 009 Email: dthhrsvn@dusit.com Web: www.dusit.com/dusitthani/huahin/

Address: Hua-Hin 101, Nong Kae, Hua Hin Tel: 02 247 7310-11 Email: sales@theblueskyresort.com Web: www.theblueskyresort.com/HuaHin/

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52

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa

Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Nestled right on the pristine beach in sunny Hua Hin, Thailand, our hotel offers travelers an unparalleled resort experience.

It’s hard to stand out in a sea of selfies these days, but the unparalleled architecture of Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa provides something uniquely outstanding.

Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 904 666 Email: bookhuahin@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhqmr-hua-hin-marriottresort-and-spa/

Address: 63/411 Petchkasem Road, Nong Kae, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 777 Email: reservations@marrakeshresortandspa.com Web: www.marrakeshresortandspa.com

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort

Lotus Villas & Resort Hua Hin

InterContinental® Hua Hin Resort lends to Thailand’s premier seaside community unrivalled style, sophistication and comfort.

This unique Residential Resort offers you luxury, space and privacy. The villas have their own private gardens & feature all standard facilities expected in a 4 star resort.

Address: 33 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 616 999 Email: ichh.rsvn@ihg.com Web: huahin.intercontinental.com

Address: 112 Soi 102 Tambon Thap Tai, Hua Hin, Chang Wat Tel: 032 510 106 Email: info@lotushuahin.com Web: www.lotushuahin.com

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44

54

Banyan The Resort, Hua Hin

Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Resort & Spa This Hua Hin Resort offers recreation and entertainment options for singles, couples and families.

Address: 854/2 Burirom Road Cha Am Beachfront Petchaburi, Hua Hin, Phetchaburi Tel: 032 708 300 Email: rsvn@novotelhuahin.com Web: www.novotelhuahin.com

45

Putahracsa Hua Hin

Banyan The Resort is located minutes from the centre of Hua Hin town and is the ideal holiday destination for families, couples and golfers.

Address: 68/223 Hua Na, Petchakasem Road, Nong Kae Tel: 032 538 888 Email: booking@banyanthailand.com Web: www.banyanthailand.com/en/resort/the-resort

55

BaBa Beach Club Hua Hin Luxury Hotel by Sri Panwa

Putahracsa Hua Hin allows guests to combine the charms of small town leisure together with a beach hideaway.

Address: 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Rd. Hua Hin Tel: 032 531 470 Email: info@putahracsa.com Web: www.putahracsa.com

53

Experience the unique Baba Beach Club style, limitless luxury, live acts and performances, and gastronomical ventures.

46

Address: 758, Thewtalay Estate, Phetkasem Rd., Tambon Cha Am, Amphur Cha Am, Phetchaburi 76120 Tel: 032 899 130 Email: huahin@bababeachclub.com Web: www.bababeachclub.com 56

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

The 88 Condo Hua Hin

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is situated on Cha-am beach north of Hua Hin where memories are made at every turn.

Comfortable condo with kitchen, near Khao Hin Lek Fai View Point, with one 7 storey and two 8 storey buildings and a total of 251 units, located on Soi 88 and easy access to the beach.

Address: 1573 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Phetchaburi Tel: 032 708 000 Email: reservations.huahin@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahin.com

47

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas Welcome to Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, where 53 private Pool Villas provide the ultimate in peaceful seclusion.

Address: 9/22 Moo 5 Paknampran, Pranburi Tel: 032 708 000 Email: sheraton.huahinpranburi@sheraton.com Web: www.sheratonhuahinpranburi.com

48

Address: 88 Hin Lek Fai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Tel: 099 441 4152 Web: www.88condohuahin.com

57

Thew Talay Estate Designed to offer a unique experience of coastal living, the coveted enclave is bountiful in comfort of amenities and beauty of seaside surroundings Address: 779 Phetkasem Road, Cha Am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120 Tel: 096 681 1828 Web: www.facebook.com/ThewTalayEstate/

58

Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin

Sansara Black Mountain, Hua Hin

The Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and part of the luxurious Cape Hotel Collection.

Exclusive luxury apartments and golf course pool villas come with round the clock hospitality at an accessible price.

Address: Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin Tel: 032 516 600 Email: reservations@capenidhra.com Web: www.capenidhra.com

Address: 565 Moo 7, Nong Hieng Road, Hin LekFai, Hua Hin Tel: 02 683 0088 Email: customercare@sansara.asia Web: www.sansara.asia

49

Amber Kitchen Hua Hin Marriott Resort

59

The Park Hua Hin

Amber Kitchen is the bright, family-friendly restaurant at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, offering classical and contemporary dining with a colonial twist.

Choose beauty. Choose quality. A collection of two, three and four bedroom Luxury Pool Villas are available for you to choose.

Address: 107/1 Phetkasem Rd, Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, 77110 Tel: 032 904 666 Web: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hhqmr-hua-hinmarriott-resort-and-spa/ 50

Address: 244 Moo 9, Tab Tai, Hua Hin Tel: 098 398 9831 Email: sales@lotusvillashuahin.com Web: www.lotusvillashuahin.com/en/the-park/

HUA HIN TODAY, TODAY, March November 2018 2015

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539 Cornering the Korean Style BBQ Market in Hua HIn

Corner 112: Soi Hua Hin 112 into Soi Hua Na 1

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

10 54 DEATH WISH

GRINGO

Directed By: Eli Roth Written By: Joe Carnahan In Theaters: Mar 01, 2018 Studio: MGM STARS : Bruce Willis: AS Paul Kersey Dean Norris : AS Detective Rains Vincent D’Onofrio : AS Frank Kersey Camila Morrone : AS Jordan Kersey Elisabeth Shue : AS Lucy Kersey Kimberly Elise : AS Detactive Jackson

Movie Info Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures presents director Eli Roth’s reimagining of the 1974 revenge thriller Death Wish. Dr. Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) is a surgeon who only sees the aftermath of his city’s violence when it is rushed into his ER - until his wife (Elisabeth Shue) and college-age daughter (Camila Morrone) are viciously attacked in their suburban home. With the police overloaded with crimes, Paul, burning for revenge, hunts his family’s assailants to deliver justice. As the anonymous slayings of criminals grabs the media’s attention, the city wonders if this deadly avenger is a guardian angel or a grim reaper.

Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, and language throughout) Genre: Action & Advanture, Drama,Mystery & Suspense

MOVIE INFO Combining dark comedy with dramatic intrigue, Gringo joyrides across the border into Mexico, where all is not as it seems for mild-mannered American businessman Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo). Crossing the line from citizen to criminal, Harold tangles with duplicitous business partners, Mexican drug lords, international mercenaries, and the DEA. Rating: R (for language throughout, violence and sexual content) Genre: Action & Advanture, Copmedy, Drama Directed By: Nash Edgerton Written By:Matthew Stone, Anthony Tambakis In Theaters: Mar 8, 2018 Studio: Amazon Studio and STX Entertainment STARS:

LOVE SIMON

Written By: Issac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger In Theaters: Mar 15, 2018 Studio: 20 th Century Fox STARS: Nick Robinson: AS Simon Spier Katherine Langford Jorge Lendeborg Jr. Miles Heizer : AS Cal Alexandra Shipp Keiynan Lonsdale

MOVIE INFO Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Riverdale, The Flash, Supergirl), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements, sexual references, language and teen partying) Genre:Drama Directed By: Greg Berlanti

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

Joel Edgerton : AS Richard Rusk Charlize Theron : AS Elaine Markinson David Oyelowo : AS Harold Soyinka Amanda Seyfried: Sunny Thandie Newton : AS Bonnie Soyinka

THE MONSTER FAMILY

In Theaters: Mar 15, 2018 Runtime: 96 minutes Studio: Viva Pictures STARS: Celia Imrie : AS Cheyenne Jessica Brown Findlay : AS Fay Emily Watson: AS Emma Nick Frost: AS Frank Jason Isaacs: AS Dracula Catherine Tate: AS Baba Yaga

MOVIE INFO The Wishbone family is far from happy. With a struggling bookshop, an overworked husband, and two misunderstood teenagers, Emma is at her wit’s end trying to be the perfect mom. After dragging her family to a costume party on Halloween night, they are cursed by an evil witch and transformed into a Vampire, a Mummy, a Werewolf, and Frankenstein’s monster.

Rating: PG (for some rude humor and thematic elements) Genre: Animation, Horror, Kids HYPERLINK “https://www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/ opening/?genres=11”& HYPERLINK “https:// www.rottentomatoes.com/browse/ opening/?genres=11” Family Directed By: Holger Tappe Written By:Catharin Junk

11 55 Conductor Adrie Braat and vocalist André Rabini were front and centre stage with the Biggles Big Band on a clear, balmy at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin to entertain and delight a crowd of around 200 concert goers in February.

The Biggles Big Band was formed in 1985 and for young musicians including Adrie; the band was a boyhood dream coming true. Somehow somebody with a sense for alliteration came up with “Biggles”, the main hero in the adventures written by Captain W.E. Johns. However my suggestion that the persona of this fictional action hero could now be Adrie’s alter ego didn’t go done very well. He is certainly an imposing leader but he isn’t a fighter or a pilot.

‘Big Band’ is not an overstatement with a compliment of 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, 5 saxophones, guitar, piano, acoustic bass and drums. An extra string quartet consisting of 2 violins, viola and cello opened the show with subdued classical sounds as the guests savoured a poolside buffet under the stars before the main event.

A whimsical Andrie Braat with alter ego Biggles ‘Biggles’, AKA conductor Adrie Braat took to the stage wearing his trademark orange jacket representing the colours of the Netherlands. First a musical tribute to Thailand before music from the great era of swing began. Performing Henry Mancini’s ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ was a very fitting selection for a concert in Thailand, albeit the original was about an African rather than an Asian elephant!

Centara General Manager David Martens was ‘in the swing’ Music from the swing era (also called the “big band era”) was the period of time (1935–1946) when big band swing music was the most popular music in the United States although the music had been around since the late 1920s and early 1930s. That meant the sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and, Duke Ellington. The vocal talents of the evening’s ‘crooner’, André Rabini introduced the jazz songs of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin with some classics from the past such as Louis Armstrong’s ‘Wonderful World’.

The Biggles Big Band has been a regular visitor to Thailand since 2009 with the Centara Hua Hin being a regular gig. Jazz fans will also recognise the name of Adrie’s other claim to fame as the double bass player with the Dutch Swing College Band since 1988.

On stage at the Centara After an all too short visit to Hua Hin, the Biggles Big Band travelled back to Bangkok and a press conference hosted by the Dutch Ambassador. The tour then continues to Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchatani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Udon Thani. This will include workshops with Thai music students with Thai guest musicians joining performances. I asked one musician if he was really just enjoying a ‘working holiday’ but the schedule leaves little room for leisure for these very professional and dedicated musicians.

Our thanks to Adrie and to the management of the Centara for access to these fine Dutch musical ambassadors and a sensational concert experience. The tour is a very tangible demonstration of the cooperation between The Netherlands and Thailand which will contribute to a better cultural understanding between the two Kingdoms.

All Pizza 220 baht

FOOD & Entertainment, March 2018

12 56 Montes Collection of Fine Wines at the Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin

Those of you familiar with the Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin will know that they are very proud of our Wine culture & collection since opening. The Golf Club has been lucky enough to work together with great wine suppliers who share a passion for quality.

One of those partners, Ambrose Wines & Spirits, is introducing some new wines from Montes (Chile) on the evening of March 8th.

Showcasing four wines on this evening from the Montes collection, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet & Black Merlot, & Chef Wat has planned a wonderful selection of Hor D’oeuvres to accompany the wines. This special evening will take place at Mulligans Pub and will be served

HUA HIN TODAY, March 2018

cocktail style. The team from Ambrose Wines & Spirits will be on hand to fully explain the wines to you. The wines will be presented from 17.30 hrs - 19.00 hrs.

Places are very limited, so please register your interest with us by contacting reservations@banyanthailand. com or calling 032 616 200. A very special price of THB 750 is offered for this event with Banyan Golf Club members having a special price of THB 600 per person.

Shark Fin Should Be Off the Menu

A global report has pinpointed Thailand as a country with high consumption of shark fin, which is popular in Chinese food and traditional medicine but which raise conservation concerns.

In its recent report, Sharks in Crisis: Evidence of Positive Behavioral Change in China as New Threats Emerge, environmental advocacy group WildAid said some 57% of those polled in urban Thailand have consumed shark fin. This usually occurs at weddings, family dinners at restaurants and business meetings.

Sharks in Crisis -- released shortly ahead of the Chinese New Year, a time when family members reunite and celebrate the occasion together, also found that more than 100 restaurants in Bangkok alone serve shark fin. Restaurants in several high-end hotels put the controversial dish in their Chinese New Year menus.

The reported cited a study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUNC) which estimated close to 100 million sharks are killed each year, with parts of up to 73 million ending up in soup.

According to IUCN, 25% of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction.

Environmentalists have long disputed old beliefs about the health benefits of shark fin. In fact, there are now growing concerns about the potential health hazards posed by toxic chemicals that may be present in shark fins, meat and oil.

“As predators at the top of the food chain, over their lifetimes sharks accumulate the highest concentrations of toxic substances such as mercury,

methylmercury, cadmium and arsenic, long-term exposure can cause cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease and neurological impacts in humans,” said WildAid. The conservation agency stepped up calls, not only on the restaurant, hotel and catering sectors to drop shark fin from menus, but also to all transport companies to adopt policies against shark fin cargo.

Public figures such as the prime minister and other personalities should take a leading role by dropping shark fins from their diets, and encouraging the public to follow suits.

Bangkok Post